REVIEWS
Cinema, Blu-ray/4K, Streaming and VOD Releases - Reviewed By Fans For Fans
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.
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.
EDDINGTON
EDDINGTON - Ari Aster’s dark satire of the pandemic and its effect on a clueless anti-mask small town sheriff played by Joaquin Phoenix veers off in several thrilling and unexpected directions. Iain MacLeod reviews one of the most divisive and wickedly entertaining films of the year.
TROUBLE EVERY DAY
TROUBLE EVERY DAY - Clare Denis’ French arthouse cinema take on vampires and cannibals lands on limited edition 4K and Blu-ray, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment. Iain MacLeod reviews this forerunner of the New French Extremity movement to see if it still has the power to disturb and provoke.
TOGETHER
TOGETHER - Alison Brie and Dave Franco literally experience what happens when you can’t tear yourself away from your better half. Iain MacLeod reviews the body horror hit that has just as much to say about dysfunctional relationships as it does about bodily parts fusing together. Warning - also contains Spice Girls songs on the soundtrack.
WEAPONS
Zach Cregger’s eagerly anticipated follow up to BARBARIAN finally arrives in cinemas. Does the story of a missing class of school children running off into the night justify the hype? Iain MacLeod examines the various mysteries of this summer's latest horror hit in his spoiler-free review.
WHEN EVIL LURKS (CUANDO ACECHA LA MALDAD)
WHEN EVIL LURKS - Demián Rugna’s possession shocker makes a more than welcome debut on 4K and Blu-ray in this stacked special edition from Second Sight. Iain MacLeod reviews the Argentinian instant classic that tears up the rule book in ferocious and disturbing fashion.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER - 1997: A group of friends cover up a fatal accident and fall prey to a killer in a fisherman’s slicker and hat. 2025: A different group of friends cover up a different fatal accident and fall prey to a different killer in a fisherman’s slicker and hat. Iain MacLeod reviews this latest revival that has him realising he doesn’t care what anyone did last summer.
THE SHROUDS
THE SHROUDS - David Cronenberg proves he still has the goods in this grief driven techno conspiracy thriller. Iain MacLeod reviews this unflinching and haunting work that distills all that was and still is great about the Canadian auteur.
M3GAN 2.0
M3GAN 2.0 - The internet’s favourite dancing killer robot returns in a sequel that delivers more of what made her so popular while taking a page out of the TERMINATOR 2 playbook with added action and a winning sense of humour. Iain MacLeod reviews this surprisingly superior sequel.