Hostile Dimensions, the latest sci-fi/horror film from director Graham Hughes, will hit theaters and digital/VOD platforms on August 23rd, courtesy of Dark Sky Films. This twist-filled multiverse thriller follows two documentary filmmakers investigating the mysterious disappearance of a graffiti artist. Their search leads them to an ominous freestanding door, plunging them into a dark journey through various dimensions.
Read MoreArt of a Hit (2024)
Art of a Hit, releasing on August 20th, 2024, from Giant Pictures, showcases an intriguing blend of rock culture and horror, starring a notable cast including Ryan Donowho, Charlie Saxton, and Tim Jo. This film attempts to capture the essence of the late '90s rock scene while intertwining it with a chilling narrative set in a 1000-year-old French chateau. Despite its shortcomings, Art of a Hit deserves appreciation for its originality and effort.
Read MoreBud (2024)
Bud, directed by Shane Bradford, takes us deep into the heart of West Texas, where a group of elitists makes the grave mistake of trying to muscle their way into a small town with plans to build a casino. But they soon learn that they’ve picked the wrong family to mess with. What follows is a bloody showdown as the locals rise up to protect their land, and the bodies start piling up.
Read MoreThe Only Ones (2024)
The Only Ones, written and directed by Jordan Miller, is a slasher film that stands out with its fully developed characters, unexpected twists, and brutal kills. It opens with a chilling tale reminiscent of horror classics like Wrong Turn, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Hatchet. The terrifying figure of Boneface, the killer in the story, is as frightening as he is badass.
Read MoreWe Are Zombies (2023)
When the dead are back, what do we do with them? RKSS, the team behind Turbo Kid and Summer of '84, offers a fresh take on the undead in the SCREAMBOX Original We Are Zombies, streaming everywhere on August 13. The music in We Are Zombies is so exceptional that I wish it could follow me around and score my life.
Read MoreBecky (2024)
Becky is a thrilling ride that harkens back to the psychological thrillers of the 90s, with a modern twist that keeps the viewer both entertained and on edge. Directed by Houston native Justin Milton, the film follows a newly married couple as they settle into their suburban home, only to have their lives upended by a dangerously obsessed neighbor, Becky. The plot may feel familiar—a pretty, twisted woman becomes infatuated with a happily married man and wreaks havoc on his marriage and career—but Milton's execution elevates this story beyond its predictable beats.
Read MoreMagnum Opus: The .MOVie (2022)
Magnum Opus: The .MOVie is more than just a film; it's a testament to friendship and a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Addison Binek, the creator of Psycho Ape, along with James Johnson, Brad LaJoye, and Johnathan Gogoleski, have pieced together a chaotic yet endearing collection of stunts and shenanigans captured on a mix of VHS, Hi-8, MiniDV, and Digital HD. The result is a time capsule that perfectly encapsulates the recklessness and camaraderie of a bygone era.
Read MoreRed Dawn (1984) #RetroReview
John Milius’ Red Dawn from 1984 envisions a scenario where the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Nicaragua invade the US, triggering World War 3. It is perhaps silly in its patriotic fervor, but it’s an undeniably action-packed thriller that’s beautifully shot. The first movie to be released in the US with the then-new PG-13 rating, I think it would probably get an R today as there’s a ton of onscreen violence. For what it’s worth, I’ve never seen the remake.
Read MoreCloak & Dagger (1984) #RetroReview
Richard Franklin’s Cloak & Dagger from 1984 is a childhood fave for many of us who grew up during the Cold War. Watching it now, it feels like yet another example of how much heavier PG fare was in the ‘80s. Since it celebrates its 40th anniversary on August 10th, I figured I’d take a look back!
Read MoreThe Murder of the Monster (2024)
Microbudget filmmaker Michael Rock is back with another found footage film. However, The Murder of the Monster marks his first solo feature-length effort. It’s also a bit of a departure for the producer/writer/director in that it’s not a straight-up genre piece.
Read MoreThe Mouse Trap (2024)
The Mouse Trap is an intriguing attempt to blend horror with nostalgic elements, but it ultimately delivers a mixed bag of results. The film's arcade setting is visually appealing, capturing the essence of 90s nostalgia, and it’s clear that the production team put significant effort into creating an authentic backdrop. However, despite this strong visual foundation, the movie struggles with execution in several areas.
Read More#AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024)
SAW for the streaming generation is an apt description for Marcus Dunstan's #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead, a horror flick that attempts to capture the attention of Gen Z with a blend of gore, mystery, and pop culture references. While the film has its moments of fun, it often borders on corny, lacking the inspiration and innovation needed to stand out in a crowded genre. The plot revolves around a group of college friends, each fitting into the stereotypical molds familiar from early 2000s horror films.
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