REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
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.
THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2
The most stretched out and unwanted remake continues, with this wheel spinning middle installment. Iain MacLeod reviews a film that barely advances its story and simultaneously over-explains absolutely everything to deadening, mystifying effect.
CREEPSHOW 2
Arrow Video re-release the sequel to George Romero’s much loved anthology on a remastered 4K disc. Chris Ward reviews the polished up tribute to 50’s horror comics of this once maligned, now cult 80’s favourite.
TIME TRAVEL IS DANGEROUS
After its 2024 FrightFest Halloween premiere, real life antique shop owners Ruth Syratt and Megan Stevenson’s time hopping romp arrives On Digital. Robyn Fraser reviews this very British sci-fi comedy and has a great time doing so.
THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN
Loosely based on a true story, this tale of a series of murders that took place in 1970’s Florida treads over-familiar ground to predictable and safe effect. Steven West reviews this pedestrian thriller that features Sean Astina and Ali Larter.
THE PUSHER TRILOGY
THE PUSHER TRILOGY - Nicolas Winding Refn’s hard hitting trilogy examining the Danish underworld finally gains an upgraded home release from Second Sight Films. Iain MacLeod reviews this set of films that are every bit as gripping and darkly entertaining as they were over two decades ago in one of the year's most essential 4K releases.
THE LONG WALK
THE LONG WALK - After years in development hell, Stephen King’s grim and influential classic novel finally strolls onscreen from director Francis Lawrence and an excellent cast.. Iain MacLeod goes the distance with an adaptation that refuses to tone the hard edges of the story down, resulting in one of the best films of the year.
THE CONJURING: LAST RITES
THE CONJURING: LAST RITES - The adventures of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren come to a close in underwhelming style. Iain MacLeod reviews this overlong entry that used up all its scares a long time ago and features next to no actual conjuring like the rest of these films.
SOMNIUM
SOMNIUM - Dreams can come true, but so can nightmares in Racheal Cain’s directorial debut SOMNIUM. Chris Ward reviews the sci-fi/horror that sees Chloë Levine explore an all too familiar otherworldly landscape that sticks its fantastical in the background in favour of something more conventional.