All Hallows' Eve (2013)

Halloween is a time for tricks, treats, ghosts, goblins, monsters, and skimpy female costumes. Halloween has had its fair share of negativity over the years. Razorblades in apples, cyanide in Pixy Stix and kids being abducted while trick or treating are just some of the creepy stories we all heard growing up. The question is, what would you do if you found a VHS tape in your candy bag? Would you watch it?

Written & Directed by Damien Leone, All Hallows’ Eve is a Halloween anthology film. The film follows a babysitter watching two children for a friend. The boy finds a VHS tape in his candy bag and persists on watching it. The tape contains three horrifying tales of terror, all involving a frightening clown named Art. With the completion of each film strange things begin happening around the house and the babysitter makes a shocking discovery.

All Hallows’ Eve is a pretty damn good film. Each of the three tales are written very well, and are very different from each other. The standout storylines for AHE are the last short and overall arch story. The other two tales are good, but pale in comparison. I think the first two films are missing the shock value of the others. Although when they are put together the pacing works great. It seemed to gradually get more intense as the film drew on, culminating to the shocking final moments of the film.

The film stars Catherine A. Callahan, Marie Maser, Katie Maguire, and Kayla Lian. Each leading lady did very well in their respective roles and an all-around fine job. Making his return is Art the Clown played by Mike Giannelli. Before All Hallows’ Eve came to fruition, a short film named Terrifier made an appearance on YouTube. This film would serve as the catalyst for All Hallows’ Eve’s inception, as well as, the start to Art the Clown’s reign of terror. This short film is included in the feature as the last VHS tale and I will say Damien Leone left the best short for last.

The film is heavy on the gore for all you blood hungry freaks. Boasting some pretty incredible practical effects, the viewers at home are treated with severed limbs, deformed creatures, a beheading, aliens, and tons more. I was also impressed with some of the weapons that were used including a chain with rusty blades and needles attached to it. One of the films greatest strengths is its use of camera filters. The aged look of the film stock really boosts its credibility and puts a nice touch to the film. The film is light on nudity and only has one scene that is questionable but I won’t give that away. The best part of All Hallows’ Eve is Art the clown. In my opinion Art has the capability of becoming the next big horror movie icon.

Released by Image Entertainment in association with Ruthless Pictures All Hallows’ Eve is one hell of a ride. Starting from humble beginnings to a full length feature the film, All Hallows’ Eve makes a strong case to put itself amongst the Halloween greats. With an iconic main villain and strong practical effects GLP gives this Halloween mainstay a 4 out of 5 stabs. All Hallows’ Eve will be released on October 29^th, 2013. For more information on the film visit its official Facebook page. Also visit RuthlessPictures, and Image Entertainment pages for upcoming releases. You can pre-order All Hallows’ Ever here. View the Red Band trailer below.

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Curse Of Chucky (2013)

What would you do if your favorite doll came to life, and wanted to steal your soul/body to become human? In the process of this started killing everyone that came in his way. That is a question that many fictional characters have come face to face with for almost 3 decades. Child's Play (aka Chucky) has been frightening & entertaining viewers of just about all ages. This time Charles Lee Ray is back in an all new direct to video sequel.

Curse of Chucky, written & directed by Don Mancini, is a seemingly new story in the Child's Play franchise. As the 6^th installment our favorite little bad guy Chucky wines up with a new family and once again causes mayhem and death. Little do we know, but the film has a bit of a twist at the end.

Released directly to home video by Universal Home Entertainment, Curse of Chucky is actually pretty good. The beginning set up is rather slow but once things get started its very entertaining. Chucky is once again played by the infamous Brad Dourif and the wise cracks are as good as ever. The acting isn’t bad either, Everyone gave pretty good performances. Interestingly enough, the lead female Nica is played by Brad Dourif’s daughter Fiona Dourif. Fiona did a tremendous job with the role of Nica and was a very convincing paraplegic.

The kills in Curse of Chucky are very good too. The fans will be delighted to see a very ample amount of red stuff in this sequel. We are treated to electrocutions, stabbing, a wicked car accident, some face smashing, and more. As far as T&A there is a severe lack of nudity, however the guys are treated to Jill played by the very pretty Maitland McConnell in her bra and panties. Nothing for the ladies this time.

I noticed for very cool camera angles and transitions being used that peaked my interest. The transition that really stands out for me, is this circulate shot that focuses on Chucky and as the camera is spinning around him the background changes to a jump in time. This shot was very pretty. There is also a scene devout of any color sans a bright yellow that looked amazing as well. The cinematographers & editing team did a great job.

Curse of Chucky is not the best movie in the world but it’s very entertaining. The film takes you to a different place than the others offering a fresh take on the films but at the same time keeping the old school feel of the originals. GLP gives Curse of Chucky a solid 4 out of 5 stabs for acting, story, editing, cinematography, and kills. For more information on the film visit their Facebook page. The film is also available now on Unrated Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, standard DVD, and New Boxset featuring all 6 Child's Play Movies. View the trailer below.

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Fright Night 2: New Blood (2013)

Vampires have almost always been around in some form or another. In the 80’s a great vampire flick named Fright Night helped put a modern spin on the vampires of the past. Shortly after its sequel (Fright Night II) arose from the coffin but failed to turn any heads. Fast forward to 2011, A remake steps into the light. Capitalizing on the success of many Real-D movies beforehand Fright Night re-emerges with a fresh new spin on the classic 80’s fare, and a hip new cast. Which leads me 2 year after…yet another remake has stepped forth, but in the form of a sequel.

Fright Night 2: New Blood is straight-to-video film about 3 friends studying abroad in Romania. One of the students starts getting suspicious about his teacher and soon finds out that some secrets are better left unknown. The film was good, but unfortunately none of the actors of the first remake reprised their roles for this installation. While it would have been nice to see the character back for a second time it wasn’t necessary, because this film has nothing to do with any of the events in the first. The only similarities between this film and Fright Night (remake) are the characters names.

This is where I became confused. The film’s title is Fright Night 2, it has pretty much all of the same characters, but are not connected at all. Usually with a sequel containing the same characters, the film would be a continuation of the last…this is unfortunately not the case at all. Directed by Eduardo Rodriguez, Fright Night 2 is its own film. There is no story continuation. It acts like the original remake never happened. Jerry Dandrige is now Gerri Dandrige and is female. The characters of Charley and Ed still seek out Peter Vincent who is the host of a paranormal hunt show.

With this slight over site out of the way, the film is still rather good. The acting was done very well. Will Payne does a good job as Charley. Chris Waller is almost a spot on Ed. And Sacha Parkinson is a wonderful Amy. The stand out of the film for me however, was the gorgeous Jamie Murray (Dexter). Here portrayal of the now female Gerri Dandrige was great. She’s screams sex throughout the entire movie. Even when she vamps out she has this sex appeal the really makes the character of Gerri stand out.

There is a lot of red stuff in this film, most of which is CGI effects but it’s done with a very fine precision and looks polished. The viewer gets blessed with a throat slitting, an eye stabbing, tons of crucifix burns, and a sunshine evisceration. The film also boasts a very high t&a count, with a full frontal female nudity & some various booby shots. There is not much for the female views except for Sean Powers shirtless…sorry ladies.

As I said the film is good. I wish it were called “Fright Night: New Blood” but I understand why Fox decided to release it that way. I would defiantly look into this film as it really was entertaining and fun. GLP gives this blood sucker a 3 out of 5 stabs for good story, acting, and visual effects. Fright Night 2 is available now Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, and DVD. View the trailer below.

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