REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE
Aatami and his canine sidekick are back in this gleefully gory sequel that amps up the outrageous and cartoonish action and violence in fun style. Iain MacLeod reviews a sequel that throws in enough wrinkles, such as Stephen Lang’s sadistic villain, that it remains fresh enough while still retaining the elements that made the first film so memorable.
MAXXXINE
The saga of Maxine Minx comes to a close with MAXXXINE, released on limited edition 4K and Blu-ray courtesy of Second Sight. Steven West reviews the 80’s set slasher that cements Mia Goth’s status as a horror perennial and pays tribute to giallo, De Palma, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood in fun style.
PEARL
The middle entry of Ti West’s X Trilogy, considered by many to be the best, is released on a limited edition 4K and Blu-ray courtesy of Second Sight. Steven West reviews the 1920’s set horror melodrama that sees the murderous Pearl set out on her ill-fated quest for fame and fortune.
THE RUNNING MAN
Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s prescient novel struggles to match the tone not only of its source material but also finds itself lacking in comparison to Schwarzenegger’s daft 80’s actioner. Iain MacLeod reviews this missed opportunity that is also Wright’s least satisfying film to date.
PREDATOR: BADLANDS
Everyone’s favourite breed of alien hunter returns in a story which twists the formula, with a cast out Yautja battling for his honour on the deadliest planet in the galaxy, with a severely damaged, yet very cheerful Weyland Yutani synth providing help. Iain MacLeod reviews Dan Trachtenberg’s eagerly awaited new entry in the PREDATOR saga.
BUGONIA
Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone re-unite for BUGONIA, a remake of the South Korean black-comedy SAVE THE GREEN PLANET. Jesse Plemons plays an unhinged beekeeper who kidnaps a high flying CEO, convinced she is an alien destroying the planet. Iain MacLeod reviews and finds himself underwhelmed by the laidback direction that fails to compare to the original
CHAIN REACTIONS
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre receives yet another in-depth documentary, courtesy of Alexandre O. Philippe. Stephen King and Takashi Miike, among others, discuss what the film means to them. Iain MacLeod reviews a documentary that, despite the personal viewpoints, struggles to shed new light on an over-familiar subject.
STRANGE HARVEST
True crime meets cosmic horror in Stuart Ortiz’s genre mash-up, detailing the increasingly horrifying killing spree of serial killer Mr. Shiny. Iain MacLeod reviews this grisly horror that takes a familiar format to tell something quite original.
MARTYRS
One of the most extreme, and divisive, horror films of all time receives a 4K upgrade and a raft of in-depth special features from Eureka Entertainment. Iain MacLeod reviews Pascal Laugier’s descent into ultimate horror to see if it still has the power to shock and unsettle. Spoiler: it does.
IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS
“Do you read Sutter Cane?” John Carpenter’s riff on Lovecraftian mythology with a meta twist receives a much needed 4K upgrade special edition, courtesy of Arrow Video. Chris Ward reviews the underrated film, whose reputation keeps growing year by year.
FRANKENSTEIN
Finally, someone decided to adapt Frankenstein into a film! Guillermo Del Toro’s long in the works passion project arrives briefly on cinema screens before it shuffles onto Netflix. Iain MacLeod reviews the lavish spectacle that aims to be the definitive adaptation of Mary Shelley’s immortal classic but somehow comes up short.
THE DIABOLICAL DR Z
Jess Franco’s 1966 tale of a revenge driven mad scientist and her possession of a poison taloned exotic dancer reaches Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka Entertainment. Iain MacLeod reviews this slice of vintage Euro-Pulp from one of cult cinema's most distinctive figures.
BLACK PHONE 2
The Black Phone rings once more as The Grabber returns to wreak vengeance on teenagers Finney and Gwen as they investigate a series of disturbing murders from the past. Iain MacLeod reviews the sequel that delves fully into the supernatural and proves to be more satisfying than its predecessor.
THE DOLLMAN TOYBOX: DOLLMAN X DEMONIC TOYS COLLECTION
Dollman! Demonic Toys! Together again at last in this comprehensive boxset that compiles the 90’s VHS favourites into one comprehensive boxset from 101 Films. Chris Ward provides a comprehensive review of these pint sized terrors in all their gory adventures.
THE ISLAND
Eureka Entertainment present this obscure yet memorable Hong Kong horror where a class of geography students come face to face with a trio of familial maniacs looking to continue their bloodline. Iain MacLeod reviews the film, presented for the first time on Blu-ray anywhere outside of Asia.
THE AMBULANCE
Cult writer/director Larry Cohen’s tale of a sinister ambulance snatching victims off the streets of New York arrives on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK from Eureka Entertainment. Iain MacLeod reviews the fun B-movie that also boasts a fun loud-mouthed performance from Eric Roberts.
FORGIVE US ALL
Post-apocalyptic zombie time once more, but this time with a New Zeaand neo-western twist. Lily Sullivan plays a grieving mother, caught between government agents and howling zombies. Steven West reviews this grim, emotional tale set against a familiar backdrop.
GOOD BOY
One of the most buzzed about horror films of the year, GOOD BOY takes a look at a supernatural siege through the eyes of Indy, a faithful dog fearing for his owner's life. Iain MacLeod reviews this inventive, smart and totally original film that will have you scanning your pets behaviour for years to come.
THE DROWNED
A mysterious heist goes sideways, as a group of thieves hide out in a remote beach house, only to suspect they may not be alone. Bev Tew reviews this atmospheric horror, where the elements match up to less than satisfying effect.