MAYHEM - UNQUENCHABLE THIRST OF DRACULA.SATURDAY NIGHT REVIEWED.

So it was Saturday night and the much anticipated script reading of the unmade Hammer movie The Unquenchable thirst of Dracula. A great title but I was wondering how and if they would pull this off and they certainly did and it exceeded mine and many other people expectations.
We cleared the cinema after the horror shorts and the stage was literally set. When we returned we saw a brilliantly created logo on the big screen along with a set of microphones on one side of the stage and another set on the other side. Then came Chris and Steve to introduce the actors and script readers to the stage, The place was packed. On the left you had four actors and on the right the other two actors along with Jonathan Rigby who read the script, What a great voice for the role . Dracula was narrated by Jonny Phillips and what a cracking job he did, Utterly menacing and made me jump  on a few occasions!

 

The story tells of Dracula fleeing to India and it's a great story. There was also a brilliant soundtrack put together especially for this event with creepy music and train sounds etc. They even had at one point a live sitar player that added a brilliant and mesmerising touch.
The work and risk put into putting this on a Saturday night at a film festival was immense but it was a huge success. I found myself sitting there transfixed and imagining the scenes in my head. I was itching to know what the ending would be and it didn't disappointed.
The Unquenchable thirst of Dracula really should go on tour or even be made into a movie and with hammer now back I really hope they think about putting it on the big screen it would be a classic.
So in summing it was fantastic and pleased to say a huge success. Creepy, Brilliantly read and a must see if hopefully it comes to a town near you.
10/10

MAYHEM - Super Saturday.

And so it was on to Saturday a whole day of movies and the remarkable event that was The Unquenchable thirst of Dracula. I was going to include my review of Unquenchable thirst of Dracula in this post but it well deserves it's own post so I'll be putting that out tomorrow.Oh and did I mention me and Mike went as Tucker and Dale? Ha!!

TUCKER AND DALE VS MAYHEM!

First up at midday was a return to MAYHEM of Asian Cinema in the many forms of Parasyte Part 1.

Based on the Manga comic and Anime series Parasyte was bizarre and brilliant in equal measures. It told the story of a young boy infected by a Parasyte that seems like a nice one who battles other people who are also infected with what appear to be not so nice ones. The CGI was brilliantly done with buckets of gore and weird and wonderful scenes you will only find in Asian cinema. I would 100% recommend you tracking this down and it was a great welcome return of Asian cinema to the festival and hopefully next year we may get some more, Maybe even Parasyte part 2?

9/10

Next up was He Never Died, Henry Rollins plays a cannibal, Sounds not that interesting really but for me it was the surprise gem of MAYHEM and turned out to be my favourite film of the festival. Henry Rollins performance was stunning, His wit along with his scary presence made this a definite future purchase and re-watch. It was gripping, Funny, Nasty with a great twist around half way through. There is talking of turning it into a TV series and that would be something I would definitely watch. Believe me you really need to see this movie.

9/10

SCARY SHORTS.

Next up was what has become a regular feature of MAYHEM scary shorts in which new and some established film makers get to show their latest work on the big screen.

Lab Rats

Director:David Wayman, UK 16mins.

Lab Rats had it's world premier at this years festival and it was great,  The story of animal rights activists breaking into a lab to expose the companies mistreatment of animals but a gas is released and literal meltdown ensues. It was a great splatterfest in the tradition of gooey horror such as Demons and The incredible melting man. 8/10

Himiko The God Slayer Versus The Daemon Legion OF Azure Dragons 

Director:Hikaru Tsukuda Japan 5.13ms

Bizarre as the title suggests, A young girl in the woods with a plastic sword takes on plastic dragons and an inflatable crocodile, I can say no more! 7.5/10

ULTAVIOLETA

Director:Paco Plaza, Spain, 11mins.

As you would expect from Pacao Plaza this was very stylish. A demon is seen to be behind layers of paint that a young lady is restoring. How far will she go and what will she see when the demon is exposed? Stylish, Creepy horror from Mr Plaza. 8/10

SOLITUDO

Director:Alice Lowe, UK, 9mins.

Directorial début from Alice Lowe (Sightseers) this one rather bizarre, A lone nun in a crumbling monastery being haunted by a man painted head to in black with Vampire undertones, Certainly got a few people scratching there heads when it was done! 7/10

SURGERY

Directors:The Clemens Bros, UK, 11mins.

A tale of kind of torture porn that flipped things on it head with a great twist. Apparently the last work of legendary writer Brian Clemens. 8/10

THE HEARD.

Director:Melanie Light,UK,20Mins.

The longest of the "Short" films it told of women being kept in cages and systematically abused by an evil lady doctor and her hence men, Very unsettling to watch with some great gore FX 7.5/10

JULIET.

Director:Marc-Henri Boulier, France, 11.30 Mins.

Juliet is a life and soul mate robot, Like an extended advert for Apple products, I really liked Juliet. It's tongue firmly in it's cheek tackling  mass consumerism with brilliantly made fake Ad's. well worth seeking out 8/10

Count Magnus.

Director: Richard Mansfield, UK, 11.45mins,

Also receiving its world premier at MAYHEM, Based on the classic M.R. James story this short was done in shadow puppet form and it was done exceedingly well, After a while you forgot that you were watching a puppet show and the story as you would expect from M.R. James was spot on. 8/10

HEIR

Director:Richard Powell, Canada, 14mins.

Pretty sick and gooey creamy filled weirdness from Canada about a father and son and his fathers friends relationship, Kind of liked it but had no idea what was going on! 6/10

KOBOLD.

Director:Nicholas Verso, Australia,7Mins.

Creepy little tale this was, Basically about a young boy who's parents are always too preoccupied by everything else around them to give him any attention, But something creepy in his garden at night wants his attention, Very well done short. 8/10

CROW HAND.

Director :Brian Lonan, USA, 3mins.

Off its head, Guy finds a crow charm in a car park with his wife and his hand turns into a gory crow killing machine, brilliant! 9/10

So there you have it for the films on Saturday and there was some fantastic stuff, Keep your eye out for the scary short titles as some of them I should imagine will be or soon to be appearing on YouTube very soon.

Jonny T.

WER - Reviewed.

When something slaughters a family camping in the French countryside, the freakishly large and powerful Talan Gwynek (Brian Scott O’Connor) is arrested for the crime.

While as his public defender Kate (A.J. Cook) argues his case, she begins to suspect he’s suffering from a rare medical condition that causes physical abnormalities. But as they begin the tests, Kate discovers his truth is far more monstrous that she ever imagined…

Last week I watched HOWL, A couple of months ago I watched Late Phases, Two pretty good werewolf movies so when I received WER I thought surely not three good werewolf films in a row but I was wrong and yes WER is another good werewolf movie!

It starts off with a bit of found footage which I was hoping the whole film wouldn't be that and it isn't thanks god. The guy that plays the main werewolf is one big fellow. It stars as a bit of a slow burner but when it takes off it really takes off, Full on gore and some great creepy parts.

The FX are pretty impressive and the acting solid. The only problem I had was there is a fight near the end that I found a bit cheesy but on the whole I would say it's well worth a watch.

8/10

Jonny T.

OFFICIAL TRAILER.

MAYHEM -Day one and Two.

So it was October 15th and earlier than the usual Halloween slot, That was the fault of someone called James Bond, Did it distract or change anything with this years festival? Not one bit, Mayhem was back with a bang for 2015 and in my opinion the best festival so far. We jumped on the bus and headed for Broadway, Picked up our weekend passes and headed to the bar for a quick coffee with great folks we met last year then headed upstairs to the big screen 1 to claim our seats for the evening. That's the thing I really like about MAYHEM and Broadway cinema is the fact the festival has grown in popularity so much so that now the films are shown on the main screen each year. There is no messing about with allotted seats and basically you can get your seat and safely leave your coat on it, Nip to the bar between showings and have the same seat, Oh and did I mention you can also take your beer into the cinema! Over the last couple of years they now have regular stalls in the foyer from the likes of FAB Press and Arrow Video. A great relaxed and hugely fun atmosphere.
 
The opening day of Mayhem showed three films Emelie, Futureshock:The story of 2000AD and finally a remake of the classic Rabid Dogs.

Emelie was a great opener for the festival, The story of a babysitter who would be every parents nightmare. The lead role played by Sarah Bolger was extremely well acted as were the children. Funny at witty at first but it soon turns into some real uneasy scenes to watch and becomes extremely tense towards the end as she spirals into insanity.
8/10

Next up was what some people were saying was an unusual choice for the festival, Future Shock:The Story of 2000AD.But it was a packed house, To be honest when I saw it was showing I was a little unsure myself. Not being a fan or really knowing much about 2000AD I persuaded a friend of mine to come and see it with us and and I am so glad chose to see it, It was brilliant. A classic British documentary to say the very least. The insane story of what went off behind the scenes, The artists not being given copyright or even money for their brilliant art, The political undertones and social commentary, Even stories of the piles of original artwork being used to prop open doors and used as floor mats near the door to put your muddy shoes on!
As I said I wasn't really a fan or interested in 2000AD but Future shock! Has certainly changed that, It has just been announced that it has picked up a well deserved distribution deal. Be sure to keep your eyes out for new on it, it's well worth a watch.
9/10

Final film on Thursday was the Remake of Rabid Dogs, It was at 11.30PM But I had decided to skip this showing so to be fresh for Friday, From all reports though it was really good, So much in fact Natalie who stayed and watched it brought the original the next day from the Arrow video stall.

Friday 16th October.

So onto Friday and four movies, Crumbs, Nina Forever, Howl and Stung. The opening film was described as a "Ethiopian/Spanish post apocalyptic love story" The film was Crumbs. Showing earlier on the Friday at 4.30 this was a new slot and a chance for MAYHEM to show something a little more indie and unusual.

So, It was over a week ago since I saw Crumbs and I still can't get my head around what it was about! 

Here is the synopsis...

"Our figurine sized supermen hero embarks on an epic surreal journey that will take him across the Ethiopian post apocalyptic landscape in search of a way to get on the hovering spacecraft that for years has become a landmark in the skies."

It was one of those films that was so visual stunning and acted that it didn't really need a beginning, middle or end. I could have watched it for a lot longer than the running time, Like films by the genius Jodorowsky it one of those movies you just sit back and enjoy the ride. The lead actor Daniel Tadesse in apparently his second only acting role was superb.Mind bending, Charming,Refreshing and all round great.

8/10

Next up was the much anticipated movie, Nina Forever.......

Nina Forever tells the story of poor old Rob who lost his girlfriend in a car crash  and is unable to come to terms with her death, He thinks things have taken a turn for the better when he meets up with Holly but Nina has other ideas from the Afterlife.

Nina Forever was very original and also superbly acted by all three lead actors especially Fiona O'Shaughnessy as Nina a definite talent to look out for as are the directors The Ben and Chris Blaine. British horror at it's sick and twisted best.

8/10.

Next up another British movie that involves werewolf's on a train....HOWL.

Director Paul Hyett was in attendance for the showing of HOWL and told of his inspiration for the film, A friend of his once got the last train from London full of drunks and really annoying people when the train broke down, He said it was a nightmare but could have been worse if the train was attacked by werewolves and so we have HOWL!

Howl was my favourite film of the festival so far, It was your pretty much paint by numbers horror movie but I for one really enjoyed it. If you have seen Dog Soldiers you know what kind of treat you are in for. 

9/10

Last up was STUNG, I had already seen  and it is great fun, But it was an early start on Saturday so headed on home..........

'Ghost Story' starring Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks & John Houseman on DVD for the first time

Hello Folks,
Jonny T here with news of he release of Ghost Story from Second Sight films on December 7th. I've not seen this film in years and can remember owning it on good old VHS so I for one am very much looking forward to seeing it again after all these years, Watch this space for a review coming very soon!
Enjoy,
Jonny T.

‘A must see’

Classic-Horror.com

It was one of the most talked about horror films of the early 1980s, thanks, in no small part, for the wealth of Hollywood royalty nearing the end of their careers starring in what was, for many of them, the first and only horror film of their working lives.

And now, for the first time in the UK, Ghost Story arrives on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 7 December 2015.

The film, based on the acclaimed Peter Straub bestseller (rated by Stephen King as one of the finest examples of the craft of the late 20th century) stars screen legends Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr and John Houseman. Three of the four were making their final film appearances ever, with the acclaimed horror proving to be a fitting epitaph for their talents. The film also stars a haunting Alice Krige (Star Trek).

Ghost Story follows a quartet of elderly friends who while away the time in their dotage by telling each other spooky stories and creepy tales as part of their Chowder Society group.

But when one of them meets an untimely end and the rest are afflicted with troubling nightmares, it appears as if past crimes could be catching up with them…

Please find special features and full details attached and please get in touch for review discs and competitions.

Bonus features:

Audio Commentary by Director John C. Irvin

Author Peter Straub: Genesis

Actor Alice Krige on Alma and Eva

Screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen and Producer Burt Weissbourd: Story Development

Albert Whitlock with Bill Taylor: Visual Effects

TV and Radio Spots, Photo Gallery

"Tales of Halloween" - Terror comes knocking 16th October...Today!

Hello Folks,

Jonny T here with new that Tales of Halloween is coming to digital HD on 16th October today in fact,  just in time for Halloween!

Described as the best horror anthology since Trick R Treat it has some top notch directors involved and I for one can't wait to see it! All details below and watch this space for a review coming very soon,

Enjoy,

Jonny T.

Named “the best horror anthology since Trick 'r Treat” by Fangoria and “among the best Halloween-themed horror movies ever made” by DailyDead, this critically acclaimed film weaves together ten chilling tales from horror's top directors. Ghosts, ghouls, monsters, and the devil delight in terrorizing unsuspecting residents of a suburban neighborhood on Halloween night. 

The all-star directorial lineup includes Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones, The Descent), Darren Lynn Bousman (SAW 2,3,4), Lucky McKee (The Woman, All Cheerleaders Must Die), and Mike Mendez (Gravedancers, Big Ass Spider!). Cameos by horror heavyweights such as Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Lin Shaye (Insidious), John Savage (The Deer Hunter), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), John Landis (Director of Animal House), Joe Dante (Director of Gremlins), Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, We Are Still Here), Booboo Stewart (Twilight), Keir Gilchrist (It Follows), Grace Phipps (Fright Night), Pat Healy (Cheap Thrills), Kristina Klebe (Rob Zombie's Halloween), Greg Grunberg (Heroes, Star Wars), Alex Essoe (Starry Eyes), Pollyanna McIntosh (The Woman), and more.

Shopping Tour - Reviewed.

SHOPPING TOUR

(cert 15)

ON DVD & VOD 26 OCTOBER 2015

“… the irreverent charm and satirical bite of an early George A. Romero or Peter Jackson movie.” Hollywood Reporter

A weekend of retail therapy turns into a ‘holiday from hell’!

 

From rising Russian star Mikhail Brashinsky comes a ‘biting’ horror satire targeting consumerism, xenophobia and immigration panic in northern Europe, in a tense, bloody battle for survival.

Brashinsky pokes fun at retail hungry Russians and their idealized Finnish neighbours, playfully imagining that Finland - ranked ‘best country in the world’ by Newsweek Magazine - might not be so picture perfect after all.

 

Winner of Critics’ Prize, Best Female Performance and Grand-Prix at the Russian National Film Festival ‘Window to Europe’ and the Special Jury Prize at the Polar Lights International Film Festival in St. Petersburg.  A popular film on the international film festival circuit, screening at Sitges International Festival of Fantastic Cinema, Gothenburg International Film Festival and Torino International Film Festival.

 

Genre: horror

Year: 2012

Cert: 15

Country: Russia

Language: Russian / Finnish with English subtitles

Running Time: 70 minutes

 

Synopsis

 

Unlucky Russian tourists get more than they bargain for, when their shopping trip to Finland turns into a fight for survival.  According to ancient Finnish tradition, Summer Solstice marks the one day a year when locals eat foreigners …

 

Written and directed by: Mikhail Brashinsky

Cast: Tatyana Kolganova, Timofey Yeletsky

REVIEW.

Russian tourists eaten by Finnish cannibals? Oh go on then!  Shopping tour tells the story of a mother and son on a trip to Finland to get over the death over the recent death of her husband and his father but things aren't going to go as smoothly a the hoped. Film on the sons mobile found yes it is found footage style but to be fair there is only a couple of points where he camera goes crazy but on the whole it is totally watch-able. It is a slow burn but as things start to unravel and you become aware of what is happening it's a very good and original story. The acting is solid as are the FX although there isn't a ton of gore it has some great twists along the way. So all in all its worth seeking out and great to see new label Sharp teeth  films releasing movie like this.

7.5 / 10

Jonny T.

ORDER NOW FROM AMAZON.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shopping-Tour-DVD

http://sharpteethfilms.com/

Steve Oram attending this years MAYHEM Festival with Aaaaaaah!

Hi folks,

Jonny T here with a first blog about the special guests that will be attending this years MAYHEM film festival, These posts are in no particular order but they will give you some indication of what a great line up of guests his years festival has in store.

So we start of with the brilliant Steve Oram, Born just down the road in Melton Mowbray the home of the best pork pies in the world he will be showing  his directorial  début Aaaaaahhh!!! Now, You may well ask who is Steve Oram? Well he in my opinion  he is great actor, If you have seen Sightseers you will know his character Chris is brilliant, Dry sense of humour and psychotic at the same time, I am talking about Chris here of course not Steve Oram, Although saying that he may well be! (But I doubt it)

Sightseers directed by another great British talent Ben Wheatley was shown at  MAYHEM a couple of years back with Steve in attendance and it was a brilliant night so I am sure we are all very much in for another brilliant showing with  his new movie Aaaaahhh!! 

It will be showing at MAYHEM on Sunday 18th October at around 6.45 so get your tickets and I'll see you there!

Jonny T.

TICKET LINK

http://www.broadway.org.uk/Mayhem

OFFICIAL TEASER TRAILER!

MAYHEM - The Unquenchable Thirst of Dracula poster revealed!

Saturday night October 17th at this years Mayhem brings us something very special indeed, a live stage script reading of an unmade Hammer movie that is The Unquenchable thirst of Dracula. It will be read by actors and also i have just found out that it has also had a unique score written for it. Mayhem have also just released a brilliant poster that i have put below, Also click the link to see full details and book your tickets!

Jonny T.

TICKET LINK

mayhem-film-festival-the-unquenchable-thirst-of-dracula

POSTER REVEALED!!