EDDIE: THE SLEEPWALKING CANNIBAL quickie review

Director: Boris Rodriguez. Review: Mark Appleton.

In TV we’re getting used to the traditional ‘bad guy’ actually being more the good guy and, not only that, but we’re actually rooting for them now. Programmes like Dexter lead the way with this and others have tried to follow suit.Movies however have been slightly slow on the uptake on this material. Now, with Eddie (the sleepwalking cannibal), it feels like they’ve arrived.

Eddie is all about Lars, played by Thure Lindhardt, a painter in his native Denmark he comes to Canada to teach at a school and hopefully find inspiration. It’s the inspiration part were Eddie comes into things.

Eddie, played by Dylan Scott Smith, is a mute who, when he’s stressed or upset, sleepwalks and eats things – in case you didn’t get that from the title. This is a dark horror comedy, the kind of thing you’d expect Britain to make rather than a joint Canadian/Danish venture. The tone for the movie is set straight from the get-go with the killing of a wild animal in the opening scene.

The film is well shot, it uses sound and music very well, there’s a radio station DJ talking and playing music who book-ends the film which works very well. You perhaps don’t laugh as much as you could and the gore is a little nineties but for 90 minutes you could do a lot worse.

Eddie misses the mark a couple of times and perhaps should have been a little more ‘punchy’, it could have had…ok I’m going to say it; it could have had a little more teeth! Having said that, writer, director Boris Rodriguez has produced a nice little film he can be proud of.

Eddie trailer

MANIAC (2013): DVD Review

Director: Franck Khalfoun. Review: Adam Wing.

Back in 1980 Maniac was accused of taking both the slasher film and the use of gory effects to unnecessary levels of distaste. I’m pretty sure special effects maestro Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead) is proud of that accolade. In case you’re unfamiliar with the story, Frank Zitto (Joe Spinell) – abused by his mother as a child – takes out his frustration on innocent women by scalping them and using their hair as wigs for his collection of mannequins. Everybody’s got a hobby, right?

Utilising a Carpenter-esque score, Lustig (Maniac Cop) and Savini created a suspenseful, effects ridden cult classic. Maniac was a twisted affair, supported by a memorable lead performance that still resonates today. Talking of twists, even by today’s standards, it’s the twist in the tale that sets Maniac apart from its contemporise. Perverse, contorted and drowning in a sea of gruesome imagery, Maniac is an 80’s classic worthy of its title. Depraved perhaps, but he did warn you not to go out tonight…

From producers/writers Alexander Aja (Switchblade Romance) and Gregory Levasseur (The Hills Have Eyes), and directed by Franck Khalfoun (P2), Maniac is the latest in a long line of inferior remakes, but don’t let that put you off. There’s enough here to warrant your full attention. A strangely vacant L.A. is the setting for Khalfoun’s worthy retelling. Frank (Elijah Wood) is the withdrawn owner of a mannequin store, but his life changes when young artist Anna asks for help with her new photo exhibition...Continue review here.

Maniac trailer

Martial arts fest THE KING OF THE STREETS on U.S DVD

Written, directed and starring Yuen Song, the action-packed, martial arts-fueled THE KING OF THE STREETS debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital July 23rd from Well Go USA Entertainment.

A story of guilt, redemption and (and serious ass kickery) rebirth, Yuen Song plays an angry young man looking to avenge the death of his parents some eight years earlier by local gangsters. The cast also includes Becki Li, Yang Junping, Hou Xu, Li Changhai, Zhang Chao and Yu Xin.

Synopsis: Set in the gritty underbelly of modern day Beijing, the film follows the story of Fang, an ex-convict who is given a second chance of fulfilling his dream of a better life, and breaking away from his labeled status in society. We follow Fang as he discovers a possible future, and as he clashes with his past. His journey takes him through newfound friendships, to exceedingly violent conflicts, causing him to experience the deepest unspoken love, and also the darkest hatred. The film features an up and coming Chinese Martial Arts actor Yuen Song, as well as many real life professional fighters, all combining efforts to show some of the most cerebral and kinetic fight sequences to grace the screen.

King of the Streets trailer

U.S theatrical release for Asian action fest THE GUILLONTINES

We’re sure that any self respecting, red blooded American, fan of Asian martial arts action will already have this circled on their calendars as a must see event...But just in case you missed the news, Andrew Lau’s period fight-up - The Guillotines - is set for a U.S theatrical release this very week. Long Synopsis anyone? Naaaah, head on down to the action!

The Guillotines opens in NYC, LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO, PORTLAND, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, and DENVER...on June 14th. Venue details and showtimes, at the link.

Synopsis: During the Manchurian-ruled Qing Dynasty, Emperor Yong Zheng established a secret assassination squad known as the Guillotines to eliminate all who opposed him. Once heavily favored by the Emperor, the Guillotines are deemed expendable once Emperor Qian Long ascends to the throne and adopts Western ideas and technology. To consolidate his power under a new regime, the Emperor continues to use the Guillotines to persecute the conquered Han Chinese in a reign of terror and oppression. Led by master fighter Leng, the top ranked guillotine squad consists of five young warriors: Mu, San, Tai, Hutu, Buka. Serving the Qing Court unquestioningly, they have never failed in 348 missions to eliminate their targets. But their success has made them arrogant and complacent. Their next mission is to eliminate Wolf and his Shepherd gang. During the operation, the squad manages to trap Wolf. Just as they are about to execute him, the squad commander orders that he be captured alive. He secretly plans to use Wolf as a pawn in his bid for power. Wolf’s gang of rebels ambushes the Guillotines in their moment of hesitation. Wolf escapes, taking Mu hostage. With reports that Wolf has fled to the outer frontiers, the squad tracks him to a remote village outpost. On the other hand, the Emperor has sent his most trusted agent Du for the same mission and most importantly, to end the era of the Guillotines by replacing cold weapons with firearms. If only they make one false move, they will become the hunted. Facing annihilation, Leng and his Guillotines must outfight and outwit enemies from both sides.

Venue details

A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD: Blu-ray Review

Director: John Moore. Review: Adam Wing.

When is a Die Hard movie not a Die Hard movie? Bruce Willis is back in action as John McClane, the heroic New York cop with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or at least, that’s how the story is supposed to go. Over the course of five movies John McClane has suffered the same fate as Lethal Weapon’s Martin Riggs, almost in reverse. We fell in love with Riggs because he was vulnerable, edgy and teetering on the brink. He was also a smart ass. By the end of part four Riggs was a family man, a comedy sidekick and a lot less interesting.  

John McClane has always been endearing because he’s human, vulnerable, flawed and deeply compelling. He’s also a smart ass. A Good Day to Die Hard pitches McClane as a superhero, indestructible, inhuman and incredibly grouchy. The sparkle has gone, but what do you expect from a guy who’s saved the world four times over and still works in the police force? Alas, fans of the Die Hard series will struggle to make any connection between this and the previous films (even 4.0 had some decent wisecracks), and as much as it pains me to say it, you’re much better off viewing part five as a standalone action picture.  

In which case, A Good Day to Die Hard is a spectacular movie that throws logic and reason out of the nearest skyscraper window. After some very brief introductions Willis is back to what he does best, stirring up a storm in Moscow, taking part in one of the most ridiculous car chases ever committed to film. The body count is astronomical; I mean really, the devastation it causes would put Michael Bay to shame. Willis shouts at pedestrians as they get in his way, apologising profoundly as he drives over vehicles, destroys a highway and kills thousands of tourists in nonchalant fashion. It’s big, dumb fun, a little insensitive maybe but I loved every minute...Continue review here.

Good Day to Die Hard trailer

Trailer for J-horror HANAKO SAN

Japans fascination with horror movies that revolve around schools and school kids never fails to entertain, baffle and in some cases perplex us - and their latest offering, Hanako San is no different. Because now you can add a haunted school toilet, into the frame.

The story of Hanako San (literal translation Hanako toilet) revolves around the urban legend about the spirit of a young - World War II - era girl who haunts school bathrooms. She allegedly appears when someone shouts her name. A person who goes to the third stall in the girls' bathroom on the third floor and knocks three times before asking "Are you there, Hanako-san", will hear a voice answer "I'm here". If the person enters the stall there will be a small girl in a red skirt and she can either be mischievous or in this case it seems...malevolent.

Only in Japan. Hanako San opens on June 29. Trailer at the official site, from the link.

 

Hanako official site

THE FLU arrives in Korea this summer

We were always tipping this to be a big hit in Korea this summer, but after seeing the newly released teaser trailer for Kim sung-soo’s (‘Musa-The Warrior’) disaster/horror flick ‘Gam-gi’ aka ‘The Flu,’ we’re pushing that prediction up, to this being a huge hit in Korean theatres.

The production values on this are huge, and put simply, it looks amazing. CJ entertainment are handling the Korean distrubution, so we can also expect to see this appearing in U.S cinemas sometime soon. The Flu opens in Korea this August.

Synopsis: A deadly epidemic is sweeping through Bundang, the suburb of Seoul. After smuggling illegal immigrants into the country, Byung-woo dies from an unknown virus. Soon after that, the same symptoms begin to plague scores of residents, spreading chaos and terror. As a worst-case scenario precaution, Bundang is about to be shut down by the government, while In-hye and Ji-goo try to go into the closed city.

 

Takashi Miike’s FOR LOVE’S SAKE: DVD review

Director: Takashi Miike. Review: Adam Wing.

I don’t know what it is that draws Takashi Miike to projects but you could never accuse the man of being one-dimensional. In the past three years alone he has directed two samurai movies, a superhero film and a farcical children’s adventure. He has two movies scheduled for release next year and three films from 2012 that have yet to see the light of day on western shores. For Love’s Sake – a fascinating blend of High School Musical, Crows Zero and West Side Story – is the first to hit UK shelves, courtesy of Third Window Films.

In 2001 Miike directed one of my favourite movies, a quirky zombie musical called The Happiness of the Katakuris. Combining elements of Kim Jee-Woon’s The Quiet Family and Christmas favourite The Sound of Music, Katakuris was an offbeat masterpiece infused with claymation set pieces, twisted humour and karaoke singalongs. For Love’s Sake drops the zombie action in favour of gangster romance, animated bookends and unrequited love. Based on the original manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Takumi Nagayasu, For Love’s Sake stars Satoshi Tsumabuki (Dororo), Emi Takei (Rurouni Kenshin) and Sakura Ando (Love Exposure)...Continue review here.

For Love's Sake trailer

French horror THE RETURNED set to air on UK TV

We’ve a quick heads up for all UK based horror fans, for something to keep an eye out for, this coming weekend. Critically acclaimed French horror thriller TV series Les Revenants (aka ‘The Returned’) is set to start airing this Sunday, on Channel 4. We’ve yet to see it ourselves but from all we’ve seen and read it’s going to be well worth a watch.

Look and feel wise we can only say...think, Twin Peaks with a hint of a Zombie twist, and you’re in roughly in the right ball park. Powerful stuff. The Returned starts airing on C4 at 9pm.

Synopsis: In a small mountain community, two local people - Camille, a teenager, and Simon - who both died years earlier, suddenly re-appear at their homes. They have not aged, and they are completely unaware of their own deaths. Camille and Simon assume they can rejoin the world of the living as though nothing has happened, but their return throws their friends and family into a state of turmoil. Camille's sister Léna has continued to grow up without her sibling beside her, and Simon's wife Adèle is just about to get remarried, to Thomas. Meanwhile, lonely nurse Julie receives a visit from a very strange little boy. Seven years ago, the town was struck by a series of bloody murders. Now it seems the killings have started up again.

The Returned UK trailer

The Returned French trailer (English subbed)

Today France gets some POP REDEMPTION

As a brief antidote to all this horror why don’t we take a brief moment to enjoy the fact that today’s the day that Martin Le Gall’s French - Death Metal comedy - Pop Redemption, opens in its home country. Did summer just a little lighter?

Synopsis: Each summer since their adolescence, The Dead MaKabés head out on what they pretentiously call a "summer tour" - a few bottom end concerts in festivals in the depths of Europe. But for these four friends, the crisis of the thirties and weeks of smouldering resentment this may well be the last. It’s difficult to remain faithful to your ideals when you are a member of a group of satanic rock band.

 

Pop Redemption trailer

Pictures that kill in Korean horror KILLER TOON

The Korean horror movie season is finally in full swing, and unlike last years very poor crop, there’s a lot more local product to choose from. Next to appear of the scene is director Kim Yong-gyoon’s (‘The Sword with No Name,’ ‘Red Shoes’) Manga inspired (and for a change it’s not a film ripping off a book) horror....Killer Toon. The plot revolves around a series of murders commited by a copycat killer acting out stories from a popular web comic...for real. It opens in July, and looks rather good actually. Trailer below.

 

 

 

Killer Toon trailer

Trailer time for Korean horror thriller DOCTOR

Or should we say trailer’s’ as they’ve just released both a teaser and full clip for Korean horror thriller....Doctor. Actor Kim Chang-wan plays a psychopathic plastic surgeon who goes just a little bit ape shit crazy, when he discovers his wife is having an affair, and it seems at some point a hammer is involved. Then it all gets a bit nasty! Doctor opens in Korea in June 20.

 

 

Doctor teaser

Doctor trailer

GONE IN 60 SECONDS (1974): DVD Review

Director: H.B. Halicki. Review: Adam Wing.

Leaving Jerry Bruckheimer’s glimmering remake in the dust, the original Gone in 60 Seconds is available in high definition for the first time in the UK. Featuring one of cinemas greatest car chases, the 1974 version follows top car thief Pace (H.B. Halicki) and his crew as they find themselves entangled in a drug smuggling plot. Caught in the underworld of stealing and selling on sought after vehicles, Pace must lead his guys to freedom as the police close in.

The climatic chase sequence is a sight to behold, a fast and furious 40 minutes of blistering action, which sees 93 vehicles destroyed in electrifying style. H.B. Halicki wrote, directed, produced and starred in the movie. I say wrote, there was no official script for the film and much of what transpired was either ad-libbed or improvised as they went along. It’s a telling fact in all but the exhilarating action sequences, with corny dialogue and weak performances hampering the production.

To keep costs down Halicki hired friends and family to star in the film, which would explain why most of the characters are so easily forgotten. The one character that leaves a lasting impression is Eleanor, the 1973 Mustang that steals every scene she appears in. Eleanor reprised her role in the 2000 remake, acting Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie off the screen in high-octane fashion...Continue reading review.

 

English subbed trailers for Thai horror LAST SUMMER

Three English (always a bonus!) subbed trailers are out for Director Saranyoo Jiralak’s Thai horror - Last Summer and boy do the two teasers that have a real case of split personality. Each has such a completely different look and feel that they could be confused as being for two different films. Thankfully the full trailer pulls everything together to make a lot more sense, and make the film look a damn site better than the teaser posters, which - for a Thai horror film - are to be blunt just a tad poor. Last Summer opens June 27.

 

Last Summer teaser 1

Last Summer teaser 2

Last Summer full trailer

Hideo Nakata’s DEATH GAME on UK DVD

News just in (after being dropped from its original March 2013 release date) one of our fave directors - Hideo Nakata - latest horror thrillers The Incite Mill - 7 Day Death Game is finally up for release in the UK. Nakata’s work has always been a crowd pleaser (even the so-so ‘Chatroom’ had some plus points) around these parts and add to that a superb assemble cast (including ‘Battle Royale’’ Death Note’ star Tatsuya Fujiwara) we have high hopes for this one.

Death Game goes on sale on DVD, July 8th.

Synopsis: When ten strangers agree to an interview for the same lucrative job offer, they find themselves locked in an underground complex to take part in a psychological experiment for seven days. The group soon discovers that the pay is too good to be true when the horrifying specifics of the game are unveiled. Trust each other, kill, or be killed. The world watches while the contestants fight for their life in a sick and twisted survival of the fittest.

 

P.S. Nah, we don’t like the artwork either.

 

 

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