HAMMER LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Exclusive new filmed content alongside beloved classic genre films to make groundbreaking online debut

 

To the delight of fans worldwide Hammer, Britain's most celebrated genre film brand which recently produced box office smash The Woman in Black and the acclaimed Let Me In, today launches its first dedicated YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/hammerfilms.  For the very first time, exclusive new content from current Hammer productions as well as carefully restored classic Hammer feature films will be available to stream online.

The Hammer Films Channel will carry a range of exclusive new content, previews, commentary and behind the scenes material from upcoming new productions such as The Quiet Ones starring Jared Harris and Sam Claflin and The Woman in Black: Angels of Death, the follow up to the worldwide box office hit, The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe.

In addition, the Hammer Films Channel will stream a collection of Hammer’s well-known classic feature film titles including The Quatermass Xperiment, The Man In Black and Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter some of which have been newly restored and digitally re-mastered. As additional titles are added to the new platform, this will be the first time fans can view other digitally re-mastered classic Hammer films online under a restoration initiative launched earlier this year by Hammer’s owner Exclusive Media.

From the historic library, the Hammer Films Channel will also carry Classic Hammer TV series such as ‘Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense’, as well as new on-air commentary and film introductions from official Hammer historian, Marcus Hearn and Hammer archivist, Robert J.E. Simpson.  Newly created featurettes and original trailer material, not seen by the public for many years, will also be added to the Channel’s far reaching content.  The Hammer Films Channel will continually expand its range of programming as it becomes available, with the full schedule to be published and regularly updated at www.hammerfilms.com 

Simon Oakes, President and CEO of Hammer said, “The launch of our dedicated YouTube channel truly encapsulates how we have positioned Hammer as a dynamic British genre label with a great heritage.  We hope this new platform will allow us to continue to reach fans who have responded so well to films like Let Me In and The Woman in Black, while continuing to honour the great filmmaking history of our company."

Watch this brilliant video from the channel called History Hammer Films In 90 Seconds!

Frightfest 2012: Watch Teaser For UK Neo Giallo Yellow

There's seems to be a resurgence within Horror fans for all things Giallo probably thanks to the Frightfest team especially here in UK introducing classic as well as fresh new films to the British horror fans. Ironic been Frightfest As Ryan Haysom's Neo Giallo Yellow is about to make its debut at this years Film4 Frightfest 13th.

True Indie films is where things move and Yellow should go down a storm with frightfesters and Horror fans alike, for now check out this new teaser trailer.


YELLOW teaser trailer #1 from Ryan Haysom on Vimeo.
source:Twitch

Frightfest 2012:Grabbers Review

★★★1/2☆ Jon Wright's Irish set horror, Grabbers, feels like a welcome return to the days of the 1980s creature features laced with comedy. So far, it is also the most entertaining horror film of this years' Edinburgh International Film Festival. After several dead whales wash up on the shores of Erin Island, Garda Officers Ciarán O'Shea (Richard Coyle) and Lisa Nolan (Ruth Bradley) are set on the case. They soon discover the presence of blood-sucking, tentacled aliens  on the island, promptly named "grabbers". However, it soon becomes clear that these creatures have an aversion to alcohol - so let the drinking ensue! Part of the joy of Grabbers, is that it never takes itself too seriously, balancing both comedic and horror elements single handedly. It replicates the effortless whimsical charm of timeless monster features like Gremlins, Tremors and Critters - ensuring this is a fun watch from start to finish. Even the basic premise of Grabbers gives you an insight into the cheeky nature of the film - who doesn't want to see a town of drunks battle against aliens? Grabbers may be fun, but it does not skimp on the darker horror elements. There are plenty of unexpected jumps and scares spread throughout - something that many other of Festival's horror films have been lacking. Wright's uses the eerily isolated Irish coastline for numerous creepy set pieces, from an attack on the beach to a country house invasion. There are also a variety of sweeping aerial shots capturing the picturesque qualities of the Irish setting. Many a horror film has been let down by the eventual unveiling of its antagonist. Sometimes not seeing the source of the terror is far scarier than what is actually presented. However, the creature effects team behind the monsters in Grabbers, ensure that this is not the case. These are convincing, nasty looking monsters that are just as sinister on screen as they are when out of shot. Grabbers also boasts a strong cast of excellent British character actors in well-written and engaging roles. Richard Coyle, who excelled in this year's Pusher remake, brings a truly endearing performance to Grabbers, whilst also proving to be equally talented whilst handling more comedic elements. The relationship between his slack, heavy drinking Garda officer and Ruth Bradley's straight-laced, young recruit, provides some welcome laughs. Bradley shows a wonderful sense of comic talent in Lisa Nolan's transformation from loveable prude to an even more loveable drunk - she is completely terrific throughout. Russell Tovey pops up for a smaller supporting role which provides a few laughs, but as good an actor as he is, the role is more annoying than entertaining. A hilarious supporting cast continue Grabbers' charm offensive from Pascal Scott's turn as the town's cheeky GP to David Pearse and the excellent Bronagh Gallagher as the quaint local pub landlords. Grabbers is a thoroughly enjoyable return to classic creature feature horror/comedy. Atmospheric direction, a perfectly comic screenplay and charming performances help Grabbers stand out from the rest of the festival's horror pictures. It is great fun.

Andrew McArthur

Stars: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley, Russell Tovey Director: Jon Wright Release: 23rd August 2012 (Frightfest)

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B-Horror Fun In Dragon Wasps - Attack! In New Clip

The Kings of Trashy B-Horror fun Chelsea Films have have sent us another clip from there latest Monstrous upcoming release Dragon Wasps to whet your appetite! The last time we met these beasties we where discovering them now this time  this is complete balls-out carnage where we learn of the wasps' surprise method of attack - FIRE!

Written by fast-becoming genre connoisseur Mark Atkins (Sand Sharks), the film stars Corin Nemec (Stargate SG-1; Smallville; Supernatural), Dominika Juillet (Dark Angel), Benjamin Easterday (Stargate SG1; Fast & Furious 5) and Nikolette Noel who’s stars  in “The Expendables 2”.

Dragon Wasps will be released in UK&Ireland  by Chelsea Films September 24th. 
When a clue arises as to the whereabouts of her scientist father, three months after he inexplicably disappeared on an expedition deep in the heart of the Belize rainforest, entomologist Gina Humphries and her impassioned assistant Rhonda set out on a makeshift rescue mission. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to them the land they’re desperate to cross is Government protected and without the correct documentation they subsequently find themselves stopped dead in their tracks and whisked away to the hands of officer John Hammond. Due to the ongoing feud between the US Army and the rainforest’s guerrilla military, lead by the notorious Jaguar, Hammond agrees to escort Gina and Rhonda to her desired destination as one last escapade with his team before his retirement. When their convoy is ambushed by Jaguar and his men, things quickly turn sour and they find themselves amidst a bloody shootout. Yet it soon becomes apparent that it’s not their known enemies that present the biggest threat in the jungle…

update 24 August - Apologies The above clip has now been re-uploaded

Love Exposure Blu-ray Review

If you're like been a fan of Japanese pop culture it's been a journey of many great times but also a journey of many stressful when those who don't understand the finer  details attack unselfishly. If we where to choose a sole representative to let the world know the reasons why we love this culture, Sion Sono could be an ideal spokesman with his film Love Exposure may do the trick to convince the non believers.

In a style of a cooking Tv programme get a big bowl throw in plenty of kick-ass martial arts action, a tablespoon of Humour, scratching of religious cults, a slice of sexual perversions, boy meets girl, a litre of porn barons, family relationships. Give it a good mix before adding Sono's tender mix of voyeurism and don't forget to add upskirt panty shots, give it 4 hours in your DVD or Blu-Rayer result a film that has a lot to offer.

Yu (Takahiro Nishijima) has always been a well-behaved kid probably due to his devout Christian upbringing but when his mother dies torment prevails. Because of Yu's upbringing, it forces him to confess his sins on a daily basis however he is a normal kid and has no legitimate sins to confess. Determined to become a true sinner and appease his demanding priest father who's just been seduced by a woman whose broken his heart. Yu finds the ultimate sin, Porn trains to become a sneak upskirt photographer which gets the attention from his father he's been seeking. After loosing a bet with his sinner pals Yu is forced to dress as a girl (Sasori) and its this time he meets a beautiful girl Yoko (Hikari Mitsushima). Their first time together was glorious ending the night with a kiss, all-out street brawl but that's not the end of it Yoko thinks Yu is a woman and both maybe been manipulated by a devious cult leader named Aya (Sakura Ando).

Going back to that famous saying from Alfred Hitchcock by judging a film by the strength of your bladder, Love Exposure maybe touching 4 hours running time which may not agree with some bladders. However we have an advantage the great film maestro didn't have, DVD/Blu-Ray players. That epic running time may be a putt off for many people however with your remote control you can play this film in parts, pause but with Love Exposure it provides an entertainment value that you will only pause to refill your glass (or empty your bladder) as it'll keep your grip on your tv screen.

When I chat to fellow cinephiles and when Sono's name is introduced to the mix if it's not Suicide Club for many fans the stepping stone into his world is Love Exposure. Ironically myself it was Coldfish then Suicide Club been my route into the deranged mind of our cordial Japanese host.

Love Exposure is that satirical homage to those non-believers who call Asian/Japanese as perverted and satanic (2 things I was labelled by a friend of our family when I was 15!). It mocks those who ridicule the culture but also mocks how sexually repressed the Japanese are too.It's ridiculous to think this is the same nation who privately liberated  sexually, have machines on streets that provide everything from  your favourite soft drink  too worn School uniforms. Sono really taps into the dark underlinings of his nations obsession with eroticism, but he approaches the topics in an astute but humorous kind of way.

What we mustn't forget here Love Exposure is a teen romance/coming of age story also, which really highlights when it comes to falling in love, love does work in mysterious ways or in Son's film absurd ways. Life isn't simple but with love comes hurt too. This is no Mills & Boon story there are no saints but those we label sinners really are saints who have lost direction to be the saints, we need direction and religion is one way to find the right direction. Living in a country  where religion has brought chaos and order (Scotland), I've seen the good and ugly side which gets a little upsetting when a person cant practice a faith without prejudice. Someone can be a devout follower of a faith but following a religion where God is treated more like a rockstar is quite funny but also unsettling reminds me of Dogma and the Jesus statue in shades  pointing at you. When your soul and mind are damaged you can fall prey to who use religion for other means making you opened to easy persuasion.

Those stories you hear about Sono been the master Nihilist, king of voyeurs Love Exposure is a perfect example of why he's worthy of those titles. Sono presents Love Exposure like one of those old naughty peepshows, undefined, seductively addictive, engaging, absurdly humorous but passionately gratifying. How many films these days can tick all the boxes for film satisfaction? Not many but Love Exposure can and it's why it's worthy of being called an essential piece of contemporary Japanese Cinema.

Paul Devine | ★★★★1/2

action, comedy | Japan, 2009 | 18 | 6th August 2012 (UK) | Third Window Films |
Dir:Shion Sono,Takahiro Nishijima,Hikari Mitsushima,Sakura Andô

The Fields DVD Review

★★★☆☆

The Fields is one of very few horrors to successfully put a child in the lead character position and pull it off. Part of this comes down to B.Harrison Smith’s script, but for the most part it’s down to Joshua Ormond’s muted performance as Steven, a kid who, rather than being mouthy, irritating, cocky, inhumanly lucky etc, is more acceptable as a guide due to his shy innocence and fallibility. Through his eyes we explore a Pennsylvania farm in 1973: a rustic and sometimes cruel looking place where hippies wash up on the roads on their travels from California, and little out of the ordinary seems to go on.

The story follows Steven as he goes to live with his grandparents after he witnesses his troubled father(Faust Checho) pull a gun on his alcoholic mother (Tara Reid). On the way to his grandparent’s Steven hears about Charles Manson’s possible parole and begins to worry the madman could come after him next. When he arrives his grandparents (Cloris Leachman and Bev Appleton) warn him above all to stay out of the corn fields, but over time, his curiosity gets the better of him and he delves into a world full of monsters and shadows.

You never really know what is happening for real when there’s so much going on to set off Steven’s young and imaginative mind: his mother explains what parole is after he hears about Manson’s crimes, his grandparent’s sinister jokes seem to stick with him, his father pulls a gun on his mother in front of him, and Pennsylvania circa 1973 looks like a breeding ground for nightmares. Thankfully, the tensions successfully grow and grow until they break the wall between Steven and his family, becoming louder, more public, and way more unsettling by the finale.

The Fields also gets brownie points for impressive cinematography that helps to make Steven’s world all the more involving. When everything seems to be going well the skies are blue and the corn is lush and beautiful, giving the boy the escape he needs. Small moments of happiness are then overshadowed by ominoussigns and the world goes all grey sinister skies and scraggly decrepit fields. It’s a basic device but an effective one.

The climax of the film abandons subtlety and all-out assaults the audience in a taught and nerve-wracking sequence which has all the cast on top performance, especially Leachman, Appleton, and Ormand. The Fields plays out like a less bizarre version of Terry Gilliam’s Tideland, using the innocent eyes of the child to present a drama which is more unsettling due to narrative angle than genuinely horrific. It’s a brilliant idea realised by a pretty solid cast and some really sinister imagery, but lack of action and some short comings in emotional punch may leave some viewers yawning.

Scott Clark

Rating:15
UK Dvd/BD Release Date: 27th August 2012
Directed By:Tom Mattera, David Mazzoni
Cast: Cloris Leachman, Tara Reid, Joshua Ormond, Tom McCarthy

Watch The Children's Dark Fantasy Short Lost For Words

The world can be a magical place to a child but it's also be a dangerous one which was a theme that kids fantasy films used to play however things ave changed. Every seems to be a little dull too squeeky clean, over stylised predictable however Canadian filmmaker Sean Wainsteim  remembers when we embraced the dark elements in his superb 10 minute short Lost For Words, a short film love-letter to the libraries I grew up in and the stories and illustrations that found me there. An unusual girl leads a naive lost little boy through an eerie fairy-tale land filled with fantastic creatures and powerful words.

enjoy....

Lost For Words from Sean Wainsteim on Vimeo.

source: Twitch

Frightfest 2012:The Inside which has its World Premiere at FRIGHTFEST

You’ve seen him as Sir Gwaine in the BBC’s TV series Merlin, now Eoin Macken steps behind the camera to direct The Inside, featuring Czech starlet Tereza Srbova (Sirens, Eastern Promises) alongside the cream of Irish acting talent that includes Emmett J. Scanlan (fan favourite Brendan Brady in Hollyoaks, Charlie Casanova), Sean Stewart (Occi, Coward), Natalia Kostrzewa (The Clinic) & Brian Fortune (Game of Thrones).  The WORLD PREMIERE takes place at the 13th Frightfest, Empire Cinema, Leicester Square on the Discovery Screen, Sunday 26^th August 12.45PM (Also screening on Monday 27^th 6.30PM).

Eoin Macken, Emmett J. Scanlan, Tereza Srbova & Brian Fortune will all be in attendance.

While in a pawnshop a young man comes into possession of a second hand video camera; discovering a tape still inside he plays back the footage and witnesses a horrific series of events involving a group of teens in an undisclosed location. Using the footage as a guide he retraces the steps to where the events seemingly occurred. Deciding to investigate he discovers to his horror not only the truth of the events on the tape but comes face to face with a supernatural terror from which he may not escape....

The Inside is a hard, violent, visceral psychological horror, which gets into your belly, and leaves an unnerving disturbed feeling after watching it.  Shot mostly in alarming 1st person perspective this evocatively realistic story of five girls breaking into an abandoned warehouse for excitement -  then finding themselves subject to a terrifying human attack before succumbing to a supernatural terror -  will leave you shaking with fear!  The film shows the worst side of humanity and contrasts it with the horror of the supernatural, which has no compunction between good and evil.  But what is worse - the fear of the unknown, or the known fear of man?  Shot and directed by Eoin C Macken, with additional cinematography by David Laird, and also featuring Eoin Macken, with sound by Greg French of Irish band The Brilliant Things and a chilling score from Kevin Whyms of Whymsonics, The Inside will re-invigorate the Irish horror genre.

For further details see:

Website http://www.theinsidemovie.co.uk (Coming soon)

Like on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheInsideMovie

Follow on Twitter http://www.twitter.co.uk/TheInsideMovie

Monster Pictures will release The Inside on DVD in the UK, Eire & Australia in early 2013, this is  typical Frightfest film and the Frightfesters will love it.

Shadow Dancer Review

★★1/2☆☆

BBC Films latest production, Shadow Dancer has already met positive receptions at both this year's Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals. Now it is the turn of The Edinburgh International Film Festival to take on this slow-burning British thriller.

James Marsh (Man On Wire, Project Nim) directs Shadow Dancer, an adaptation of ITV Political Editor, Tom Bradby's novel of the same name. After a failed railway bombing, IRA member Colette McVeigh (Andrea Riseborough), is detained by MI5. In order to avoid a length prison sentence, McVeigh is left with no other choice but to act as an informant for the British authorities.

Shadow Dancer requires a lot of patience, this is a particularly slow and brooding, cat and mouse thriller. Marsh's films opens with a completely startling and heartbreaking, 1970s set opening sequence that completely encapsulates the Irish troubles of the time. We are quick to learn that this may be the story of one individual family, but Bradby's haunting story also represents a whole country going through turmoil.

When Shadow Dancer transfers to the 1990s, we see that these troubles are still highly prevalent. This is captured in a tense sequence where McVeigh attempts to detonate a bomb in a British railway station. The pace of the film completely slows after this, building up a brooding sense of unease and tension - a fitting representation of British and Irish relations of the time. Due to this lessened pace, it is quite a struggle to stay engaged with Marsh's film for its' first hour. However, the third act sees the story begin to unravel, as tensions reach boiling point - completely shaking the lives of McVeigh and her family.

At its heart, there is a profound story of family loyalty and dedication running through Shadow Dancer. The quiet resilience of the McVeigh family as they try and make the best out a dark situation is endearing. This is perfectly captured in Andrea Riseborough's stunning lead performance. The actress who thoroughly impressed in W.E. and Brighton Rock, proves to one of Britain's finest young talents with her powerful turn as Colette McVeigh.

Unfortunately, one of the most interesting aspects of Shadow Dancer - the relationship between McVeigh and MI5 agent, Mac (Clive Owen) is completely underutilised. The occasional meetings between the two characters are sporadic, yet prove to be some of the most tense aspects of the film. This is a role that Clive Owen could play in his sleep, giving a solid performance, despite it being a slightly predictable role. Strong supporting turns from Gillian Anderson and Aidan Gillen, add some moments of interest but prove equally underused.
While James Marsh's Shadow Dancer is excellent at building brooding atmosphere and capturing the tension of the time, it proves to be too slow paced to be classed as enjoyable. Andrea Riseborough's performance is the strongest element of the film and ultimately its saving grace.

Andrew McArthur

Rating:15  
Release:  24th August (UK)  
Stars: Andrea Riseborough, Clive Owen, Aidan Gillen,  Gillian Anderson  
Director: James Marsh

Win White Vengeance On DVD

Two brothers contend for supremacy during the fall of the Qin Dynasty in Imperial China. Liu Bang (Leon Lai) and Xiang Yu (Feng Shaofeng), became leaders of a rebellious army, and also became sworn brothers in battle. King Huai states that whoever can subvert the Qin kingdom will be the Lord Qin, in order to benefit from the competition between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. But who will emerge as the winner from this epic battle and survive to claim their path to the crown?

White Vengeance is written and directed by Daniel Lee (14 Blades, Three Kingdoms) and will come to DVD &Blu-ray 20 August. Courtesy of G2 Pictures we have 3 copies of White Vengeance on DVD and for a chance to win a copy please answer the following question:

Q.White Vengeance star Anthony Wong starred in what cult classic with Chow Yun-Fat, Tony Leung which came out in UK In 1992 name that film? 

Email Your Name, Address, answer along with what 2+2=? to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com, to double your entry if you haven't done it already like us at Facebook page (include your facebook name in email)
Deadline for this competition is September 9th, 2012 (2359hrs).

Terms and Conditions

• This prize is non-transferable.
• No cash alternatives apply.
• UK & Irish entries only
  The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and G2 Pictures have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
• The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse, G2 Pictures employees
• This competition is promoted on behalf of G2 Pictures
• If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead.
• The Prize is to win White Vengeance on DVD
• To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline September 9th, 2012 (2359hrs)
• Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
• automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.
• The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
• Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery which is out of our control.
• The competition is opened to Aged 18  and over 
• Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
• The winning entries will be picked at random.
• This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.
• By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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White Vengeance DVD Review

★☆☆☆☆

I'll level with you. I'm no expert on Asian cinema. I'm not completely ignorant, but I just tend to avoid films with titles like Honour Blade, Red Battle and the like. However, since White Vengeance plopped onto my desk, I thought I'd better give it a go, especially with the intriguing title, especially since the cover dispelled my initial theory that it was a Ku Klux Klan recruitment film.

Here's the thing, I sat through all 135 minutes of White Vengeance and I still don't know what the title is referring to. My best guess is that it's a reference to the board game Go which features in the film. According to Wikipedia: “the game is noted for being rich in strategy despite its relatively simple rules.” which makes sense from a thematic point of view.

White Vengeance is based on a tumultuous time in Chinese history where two brothers, Liu Bang (Leon Lai) and Xiang Yu ( the awesomely named Feng Shaofeng) end up in a power struggle, after it is decreed that whoever can subvert the Qin kingdom will be crowned Lord Qin. I honestly couldn't tell you more because that's basically all I understood. White Vengeance was confusing from the off. From what I understand, the film focuses on the Feast at Hong Gate, a notable period in in Chu-Han Contention phase of Chinese history. I gathered from the film that it was a time full of betrayal, intricate schemes and second-guessing strategies. The film isn't a history lesson, but it relies so heavily on prior knowledge of these various battles that I quickly got lost amongst the epic battles and overly verbose characters. It certainly doesn't make allowances for n00bs. Reading up on it, this particular bit of history does seem fascinating and has made me want to know more about the various dynasties. However, this film does not give you the information you need to become invested. No film should require prior reading or research.

Whilst huge chunks of the story were lost on me, I can tell you it all looks very nice. Director Daniel Lee definitely has a decent eye for shots and some of the battle scenes are well done. Not knowing his previous work, I guessed part way through that Lee was an action director at heart as the action scenes were the most confident and accomplished, with plenty to keep sword fans happy. It's a shame the rest of it doesn't match up. The film is overlong, way too talky and, as mentioned before, completely impenetrable to newcomers. I wanted this film to be my introduction to a new world of historical epics as I'm pretty sick of seeing the American Civil War and the two World Wars played out over and over again. Through internet research, I have found there is a budding interest for me there, it's just I couldn't get on with this film. If you're up on your Chinese history and familiar with this sort of flick I daresay it's probably a pretty solid entry to the genre. As a gateway film, it doesn't work at all. Still, it's made me think twice about blindly ignoring films like Honour Warrior: The Legend of Q'in Dinn or whatever.

Ben Browne

Rating: 15
UK Release Date: 20th August 2012
Directed by: Daniel Lee
Cast: Shaofeng Feng, Leon Lai, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang,

Short Film Review - 'English'

★★★★☆

This time last year, Britain was recovering from the riots that raged through areas of the country.  A police shooting and the protest that followed sparked a chain of events so brutal that it left a trail of destruction and fear we are still yet to come to terms with.  Broken Britain.  Was it ignorance, poverty, apathy or the fundamental breakdown of social values to blame? As throughout recent political history, the youth of Britain presented a large target for those looking find a reason for the hateful violence.

It is within this context that Tarun Thind looks to level the playing field, the youth culture.  Set in urban London, Thind looks to highlight the fundamental injustices that loom large over them.

The story follows two silent friends who discover a harmonica and attract the unwanted attention of figures within the back streets of London.

The short running time means that we get the broadest brushstrokes of this London subculture – hoodies, tramps and threatening thugs.  However, once finished, the film definitely warrants another viewing in order to tie together the relevance of certain scenes.

Each cultural assumption or injustice the protagonists encounter is subverted by Thind and while there are a few surprises the balance is never quite achieved between valid or unjust stereotyping by society.  The silence of the main characters is a clever move, providing an intimidating undercurrent to even the most harmless of their actions.

English has already been included in the Offical Selections for the Mingella, Slough, Portobello and British Urban film festivals – indicating that we as a society are still interested in deconstructing the stereotypes surrounding the youth of Britain.  The question is, do we have enough distance on the riots to be able to truly ponder the questions that Thind raises?

Vikki Mysercough

You Can Watch The Full Short film of English here

Win Monster Brawl DVD, T-Shirt & Poster

Smashing its way onto TV screens on 20th August, is the hilarious and grotesque Monster Brawl! This is a dream come true for anybody who has ever watched a horror film and then discussed with their friends who would win in a face-off between their two favourite monsters (and who hasn’t had such a discussion?). Courtesy of Momentum Pictures, we have loads of amazing prizes to give away- DVDs, posters and T-shirts!

Celebrity Wrestlemania doesn’t get any scarier – or funnier – than the Monster Brawl, in which four contestants from the Creature Conference and four from the Undead Conference battle it out in the ring to take the title of the most powerful monster of all time. Representing the CC are Massachusetts’ nefarious necromancer Witch Bitch, Louisana’s slimy bog dweller Swamp Gut, Tennessee’s very own Werewolf and, adding some continental glamour to the group, the mythical Cyclops from the Ionian Islands of Greece. The UC’s creepily cosmopolitan line-up consists of Transylvania’s Lady Vampire, Ingolstadt’s Frankenstein, Egypt’s Mummy and, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the one and only Zombie Man!

The rule book is ripped up, no holds are barred, everything goes and heads definitely roll in this gory and horrifically hilarious satire of those ever-popular Pay-Per-View wrestling extravaganzas we all know and love so well.

To be one of the 3 lucky winners which we'll pick, answer the following questions:

Q. Jimmy Hart  Who stars in Monster Brawl belongs to What Famous Wrestling Family?

A.Von Erich Family?
B.Hart Family?
C.The Guerrero Family?

Email you answer, name, address, postcode only to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com Deadline for the comp is Sunday 9th September 2012, Must be Aged 18 or over to enter.

Terms and Conditions

• This prize is non-transferable.
• No cash alternatives apply.
• UK & Irish entries only
  The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Momentum Pictures have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
• The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,Momentum Pictures employees
• This competition is promoted on behalf of Momentum Pictures
  
• If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead.
• The Prize is to win Monster Brawl  DVD,t-shirt & poster 3 winners
• To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline September 9th, 2012 (2359hrs)
• Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
• automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.
• The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
• Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery.
• The competition is opened to Aged 18  and over 
• Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
• The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email
• This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.
• By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
UK Competitions and Prize Draws at UKwins
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Free Competitions
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

The Devil's Business Review

★★★1/2 

The achievement of telling a successful horror story is akin to the achievement of successfully juggling chainsaws. Both activities entertain an audience by making them tense, and both have their entertainment value severely reduced by a messy, shock-value ending. Of course the activities do differ a little. Telling a bad story does not result in a sudden loss of hands. But the analogy holds true, as The Devil’s Business shows. This is, for the most part, a really creepy, intelligent film, that, now and again completely drops the chainsaw.

The Devil’s Business is the story of an assassination. Two hitmen, the experienced Mr Pinner (Billy Clarke) and the inexperienced Cully (Jack Gordon), have been hired by the gangster Bruno (Harry Miller). They are to kill Kist (Jonathan Hansler) who has stolen something of Bruno’s. Having broken into Kist’s house, the two settle in to wait for their victim. Pinner is determined that the job be a simple one. But when the two hitmen stumble across a Satanic altar, things soon become very, very complicated.

The result is a profoundly creepy experience. Stumbling back into the light as the credits rolled, the sudden loss of tension made me feel empty and spent. This is a film that truly exploits the horror of the unknown, with the use of darkness and shadow at times approaching mastery. Indeed one of the film’s best sequences is nothing more than Mr. Pinner talking at the camera for a bit. It doesn’t sound like much, but with Pinner’s face covered in shadow, apart from two pinpricks of light reflected off his hidden eyes, the result is truly unnerving.

In fact, I might even describe Hogan’s abilities as Lovecraftian in quality, displaying craft worthy of a horror master. I might. But I can’t, because though the horror of the unknown is great, as soon as he makes it known, the film falls to pieces. As might be expected for such a low budget film, props and costumes ultimately fail to convey anything as truly scary as what we might imagine lurking in the shadows. Speaking to fellow critics after the film, I found overall opinions somewhat mixed. But one thought was repeated by everyone. This would have been a better film, if we had seen less.

That’s not the only problem either: about halfway through, Devil’s Business undergoes some odd pacing difficulties. I can’t go into detail because of spoilers, but essentially an event occurs that seemed to me to be a natural conclusion. I sat there for about 10 minutes, expecting the credits to roll at any moment, before belatedly realising that no, there was more to come. The pacing did recover from this upset, but still, that transitional period was awkward and ugly.

But though the plotting has its flaws, Hogan’s dialogue is excellent. One of the distinctive features of Devil’s Business is the artificial, quasi-theatrical style of the dialogue (the film has been described as Pinter-esque). This kind of writing style is a risk. As a positive, the oddness of it can be unnerving, and the artificiality allows for a spot of philosophising. As a negative, sometimes actors end up delivering their lines with an obvious lack of understanding. That kills a movie: certainly it destroyed Cosmopolis for me. It is a mark of Clarke’s ability in particular that he was able to sell the dialogue, his mournful Irish brogue instilling alien words with true feeling.

This delivery, combined with a deep, emotive performance, makes Clarke the best of the cast. Hansler’s Kist is as creepy as only the British upper-middle-class can be, but his one-dimensional character limits him somewhat. The same goes for Miller’s East End mobster Bruno. Gordon has strong emotional chops, able to convey feeling well, but he struggled a bit with the language. Still, despite these limitations, the cast put on a strong showing, the strength of their acting empowering the film.

As for the technical filmmaking, well, here unfortunately we have more problems. Nicola Marsh is obviously an inventive, experimental cinematographer, something which pays off as regards working with shadows and darkness. But at other times all the artifice just gets in the way of the story. What’s more, the camera operation was at times decidedly messy: one sequence in particular was so shaky it looked like an amateur home movie. The score too was of similarly inconsistent quality. In its subtler moments it proves to be quietly effective. In its louder moments, it completely destroys the atmosphere.

I think this dichotomy characterises The Devil’s Business. This film is at its most effective when it is being low-key: when the sounds, camerawork and monsters are all safely unobtrusive. It should be emphasised that this is the case for most of the film. This is a legitimately scary story, and definitely worth a watch. But still, it remains flawed. My hope is next time round, Sean Hogan and his team show more restraint. That would be a recipe for greatness.

Adam Brodie

Rating: 18
UK Release Date: 17th August 2012
Directed By: Sean Hogan
Cast: Jack Gordon, Billy Clarke, Jonathan Hansler, Harry Miller

Feature - Evolution of Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams most recently seen in My Week with Marilyn, opposite Eddie Redymane became known for her role as Jen Lindley in Dawson’s Creek and has since become one of the biggest actresses of our time.

To celebrate the release of Take this Waltz out next month The People’s Movies decided to take a look back on the career of Michelle Williams.

From her role in Dawson’s Creek Michelle went on to star in films including Perfume, Me without You, Provac Nation, The United States of Leland and The Station Agent.

Michelle is mainly famous for starring in Indie films such as Brockback Mountain a story of a forbidden relationship between two cowboys.

She also starred opposite Laura Linney in The Hottest State, I`m not There with Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett and Deception with Ewan McGregor.

Continuing with the indie genre, in 2008 Michelle starred in Wendy and Lucy a story of a women and her dog aswell as Mamoth in which she played Ellen Vidales a tale of a successful businessman and his wife and daughter in New York.

Michelle most recently starred as Cindy in Blue Valentine about a married couple over the years opposite Ryan Gosling.

Michelle also starred in Shutter Island opposite Leonardo Dicaprio and Meeks Cutoff in which she played Emily Tetheran with Bruce Greenwood.

Fans of Michelle will be looking forward to her latest role in Take this Waltz in which she stars as Margot, a happily married woman who falls for her neighbour opposite Seth Rogan.

Take this Waltz is in cinemas 17th August 2012

Emily Pontin

Cinehouse of Horrors

Greetings horror fans! Welcome to Cinehouse’s first ever horror newsletter, a fortnightly round-up of all things gruesome and macabre, from set pics to posters, trailers to tit-bits. Enjoy!

off, Hellraiser fans should know that some of Paul Gerrard’s (Wrath of the Titans) concept art for the troubled remake is online now. Gerrard and Mike Le Han also put together a teaser trailer as part of their pitch to Dimension Films, but that hasn’t “accidentally” found its way onto the web yet. The update of Clive Barker’s seminal 1987 gothic fable has swapped hands a few times over the past while, at one point Pascal Laugier (Martyrs) was attached to direct, but still hasn’t settled on a writer or director. The sketches are signs that it’s still early days for the production but it seems to be heading in the right direction. see the images here.

On the subject of remakes, Bloody Disgusting has revealed that Lionsgate are contemplating a reboot to the Saw franchise. The seven part saga which became a staple of Halloween horror, releasing a new film every October, ended in 2010 with what most fans felt was a rounded finale. Given that The Amazing Spider-Man has received so much flak for coming just 10 years after Raimi’s original, talk of a Saw remake only 8 years on seems ridiculous. An eighth instalment of the Jigsaw Killer’s legacy however could go either way, especially if the series’ head villain, played by Tobin Bell, returned.

A few new posters for upcoming points of interest have appeared. 2 new posters for Paul W.S. Anderson’s fifth instalment of the Resident Evil franchise is out and this one looks more than ever like an action epic. The films, inspired by the legendary Capcom survival games, have been a massive success since the first one back in 2002 and series regular Milla Jovovich has transformed into an action star over that time. Jovovich will be reunited with Michelle Rodriguez who starred in the first Resident Evil, along with Sienna Guillory and Oded Fehr. Resident Evil: Retribution will be out in cinemas September 28th.

Pascal Laugier caught our eye in 2008 when he unleashed Martyrs on the unsuspecting audiences and catapulted himself to the forefront of new horror talent. His next film The Tall Man (Phantasm fans relax, it’s not what you think) stars Jessica Biel as a young mother out to uncover the legend of a child snatching terror after her son disappears. We're pretty excited. The film is in cinemas August 31^st and the poster is out now.Last but not least Rob Zombie’s latest film The Lords of Salem now has its second poster which shows Sheri-Moon Zombie (Rob’s real-life wife and regular feature of his films) looking creepy as Hell. After Zombie’s pitch-perfect grotesque road movie The Devil’s Rejects and his two part reimaging of John Carpenter’s Halloween, his next feature comes highly anticipated.

Win Tickets To Closing Film At LondonMexfest Daniel and Ana (Daniel y Ana)

The inaugural London MexFest takes place this coming weekend, running from Friday, August 17th to Sunday, August 19th at Rich Mix, East London as part of the Shoreditch Fringe Festival. The festival closes with a screening of Daniel and Ana (Daniel y Ana), which follows the kidnapping of a brother and sister and is the first feature from acclaimed director Michel Franco (his second feature, After Lucia, won this year?s Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes).

We would love you to experience the festival and The People's Movies & Cinehouse have joined forces with London Mexfest to give away 2 pairs of tickets for that closing film Daniel and Ana.

Daniel and Ana, brother and sister, are experiencing important moments in their lives. Ana is about to be married; Daniel is discovering his personal and sexual identity. Yet this harmony is instantly shattered when they are kidnapped. Something shocking happens which forces them to confront their own desires and fears. Suddenly their old lives are a distant memory. Now, nothing they have known will ever be the same again.

The screening will take place Sunday 19th August around 8.15pm, so this will be a short competition and we're not going to ask you to answer a question. To enter All you have to do is like us at Facebook page spread the word of the comp over facebook/twitter. At the same send us a quick email (win@thepeoplesmovies.com) with your contact details including your facebook name. Deadline for this comp is Friday 17th August 12 Noon.

For More information on London Mexfest please head over to the official site
Terms and Conditions

• This prize is non-transferable.
• No cash alternatives apply.
• UK & Irish entries only
  The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and London Mexfest have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
• The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,London Mexfest
• This competition is promoted on behalf of London Mexfest
• If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead.
• The Prize is to win one of  2 pairs of tickets for Daniel and Ana screening August 19th 2012
• No travel or accommodation included must be able to get to from London in your own accord. 
• To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, DeadlineAugust 17, 2012 (1200hrs)
• Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
• If the above form fails please email answer, name address postcode only plus any other instructions to win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com
• automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.
• The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes, The length of time a prize may take is out of our control as it varies per company, if we know we'll tell you.
• The competition is opened to Aged 18  and over 
• Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
• The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email
• This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.
• By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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Meet Hammer Girl Berandal's New Character aka The Raid 2

It was the highlight of the Glasgow Film Festival this year or Glasgow Film4 Frightfest to be more exact, Gareth Evans The Raid. It's the only film I've witnessed which had the whole audience giving the film a standing ovation with Evans and the star of the film Iwo Ikais in attendance for what was UK premier of the film. Back then we already knew there was going to be a sequel (even a dreaded Hollywood remake) in the works but now Berandal the name of the sequel which is in pre-production Evans has decided via his Twitter account to reveal one of the new characters we can expect to meet, Alicia aka The Hammer Girl.

We don't know much about Hammer Girl especially if she'll be on Rama's side or against him, but if you've seen the Raid and that's the type of world she' lived in we can assume she knows how to use that Hammer quiet well! Production for the film will start next month for a 2013 release date at the moment the film will still be called Berandal here in UK with USA changing the film name to The Raid :Retaliation.

 

If you missed The Raid (or The Raid:Redemption as it's called in USA) The film will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray from September 24th.

Creature DVD Review

★★☆☆☆

Fred Andrew’s new schlocker Creature (2011) features Mehad Brooks, Serinda Swan, Dillon Casey, Lauren Schneider, Aaron Hill and Amanda Fuller, as six young people out for a weekend of fun in the Louisiana swamps.  Unfortunately they have chosen the wrong place to vacation and after Chopper (Sid Haig) a local gas station owner tells them the legend of a crocodile man who feeds on unwary travelers, the kids decide to search out the creature for themselves with predictably gruesome results.

There was something innocent about the age of video nasties - those sleazy frightfests which normally featured nubile teenagers taking part in illicit sex at some lakeside retreat of their parent’s empty house and coming to a sticky and usually unnecessarily gory end as a result.  Generally, though not always, the reason behind the grisly retribution meted out on the unfortunate victims was because the perpetrator had been unjustly wronged and as a result their killing spree could at least be semi-understood.  Scream (1996), that pastiche of all things Jason and Freddy soon put an end to any of these films having justification behind the atrocities around which they built their premises.  Now all the killers were out for was a good time.

Which unfortunately brings us slap up to date with films like Creature, today’s equivalent of those teenage slasher films from the 1980’s.  I won’t give too much away behind what limited plot line there is but lets just say that though the monster - who looks like a cross between Creature from the Black Lagoon’s (1954) namesake and the sharp toothed monster from Alligator (1980) - has, to an extent, an excuse for his actions, those who are behind encouraging him in his bloody exploits are just good old, inbred sickos in the best deep south American fashion.

Is there anything in the film’s favor?  Well, it starts reasonably well - and I don’t mean the pre-credit Jaws (1975) ‘rip-off‘ (pardon the pun) - with the gorgeous looking all-American twenty somethings in their 4x4 heading off for their dirty weekend.  However any hope there might have been soon dies like most of the cast once they stop at the first sign of civilisation (and that word is used loosely) so the girls can “go pee”!  Even if you’d never seen House 1000 Corpses (2003), one look at its star Sid Haig who appears here as the redneck proprietor of the gas station where the friends stop to stretch their legs, and you would get off this highway to hell and head straight back to civilisation.  Of course there wouldn’t be a story if these kids did anything half so sensible, so they walk straight into every kind of horror film cliche you can think of from searching out old deserted log cabins and camping in the woods to sex in a forest clearing - err, didn’t they ever see The Evil Dead (1981) or Cabin in the Woods (2011)?  Throw in some obligatory torture porn and a smattering of girl on girl action and this unfortunate film has something for everyone.

Anyway enough already.  Despite a couple or reasonable twists, by the closing credits the film and what’s left of its characters have got lost in a swamp of farfetchedness from which none escape with any degree of dignity.

Cleaver Patterson

Rating: 18 (UK)
DVD Release Date: 13th August 2012
Directed By: Fred Andrews
Cast: Mehcad Brooks, Serinda Swan , Daniel Bernhardt, Sid Haig

Jo Nesbo's Headhunters Blu-Ray Review

★★★★1/2

A friend said to me recently "the bubble is going to burst" maybe but for now myself and millions of cinephiles worldwide will continue to enjoy the current wave of Scandinavian cinema (&television)that's sweeping us off our feet. The latest invader is Jo Nesbo's Headhunters (Hodejegerne), the first from an author who has refused to climb onboard the trend of book adaptation but has now thankfully gave into temptation with the end result that's nothing but fantastic.

Roger Brown (Askel Hennie) seems to have it all, a beautiful wife (Synnove Macody Lund), luxurious home, a successful business  career. He may not be tall in stature but Roger seems to keep his wife happy despite the fact he can't keep up with the mortage payments. Been that successful corporate headhunter Roger crosses paths with many similar successful people , mostly potential candidates for the the companies he's working for . Through his wife's art exhibition he meets Clas Greve (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who becomes the latest candidate for Roger's 'headhunting' who also help him live his alternative extravagant lifestyle by stealing high profile artwork they possess. Through Clas Roger learns he owns one of the most sought after paintings, a painting would answer all his financial problems and end this crazy alternative second 'job' Roger has.

Just as Roger pockets the painting he doesn't realise he has just embarked on his most dangerous heist to date, not even after what else he finds at Clas home. What follows after is a dark and relentless game of cat and mouse as the hunter becomes the hunted.

So what is it that's made Scandinavian cinema so popular these days?It's probably because it reminds us of the times of Hollywood before it was destroyed by 3D gimmickry and over reliance of CGI, a time when we focused on the story giving us a chance to appreciate the characters. At first when we meet Roger we don't really care much about him, he's smug, cocky, over confident, full of himself most of all insecure but as the film progress we become more sympathetic or even just empathetic as hardship prevails. As for Clas he seems the total opposite of Roger, very confident, tough as nails, alpha male providing those needs Roger fails to provide his wife, a threat.

Headhunters is a film stacked to the rafters with creativity, a little unconventional at times but in a way that the film's narrative structure holds fantastically well together. The film hits you at a fast pace you don't want to pause, step away from the screen as its a gripping exciting film start to the finish. What this film really excels at is it's ability to throw the book of common sense out the window to become a film that rarely takes itself seriously. There is moments what we're watching is totally farcical but in a way it never feels out of place with the whole tone of the film.There's one example I don't want to say much about it, but when I watched Headhunters at the cinema I volunteer for it had the majority of the screen roaring with laughter apart from those who adore animals, seeing is believing, that's all I'll say!

When it comes to calling films, writers, actors "the new...." I do tend to get a little annoyed as it brings unwarranted pressure on that person or if its a film gives the viewer a false sense of expectation. In Jo Nesbo's case he is been labelled 'the new Steig Larsson' I agree to the extent that Nesbo is keeping the Scandinavian film flag flying high but that is really where it ends. Larsson was a writer who excelled in writing dark, gritty psychological even political  thrillers as for Nesbo his stories a dark and do have visceral bloody moments but he brings comedy to the table so I would go as far as associating him more with Coen Brothers than Larsson.

Headhunters is probably the best dark satirical thrillers you'll see this year, it's neither controversial nor is it overran with violence and blood, it feels more at home with the farcical elements that made Fargo such a cult hit. As usual Hollywood has found a new cash cow, I would recommend seeing this before before it's destroyed by an un-welcomed  remake. If you really hate subtitles there is a dubbed version of the film on the disc which gives the film a extra layer of humour as the dubbed voices make this even funnier.

Paul Devine

Rating:15
DVD/BD Release Date:13 August 2012
Directed by: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Aksel Hennie, Synnøve Macody Lund , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

To 

Woman In The Dressing Gown DVD Review

★★☆☆☆

Remastered and re-released to DVD with cast interviews and theretical trailer Woman in a Dressing Gown tells the story of Amy (Yvonne Mitchell) a housewife who seems to no do anything right-she burns the breakfast, fails to tidy the house and doesn’t seem to get dressed and instead stays in her dressing gown for the majority of the film.

I know what you’re thinking. Now wonder Amy’s husband Jim (Anthony Quayle) is thinking about leaving her for young, tidy secretary Georgie (Sylvia Simms). When Amy finds out about his affair she tries her best to tidy up and be a better housewife to the point where she goes and gets her hair done only for the rain to ruin it.

A typical story of the time period, I was excited to see this movie being a fan of such movies once I'd seen Brief Encounter. The problem was however that I found myself comparing Woman in a Dressing Gown with Brief Encounter. Whether that was because it was set in the same time period with the use of the story or language I do not know.

What I do know however, is that both Yvonne Mitchell and Anthony Quayle give believable and in a way relatable performances as Amy and Jim in which both men and women can relate to.

Emily Pontin

Rating: PG
UK Release Date: 13th August 2012
Cast: Yvonne Mitchell, Anthony Quayle, Sylvia Simms
Directed By: J Lee Thompson