Welcome to Hayes Hudson's House of Horror (4H)

Your online source for Horror news, info, and reviews. I cover new and classic Horror, as well as Exploitation and Cult films. I also discuss books, comics, games, toys, clothing, etc, as long as it pertains to the Horror genre. My movie reviews are short and to the point, as I know when I come across a long review, I tend to skip that one. I hope you enjoy your time at my House of Horror! Come on in!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Check out this cool giveaway over at the SHATTERED RAVINGS Blog

  









   Hey guys!  Just wanted to let you know about my buddy Scott's latest giveaway over at his cool blog, SHATTERED RAVINGS.   In addition to running his own cool sci-fi/horror/fantasy blog, Scott does some guest reviews for me periodically for this here 4H blog!

  Right now, Scott is hosting a contest where he is giving away not 1, not 2, not even 3 or 4, but 5 copies of a new book called SHADOW OPS:  FORTRESS FRONTIER by Myke Cole to 5 lucky winners! You can read Scott's review of the book here.  It sounds like a pretty cool military sci-fi/fantasy book.


 The contest only runs through next Tuesday, 2/5, so hurry and enter today! Entering is super easy (just leave a comment on the contest post  and then just like the Shattered Ravings Facebook page).  Good Luck!!


CLICK HERE to go to the Shattered Ravings contest blog post and enter today!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Check out the trailer to the creepy film, HELLGATE


I just ran across this trailer for a film called HELLGATE.  The film stars Cary Elwes and was written and directed by . Here is the basic plot of the film from the IFC website:

A western businessman (Cary Elwes), his Thai wife and son experience a horrible accident while visiting Bangkok. In the aftermath, they find there is a shadow world between life and death where endless darkness lies.

Has anyone seen this film?  It looks like it could be pretty good.  The trailer has some pretty cool images, especially towards the end of the trailer.   Check out the trailer and let me know what you think. 

HELLGATE is currently available as a 48hr rental from Amazon.com.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to rent the film from amazon.com

Monday, January 28, 2013

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 29th, 2013











Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/29:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

THE AWAKENING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
CHERRY TREE LANE
CITADEL [DVD & Blu-ray]
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4  [DVD & Blu-ray]
WHITE ZOMBIE  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Check out the upcoming film, VOICES FROM THE GRAVE



I love to help support indy and low-budget films.  As an aspiring filmmaker myself, I have made a few low/no budget films, and I realize how hard it can be. So, I always like to help spread the word if I can.  I was recently sent a press release about a new film called VOICES FROM THE GRAVE.  This film is an anthology consisting of three stories, one of which was adapted from a short story by THE HOWLING writer, Gary Brandner.  Here is the official press release with a brief plot synopsis of the three stories:

From master horror writer Gary Brandner, author of 'The Howling', and filmmakers Richard Stoudt and Laurence Holloway comes a relentlessly harrowing film experience. A trio of horrors that will make your flesh creep and your heart palpitate.

Deadly spirits, vengeful and maliciously spiteful give fuel to these tales of supernatural terrors.
'Invitation', based on a short story by Gary Brandne
r, tells the tale of loser Len Krager, who attends a party he'll never forget! A vengeful spirit exacts revenge in the tale 'All Hallows' Eve'! An exercise in suspense and atmosphere. Robert Mundy doesn't celebrate Halloween since the accidental death of his brother on Halloween night. But this Halloween night, vengeance will rise and seek retribution. Ghostly road hazards endanger a used car owner in the turbo-charged yarn 'Repossessed', a spine tingling 'vehicle' for absolute fright. Jeff purchases a killer car for a killer deal....unfortunately, the car really is a killer!

A true exercise in style and terror, 'Voices from The Grave' will thrill and chill even the most jaded horror fan!


Keep up with release date info by checking out the film's facebook page by clicking the link below.




CLICK HERE to watch the promo trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official facebook page

Saturday, January 26, 2013

The SCREAM MACHINE is coming soon!!
















 A while back, I reviewed 2 of Director Walter Ruether's  (a.k.a. Scarlet Fry) earlier films, JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST  (see review here), and NIGHTMARE ALLEY (see review here).   Well, Mr. Ruether is back with the upcoming new film, SCREAM MACHINE.   This  new film is done in the same anthology style as his previous films, which I really like.  I have always liked anthologies because if there is a story you don't like or just aren't in to, well, a brand new story will be coming up soon, and there's bound to be a few you like.  Unlike a normal single story film, if you don't like that story or can't get in to it, then the whole movie it ruined for ya.  I also probably like the anthology style because of my short attention span!  But enough about me, lets talk more about this new film called SCREAM MACHINE!   Check out this info I got a press release the other day that tell you all you need to know!

FIVE OF THE DEADLIEST TALES EVER TOLD ON AN OLD HAUNTED VCR CALLED SCREAM MACHINE.
(**OFFICIAL SELECTION PHOENIX COMIC CON 2012!**)
 
Description
A battered and mysterious VCR...A bevy of lethal video- tapes... These are the building blocks of horror in "SCREAM MACHINE".
A mind blowing descent into madness and death. Five shocking vignettes, designed to take your sanity and devour your soul!
Mild curiosity leads to severe consequences when a couple rents a supposedly cursed video cassette recorder. An urban legend renowned
for leaving a trail of agonizing and torturous death. Unbelieving, they take the plunge... And another legend is horrifyingly born...
Do you dare give fate a winning hand, and test yourself against the hellish consequences of the SCREAM MACHINE?

Insert Cassette Press Play...DIE!
 
USA PREMIERE MAY 2013 PHOENIX COMIC CON-USA DVD RELEASE WITH WORLD WIDE MULTI MEDIA... SPRING 2013

 
"LIKE" the film's facebook page to stay up to date and get new info and news on release dates.  I will be checking this one out for sure!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's facebook page
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and some behind the scenes moments

Friday, January 25, 2013

Book Review: THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK by J.A. Kerswell


THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK
by J.A. Kerswell
Distributed by Independent Publishers Group

I love books about horror movies, and THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK by J.A. Kerswell has to be one of the better books about horror movies I have ever seen. Here is the main overview of the book from the ipg website:

A detailed look at the surprising beginnings of the slasher movie—a genre that brought a new high in cinematic violence and suspense to mainstream cinema—this grisly guidebook revels in its glory days of the late 1970s and early 1980s and discusses its recent resurgence. Packed with reviews of the best (and worst) slasher movies and illustrated with an extensive collection of distinctive and often graphic color poster artwork from around the world, this book also looks at the political, cultural, and social influences on the slasher movie and its own effect on other film genres. Also included are a list of the top-10 body count films, trivia about famous actors who made their big-screen debuts in slasher films, a glossary of need-to-know terms, a list of additional reading, and recommendations of websites to head to for additional macabre movies.

The book is a 208 page Trade Paper Back and is in full color, with tons of great photos of old movie posters and stills from the movies.   The book traces the roots of the modern slasher film all the way back to the Grand Guignol theater of the late 1890's, through the Italian Giallo films, and to the height of the Slasher film popularity in the late 70's to early 80's.  Kerswell does a great job with this  book.  It's amazing to see how much research he put into this book, as he leaves no stone unturned.   All your favorite slasher films are discussed here, along with some (I suspect) you may have never even heard of!

This book is a must-have in my opinion, for all horror fans and horror book fans. They don't get much better than this!


CLICK HERE to purchase the book

DVD Review: THE SKY HAS FALLEN (2009)


THE SKY HAS FALLEN
Written & Directed by Doug Roos

Everyone knows I love a good zombie movie...big budget, low budget, it doesn't really matter.  If it's got zombies in it, I'm gonna watch it and I am probably going to like it.  I have seen very few zombie movies in my life I have not enjoyed.   Some of you may remember a post I did back in 2010 about a short film called THE SKY HAS FALLEN.   Writer/Director Doug
Roos put the film on DVD and made a kickstarter.com campaign to raise money in order to fund a full length feature zombie film. Well,  here we are years later and the full film is complete and ready to purchase on DVD!  For those not familiar with this film, here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

Within a couple of hours, a new disease wipes out almost all of mankind. Trying to avoid infection, people flee to remote locations, but they start seeing mysterious black figures, carrying away the dead and experimenting on them. Now, Lance and Rachel, two survivors determined to fight back, must kill the leader of these creatures before the rest of humanity disappears.

This film is very simple, as there are only 2 characters in the film (not counting the endless number of zombies).  Unfortunately, I thought these 2 characters were the weakest part of the film.  The acting is very amateur at best, with the lines being read in a very monotone manner during most of the line delivery.  But, as I have said before with zombie movies, we are not here for the acting, we are here for the zombies, and this movie has plenty of them.  The makeup effects on the zombies are very well done and the gore is very plentiful here. One thing to note here is that all of the effects are practical effects, there was no CGI used in this film.

One of the most unique parts about this DVD, is it is also an instructional make up/effects video in addition to a regular movie! In addition to 6 Behind the Scenes featurettes, this DVD also includes a step-by-step mask making video and a step-by-step Prosthetic Application video.  This makes an excellent resource for any new filmmaker out there!

THE SKY HAS FALLEN DVD is on sale right now for only $5.99 for a limited time, so get your copy today!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and purchase the DVD

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Check out the new EVIL DEAD green band trailer


 A while back I posted the awesome Red Band Trailer for the upcoming EVIL DEAD remake.  Well, now there is a new Green Band Trailer out there for your enjoyment.  While most of the footage is the same, there is some new footage in this new trailer.   I can't tell you how excited I am to see this movie.  April 12th can't get here soon enough!!




CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Monday, January 21, 2013

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013










Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/22:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

A THOUSAND CUTS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
BARRIO TALES
*  BIKINI BLOODBATH SHAKESPEARE
BLEEDING THROUGH
CLAUSTROPHOBIA
CROWSNEST
CUJO  [Blu-ray]
*  DARK ANGEL:  THE ASCENT
DEAD SUSHI
DEADLY BLESSING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
END OF ANIMAL
*  THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL
HOLD YOUR BREATH  [DVD & Blu-ray]
THE HOUNDS
THE INCUBUS
LURKING FEAR
MANDROID
NIGHT OF THE TENTACLES
SEEDPEOPLE
TICKS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
TOMBOYS
TUNNEL VISION
ZOMBIE ED

Sunday, January 20, 2013

DVD Review: HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (2012)


HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
Distrubuted by Sony Home Entertainment

Having 6 year old twin boys, I have seen a lot of kids movies over the past few years.   I am honestly not a huge fan of most of them, but there are a few I can enjoy even as an adult.  HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA was one of the kids movie I really enjoyed.  There are not too many horror films I can share with my 6 year olds, so having a movie made for kids with a horror theme to it was very exciting for me.  This is a great way to introduce horror to my boys but on a level that is just right for them.  This is not a horror movie in any sense, it is a fun family comedy, but with obvious horror elements to it.  Here is the basic plot of the movie from the film's imdb.com page:

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world's most famous monsters - Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more - to celebrate his daughter Mavis' 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem - but his world could come crashing down when a human stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis.

This movie is a lot of fun.  It is a blast seeing all these famous monsters together all in the same film.  The humor is good on both a kid and adult level.  One thing I always like about animated films like this is trying to pick out the actor's voices.  The lead character of Dracula is voiced by Adam Sandler, which was pretty easy to figure out based on his unique voice.  This film has a lot of other great comedy actors lending their voices to the various characters, including Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Jon Lovitz, Chris Parnell, Fran Drescher, and Kevin James.

Now, even though I enjoyed the movie, lets hear from some of those who the movie is actually geared toward...kids.   I had each of my two boys to tell me what they thought of the movie, so here are their first ever movie reviews:

Zombie Son#1:
This movie is very funny. One part that was funny was when the Frankenstein jumped off the octopus and landed into the water and broke into pieces. I think everyone will like this movie. My mom laughed so this movie is good for adults, too!

Zombie Son#2:
This movie is really fun and one funny part is when the Frankenstein uses his pants to toot on the Mummy and it makes everyone think the Mummy did it.  

There you have it.  Nothing beats a good fart joke with the kiddos!  HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA will be released to DVD and Blu-ray January 29th.  This is a great family film and I highly recommend it.  DVD Special Features include:

*  "GOODNIGHT MR. FOOT" Mini-Movie Directed and Animated by Genndy Tartakovsky
*  "PROBLEM (MONSTER REMIX)" by Becky G Featuring will.i.am - Music Video and Behind the Scenes
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Filmmaker's Commentary
*  DVD-ROM Link to Fun Games

CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Announcing the winner of the latest 4H DVD Giveaway!!!!


CONGRATULATIONS to Daphne, the winner of our latest DVD giveaway!!  Daphne has won the Indican Pictures DVD prize pack! 















Stay tuned as we will have another giveaway up and running soon!! 

 

Monday, January 14, 2013

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 15th, 2013












Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/15:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

30 NIGHTS OF PARANORMAL ACTIVITY WITH THE DEVIL INSIDE THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO  [DVD & Blu-ray]
LIGHTNING BUG  [Blu-ray]
THE POSSESSION  [DVD & Blu-ray]
REEL EVIL
WEDDING DAY

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Check out the trailer for THE LAST EXORCISM 2

 
I really enjoyed THE LAST EXORCISM, so was super excited to hear that the movie's title was wrong, as there will be another exorcism!  THE LAST EXORCISM 2 hits theaters March 1 of this year!  It looks like poor Nell Sweetzer has been taken control of again by a demonic force, and all hell breaks loose!  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  I will be checking this one out in the theater for sure!
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Blu-ray Review: CHAINED (2012)


CHAINED
Directed by Jennifer Lynch
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  I knew nothing about this film when it arrived in my mailbox for review.  I had never even heard of it, so to be honest, I wasn't really excited about seeing it.  I usually believe that if you haven't heard of a film, there is usually a reason why.  If it was good, I would have heard about it right?  WRONG.  This movie wasn't just good...it was excellent.  How this isn't getting more buzz on the Internet just baffles me.  Or, maybe it is and I have just missed it all.  Anyway, this is an amazing film that must be seen.  Here is the plot from the Anchor Bay website:

   From the writer/director of BOXING HELENA From the mind of writer/director Jennifer Lynch comes the shocker that stunned audiences worldwide: When he was 9 years old, Tim and his mother were abducted by taxi-driving serial killer Bob (an intensely disturbing performance by Vincent D’Onofrio). Tim’s mother was murdered. Tim was kept as a chained slave, forced to bury the bodies of young women Bob drags home and keep scrapbooks of the crimes. Now a teenager, Tim (Eamon Farren) and Bob share a depraved father/son/protégé relationship. But who will ultimately sever the bond between ‘family’ and unimaginable horror? Jake Weber (“Medium”), Evan Bird (“The Killing”) and Julia Ormond (THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, “Mad Men”) co-star in what critics are calling one of the most controversial and uncompromising thrillers of our time.
 
  Now, I must tell you....this film is difficult to watch.  The subject matter is obviously disturbing and it is very hard to watch a small child witness what happens to his mom.   But, while difficult to watch, it is even more difficult not to watch.   I was hooked from the very beginning and could not take my eyes off the screen.   The acting is brilliant, from everyone involved.  Vincent D'Onofrio does a remarkable job as the killer and gives a great performance. He is extremely creepy and plays this role to perfection.  The characters are believable and what makes this film so effective is that you know this kind of thing can happen and has happened in real life.

  The movie has a nice twist ending I sure didn't see coming.  It also leaves some things unanswered and leaves them up to the viewer to decide what happens next.

  This is must see for any horror fan.  CHAINED is available now on DVD or Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.  Special features include:

*  Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Jennifer Lynch and Actor Vincent D'Onofrio
*  Mary's Murder - Alternate Unrated Version
*  Trailer
 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Friday, January 11, 2013

Graphic Novel Review: ALIEN: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY by Archie Goodwin & Walter Simonson


ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED STORY
Written by Archie Goodwin
Artwork by Walter Simonson
Bases on the screenplay by Dan O'Bannon

If you are a fan of the ALIEN films, you will love this new graphic novel put out by Titan Books.  ALIEN: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY, is an updated version of the same book put out back in 1979.   Here is a brief description of the book from the Titan Books website:

Two of comics’ greatest talents joined forces in 1979 to bring Ridley Scott’s epic Alien motion picture to the comic book page. Out of print for over thirty years, this brand new edition (released in time to coincide with Scott’s latest opus Prometheus) has been ∂f the greatest sci-fi horror ever produced.

I love the ALIEN films, and reading through this adaptation of the film was a lot of fun.  The artwork does have an old style and look to it, which I personally loved. It reminded me of how comic books looked when I was a kid.  The only difference in this version versus the original put out back in 1979 is that artwork and coloring are very bright and vivid.  The back of the book explains that "this edition has been digitally remastered for the first time using the original color artwork from the artist's personal archive".   I didn't realize that a comic could be "digitally remastered", but I guess it can!  The coloring is beautiful, especially in the infamous alien bursting out of the chest scene.

Fans of horror comics and the ALIEN franchise will definitely want to check this out.   ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE is available now online and in stores!


CLICK HERE to purchase ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED STORY Graphic Novel

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Have you entered my latest DVD giveaway?
















 If your answer is yes, then I say "Thank you, and good luck!".  If your answer is NO, then I say "What the heck are you waiting on?'!   Up for grabs in my latest DVD giveaway is a prize pack of 6 DVD's courtesy of the fine folks at Indican Pictures!   Entering is as easy as leaving a comment on the original contest post...that's it!  I pay the shipping and everything!  Who wouldn't want some FREE  DVD's!!   The contest ends next Wednesday, 1/16, so enter soon!!

CLICK HERE to go to the original contest post to enter!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Check out the earthquake thriller, AFTERSHOCK


  Check out the trailer for the new film, AFTERSHOCK, co-written and staring Eli Roth. The film was also co-written and Directed by Nicolás López.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the movie's imdb page:

  In Chile, a group of travelers who are in an underground nightclub when a massive earthquake hits quickly learn that reaching the surface is just the beginning of their nightmare.

  AFTERSHOCK will be released to theaters sometime this year, although a release date has not been set yet.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Monday, January 7, 2013

What do you think of....SCARY MOVIE 5
















  I really like the first two SCARY MOVIE films.  I actually like part 2 better than the first one.  Then along came part 3 and it was pretty horrible, and then to be quite honest, I totally forgot there even was a part 4.  Well, I had no clue SCARY MOVIE 5 was being made, but I saw the trailer the other night in the theater while there to watch DJANGO UNCHAINED (which was a magnificent movie, by the way).  So, I thought I would pass on the SCARY MOVIE 5 trailer in case you haven't seen it yet.   It looks like basically a spoof of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films, and honestly I don't think it looks that funny. 
Watch the trailer and let me know what you think.  SCARY MOVIE 5 comes out April 12th of this year.  That is also the same day the EVIL DEAD remake comes out.  Guess which film I will be seeing that night!?

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Check out the upcoming creature feature film, INSECTULA!!


 Check out this cool creature feature film I ran came across called INSECTULA.  It looks like a film that plays homage to all the 50's and 60's creature features.   I spoke with the director, Michael Peterson, over email and he says the film is still in production with hopes to have a finished product by Spring of this year.   Here is the brief plot synopsis from the film's YouTube page:

  A giant mosquito-like insect from outer space is drawn to earth from the increased CO2. A mad scientist is determined to help it cleanse the earth of the polluting humans. Only one man can stop it...EPA Agent Dell Biando.

  This movie looks like a lot of fun!  I will keep everyone posted once the film is closer to release!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Check out the new Red Band trailer for the upcoming EVIL DEAD remake....

  
I posted a link to the trailer for the upcoming EVIL DEAD film a few months ago, but now we have a new trailer to oogle over.  It is the official Red Band trailer and it looks awesome!  I have not been this excited about movie in a long time.  I never had the pleasure of watching any of the EVIL DEAD films in the theater, so I am really looking forward to this!

The EVIL DEAD remake has a theatrical release date of April 12, 2013 here in the U.S.  Click Here for a list of Worldwide release dates.

CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Friday, January 4, 2013

Check out the trailer to the Swedish zombie film, ZONE 261













 I found this video on YouTube a while back, and knew I need to share it with all of you.  This is a trailer for a film called ZON 261, or ZONE 261 to those of us here in the states.  This is a Swedish zombie film that will hopefully be completed soon.  I have no clue where this film is in terms of production.  The official website  (www.zone261.com) is just blank, at least it is at the time of this posting.   Here is the basic plot of the movie from the film's imdb.com page:

  In a town in southern Sweden, tensions grow between the racist locals and immigrants grow. Meanwhile a ship caring a strange plague enters the town. The crew infects police officers out to investigate and a full-blooded zombie outbreak begins. The town is isolated by the Swedish army, but the survivors inside, immigrants and locals alike, must band together against the infected.

  Let me know what you think!  I think this looks pretty cool.  I will keep you posted if I get any updates on this film and when we might be able to actually see the full film.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Tired of waiting for THE WALKING DEAD to start back up? Well get your zombie craving met from the awesome zombie anime series, HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD



I don't remember how I came across this, but I found a video on YouTube of a show called HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD  (H.O.T.D).  It is a Japanese anime series about a group of high schoolers who team up to fight a zombie invasion.  Lots of gore and jiggly Japanese animation ensues!  Check out the promo by clicking the link below to get an idea of what this show is about.  I bought a copy of the complete series on ebay, but you can also find it on Amazon.com.   Maybe this will tide me over until THE WALKING DEAD returns in a few weeks.

CLICK HERE to watch the preview for H.O.T.D

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

HAPPY TREE FRIENDS...zombie edition!



  I am big fan of the HAPPY TREE FRIENDS.  For those that aren't familiar, this is web cartoon that features a number of super cute furry woodland animals that die tragic deaths in a variety of gruesome ways.   I recently ran across an episode featuring one of my favorite subjects...zombies!!

Check out the episode here:



CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the Happy Tree Friends to watch other episodes.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

DVD Review: CREEP VAN (2012)

 
CREEP VAN
Directed by Scott W. Mckinlay
Distributed by Inception Media Group
 
I posted the trailer to the film CREEP VAN on my blog a few weeks ago, but I have now had the chance to see the full film. I can tell you this, I was super excited about this film after watching the trailer and I was not let down in the least by the full film.  In fact, the film was even better than I expected based on the trailer.  Before I go on, here is the basic plot of the film from the Inception Media Group website:

Life without a car is murder … and nobody knows that better than Campbell Jackson, a 20-something, out-of-work, out-of-options misfit. Forced to take a dead-end job at a Detroit car wash, Campbell spies a dilapidated ’70s van for sale and attempts to buy it. Little does he know, it’s the Creep Van, whose mysterious owner has been terrorizing locals—killing and torturing victims with a host of elaborate booby traps inside its rusted shell. For those unwilling to climb aboard, the Creep and his Van have no qualms about running folks down or smashing through walls. Forced to team up with a sleazy conman to hunt down and stop the mayhem – before he and his girlfriend become the next victims – Campbell finds himself in for one hell of a bloody ride!

This film was a lot of fun.  Chuck Walton from Fandango.com has a quote on the cover of the DVD which reads "A scary homage to '80s horror movies.".  He couldn't be more right.  They don't make these kind of campy, fun, creature features like this anymore.  Yes, I consider this a creature feature, it just so happens the creature in this film is a an old rusty van.
 
As the plot states above, the title van has some crazy booby traps installed that kills people that enter the van in a variety of unique and gruesome ways.  The gore in this film was truly amazing and included a great body-cut-in-half scene.  The effects were done by Robert Hall, from the FX company Almost Human.  You might know the name Robert Hall as the directer of the CHROMESKULL films. I have had the honor of meeting Robert on a couple occasions at the Texas Frightmare Weekend in Dallas, TX.  He is a very nice man and with the work he is doing, should be a much bigger name in this industry.  Give it a few years and I think you will be hearing his name and company ranked among the top of the list when it comes to effects work.

This is one film that every horror fan needs to add to their collection.  This one will definitely be getting a repeat viewing by me in the near future. CREEP VAN is available now on DVD and contains the following Special Features:

*  Anatomy of a Killer Van Smash
*  Creep Van:  Under the Hood
*  Bits and Pieces  (Actor Interviews)
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Original Finance Trailer
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Audio Commentary by Filmmakers


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD