Hostel (2004) – Film Sips

“Hostel”

For more information follow this link.

Well, there were a few redeeming qualities in this torture porn flick from Eli Roth.  It has a really good misdirection/bait and switch. The make up and gore are outstanding. (By now you should all know my fondness for well executed gore. Pun intended.)  And the setting was beautiful.  I was expecting very little from the characters… and the plot. I got what I expected.  I guess it was good enough that I’m willing to check out Part 2.

The Seasoning House (2012) – Film Sips

“The Seasoning House” 

For more information follow this link.

This is an intense, violent, and disturbing film about a deaf-mute girl whose parents, along with the rest of her village, are killed and is taken to work as a housekeeper at a brothel.   Sean Pertwee is the villain, militia leader, Goran, in this.  There are some really great scenes that emphasize the incongruity of the horrors that the girls in the brothel are forced to live, and the modern (well, mid-90’s) world going on not far away.

It is a hard one to watch, and really conveys helplessness, fear and oppression through the choice of color, sound, settings, and language choices in dialogue.

A Blood Story (2015) – Film

“A Blood Story”

For more information follow this link or visit the Official Website.

The story is told from the perspective of former model Madison Sheffield (Mindy Robinson), introducing her as recovering from the loss of her career and death of her husband, who, we quickly learn, was a serial killer and gave her the career ending scars.  Madison quickly embraces the decadence that hosts, Frances (Camden Toy) and Anna (Melanie Robel), offer at the villa during her weekend retreat as she becomes seduced by the power of blood ritual and controlled violence.  She meets the arrogant, unlikable Wade (Tim Hays) and becomes drawn to the quietly mysterious Carter (Mark Hanson).   Continue reading “A Blood Story (2015) – Film”

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Film

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”

Follow this link for more information.

Set 10 years following the previous installment of the updated POTA franchise, society has collapsed under sweeping loss of human life due to the effects of the virus which was supposed to be the cure for Alzheimer’s disease and enhanced the intelligence of the apes on whom the drugs were tested.  The genetically enhanced Apes have built their own village and the building blocks of their society, under the guidance of their leader, Caesar.  A group of Humans, lead by Malcolm, who are trying to restart a dam to produce hydroelectric power, stumble across the Apes.   A fragile truce is negotiated.  However fear and prejudice on  both the Human and Ape sides soon shatter that peace and spark a war to determine who will be the dominant species on Earth. Continue reading “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Film”

I, Frankenstein (2014) – Film

“I, Frankenstein”

Follow this link for more information.

A continuation of the Frankenstein story, immediately following, then jumping ahead 200 years after the events of Mary Shelley’s classic novel.  It is a tale of good versus evil.  Our anti-hero, Adam, Frankenstein’s Monster, unwillingly caught in the middle of a centuries long war between Gargoyles and Demons. Continue reading “I, Frankenstein (2014) – Film”

The Chronicles of Riddick (Series) – Film

Reviewing the complete franchise,  hope you enjoy it.

“Pitch Black” (2000)

For more information follow this link.

A transport ship, carrying 40 passengers and a prisoner, is forced to crash land on an unknown planet.  Forced to deal with the aftermath of the crash and the escaped prisoner, the survivors discover that there is something far worse once the suns set.  Continue reading “The Chronicles of Riddick (Series) – Film”

Snow White & the Huntsman (2012) – Film

“Snow White & the Huntsman”

Follow this link for more information.

A twist on the classic fairy tale.  The evil queen murders Snow White’s father, the king, and imprisons Snow.  Years later, the evil queen discovers that Snow White will either destroy her or give her immortality.  When Snow escapes her prison, the evil queen sends a Huntsman after her, however the Huntsman decides to protect her.  Continue reading “Snow White & the Huntsman (2012) – Film”

Candyhearts (2013) – Short Film

“Candyhearts”

A short film featured at the 2013 Oshkosh Horror Film Festival.

For more information follow this link.

A man, who has grown up as the apprentice/victim of a street entertainer, meets a girl when they stop in the village of Krauss.   A creepy old candy man becomes obsessed with the girl and the apprentice street entertainer helps save her.  Continue reading “Candyhearts (2013) – Short Film”

Game (2013) – Short Film

“Game”

A short film featured at the 2013 Oshkosh Horror Film Festival.

For more information follow this link or visit the official website.

A bound and gagged woman is being pursued through the woods by 3 hillbillies.  What happens when they catch up with her is unexpected. Continue reading “Game (2013) – Short Film”

One Careful Owner (2013) – Short Film

“One Careful Owner”

A short film featured at the 2013 Oshkosh Horror Film Festival.

Click here to view the trailer.  For more information about this or other films, visit Apocalyptic Conservatory Studio’s Facebook page or Mike Tack’s blog.

A car salesman attempts to strike a deal with an awkward potential buyer, but finds that the buyer is interested in something more than just a car. Continue reading “One Careful Owner (2013) – Short Film”