Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 7: Phil reviews FATHER'S DAY (2011) 4-Disc Set from Troma Entertainment-October 7, 2012

FATHER'S DAY Blu-Ray/DVD Combo

FATHER'S DAY
Starring: Adam Brooks, Matthew Kennedy, Conor Sweeney, Amy Groening, Brent Neale, Garrett Hnatiuk, Meredith Sweeney, Mackenzie Murdock, Lloyd Kaufman
Written, Produced, and Directed by Astron-6
Distributed by Troma Entertainment

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon continues with Day Seven! Today's film is the latest release from Troma Entertainment, one of the oldest independent studios in America. Teaming up with the Canadian film group called Astron-6, the movie FATHER'S DAY combines grindhouse thrills, gore, sex, blood, and nudity in glorious fashion the likes that I have never seen before!

The film chronicles the journey of Ahab (Brooks), a man who extracted revenge against the man who murdered his dad, Chris Fuchman AKA The Father's Day Killer (Murdock). Several decades later, a brutal series of fathers being raped and killed forces Ahab to come out of hiding to find out if the Fuchman has returned from the dead. He teams up with a young priest named Father John Sullivan (Kennedy) and a street hustler named Twink (Sweeney) so they can stop the Fuchman's reign of terror and rescue Ahab's sister Chelsea (Groening).

When I first saw the film, I was at a loss for words. And this is me we're talking about! The film is off the charts! However this movie is not for the squeamish. There are multiple scenes of male rape, tons of male nudity (but there's also plenty of female nudity), graphic gore and even genital mutilation. In spite of all that, this is actually a comedy that serves as both a homage and a satire of exploitation films. It falls in the same vein as other recent Canadian independent films like HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN and DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. Also, it has the best Lloyd Kaufman cameo ever, as he shows up as both God and Satan (which pretty much sums up his personality). Now when you watch the film, even though it's low budget, it looks rather expensive. Believe it or not, the film's budget was only $10,000! The movie looks incredible, which once again reinforces my point that you don't need a lot of money to make your film. Just go out there and make your own damn movie!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The group Astron-6 are based in Canada and have been making short films together for a number of years. FATHER'S DAY is their first full length feature and it has already won several awards at film festivals all across the globe: Best Film - A Night of Horror International Film Festival 2012, Best Director - A Night of Horror International Film Festival 2012, Best Film - Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2011. It was also featured on the March 2012 issue of Canada's horror magazine Rue-Morgue (Issue 120).

The Limited Edition 4 Disc set is outrageous! You get the film on Blu-Ray, on standard DVD, there's a second DVD with the special features: Deleted Scenes, Special FX Featurettes, Slide Show, Original Teaser Trailer and Original Trailer, Astron-6 Shorts! Plus you get a CD of the film's awesome soundtrack! Limited to only 5,000 copies!

Also on a side note, I just wanted to confess my undying love for Miss Amy Groening. Ever since I saw her in Astron-6's short film COOL GUYS, I have been shot by Cupid's arrow. Now sure it's cool that she's the niece of Matt Groening (the creator of The Simpsons and Futurama) but Amy has this aura about her. It's her eyes, her smile, the way she acts like a nerd in one film and a kick ass strong woman in the next, she is one talented actress! And one very beautiful woman! OK I've embarrassed myself long enough.

FATHER'S DAY is without a doubt the BEST exploitation/horror film ever made! It's a vile, disgusting, perverted film filled with seedy images of rape, violence, nudity, and gore! And it makes the perfect Christmas gift for your in-laws! It's also a shining example of independent filmmaking at its finest as well as a love song to the bygone days of New York's 42nd Street. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

FATHER'S DAY is available at your local retailer and on the Troma website. Visit www.troma.com to order a copy for yourself today! To learn more about Astron-6, visit their website at www.astron-6.com. Also check out their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 6: Phil attends the midnight screening of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at the Camera 3-October 6, 2012

Hello and welcome to Day Six of my Halloween Horrors Marathon! This past Saturday night my good friend and fellow film buddy Jennifer and I did the Time Warp again over at the midnight screening of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! As I mentioned many times before, if you have never been to a midnight showing of ROCKY, then you just suck eggs! The show is presented by The Camera 3 Cinemas and by Psycho Donuts and it features the cast of Barely Legal Productions, who have been carrying the ROCKY torch here in the Bay Area for the past 17 years! That's a lot of Time Warping people!!

Once again the cast and crew did a wonderful job! Every time I attend these shows, the crowds get bigger and bigger, plus more and more "virgins" are attending these shows, which means the ROCKY virus is spreading to a whole new generation of kids. This makes me very happy, because it means that this midnight tradition, and the film, will be entertaining people for years to come. But for some strange reason, there were a lot more "virgins" than ever! In fact, when Nate McHavoc aka Riff Raff called all the "virgins" to come up on stage, literally half of the audience came up! I couldn't believe it! There was a lot of booty shaking at this show! And it was all in good fun!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1975)

There isn't anything that I can say that hasn't already been said. The film is talked about in books and periodicals, referenced in movies and TV shows, and I dare you to find anyone who doesn't know how to do the Time Warp dance. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE has become part of the American Lexicon of cult films, a film that to this day, is the longest running theatrical released film in Hollywood history. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is the alpha and omega of midnight movie; a cult classic that has no real equal. The film is in a class all by itself, far ahead of its time. The film was a bomb when it was first released. Now, it is part of the Library of Congress' National Film Registry. The film's message of "Don't dream it. Be it." has had a major influence on those who are different, the outcasts if you will. It resonates and has inspired many who felt that they didn't belong. Artists, punks, gays, lesbians, movie maniacs, college students, and everyone in between. It speaks to us all to not give up on hope and to not give up on ourselves and to keep following our passions in life! Also the film is just one of the best films ever made! After 36 years, the film continues to play in theaters, and it is playing every month at the Camera 3!

Now usually my friends and I have a post-Rocky tradition: eating breakfast at our favorite Denny's on Alma and First Street. But for some reason the place was packed! So Jennifer and I headed over to the IHOP down on First Street and had breakfast there with Bridgid McHavoc, Nate's wife and all around ROCKY pro. She has played everybody, from Magenta to Columbia and even Dr. Frank-N-Furter. We all stayed up late and chatted and had a grand 'ol time!

And so another great midnight screening has come and gone. However the Barely Legal crew will be back in San Jose later on this month for their BIG ROCKY HORROR HALLOWEEN PARTY! So make sure you come out on Saturday, October 27th for this awesome event! I promise you it will be a night you will never forget! To learn more about future shows, and how you can become a cast member, visit their website at http://barelylegal.rhps.org/.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming! 

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 5: Phil attends the Midnites for Maniacs "F#CK URBAN SPRAWL" Triple Feature at the Castro Theatre-October 5, 2012

Welcome to Day Five of my Halloween Horrors Marathon and welcome to San Francisco! For those of you just tuning in, I will be watching and reviewing one horror film each day throughout the month of October. However there are exceptions to my schedule. This past Friday evening I traveled back out to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco for the Midnites for Maniacs triple feature! Tonight's theme was "F#ck Urban Sprawl" and I saw three amazing films that offered me action, excitement, and, of course, some chills and thrills. As always creator and host Jesse Hawthorne Ficks pulled out all the stops for tonight's show by screening original 35mm prints of the films as well as some very cool and vintage trailers!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1992)

Ficks came out and did his famous introductions and also thanks the audience for coming out to the show! The first film of the night was the 1992 horror film CANDYMAN. The movie's about a grad student named Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) who visits Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing complex to investigate the urban legend of the Candyman (Tony Todd). When Helen dismisses the myth, she is plagued by a series of murders orchestrated by the Candyman to make her believe in him, thus making him in the flesh once again.

Based on a story by Clive Barker and skillfully written and directed by Bernard Rose, the film was largely overlooked at the time of its release. The reason being was at this point in cinematic history, the horror film genre was offically dead. The slasher cycle which consisted on FRIDAY THE 13TH, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, and HALLOWEEN were over a done with. Psychological films such as MISERY and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS were winning Academy Awards. As a result, the film fell through the cracks, but it has gone to be hailed as one of the greatest horror films of the 1990's. Both Madsen and Todd give stellar performances and composer Philip Glass' score is so subtle and creepy that it's the definition of perfection. The film print came courtesy of Sony Pictures. The film was originally released by Tr-Star Pictures on October 16, 1992. Several classic movie trailers were screened before the film: 1988's PAPERHOUSE, 2009's DRAG ME TO HELL, and the original trailer to the 1973 film THE EXORCIST. And that original trailer scared the hell outta me!

Click here to view the film's original trailer.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2009)

The second film of the night was the amazing, sci-fi film DISTRICT 9. Produced by Peter Jackson and set in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film's about Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a Multi-National United agent who is assigned to oversee the eviction of an alien population from their slum-like area called District 9, where these creatures nicknamed "Prawns" having been living in since the early 1980's. During the operation, he becomes exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on his two new "Prawn" friends to help him.

Written & Directed by Neill Blomkamp, the film was hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi films almost immediately upon its release. With its themes of of racism, xenophobia, and humanity, the film became known as a film with a conscience, a metaphor and a social comment on the human race and on society. The 35mm print came courtesy once again from Sony Pictures. The film was originally released by Tri-Star Pictures on August 14, 2009. The movie was preceded by trailers for upcoming M4M events: 1987's A NIGHTMARE OF ELM STREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS, 1991's TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, and 2010's INCEPTION. Also, there was also a public service announcement from AMC Theaters, which I thought was hilarious! A lot of people in the audience laughed as well!

Click here to view the film's original trailer.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The third and final film of the night was last year's UK sci-fi import ATTACK THE BLOCK. Now I was fortunate to see the film when it first came out last year at the ArcLight Cinemas on Sunset Ave in Hollywood when I was down there for my vacation. Here is what I said about the film: In this very clever film, a nurse named Sam (Jodie Wittaker) is heading back home in a shady neighborhood in Lower London when she is attacked by a local teenage street gang, led by a boy named Moses (John Boyega). After robbing her, they encounter a strange beam of light that crashes down and out comes a monstrous-looking alien. Naturally, Moses defends his turf and kills the alien, which brings the rest of them to his block. Now he must protect his gang and his block (as well as Sam who he turns to for help) from the alien invasion as well as from drug lord Hi-Hatz (Jumayn Hunter). And the only safe place is in the weed vault at their friend Ron's (Nick Frost) apartment.

The film was a fast paced, sci-fi/action, urban city invasion mesh-up that Hollywood could take a few notes from. Now being a British film, you must get past the very thick accents and sometimes unpronounceable dialects. However, once you get past that slight hurdle, the film is a real treat and very entertaining. The film also touches on some social issues that are taking place in Britain. Urban violence, drug issues, violence against women, and government housing are just some examples that I noticed in the film. Issues that we here in America know all too well. This extremely rare 35mm print came courtesy of Sony Pictures. It was originally released StudioCanal on May 11, 2011. The film was preceded by several trailers: 1982's HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, 1986's THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, 1983's XTRO, and 1988's THEY LIVE.

Click here to view the film's original trailer.

Well folks there you have it! Another awesome Midnites for Maniacs show! Now being that it's October, there will be another M4M show next weekend at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco! The theme for that show is "Countdown to Hell" and the films being screened are A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, and HELLRAISER! So make sure you come on out to the city on Saturday, October 13th! To learn more about Midnites for Maniacs, visit their website at www.midnitesformaniacs.com. To view upcoming shows at the Castro Theatre, visit their website at www.castrotheatre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 4: Phil reviews SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SCREAM QUEEN ERA (2011) DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures/Vicious Circle Films-October 4, 2012

Original Theatrical Poster (2011)

SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SCREAM QUEEN ERA
Starring: Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer, Fred Olen Ray, David DeCoteau, Richard Gabai, Ted Newsom, Jay Richardson, Kenneth J. Hall, and Jason Paul Collum
Produced by Jason Paul Collum, Jonathan Hanusa, Daniel Noah, Jay Danzinger, Warren Mueller, Michael John Isaacson
Written and Directed by Jason Paul Collum
Distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures/Vicious Circle Pictures

Hello again and welcome to Day Four of my Halloween Horrors Marathon! Now for today's film, I decided to make a slight deviation from our normal path and take you down a scenic route. Today's film is a documentary, but it's focus is on three talented actresses who appeared in some of the most memorable and cherished B-movies and horror flicks of all time! SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SCREAM QUEEN ERA highlights that wonderful time of the late 80's and early 90's and, "How three little girls were smart to play stupid."

The documentary focuses on the lives and careers of Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer and how these three actresses rose to fame via the low budget, shot in five days, direct to video movies that this reviewer remembers with fond memory. In an era when Mom & Pop video stores ruled the country, these ladies became famous for appearing in films with titles such as SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOW-O-RAMA, HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, SAVAGE STREETS, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, SLUMBER PART MASSACRE and other classic B-movie that contained horror, comedy, nudity, and gore; all wrapped up in lurid and explicit VHS box covers. Also interviewed for the documentary are directors Fred Olen Ray (ALIEN DEAD), David DeCoteau (CREEPOZOIDS), Richard Gabai (VIRGIN HIGH), Ted Newsom (ED WOOD: LOOK BACK IN ANGORA), actor Jay Richardson and Collum himself.

Combining on-screen interviews, clips from these revered B-movies, personal photographs, behind the scenes footage, and television footage, Collum weaves this hilarious, unflinching, and at times sad tale of this largely overlooked point in film history. Brinke, Linnea, and Michelle recall their early screen features, working for directors Ray and DeCoteau, their sudden rise in popularity, their brush with mainstream media, and the slow demise of the Mom & Pop video stores that lead to to the decline of work for these ladies.

I was very lucky to be at the right place at the right time. It was a time before chains like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video put the local video stores out of business (which is ironic now that these two corporate mega conglomerates are out of business). I used to spend my Friday and Saturday nights watching USA's Up All Night show, which is where I first discovered these films. I immediately became a fan, and spent the next several years watching every B-movie I could find. Along with the movies there were magazines (Femme Fatales and Scream Queen), trading cards, conventions, fan clubs, the list goes on. Along with my younger brother Thomas, we would spend countless hours watching and renting these films, especially during the summertime. With this film, Collum reminds me of just how special that moment in time was for me.

While informative and very entertaining, the only real complaint I have with the film is that at a scant 63 minutes, I felt like the film could've been stretched out into a full 90 minute feature. We could've benefited more information with their childhood and upbringings, their early films more, and for some reason, the film's ending just stops and it left me hanging. It would've been nice to hear about their resurgence in popularity, what projects they're currently working on now as we speak, and some final thoughts about their film legacy and reflect on what the term Scream Queen means to them now that they are older. But then again, that's just my opinion.

The DVD contains the following special features: Bonus interview footage with Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer, Footage from the Flashback Weekend of Horror Q&A session, the film's original trailer, and trailers to other Breaking Glass films.

SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SCREAM QUEEN ERA is a fun, enriching, and exciting nostalgic look back at an era that, sadly, is missed terribly. Sure these films were brimming with nudity, violence, and sex but there was a innocence to these films. Whenever I put on one of these films to watch, I always have a big smile on my face. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! Recommended!

SCREAMING IN HIGH HEELS: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SCREAM QUEEN ERA is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer and on the Breaking Glass Pictures website. To order a copy visit www.breakingglasspictures.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 3: Phil reviews BIT PARTS (2006) from Elftwin Films-October 3, 2012

BIT PARTS DVD Cover (2007)

BIT PARTS
Starring: Sarah Gordon, Michelle Angel, Molly Fix, Christopher Page, Elizabeth Kirven, Dave Reda, Peter Redman,
Written by Jon Rosenberg
Produced by Karl Schweitzer, Dave Reda, Carrie Lynn Certa
Directed by Dave Reda
An Elftwin Films Production
Distributed by Kosh Vision

Hello again everybody and welcome to Day Three of Phil's Halloween Horror Marathon! Another film I picked up at Miss Misery's Days of Terror Horror Convention was the indie horror film BIT PARTS. Now I had originally seen this film at a special screening at the Camera 12 in San Jose back in 2007 and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And since director Dave Reda had copies of the film to sell, I just had to buy this movie.

The film's about a young woman named Melissa Martin (Fix) who is held captive by a deranged LA plastic surgeon named Dr. Cranston (Page), who's been holding fake movie auditions and kidnapping young girls with "perfect" facial features that will allow him to repair his daughter Maggie's (Angel) hideously mangled face. Soon Melissa's older sister Brenda (Gordon) arrives into town and enlists the help from a local cab driver Bobby (Reda) to assist her in her search of her missing sister. But they quickly discovers that Melissa is in more danger than she could have ever imagined.

Director Dave Reda does a great job of setting up the pace of this movie, while introducing us to some of the most eclectic and psychotic characters in indie horror history. He and screenwriter Rosenberg take the clichéd mad doctor and flipped it and set it in modern times, thus making him more relatable but still mad. His grotesque daughter can be seen as a 21st century Frankenstein creature: monstrous, deformed, child-like, but also misunderstood. Like the doctor's creation, she's not in control of her life nor can she really be blamed for her behavior. She's just wants to look normal again. This can also be translated as a social commentary piece about plastic surgery and how sometimes we are too fixated on perfection and beauty.

The entire cast does a tremendous job of breathing life into their characters. Page brings the crazy to his role as Dr. Cranston, Gordon's Brenda is tough, strong, but yet sensitive. Reda brings loyalty to his role as Bobby, even though he's not sure as to whether or not he can help find Brenda's sister. Of course a standing ovation goes to young Michelle Angel, who made Maggie one of the most disturbing child characters ever in horror history. For some reason, I can picture Maggie playing jump rope with Rhoda Penmark from THE BAD SEED. Now that is truly horrifying!

The DVD contains some special features, including  director's commentary, the film's original trailer, and the NBC interview that Reda and Rosenberg did here in San Jose!

As I stated before, I had seen this film when it premiered at the Camera 12 in Downtown San Jose back in 2007. Now Dave Reda is originally from San Jose, who left to make films in LA. At that screening, I was able to meet him and informed him how much I enjoyed his film. Fast forward to Miss Miserys' A Nightmare to Remember Horror Film Festival, and Dave's there with his latest short film MY UNDEADLY. I was covering the festival as press, so I took some pictures, and ended up talking to Dave, not realizing that I had already met him years ago. Then at the Days of Terror convention I noticed that he had a copies of BIT PARTS for sale. When I told him that I saw this back in San Jose in 2007, he then starts smiling and laughing and saying, "Hey I remember you now!" We shook hands, laughed some more, and then he signed my DVD! Yes folks, it truly is a small world after all!

BIT PARTS was my pick for "Best Indie Horror Film" back in 2007, and after all these years, the film still holds up nicely. Fresh, creative, and originality are just some of the ingredients that made this film a winner in my book. 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

BIT PARTS is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer or on Amazon.com. To learn more about Dave Reda and his production company Elftwin Films, visit their official website at http://elftwinfilms.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 2: Phil reviews DARK WORLDS: SLASHER from DarkRider Studios-October 2, 2012

DARK WORLDS: SLASHER (2012)

DARK WORLDS: SLASHER
Starring: Beau Yotty, Michelle Shields, Dax Spanogle, Kitsie Duncan and Jason Hignite
Written by Zack Daggy
Screenplay by Zack Daggy & Allen Sale
Based on the novel Dark Worlds: Project 31 by Zack Daggy
Produced by Chris Jay, Kitsie Duncan, Zack Daggy & Allen Sale
Directed by Chris Jay

While I was covering the Miss Misery's Days of Terror Horror Convention over the weekend, I picked up a plethora of new indie horror films to review. One of these films I purchased from actress Michelle Shields, which she graciously autographed for me. The film is entitled DARK WORLDS: SLASHER, and it's the first chapter in a horror anthology based on author Zack Daggy's novel Dark Worlds: Project 31.

The short film focuses on William Rosum (Yotty), who is better known in his hometown as the serial killer called the Careview Slasher. For the past 5 years he has killed 55 people, but then one night he meets his match in the form of Allison Smith (Shields), his so-called "Snow White." Now William will find out if having all this fame is worth the price.

The film is a loving nod to the golden era of slasher films. The movie is fun to watch, as we get to peek inside the mind of William, the Careview Slasher. We get to hear William's inner dialogue, which right away is a different spin from your typical slasher flick. It reminds me a little bit of BEHIND THE MASK, but with more emphasis on his lack of a worthy challenger. But as the old saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for." Shields just radiates has Allison: fun, perky, and a little bit obsessed with her idol. Both have great on-screen chemistry which gives the film a high level of reality and believability.

Yotty's costume is very effective, a combination of Michael Myer's jumpsuit and a Jack Skeleton-eque style mask with one evil sewn on smile. Kudos to costume designers Zack Daggy and Derrick Clark, who was also the cinematographer for the film. And of course, director Chris Jay does a impeccable job of creating the look of nostalgia while simultaneously keeping the film well paced, well shot, and having some very cool and creepy looking scenes that are very reminiscent of the good 'ol days when slasher films ruled the world.

The DVD comes with some cool special features, such as cast and crew interviews, behind the scenes photos, the film's trailer, and ordering info for the Dark Worlds: Project 31 novel.

Overall DARK WORLDS: SLASHER is a great short horror film that truly deserves more recognition throughout the horror community. So tell your friends, email them, text them, tweet them, do whatever you can to get their attention and have them check out this film! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

DARK WORLDS: SLASHER can be ordered online. To purchase a copy, please visit http://kunaki.com/sales.asp?PID=PX00ZAUIKU today. Also be sure to check out Michelle Shields' official website at www.themichelleshields.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 1: Phil attends MISS MISERY'S DAYS OF TERROR Horror Convention at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento-October 1, 2012

Greetings and salutations everybody and welcome to that most wonderful time of the year! Yes, I am talking about Halloween! Around this time I get very excited and anxious, due to all the amazing horror themed events that not only take place at my favorite theaters, but every year I participate in a long time tradition that my younger brother Thomas and I started many, many years ago. Every October, I watch one horror movie every day until Halloween, which in itself is quite a challenge. But every year I rise up to the challenge, and so far this year has already started off on a very grand scale!

On September 28th and 29th, I was invited to cover the very first Miss Misery's DAYS OF TERROR HORROR CONVENTION at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento. Conceived and promoted by NorCal horror hostess Miss Misery herself, for two full days I witnessed fans interacting with horror celebrities and icons, scream contests, monstrous rock shows, werewolves, costumed femme fatales, frightful vendors, excellent merchandise, local vampires, horror movie screenings, authors, comic book artists, zombies, and so much more!

FRIDAY THE 13th alumni Amy Steel (L) & C.J. Gramham (R)

FRIDAY THE 13TH's Ari Lehman aka First Jason signing for a fan.

Industry Icons Lynn Lowry (L) & Ken J. Hall (R)

The guests read like a who's who in the horror genre. There were many FRIDAY THE 13TH alumnus on hand, such as Ari Lehman (the very first Jason from the original FRIDAY THE 13TH), Amy Steel (FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 and APRIL FOOL'S DAY), Dominick Brascia (from FRIDAY THE 13TH PART V) and Tom Fridley and C.J. Graham (from FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI). Also on hand were other industry veterans like Suze Lanier-Bramlett (from the original THE HILLS HAVE EYES PARTS 1& 2), Scream Queen Legend Debra Lamb (THE INVISIBLE MANIAC, EVIL SPIRITS, DISCIPLES), Lynn Lowry (THE CRAZIES, SCORE, SUGAR COOKIES), Ken J. Hall (PUPPET MASTER, THE HALFWAY HOUSE), Max Wasa (MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN, SAVAGE BEACH, NO STRINGS 2: PLAYTIME IN HELL), Scott L. Schwartz (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE SCORPION KING) and Eileen Dietz (THE EXORCIST, HELTER SKELTER), just to name a few.

Actress Michelle Shields

Actress April Monique Burril aka Chainsaw Sally

Actresses Devanny Pinn (L) & Jessica Cameron (R)

Now what was so great about this convention was that it not only paid tribute to horror's past, but it also recognized horror's future with a number of up and coming horror filmmakers, actors, actresses that are ready to leave their blood-soaked handprint on the genre. Guests included Michelle Shields (DARK WORLDS: SLASHER, FRANKENSTEIN: DAY OF THE BEAST), Devanny Pinn (AMERICAN GIRLS, THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING), April Monique Burril (THE CHAINSAW SALLY SHOW, THE GOOD SISTERS), Jessica Cameron (CUT, HELL-O-WEEN, THE SLEEPER), director Dave Reda (BIT PARTS, MY UNDEADLY), reality star/actor Britt Griffith (GHOST HUNTERS, THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING), Michelle Tomlinson (THE CELLAR DOOR, BRAIN DEAD), and director Brandon Slagle (VIViD, AREA 51 CONFIDENTIAL, BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING).

Miss Misery (center) greeting some of her fans.

The November Fire table selling the latest DVD on Creature Features

Lord Blood-Rah (C) with Debra Lamb (L) & Samantha WPG (R)

There were local celebrities appearing at the convention as well, such as legendary Creature Features host John Stanely, Lord Blood-Rah (host of Lord Blood-Rah's Nerve Wrackin' Theatre), local documentary filmmaker Tom Wyrsch (REMEMBERING PLAYLAND BY THE BEACH, SUTRO'S: THE PALACE AT LAND'S END), artist/filmmaker Ernie Fosselious (HARDWARE WARS), my good friends Strephon and Heather Taylor from November Fire Recordings, and, of course, Miss Misery had a fantastic merchandise table.

An awesome display of rare and imported DVDs.

Ultra cool horror T-shirts to purchase.

A very creepy Phantom of the Opera doll.

There were some terrific vendor tables during the convention! Yours truly found a plethora of items to purchase (and I did purchase quite a bit) and some incredible T-shirts, DVDs, comics, toys, games, jewelery, and all kinds neat items and collectibles!

Special effects make-up table.

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival table.

"OK everybody! Let's see you throw up some Satanic gang signs!"

Other vendor's included the Sacramento Horror Film Festival (which I might be covering), Thegrindhouse.net, Fastcustomshirts.com, All Hallows Fantasy Faire, Nerd Kung Fu, and a few others. There were artists on hand such as DKWongart.com. Gary "Gaz" Gretsky, and M.e Walker with Malicious Intent Studios. I also had the privilege of meeting the amazing Samantha WPG, who specializes in body painting! Go to www.samanthawpg.com and check it out!

San Francisco's Dammit! rocking the after party.

Ari Lehman and his Keychete.

Guests Iris Scott (L) & actress Max Wasa (R) at the after party.

After the first night of the convention, there was an amazing after party with performances by San Francisco's own punk/metal band Dammit!, who really put on an excellent show! If you see these guys performing near you, go check them out! Also performing at the after party was Ari Lehman's own band First Jason. With Ari on the keychete (machete keyboard) along with his drummer, this two piece band had an incredible set with songs all about our favorite villain, Jason Voorhees. My ears were still ringing the next day! 

One of the actors from BIBLE CAMP

A cute couple checking out the screening schedule.

Stars Devanny Pinn (L) & Jessica Cameron (R) with their film.

As I mentioned earlier, there were several screenings of new independent horror films: THEY CAME FROM THE ATTIC, THE GOOD SISTERS (starring April Monique Burril), FRANKENSTEIN: DAY OF THE BEAST (starring Michelle Shields), WELCOME TO MY DARKSIDE: WOMEN IN HORROR DOCUMENTARY (directed by Reyna Young aka Miss Misery), BLOODY, BLOODY BIBLE CAMP, and THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING. Since I was so busy covering the convention, I only had time to see one film. The film I chose to watch and review was director Brandon Slagle's THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING.

The film's about a young woman named Holly Jenson (Devanny Pinn) who's investigating the murder of her father by her blind younger brother Tyler (portrayed by Noah Dahl). During her investigation, she accidentally awakens the spirit of Elizabeth Short (Alexis Iacono), who is better known as the infamous Black Dahlia. Soon Tyler's physician Dr. Brian Owen (Britt Griffith) begins to suspect something different about Holly, which triggers a deadly secret from his past. Also making a cameo appearance in the film is actress Jessica Cameron portraying a young Norma Jean and Slagle himself as the disturbed Malcolm.

Unlike many of the Hollywood versions of the story, Slagle's take on the famous crime feels like a breath of fresh air. Giving it a supernatural spin, it still stays faithful to the facts about Elizabeth Short, while simultaneously making her and her death even more frightening. Pinn does a fabulous job portraying Holly, combining a hard ass attitude while giving her a sense of vulnerability. Reality star Griffith also deserves credit for his performance as Dr. Owen, who somehow makes us wonder who is exactly and whether or not he can be trusted. Now playing a blind person is enough of a challenge pulling it off and making it believable is even more challenging. So my hat goes off to Dahl's acting chops for making me forget that he was acting. Iacono's performance as Elizabeth Short is scandalous, mysterious, hideous, and demented that I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Now it's a know fact the Short didn't exactly hang in out with the right kind of people, but she did have some decent friends. Iacono's scene with Cameron's Norma Jean was very sweet and gave depth to Short's personality.

Shot in 10 days, Slagle's directing is stupendous, giving the ridiculous short time frame he had (he basically made the film on weekends!). There are some terrific shots and set ups that drive the film. One scene I recall that was very effective were the scenes shot in the cave with Holly "talking" to herself. This scene is a simple scene to shoot, but with Pinn's powerful acting combined with Slagle's directing style, it's one of the most effective and disturbing scenes in the film (there is an even more disturbing scene that unfortunately I cannot disclose. But let me say this: it's not for the faint of heart).

All in all THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING is a great indie horror gem that all of you should definitely see! The film will be screened this weekend in Arizona for Rapture Horror Expo. And just recently, Pinn mentioned on Facebook that the film, "is not only been selected, but opening the entire Shockfest Film Festival in Hollywood!!" Sign up and follow the film's official Twitter account and check out the trailer on Youtube.com!

Dani Sciacca (L) & her mother/actress Max Wasa (R)

"Wanted for supernatural crimes. Use extreme care when approaching."

Horror fan couple Justin Berger (R) & Michelle Fatale (L)

And that everybody is my official report on the convention! I cannot begin to describe just how much fun I had there! And judging by the reactions from the fans, guests, vendors, it looked like everyone had a good time there as well! And I am happy to report that a couple of days ago, Reyna announced on her Facebook page that, "After talking to some sponsors and press that were there it looks like I will be coming back to do another one in 2013. My crew and I are going to be getting ready to get together Days of Terror 2. This convention is going to grow and thank you to everyone who has supported me." So keep your eyes peeled here as I will be bringing you all the up-to-the-minute info on the progress of Days Of Terror 2! In the meantime, I would like to thank both Reyna Young and John Gillette for inviting me to cover the convention, my good friend a fellow press brother Oscar Benjamin, all the guests and fans who allowed me to take their pictures, and to everybody else I'm forgetting! It was the best weekend I had in a long time, and I cannot wait to do it again next year!

Make sure you check out Miss Misery's Movie Massacre show on Saturdays from 9pm-11pm throughout California on Channel KCTH 27 on AT&T U-Verse. Also visit her official website at http://missmisery.net.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!