Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE GALLOWS (2015) from Warner Bros. Pictures-October 29, 2015

THE GALLOWS Blu-Ray (2015)

THE GALLOWS
Starring: Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos, Cassidy Gifford
Screenwriters: Travis Cluff & Chris Lofing
Cinematographer: Edd Lukas
Directors: Travis Cluff & Chris Lofing
Production Companies: Blumhouse Productions, New Line Cinema, Management 360, Tremendum Pictures
Distributor: Warner Brothers Pictures

Have you noticed that horror movies aren't very scary anymore? Seriously, when the hell did that happen? The majority of horror films coming out from the major studios have been atrocious. They aren't scary, they're mind numbingly boring, enormously unoriginal and just repeat the same schtick over and over and over again. A perfect example is the found footage style movie. Ever since THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT was released back in 1999 (holy crap has it been that long?!?), every Tom, Dick, and Mary have ripped off that style of filmmaking. And for some reason it's still being used to this very day. Want proof of this? Well look no further that the awful and not-so-scary horror film THE GALLOWS from Warner Brothers Pictures.

The film's official synopsis: Twenty years after an accident during a small town high school play results in death, students at the school resurrect the failed stage production in a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy - but ultimately find out that some things are better left alone.

Ok where do I start here? I mentioned it wasn't scary, correct? Ok just making sure. Did I mention that it's a stupid found footage style movie? Oh I said that too, huh? Well alright then. Ok how about this: did I mention it was unoriginal, uninspiring and unimaginably boring? Yup, I went there.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

As you may or may not know, the trailer made it look super scary. You have footage of the film looking like it was made for us horror fanatics. Horrorfyingly creepy, teens screaming for their lives, unseen killer stalking them one by one. It looked genuinely scary. So my question is what the hell happened? How can the trailer be scarier and better than the film itself?!? Good grief Charlie Brown! I was expecting to be entertained and be creeped out and scared and all those fun emotions that we experience when we view a horror film. Instead I was looking at my phone a lot wondering when this sorry excuse of a horror movie was over so I can watch a good horror movie! 

So what was wrong with the movie exactly? Well besides all the good stuff was in the trailer and the found footage look is so over and I wish filmmakers would stop using it, the movie was very predicable, acting was about as good as a high school theater production (which is ironic since it takes place in a high school theater department), characters were so thin I could see through them and they were annoying me to death. Yes, I was cheering on their deaths. You seriously cannot blame me. If you saw the movie you'd do the same. Admit it! Admit it!! You better say yes dammit!!

The movie was "directed" by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing. The reason I mention them is that I blame them for the hour and half I lost when I watched their movie. They also wrote the film as well, so I'm holding them personally responsible for this whole thing being made. Really guys? You two actually thought that you were making a good movie? Let alone a good horror movie? Ok I have not seen the short films you guys have done together but couldn't either one of you come up with a better plot? Or at least fleshed it out more so it reads like an intelligent monkey wrote it? And why the found footage style? Don't you guys know better? Horror fans don't want to see that anymore. It's been done to death. We're over it and it's time to move on.

Now hard to believe that Blumhouse Production helped make this piece of crap. Jason Blum has made some awesome films within the genre like THE PURGE series, the SINISTER series and the last film I reviewed THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN. Despite all the negative reviews, the film grossed a staggering $38.2 million dollars! Consider that fact that the film's budget was only a measly $100,000 so there was a huge profit made from this. But still Jason, please pick better project to greenlight next time!

THE GALLOWS is one of the wort horror films to released in 2015 so far. This movie was so bad I don't even want to rate it, just because it hurt me so damn bad. Literally, watching this movie made me violently ill and I had to vomit. Skip this film all together my fellow horrorhounds! 1 out of 5 stars!! Avoid this like the plague!!

THE GALLOWS is available on both DVD, BLU-Ray and on Video On Demand. To learn more about Blumhouse Productions visit their website at www.blumhouse.com.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN (2014) from Image Entertainment-October 29, 2015

THE TOWN THAT DREADED Blu-Ray (2015)

THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN
Starring: Addison Timlin, Veronica Cartwright, Travis Tope, Gary Cole, Edward Herrmann, Anthony Anderson
Screenwriters: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Earl E. Smith
Cinematographer: Michael Goi
Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

Production Companies: Blumhouse Productions & Ryan Murphy Productions

Distributor: Image Entertainment

Most horror movie remakes are terrible. Just terrible. Absolutely terrible. So terrible to the point I want to gouge out my eyes with an ice cream scooper. But every now and then a remake comes out that captures my interest. For me, it must capture the spirit of the original while simultaneously be able stand on its own. So it was a pleasant surprise to see the remake of THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN which is one of the better remakes that I have seen a very long time.

The film's official synopsis: 65 years after a masked serial killer terrorized the small town of Texarkana, the so-called 'moonlight murders' begin again. Is it a copycat or something even more sinister? A lonely high school girl named Jami (Addison Timlin), with dark secrets of her own, may be the key to catching him.

What I found interesting about the film is that while it's been called a reboot, it's more of a sequel. The filmmakers acknowledge the original 1976 film (which was released on Blu-Ray last year by the fine folks at Scream Factory) and also acknowledge that it was based on true events. As a result, the film feels more grounded in the real world while simultaneously reminding us that this is a sequel. Very smart move on their behalf and an element that I was happy with.

Lead actress Addison Timlin is just absolutely incredible as our final girl Jami Lerner, who is seriously having a rough time. Her boyfriend was killed by the infamous masked killer, who seems to be the same one from the first film. While being stalked by him (or her), she goes on a quest to solve the mystery of this mysterious killer. Timlin brings a lot of emotion and integrity to her role and portrays Jami as a strong, smart and brave young heroine. This is something we horror fans don't get to see a lot lately. In Hollywood productions the supposed "final girl" are flat, two-dimensional carachtures of what's they used to be and we are not fully invested in them. Congratulations to Timlin for making a character that we actually care and cheer for!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film was the feature length directorial debut by newcomer Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, who does a great of creating atmosphere, dread and, of course, gallons and gallons of bloodshed. Most first time directors fail to make their first film entertaining and move at a reasonable pace. Alfonso bypasses this freshman mistake by making a fast paced, entertaining film filled with tension, horror and gore. There is so much gore in this film and I loved it! Definitely keep an eye out for this talented filmmaker as I hope to see more great things to come!

As with all classic horror films, a good script can help elevate a film and make it r commended viewing. What screenwriter Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa did which was smart was that he wrote the film to tie-in to the original Charles B. Pierce 1976 slasher classic. He even went to so far to include the film, Mr. Pierce himself, and cast Denis O'Hara as Charle Pierce Jr. to help make it more believable. Roberto's script again is smart, clever and really takes it to the next level.

Before I forget, I must mention actor Edward Herrmann, who portrays the Reverand Cartwright in the film. Herrmann has been in the business for over forty years, appearing films like THE PAPER CHASE, THE GREAT GASBY, ANNIE, THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, NIXON, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and genre classics like THE LOST BOYS and DEATH VALLEY. However he's mostly known as Richard Gilmore from the old WB show Gilmore Girls, which ran from 2000-2007. Recently Netflix announced that they are planning on reviving the show and will be reuniting most of the original cast but unfortunately Mr. Herrmann won't be there. On December 31, 2014, Edward Herrmann passed away at the young age of 71. This was the last film he appeared in.

Blumhouse Productions was one of the production companies that helped make this film a reality. If you're not familiar with them, you should be. They're the ones that helped put the PARANORMAL ACTIVITIES, THE PURGE and SINISTER franchises on the map. So keep that in mind when you see their cool and creepy looking intro before all their films.

Overall THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN is a worthy entry to the slasher genre as well as a sequel to a slasher classic. There's enough scares, blood, action and kills to satisfy event the most hardcore horror fanatic. So make sure you see this film cause you're gonna have a bloody good time watching it! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN is available on both DVD and BLU-Ray. Visit your local retailer to pick up a copy today. The movie is also available on VOD. Also follow the film on Facebook and Blumhouse Productions on Twitter. To learn more about Blumhouse Productions visit their website at www.blumhouse.com.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE FINAL GIRLS (2015) from SonyPictures-October 28, 2015

THE FINAL GIRLS Blu-Ray (2015)

THE FINAL GIRLS
Starring: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Alexander Ludwig, Nina Dobrev, Alia Shawkat, Thomas Middleditch, Adam DeVine, Angela Trimbur, Chloe Bridges
Written by M.A. Fortin & Joshua John Miller
Cinematography by Elie Smolkin
Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson
Produced by Groundswell Productions, Studio Solutions & Ulterior Productions
Distributed by Sony Pictures, Vertical Entertainment & Stage 6 Films

With Halloween right around the corner, it means my dear friends that October is almost over. But before we bid this wonderful time of the year goodbye, I have a lot of horror movies to review. First up is the newest entry into the horror/comedy genre and very funny and entertaining one at that. Tonight's movie is the new indie film THE FINAL GIRLS from distributors Sony Pictures.

The film's official synopsis: When Max (Taissa Farmiga) and her friends reluctantly attend a tribute screening of an infamous '80s slasher film that starred Max's late mother (Malin Akerman), they are accidentally sucked into the silver screen. They soon realize they are trapped inside the cult classic movie and must team up with the fictional and ill-fated "Camp Bloodbath" counselors, including Max's mom as the shy scream queen, to battle the film's machete-wielding, masked killer. With the body count rising in scene after iconic scene, who will be THE FINAL GIRLS left standing and live to escape this film?

Let me start off by saying how much fun this movie is to watch. Credit goes out to the entire cast and they give it their all, 80's style. Taissa Farmiga is fanatic as the lonely, teen angst Max and two big thumbs up to Malin Akerman, who really shows off her acting chops. Going from a loving, down on her luck mother to 80's carefree teen character in a slasher movie is no easy task. Farmiga and Akerman have perfect on-screen chemistry as the mother/daughter dynamic is what holds the film together and drives it forward. These two fine actresses truly deserve the spotlight here as they are absolutely amazing in the film!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

Other worthy shout outs need to go to the following: Nina Dobrev as former best friend and all-around bitch Vicki Summers, the girl you just love to hate. Thomas Middleditch's Duncun reminds me of....well...me! The awesome horror nerd who loves watching the classic 80's slasher films and tries so hard to be cool at the same time. Angela Trimbur portrays Tina in classic horror style: hot, blonde, dumb, and sexy as hell! And of course, I cannot forget the man of the hour. Adam DeVine is hilarious as the typical, 80's oversexed misogynistic douchebag Kurt.

The last major film director Todd Strauss-Schulson made was 2011's A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (which I saw in the cinema and it was funny as hell!), so this a cause for celebration. Mostly making television movies as of late, this film hopefully marks a return to the big screen as he keeps the film moving forward with laughs, scares, and yes some tear shed. But let's not forget screenwriters M.A. Fortin & Joshua John Miller for writing a very funny and clever script. These three talented individuals need to team up on more projects. Together they can be unstoppable!

Overall THE FINAL GIRLS has all the makings of an indie cult classic! It's clever script, great cast, spot-on production values and perfect directing make this a must-see film for fans of the horror genre! Not since TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL have I had this mush fun watching a movie! Highly original and highly entertaining! Go see this film now! You'll be glad you did my fiends!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE FINAL GIRLS is playing in limited engagement in theaters nationwide and is also available on VOD. Look for the Blu-Ray to be released in November by Sony Pictures. You can also follow the film on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil's Cult Classics: MY TUTOR (1983) Blu-Ray from Scorpion Releasing-August 9, 2015

MY TUTOR Blu-Ray Cover (2014)

MY TUTOR
Starring: Matt Lattanzi, Caren Kaye, Kevin McCarthy, Clark Brandon, Maria Melendez, Crispin Glover, Bruce Bauer, Amber Denyse Austin
Written by Joe Roberts
Cinematography by Mac Ahlberg
Produced by Michael D. Castle and Marilyn Jacobs Tenser
Directed by George Bowers
Originally distributed by Crown International Pictures
Released by Scorpion Releasing

There's something about those old exploitation films from the 1980's that I just love. Believe it or not, there's a certain type of innocence to them. They weren't meant to be angry or offensive really. They were, in a lot of instances, just fun to watch. They weren't made to be taken seriously, but at the same time a lot of hard work were put into these films so they would make money at the boxoffice. These films were still being shown at Grindhouses across America and people went to see these low budget movies. But like I said, some of these films had a sense of innocence and were just fun to watch. Case in point, the newly released blu-ray of MY TUTOR from Scorpion Releasing.

The film's official synopsis: High school senior Bobby Chrystal (Matt Lattanzi) fails his French class, which will block him from entering Yale. His rich, authoritarian father (Kevin McCarthy) hires an attractive 29-year-old Terry Green (Caren Kaye) to tutor Bobby over the summer and help him pass a make-up exam. While Bobby's friends lead him away into strange excursions aimed at losing their virginities, Bobby finds all the extracurricular activities he needs with his new tutor.

Now the topic of teachers having sex with their students these days is an intolerable act that will send someone to jail, most likely the teacher. But hey, this was the 80's so if you were banging your super hot teacher that was totally awesome! See things were a lot looser in the 80's. If they made a T-Shirt saying, "I survived the 80's" I would so buy that.

Original Theatrical Poster (1983)

The film stared Matt Lattanzi as our horny teenager Bobby. Lattanzi went on to appear in other films such as GREASE 2, THAT'S LIFE and ROXANNE. Caren Kaye, who portrayed the ultra hot tutor Terry, had a very long acting career, which landed her to appear in films like SOME KIND OF HERO, TEEN WITCH, SATAN'S PRINCESS and PUMPKINHEAD II: BLOOD WINGS. She also appeared in numerous television shows like The Love Boat, The Betty White Show, Simon and Simon, Murder, She Wrote, Mr. Belvedere, and 21 Jump Street. And of course I can't forget about legendary actor Kevin McCarthy, who played Bobby's dad in the film. The man has starred in over 100 films during his lifetime! His most famous role is that of Dr. Miles J. Bennell from the 1956 sci-fi cult hit INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. McCarthy appeared in other films like DEATH OF A SALESMAN, THE HOWLING, INNERSPACE, UHF, LOVING ANNABELLE (which I saw at Cinequest 18 back in 2008), and LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION. His last film he appeared in was THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X, which I saw back at Cinequest 13 in 2013. Unfortunately this was to be the last movie ever for Kevin McCarthy, as he died from pneumonia on September 11, 2010 at the young age of 93.

The film's director George Bowers only made a couple of other films like THE HEARSE and BODY AND SOUL but he's mostly known as an editor. His list of editing credits include exploitation classics THE POM POM GIRLS, VAN NUYS BLVD, GALAXINA, and THE BEACH GIRLS (all are from Crown International Pictures) and Hollywood blockbusters such as SHOOT TO KILL, SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, THE PREACHER'S WIFE, FROM HELL, and WALKING TALL. Bowers passed away on August 18, 2012 in Los Angeles.

The film was originally released to theaters by Crown International Pictures on April 22, 1983. With this new blu-ray release by Scorpion Releasing, the film looks way better than the old VHS and awful DVD transfers. The disc also features trailers and you can have the option of watching an intro with the lovely and very delicious Katarina Leigh Waters.

MY TUTOR is an excellent time capsule of those wonderful by-gone days of the 1980's when sex-filled teen slapstick comedies were all the rage. The looks, the sounds, the clothes, the music, the film has everything you would want and more! And now you can relive those glorious days in Hi-Def Blu-Ray! Five out of five stars!! Highly recommended!!

MY TUTOR is currently available on Blu-Ray at your local retailer. You can also purchase a copy at the Amazon website at www.amazon.com. You can also see upcoming releases from Scorpion Releasing by visiting their website at scorpionreleasing.com. Also make sure to visit Katarina Leigh Waters as well at www.katarinasinfamy.com.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil sees JURASSIC WORLD in 3D at the Regal Natomas Stadium 16-August 8, 2015

It been 14 years since JURASSIC PARK III was released and let's be honest, it wasn't that great of a film and a weak conclusion to what was a highly popular and profitable franchise. So when it was announced last year that Universal Pictures was reviving the series with a new (and fourth) entry, I was very hesitant. Let's face it: Hollywood has seriously run out of original ideas so they're continuing to raid their vaults to either remake or make new sequels of previously popular films. But after taking my family to see JURASSIC WORLD in 3D at the Regal Natomas 16 Theater, I was very surprised on how excellent it was!

The film's official synopsis: 22 years after the original Jurassic Park failed, the new park (also known as Jurassic World) is open for business. After years of studying genetics the scientists on the park genetically engineer a new breed of dinosaur. When everything goes horribly wrong, will our heroes make it off the island?

This film was a lot more fun to watch than I was expecting it to be. It had action. It had scares. It had comedy, It had genetically created dinosaurs that ate a shit load of innocent people! And kids went to see this film! What the hell America? What is wrong with you? Have you no sense of morals these day? Don't you know you are desensitizing your children? If you take them to see this movie you're only making them want to go out and commit violence in the world!

Actually I'm just kidding! Take the kids to see this movie! It was awesome! Now back to my movie review.

First, this was a worthy entry to the series (given that JURASSIC PARK  III sucked really bad that's not saying much). It picks up after the first film, which also takes place on the original island. This was a smart move on both Universal and the filmmakers. If you want to have people come see it and enjoy it, have it tie in to the original because people love the first one.

Second, have interesting characters in the film. Sure there have been some arguments that Chris Pratt's character Owen is very masochistic and he demeans women in the film. Well, what did you expect from a Hollywood film? Political correctness? Look in this film and you'll find a plethora of old school stereotypes: an evil Asian scientist, a female in distress, annoying stupid kids getting into trouble, and a handsome brave alpha male to save the day. Did I leave anybody out?

Third, fill the screen with awesome special effects that will make them crap in their pants. With today's CGI effects, the dinosaurs look even more real than they did 22 years ago. And seeing it in 3D was pretty damn spectacular. But if you don't like 3D and if it gives you a headache, then 2D is just as cool.

Fourth, have an incredible script to go with your incredible CGI. Well....ok the script was kinda weak and the characters are kinda two-dimenional stereotypes like I previously mentioned. But it did have a beginning, a middle, and an end. So they got that right.

So JURASSIC WORLD is typical Hollywood escapism film and that's a good thing. It's a summer blockbuster popcorn action/adventure film and that's fine. Nothing wrong with that. It had it all and made a fun movie going experience so do check it out. Four out of five stars! Very entertaining!

JURASSIC WORLD is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Regal Natomas Stadium 16. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.regmovies.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Horror Watch: Phil reviews IT FOLLOWS (2014) from Anchor Bay Ent.-August 9, 2015

IT FOLLOWS Blu-Ray Cover (2015)

IT FOLLOWS
Starring: Maika Monroe, Lili Sepe, Jake Weary, Daniel Zovatto, Olivia Luccardi, Bailey Spry
Written by David Robert Mitchell 
Cinematography by Mike Gioulaki
Directed by David Robert Mitchell
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment

Over the past several years Hollywood horror films have been, how do I say it, horrible. There, I said it. And it's true. Over the past decade we have seen almost every classic horror film either remade, rebooted or re-imagined to the point that I've dreaded to see what Hollywood will screw up next. But there are a few decent original horror films that are being released to theaters, but there are few and far between and sometimes they are not we're expecting to see, which can be a lot of fun. Take for instance IT FOLLOWS, the newest horror movie released by our friends over at Anchor Bay Entertainment.

The film's official synopsis: For nineteen-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe), Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors, that seem to be only a few steps behind.

OK, so this film has been receiving a plethora of praise. Critics and horror fans have been saying it's the best horror film so far this year and that it's an instant classic and such. While it is a very good horror film, I wouldn't say it's the best or an instant classic.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The acting in the film is above average. Lead actress Maika Monroe does a fine job with her portrayal of Jay, and the rest of the cast do their part as well, but overall the acting is nothing to really rave about. But they all deserve some merit for their contribution to the movie.

Director David Robert Mitchell does a fine job of helming the film but overall, it's a horror film that isn't very scary nor horrifying. At times it drags and can't seem to get back on track. Mitchell made some noise with his first indie film THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (2010), and with this, his big breakout film, fans and critics have been falling over him. But as I stated, this was an mediocre film at best. It wasn't really scary, or bone-chilling, or amazing, or whatever else the critics have been saying. It was a decent film and that's about it.

In conclusion IT FOLLOWS is a fine entry into the horror genre and it did have potential to become of the best horror films of 2015, but it failed to become one. But I will give Mitchell and his brave crew credit for creating an original film which is a rarity these days. Three out of five stars! Entertaining enough for a rental!

IT FOLLOWS is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer or at the Amazon website at www.amazon.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Horror Watch: Phil reviews MAGGIE (2015) from Lionsgate-August 8, 2015

MAGGIE Blu-Ray Cover (2015)

MAGGIE
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson, Douglas M. Griffin, Rachel Whitman Groves, Jodie Moore
Written by John Scott 3
Cinematography by Lukas Ettlin
Directed by Henry Hobson
Released by Lionsgate

Hello again horror hounds and welcome back to another installment of Phil's Horror Watch! While mainstream media is blasting Arnold Schwazenegger's newest film TERMINATER: GENISYS, one might have missed his smaller, intimate indie horror/drama the played in select theaters. A film that some horror fans may not even knew was released given to its stars. However, one must seek out Lionsgate's newest release MAGGIE to witness a zombie film unlike anything that's been made before.

The film's official synopsis: After a couple of weeks seeking out his teenage daughter Maggie (Abigail Breslin), Wade Vogel (Arnold Schwarzenegger) finds her in the quarantine wing of a hospital. Maggie has been infected by a lethal outbreak that transforms the victim into a zombie. Wade's friend Dr. Vern Kaplan (Jodie Moore) releases Maggie to spend her last days with Wade and her family. Her stepmother Caroline (Joely Richardson) asks Wade to take their little kids to her sister's house to keep them safe. While Maggie is slowly transformed, Wade stays with her protecting Maggie. But Dr. Vern warns him that the moment that he will have to take an ultimate decision is closer.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

This might be a film that Schwarzenegger fans may not like. This is not an action, adventure, shoot-em-up, big effects, big explosions type film. This is something very different from the norm, even for the zombie genre. Here is a film that is thoughtful, sensitive, emotional and makes you reflect on what's important in your life. Like I said, not your typical Schwarzenegger flick but that's a good thing for Schwarzenegger. We get to see him stretch out his acting capabilities and he's quite believable in his role as the world weary, loving husband and father Wade. I think this his best role he's ever played and it's very refreshing to see him in this 180 type role. When you think of dramatic roles, Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't the first name that pops into your mind. But after seeing him in this film, you might want to reconsider that stereotype you have of him.

Abigail Breslin once again turns in a powerful performance, in this her second outing in the zombie genre (the first one was the horror/comedy ZOMBIELAND). Her portrayal of teen infected girl turning zombie, Maggie is a very believable character and you feel for her outcome: you know she's infected right at the start of the film and you continue to root for her and tell her to fight the virus. You want her to overcome it and be a regular, normal teenage girl. But unfortunately that's not possible. A brilliant and compelling performance on the part of the young actress.

Now believe it or not, this is Henry Hobson's directorial debut and he just nails it from the first frame to the last. The film looks and feels like a beautiful nightmare that unfolds gracefully. Brilliantly photographed by cinematographer Lukas Ettlin, Hobson's vision of a father's loving devotion to his only daughter set against a world that is in a chaotic state of decay and death is lovingly captured for us film lovers to watch and discuss. And since this is technically a zombie film, there are some scares and some minor bloodshed to be found, but overall this is a zombie film that is more about life than death. A triumphant directorial debut on the part of Hobson!

Overall MAGGIE is hands down one of the most original zombie films I have ever seen! A new type of filmmaking has been achieved and for horror fans, this is a reason to celebrate. Everything is usually a remake, reboot, or a re-imagining. Here is an original film for a unique director who had a unique voice and was brave enough to make a personal, reflective, and creative work of art. Five out five stars!! Highly recommended!!

MAGGIE is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer or at the Amazon website at www.amazon.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!