REVIEW: Venom: The Last Dance (2024 Film) - Starring Tom Hardy

 

Venom: The Last Dance serves as a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy that began with Venom in 2018. Written and directed by Kelly Marcel, this final chapter manages to combine chaotic fun with surprising emotional depth. Tom Hardy delivers yet another standout performance as both Eddie Brock and Venom. It's remarkable how he brings such distinct personalities to life with ease. The back-and-forth banter between Eddie and Venom, alongside their genuine moments of connection, remains the heart of the series.

The story picks up with Eddie and Venom on the run, trying to clear Eddie's name after being framed for murder. Their journey takes them from a dive bar in Mexico to Area 51, with plenty of madness along the way. Meanwhile, they’re hunted by a terrifying new villain, the Xenophage. This creature brings genuine tension to the plot and ties into the larger Marvel universe, adding a layer of complexity involving Knull, the ancient symbiote creator. The stakes have never felt higher.

What makes the film so enjoyable is its ability to balance high-stakes action with offbeat humor. The dynamic between Eddie and Venom is as hilarious as ever. Whether they’re arguing over survival tactics or getting into absurd situations, their comedy works every time. One of the standout moments is when Venom unexpectedly enjoys himself on the dance floor, which is bizarre but oddly touching. These quirky moments help keep the film grounded, even as the story darkens and becomes more intricate.

The supporting cast is also solid. Chiwetel Ejiofor brings weight to the role of Rex Strickland, a determined government operative, while Juno Temple adds layers to Dr. Teddy Paine, a scientist haunted by her past. Rhys Ifans shines as Martin Moon, a hippie who offers both comic relief and unexpected depth.

The action sequences are exciting but never overwhelming. From an intense mid-air battle to the climactic showdown at Area 51, each action scene is inventive and thrilling. Marcel manages to keep the visuals dynamic while ensuring that the emotional stakes remain at the forefront. At its heart, the story isn't just about explosions and aliens, it’s about loyalty, sacrifice, and the unlikely friendship between Eddie and Venom.

That said, the film does have a few rough spots. The plot can feel a bit crowded at times, with so many different elements that it occasionally stumbles. Some of the lore around Knull and the Codex might be confusing for viewers unfamiliar with the comics, adding some complexity that could alienate casual fans.

Despite these minor issues, Venom: The Last Dance is an enjoyable ride. It's a bittersweet farewell to a series that has consistently surprised with its mix of humor, strangeness, and heart. The ending is especially emotional, wrapping things up in a satisfying way while leaving room for future Marvel stories.

Overall, the film is entertaining, funny, and packed with heart. Tom Hardy gives one of his best performances yet, and Kelly Marcel nails the balance of humor and action that has made this series so unique. I’d rate it a strong 8.5 out of 10. It makes me want to revisit the first two films, even though I’m sad to see Eddie and Venom’s journey come to an end.

Out Now in cinemas and on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/41uSzqQ

NYX UK Brings Fear and Celebration to February with Women in Horror Week and Zombie Week

 

NYX UK is gearing up for a thrilling February with a packed programme celebrating the horror genre. From February 10 to February 16, Women in Horror Week shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact of women in horror, presenting a lineup of films that are as empowering as they are terrifying. Meanwhile, Zombie Week, running from February 3 to February 9, offers a deep dive into the undead with iconic films that have defined the zombie subgenre.

Women in Horror Week kicks off on February 10 with Axelle Carolyn’s debut feature, Soulmate (2013). This gothic ghost story explores grief and the supernatural with an emotionally charged narrative, haunting cinematography, and a score that lingers long after the final frame. Marina de Van’s Dark Touch (2013) follows on February 11, a chilling tale of trauma and psychological horror that blends supernatural elements with poignant social commentary.

Dark Touch

On February 12, Ida Lupino’s The Hitch-Hiker (1953) takes centre stage. A groundbreaking noir thriller, it solidified Lupino’s legacy as the first woman to direct a film in the genre, delivering a tense road movie that remains as gripping as ever. The Soska Sisters’ 2019 reimagining of Rabid airs on February 13, offering a feminist twist on Cronenberg’s 1977 classic with their trademark mix of gore and sharp social critique.

February 14 sees the channel premiere of Deathcember (2019), a festive anthology of horror shorts helmed by an impressive roster of directors, including Vivienne Vaughn, Sonia Escolano, and Ama Lea. Amy Holden Jones’ The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) follows on February 15, a cult slasher classic known for its clever subversion of genre tropes and commentary on gender dynamics. The week concludes on February 16 with the harrowing 2010 remake of I Spit on Your Grave, a controversial and powerful exploration of revenge and resilience, anchored by Sarah Butler’s intense performance.

I Spit on Your Grave

Before the women take the spotlight, NYX UK presents Zombie Week, a celebration of the living dead from February 3 to February 9. The programme begins with Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (1979), a visceral Italian horror classic known for its striking visuals and infamous gore sequences. February 4 honours George A. Romero with a double bill of The Crazies (1973) and Night of the Living Dead (1968), showcasing his pioneering vision of societal decay and relentless undead terror.

February 5 brings Tombs of the Blind Dead (1972), introducing the chilling Templar Knights, followed by its sequel, Return of the Evil Dead (1973), on February 6. The Blind Dead saga reaches its haunting conclusion on February 7 with Night of the Seagulls (1975). On February 8, Umberto Lenzi’s Nightmare City (1980) delivers chaotic undead mayhem, while February 9 concludes the week with Fulci’s The House by the Cemetery (1981), a fitting finale to this journey through zombie cinema.

Tombs of the Blind Dead

Finally, from February 25, NYX UK debuts Dark Rewind, a nostalgic TV series hosted by the charismatic August Kyss. Each episode revisits iconic 80s horror films, starting with the channel premiere of Sleepaway Camp (1983), a slasher known for its creative kills and unforgettable twist ending.

Whether you’re celebrating the creativity of women in horror or braving the undead apocalypse, NYX UK promises a February filled with chills and thrills for every horror fan.

Dark Rewind

REVIEW: Your Monster (2024 Film) - Starring Melissa Barrera and Tommy Dewey

Your Monster, directed by Caroline Lindy, is a daring and unconventional blend of romantic comedy and horror that entertains while tackling deeper emotional themes. With a standout performance from Melissa Barrera and a story full of unexpected turns, the film manages to be quirky, heartfelt, and occasionally unsettling. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely memorable.

The story follows Laura Franco, a young actress recovering from cancer and a painful breakup with her boyfriend, Jacob Sullivan. Forced to move back into her childhood home, Laura stumbles upon a mysterious creature living in the upstairs closet. What begins as a tense and fearful interaction gradually evolves into an unusual friendship. Bonding over their shared love of theatre, Laura and the Monster develop a connection that is as touching as it is bizarre.

Melissa Barrera delivers an exceptional performance, capturing Laura’s vulnerability and resilience. She grounds the film with a raw and believable portrayal of a woman piecing her life back together. Tommy Dewey also impresses as the Monster, giving the shadowy creature a surprising amount of charm and emotional depth. Their chemistry drives the story and makes the strange relationship feel oddly genuine.

While the film offers thoughtful commentary on toxic relationships and self-discovery, its tone occasionally feels uneven. It swings between heartfelt drama, absurd comedy, and genuine horror, which keeps it unpredictable but may come off as disjointed for some viewers. The climax, though emotionally satisfying, leans heavily into melodrama and could divide opinions on whether it complements the rest of the story.

Despite its flaws, Your Monster feels fresh thanks to its quirky premise and genre-blending approach. The exploration of imbalanced relationships is effective, though it sometimes comes across as a little heavy-handed. The film’s focus on Laura’s emotional growth and romantic struggles might resonate more with female audiences, leaving male viewers feeling slightly less invested.

Even with its imperfections, Your Monster is an entertaining and unique experience. It strikes a delicate balance between sweet and sinister, offering something different for fans of offbeat romantic comedies. Strong performances, particularly from Barrera, help elevate the film, even when the tone occasionally falters.

This is a movie that lingers, blending humor, heartbreak, and a hint of the macabre in a way that stands out. It might not be flawless, but it is thought-provoking and fun. Fans of quirky romantic comedies with a horror twist will likely enjoy it. I would give Your Monster a solid 7 out of 10. It’s a film that feels tailor-made for women, but anyone looking for something outside the box may find themselves pleasantly surprised.

Out Now on Digital

Amazon - https://amzn.to/4fXQV5D

Interview with Laura Campbell - By David Kempf

1. When did you first become interested in horror?

As a child, my parents would read Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” as a bedtime story. So, horror is literary comfort food for me. Add family movie night when I was a teenager featuring most of the great 1980’s slasher franchises, and my interest in horror was set.

2. Did you always enjoy writing?

Always. One of my years at school there was a fifteen minute ‘quiet time’ in which we could do – silently – in preparation for the day. I used that time to craft stories. I have always loved reading and writing. 

3. Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

Short stories are my go-to, although I am trying my hand at novels. There is a wonderful challenge with short fiction, trying to capture so much in so few words. 

4. Is there another genre that you write in?

I have written horror, thrillers, science fiction, and even a few fantasy stories. I have     also been an author on scientific research articles published in medical research journals, authored short legal analysis notes (one was cited in an Appellate Court opinion), published research ethics articles, and a few inspirational blurbs. In summary, I’m trying to use all the words.

Available at https://amzn.to/4hk3jgA

5. Are there topics you would not write about in your books?

I tend to shy away from romance and sexual content. I intentionally leave the physical descriptions of many of my characters vague so the reader can project what they want to see into those characters. I also usually avoid gore and explicit violence. Some of the scariest things I have read (or seen in movies or television shows) has been an allusion to what is going on off stage.

6. Do you ever edit or do ghostwriting for others?

I’ll proofread professional work occasionally, but don’t edit fiction or ghostwrite.

7. Do you believe readers need to hooked from the first sentence?

Perhaps not the conventional wisdom, but I would say ‘no’ most of the time. If the first sentence gets the reader to the second sentence, and the second gets the reader to the third sentence, the words are doing their job. I’ve never stopped reading at the first sentence.

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

I think that horror gives us a place to contemplate religious and spiritual questions (I also think science fiction does the same with political thought, and fantasy with sociological concepts). The world of horror gives us a place to see the world around us in a different light. To grapple with difficult realities and think about how we ourselves would react in certain circumstances. Horror is looking into the shadows for wisdom and knowing that wisdom may come with a price.

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

I think there is an adrenalin and dopamine reaction to being scared. Horror fiction gives the reader a way to control that scary world – a wonderful and rewarding experience.

10. Who inspires you?

My parents and my children have very much inspired me to write. My parents: by making horror and science fiction foundational reading, movie, and television pastimes as my brothers and I were growing up. My children: by always listening as I discuss current projects – they also serve as beta readers sometimes. 

11. What are some of your favorite horror books?

The works of Poe and Lovecraft. I also appreciate those horror stories in which the horror doesn’t rely on the supernatural – Kipling’s “The Story of Muhammed Din” and Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” for example. And the classics, such as Stoker’s “Dracula” and Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” I tend to ‘escape’ into horror, so a beautiful gothic location and eerie vibes are a comforting break from reality.

12. What are some of your favorite horror movies?

I love all the 1980’s slasher films. And horror comedies can be very entertaining: “Gremlins” is a Christmas movie. But I also like the slow burn horror/thrillers, where mood and music linger long after the film is over (such as “The Others” and “Shutter Island.”) My favorite horror movie is Carpenter’s “The Fog.” But you’ll also find me watching movies such as “The Cleansing Hour,” “Ritual,” “Wolf of Snow Hollow,” “Anaconda” (my favorite guilty pleasure), and anything with sharks in it. 

13. What are your current projects?

I am working on a novel (zombies) and continue to churn out short stories.

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

My background is very eclectic. I have degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, and law. I have experience working in laboratories and regulatory oversight of healthcare. My family was integrated into the space program when I was growing up. My father worked on site at NASA, and I won an award from NASA in a science fair, using public data from Skylab. 

We had a house in El Lago, known as the "Home of the Astronauts." There was easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of supposedly haunted and notorious places nearby. That created a perfect storm for me to dive into the waters of speculative fiction. So far that has resulted in over eighty short stories being published. 

Most of my work is available through Amazon, but I keep my Instagram (@laurajjcampbell) refreshed with updates. When I am not writing, I am either weight training or running, or dabbling in art. And no matter what I am doing, my beloved heavy metal music is providing the soundtrack.

REVIEW: 'Salem's Lot (2024 Film) - Starring Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh and Alfre Woodard

 

Salem's Lot feels like a nostalgic return to classic vampire horror, following Ben Mears as he revisits the eerie town of Jerusalem's Lot. What starts as a simple homecoming quickly spirals into a full-scale vampire invasion that consumes the entire town. The film has all the right ingredients for a solid horror experience, including creepy old houses, suspicious townsfolk, and a dark, unsettling history. The cast delivers strong performances, with Lewis Pullman as Ben and Makenzie Leigh as Susan standing out as a believable pair trying to survive the nightmare unfolding around them.

The story sticks closely to Stephen King's original novel, which works both for and against it. On the positive side, it preserves much of the book’s slow-burn tension and attention to detail. However, this loyalty also leads to pacing problems. The buildup takes too long, and the movie introduces too many characters without giving the audience enough time to connect with them. The vampires themselves never feel as terrifying as they should, and the film often pulls back right when the horror should hit its peak. For a horror film released in 2024, it feels surprisingly restrained. Audiences who expect something more intense and graphic may find themselves disappointed.

Visually, the film delivers some striking moments. The cinematography helps create an eerie atmosphere, and the gloomy, shadow-filled sets add to the tension. Despite the slow pacing, the climax manages to deliver a chaotic vampire showdown that finally gives the story some energy. Watching the town succumb to these bloodthirsty creatures is entertaining, and Mark Petrie’s scenes as he fights back are among the highlights. Still, the movie’s hesitation to fully embrace the horror leaves it feeling more like a high-budget TV special than a big-screen blockbuster. For all its effort, it never quite sinks its teeth in.

Salem's Lot is an entertaining watch for fans of Stephen King, especially those who appreciate the faithfulness to the source material. However, it struggles to deliver the kind of scares modern horror audiences expect. While it has its moments, the slow pacing and lack of intensity prevent it from becoming something truly memorable. It’s fine for a night in, but not worth rushing out to see. I’d rate it a 6 out of 10.

Out now on Digital

Prime Video - https://amzn.to/4h7XfI1

PREVIEW: Scarlet Winter (2025 Film) - Starring Gregory Waits and Sophie Moshofsky

Icy suspense and relentless paranoia await in Scarlet Winter, a bone-chilling thriller set to make its UK digital debut this February, courtesy of Miracle Media. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Munjal Yagnik in his feature debut, this gripping mystery has already garnered critical acclaim on the global festival circuit and promises to leave audiences questioning everything they think they know.

The story plunges into chaos from its opening moments, following Mark, played by Gregory Waits, whose ordinary life takes a horrifying turn when he awakens to a nightmare. With the lifeless body of his mistress beside him and a bloodied knife in his hand, Mark’s world collapses into panic and self-doubt. Convinced of his guilt but desperate for escape, he seeks help from his friend Richie, portrayed by Ryan Hope Travis, to dispose of the body and cover his tracks.

What begins as a desperate act of concealment soon spirals into a labyrinth of paranoia and suspicion. As Mark retraces his steps, he becomes haunted by the possibility that he has been set up, and the real killer could still be at large. With his trust eroding and those closest to him falling under suspicion, the tension mounts in a series of shocking revelations and desperate attempts to uncover the truth.

The cast delivers a powerful blend of intensity and vulnerability, with Sophie Moshofsky’s enigmatic turn as the ill-fated mistress and Ryan Hope Travis’s magnetic performance as Mark’s increasingly suspicious confidant adding layers of complexity to the tale. Yagnik’s precise direction captures the icy atmosphere of the film’s chilling narrative, with every frame amplifying the tension and unease.

Scarlet Winter is a high-stakes psychological puzzle that keeps viewers guessing until its final moments. With its UK release set for 10 February, prepare for a thriller that grips tightly and refuses to let go. This is a winter mystery you won’t want to miss.

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4jiUwxm

REVIEW: Terrifier 3 (2024 Slasher Film) - Starring Lauren LaVera and David Howard Thornton

Terrifier 3 is a brutal, no-holds-barred ride that pushes Christmas horror to shocking new extremes. Damien Leone has raised the bar, mixing a twisted holiday atmosphere with gut-wrenching terror that dives deeper into Art the Clown’s deranged psyche. Picking up five years after the events of Terrifier 2, Sienna and Jonathan are still haunted by the horrors of that Halloween night. Just when they start to believe they might finally move on, Art returns, more sadistic than ever, armed with a twisted take on Christmas cheer and a terrifying new ally, Victoria Heyes, now possessed by the unsettling Little Pale Girl.

One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its practical effects. Leone’s use of gore is both a tribute to old-school slashers and a masterclass in modern horror. Every wound and mangled body looks disturbingly real, making the violence feel even more shocking. Art’s kills are more creative and grotesque than ever, whether it’s freezing a victim with liquid nitrogen before shattering them or orchestrating a bloody massacre disguised as Santa handing out presents. The attention to detail in these effects is staggering, cementing Terrifier 3 as one of the most visually intense horror films in recent memory. The violence is raw, relentless, and designed to leave a lasting impression. Leone clearly has no interest in playing it safe.

David Howard Thornton once again proves why Art the Clown has become one of horror’s most iconic villains. His performance perfectly blends terror and dark humor, making Art as unpredictable as he is terrifying. The way he uses silence, broken only by his eerie laughter, is deeply unsettling. Seeing him dressed as a deranged Santa Claus, twisting holiday imagery into weapons of fear, makes the horror even more effective. Thornton’s ability to add twisted humor to Art’s kills gives the film a disturbing punchline that sticks with you long after the scene ends.

Lauren LaVera delivers another standout performance as Sienna. She’s tough and resourceful but still carries the emotional scars of her past, giving her character depth that’s often missing in horror protagonists. Her survivor’s guilt over the death of her best friend Brooke and her strained relationship with Jonathan add a grounded emotional core to the chaos. Sienna’s journey is as much about confronting her trauma as it is about surviving Art’s carnage, making her a character worth rooting for.

While Terrifier 3 delivers everything fans of extreme horror could want, its unflinching violence may be too much for some viewers. The film’s graphic content doesn’t pull any punches, pushing boundaries in ways that few modern horror films dare. It’s relentless, shocking, and unapologetic in its brutality. Those who aren’t prepared for the ride may find it overwhelming, but for fans of gore and practical effects, it’s a showcase of horror craftsmanship.

Overall, Terrifier 3 is a bold, unforgettable addition to the genre. Its dark humor, jaw-dropping effects, and Art the Clown’s holiday-themed rampage create a horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll. For viewers who can handle the intensity, it’s an exhilarating nightmare and a must-see for fans of extreme horror. Personally, I didn’t think it went too far, in fact, I’m already excited to see where the series goes next. I’d give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. For those who dare, this is one Christmas horror movie you won’t forget.

Out Now on Prime Video - https://amzn.to/405d5fA