“Playroom” is yet another horror movie with an identity crisis, and the apparent struggle for a solid identity is concocted by director Stephen Stahl who wants a coming of age movie, and a horror movie wrapped in one bizarre package. Paired with homophobic overtones, “Playroom” (also known as “Consequences”) is the story of a group of friends in the eighties (Stahl never lets us forget it’s the eighties) who bond and love one another, and eventually disconnect as life takes its toll.
Tag Archives: Drama
Shorts Round Up of the Week: Women in Horror
If you’d like to submit your short film for review consideration, submissions are always opened to filmmakers and producers.
Frank & Zed (2020)
I wish there were more movies like Jesse Blanchard’s “Frank & Zed” in theaters and midnight movie showings. It’s a movie that promises to become a cult classic and for good reason. Not only is it wildly inventive, and absolutely charming, but I was completely sucked in to everything from the story, the gruesome gore, and the shockingly incredible production values (40 Handmade puppets!). While the movie is low budget, Blanchard’s ability to make every single element of his film feel epic in scope, keeps “Frank & Zed” consistently brilliant and absolutely entertaining.
Shorts Round Up of the Week: October Terrors
I hope this year has been merciful to you, as October is now in full motion. After such a terrible, bizarre year, feel free to lose yourself in five short horror films for our October festivities, which are no in full swing! Warning: Some of the reviews include the short films for your viewing pleasure, while others are just the teaser.
If you’d like to submit your short film for review consideration, submissions are always opened to filmmakers and producers.
The Terror of Hallow’s Eve (2017)
Beneath the surface of Todd Tucker’s, there’s a fantastic Halloween themed horror movie. “The Terror of Hallow’s Eve” is a movie with so much flab and filler that it ultimately loses sight of what it’s trying to accomplish, not to mention it distracts from the utterly fantastic special effects and supporting performances. You’ll have a hard time appreciating those elements since Zack Ward’s script’s pacing is so glacial. “The Terror of Hallow’s Eve” is a mix of “976-Evil,” “Halloween,” and “Cellar Dweller,” with a lot of spirit, but none of the sinister tone or deep rooted menace.
Little Monsters (1989): Vestron Video Collector’s Series [Blu-Ray/Digital]
After spending a long time without an actual release, the Vestron Video Collector’s Series is back with two new titles in time for October. One of the biggies is “Little Monsters,” the 1989 cult classic that’s been considerably out of print for years and been handed some flimsy DVD releases. Now on Blu-Ray, “Little Monsters” is available for a new generation of blooming horror fans. As someone that lovingly looks at “Little Monsters” as a childhood favorite, I’m happy to declare that (despite a tonal change in the second half) the movie has lost little of its luster.
Draupadi Unleashed (2019)
In the 1930’s, India was under British rule and tradition rules all, including young women and their options in getting married. With her decisions made for her, a young woman wrestles with her feelings for her potential husband and another, showing the life of women in a male dominated world.