Review: Subspecies 5 Bloodrise (2023)

Review: Subspecies 5: Bloodrise (2023)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog.

This time I’m reviewing the latest Subspecies prequel that tells the story of how Radu becomes a vampire…

Stolen by crusaders on the night of his birth, he has no knowledge of his bloodline: his mother is a demon; his father is a vampire. Trained and exploited by a brotherhood of mystic monks to slay all enemies of the church, fate brings him back one night to the castle of his father, armed with the monster-slaying Sword of Laertes, to destroy the vampire Vladislas and reclaim a holy relic: The Bloodstone. The events of that night turn Radu from a noble man into a vampire with no master, setting him on a centuries-long quest for sustenance, and companionship, for the treacherous one who stole him from the sun, and for the Bloodstone he hopes will bring him peace. Spanning 500 years in the life of the vampire Radu Vladislas, this long-anticipated prequel to the Subspecies series chronicles Radu's descent from a noble warrior for the Church to a depraved creature of the night.

Ted Nicolaou spent twenty-five years craft this film and it shows. Cinematography, FX, and scripting shows how dedicated Nicolaou and crew was dedicated to this film.

This film is blessed by the fact that for a film on a Full Moon budget and shooting schedule that this film is actually stunningly visual. Most of the shots come off with wonderful use of browns and yellows, which are not usual for vampire films. Most horror films use a lot of blues, grays, reds, and blacks. They also heavily use shadows. Thought this film still have dark scenes Nicolaou doesn’t depend on them for atmosphere. In fact the last time Nicolaou used this kind of pallet was in The Vampire Journals. But of course he would because this film is not only a prequel to Subspecies, but also The Vampire Journals as well, much like Subspecies 4 was a crossover with The Vampire Journals.

This film not only gives us the backstory of Radu, but also The Vampire Ash from Vampire Journals.

Now I’m  not saying this is a perfect film. There were a few things, mostly casting, that bugged me. The most annoying was the casting ofevin Spirtas as King Vladaslas. The main problem is the Kevin is no Angus Scrim. Also the makupthey slopped on Spirtas was not in anyway the King Vladaslas we knew from the original Subspecies. It looked like a bad  Nosferatu cosplay from a horror convention. Also, how many times does Radu have to kill his dad? In this film he killed him twice. I guess third or fourth time is a charm..lol.

Another thing that bugged me was Radu himself. Through most of the film he reminds me more of Angus Scrim than Radu. I was happy when in the second half of the film Radu was a bit more like the blood slobbering Radu the fans love. But still after twenty-five years Anders Hove has kind of lost Radu. The voice and the manerisms are a bit off. Still he wasn’t  as bad as he was in Subspecies four. I had to keep telling myself this isn’t  Radu Vladislas, this is Jake Vladislas…lol.

Also, I wish they had been able to bring the original Ash in this film, because the new guy doesn’t say Ash, or even young Ash to me. I’m  sorry there is only one Ash to me. No other actor can be The Vampire Ash.

Ok, I gave you the bad, but now I bring you a sample of what I really loved about this film. The new Bloodstone looked enough like the original to be acceptable. The Bloodstone in Subspecies 4 was a cheap assed piece of crap.

Now I have to praise Nicolaou for putting Denise Duff in the role of Helena. All I can say is brilliant. It was wonderful to see Denice after all these years (remember 25 years have passed). The way Ted connect Helena, the Queen  of the Bucarest vampires to Michelle is nothing less than brilliant…And it explains why Radu was so set on making her his immortal companion.

Ok, all in all this film is one of the best Full Moon films to come out in over a decade. Also, it is Ted Nicolaou’s masterpiece and shows he is a far better direct than most horror fans think. And to pull this brilliance off on a Full Moon budget and film scedual just proved Ted’s brilliance.

Can I recommend this film?, you ask. Fuck yes I can! When I say this film is the best Full Moon has created I’m  serious.

Check this film out yourself! It is currently on Tubi TV.

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Now, let there be a bloodbath!!!

 

commentary: What Not to do when you are offered free publicity...

Well fellow creepers, this is your wonderful and extra sexy manager of Horror Bob's legacy, William Pattison, and I got something to say....

I've been interviewing people in horror for over twenty years and most of the time they are very nice and professional and realize this is a fan run blog, so I don't get paid and I do this on my own time (I'm a published author of thirteen books).

Now, yes I do understand that people in the horror film business are busy. It's like give me a break. I've been on both sides of the interview process, for example my interview with The Huffington Press. That interview was a rather lengthy one, around thirty-five questions and they were all write in questions, meaning I  wrote all my answer. The truth is most of the interviews that I have done as interviewer and interviewee have be write in questions. It's a standard in kuterary interviews.

So, I was a bit taken back when one of the iconic director of Charles Band's Full Moon films accepted my offer to interview him about his masterpiece that took him twenty-five long years to do. I would think that such an artist would be more than happy to do an interview about the films as well as THE FILM that he put so much artistry into.

Well, initially he was. But then I mentioned that I would be sending him the twenty  questions and all he had to do is take his time and just write in the answers and email the answers to me.

"Well, you could have done an audio interview and transcribe it. NOPE. I used to be able to do that but not now. It is one reason I haven't jumped back into podcasting since I lost the use of my legs and had to learn to walk again. I'm broke. I've been fighting to get social security disability. I don't have funds to do fancy stuff. Unlike Robert, who had a business and a steady income, I have no income. My family supports me, yes I'm a loser. Shit, I do all my blogging and reviews on a moto phone. Meaning I'm starving artist (Fuck you, Trump) who has had all his benefits pulled and I keep going by the stubble on m

y chin and a ton.. of creativity and smarts.

So, after accepting my offer to interview him, the said director suddenly wussed out and told me he had an ISSUE with  having to write his answers and swiftly backed out of the interview...

Give me a fucking break. I've interviewed directors like Adam Marcus, The great Lloyd Kaufman, Eric Red, and even the legendary Roger Corman, and not one of them quibbled about an

Ser email, write in interview.

Seriously, it is no doubt that Mick Garris never invited this guy to one of his lunches and bestowed the honor of the title of Master of Horror on him.

Personally, before he tossed me and Horror Bob like trash I thought of him as one of the best directors at Full Moon, beside the B Film Master Mr. Band.

Well, the old saying still holds... Don't meet your heroes because they will always disappoint you. I learned that one years ago when I met William Shatner (and it is Trekkie, not Trekker fuck you very much...).

So, anyway my point is in the last twenty years I have NEVER had a director fluff me off like that. It's a royal dick move in my book. 

I could accept, "I would love to, but I'm busy working on a script." But, " I just don't feel like writing answers. I do a lot of writing in my life." Oh, poor Boo Boo!

Look at the list again if the directors I interviewed. They all were class acts. I will say no more on this...

This royally makes me want to get my Harlan on, but I'm the nice Heir to the Great Ellison. I'm not going to waste my time. Also, I'm professional. If someone does the honor of offering me an interview there is a 90 percent chance I'll say yes (Well, unless their last names are Gilley, Hyde, or Albertson for examples...).

So, there is a lost opportunity and the waste of an outstanding set of twenty questions. His loss.

So, fans let's put on our Captain Happy faces and...ROCK!!!!

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob's Blog.  .

Review: Subspecies 4: Blood Storm (1998)

Review: Blood Storm ;Subspecies 4 (1998)

By William Pattison 

For Horror Bob's Blog...

This time I have the the fourth and what was supposed to be the final film in the series at the time.

I did not like this installment of the series as much as the earlier three films, even though it was a crossover to Ted Nicolaou’s The Vampire Journals.

One of the main problems was that this film was done after Full Moon and Parmount’s distribution agreement had ended and Full Moon was having to drastically cut the budgets of it’s films. Also, because of budget cuts the FX and makeup budgets were butchered. It is the main reason the Subspecies doesn’t appear, because the had no budget for the stop motion for the little minions. It can also be seen in the makeup work for Radu. In this film Radu no longer slobbers blood because the had todudget the use of fake blood. Also he doesn’t  have his custom teeth. In fact all the vampires look to be stuck sharing vampire teeth. As well budgetary restrictions also was the reason why all Michelle’s associates and her sister died at the beginning of the film. Only the character of Marrin survived, but he was only saved by being made into a vampire. Oh, and best of all they had a very cheap looking Bloodstone in this film. Supposedly the original Bloodstone had gotten lost between films so they had to make a replacement one. This one looks like a fan made model of it. It is too big and just plain looks wrong. Amusingly a few years ago Full Moon out out a Bloodstone model and this one is the right size and looks amazingly like the original from the original three film. What a joke.

Johnathon Morris is back as the music loving vampire  from Vampire Journal,Ash. But this time we find out that  Radu is his master. Also that Radu has claim to everything he has built. Also we have Mihai Dinvale back from Vampire Journal as  the vampire trying to cure himself but remain immortal Doctor Blood.

The best addition to the cast is Floriela Grappini as  Ash’s apprentice Seriena.

All in all even though this is not the best of the Subspecies series I found it entertaining. And if you are a completeist you won’t  was to miss the conclusion of the story of Michelle and Radu.

You can watch this film for free on Fawesome…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Bloodlust: Subspecies 3 (1997)

Review: Bloodlust: Subspecies 3 (1994)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I’m reviewing the third installment in Ted Nicolaou’s isSubspecies…

In Bucharest, Rebecca finds her sister Michelle in the catacombs of an old castle and kills Radu with a dagger. They flee, but Michelle is incapable to leave the dark place since the sun is shinning outside. Rebecca promises to wait for her until the night, but Michelle is captured by Mummy that uses her blood to revive Radu. Rebecca and Mel try to convince Lieutenant Marin to bring the police to the catacombs to look for Michelle. The Chief of Police is skeptic and Mel summons his CIA friend Bob to help him to hunt the vampire Radu and rescue Michelle. Will they succeed?

His is a another wonderful edition to the Subspecies series. This Michelle, once again played by Denice Duff, is now a vampire and is now bound to Radu through a spell by Mummy.

Radu , played masterfully by Anders  Hove again, in this film spends his time trying to seduce Michelle into the dark life of a vampire when I’ve endulging in the seduction of the Bloodstone itself. This film is the perfect ending to this chapter of the Subspecies story.

I highly recommend watching this film with the other two Subspecies films as a marathon. That is the best way…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror BoBob’s Blog…

 

Review: Bloodstone: Subspecies 2 (1993)

Review: Bloodstone: Subspecies 2 (1993)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

This time I’m reviewing the sequel to Ted Nicolaou’s Subspiecies…

 

Continuing after the first "Subspecies", a woman who has just become a vampire tries to escape the evil vampire, Radu, who seeks her as his love interest. But she has taken the vampire family's bloodstone, and now Radu must find her to get it back. While her sister comes to Romania to save her soul. It might be to late....

This is an excellent sequel. It starts right after the end of Subspecies. Michelle, now played by Denice Duff, is making the charge to a vampire after being bit by Radu and after his brother Stephan.

Denice Duff is a vast improvement over the actress who played Michelle. Her scenes with Radu are fantastic because of her range. Also, we can’t forgetAnders Hove as the horrifying, blood slobbering, Radu. He out does his performance in the first film. This film also has the additons of Melany Shatner (yes, William Shatner’s daughter) as Michelle’s sister Rebbeca, kevin spirits as CIA agent Mel, Ion Haidue as Chief of Police Marin, and Pamela Gordon as Radu’s Mummy, which I think is a fantastic edition to the story.

This film features a lot more FX and a lot more vampire action. One of my personal favorites is Nicolaou using shadows for a mease of transport for the vampires. Also once again they use the Subspecies very well in this film.

All in all this film does exactly what a good sequel does, it expands upon the original, much like Bride of Frankenstein did. I highly recommend this film…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s blog…

 

Review: Subspecies (1991)

Review: Subspecies (1991)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

This time I’m reviewing Ted Nicolaou’s classic vampire tale…

After many years in exile, the evil vampire Radu returns to the fortress of his father, the good King Vladislav, in Prejnar, and kills his father to steal the powerful Blood Stone. Meanwhile, the Americans Michelle and Lillian travel to Transylvania to meet their Romanian friend Mara to research the locals and prepare a study for their PHD about the Romanian culture. They are lodged in an ancient house in Prejnar by the rough local Karl that explains that the residents believe there are good and evil vampires, but they live in peace with the vampires led by King Vladislav for centuries. Soon, Michelle meets the zoology student Stefan and they have a crush on each other. But Radu breaks the truce between the vampires and the humans and he attacks the three women. Stephen rescues the girls and discloses to Michelle that he is Radu's half-brother. Now, Stephen and Karl wants to stop the vampire, but he is powerful and smart, and sneaks in the darkness.

This film is still the best of the series.

The villain, Radu is at his best here. He is his most scariest and at his most blood thirsty. Also, in this film they do the best job of using the title creatures, the right inch tall Subspecies, which are created by Radu breaking off his own fingers and use black magic to turn the fingers into the little demon creatures. The creatures are brought life through animation and still backgrounds. The animation and design of the creatures was done  uhby the same animator who created Gumby and Pokie.

The cast does a really good job. Unfortunately the character of Michelle, played in this film by Laura Mae Tate, was recast in Subspecies 2.

Phantasm star Angus  crim has an excellent cameo as the vampire king Vladislaz. Actor Anders Hove starts his iconic run as the blood slobbering Vampire/Warlock Radu Vladislaz. Also actor Michael Watson plays Radu’s brother Stephan.

This film, which was actually shot in Romania really handles and presents a lot the local vampire mythology as well. Including the ritual for finding the grave of a vampire.

All in all of you like some good, bloody, vampire action with a very original style of vampire this is definitely your film…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

Review: Vampire Journals (1998)

Review The Vampire Journals (1997)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

This time I got a vampire film that is actually a spinoff of  Full Moon and Ted Nicolaou’s Subspecies films…

 

A 19th century vampire stalks a more powerful vampire lord in his quest to gain revenge over the death of his mistress. In his search for the vampire lord in Eastern Europe he kills many of his servants and fellow vampires while cursing a young female musician to vampirism as well.

I really enjoyed this film. I found the vampire Ash, played by Johnathan Morris, in this film a lot more interesting than the more gross Radu. I also found Ash’s adversary the vampire hunter played by Jason Gunn intriguing, a vampire hunting his own kind. Also, Kristen Cerre plays a beautiful victim of vampirism as the piano player Sophia. This film is beautifully shot. There are some shots the Nicolaou uses golden lighting rather than the usual reds, grays, or blues which gives this film a unique look.

Also, I liked that Nicolaou put is a scene where you see the vampires in their daylight forms, which makes them look very mummy-like. This was also a rather unique look for this film. It is unfortunate that it was never used again.

I have to say that this is not only an excellent extension of Ted Nicolaou’s vampire universe he started in Subspecies. It is a film I can highly recommend if you like Ted’s work on Subspecies you will love this film…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

 

Review: The 13th Child (2012)

Review: The 13^th Child: Legend of the Jersey Devil (2002)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog ..

This time I got a review of a film that is supposed to be about The Jersey Devil...

People are being killed by someone or something using superhuman strength. A clever DA Assistant is sent to investigate. Is this just a way to commit the perfect murder or will the legend of the Jersey Devil prove to be true?

Ok, if you are looking for a film that is actually about The Jersey Devil you are looking in the wrong place. Nowhere in this film is there anything except for the curse of the thirteenth child, but even that is changed to the point of not even resembling the original curse. Instead you get a fake mythology about the Jersey Devil that sounds more like a skinwalker than the demon of the Pine Barrons. No where in the legend does The Devil rip people’s heads off. Also The Devil is not an evil Indian wizard that changed his form. Nope no Mother Leads and her twelve children. Nope, we got Mr. Viel, who has a horrorfying family secret. You can guess what that is…

Anyway, as a person who has actually studied the real Jersey Devil I was not very happy with this film. I believe that if you are going to do a film about a famous criptid, like Big Foot or The Loc Ness Monster, please study the source material. It is annoying when filmmakers show their ignorance in such a way. Shit, they showed the famous sketch of The Jersey Devil in the damned film, but the monster they showed in the film bore no resemblance to The Jersey Devil.

Now, of they had presented this as an original film with an original mythology about a fictional demon legend it might have worked better for me. But making this associated with The Jersey Devil was like a person scratching a chalkboard to me. I couldn’t get around it and enjoy the story being presented.

What is sad is all the actors did a good job, but this movie is a cheat. It reminds me of that whole Wolfstein thing in the early sixties. They titled a movie as a Frankenstein film, but the film was about a werewolf and a vampire. That pissed me off when I saw it.

So, for those of you who see the subtitle “Legend of The Jersey Devil” and actually expect to see a movie about THE JERSEY DEVIL, well I can’t  recommend this film. And for those who ask, “Whay’s the big deal?” I say Excuse? I think I made the issue plain… Stop jump reading my fucking review!!!

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

Review: The Dark Within (2013)

Review: The Dark Within (2019)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

This time I’ve got a truly twisted film about a man with a unique psychic gift and the danger of him letting in transdimensional invaders, or if this is all in his head…

A disturbed man with unknown psychic abilities tries to unravel the mystery of his parents' disappearance while battling his own demons.

This film reminds me a lot of the original The Evil Dead because most of the action in this film takes place in an out of the way cabin. Also the main character seeing a bunch of people he cares about turned into demonic mockeries of themselves. The only real difference is instead of this dealing with The Old Ones the source of the terror is a possible invasion of evil transdimensional beings. Still the style has that Evil Dead vib.

This is a well crafted film. From the creature designs to the claustrophobic feeling this film provides an intense experience.

 Paul Flannery steals the show as Marus. This is mainly because he spends  most of the film in the cabin with his personal demons as well as a vew “visitors”. Also kendra Carelli plays multipal versions of Marcus’ love interest Sarah.

All in all I can honestly say I had fun with this film even though you are never even sure what in the film actually happened and what was in Marcus’ head. I think that is the most brilliant part of this film. I highly recommend it…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Goth (2023)

Review: Goth (2003

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob's Blog...)

This time I’m reviewing a film about a demonic Goth trying to corrupt two Goth teens…

 Chrissy and her boyfriend BOONE are two Gothic teenagers living in L.A. who have seen and done it all. As the sun goes down, they get ready for a hardcore concert at the local club. The night takes a gruesome turn when they run into a savage, darkly beautiful woman with a taste for pain and sexual deviance. She represents the darkest, most depraved end of this subculture; for her, it's not just superficial costumes and makeup but a way of life that thrives on murder and madness. Promising new thrills and experiences, she takes Chrissy and Boone on a wild, terrifying ride that progresses from drug-fueled orgies to random acts of violence, leaving a trail of mutilated victims in their wake.

Unfortunately I wasn’t really impressed with this film. Besides the music and makeup this film didn’t scream Goth to me.

Phoebe Dollar was ok as Goth. She seemed to me more bitchie than scary. All through the film she would make threats but never really do anything. She spends the film bullying the Goth couple to have sex with other  I’mpeople. Then toward the end she tries to push Christy to commit murder to prove herself a true Goth based on Goth’s rules of being Goth.

Laurie Reilly plays Chrissy, who all of a sudden believes that Goth was the person who killed her sister. So, because she wants to prove that Goth is her sister’s killer she plays Goth’s game and ends up losing herself in the end.

Dave Stan plays Boone, who Goth bullies into having rough sex with a woman while Christie watches. I wasn’t  impressed by this character. He seemed rather wimpy. I felt he was manipulated too easily.

All in all I wasn’t  pleased, with the story or the acting in this film. It felt more like someone’s manipulation fantasy with a Goth covering. I definitely don’t recommend this film…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Crossover: Immortal Sin (2023)

Review: Crossover: Immortal Sin (2023)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog..

This time I’m reviewing a pilot for a TV series that didn’t make it past the pilot featuring immortals…

Abducted and tormented by a pair of immortals, David is forced to watch his girlfriend die, while confronting the horror that he's not quite human (or mortal) himself.

I find it amusing how many times I watch movies on Tubi TV just to find out that the film I’m watching is a failed pilot for a TV series. The film I’m reviewing is one of those failed pilot.

I find this a shame because I found this pilot very interesting, especially how these immortals maintain their immortality. Unfortunately I can’t  tell you about the process, because that would be a spoiler and I try not to do that. All I can say is I’ve never seen this before. So, I guess you are going to check out this film to find out…Sorry about that, not…

I really enjoy the ongoing conflict between two of the main immortals, David and Harry (played by Daniel Karp and Robert Norman.

The pilot focused on Rachel who is a hybrid immortal and related to David who unknowingly going to go through her first crossover and become a full immortal. Rachel is unaware of her true origins or her legacy.

I have to say that this pilot had a very complex storyline and was well made. It would have been a series to rival The Originals. Sad. The only thing I really didn’t enjoy was the music track. The music in this pilot was too chipper and positive for a story about drama between clans of immortal. Seriously the music made me think about Martha Stewart more than immortals.

But all in all I will recommend this list pilot if for anything for the crossover scenes. It was actually brilliant. Such a waste…

If you want to see this pilot it is currently on Tubi TV. As I said it is well worth checking out…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

 

Review: The Audition (2026)

Review: The Audition (2026)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I have a low budget Canadian remake

Of a notorious Korean film. Oh boy!!!

In the wake of his wife's death, widowed filmmaker Noah becomes consumed by grief. With the subtle influence of his friend Darius, Noah meets Miya, a young woman who unknowingly becomes the focus of his obsession. As Noah's fixation deepens, what begins as a quiet connection spirals into a nightmarish descent of manipulation and terror. The Audition is a gripping horror tale of obsession, grief, and the chilling consequences of unchecked desire.

This film is a remake of the iconic Korean torture film Audition. This film goes by the plot of the Korean film exactly. Infact many of the shots in this film are fram by frame duplicates. The only real issue with this film is for a remake this film is horribly lacking teeth. When the film is supposed to get brutal and nasty there is nothing. All the torture scares are done with extreme reaction shots of the actor’s faces with some amusingly bad sound fx. Yep, that is right! No penintration seen. No pins in flesh. Nothing. And the leading man”s pained screams sound fake as shit. It was very Canadian. It was made for wimpy Canadian sensitivities. Shit, they blew…or I should say failed to blow the notorious blowjob scene.

Emma Trans fails to even come close to the performance of the original frail little Korean lady that tortured the shit out of her leading man in Audition. This poser didn’t even break a sweat in comparison. She was wimpy as shit. The leather dress was an insult to the original on her.

Also Joseph Finfer was lack luster as torture victim Noah. The Korean guy in the original wasn’t a great actor, but at least he played the part with a heart beat. In fact, besides the shadowladen creepy ballet  teacher the only good performance was by Michael Mazza who played Noah’associate Darius Sims.

All in all this film was a weak, spineless, remake of a brutal disturbing film. If you want to see a good film go out and find a copy of Audition and be ready to cringe and be disturbed. Leave this Canadian bacon toothless failure where it belongs, in the nearest trashben…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s  Blog…

 

Review: House on Haunted Hill: Nighthawk Manor (2026)

Review: House on Haunted Hill: Nighthawk Manor (2026)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I get a sequel that is only that in name…

 

Drawn by a cryptic invitation, a group of friends travel to a remote, windswept island-only to discover they've walked straight into a nightmare. At the heart of the island stands a decaying chateau, hiding a centuries-old curse tied to bloodlines, betrayal, and something far more sinister lurking beneath the surrounding dark waters. What begins as a mystery quickly turns into a fight for survival as the group is picked off one by one by an unseen supernatural force. Cut off from the outside world, paranoia spreads, alliances fracture, and the island itself seems determined to trap them forever. As the truth behind the curse begins to surface, it becomes clear: escape is not enough. To survive, they must confront the island's violent past and break its hold-before it drags them all into the darkness for good.

Originally titled as Nighthawer Manor, this film has no relation to the classic film nor the Dark Castle sequel. This is one of those amusing films that taken on a famous film’s title to grab some extra bucks fooling ignorant horror fans into checking out the film…

What you got with this film is a standard haunted house film, complete with built in mystery. There is nothing really wrong with this film, it is actually very entertaining, just that it has nothing to do with House on Haunted Hill.

The acting and writing is good and the plot is interesting. But the film brass didn’t  feel this film could make it without adding a famous name onto it. It is such a waste of potential, because this film actually had some. The fact that this is a sequel in name only  annoys me royally because I feel you give the fans what you promised. Duck and switch sequelling is just plain wrong. It is an insult to the fans who were actually wanted to see a new House on Haunted Hill sequel. Oh well…

All in all, though I like the film I cannot support it because it wasn’t  as promised…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s blog…

Review: Bury the Bride (2023)

Review: Bury the Bride (2023)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog..

This time I got a cool vampire movie, which puts batchlorettes against the blood sucking fiends…

Bride-to-be June's bachelorette getaway turns deadly when her bloodthirsty  David, and his friends show up to crash the party and have June’s friends as party snacks.

Initially I didn’t know this was a vampire film, but after I found out I was thrilled.  Never even knew this film existed. In this film they actually kept the fact that the to be groom and his friends were vanpires for a good portion of the film. That way you get to know the characters and then show their true faces. That gives this film a lot of respect because most modern vampire films can’t keep the secret long enough to make an impact.

I really loved June and the batchorettes because the felt like a group of close girlfriend. Also, the vampires came off as nasty rednecks as well as nasty brutal vampire. The only thing that didn’t  ring true is that June would even consider anyone like David to marry.

The atmosphere is great. I loved the fact that the  bachelorette part was at a nasty location with a smell and a dead animal in the hot tube.

Also, the way they handled the vampires were great. It wasn’t reinventing the wheel, like most of these films try to do, but it was bloody, nasty, tense. Good stuff. I could see myself including this film with From Dusk Till Dawn or Sinners.

All in all this film is a bloody good time for modern vampire film fans

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: The Creeps (1997)

Review; The Creeps (1997)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I got a horror comedy by Charles Band featuring mini classic monsters…

Mad scientist brings Dracula, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and Frankenstein's Monster to life... but there's a problem and they end up three feet tall.

This film is an amusing romp with some of our favorite classic monsters.

This film is typical Full Moon fare. It is done like a live action comic book. It has the right amount of humor and the right amount of intense scenes, but not too intense. There are a couple nude scenes so be ready to cover the little ones eyes if you need to.

 Bill moiahan plays the stammering and stuttering mad scientist who has made a machine that can pull iconic characters from books. Bill does a fantastic job.

I loved the three foot tall monsters. Iconic actor Phil Fontacarlo is the standout as Dracula. Phil doesn’t play the Count with a cheap Bella Lagosi immatation, he makes the character his own. His monologues are wonderful with his deep, powerful voice. This is one of my favorite performances by Phil.

The only monster that was a complete miss for me was The Wolfman. He didn’t  look anything like a wolf, more like a demon, and there was way too much drool.

The FX were the typical Full Moon style. They may not cost millions of dollars but they work for the film.

All and all this is just a fun film for Horror fans who love classic monsters. It’s  not overly scary but there is a couple nude scenes, so keep the little ones at arms length to cover their eyes if necessary. But this for me is a must watch that I highly recommend.

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Infinity Pool (2023)

Review; Infinity Pool (2023)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I have a Cronenberg-like freaky movie about a Hotel on an island where criminals get a clone to die for them…

While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror.

When I went into this film I expected something totally different. I had no idea I was in store for a film that looks like something David Cronenberg would do. I’m  not kidding you, this film is full of material that would put a smile on David’s face.

Let’s  just talk about the resort hotel that is in the center of the action. The filmmakers make it awesome but there seems to be something off about it. You can feel it as you watch. It’s  subtle but it is there. It is the same with every location, something is just off. Could be the freaky masks guest wear…But after all they are available in the gift shop. Can’t  miss out on that…

The soundtrack enhance the feeling of offness. It is full of screeching note and a thumping base. It is disturbing and appropriate.

Then of course you have the voilance. It is brutal, sick, and disturbing.

And then on top of that is the most Cronenberg mark on the film, the clones. The main aspect of this film it is about a law enforcement agency that clones criminals in order for the original to watch their own death. But there is another group that takes pleasure in making clones and using them experience their own sick murder fantasies.

The stand out in the cast, but because she is annoying, is Mia Goth.

I love Mia in other films, but in this she has a royally screaming voice and she is way over the top. Not a Goth I like at all.

All and all, there are things I like about this film and a bunch of things I don’t  like. I’m  not going to say to check out this film, unless you like really bad Cronenberg, even though David didn’t  do this film…

Keep on Creepin’, Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Dark, Lovely, and Deep (2023)

Review: Lovely,Dark, and Deep (2023)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

Lovely, Dark, and Deep (2023)

This time I got a freaky National Park horror movie…

Lennon, a new back-country ranger, travels alone through the dangerous wilderness, hoping to uncover the origins of a tragedy that has haunted her since she was a child.

When most people think about National parks they think of bears and other animals as well as trees, campfires and fun But for those of us in the know there is a dark side to National parks. People see freaky things, experience freaky things, and  thesome disappear without a trace. Finally there is a feature film on this subject.

This film actually delivers. It is amazingly shot and makes the forest itself a character, a royally psychotic character.

Gergina Campbell play Ranger Lennon, who finds herself in a nightmare world Where people she knows are dark nasty.  She must escape this world deep inside a National park before she is murdered or goes insane herself. Champbell does an outstanding performance. She actually steals the show.

This film is also full of scenes and Fx that will absolutely amaze you.

The one thing that rreally makes this film truly interesting is that the film really doesn’t  explain who or what “ They” are or really what their motive is. I think this really sells the film for me,because not knowing is scarier.

Allin all I can heartily say that this film entertained me and if you like dark, freaky films as much as I do you’ll  find this film FREAKTACULAR!!!

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review; Demon Squad: Tooth and Bone (2026)

Review: Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw (2026)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog..

This time I got a film that is like a mix of Ghostbusters and Night breed…

When a string of brutal killings are linked to a werewolf, paranormal investigator Nick Moon goes on the hunt. Battling supernatural forces, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that must be stopped before the monster strikes again.

The city of Mobile is over run with creatures of the night and Nick Moon and Moon Inc, Aka Demon Squad is a group of monster hunters who try to keep the peace between monsters and humans.

Rostian Flumer is great as the pork pie fedora wearing mage Nick Moon. Also one of the headliners in this film isErin Lilley as empath Daisey O reilley. As well is Victoria Antonelli as Chari Divine.

The monster costumes in this film are excellent, including a bunch of original style demons, were wolves, and Dogmen.

The plot and script is complex and amazingly ambitious for such a low budget film.

The only weakness in this film is the music. At times the film’s music score feels it was meant for a far higher budget film, while at other times this music comes off cheap and doesn’t work with the visuals. The love theme seems horribly out of place. In fact the music track takes away from the film. It just doesn’t belong connected to this film. The main theme feels more it something for the series The Librarians, than for this film.

But even with its flawes, this is definitely a film I can recommend.

Keep on Creepin’, Horror Bob’s Blog

Review: The Demon Detective (2025)

Review: The Demon Detective (2025)

This week I got a demon fighter film that is as good as Constantine…

The Demon Detective (2025)

 

Miles Mako is a professional exorcist who takes on a new client after she encounters a demonic presence who may have links to the detective's dark past.

This is an excellent film that will definitely remind you of the adventures of John Constantine. In this story the Hell lazer is Miles Marco. Along with his Asian mage Pin, he fights the demons of Hell who come to Earth to corrupt and destroy human lives.

Í have to say this is the type of story I love to do. This could easily be a film version of my supernatural detective Decline Darck. This film was really jiving with me.

Technically this film is a wonderfully made medium budget demon film. The demon make up is well done and the FX did not look cheap. The story is one that will thrill fans of this subgenre of horror.

Dustyn Gullage is fantastic as Demon fighter Miles Marco. Michelle Torian is also excellent as the demon harassed woman, Mya, that Miles must protect. Another wonderful performance is usgene Young as Miles’ over worked assistant and mage Pin. Also we ge performances by the iconic Adriane Barbeaue As Abby and the incredible Doug Jones as the vengeful demon Uzrgoth,

All in all I highly recommend this film. If you like the classic dark Vertigo comics, especially Hellblazer you will truly love this film..

You can currently find it on Tubi TV.

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Tales of Frankenstein (2018)

Review: Tales of Frankenstein (2018)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

Well, this week I only got one film,  it’s a retro film that are adaptations of an anthology book on Frankenstein.

Tales of Frankenstein (2018)

 

Donald F. Glut

 

Based upon four of writer-director Donald F. Glut's short stories published in his book TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN: "My Creation, My Beloved" (a deformed descendant of Victor Frankenstein creates the perfect man and woman), "Crawler from the Grave" (another Frankenstein descendant's disembodied, plague-infected arm returns from the grave for revenge), "Madhouse of Death" (a private detective winds up in an old dark house filled with loonies...and a gorilla) and "Dr. Karnstein's Creation" (a mad doctor creates a monster in vampire-haunted Transylvania - with gruesomely unexpected results)…

This film is a wonderful retro style film that has the feeling of the classic Universal films. The acting, sets, and costuming is spot on. The only issue that I have is it was shot in color. So, instead of looking classic gothic it ends up feeling more like a 60s film trying to look gothic. It’s  really sad because the stories are wonderful. My two favorite ones are the detective story and the curse story about a cursed ring and Dr. frankenstein’s arm. It’s  not saying that the love story or the story that included vampires weren’t good. They just weren’t as good, which is on par with most anthology films.

So you can be assured that this film has the Horror Bob seal of approval and thus it is RETROTACULAR!!!

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s 

. Mm

Profile: Robert Horror Bob Masters

Profile: Robert Horror Bob Masters

So for the assholes who don’t believe that Robert Masters ever existed and have been trying to bury his legacy, here is the story of a simple video store owner who was an innovator and a businessman who did things his own way.

I met Robert Ean Masters in 1986 when I was taking an afternoon movie criticism class at The College of San Mateo. Robert had just opened his store, Video Universe, in San Francisco.

He was able to attend the class because it was at 10 am on Wednesday and Video Universe opened at noon everyday except on Sunday when it opened at 1 pm.

Robert ran a very unique video store. His story only stocked horror, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery films. Later he would amusingly add horror themed porno films, like A Nightmare on Porn Street, Trampires, and all the Devil and Miss Jones films.

Robert actually took a cue from some Canadian video dealers and built onto the video store The Horror Bob Theater. For $20 each people could rent the theater and could watch two rented videos right there. Robert would also offer popcorn, canned drinks, and candy. The theater seated ten people, but with folding chairs, which he had available seating could be extended to twenty people.

The theater was popular with people who didn’t  have a VHS, Beta, or video disc player, because Robert had all three available. Towards the end he would a DVD player as well.

The theater was also popular with video clubs and independent movie groups.

As well it was when the original version of Horror Bob’s Blog was created. The Blog started out as a free newsletter that Robert would print and have available at the cash register. Unfortunately all my copies of the original blogs were burned up in my house fire

It wasn’t  all fun at the store though. Like a lot of businesses in the City, Robert’s video store was próne to being robbed. During one very nasty Robery Robert was shot and one of the things that were stole was an original poster from James Whales Frankenstein that he got from the Golden Gate Theatre. This really upset my mother who had been a nightly customer at the Golden Gate when the film had its premiere there. My mother had been having me try to convince Robert to sell her the poster if he ever wanted to sell it. Unfortunately the poster was never recovered.

In 1998 Robert decided to expand Horror Bob’s Blog to the internet. He found a French/American Blog site, Overblog and with my help we built his first blog site there. The hits on the site were fantastic. The only issue was you had to hit a translation program because all the text on the site was in French and the program would glitch qúite a lot. It was very annoying.

In 2005 I started my own blog on the website Blogger, William Pattison /Eric Morse Raw, and talked to Robert and The Wolf Pack, who were now involved, about creating a second Horror Bob’s Blog on Blogger so we could eventually disgard Overblog. Robert had started his Facebook page and was excited about expanding the blog.

Unfortunately, so after Robert had what turned into fatal health issues, His hearing started to fail him, so he ended up using hearing aids. Then his sight started to go. He had surgery that failed with one eye, so he was partially blind. Then Robert had a massive stroke and he had to end up selling off his video store because he could only use the left side of his body. He was stuck using an electric wheelchair. All this happened in a matter of two years…

After his stroke The Wolf Pack and I started to help Robert continue on the internet. During this time Robert continued to do movie reviews as well as did a couple interviews. But, but unfortunately in February of 2015 Robert died from a héart attack known as a widow maker.

 Luckily he had been smart enough to put my name and The Wolf Pack as the persons to take over all his internet identity.

So, since then I, William Pattison have been keeping Robert’s legacy alive. Since his death I have expanded Horror Bob’s Blog all over the Internet. You can find links, profiles, and pages for Horror Bob’s Blog on Facebook, Blogger, Overblog, MeWe, Slasher,Threads, Instagram, X, Tumbler, and Bluesky. You can also find links on groups like MadamCadaver’s Video Reviews,  Horror Nerdz, and Collectors, Slash Tracks Network, The Eric Morse Army, Assholes of Horror, Bay Area Horror Grouo, The Nerds Group, Cranky’s Place, Horrorland, and  Horror Video Group on MeWe William Pattison’s Bloodbath Theatre, and Bloodbath Beyond Podcast page.

Robert died at the age of 78 and left his wife and daughter, who I cannot name because a certain group of asshole immature cyberstalkers harassed both her and her daughter, so they now are only able to come on the internet using fake names.

The reason I’m  writing this is clear. The horror community is trying to bury Robert and everything he achieved. I won’t  allow this. Robert was a bear friend. He was like family. He was an honored member of The Wolf Pack. These assholes are trying to say Horror Bob was Joe Bob Grigs or Bob Wilkins, or twenty other Bob’s. Fuck you assholes!!! FUCK YOU BITCHES!!!! Robert Masters is Horror Bob. His legacy is a love of Horror and this fandom, even though some of you fucks don’t deserve it.

I was actually so hurt the last few days that I thought about closing the blog for a while…but guess what, Fuck you, I’m  going to once again double down and continue the blog just to shit in the faces of those trying to bury Robert. Horror Bob will keep going as long as I have breath on my lungs. Keep on Creepin’ , assholes…Horror Bob Forever!!!

 Also, if you happen to have any of the print copies of Robert’ s newsletter he made at Video Universe I would really like to have a couple since mine got burned up (Note to funny people out there, the current logo I made for Robert for the internet blog. The printed newsletter logo is totally different. So don’t print up an internet review and try to trick me…)

Review: Tales From the Crypt: Ritual (2002)

Review: Tales From the Crypt Presents: Ritual (2002)

By William Pattison

Fór Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I have a review of the only Tales From the Crypt film to be done by Dímension and RKO pictures…

Dr. Alice Dodgson (Jennifer Gray) gets her medical license revoked after the death of a patient. She's facing the possibility of not getting any job when she accepts to be the nurse for one young man who suffers of cephalitis named Wesley Claybourne (Daniel Lapaine). Aside from the sickness from which he's suffering, Wesley believes he has been "touched" by some voodoo cult. While she stays in Jamaica, Dr. Dodgson will feel uncomfortable as she discovers that voodoo is not only a "state of mind", and could be a real threat to her life and Wesley's. She'll have to discover why she and her patient are targets of the voodoo curse.

Ten years after I Universal released and killed the sequel to it’s  incredibly popular Tales From the Crypt film, Demon Knight, Bordello of Blood, they lost the rights to the franchise and Dimension took over and did their usual cut and paste job they did with the Hellraiser, The Prophesy, and Children of the Corn franchises with this film.

Ritual is not a Tales From the Crypt story in that it is not a comic book style story. It is a very typical Voodoo zombie film and Dimension thought that would be enough. They figured they could simply paste on a CryptKeeper intro and that would be enough to make it a Tales From the Crypt film. They were wrong. Ritual is not a bad film at all. It is very much in line with Voodoo zombie films like Serpent and the Rainbow but this story is missing the aspects that a Tales From the Crypt stories need to fit in the series. It is missing the whole comic book aspect. The Cryptkeeper always shows a comic book coverage and introduced the title of the story. This doesn’t  happen with Ritual. You simply have Cryptkeeper state that he is in Jameca for the shooting of his next feature film, that’s it. Then the title appears in a very non Tales From the Crypt way before starting the story. Then after the film credits they tack on very fake outtakes of Cryptkeeper messing up on his intro and making jokes. Sorry, people, not enough.

 Now I do have to say that Jennifer Gray does a wonderful job as the doctor who comes to Jameca to care for a man who thinks he’s a zombie. So, does Creig Sheffer, who plays the guy’s brother who has sketchy motives for keeping his brother alive. Tim Curry is wasted playing the part of the family friend.

Though Ritual is an ok Voodoo zombie film it is in no way even close to being a true Tales from the Crypt. Thankfully Dimension gave up on doing anymore of these. Pasting on the Cryptkeeper doesn’t make it Tales From the Crypt. Maybe next time these idiots will get the idea…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Crucifixion (2017)

Review: The Crucification (2017)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I have an exorcism try hriller that is supposedly based on true events…

Nicole Rawlins, an American journalist with a complicated relationship to Catholicism, travels to Romania to report on the criminal trial of a priest accused of killing a nun during an exorcism ritual. What begins as skeptical inquiry shifts when Nicole encounters Father Anton and starts experiencing visions she cannot rationalize. The story lives in that uneasy middle space between investigative procedural and supernatural horror, pulling Nicole toward belief she has spent years resisting while something unseen appears to be pulling back.

Ok, I just finished watching this movie and thought it was a very entertaining  demon exorcism film. Do I believe the thing about it being based on actual events? I doubt it. Was a nune crucified on a cross burning an exorcism by members of the Roman Catholic church? All I can say is freaky shit happens with those people. Do I think a female journalist went to Rome and had a bunch of demonic shit happen…Naw, but it makes a good horror movie.

I think the filmmakers were doing a standard story about faith and a person who either had none or lost their faith getting some during a drive by demonic forces…Actually standard fare for the demon/exorcism genre of horror.

When it comes to the truth of saying it is based on real events that is at the most ten percent true at the most. It is just the studio trying to sell DVDs. It’s mostly stardatdized fiction. Nothing more. Do the research and see if I’m  right about this.

Now, if you are a fan of this subgenre of horror you will love it. It’s got all the demon goodness fans love in these films, so you will definitely enjoy it.

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Grettle and Hansel (2020)

Review: Grettle and Hansel (2020)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I have a feminist reimaging of a famous Grim fairytale…

 

Siblings, Gretel and Hansel live in the countryside with their mother. When times are hard and Gretel can’t find work, their mother sends them out to fend for themselves. As they journey through the dark forest without clothes nor supplies, they come upon a house with good-smelling food, and decide to temporarily stay there in care of an old woman. As they recover from fatigue, they uncover odd things which might prevent them from getting out alive.

 I know what some of you assholes are going to say…This film was directed by Osgood Perkins, who is obviously a man so it can’t  be a feminist film. My answer to this is obviously you haven’t  heard of male feminists. Yes, there are males that are so up the female asses they practically have vaginas themselves. Osgood Perkins I. Most definitely one of these beings.

But unlike so many filmmakers during this period during the WOKE era Osgood did preach “The Message”. There was a tiny bit of WOKE content but it quickly got over and done with and the story could continue.

I was so thankful that this male feminist still showed some respect for the sibling relationship, which was the center of this story. It could have easily deteriorated into super female/bad male situation.

Thankfully we got Grettle as the big sister protecting her dependent little brother who she loved very much. It came off very real and very honest.

The late great Alice Krige was awesome as the witch. She could have easily been miss used but she came out as one of the high marks of this film.

Yes, when I saw the change in the story title I cringed and was unsure of this film. But Osgood and crew did a great job. I actually have to say that this film is definitely AWESOMETACULAR!!!

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

 

Review: Innocent Blood (1992)

Review: Innocent Blood (1992)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog…

This time I got a review about a film about vampires and gangsters…

Marie has two appetites, sex and blood. Her career as a vampire is going along fine until two problems come up, she is interrupted while feeding on Sal (The Shark) Macelli and she begins to develop a relationship with the policeman who has been trying to put Sal away. Sal wakes up in the morgue very confused and very thirsty. He goes back to his old haunts and begins to create an organized crime family of vampires while Marie and her policeman lover hunt him.

 

What do you get when you combine the legendary John Landis with vampires and gangsters…? You get an amazing horror love letter to all the classic crime films and a vampire film like no other.

This film is loaded with actors who made their careers playing playing Mafia guys.

Robert Loggia plays the big boss Sal The Shark, who becomes the mob boss from Hell when he gets turned into a member of the undead.

Comedian Don Rickles plays the mob lawyer who ends up getting turned into a vampire and given the most brutal and disturbing ending in the film.

Actress Anne Parillaud plays the hungry and sex starved vampire Marie. Parillaud’s skinny frame makes her the perfect casting for the desperate vampire out for an Italian meal.

Anthony Lapaglia plays Joe Gennare,an undercover police officer who becomes Marie’s new love interest.

One of the most interesting aspects of the vampires in this film is their eyes that glow. One of the most interesting scenes in the film is where Marie is having sex with Joe. Her eyes glow and change colors with her increasing excitement.

It was actually the one of a kind vampire eye fx that made this film so unique. I never saw another film featuring eye FX like the ones in this film. It was one of the reasons that this film stuck in my mind.

The sad thing about this film is that for the longest time you couldn’t  find it anywhere. After I saw this film in the theatre over thirty years ago it just plain vanished. I had spent years looking for a copy with no luck. Then a few years ago I found it on amusingly Tubi TV. It was a happy day for me, and now a happy day for you because you can now get the pleasure of seeing this wonderful vampire film. With all my heart I can say that this film is AWESOMETACULAR!!!!!

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: Miss Wilorghby and the Haunted Book Store (2019)

Review: Miss Willorghby and the Haunted Book Shop (2021)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I got an amusing paranormal mystery..

Tragically orphaned at a young age, Elizabeth Willoughby inherited her impressive family estate and was raised by retired US Marine, Robert. Under his watchful guidance, her childhood was spent studying strategy, history and literature, all the while mastering the ancient arts of combat. Now an Ancient Civilization professor at University, Willoughby receives a call from family friends, Helen and Oliver Deakins, who have been experiencing a series of hauntings at their antique bookshop. With nobody else to turn to, and knowing Willoughby's insatiable appetite for investigation, Helen asks Willoughby to get to the bottom of this paranormal mystery.

Don’t expect any jump scares, blood, or even cool makeup fx in this film. I’m  a big fan of British style mysteries and that is what this film is. It is a charming mystery movie with interesting characters and an interesting sleuth, this time being Elizabeth “Lizzy” Willoghby.

Lizzy is played to perfection by actress Nathalie Cox and joined by Kelsey Grammar as her guardian Robert Whindgate. Together Cox and Grammar are excellently paired as the sleuth and her “Watson”.

As far as the mystery itself, it is nothing much. It is actually very predictable. I. Fact the ghost in the story really doesn’t  make much of an impression.  Also, the haunted bookshop is only in a couple of scenes. So, don’t  expect any scares. This film isn’t  a horror film, even though it is in the horror section of Fawesome.

When it comes down to it this film is very character forward and mystery is really in the background. It is more about seeing Miss Willoghby doing her thing and just enjoying the characters.

Personally, I would love to see Lizzy and Robert come back for another adventure or even a series of mysteries. This movie was a fun ride.

So, with all this said, get yourself a pot of English tea, some Bangers and Mash, and an English Trifle and sit back and enjoy the show. I know I did…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog..

 

Review: Vivarium (2019)

Review: Vivarium (2019)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

This time I got a film that would put a smile on Rod Sterling’s face…

Aspiring to acquire their dream home, Gemma, a primary school teacher, and her boyfriend, Tom, follow Martin, a creepy real estate agent, to the idyllic suburban development called Yonder. But there, surrounded by identical, picture-perfect houses, the young couple is in for a big surprise--and it is not about the suspiciously affordable price of the pastel-coloured, eerily vacant house. Is house #9, indeed, the ideal home?

This is an incredibly freaky film. The filmmakers found, or might have built one of the most disturbingly plain house in a plain housing project in film history.this place is pleasantville on acid. And even more creepy is there is not a living soul who lives there…well except for the main characters and one of the most creepy creepy kids I’ve  experienced in film with a screech that puts the kid from The Barbadook to shame.

Basically this film is a nilistic representation of the boredom, monotony, and tedium of living in an urban existence, but in a horror and psychological way. It is literally the circle of human life in modern times viewed in an otherworldly manner. It is a show burn for the most part, so don’t  expect monsters or any jump scares. This is a beast of a different type from what most horror fans are used to.

 Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots play Tom and Gemma, the unfortunate couple stuck in the *perfect* community from hell. Also Senan Jennings plays the creepiest creepy boy I’ve  ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. Also  Eanna Hardwick plays the older boy this son of Satan grows into.

This film is really a work that could have been part of The Twilight zone. It hits heavily in the psychological and gives you clues to what is going on but infact never actually tells you. You literally come out of this film wondering if it was aliens or what the hell was happening. But I can tell you that the ride is enough and you can figure it out in your own head cannon. B

For me it was a trip well taken and one I will happily recommend…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

 

 

Review: Neon Maniacs (1987)

Review: Neon Maniacs (1987)

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob’s Blog

All right we end our series of iconic films that were made in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties with a film that barely managed to get finished.

Yes, I’m talking about  that amusing monster mash Neon Maniacs.

This film has an awesome concept. It is about a bunch of cool individual monsters and killers from another reality that come to this world to hunt and slaughter. Sounds great. But unfortunately you end up with money picking asshole producers and you get this sad abused piece of cult horror. So, much potential but destroyed by the studio..

This production was riddled with issues that nearly caused the film to not be finished. First off there were originally supposed to be twenty five of the title creatures but the producers ended up having to cut the number of creatures in half due to financial issues. Also one of the maniac actors quit because the production started to cost cut and changed the contracts of the actors. The production found a replacement for the actor but because the makeup and costume department had to rework the character to fit the new actor a bunch of the members of both departments got cut to make up the money. Eventually the incompentant producers cut so much of the production budget they had to cut a lot of the origin scenes for the monsters as well as cut out a lot of the major kill scenes. In the end the film that ended up being produced bore no resemblance to the original script what the filmmaker intended. The entire origin of the Maniacs were cut down to a voice over monologue and a guy finding a bag with Maniac trading cards with the rough hint that the individual creatures came from the cards themselves, even though later thestory has something about a bus and a hinted portal. Anyway, as you can guess this film is a bit of a mess. The creatures are cool and it would have been great if someone had put out Neon Maniac action figures, with the trading cards of course. But as a film this piece of San Francisco film history has a shitload of issues.

His film is a prime example of how fucked up it is to work with producers who don’t understand film production.

Viewers are lucky they managed to get anything near to a coherent film in the end. The scenes they managed to shoot had potential but the film is so Frankensteined together it is loaded with scenes that go against others and are  full of missing info and plot holes. No good.

In many scenes you see the actors struggling with their performances.Yet somehow with everything wrong with this film it is amazingly entertaining in spite of itself. It’s  an interesting hot mess with cool monsters and in the end by some magical bit does the job. What more can I say???

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…

Review: The Video Dead (1987)

Review: The Video Dead  (1987)

By William Pattison 

For Horror Bob's Blog 

For our second iconic horror film that was made in San Mateo and San Francisco counties is one of the most unique zombie films you will ever find…

The writer Henry Jordan receives a mysterious TV set and soon he learns that the apparatus is a gateway through which undead come to the world of the living. They kill Henry and the house is sold to another family. The teenager Zoe Blair comes to house to clean it for her parents that are traveling abroad. Her brother Jeff Blair comes later to help Zoe and finds the TV set in the basement. He brings to his room and out of the blue, the stranger Joshua Daniels knocks on the door. Joshua explains that he sent a TV set mistakenly to that address, instead of to the Department of Occult Warfare. Jeff does not believe in Joshua, but soon he leans the truth about the TV of the undead.

The zombies in The Video Dead are different from any other zombies in film. These are not exactly real zombies. They are characters brought to life and set loose our would through a cursed TV set. These zombies only kill people if they show fear. Also, like anything that comes out of the cursed TV they are afraid of mirrors because when they look into one they can see their lack of a soul. Also, únlike your usual zombie these are highly intelligent and can use tools and weapons to kill people. Also, if you lock the zombies in a room together they go nuts and eat each other.

In the film we see a couple other decisions from the TV. One is the seductrice who tries to seduce the teenaged main character. Also there is The Garbage Man who is a human who found a way inside the TV and has been spending years hunting The Video Dead in the TV world.

Unfortunately the film itself is an unfinished work. A third of the film was never finished due to the fact that the people financing the film pulled their money two thirds of the way through the production. This caused the filmmaker to have to cut out parts of the film that would have better explained certain things in the plot, like The Garbage Man and The Seductress. Still, the filmmaker managed to shoot the origin scenes, and a usable ending. But thankfully through carful editing they managed to put together a complete film, unlike the film in my next review.

All in all The Video Dead is a unique and well done cult classic low budget horror film.

If you are a zombie fan you will not want to miss these zombies…

Keep on Creepin’ , Horror Bob’s Blog…