REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
SCREAM 7
SCREAM 7 - The delayed sequel arrives onscreen after losing its two main stars from the previous two films, hoping Neve Campbell’s return will appease longtime fans. Iain MacLeod reviews this uninspired and pedestrian entry in a long running franchise that splutters onto the screen with none of the verve or wit that made the first film so entertaining and fun.
THE UGLY STEPSISTER
THE UGLY STEPSISTER - The fairy tale staple gets a horrific, feminist Norwegian makeover in this acclaimed, and Oscar nominated revisionist take. Steven West reviews the new Limited Edition stacked with extras and finds much to enjoy, and have his stomach turned by
V/H/S/HALLOWEEN
V/H/S/HALLOWEEN - The found footage franchise continues with this eighth entry focussing on the theme of every horror fans favourite season. Chris Ward reviews the new Blu-ray release and finds this a strong entry with an imaginative and eclectic mix of gore and scares.
SEND HELP
SEND HELP - After 17 years, Sam Raimi returns to horror with SEND HELP. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien play the put-upon worker and alpha-bro boss stranded on a deserted island, finding themselves stuck in a bloody, gory battle for survival. Iain MacLeod reviews this gleefully cruel return to form from one of the genre’s most recognisable directors.
IRON LUNG
IRON LUNG - Another week, another video game adaptation, this time with the added bonus of being directed by and starring a YouTube personality. IRON LUNG however bucks the trend with its oppressive location and hints of cosmic horror that leaves reviewer Iain MacLeod impressed by Mark Fischbach’s debut.
RETURN TO SILENT HILL
Christophe Gans returns to the much loved horror video game franchise with this adaptation of the second game in the series. Iain MacLeod reviews and struggles to engage with a film that amounts to little more than a replication of the feeling you have watching someone else play a game while you wait for your own turn.
28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE
One more trip to the ravaged lands of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s infected UK, courtesy this time of new director Nia Dacosta. Iain MacLeod reviews the massively entertaining entry that brings Ralph Fiennes’ kindly Dr Kelson and Jack O’Connell’s evil Sir Jimmy Crystal face to face in a film which while only being released in the second week of January could end up being one of the best of the year.
POSSESSION
The long awaited special edition of Andrezj Zulawski’s deranged masterpiece finally arrives on 4k and Blu-ray, courtesy of Second Sight Films. Iain MacLeod reviews the most essential physical re-issue of the year and finds the film itself still astonishes from its provocative imagery to its still unnerving, hysterical performances from Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani.
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT - You better watch out, here’s another remake of the Xmas stalk n’ slash “classic.” Iain MacLeod reviews the latest iteration that tries to do something new with the murderous Santa premise but fails to deliver in this underwhelming and muddled remake.
RE-ANIMATOR
Ready to buy RE-ANIMATOR again? Steven West (no relation to Herbert) reviews the new extras packed Blu-ray & 4K Limited Edition from Second Sight and finds there’s still lots to love about Stuart Gordon’s classic introduction to Herbert West.
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.
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.
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.