‘What role will you play?’

OMG… We’re in a Horror Movie!!! is a 2014 American comedy horror film directed by Ajala Bandele (who also stars) from a screenplay co-written with Tom Hatfield. As the title suggests, it concerns a group of friends who inexplicably find themselves trapped in a horror movie…

Main cast:

Ajala Bandele, Liz Fenning, Sharon Mae Wang, Brittany Anne Woodford, Brendan McGowan, Shanna Malcolm, Chris Hampton, Nils Jansson.

Official synopsis:

Six friends having a weekly board game night are interrupted by a booming movie trailer voice from the sky. Inexplicably, they find themselves trapped in a horror movie!

Who amongst them will turn into a homicidal killer? Who will be the sole survivor? And who will be the first to die in the shower? Struggling to break free from the stereotypes that would see them dead, each of the friends try to stay alive in whatever hopelessly desperate ways they can…

Review:

“If you’re expecting cheap parody-esque jokes with pooping and farting, they are pretty much non-existent here. The film is full of clever jokes found in the writing of the film that play on the expectations of a typical horror (and slasher, specifically) film.” Brendan W, Game It All

“Raunchy, offensive humor can be fantastic when the punchlines land, but in this sad case, they do not. To Bandele’s credit, he does try to draw laughs by breaking the fourth wall, but these efforts are horribly overshadowed.” Alicja Johnson, Screen Relish

“So many doors were opened when the cast was tossed into their own horror movie but they tried to play it safe by attempting to be a shitty slasher with no originality or entertaining values.” Blacktooth, Horror Society

“This movie might be some of the best horror satire I’ve seen in a long time.  I’ve seen some reviews that liken it to Tucker and Dale vs Evil and I have to agree.  In this movie nothing is as you expect it to be, and you just need to strap in and enjoy the ride.” Aubrey Bree, Nerd Squadron

” … big on ideas, but low on technical proficiency, good writing, acting, and story. It tries hard, withCommunity and Joss Whedon-esque aspirations of humour, but its characters irritate and most of its jokes fall flat.” Joel Harley, Starburst

“After a strong start, it’s fair to say that the film sags towards the middle and the running time of 107 minutes does feel a little over stretched … Mad, but kind of fun at the same time. Not all of the laughs land quite as you might want… ” Sinead Beverland, UK Horror Scene

Trailer:

IMDb | Official website | Facebook

WH

‘By knife, by rope, by axe. Bye bye!’

The Dark Side of Midnight – aka The Creeper – is a 1984 psycho thriller co-produced, written, edited and directed by Wes Olsen (who also stars). The film was distributed by Troma Entertainment in the US and overseas. The German title is Blood City.

Buy: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com

Main cast:

James F. Moore, Wes Olsen, Sandy Schemmel, Dave Bowling, Dan Myers, Dennis Brennan.

Plot:

Specialist private detective, Brock Johnson is called in to investigate a series of murders in Fort Smith, committed by a killer, known as ‘The Creeper’. His investigation is hampered by the corrupt local mayor, who has bought reams of local land as he is attempting to attract a new university to set up campus…

Reviews:

“ … a pure exercise in ineptitude at every level. Local theater actors with little to no in-front-of-camera experience shout their dreadful dialogue, move their eyebrows and bob their heads a lot, amplifying every nuance in case the people at the back can’t see it – oh wait, it’s a film, not a play.” Vegan Vorhees

“You just can’t fake bad acting like that seen in this film. Such a thing requires a certain level of earnestness — the poor people are just trying so damned hard — to make the awkward delivery and unnatural rhythms truly funny. Also: mustaches! If you like mustaches — and who doesn’t like a mustache? — you’ll love this mustache-filled film.” Kernunrex

“In 1984 Wes Olsen wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in The Dark Side of Midnight. Since he had so much on his plate he obviously forgot his lines a bunch of times and cast a lead who slurred his lines so bad your television practically turns into smell-o-vision with wafts of booze strong enough to get you buzzed.” Hollie Horror, Letterboxd

Choice dialogue:

“Rough spot isn’t the word for it, Bill”

Filming locations:

Modesto and Oakdale, California, USA

Wikipedia | IMDb

‘Some things never rest in peace.’

Funeral Home – aka Cries in the Night – is a 1980 Canadian horror film produced and directed by William Fruet (Death Weekend; Spasms; Killer Party) from a screenplay by Ida Nelson.

Main cast:

Kay Hawtrey [as Hawtry] (Love at Stake; Haunted by Her Past; American Psycho II), Lesleh Donaldson (Happy Birthday to Me; Deadly Eyes; Curtains), Barry Morse, Dean Garbett, Stephen Miller, Alfred Humphreys (Death Weekend; My Bloody Valentine), Peggy Mahon and Harvey Atkin.

Plot: 

A young woman, Maude Chalmers, arrives at her grandmother’s house, which used to be a funeral home, to help her turn the place into a bed-and-breakfast inn. But soon after they open, guests begin to either disappear and/or turn up dead…

Reviews:

“The movie brings forth a spooky tone and psychological mystery that most slashers simply do not, and yet it still maintains all the wonderful cheese you expect from an 80s slasher. Funeral Home is Canada’s Psycho!” Brett H, Oh, the Horror!

“Unfortunately, just as the film builds up to an enjoyable and campily frenetic climax it blows it all with a complete dramatic damp squib of an ending- it’s one of those, you know the ones, where you exclaim to yourself, “Oh,…. is that it?”. Hysteria Lives

“Some hack n’ slash tendencies are present but the consistent level of pacing and atmosphere here is usually unseen in the wave that came after Carpenter’s Halloween. Definitely recommended however; don’t come in expecting to see a body count or an emergence of an unheralded slasher icon.” Jayson Kennedy, Basement of Ghoulish Decadence

“[spoiler] … ultimately it’s the drunken abuses of the absent grandfather that are blamed for the murderous rampage well, kinda-rampage. Here, the poisonous male character is a mere spectre, and Fruet shows us that even in death, dudes are potent saboteurs. Too bad he couldn’t explore that idea in Ida Nelson’s script with a lot more punch.” Canuxploitation!

Release:

The film was released in Canada in 1980 by Frontier Amusements and in America in 1982 by MPM.

It was released on VHS by Vouge Video in Canada in 1982 and Paragon Video in 1983 and again in 1986 as a big box reissue. Subsequent DVD releases have all been transfers from poor quality VHS.

Cast and characters:

• Kay Hawtrey as Maude Chalmers
• Lesleh Donaldson as Heather
• Barry Morse as Mr. Davis
• Dean Garbett as Rick Yates
• Stephen E. Miller as Billy Hibbs
• Alf Humphreys as Joe Yates
• Peggy Mahon as Florie
• Harvey Atkin as Harry Browning
• Robert Warner as Sheriff
• Jack Van Evera as James Chalmers
• Les Rubie as Sam
• Doris Petrie as Ruby
• Bill Lake as Frank
• Brett Matthew Davidson as Young Rick
• Christopher Crabb as Teddy
• Robert Craig as Barry Oaks
• Linda Dalby as Linda
• Gerard Jordan as Pete
• Eleanor Beecroft as Shirley

Trailer:

Wikipedia | IMDb

‘One by one they will meet…’

The Slayer is a 2016 American slasher film written, produced and directed by former actor Reuben Rox (Return to Witch Graveyard; Screams of a Summer Day; Lurking Evil) who also stars.

The film should not be confused with the 1982 film of the same name.

Main cast:

Catherine Franklin, Rachel Wise, Teresa Reed, Jade Michael LaFont, Luc Bernier, Sarah Hubbird, Ryan McKinnon, Randy Robinson.

Plot:

Summer camp counsellors fall prey to the vicious killer lurking in the deserted grounds…

Filming Locations:

Southern Oregon, USA

IMDb

Laid to Rest is a 2009 slasher horror film written and directed by special makeup effects artist Robert Green Hall (Teen Wolf [two episodes]; Fear Clinic).

A sequel, ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2, followed in 2011.

Main cast:

Bobbi Sue Luther [who also co-produced; Killer Pad; Night of the Demons], Kevin Gage (Amusement; Fear Clinic), Sean Whalen, Johnathon Schaech, Thomas Dekker, Nick Principe, Richard Lynch, Lena Headey.

Plot:

A young woman with amnesia breaks out of a coffin in a funeral home, and dials 911 in the morgue. The mortician appears, but is impaled by a man equipped with a chrome skull mask, and a shoulder mounted camera. The girl stabs ChromeSkull in the eye, and runs off while he treats his wound. The girl is picked up by Tucker, who takes her home to his wife Cindy, and promises her that they will go to the sheriff’s station in the morning, as Tucker’s truck is low on gas, and their phone service has been cut off…

Buy: Amazon.com

Reviews:

” … ChromeSkull’s kills, proportioned out fairly evenly through the movie’s running time, are suitably bloody and vicious. Music is provided by the likes of Suicidal Tendencies and Deadbox, if that tells you anything about the tone of Laid to Rest. All in all, it’s an aggressive movie. The only drawback is that the movie contrives a lot of convenient coincidences to keep the plot rolling.” Justin Felix, DVD Talk

“If anything will get people talking about Laid to Rest, it’s the gore. The gags that director Robert Hall—an FX guy in his own right—and his talented team of effects gurus concoct are both unique and revolting … There’s a lot more, each successive murder more gruesome than the one that preceded it and they’re all executed brilliantly.” David Johnson, DVD Verdict

“Laid to Rest does have some minor issues with pacing at first but really finds its stride about 30 minutes in and just keeps moving along until the very end. What I like here is that Hall was able to create a slasher film with characters we care about but definitely doesn’t take anything too seriously either, giving horror fans a movie that’s both entertaining and a lot of fun to watch.” The Horror Chick, Dread Central

Buy: Amazon.co.uk

“After some of the most evocative and terrifying open credits of any movie, featuring both topless victims and a butchered torso, there’s no letup in Laid to Rest.” Death by Umbrella! The 100 Weirdest Horror Movie Weapons

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Cast and characters:

• Bobbi Sue Luther as The Girl/Princess Gemstone
• Kevin Gage as Tucker Smith
• Sean Whalen as Steven
• Johnathon Schaech as Johnny
• Thomas Dekker as Tommy
• Nick Principe as ChromeSkull / Jesse Cromeans
• Jana Kramer as Jamie
• Lucas Till as Young Store Clerk
• Seraphine DeYoung as Bound Girl
• Anthony Fitzgerald as Anthony
• Richard Lynch as Mr. Jones
• Lena Headey as Cindy Smith

Trailer:

Wikipedia | IMDb | Facebook

WH

‘Til death do us part.’

Honeymoon Horror is a 1982 American slasher horror film written and directed by Harry Preston (Blood of the Wolf Girl) from a story by L.L. ‘Jack’ Carney.

This was one of the first direct-to-video films purchased by Sony Home Video and released to the fledgling video rental market. It allegedly made millions of dollars for Sony who bought it for $50,000 from the Texas film makers.

Main cast:

Paul Iwanski, Bob Wagner, Cheryl Black, Philip Thompson, James Caskey, Bill Pecchi, Jerry Meagher, William Clarke, Margi Curry, Mary Lou Wittman, Leslie McKinley, Kathy Johnson.

Official synopsis:

‘Imagine every newlywed’s fantasy, a rustic secluded lover’s paradise- Honeymoon Island. What starts as a weekend of love, turns into a nightmare of blood and terror for three young innocent couples. What lurks in the shadows of Honeymoon Lodge? Is it the caretaker, or perhaps something more fiendish and deadly? Honeymoon Island, where newlyweds joined in holy matrimony spend their wedding night screaming in terror!’

Reviews:

“Honeymoon Horror is a poorly put together movie, but looks much better here than in the most common print available. Preston has said that the production was so awkward that most of his ideas were devoured by the lack of budget and the film does look shoddy and cheap. For a slice of regional filmmaking with a cool maniac though, it at least deserves to be seen.” A Slash Above

” … even with the slow pace I was never really bored. The horrid dialogue kept me laughing throughout; I particularly liked the guy who told his wife he had to go practice his weightlifting on their wedding night (which in any other movie would result in the now isolated man being clubbed to death with his own barbells, but not Honeymoon Horror!” Brian W. Collins, Horror Movie a Day

Buy: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com

“Honeymoon Horror is helplessly bogged down with talky scenes and nudity, not to mention absurd characters, particularly the Cockney maid (!). When it actually shows up, the gore is pretty plentiful and the special effects not too bad, but the cast are uniformly awful.” Jim Harper, Legacy of Blood

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Filming locations: 

Austin Patio Dude Ranch in Grapevine, Texas, USA

Clip:

IMDb

‘Brothers to the end… the very end.’

Pledge Night – aka A Hazing in Hell and Death Night – is a 1988 (released 1990) American supernatural slasher horror film directed by Paul Ziller from a screenplay by producer Joyce Snyder. The film is notable for the antagonist, Sid, played in a brief flashback by Anthrax lead singer Joey Belladonna.

Main cast:

Todd Eastland, Dennis Sullivan, Craig Derrick, David Neal Evans, Robert Lentini, James Davies, Lawton Paseka, Michael T. Henderson, Arthur Lundquist, Steven Christopher Young, Tony Barbieri, Will Kempe.

Plot:

In order to become a member of a college fraternity, the applicants have to go through initiation rituals to show their loyalty.

Way back in the 1960s, someone played a nasty trick on the student Sidney Scheider: He had to take a bath in a tub filled with cornflakes and coffee grounds, vinegar and even more disgusting substances. Nothing unusual so far but someone had replaced the water with pure acid. Sidney was seriously wounded and died a horrible death.

This year Acid Sid returns with a vengeance, killing everyone who comes his way. One by one, they are slaughtered…

Reviews:

It’s refreshing to see a supernatural killer here – particularly as it’s so unexpected, given the movie’s straight-up Porkys-by-numbers first half. And once the facially-disfigured Sid is on the loose, he racks up a fair few killings, some of which are quite well presented, with a fair gore level, although many (such an egg whisk down the throat) are off-screen.” Slasherama.com

“The first hour plays out like a piss poor riff of Animal House. Drunk groping of chicks, fugly stripper boobs, ass paddlings, ass cheek cherry races, and all that done-to-death crap. When the killing starts; it’s not frightening in the least with the first possessed laughing like a hyena as he kills.” Basement of Ghoulish Decadence

“This time the killings are done by a supernatural psycho named Acid Sid. These and other oddities more than make up for the lazy, amateurish feel to the movie. But the ample amounts of the red stuff, and the obvious toilet humor (just loot at the VHS cover), gives this one the Beavis and Butthead seal of approval.” The Trashy Horror Charlie Show

Filming locations:

Rutgers University – 7 College Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

Trailer:

Wikipedia | IMDb | Image thanks: Critical Condition

Massacre Up North is a 2001 Canadian slasher horror film starring, written, directed and by Paul Stoichevesk [as Paul Stoichevski].

The film also features Kieran Hart, Lorn Eisen, Labe Kagan, Allison Leigha Taylor, David Franklyn-Ratchford, Tony Sciara.

Press release:

Shivers Entertainment is a brand spanking new Canadian-based film distribution company. From Victoria, British Columbia and developed by long time exploitation film fan Brenin Barrow, the first major release for Shivers Ent. is the truly disturbing Canuxploitation film Massacre Up North!

This shot-on-video slasher is one of the bloodiest titles to ever be produced in Canada. Full of gore, terror and nudity, Massacre Up North involves one man’s deadly trail of destruction, in small town Canada.

Shivers Entertainment will be re-launching this title, 15 years after its original release. This time, Shivers will release Massacre Up North with a very limited VHS copy; only 70 copies will be available.

As well, this will be the film’s first DVD launch and it will host a new, bloodier cover than the original.”

Release Date: May 24th 2016.

Official synopsis:

“After a camping accident leaves him disfigured and tormented by classmates, Leslie Rejick only has one thing on his mind: It’s Time to Even The Score! With a hardware store chock-full of deadly tools at his disposal, he leaves behind a merciless path of death and destruction in a small Canadian town.

A pair of inept city detectives, determined to track down the killer, enlist the help of eccentric local coroner Patrick. But, Patrick holds a secret of his own, and he ultimately leads the detectives head-on into a bizarre, bloody battle with the psychotic killer…

Reviews:

“This cheap and juvenile attempt at psychological horror suffers from abominable acting, poor special effects, criminal over length, the drab work of the aptly-named video-grapher, Geoff Bland, and the kind of lazy, misanthropic world view, masquerading as a cry for tolerance, that can only be formed after years of living in the comfort of your parents’ basement.”

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca

IMDb | Shivers Entertainment

Halloween [expect an addition to the title] is a 2017 American reboot of the slasher horror film series that began in 1978 and which has generated a total of nearly $400 million in worldwide box office.

[Update 25/05/16]: Bloody Disgusting has posted the news that two genre-friendly directors – Mike Flanagan (Absentia; Hush; Oculus; Ouija 2) and Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die; You’re Next; The Guest; The Woods) – are apparently in the offing for the taking on the directorial chores.

This new project replaces Halloween Returns, which had been announced for 2016 by Dimension Films and was due to be directed by Marcus Dunstan (Feast and sequels; The Collector; The Collection).

The 2017 film will be a joint production between Blumhouse, Miramax, and Trancas International Films, with Blumhouse’s Jason Blum and Trancas’ Malek Akkad (Halloween: Resurrection; Halloween [2007) and Halloween II [2009]) acting as producers.

Update: Bloody Disgusting has posted the news that two genre-friendly directors – Mike Flanagan (Absentia; Hush; Oculus; Ouija 2) and Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die; You’re Next; The Guest; The Woods) – are apparently in the offing for the taking on the directorial chores.

Announcing the new movie to the press, executive producer John Carpenter said: “Thirty-eight years after the original Halloween I’m going to help to try to make the tenth sequel the scariest of them all.”

Jason Blum added: “Halloween is one of those milestone films that inspired everyone at our company to get into the world of scary movies. The great Malek Akkad and John Carpenter have a special place in the hearts of all genre fans and we are so excited that Miramax brought us together. We cannot wait to find and collaborate with the right filmmaker to give Halloween fans the movie they deserve.”

Source: The Wrap

‘Campfire stories can be deadly’

MoonStalker is a 1989 American satirical slasher horror film written and directed by Michael O’Rourke (Deadly Love; Hellgate). The synth score was by Douglas Pipes (Monster House; Trick ‘r Treat; Krampus).

Main cast:

Blake Gibbons, Ingrid Vold, John Marzilli, Tom Hamil, Jill Foors, Joe Balogh, Ann McFadden, Alex Wexler, Pamela Ross (Sorority House Massacre), Joseph Christopher, Sioux-z Jessup, Greg Mardon, Neil Kinsella.

Buy: Amazon.com

Plot:

A family’s mountain vacation is interrupted by the arrival of a dishevelled old man hauling a trailer behind an ancient Cadillac. Pop, as he calls himself, tells the family a tall tale about the son he lost to illness. The family feels sorry for him and befriends him . . . not knowing the danger that is soon to come to them.

In reality, his son Bernie is crazy, deranged and dangerous and kept straight-jacketed and chained up in Pop’s trailer. Pop lets Bernie out only to stalk and harm campers while Pop helps himself to their belongings.

Not far away, a group of young people are preparing for two weeks of wilderness training. The camp is run by authoritarian Regis, and his dominatrix girlfriend, Marcie (Ingrid Vold), who tells them that P.J., a new camper has disappeared…

Reviews:

“The primary actors in this one were just good enough to partially offset how dumb and overly familiar most of the rest of the movie is. Thanks to some decent dialogue, the characters here end up being less cardboard and far more likeable than in most similar films.” The Bloody Pit of Horror

“Moonstalker isn’t a bad movie. It’s actually better than some of the weaker, yet better remembered slashers of the decade. However, it’s the one ill-fated decision to remove Bernie from any unique “costume” that is ultimately what makes the film forgettable.” Horror and Sons

“It might not be the most accomplished slasher flick, but – if you can find it –MoonStalker is one of the 1980s last hoorays for shot-on-film popcorn thrills, and is enough goofy fun for a winter’s evening. Just beware the full moon – and all that chunky knitwear.” Hysteria Lives!

Choice dialogue:

Bobby: “Wow! What a bitch! You think she’s a lesbian or something?”

Regis: “So, the guy doesn’t stop for hitchhikers? Doesn’t exactly make him Jack the Ripper, does it?”

Filming locations:

Near Carson City, Nevada, USA

Wikipedia | IMDb

‘It’s a picture perfect college with a perfectly terrifying secret.’

Rush Week is a 1988 American slasher horror film directed by Bob Bralver (Midnight Ride) based on a screenplay by Russell V. Manzatt and Michael W. Leighton (producer of Pale Blood). It was released on 1 January 1989.

Main cast:

Pamela Ludwig (Pale Blood), Dean Hamilton, Roy Thinnes (The Norliss Tapes; The Horror at 37,000 Feet; Satan’s School for Girls), Donald Grant, Courtney Gebhart, John Donovan, David Denney, Todd Eric Andrews, Laura Burkett, Jay Pickett, Edward Rayden, Mark Clayman, Toni Lee.

Dominick Brascia (actor in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning; director of Evil Laugh) and Kathleen Kinmont (Halloween 4) have small cameo roles. New wave band The Dickies play three songs and rock star Greg Allman makes a brief appearance as a stoner student adviser.

Plot:

Tambers College: Budding student reporter Toni Daniels investigates the disappearance of female students and begins to suspect that they are related to the Dean and the fraternity rituals being held during Rush Week…

Buy: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca

Reviews:

“If the producers had decided to veto the lashings of blood for fear of extreme censorship, they certainly didn’t scrimp on the nudity. There are more breasts on display here than feeding time in a maternity ward…” Luisito Joaquín González, A Slash Above...

“The acting in Rush Week is pretty solid and benefits from having a decent budget. The film is shot and edited competently and entertains you enough to distract you from how lame the kills are.” 80s Horror Central

“The main selling points of Rush Week are some interesting guest appearances and a wealth of naked flesh… If you’re looking for more than nudity and fun, then you’ll be disappointed, but for the less discerning viewer Rush Week is entertaining enough.” Jim Harper, Legacy of Blood: A Comprehensive Guide to Slasher Movies

“Contemptuous enough to name one of the bisected bimbos “Julie McGuffin“, this is a plodding non-mystery scattered with naked co-eds and bloodless batterings…” The Aurum Encyclopedia of Film: Horror

“This vacillates between slasher scenes and unfunny prankster gags being pulled on the campus folks by the Beta Delta Beta … Bob Bralver’s direction is pretty lousy.” John Stanley, Creature Features

Buy: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca

Buy: Amazon.com| Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca

Choice dialogue:

Jeff: “Wake up! This is real life, not some stupid horror movie.”

Filming locations:

637 S Lucerne Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA (fraternity)
VA Hospital – 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA

IMDb

‘He’s been watching you’

You Are Not Alone is a 2014 American horror film directed by Derek Mungor from a screenplay co-written with Chris O’Brien. Shot in first-person perspective, the film is a ‘stalk and slash’ horror seen entirely from the point of view of the ‘final girl’.

The film will be available in the US on VOD platforms – such as  VHX, Vimeo, and Amazon – on June 23, 2016, courtesy of B | Movie Studios.

Main cast:

Krista Dzialoszynski, David O’Brien, Mary Mikva, Keenan Camp, Nikki Pierce, Eric Wood, Katie Johnston-Smith, Tony Rossi, Jonathan Pitts.

Official synopsis:

An idyllic summer day turns into a living nightmare…

With school finally over, college graduate Natalie Wilner returns to her hometown to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. But beneath the flags and fireworks lurks a dark, malevolent figure. After a night of drunken parties, she stumbles home and drifts off to sleep, only to be woken moments later by a loud knock on the door.

Experience one night of terror, through Natalie’s eyes as she fights to escape a relentless, knife-wielding maniac…

Buy Sharp Teeth DVD: Amazon.co.uk

Reviews:

“Director Derek Mungor is to be admired for attempting a new approach to the slasher movie format by shooting You Are Not Alone in a first person perspective – not, we should emphasise, a found footage style – and to a point the film does succeed in bringing a fresh and unusual aesthetic to the table. If only we could say the same of its storytelling, we might have been onto a real winner here.” Ben Bussey, Brutal as Hell

“You Are Not Alone is a movie that has me torn. On the one hand the idea of a first person slasher movie is a good one and it’s used (eventually) to great effect. On the other hand, director Derek Mungor takes an age to get to any interesting horror-based action! The film spends over half, almost 60 minutes, of its already short 92 minute runtime just following the protagonist Natalie around her home town before we get to anything remotely creepy and sinister.” Phil Wheat, Nerdly

“Half boring and annoying, half tense and visceral, You Are Not Alone functions much better as an experience than it does a piece of storytelling, making the most of its gimmick and ideas. It’s a gimmick that could get old fast if it caught on, but as the only one of its kind, You Are Not Alone is… well, it’s the only one of its kind.” Joel Harley, HorrorTalk

“There is quality camera work on display here, and none of the head bobbing you might expect from a point of view shot film, also I love the abrupt choppy editing during the conversation scenes, rather than one long shoot different takes are spliced together that are charming to watch. This is quite a blood free affair, I guess in some ways a more realistic slasher, and there is no denying the sublime music but overall if not for that very same music this would just be plain average.” The Rotting Zombie

“It didn’t look or feel cheap at all, the actors were all pretty solid in their roles, and the people behind the camera definitely knew what they were about. It may take a while to get going (a long while), but once it does, it’s a pretty intense ride too, even if we do wish that intensity would have lasted a bit longer.” Improt, The Horror Club

“At its best, the film manages to build up tension to unbearable squirminess through the inescapable intensity of its POV. Each step of Natalie’s attempts at escape and self-defense is shown in excruciating detail, a focus on tiny things like locking doors and peering around corners in a way that couldn’t be captured in any other way … On the other hand, You Are Not Alone suffers from near-fatal pacing problems.” Tiana Bodine, Ravenous Monster

Filming locations:

Princeton and Walnut, Illinois, USA

IMDb | Official site | Facebook | Twitter

Bloodbeat – aka Blood Beat – is a 1982 American supernatural slasher horror film written, edited and directed by Fabrice A. Zaphiratos. There is extensive use of classical music, but the original synth score was composed by director Fabrice A. Zaphiratos and Chris Zaphiratos.

The film stars Helen Benton, Terry Brown (Copycat), Dana Day, James Fitzgibbons, Claudia Peyton, Peter Spelson, Franck Miley, Carol Wagner, Charlie White.

Plot:

Deer-hunting country, deep in rural Wisconsin. At Christmas time, when her family have come to share the festive season, an artistic mother is possessed by the spirit of a Japanese samurai warrior…

Reviews:

“The wintry atmosphere is certainly welcome, and its chilly sense of dread and desolation offsets the more laughable qualities. Blood Beat is one of those concoctions that really shouldn’t work, and I’d say it should be the next breakout “bad movie” that’s set to be enjoyed in ironic, derisive fashion, but this one’s a legitimate blast that deserves to break through the obscuro-ranks.” Brett Gallman, Oh, the Horror!

” … a mildly diverting slasher journey that’s perhaps a little unlucky to be so overlooked. At times taut and suspenseful, almost always intriguing and bizarrely bemusing to boot, Blood Beat isn’t that bad if you can find yourself a copy. It’s strange but bizarrely alluring.” Luisito Joaquín González, A Slash Above…

Buy: Amazon.com

“Bloodbeat is no work of operatic tragedy. Amateurish on all levels, it has more in common with the deer entrails Gary pulls out with his bare hands: messy, smelly, something you’d rather not see.” Rod Lott, Flick Attack

“Gore is minimal as Zaphiratos goes for weirdness through music (some classical), enigmatic characters and a sexual link between the sister and the spectral samurai.” John Stanley, Creature Features

Buy: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca

” … fans of obscure trash, offbeat 80s slashers and bad cinema will find Bloodbeat entertaining – even lovable, everyone else should avoid it like the plague.” The Church of Splatter-day Saints

IMDb

‘The lucky ones die quickly.’

Mischief Night – aka The Night Before Halloween – is a 2013 American horror thriller film written and directed by Richard Schenkman (Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies) from a story by producers Jesse Baget and Eric D. Wilkinson. It should not be confused with the 2014 film with the same title that stars Malcolm McDowell.

Main cast:

Ian Bamberg (Delirium), Noell Coet (Within the Dark), Adam C. Edwards (Fear of Clowns 2; The Quiet Ones; Teen Wolf), Stephanie Erb, Daniel Hugh Kelly and Erica Leerhsen.

Plot:

Emily Walton is a young woman who suffers from psychosomatic blindness caused by a car accident that killed her mother. Emily is trying to adjust to her blindness and at the same time is being smothered by her father. On Mischief Night, when her father goes out on a date leaving her alone, she is terrorised by a hooded figure. Emily must fight for her life in order to survive and protect herself and everyone she holds dear from the intruder…

Reviews:

“Many of the scenes will inspire audiences to clench here and there as Schenkman is able to derive a lot of cringe inducing moments based around Emily’s lack of sight. One scene in particular has her hanging over a shattered fruit bowl as she attempts to shut off a smoke detector. Coet’s performance is great considering the character could have easily been overplayed and incredibly over the top.” Felix Vasquez, Cinema Crazed

” … the film is shot and directed beautifully. It looks absolutely gorgeous. The director makes wonderful use of the house and the shadows that lurk in all the nooks and crannies are used to great effect. There are also a couple of good gore set-pieces that stand out in the film that I wasn’t expecting. The acting is great across the board.” Michael Juvinall, Horror Society

“Mischief Night is like a scaled down version of The Strangers.  Although other people cycle in and out, it is basically one stalker and one victim in one house lit by venetian blinds in every single room.  Decent performances fight off narcolepsy in places, but Mischief Night has nothing original to say, and no new ways to say it.” Ian Sedensky, Culture Crypt

“Beyond the horror formula being played out pitch perfect, there were lots of other clichés that weren’t quite so “charming”… Mischief Night is more like a jigsaw puzzle, pulling together a bunch of stock scenes and responses, than a creative work. Still, stupid as it sounds, the film is very entertaining.” Don Sumner, Best Horror Movies

“The premise is rife for a Home Alone-esque scenario, but it’s never truly capitalized on until it’s too late. Even then, it’s still never played to its full potential; it’s suitably gory and violent at times, but for those looking to experience a modicum of genuine tension, you’d do best to look elsewhere.”Brad McHargue, Dread Central

“Mischief Night is a small indie slasher, which has a few compelling film elements, such as: lighting, music and tone. However, the film’s central conflict is not setup well enough to create any real action. The protagonist overcomes a series of obstacles, but the ending feels flat. Mischief Night might satisfy a few indie horror fans, but the majority might want to seek out better slasher films…” Michael Allen, 28 Days Later Analysis

Cast and characters:

• Noell Coet as Emily Walton
• Ian Bamberg as Jimmy
• Adam C. Edwards as The Intruder
• Stephanie Erb as Lauren
• Daniel Hugh Kelly as David Walton
• Erica Leerhsen as Kim
• Shannon Makhanian as Emily’s Mother
• Charlie O’Connell
• Richard Riehle
• Ally Walker

Wikipedia | IMDb | Facebook

‘There is a creature stirring’

All Through the House is a 2015 American slasher horror film written and directed by Todd Nunes for The Readmond Company. It takes its title from The Vault of Horror EC comic story ‘…And All Through the House’, previously adapted in the 1972 Amicus anthology film Tales from the Crypt. 

Main cast:

Ashley Mary Nunes, Jessica Cameron, Melynda Kiring, Natalie Montera, Lito Velasco, Jason Ray Schumacher [as Jason Rayer], Johanna Rae, Matt Poeschl, Cathy Garrett, Kelsey Carlstedt, Danica Riner, Jennifer Wenger, Tamra Garrett and Justice Lee.

Plot:

Napa, California. Fifteen years ago, a peaceful Christmas neighbourhood was engulfed by fear when five-year-old Jamie Garrett was mysteriously taken from her bedroom never to be seen again.

Now on Christmas break, Rachel Kimmel comes home from college to find her neighbourhood struck again by a reign of terror. A violent killer is hiding behind a grisly Santa mask, leaving a bloody trail of slaughtered women and castrated men to the steps of the Garrett house. Rachel finds herself in a horrifying nightmare as she discovers the twisted secret behind the mask…

Reviews:

“… while it’s unapologetically a slasher film, the plot is by no means cliched, but instead is quite layered and complex for such a film allowing those who may not necessarily be fans of the genre to certainly appreciate it. Nunes explores some very dark and taboo themes, but is also careful not to go over the top, as the events stay grounded in reality and never feel outrageous. The climax is grimly satisfying as well and begs for repeated viewings.” Fright Meter

“ … the perfect stocking stuffer, the perfect present under the tree. It’s an unpredictable gorefest filled with holiday cheer and unadulterated horror. Most importantly, it’s the Christmas themed film that horror fans deserve! I can see it becoming a cult classic in its own right due to its tremendous re-watchability.” Horror Society

Deranged slasher killer + practical effects + tongue-in-cheek story telling + scream queen drama + demented characters with dark pasts = an on screen formula that continues to work. From victims to final girl, the scream queens played their parts well despite a handful of painful scenes of not-so-stellar acting. But Melynda Kiring takes the cake for excellently portraying Mrs. Garret – a crazed woman with more twistedness than a juniper tree. While the film wasn’t  spine-tingling terrifying for me, All Through the House has a pretty high creep-factor and the gore is plentiful.” Boris, Gores Truly

“All Through the House is everything you’d expect, plus a whole lot more. I was expecting a fun slasher film, but this turned out to be one of the most memorable films I’ve seen in quite some time. Normally when I review a film, I mention the positive and negative aspects…but with this film, I really can’t think of any complaints at all. This should very well go down in history as a must-watch for horror fans during the holiday season for years to come.” Jason, The Blood-Shed

“You have a compelling story that keeps you guessing all the way up to the big reveal. We’re treated to an abundance of beautiful women in their birthday suits, and some cringe worthy genital mutilation. OMG, you’ll love foul mouth Grandma! Most of all, we are given a film made by fans for fans. What’s really great is you will find satisfaction in the homage paid to the slasher films of the past, while keeping it it’s own tale without ripping them off.” Danny Mozz, The Shock! Chamber

Interview with director Todd Nunes on Fright Meter

Filming locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA
San Francisco, California, USA
Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA

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‘You won’t get out alive!’

Lake Nowhere is a 2014 American supernatural slasher horror short film directed by Christopher Phelps and Maxim Van Scoy, from a screenplay by Phelps and Ryan Scott Fitzgerald.

Inspired by the dusty days of VHS, Lake Nowhere is preceded by original trailers and commercials, intended to replicate the experience of watching a long lost bootleg tape.

In the US, BrinkVision is releasing the film on Blu-Ray (with special features, including a half hour behind-the-scenes featurette documenting the skeleton crew’s six fateful days on location at a remote lakeside cabin), DVD and VOD on August 16, 2016.

Main cast:

Wray Villanova, Laura Hajek, Nathan Andrew Wright, and Melody Kology.

Plot:

When a group of friends arrive at a desolate lakeside cabin, they are stalked and murdered by a Masked Maniac, whose lust for blood transcends our world. This age-old tale of senseless slaughter quickly spirals into the realm of supernatural horror and classic monster movies, as we learn the true power that lies within Lake Nowhere…

Reviews:

“The whole thing is presented with the tone, texture and camerawork, including quite a bit of unshowy handheld shots, of the low-budget shriekers from three decades past … the filmmakers aren’t arch or self-conscious about it, and don’t nudge you about how referential they’re being or play it up for satirical humor.” Michael Gingold, Fangoria

“Phelps and Van Scoy did their best in maintaining tone and atmosphere while simultaneously having the movie balance dark comedic elements and brutal gore with extremely small intervals in between. Despite the apparent guerrilla filmmaking techniques behind the scenes, the entire film had a picturesque and colorful presentation that contrasted with the violence…” Luiz H.C., Bloody Disgusting

“Performances are actually quite believable, and even a bit unsettling later on. The supernatural elements of Lake Nowhere provide some genuine spookiness to a film that easily could’ve relied on generic scenes of a masked murderer hacking and slashing his way through the cabin. Plenty of those sequences are still present, of course—and the practical special effects always deliver… Blair Hoyle, Cinema Slasher

IMDb | Facebook

‘People are just dying to get in!’

Open House is a 1987 American horror film written and directed by Jag Mundhra (Hack-O-Lantern aka Halloween Night) from a screenplay co-written by David M. Evans. It was produced by Sandy Cobe (To All a Good Night; Home Sweet Home; Terror on Tour).

Main cast:

Joseph Bottoms (The Intruder Within; The Sins of Dorian Gray; Blind Date), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog; Swamp Thing; Creepshow), Mary Stavin (House; Howling V: The Rebirth), Rudy Ramos, Robert Miano, Darwyn Swalve, Scott Thompson Baker (Rest in Pieces) and Tiffany Bolling (The Centerfold Girls; Kingdom of the Spiders).

Plot:

A teenage girl who was molested by her father calls David Kelley (Joseph Bottoms), a radio psychologist working for KDRX, and shoots herself on the air.

Later, a female real estate broker shows off a house to prospective buyers, and discovers the decomposing remains of another realtor in the washroom, the fourth victim of a psychopath dubbed the “Open House Killer”.

Outside Grant Real Estate, which David’s girlfriend Lisa (Adrienne Barbeau) runs, someone digs through the trash, and takes discarded Seller Listings. A vagrant (Darwyn Swalve) goes to one of the listed houses, and murders the realtor and buyer inside with a plunger that has had razor blades attached to it. The Open House Killer (who gives his name as “Harry”) then calls David at KDRX, and opines that his victims deserved their fates…

Reviews:

“Despite a few cheesy flourishes, Open House is a snoozer of the first order. Far too much time is spent on a feud between Grant and her odious nemesis (an admittedly spirited performance by Barry Hope, who just oozes sleaze) and the lengthy segments dedicated to the romance between Grant and Kelly that would have been better suited in a light romantic comedy.” JA Kerswell, Hysteria Lives

“The scenes with psycho Darwyn Swalve dragging women about and chaining them up before killing them are unpleasant. Moreover, the scenes are dully directed, flatly photographed and fail to generate any suspense. The script also has a huge gap in plausibility…” Richard Scheib, Moria

“The main problem with this film is that director Jag Mundhra seemingly didn’t know what the hell he was doing and/or didn’t bother sitting with his editor at any point. Not only is the movie sinfully boring, but there are at least three shots during separate kill scenes that go on for so long…” Brian W Collins, Horror Movie a Day

“After an interesting opening that sets up a potent contrast between have-alls who buy and sell Beverly Hills homes and the dog-food-eating killer, the film relies heavily on secondhand business like the phone-trace stunt from Black Christmas (1974) … Barbeau, slumming somewhat, gives better than is really required.” The Aurum Film Encyclopedia: Horror

Cast and characters:

• Joseph Bottoms as Doctor David Kelley
• Adrienne Barbeau as Lisa Grant
• Mary Stavin as Katie Thatcher
• Rudy Ramos as Rudy Estevez
• Scott Thompson Baker as Joe Pearcy
• Darwyn Swalve as Harry
• Robert Miano as Detective Arnold Shapiro
• Page Moseley as Toby
• Johnny Haymer as Paul Bernal
• Leonard Lightfoot as TJ
• Barry Hope as Barney Resnick
• Stacey Adams as Tracy
• Roxanne Baird as Allison
• Tiffany Bolling as Judy Roberts
• Dena Drotar as The Fan
• Cathryn Hartt as Melody
• Christina Gallegos as Pilar Hernandez
• Lee Moore as Donald Spectre
• Stephen Nemeth as Tommy
• Joanne Norman as Agent #1
• Richard Parnes as Lenny
• Sheila Ryan as Ellen
• A. Gerald Singer as Captain Blake
• Bryan Utman as Policeman
• Susan Widem as Policewoman
• Eddie Wong as Mr. Yoshida

Filming locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Choice dialogue:

Harry: “Listen to me, you smart ass. All these little uppity real estate bitches are just askin’ for it anyway. You got that? So what’s the problem, huh? They deserve it, huh?”

Release:

In the US, the film was released on VHS by Prism.

In 1987, the British Braveworld VHS release was censored 1m 18s by the BBFC.

Wikipedia | IMDb | Image credits: The Bloody Pit of Horror

Related: Don’t Answer the Phone! | The Vagrant

‘Five idiot kidnappers, one final girl… and one very angry slasher’

Chopping Block is a 2016 American slasher comedy horror film written and directed by Joshua Hull. The film’s working title was Pink Slips.

The film is being distributed by Legless Corpse Films and is released on Blu-ray, DVD and Vimeo On Demand on August 30, 2016.

Main cast:

Michael Malone, Jas Sams, Haley Madison, Melissa Revels, Bob East, Nick Wayne, Bryan Wilson, Raymond Kester, Tia Mapes, Erin Michele Wolf, Dennis Crosswhite, Alex Raaen, Cliff Edens, Tyler Duke.

Plot:

Having been laid off work, Donnie and his fellow former corporate workers decide to kidnap their ex-boss’s daughter for ransom. However, things take a bloody turn, when it transpires that the boss’s daughter just happens to be the only survivor of a masked psychopath. A masked psychopath still out for blood…

Reviews:

“Chopping Block affectionately references films such as Carrie, You’re Next, and Evil Dead 2 through dialogue and situations but doesn’t rely on the post-modern catechism of films like Scream. The humor comes in the form of homoerotic double entendres, dick and butt sex jokes, whore affirmations, and drug induced logic. To reaffirm what Hull said, it is a comedy first and foremost. The horror is peripheral, which makes this low-budget passion project immensely entertaining.” Shaun Huhn, HorrorMovies.ca

“The film starts out with the comedy in the lead with several funny moments and then the film mixes it up at the end and delivers on the horror and bloodshed.  Most films have a hard time combining the two elements but this film just split the two up into halves … The kills are generic horror film kills but the practical effects are great. What makes these kill scenes stand out is the humor added to it along along with the Army of Darkness nod.” Blacktooth, Horror Society

“A truly funny film that expertly toes the line between horror and comedy, “Chopping Block” is a brilliant example of low-budget cinema with a big budget mentality. A bunch of laughs, more than a few groans, a couple of buckets of blood, and some horror nerd in jokes, combine to make Chopping Block one of the most inspired indie films this year.” Scream King Tom, Nerd Remix

IMDb | Official site | Legless Corpse Films | Facebook

‘Remember him before he dismembers you!’

Offerings is a 1988 independent American slasher horror film written, produced and directed by Christopher Reynolds. It was Reynolds’ only horror film and was released in 1989.

Main cast:

Jay Michael Ferguson, Richard A. Buswell, Tobe Sexton (Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare) G. Michael Smith.

Plot from VHS synopsis:

John Radley’s childhood was not a particularly nice one; his father’s abandonment, an abusive mother, bullied by neighborhood kids and his pets had a tendency to die on him. Only his first crush Gretchen ever treated him with kindness.

But this all ended when he was goaded into performing a balancing act, whereupon a malicious prank backfired and Johnny ended up plunging down a dried up well to greet a rock floor. Since then he has been in Oakhurst State mental hospital for over a decade. Left semi-comatose, he has only his now-distorted memories and nightmarish flashbacks for comfort.

One night the continual flood of harsh images is too much for his psyche, and he comes to find himself badly disfigured and severely brain damaged, so much so that he can no longer feel any pain. Who will care for, let alone love, Johnny now? No one, he knows (in what’s left of his damaged mind). He suffers a complete psychotic break, and after venting his fury on a nurse, turns his rage towards those responsible for his condition.

Bursting out of his temporary accommodation, he storms off into the night, dead set on disposing of his old childhood tormentors, whose body parts he intends to offer up to the only person in his life who ever gave a damn about him–a certain girl by the name of Gretchen.

Reviews:

“It’s entertaining enough in its own right and even good for a few unintentional laughs. Hell, there’s even some good scare and gore scenes in it. However, there is little redeeming value to this movie in the long run.” Mike, Horror Freak News

“Offerings is terrible and rather hypnotically so. It’s like watching a dozen Halloween rip offs in one sitting because it goes on forever and whatever trance everybody in this movie is in, is highly contagious.” Kindertrauma

“The acting is laughable, and so isn’t the crazy plot hole of WHY would this girl continue to stay at this house after getting two… count em two body parts?! I did enjoy the pizza scene, and even though it’s very low gore wise I thought a few of the kills were pretty interesting in a very simple way.” Staystillreviews

“I can understand how a killer could carve a fillet or a rough steak out of a human victim, maybe even grind up the meat into human hamburger. But sausage? So John Radley killed somebody, butchered some meat off their body, ground it up, seasoned it, filled it into a casing, cooked it, and then waited around for the teens to order a pizza for his savory cannibalistic topping?” When the Dead Walk the Earth

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

“Much as I’d like to say this film isn’t another low budget Halloween rip-off, that’s all it is really. There are one or two effective moments, but for the most part the cast sleep walk through their roles, and the direction, camerawork and editing are all extremely basic. Not bad if you’ve nothing better to do, but not worth searching high and low for.” Jim Harper, Legacy of Blood: A Comprehensive Guide to Slasher Movies

Cast and characters:

• Loretta Leigh Bowman as Gretchen
• Richard A. Buswell as John Radley
• G. Michael Smith as Sheriff Chism
• Jerry Brewer as Professor kJim Paxton
• Elizabeth Greene as Kacy
• Tobe Sexton as David
• Jay Michael Ferguson (as Jay Ferguson) as Little David
• Max Burnett (as J. Max Burnett) as Tim
• Chase Hampton as Ben Dover
• Barry Brown as Deputy Buddy
• Heather Scott as Linda
• Patrick H. Berry as Greg
• Josh Coffman as Little John
• Kerri Bechthold as Little Gretchen
• Patrick Stratton as Little Tim
• Soren Myatt as Little Greg
• Barbie Yocum as Little Linda
• Amanda Tyner as Little Kacy
• Gail Tucker as David’s Mom
• Christopher Reynolds as Doctor Rowland

Choice dialogue:

John’s Mom: “I know how you treat your pets… I saw what you did to your turtle last week.”

Doctor Rowland: “Nah the one you wanna be nervous of is Mr. Franks. Every time he takes a crap, he thinks he’s having an abortion. Let me tell you, he’s had some ugly kids…”

Sheriff: “It don’t look like sausage to me.”

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca

Filming locations:

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Wikipedia | IMDb

Keywords:

synthesizer score | smoking | slovenly | oppressive mother | mute | teasing | bullying | well | accident | disfigured | mental hospital | doctor | nurse | hypodermic needle | murder | college professor | sheriff | mystery phone call | dog | teenagers | bondage | chainsaw | electric drill | hammer | college | Shakespeare | teacher | Hamlet | night | broken neck | pizza delivery | suburbs | cannibalism | insomnia | parents | graveyard | intern | mortician | worm | desecrated grave | disembodied nose | masturbator | pornography | deputy | lights out | panic | fear | terror | 911 call | darkness | final girl | unkillable killer | slow motion | regret | shivering

‘The tuition isn’t all that will kill you.’

Murder University is a 2012 American horror film directed by Richard Griffin (Flesh for the Inferno; Dr. Frankenstein’s Wax Museum of the Hungry Dead; The Disco Exorcist) from a screenplay by Lenny Schwartz (Scary Little Fuckers; Normal).

Main cast:

Jamie Dufalt, Michael Thurber, Samantha Acampora, Rich Tretheway, Juicy K. Thunder, David Adams Murphy, Dave Almeida.

Plot:

1983: A series of brutal, cult-like murders are taking place at a New England college.

Josh Greene, a shy freshman, is the lone survivor of a series of murders that are reminiscent of a similar string of killings some twenty years prior. As he seeks to uncover the secret behind the attacks, he is joined by Detective Forrester, who was instrumental in halting the bloodshed before, and his daughter Meg, who had barely escaped being a victim previously…

Reviews:

“Griffin and screenwriter Lenny Schwartz have a real gift for comedy and the cast deliver every line with a perfect deadpan, loved it. The music s great, a burping 80’s synth score with shrieking stingers and droning atmosphere. There’s also a cool 50’s flashback scene featuring a trio performing a ditty about the pinko commie threat, sweet, followed by some sex, gore and humor in short order.” McBastard’s Mausoleum

“The filmmakers have obviously watched many, many genre films and have set out to make a worthy and respectful tribute to a classic style that is rarely seen these days. The wanton nudity and over the top gore are strangely, refreshingly comedic at a time when more polished, sterilised films are prevalent from the studio system … Murder University is a typical example of a good idea that just hasn’t either been thought through well enough, or not conveyed adequately to the screen.” John Townsend, HorrorNews.net

“Throughout, the acting is better than average. This isn’t a genuine slasher movie containing nothing but gruesome murders. Sure, you have that but there is also a good story with plenty of humour, jokes and music, terrible as the latter may be. The characters are also three-dimensional with even the bad guys coming across as real people. This is because the script is reasonable and the actors are not cardboard cut-outs.” Rod MacDonald, SF Crowsnest

“Murder University would be a good slasher/giallo tribute if it stuck to BEING a slasher/giallo tribute. It has a good slasher storyline, likable characters, passable effects, a bit of good comedy, and plenty of sex, blood, and nudity. However, the tangents the script takes into weirder, more out-of-place comedy cause a wildly inconsistent tone and actually overshadow the few moments where the jokes work!” Mike, Horrorfreak News

Filming locations:

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA

IMDb | Image credits: Horrorfreak News | HorrorNews.net

Related: Final Exam | Graduation Day | Splatter University