Gross Movie Reviews #653

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Onyx the Fortuitous The Talisman of Souls (DVD) – This is an odd bird of a movie where the plot revolves around a fanboy character Marcus who still lives at home with mom (Barbara Crampton) and works at the local “Meat Mart”. But Marcus is really into this dude Bartok who worships Satan that has a contest of where five selected people get the chance to hang out in Bartok’s mansion. The five from all different walks of life all very into Bartok (Jeffrey Combs) the Great make it to the mansion for the ritual. The goal of this ritual is to bring forth the evil god Abaddon for immortality and Bartok to rule. But the five get curious and wonder what is really up with Bartok as they have odd dreams as they believe there is a prophecy about this event as not all Bartok can be true? Yeah the movie has a few flaws but we get Jeffrey Combs coming off as a doppelganger of Michael Ironside in ‘Turbo Kid’, Barbara Crampton being delightful as always, ghouls, monsters, and the vibe of this being some weird mid-90s fever dream I once had when I was 20. This movie might be odd but it was an absolute hoot to watch so give it a chance as I give it 4 stars.

The Stalking (Amazon) – Jeff Kirkendall and Mark Polonia keep it quick where small town America has a witch that casts a dark spell on the town near the Halloween holiday. Now the unsuspecting townsfolk are being attacked by killer sunflowers as I give it 2 stars as I felt there was more to this movie we never got to saw? Have to give these two credit for having a SOV movie going for that 50s drive-in or old horror host movie vibe.

Werewolf Santa (Tubi) – First this UK holiday flick had me at the title but second Joe Bob Briggs doing a narration or a little story telling at the beginning of the film to set it all up about Lucy and Christmas Eve was wonderful. Lucy runs a YouTube show about monster hunting that is viewed by many until she has caught Santa being bitten by a werewolf. Now Lucy wants to have Santa turned back before she has to kill Santa Claus. The film has its moments but feels choppy at best most times but I still gotta give it 2 ½ stars.

Frankie Freako (On Demand) – The guy known for ‘The Void’ and ‘Psycho Gorman’ decides to do a weird reboot of ‘Ghoulies’ if it was smashed together with ‘Cabbage Patch Kids’ with John Carl Buechler smiling somewhere. The film has a young married man Connor who is considered a square with his boring ass life until he sees a party line ad for Frankie Freako. You know one of those 1-900#s that he calls and suddenly Connor’s life is turned upside down after Frankie Freako and friends visit to party! But that is only half of the problem as the president from Frankie’s world has sent things to crossover to capture and bring them all back. Yes the film is fun and has the vibe of a failed 90s Saturday morning pilot for Nickelodeon but throughout the film there is just that little something missing to put it over the top for me. Even if I give it only 3 stars I do believe there will be others that enjoy this project more than I did but no matter what I do know John Carl Buechler would be proud knowing stuff like this exists!

The Bouncer (all streaming platforms) – A gritty, fast-paced action film that keeps it simple about Frank Sharp, a man with a past who is trying to hide in plain sight being a bouncer for the good money. Frank plans on paying for his mother’s hospital bills but it’s not ideal when you are a wanted man. Mr. Sharp doing what he believe is right even though he was warned to let it go makes a sharp turn into having life in constant hard mode as he rescues a young woman Sylvia from a mob boss Mr. Kane who has slapped her around. Frank quickly figure out this isn’t going to be easily forgotten and must stay hidden until he can plan an escape as Mr. Kane is an unforgiving Russian mob dude. This international project does a smart with its great use of locations, great casting, tight and exciting action scenes to keep it entertaining for all as I give it 2 ½ out of 4 stars. P.S. a reminder again not all cool action films need an overblown budget and star the Rock.

Santa Isn’t Real (Tubi) – It is Christmas time of course and Santa has come down the chimney to eat your holiday cookies and kill your ass or that is what happened to Nikki last Christmas Eve. Now spending almost a full year in a coma and its believed her near death experience was a suicide attempt she wakes to find friends wanting to take her away to a hidden cabin for fun, booze, and reconnecting. But Nikki is nervous rightfully so as she believes Santa is real and will kill all of them. The biggest problem with this holiday film is within five minutes of it starting you know everything that is going to happen including the ending with no holiday charm or anything. Expected fun holiday horror with a title like that but felt like Santa passed over this one as you should too this holiday season as I gotta give it a fat jolly zero stars.

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews .

Plus you can always go to the greatest T-shirt place online or if you are in Texas visit the store of “Fast Custom Shirts” where T-shirt Joe is the only place you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

Gross Movie Reviews #632

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Severe Injuries (Blu-ray) – Vinegar Syndrome’s newer label Saturn’s Core is a specialty label that releases hard to find or out of print SOV Indy films from the past. Well one of their latest releases comes from director Amy Lynn Best and writer Mike Watt who released this Indy gem in 2003 that deals with a bumbling killer named Melvin. Melvin happens to come from a long line of serial killers who are bad at their job. But with the death of his father Melvin is determined to change things around… once he finds a sorority that is? Littered with several Indy genre vets this movie does a wonderful job of mixing horror and comedy with a smart script that brilliantly pokes fun at the sorority slasher flicks of the 80s. Not many horror films take a chance like ‘Severe Injuries’ being an outside of the box horror film with a killer learning to kill and you the viewer care for the serial killer? The film is very entertaining, smart, and most likely be more appreciated now than 20 years ago when it was made. This is one of those films that stood out in the early 2000s for being different but not sure how you market something like this? Now you get to enjoy it in all its remastered Blu-ray glory along with a kick ass slipcover, three commentaries, cast and crew interviews from 2003 and 20 years later as they look back on this interesting Indy project made for little money. Get ready there is more as this disc is loaded with deleted scenes, trailers, and several more short films from writer Mike Watt and director Amy Lynn Best. Again I have a feeling SOV fans will appreciate this feature much more now than 20 years ago as I give the full package 3 ½ out of 4 stars. You can order your copy at www.vinegarsyndrome.com .

St. Patrick’s Day (DVD/YouTube) – A 2021 36 minute Indy film that goes for nostalgia setting it somewhere in the 80s for the backdrop (nevermind the Direct TV dish we see that doesn’t exist at that time or the Jeep Renegade one of the characters drive or there wasn’t talk of edibles but that is just me picking on things now). The story is centered on Ned and last year’s St. Patrick’s Day untimely event involving an accident where Ned is taking full blame what something he and his friends did? The throwback slasher vibe has the young group of partiers looking for edibles to really get the party going but the past keeps being brought up by certain members which makes the party have a tough time getting off the ground. Unbeknownst to them this is about to change as someone has other plans to kill them one by one as they hide their identity with a Trolls mask (again I don’t think that was around either?)! Overall I enjoyed the spirit of the film, where they were going with it, and with some tweaks how much more could be done with it. The project was entertaining and could be a lot worse as I think the effort put forth helped this be an enjoyable viewing experience as I give it 2 ½ stars.

Fog City (DVD) – A recent film from Steve Wolsh that has gotten some flak from horror fans after they have viewed it? After his other film ‘Kill Her Goats’ horror fans were on edge a little as was I to watch this film. The first few minutes of this film is to establish everything that goes down as it was shot weird to me but there was an endgame as Steve introduces you to some very unlikable characters for a horror film. There is an island setting, expensive cars, big house for the party, talk of attending Georgetown without loans and such, trust fund babies to say it simply. Along the way these young people going to party talk of this local thing, “The Paige Plant” and how it is going to poison everyone at some point or what is really made there? One of the girl’s fathers of course owns but doesn’t have a clue what exactly goes on there for years. Once the group hits the house for some drinking and evening falls that is when the old school sirens blare as an orange fog rolls close to the home. This sets in motion the group to break down very quickly and turn on each other in a heartbeat. Now the choice of music during this might not be the best but that is for a different conversation? Without giving too much away that is the plot of the film. Now saying that the film has too much filler, characters I hate, but I enjoyed how they quickly broke down and the ending is wonderful! The project is a huge mess in some ways but I don’t think these characters were ever supposed to be likable and the ending has an issue but I do like what the filmmaker went for but the rewatchablity will be tough for horror fans once they actually think this film through. Think ‘The Sixth Sense’ as an example after you see it can you really go back and give it a proper watch now that you know everything? Saying that I liked this film a little more than some people out there in social media land, it wasn’t perfect by a long shot but I did enjoy the deep subject matter of this film once it was over as I give it 3 stars.

Monsternado (DVD) – A hilarious British bootleg ‘Sharknado’ flick where a dude has been predicting a crazy tornado thingy that will come out of the Bermuda Triangle for years! The tornado or water spout has stirred up ancient sea life from this area that hasn’t been encountered ever. He was hired by FEMA to think outside of the box but when the shit goes down he is left behind to defend this event with almost nothing! Then you have a subplot of this film where three FBI and Interpol agents catch a sexual deviant at a hotel but cannot escort this dangerous individual because of  this legendary storm. Matt has a plan but needs help from the hotel staff to execute it correctly which sets up a cool scene of a redhead agent getting eaten by a crocodile in a stairway. Yes it is a bad movie but I laughed several times throughout so gather friends, beer, and pizza and have fun as I give it 2 stars.

The Seventh Curse (Tubi) – Dr. Yuan is a young doctor who lives a charmed life it seems but the good doctor has a secret as he is under some kind of “blood spell”! So the good doctor is told he needs to go back to Thailand or he will die a terrible death if he doesn’t get this year long spell lifted? This all because as in his flashback for the first half of the film is him witnessing some strange ritual that involves a batshit ritual of him fighting a nutzoid “old ancestor” (a shape shifting demon) to save a beautiful woman. Joe Bob Briggs would have a field day in the first forty minutes as it is loaded with “Blood, Boobs, and Beasts”! Now a year later is the main course as the doctor returns to Thailand to even crazier more hilarious shit as the doctor has to save this annoying tagalong character the rest of the way. This movie is complete chaos and feels like the Baskin and Robbins (31 flavors of ice cream for those who don’t know as this had at least a dozen ideas jammed in one) of the 80s film industry? This beautiful over the top film is just bonkers and entertaining as hell as I give it 4 stars all the way.

Suitable Flesh (Shudder) – Heather Graham or Dr. Derby is a very formal doctor who tries to help patients with some of their mental health issues. Until she is seeked out by a college student of Miskatonic University who intrigues her so much that she breaks her own rules to try to help him. He explains his out-of-body experience as he wants her help until the young man turns her life upside down and she goes down a wormhole of insanity how or if she can help even after knowing it happened to her sister in Barbara Crampton. But Derby pursues it as she must know about the boy’s father but isn’t prepared to what is found and hear this fantastic story. We got a mythical book, pictures of Cthulhu, and blood to make strange things such as body transference happen in this exciting Lovecraft tale. I like the film but didn’t love it but no matter what horror fans are all going to enjoy this in some capacity as I give it 3 stars.

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews .

Plus you can always go to the greatest T-shirt place online or if you are in Texas visit the store of “Fast Custom Shirts” where T-shirt Joe is the only place you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

Dual Visions Unveils the Official Artwork for The Divine Tragedies

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“Your Death will be Beautiful”

 

Film production company Dual Visions has completed the official artwork for the serial killer fever dream The Divine Tragedies. The artwork shows a partially disguised character from the film. As well, this horrifying crime thriller is loosely based on the Leopold and Loeb murder case, in which two brothers murdered a young fourteen year old boy. This case shocked citizens of Chicago in 1924. Now, director Jose Prendes (The Haunting of Whaley House) is re-envisioning this case for a new audience. And, fans of the crime genre can preview more from the film here.

 

The official artwork shows a wounded young woman and rose petals. The blood reds highlight the darker elements of the film. Also, the tagline promises murder: “your death will be…beautiful.” But, who will be the first victim? Deep blues also contrast the lighter colours, with a butterfly symbolizing transformation. And, graphic artist Sasha Burrow and photographer Matt Shapira have designed this artwork to show the bloody nature of the film. This film is both bloody and strangely beautiful.

 

As an update, The Divine Tragedies has completed filming. Brothers and producers James and Jon Kondelik are hoping to release this title before audiences later this year as the film tours the film festival circuit. Fans of horror will have a chance to see some of the most famous faces in the genre on the big screen, including: Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead), Lynn Lowry (Cat People), Barbara Crampton (You’re Next) and Sean Whalen (People Under the Stairs). Fans will not have to wait long to see the film, with a World Premiere set to be announced shortly. Also, a trailer will be released soon and the clip will reveal more of the film’s haunting and tragic story. More details on the film are just a few short weeks away.

 

The official synopsis: The Divine Tragedies, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco, who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder. And when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail (Dual Visions).

Director: Jose Prendes.

 

Producers: Jon and James Kondelik.

 

Cast: Lynn Lowry, Ken Foree, Sean Whalen, Graham Denman and Jon Kondelik.

 

For more info on the film visit the film’s Facebook page:

 

www.facebook.com/divinetragediesmovie

 

Divine Tragedies

Gross Movie Reviews loves the new “Delirium” magazine!

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Gross Movie Reviews loves the new “Delirium” magazine!

 

By Tim Gross

 

For years I have collected horror magazines: Fangoria, Gorezone, Slaughter House, Toxic Horror, Fango’s poster mags, Horrorhound, Ultra Violent, Rue Morgue… They were all good in their own way but at all times I always felt something was missing and me being me it was Full Moon! Yeah I have shouted from the heavens for years Full Moon and Charles Band never got much respect in the horror magazine world. Call me crazy but it was one of the many reasons I stop buying magazines a couple years ago. Every once in a while there would be a blurb two sentences long about Band’s latest flick and that was it. But didn’t “Batman Returns” and even Gene Simmons grace the covers of Fangoria. Really, but that is for another article and another time of ranting.

Then a couple months ago I heard rumbles that Full Moon was going to be in the business of not only doing their own streaming channel but a full color magazine? At first, I thought this had to be another of Charles Band’s crazy ideas that may never see the light of day as the man seems to have more projects going all at once than most studios attempt in a full year. But after the streaming site went up and I heard Full Moon fans actually giggle in delight I knew I had to take this seriously. But what also got my attention was Chris Alexander was going to have a big hand in bringing the Full Moon magazine to life. Mr. Alexander deserves credit for bringing back Fangoria from the dimension of “No one gives a fuck about that magazine any longer”. So I knew when this magazine was released I was in for a treat and a treat it is Full Moon fans. Imagine the original black and white Full Moon newsletter, the great Videozone after all the great Full Moon films, and Charles Band’s great You Tube updates all smashed into a beautiful creation called, “Delirium!”

Delirium is a magazine fully dedicated to everything Full Moon and to top it off for its first issue they go get Stuart Gordon for an interview and talk everything “Re-Animator” which makes my Full Moon heart just melt. The first bi-monthly issue not only covers Stuart Gordon, but Barbara Crampton, music of Richard Band, 88 Films, Tourist Trap ( a Chuck Connors classic), The new Wizard Studios, and lets you in on Blue Underground has just hooked up with Charles Band and company. What makes this magazine special is it makes me think Charles Band read my mind but in all honestly just shows Full Moon is back and seems to be traveling the path of being as popular as they were in the 90s if not bigger… with much more to come! So be sure you do yourself a favor and get a subscription to my new favorite magazine NOW!!! The Puppet Master fan in you commands you to do so or face the fury of Blade, Jester, Pinhead, and Leech woman.

delirium-issue-1-cover

The Divine Tragedies Announces the Casting of Barbara Cramptom

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Writer and director Jose Prendes (The Haunting of Whaley House) and producers Jon and James Kondelik are excited to announce the casting of the eternally beautiful Barbara Crampton (Your’re Next, Re-animator). Crampton joins her From Beyond co-star Ken Foree, in their new film The Divine Tragedies.

 

Barbara says of the film: “I am very excited to take part in Jose Prendes’s complex and disturbing film, The Divine Tragedies; deeply exploring the nature of relationships and the influence they provide while carving out our places in the world,” she says. “I am excited to play the mother of two brothers whose torturous tendencies exact horrific carnage to people they claim to both admire and love. Being reunited with one of my favorite co-stars, horror luminary Ken Foree, is an added delight!”

 

The Divine Tragedies, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker (Graham Denman, The Haunting of Whaley House) and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco (Jon Kondelik, Airplane Vs. Volcano), who were raised by their arthritis-twisted, alcoholic Mother (Barbara Crampton). The boys concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder, and when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

 

“Barbara is an actress that I have admired for years and I am beyond thrilled to have her on this film,” says Jose. “She glows with life and is really going to surprise people with her performance in this one. Not only does she love the material and respect it, which is the best compliment an actor can give, but she has raised the bar for us dramatically.”

 

*filming begins at the end of February.

 

Director: Jose Prendes.

 

Producers: Jon and James Kondelik.

 

Cast: Lynn Lowry, Ken Foree, Sean Whalen, Graham Denman and Jon Kondelik.

 

For more info on the film visit the film’s Facebook page:

 

www.facebook.com/divinetragediesmovie

 

Barbara Crampton