REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
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.
SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA
The late 80’s VHS rental favourite returns in a limited edition Blu-ray from 101 Films in all of its camp, cheesy glory. Iain MacLeod reviews to see if this tale of sorority babes, horny dudes and a mischievous wish granting imp has stood the test of time.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.