REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY
SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY - Fans of Jess Franco and his muse Soledad Miranda will find much to enjoy here in yet another excellent presentation from Severin Films. Iain MacLeod reviews this deranged tale of revenge that highlights one of cult cinemas most memorable creative partnerships that was cut down by tragedy.
UNDERTONE
UNDERTONE - Debut director attempts to make podcasting spooky and terrifying in this tale of a female host trying to discover the truth behind a batch of sinister audio files. Iain MacLeod however finds nothing more to look at or listen to than a woman on her laptop and listening to spooky noises in a disappointingly thin attempt to update familiar ghost story tropes for the 21st century.
VAMPYROS LESBOS
VAMPYROS LESBOS - Re-released in a beautifully presented 4K special edition, Jess Franco’s keystone film seduces the viewer like never before. Iain MacLeod reviews this cult psychedelic, erotic classic that deserves to be recognised as Franco’s masterpiece.
THEY WILL KILL YOU
THEY WILL KILL YOU - A young woman takes a housekeeping job at the sinister, foreboding hotel unaware that it’s run by a bunch of evil Satanists. Unfortunately for them she has her own secrets and a big bag of weapons to back them up. Iain MacLeod reviews a film packed full of action beats that feels all too familiar and far too thin when it comes to the plot.
READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME
READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME - The long, long awaited sequel finally arrives on cinema screens. Once more Samara Weaving returns to do battle with the forces of darkness who ruined her wedding night and now threaten not only her life but her little sisters too.Iain MacLeod reviews a fun sequel which also features the added bonus of Sarah Michelle Gellar to the genre that made her name.
THE DEVIL’S HAND
THE DEVIL’S HAND - The French horror classic, made in 1943 under Nazi occupation, receives a long overdue Blu-ray release from Eureka Entertainment. Iain MacLeod reviews this tale of a deal with the devil and the cursed titular talisman at the heart of a desperate artist's woes that still impresses with its dreamlike imagery and sinister atmosphere.
OBEX
OBEX - A lonely computer programmer sets off on a nightmarish adventure to rescue his beloved dog within OBEX, a mysterious computer game. Iain MacLeod reviews this low-budget, dreamlike odyssey through a low-tech lens that works its spell successfully and signals more great things from director and star Albert Birney.
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.
ROSE OF NEVADA
ROSE OF NEVADA review- Writer and director Mark Jenkins returns to the sea in his own inimitable style with the starry pair of George Mackay and Calum Turner in tow. Iain MacLeod reviews the haunting time slip drama playing this years Glasgow Film Festival, which may earn the director even more fans drawn to his oblique and spellbinding style
GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE
GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE - Stop looking at your phones! Gore Verbinski returns to directing duties with Sam Rockwell travelling back in time to stop a lethal AI from taking over the world with the help of a mismatched group of diners. Iain MacLeod reviews a film packed full of familiar tropes and beats but still finds much to be amused by.
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.
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.