Cinehouse of Horrors #4

Greetings Horror Fans! Cinehouse’s fortnightly horror news round-up has had a bit of a prolonged break but we’re back on track to deliver the most important highlights in grotesque cinema over the past four weeks.

News

Starting with the classic-horror related news the new Child’s Play film Curse of Chucky has an apt and potty-mouthed tagline which you can catch on the promo poster over at Bleeding Cool. The sixth instalment in the franchise sees Chucky again voiced by cult favourite Brad Dourif and helmed by Don Mancini, who created Chucky back in 1988. Mancini’s return to the series as writer and director is surely a sign that Chucky fans can start getting pretty excited.

Next up, Joe Dante fans (GREMLINS!) will be pleased to hear the director will be returning behind the camera to work on a supernatural thriller called Air Disturbance. Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) will star as a religious zealot opposite Dylan Walsh’s widower Sam Davidson as the two try to come to terms with supernatural occurrences around the plane. 

Hammer has unveiled the first photo from its next feature The Quiet Ones, the infamous British powerhouse of horror saw a disappointing resurrection with The Resident but picked up its game with The Woman in Black last year so we’re pretty excited about this. The story follows an unconventional professor who takes his best and brightest off campus for a ground-breaking experiment: to create a poltergeist by harnessing negative human energy. Now, take the fact that Jared Harris is playing the charismatic professor and the film seems like its in good standing to be an interesting watch.

Unfortunately Tobe Hooper’s latest film Djinn has had some problems picking up a distributor over the past year but hopefully the American Film Market can help put the film in better standing. To help spread the word there’s photos and a trailer over at Shock till you Drop, check them out.

We’re pretty fond of Poe adaptations here, considering Poe played a pretty integral part to the crafting of what we loosely refer to as modern horror, so it’s a pleasure to announce that Poe's  'The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether’ is to be adapted for screen under the title Eliza Graves. Brad Anderson, director of The Machinist and Session 9, has replaced Oren Pelli (Paranormal Activity) as director on the production due to start filming next year.

Adam Gierasch’s Schism caught our eye fairly quickly in the long list of exciting upcoming  projects thanks to its striking old-school poster. The synopsis sounds pretty awesome too and you can read it here. Considering its in post production now, you won’t have long to wait for some trans-dimensional mind screwing.

Last but not least we have a stellar collection of trailers for you folks, the much anticipated Evil Dead remake trailer proves it might actually be something special and at least its got its eyes on the right kind of…"ew”. The Silent Night remake looks like this years Christmas bloodbath, hopefully it will surprise and expand on the original, and at the very least I think we're all happy to pay to see Malcolm Mcdowell hunt down another psychopath. At long last we finally have the trailer for World War Z which is genuinely thrilling and kinda unsettling, perhaps the greatest zombie epic since Dawn of the Dead? We leave it up to you. And for all those Don Coscarelli fans who've been sitting on seat-edge gagging for the next slice of Phantasm, we do not have a Phantasm 5 trailer. What we do have though is the trailer for Coscarelli’s latest mind-fuck John Dies at the End. Fret not, for Coscarelli has, since the film’s completion, admitted that Phantasm 5 is back on his mind as something that has to be done!

Trailers

Warm Bodies

Directed by: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich
Synopsis: Teen Zombie 'R' finds himself falling for human girl Julie, and their romance might just be the antidote the entirely dead world needs.




World War Z

Directed by: Marc Forster
Starring: Brad Pitt, David Morse, Mireille Enos
Synopsis: U.N Employee Gerry Lane races across the world in an attempt to stop the Zombie virus that looks set to destroy humanity.



Carrie

Directed by: Kimberly Peirce
Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer
Synopsis: A young girl discovers her telekinetic powers, and the destruction they can cause, after being pushed too far at senior prom.




Maniac

Directed by: Franck Khalfoun
Starring: Elijah Wood, America Olivo, Liane Balaban
Synopsis: A serial killer with a severe Mommy complex stalks and murders internet sourced victims in an attempt at revenge.



Silent Night

Directed by: Steven C. Millar
Starring: Jaime King, Malcolm McDowell, Ellen Wong
Synopsis: A psychopathic Santa Claus torments a suburban Midwest town

 
Stoker

Directed by: Chan-wook Park
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, Mathew Goode
Synopsis: After the death of her father, India becomes infatuated with her elusive and sinister Uncle Charlie.



Evil Dead

Directed by: Fede Alvarez
Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Jessica Lucas
Synopsis: Mia, along with her brother and friends, head to a remote cabin where the discovery of a mysterious book has horrific consequences.



John Dies at the End

Directed by: Don Coscarelli
Starring: Chase Williamson, Rob Mayes, Paul Giamatti
Synopsis: A new street drug that allows it's users to travel across time and space causes deamonic effects. It's up to John and Dave to save the day.



DVD Releases

November is a quiet month for horror releases, but we have carefully selected some of the standout home video releases.

Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection (Blu-Ray) - 12/11/12

Some of the iconic director's finest features are pain-stakingly restored to stunning quality for the Blu-Ray release of The Masterpiece Collection. Standouts include the unforgettable Psycho, the hugely underrated The Trouble with Harry, the terrifying The Birds and gritty Frenzy.

Excision - 12/11/12
Excision is one of these films we cannot recommend enough. In a similar vein to Carrie, Richard Bates Jr.'s tale of teenage angst follows oddball teenager Pauline, who has a fixation with performing surgery. A cast dozens of cult film veterans  including John Waters, Traci Lords, Ray Wise, Malcolm McDowell, Roger Bart and a stellar leading turn from AnnaLynne McCord, make Excision a must see.

The House of the Laughing Windows - 19/11/12

Released by Shameless, who pride themselves on selling the trashiest, most depraved European horrors, have set their sights on The House of the Laughing Windows. This Italian horror sees a young artist discovering the twisted, sleazy past of the tranquil town that he is staying. Fans of giallo are like to be in their element with this 1976 feature.

That's it from us, see you in two weeks!

Scott Clark, Andrew Mcarthur, Jo Heinemeier

Daily Mail Readers Aren't Human! New Sightseers Trailer

Thank the heavens for Ben Wheatley, finally someone who knows Daily Mail readers aren't human! Ah don't hire the firing squad just yet and check out the new 60 second UK trailer for Ben Wheatley's Sightseers which after a great first trailer  exploits the film's dark humour, the quirky feel and why Sightseers might be the surprise hit film of the year!

To be honest Ben Wheatley's last film The Kill List divided opinions at The People's Movies and Cinehouse HQ when it came out last year, we all came to an agreement it was confusing as well as overrated. So when Sightseers promotion started  we selfishly greeted the new film with a lot of scepticism even with the fantastic reviews from Cannes but like all good things it grows on you.

Chris (Steve Oram) wants to show Tina (Alice Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way - on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina's led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see - the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that accompanies these wonders in his life.But it doesn't take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina's meddling mother, soon conspire to shatter Chris's dreams and send him, and anyone who rubs him up the wrong way, over a very jagged edge...

If your like me a generation who grew up with some childhood summer holidays in caravans or caravan Parks  around the UK some of the things will strike a chord, though some of the UK humour might be lost in translation if your not familiar. We're alot more optimistic Sightseers will be far superior film than The Kill List, with 7 nominations for British Independent Film Awards before it's even been released speaks volumes for the film.

We're watching this film next week so stay tuned for our review, Sightseers will be released in UK&Ireland 30th November, there's no confirmed American release but expect sometime 2013.

The Master Review

Come one come all and lend your ears to Paul Thomas Anderson for the master has arrived and he demands your attention. More than any of this years releases, the director’s follow-up to 2007’s There Will Be Blood has had critics and fans alike flocking to the alter of ‘The Cause’ and laying worship at the feet of it’s creator. Again it sees Anderson go right to the heart of Americana, holding aloft a post-war America that saw the birth of a great number of newly established religions sparked by a national spiritual yearning.

    Early whispers promised a brave and unflinching look at the mysterious world of Scientology amid reports of celebrity storm-outs at screenings and uneasy tensions with friend and Anderson collaborator Tom Cruise. Those rumours can largely be laid to rest, for while Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Lancaster Dodd is unquestionably a thinly veiled riff on L. Ron Hubbard, the ambiguity of cult…sorry religion, definitely not cult, on show can be traced to a number of ideals formed on the early basis of Dianetics. That established we are free to focus on what is on show in this markedly heavyweight, award-baiting film.

    Joaquin Phoenix - last seen drinking, sniffing and rapping his bearded way through the uncomfortable mock-doc I’m Still Here - turns up shaved, but no less addled as Freddie Quell – a sailor alone and adrift following the end of WWII. He drifts, via fleeting fumbles with females and an abundance of homemade moonshine, into the path of Lancaster Dodd entertaining a boat full of his congregation all following the mysterious path of ‘the cause’. The two instantly embark on a kinship, Quell taken by the charismatic and charming intellectual showing him time of day while Dodd sees in Freddie something that inspires him greatly, taking him under his wing and doting on him to a near romantic degree.

    The stormy relationship between the two carries much of the film, through Dodd’s attempted ‘curing’ of his violent protégé and the staunch defence by Freddie of all comers daring to challenge the legitimacy of ‘the master’s call to arms. It is this compelling tête-à-tête and not the religious overtones that propel The Master into greatness with two central performances that cast a shadow over all others vying for end of year accolades.

    Anderson has a noted quality for getting the very best out of his actors; it was he who gambled on Mark Whalberg’s ability to hold a lead while still suffering from his Marky Mark moniker, he who gave his returning star Seymour Hoffman his big break and he who so memorably oversaw the larger than life Daniel Day-Lewis shout something about milkshake to terrifying effect, not to mention produce wholly unrecognisable and likeable turns from Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler. However it is that he goads these performances from his leads he’s extremely successful at it and he’s repeated the trick here, toning down the near-panto levels of oil slicker Daniel Plainview to draw career-topping turns from both Phoenix and Hoffman. Their sparring characters couldn’t be further apart but the pair are an equally enthralling on screen presence, understandably sharing the best actor award at the Venice Film Festival. Phoenix excels as the tightly wound raging bull slipping from sexual deviant and alcoholic to believer and campaigner and back again all the while maintaining an air of a man lost and on the edge but offset by a very real tenderness. His hands-on-small-of-back stance alone somehow portrays his curiousness and childlike mindset. At the other end of the acting scale is the controlled Hoffman, channelling every powerful speaker and business leader possible to deliver us Dodd, a man adept at holding a crowd but alone suffers the nagging doubt and fears of us all. He possesses Dodd completely, every glance, voice change and public address is done with utter conviction and realism while his song and dance number I’ll Go No More A-roving is nothing short of show stopping.

    So the importance and greatness of spectacle of The Master are without question, apparent to all who gaze upon the opening shot and are taken in for the ensuing two hours. It does however leave you with a lost feeling of your own, quite different to that of its protagonist Freddie but a sense that at some point something loses its way, the master less masterful, the yearning without the spiritual element sets in. Hard to pinpoint or criticise specifically, just an acknowledgement that, much like ‘the cause’, The Master cannot alone answer all of our needs at once.

Matthew Walsh

★★★★☆

Rating: 15
Release Date: 16 November 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix , Amy Adams

Kim Ki-Duk Double Bill comes to UK DVD

If, like me, you missed out on Kim Ki-Duk's critically praised Arirang during its limited theatrical release, you'll be pleased to know that the Cannes Un Certain Regard winning documentary, supposedly made as "self-administered therapy", will come to UK DVD on 12th November though Terracotta Distribution.

But that's not all, as Kim Ki Duk fans will also get treated to his 1996 directorial debut Crocodile, which will come bundled in the 2 disc DVD. This will be the first time the film has seen a release in the UK, so it's sure to be a treat for those who wish to revisit the Korean filmmaker's roots.

Read the official press release below:

This 2 disc DVD set will include CROCODILE, Kim Ki Duk’s rarely seen 1996 directorial debut which has never been released in the UK; the grittiest of his early work which led the path to series of intense and highly acclaimed features. 

And ARIRANG, the director’s long anticipated documentary about his self-imposed exile, Winner of “Un Certain Regard” Award at Cannes Festival 2011. 

Crocodile: South Korea / 1996 / 102 Mins / Cert 18 / Drama / In Korean with English subtitles
Arirang: South Korea / 2010 / 100 minutes / Cert 15 / Documentary / In Korean with English subtitles
RRP: £19.99

DVD RELEASE DATE:  12^th November 2012

Director Unlike most directors and writers, Kim Ki-duk turned to filmmaking without any prior experience or training.Born in 1960 in South Korea, Kim Ki-duk returned to Korea after studying art in Paris and began his career as a screenwriter. He made his directorial debut with a low-budget movie, CROCODILE, in 1996. Since then, he has been hailed by both critics and audiences for his hard-to-express characters, shocking visuals, and unprecedented messages. He continued on making internationally acclaimed films such as SAMARITAN GIRL which won the Silver Bear Award (Best Director Award) at the 54th Berlin Int’l Film Festival.Kim Ki-duk just won the top award Golden Lion at the 69th Venice Film Festival this year, with his new film PIETA. Selected FilmographyCrocodile (1996), The Isle (2000), Address Unknown (2001), Bad Guy (2001), The Coast Guard (2002), Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring (2003),Samaritan Girl (2004), 3-Iron (2004), The Bow (2005), Time (2006), Breath (2007), Dream (2008), Pieta (2012).

Synopsis CROCODILE Kim Ki-duk’s stunning debut CROCODILE is a study of violence in South Korean society and seemingly unlike any other Korean films made before it.It depicts the life of violent thug, Crocodile, who lives with a peddling boy and an old man by the banks of the river Han in Seoul, a popular suicide spot.Homeless Crocodile makes a living by robbing the dead bodies of those who commit suicide by jumping into the river.One day, he saves the life of a suicidal young woman from drowning but only to use her for sex. Keeping her there, he develops an abusive relationship and, despite his temper and violence, a bond soon forms between the four of them. Starring: Cho Jae-hyeon (Wild Animals, The Isle, Bad Guy, Address Unknown, Sword in the Moon, The Kick)

ARIRANG ARIRANG marks Kim Ki-duk’s triumphant return to cinema after an absence of three years. ARIRANG offers audiences a unique and indiscreet look at the man regarded as one of Korea’s greatest living directors.While shooting a suicide scene for his last film, DREAM, in 2008, the lead actress nearly perished and the incident triggered an emotional and creative breakdown for the director. As an act of self-administered therapy, ARIRANG takes playful liberties with the documentary form as Kim Ki-duk traces his experiences and mindset during this period of crisis. Arirang is a folk song and, according to some sources, Korea’s unofficial national anthem. While ostensibly a love song, its theme of parting and sorrow provides a potent metaphor for Korea’s suffering as a nation and its enforced division at the end of the Korean War

“Arirang is the ultimate work of auteurist cinema” – Empire

“This startling, fascinating and bizarre film is in some ways the strangest arthouse event of the year.” - The Guardian 4/5 stars

"a rare insight into a controversial director who's as divisive as the 38th Parallel." -Total Film

“Arirang is quite simply Kim Ki-duk's best film to date.” – Hangul Celluloid

Trailer For Turkish Period Drama Eve Donus: Sarikamis 1915

Itchy Scalp? Frodo Will Help You! In New Red Band Maniac Trailer!

Cosmopolis DVD Review

There’s some kind of law about using the word existential when reviewing a David Cronenberg movie, you sort of have to really. So let’s get that out the way early on. What we’re dealing with here are some very grand themes including sex, death, capitalism, emotional dysfunction and detachment.

Based on the 2003 Don DeLillo novel, Cosmopolis sees Eric Packer moving through streets of an unstable Manhattan, shielded inside his cork lined limo for a haircut he’s convinced he needs. All the while his downfall is being engineered behind the scenes by the very capitalist system he helped to create? Or is it?

The film itself has a futuristic retro feel to it; the towering glass and chrome of Manhattan take on a menacing look as Packer slides through the streets in the silent cocoon of his soundproofed limo.

Better known for his visceral horror, Cronenberg here manages to invoke a kind of creeping dread that permeates the film. The only difference this time is that the danger is intangible, created by the likes of Packer those like him who have been responsible for the financial crash of the capitalist system. They are the de facto rulers of the world, as they control the data on which capitalism rests. Conversely, the world outside of his window erupts into violent riots by the disenfranchised masses her helped create. It’s a startling juxtaposition.

Pattinson’s performance is superb. His bleak detachment from reality is icy cold yet he manages to get the nuances just right. He could so easily have overdone this character and descended into a caricature of manic ticks and gestures. There’s also a long list of cameos from some of the greats as they enter and exit Packer’s life, leaving behind them some exposition as they go.

In summary, Cosmopolis is an extremely cerebral film; heavy on the dialogue with a gnawing sense of dread you can’t quite put your finger on. It often treads a fine line between film as social commentary and entertainment but for the most part doesn’t take itself too seriously.

This is Cronenberg back to his best.

Vikki Mysercough

★★★★☆

Rating:15
DVD/BD Release Date: 12 November 2012 (UK)
Directed By:David Cronenberg
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Durand
Buy Cosmopolis:Blu-ray/DVD

World Premiere of Arribes: Everything Else is Noise, Mon 19th Nov

Arribes: Everything Else is Noise is a new documentary by Zev Robinson about the relationship between food, agriculture, sustainability and tradition in this isolated region of NW Spain where people there produce about 80-90% of their own food.

Although it is a portrayal of the people of the region and their way of life that has gone relatively unchanged for centuries, it raises questions about our own way of living, and if there are lessons that can be learned and applied to other areas, and if changes in lifestyles, priorities and population structures are essential for a more sustainable future.

"At a time when people are worried about the exhaustion of the world’s resources, the destruction of environment and are questioning their priorities during the severe economic crisis, Arribes offers another view of what is possible. And during this time of severe economic problems, many people are forced to leave their urban dwellings, return to rely more on home-grown produce, and Arribes shows a simpler, more sustainable and self-reliant way of life."

Zev Robinson


Arribes: Everthing Else is Noise / Arribes: el resto es barullo from Zev Robinson on Vimeo.

Doors open 6pm

Programme begins 7:30pm followed by Q&A with the filmmaker.

15th annual Moët British Independent Film Awards Nominees & Jury Announced

The nominations for the 15th annual Moët British Independent Film Awards were announced today, at St Martins Lane, London by actor and BIFA Patron, Adrian Lester.

Joint Directors, The Moët British Independent Film Awards’ Johanna von Fischer & Tessa Collinson said: “In this our 15th year, we are delighted to welcome back six-time former host James Nesbitt. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated Pre-Selection Committee who watched over 200 films in order to produce the 2012 Nominations, which once again reflect the diverse range of British film talent, and also welcome this year’s appointed independent Jury who will now spend the next month considering the nominated films.”

The highest number of nominations this year goes to Broken with 9 nominations including Best Film, Best Director and Best Debut Director for Rufus Norris, Best Actor for Tim Roth and two Best Supporting Actor nominations for Cillian Murphy and Rory Kinnear. Sightseers and Berberian Sound Studio both picked up 7 nominations each.

Nominations for Best Actress go to Alice Lowe for Sightseers, Andrea Riseborough for Shadow Dancer, Elle Fanning for Ginger & Rosa, Judi Dench for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady. Along with Tim Roth for Broken, leading men hoping to take home the Best Actor award include Riz Ahmed for Ill Manors, Steve Oram for Sightseers, Terence Stamp for Song for Marion and Toby Jones for Berberian Sound Studio.

Directors who have delivered dynamic debuts this year and are fighting for the Douglas Hickox Award are Bart Layton for The Imposter, Ben Drew for Ill Manors, Rowan Athale for Wasteland, Sally El Hosaini for My Brother the Devil and as mentioned previously Rufus Norris for Broken.

Best supporting Actor nominations go to Billy Connolly for Quartet, Domhnall Gleeson for Shadow Dancer, Tom Wilkinson for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the two Broken actors Cillian Murphy & Rory Kinnear.

Alice Englert for Ginger & Rosa, Eileen Davies for Sightseers, Maggie Smith for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Olivia Colman for Hyde Park on Hudson and Vanessa Redgrave for Song for Marion are all nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Award.

Emelie De Vitis, Marketing Director for Moët & Chandon commented: “Moët & Chandon is delighted to support BIFA for the third year running. The nominations again reveal the amazing depth of film talent in Britain and we look forward to toasting the winners' success along with BIFA’s 15th birthday on December 9th’.

Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive of the BFI, comments: “At 15 years old, the BIFAs are now firmly established as a key date in the UK film industry calendar and we’re delighted to be supporting this year’s awards. The BIFAs are the UK’s only awards focusing entirely on independent British films, as such they really help to shine a spotlight on the vast range and breadth of excellence in independent UK filmmaking - helping to promote independent British films to new audiences, and setting a focus on the Best of British just as the international awards season begins.”

The Raindance Award nominees for 2012 include: Frank, Strings, Love Tomorrow City Slacker and Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet. This award honours exceptional achievement for filmmakers working against the odds, often with little or no industry support.

Elliot Grove, Founder Raindance Film Festival and Moët British Independent Film Awards added: "The Raindance Award has become the beacon for new talent. These five films show what Raindance is all about: great acting, storytelling and production values, each made with limited resources against impossible odds."

The Pre-Selection Committee of 70 members viewed nearly 200 films, out of which they selected the nominations, which were decided by ballot.

The winners of The Moët British Independent Film Awards are decided by an independent jury comprised of leading professionals and talent from the British film industry.

The Jury for 2012 includes:
Chair - Alison Owen (Producer), Adrian Hodges (Writer), Christine Bottomley (Actress), Danny Leigh (Film Critic), Iain Canning (Producer), Jamie Thraves (Director/Writer), Jina Jay (Casting Director), John Boyega (Actor), John Fletcher (Marketing Director, Paramount), Lesley Sharp (Actress), Maria Djurkovic (Production Designer), Michelle Eastwood (Producer), Nick Angel (Music Supervisor), Paul Franklin (SFX Supervisor), Tom Hiddleston (Actor), Tristan Goligher (Producer).
The winners will be announced at the much anticipated 15th awards ceremony which will be hosted by actor and BIFA Patron, James Nesbitt, who returns for his seventh year on Sunday 9 December at the impressive Old Billingsgate in London.

The Moët British Independent Film Awards is proud to announce the following nominees for this year’s awards:

BEST BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM Sponsored by Moët & Chandon
Berberian Sound Studio
Broken
Sightseers
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Imposter

BEST DIRECTOR Sponsored by AllCity & Intermission
Bart Layton – The Imposter
Ben Wheatley – Sightseers
John Madden – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Peter Strickland – Berberian Sound Studio
Rufus Norris – Broken

THE DOUGLAS HICKOX AWARD [BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR] Sponsored by 3 Mills Studios
Bart Layton – The Imposter
Ben Drew – Ill Manors
Rowan Athale – Wasteland
Rufus Norris – Broken
Sally El Hosaini – My Brother the Devil

BEST SCREENPLAY Sponsored by BBC Films
Abi Morgan – The Iron Lady
Alice Lowe, Steve Oram, Amy Jump – Sightseers
Mark O'Rowe – Broken
Paul Andrew Williams – Song for Marion
Peter Strickland – Berberian Sound Studio
BEST ACTRESS Sponsored by M.A.C
Alice Lowe (Tina) – Sightseers
Andrea Riseborough (Colette McVeigh) – Shadow Dancer
Elle Fanning (Ginger) – Ginger & Rosa
Judi Dench (Evelyn Greenslade) – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Meryl Streep (Margaret Thatcher) – The Iron Lady

BEST ACTOR
Riz Ahmed (Aaron) – Ill Manors
Steve Oram (Chris) – Sightseers
Terence Stamp (Arthur) – Song for Marion
Tim Roth (Archie) – Broken
Toby Jones (Gilderoy) – Berberian Sound Studio

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alice Englert (Rosa) – Ginger & Rosa
Eileen Davies (Carol) – Sightseers
Maggie Smith (Muriel Donnelly) – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth) – Hyde Park on Hudson
Vanessa Redgrave (Marion) – Song for Marion

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Sponsored by Sanderson & St Martins Lane
Billy Connolly (Wilf) – Quartet
Cillian Murphy (Mike Kiernan) – Broken
Domhnall Gleeson (Connor) – Shadow Dancer
Rory Kinnear (Bob Oswald) – Broken
Tom Wilkinson (Graham Dashwood) – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER Sponsored by Studiocanal
Elliott Tittensor (Tits) – Spike Island
Eloise Laurence (Skunk) – Broken
James Floyd (Rashid) – My Brother the Devil
Paul Brannigan (Robbie) – The Angels' Share
Zawe Ashton (Joyce Vincent) – Dreams of a Life

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION Sponsored by Company3
Berberian Sound Studio
Ill Manors
Sightseers
The Imposter
The Sweeney

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT Sponsored by Light Brigade

MediaNic Knowland Bsc– Cinematography – Berberian Sound Studio
Joakim Sundström, Stevie Haywood AMPS IPS– Sound Design – Berberian Sound Studio
Electric Wave Bureau – Music – Broken
Robbie Ryan – Cinematography – Ginger & Rosa
Andrew Hulme – Editing – The Imposter

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Dreams of a Life
London: The Modern Babylon
Marley
Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir
The Imposter

BEST BRITISH SHORT (Supported by the BFI)
Friday
Junk
Skyborn
Swimmer
Volume

BEST INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM
Amour
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Rust & Bone
Searching For Sugar Man
The Hunt

THE RAINDANCE AWARD
Frank
Strings
Love Tomorrow
City Slacker
Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

THE RICHARD HARRIS AWARD (for outstanding contribution by an actor to British Film) To Be Announced

THE VARIETY AWARD To Be Announced

THE SPECIAL JURY PRIZEAnnounced at the Moët British Independent Film Awards on Sunday 9th December

Proud supporters and patrons of The Moët British Independent Film Awards include Mike Figgis, Tom Hollander, Adrian Lester, Ken Loach, Ewan McGregor, Helen Mirren, Samantha Morton, James Nesbitt, Michael Sheen, Trudie Styler, Tilda Swinton, Meera Syal, David Thewlis, Ray Winstone and Michael Winterbottom.

The Moët British Independent Film Awards would like to thank all its supporters, especially: Moët & Chandon, BFI, 3 Mills Studios, BBC Films, Company3, M.A.C, Raindance, Sanderson & St Martins Lane – Morgans Hotel Group, Soho House, Studiocanal, Swarovski, Variety, AD Creative, AllCity, Intermission and LightBrigade Media.

To find out more, visit the official BIFA website at: http://www.bifa.org.uk

Good luck to all the nominees!

Killer Joe DVD Review

It opened the 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival ,iconic director William Friedkin's lastest feature, Killer Joe giving another meaning to the Colenel's Finger Licking Good! Friedkin has arguably never made a bad film (let's just pretend Cruising never happened) and the seventy-six year old proves that he is still at the top of his game with his latest opus.

This pulpy Texan-noir follows the financially struggle, Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch) who plots to have his mother murdered, in a harebrained scheme to collect $50,000 insurance money. After confessing the plan to his father (Thomas Haden Church), sister (Juno Temple) and step-mother (Gina Gershon), the family seek out the services of lawman-meets-hired killer, Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey).

Friedkin manages to capture the nerve shredding intensity (similar to that of his previous film, Bug) through his bold, atmospheric direction. From the onset, Friedkin hits us with the ominous sound of Joe's carefully timed lighter clicks, followed by shots of a rain-drenched, derelict trailer park and prescient lighting strikes. This gives us an early impression of the tense and brutal tale that is about to unfold. Friedkin does not hold back when it comes to depicting raw portrayals of violence and dark characters - possibly a device that may leave some viewers feeling somewhat alienated.

Fortunately, between these moments of intensity, Tracy Letts' screenplay presents us with several wonderful moments of darkly comic humour. These perfectly executed moments of deadpan humour and awkward fun provides light relief from the Killer Joe's dark subject matter, proving to be an unforgettable combination. Letts' screenplay may begin with a simple premise, but Killer Joe soon proves to be a highly original and often unexpected and frenzied ride. This is perfectly summed up in the films' outrageous, near-genius conclusion which proves to be both shocking and riotously humorous.

It is particularly nice to see that Matthew McConaughey has escaped from the world of romantic comedies and is once again proving what a wonderful actor he is. His underplayed portrayal of the sardonically smooth, Joe Cooper, is a career best and one of the sheer delights of Friedkin's film. Gina Gershon proves to be on fine form as Chris' trashy, no-nonsense step-mother bringing a convincing slice of Southern gumption to the role. Thomas Haden Church's deadpan comic skills also prove to be a highlight with the star excelling as the bumbling, beer-guzzling patriarch. Younger actors Juno Temple and Emile Hirsch are equally well cast with the pair both able to shine alongside the likes of McConaughey and Gershon.

Killer Joe is a magnificent example of modern-noir, with Friedkin proving to still be one of the most exciting figures in modern cinema. The director's latest feature proves to be one of the most energetic, brutal, tense and darkly comic pictures of the year, featuring an unforgettable career best performance from Matthew McConaughey.

Andrew McArthur

★★★★☆

Rating: 18 (UK)
UK DVD/BD Release Date: 5th November 2012 (UK)
Director: William Friedkin
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Gina Gershon, Thomas Haden Church , Juno Temple

To watch more, visit rightster.com

Rust And Bone Review

Rust and bone - the very name conjures up rough and ready imagery typical of a Jacques Audiard film. The French auteur’s star has seldom shone so bright following the release of the widely lauded A Prophet forcing the anticipation for this, his follow up, to rocket, only to intensify after early screenings at festivals confirmed its worth. Somewhat of a departure, it’s an incredibly human film, with all our flaws, hopes and problems on show. Above all however, it is our relationships – connections with other humans with their own dreams, worries and needs that take centre stage, flanked by two staggering performances from leads Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts.

Relocated from its American-border setting in the short story source material of the same name, Audiard places us on the south coast of France and the allure of the Cote d’Azour, home to Stephanie (Cotillard); an Orca whale trainer at a local sea life centre whose life is changed irreversibly by two events of vastly varying severity. The first is her chance encounter with the physically imposing Alain (Schoenaerts); a new resident and single father looking to tie down regular employment in a mixture of security jobs trying his hand as a bouncer when his doorman duties collide with the partying Stephanie at local nightclub The Annex. The pair begin a quasi-relationship which only begins in earnest after the horrific accident that befalls Stephanie while working at Marineland, an event that invariably forces a change in lifestyle.

Without becoming reliant on Ali, Stephanie finds in him a companion whose candid approach to life and sex enables her to re-evaluate her own life and values and gently encourages her to start living once again. Eschewing the air-punching, life-affirming delight of other works like the recently released Untouchables, Rust and Bone’s success comes from its tone steeped in almost Dardennes levels of realism and, as you’d expect from an Audiard film, there is little room for sentimentality. At no point are we asked to pity either lead despite their various and very real challenges. Alain’s single father is light-years apart from a Will and Jaden Smith venture, his gruff barks to son Sam coming from frustration and anger as much as love and affection and there’s little sympathy (offered or given) when he struggles to control this anger. It’s an unforgiving role and one newcomer Schoenaerts takes in his stride turning in a wonderfully controlled performance both menacingly fierce and endearingly gentle in equal measure. Not to be outdone, Cotillard turns what had the potential to be a restricted, self-pitying role into one unlike any other. She has the ability to tell whole stories with the smallest gesture or look, conveying a self-conscious vulnerability alongside stubborn desire and seamlessly flicking between the two.

Audiard’s body of work from Read My Lips through The Beat that My Heart Skipped and A Prophet shows a film maker adept in telling crime stories about tough men in tough situations which allows the more personable approach in Rust and Bone to be brought to the fore while avoiding anything remotely Mills and Boon or TV-movie about a story that in lesser hands could have easily turned that way. On more familiar territory he shows flashes of his nuanced approach to violence; the fighting scenes are simultaneously beautiful and barbaric, taking in slow motion visceral beatings and culminating in a solitary tooth, bloodied and spinning on gravel.

That he so effortlessly marries the tender with the terrifying is testament to a director at the very top of his game, elevating the film to more than the some of it’s parts. It becomes neither an out and out romance nor a stripped down brutally macho piece but instead, much like life itself, a mixture of all different aspects that affect these characters and their relationships. An incredibly powerful yet restrained film.
Matthew Walsh

★★★★★

Rating: 15
Release Date: 2nd November 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Jacques Audiard
Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure

Watch The Brutal Trailer For UK Indie Horror The Seasoning House

Picking up some great positive word of mouth feedback former SFX turned Director Paul Hyett's The Seasoning House has been touring the film festival circuit.The film was one of the highlight's of this years Film4 Frightfest and now Kaleidoscope Entertainment has picked up the UK rights for the film and they have sent us an harrowing UK trailer.

The much anticipated directorial debut from Paul Hyett, one of modern films’ most respected special make-up effects designers, whose credits include Gladiator, The Hours, The Descent, Eden Lake, The Woman in Black and many more, The Seasoning House is a taught and claustrophobic exploration of psychological terror that mixes the nerve shredding genius of Hitchcock with Polanski’s visual intensity.

The Seasoning House is a grim and soulless place where young girls are bought and sold for men’s pleasure.  Here we meet Angel (Rosie Day), a young, orphaned girl enslaved by Viktor (Kevin Howarth).  Unbeknownst to her master, she moves between the walls and crawlspaces of the house – silently observing, learning and planning for her escape. 

When her closest confident is savagely killed, Angel can no longer contain her rage and sets out through both ingenuity and brutality to seek justice.

Our Friends at Blogomatic3000 watched the film at Frighfest for us, read their review here .



The Seasoning House doesn't have an offcial release date set yet but do expect the film to arrive early 2013. The film stars Rosie Day, Sean Pertwee, Kevin Howarth, Anna Walton, Jemma Powell,Alec Utgoff.

A big thanks to Sterling Pictures for sending us this trailer!

Horror Channel's Horror Club to screen SHIVER

Following the inaugural sell-out showing of INBRED, Horror Club, created by Horror Channel, will host its second event at The Horse Hospital on Tuesday Dec 4 from 7pm with an exclusive preview screening of Julian Richard’s spine-chilling SHIVER.

This special event, open to all horror fans, will be introduced by Horror Channel's Emily Booth and genre expert/writer Billy Chainsaw. Chainsaw will interview Richards after the screening. Richards, an award-winning writer and director, is best known for his ground-breaking serial killer shockumentary THE LAST HORROR MOVIE and the haunting SUMMER SCARS, which won two British Academy Awards.

Julian said today: It's terrific news that Horror Club will be presenting SHIVER in December. I can't wait for the opportunity to watch the film in the company of hard core horror fans"

Entry is free and seats can be won by entering a competition exclusively through Horror Channel, enter comp here.

SHIVER stars John Jarratt (WOLF CREEK) as Franklin Rood, a weird loner laughed at by women. He handles his anger at rejection by creating a police taunting alter ego, The Griffin, and embarks on a spree of horrific murders, seemingly at random, all young women.  However, one manages to escape, for which she earns his respect – and his love. Danielle Harris turns in a powerful performance as Wendy, the girl who has to toughen up quick if she wants to stay alive.  Also stars Casper Van Dien and Rae Dawn Chong.

TV: Sky 319 / Virgin 149 / Freesat 138

 www.horrorchannel.co.uk | twitter.com/horror_channel

The Hunter Blu-Ray Review

When it comes to films starring Willem Dafoe his performances are nothing more but mesmeric, outstanding even when the film he stars in is truly awful. The actor is one of films great gems who delivers wonderful performances that are deserving of awards but the true professional he is he doesn't complain just gets on with the job. Past 20 years or so Willem Dafoe has been making big noises in arthouse / world cinema and his latest film The Hunter the actor excels once again as a hired hand to find one of the world's rarest commodities whilst battling his own morality.

The Hunter is based on a novel by Julia Leigh that tells the story of Martin(Willem Dafoe) a mercenary sent from Europe to Australia by mysterious Biotech company.Martin heads to Tasmanian wilderness to embark on a dramatic hunt for the so called last Tasmanian Tiger despite the creature been reported extinct since 1982. As he searches the elusive creature he discovers the mysteries hidden within the wild landscape, triggering long forgotten emotions, but can a human who has led an immoral life find connection and redemption too?

What really grabs your attention in The Hunter is the central performance of Willem Dafoe. As I mentioned earlier in the review the actor rarely disappoints, he also rarely gets a chance to a lead a film and when he gets he grabs the bull by the horns delivering something truly fantastic. Martin is a charismatic emotionless man but when he's on his own especially in the wilderness he's in his element becoming part of the land, a predator, animalistic with frightening tenacity. When there's no dialogue you really do get drawn into something rather haunting,atmospheric gving you a chance to appreciate the surroundings he's in as well as his predatory skills.

We have to also give a mention to Morgana Davies and Finn Woodlock who play the children at the farm Martin stays at, they deliver a performance so naturalistic as they are given a chance to be..children. They bring out the parental side of Martin as they adopt him as a father figure with their own father lost in the wilderness, this makes Martin feel awkward. Even the children's mother Lucy (Frances O'Connor) whose in a depressive state drugged up, constantly sleeping greets Martin's presence within her home she embraces him when he sorts out the power and when he becomes more comfortable it then his morality is questioned even his loneliness.

It's Films like The Hunter that make you think twice at how small the world is becoming at a frightening pace. This is a film that doesn't just question the morality but environmental issues but the allegorical message of the film is terrifying and throughout the film thanks to the smartly written script reminders of the world changing drastically are scattered throughout the film: the desrruction of the Tasmanian rain forest (like many other forests globally), job losses that impact local towns as they loose jobs, conservation groups been harassed by multi-national companies but most of all hunting a extinct creatures. The latter sort of ask you why do you hunt these 'mythical' creatures and why should we only read about these creatures in books and for the sake of the creature and it's environment maybe they should stay 'extinct'?

The Hunter is an beautifully shot film thanks to Robert Humphrey's breath taking cinematography that captivates the desolation and beauty of the wild terrain of Tasmania. The world is getting smaller and these hidden tranquil treasures are becoming as elusive tiger asking you what can you do to make sure these lands don't disappear?

The Hunter wont be a film which will appeal to everyone as it's a slow burning psychological thriller will keep you engaged until the end.It's atmospheric, beautifully shot and masterfully performed by an underrated esteemed actor in the industry today.

Paul Devine 

★★★★☆

Rating:15
DVD/BD Rating: 29th October 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Daniel Nettheim
Cast:Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill , Morgana Davies, Frances O'Connor
Buy The Hunter:Blu-ray / DVD
Win The Hunter on DVD here

King Of Devil's Island DVD Review

King of Devil's Island (2010), though not an easy film to watch, is a drama which demands to be seen. Starring Stellan Skarsgård, Kristoffer Joner and Benjamin Helstad and directed by Marius Holst, this is a harrowing lesson in the harsh reality of human nature and man's inner strength in the face of adversity.

Based on true events, the story is set in the infamous correctional facility of Bastøy on a remote and inhospitable island in the Norwegian fjords, during the early part of the 20th century. When a new and headstrong boy called Erling (Helstad) arrives it soon becomes clear to everyone, especially Bastøy's governor Håkon (Skarsgård), that this troubled young man is not ready to conform to the strict regime on the island. Before long Erling's rebellious nature comes to the fore with life changing results for them all.

King of Devil's Island is a devastating film. Shot on location in Estonia and Norway, the mesmeric natural beauty of its setting and the minimal style and colour palette in which it is shot is breathtaking. Both the snow and ice covered countryside outside backing onto a seemingly endless sea which stretches beyond the island's rough beach, and the facility's interior monotone colour scheme of grey and white, create perfect neutral surroundings against which the action plays out.

This harsh air continues with the film's overriding realism - both in the conditions in which the boys live and in the brutality of the men who run the concentration camp facility - and at points threatens to engulf the viewer with its seeping sense of despair and hopelessness. From this angle the film works marvellously, leaving you with a real feeling of what these young men (one of whose only crime had been to steal a few pence from a church offering plate) went through, and hence an admiration for their stoic perseverance to survive in the face of insurmountable odds.

Ultimately however this film revolves around three people - Erling, Håkon and Brâthan (Kristoffer Joner) the sadistic head of Erling's section within Bastøy. That by the end of the film it is Erling and his fellow inmates with whom the viewer sides will come as no surprise. However it is the performances of the actors who bring these three disparate characters to life which is undoubtedly the most memorable aspect of the film. From the outstanding performance of newcomer Helstad as the damaged Erling to Skarsgård as the ineffectual and ultimately weak Håkon and Joner as his twisted subordinate, the relationship which plays out between these men will hold your attention until the film's final reel.

Shocking, moving and mesmeric in equal proportions, King of Devil's Island makes essential viewing if only as a warning against the extremities of human nature and man's cruelty against his fellow man.

Cleaver Patterson

★★★★☆

Rating:12
UK DVD/BD Release Date: 29th October 2012
Directed By: Marius Holst
Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Benjamin Helstad,Kristoffer Joner, Trond Nilssen
Buy King of Devil's Island:DVD / Blu-ray

Brake DVD Review

You can really appreciate a quality ironically by the number spin-offs or in this films case clones or films with similar scenarios. Rodrigo Cortes 2010 film Buried starring Ryan Reynolds is a highly underrated film which oddly enough hasn't seen any 'clone' films, just a few similar scenario films until now, Brake starring Stephen Dorff. So is Brake another Buried or simply a test of character for an actor for an actor who for many years puzzled us all why he hasn't excelled in bigger parts or is the film a test of how much claustrophobic you maybe?

What Appears to be an random kidnapping into something more sinister when Secret Service Agent Jeremy Reins (Dorff) discovers he's being used as a pawn in a terrorist plot. Watching the clock tick down to an unknown catastrophe. Jeremy is forced by his captors to listen to the outside world on the brink of collapse, knowing the the only way to save the people he loves is to divulge a secret that he has sworn to protect.

The first question you'll probably ask, is Brake a 'Buried clone'? The answer is yes but answer is also no. The basic set up is the same (enclosed captive who has no clue why he is there or who is responsible), but as the film progresses we gradually move away from Buried plot with the film going in it's own direction.The story is kept intense, engaging with a few twists thrown that make you think twice 'have I really sussed the plot?'. Things do work really well until the end things go pear shaped probably thanks to an eccentric flawed script which give the film the ridiculous 24 tv episode feel (though I am a fan of all things Jack Bauer).As the flaws happen right at the end of the film this could leave you in a forgiveable mood because of the timings or the total opposite frustrated and wondering why have I just wasted 80 minutes of my time watching this film! What's more confusing is at no time do we get a reason on why the film is called Brake?!

As for Stephen Dorff, in Brake he may not reach the same emotional levels Ryan Reynolds did in Buried however Dorff does deliver a really strong performance commanding the screen in a film that many other actor may have stumbled at. The film also proves he can hold a film on is own and he may have starred in a howlers as well as many one hit wonders like Sofia Copolla's Somewhere proves he does possess the acting chops to do bigger and better things.

Brake is an enjoyable tense thriller and if you can forgive the ending this film will be worthwhile your time which Buried and 24 fans will enjoy.

Paul Devine

★★★1/2☆

Rating:15
UK DVD/BD Release Date: 29th October 2012
Directed by:Gabe Torres
Cast: Stephen Dorff, Chyler Leigh, Jr Bourne, Tom Berenger, Kali Rocha, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Buy Brake:Blu Ray / DVD

The Ford Brothers The Dead 2 comes to live In India!

The Flaying New Trailer Suggests Secrets Should Stay Secret

Die Nibelungen (Masters Of Cinema) Review

Die Nibelungen came out in 1924 and was directed by the master of German Expressionism Fritz Lang. It’s really 2 long films put together which is turn comes around to 4 hours and 40 minutes. It was made in-between his first Dr. Mabuse film and his Magnum opus Metropolis. It in a way is a stepping-stone to what would become Metropolis and like that his later ex-wife Thea von Harbou co-wrote the film.

The film tells the epic saga of Siegfried of Norse Mythology. He is the son of King Siegmund of Xanten. He forges his own sword. He hears stories of the kingdom of Burgundy and Kriemhild the Princess. He announces when he leaves Xanten he wants to win her hand in marriage. The swordsmith Mime who’s shop he forged his sword, tells him of a shortcut to Burgundy but it reality it leads him to a dragon which he slays and baths in it’s blood but missed a shot so he gets a Achilles’ heal. He goes on numerous adventures on his way to Burgundy. There is a part 2 of the film but it would spoil the film too much.

The film isn’t one of Fritz Lang’s best films. It’s very baggy, it’s about 4 hour and 40 minutes and every scene is dragged out to excruciating levels as times. It is a film from the 20s so obviously the pacing is very different to modern films but there are 20 minutes scenes that should be half the length.  However film is basically an early mini-series, each segment and both films has a title card.  The plus sides of the film are the imagery is hallucinatory at times and utterly fantastical. The 1st half of the film is most visually arresting which ends brilliantly. The 2nd half has an astonishing climax though. The story is truly epic in scope, which can be expected when it comes from mythology.  It’s worth watching simply for the imagery.

Overall, It’s a good piece of early sword and sorcery cinema. It’s not gonna be for most people but if your interesting in Frit Lang and early cinema it’s worth seeing.

Ian Schultz

★★★★☆

Rating:PG
DVD/BD Re-Release Date: 29th October 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Fritz Lang
Cast: Paul Richter, Margarete Schön , Theodor Loos
Buy Die Nibelungen: BLU-RAY/ DVD

Watch The Metaphoric Sci-Fi Short SEED

This is why I love short films sometimes more than feature films as final result compared to some of the crap that's plagued our cinemas recently these films are a breath of fresh air. Some the ideas may not be 100% original but script wise, visually, structurally superior asks the question maybe some of those feature films maybe should be short films or simply should have stayed short film. We're a little disappointed we haven't covered short films as much as we should have this year but things are changing starting tonight with Tyson Wade Johnston's Seed. 

Seed is set in the year 2071, where technology has brought mankind to the brink of colonization on a planet named Gaia, one astronaut takes on an isolated mission and discovers unearthly horrors that could bring an end to human life on this planet. This is a tale of colonization gone wrong , a film that feels like a modern war film too, its a visual treat plenty of atmosphere most of all this looks a professionally polished CGI film worthy of  14 minutes of your time.

SEED (2012) Short Film from Tyson Wade Johnston on Vimeo.

source:Vimeo

Ghost Stories Volume 5 DVD Review

The fifth volume of the BBC’s Christmas ghost stories, released by the BFI next week, sees the combined issue of A View From a Hill and Number 13, the short-lived noughties reincarnation of that excellent strand of yuletide chillers, A Ghost Story for Christmas.

Stretching back to the 1971 offering, The Stalls of Barchester (but pre-empted by 1968’s superbly creepy Whistle and I’ll Come to You), the series was fixture of Christmas television through the decade before the wheels ultimately fell off and it was sadly canned. It was briefly resurrected in 2005 in the shape of A View From a Hill, with Number 13 following a year later, before history unfortunately repeated itself.

In the first of the spectral tales, A View From a Hill, archaeological academic Dr Fanshawe (Mark Letheren) visits the estate of formerly prosperous landowner Squire Richards (Pip Torrens) charged with cataloguing the oddities held within his impressive home. Among the curiosities is a pair of binoculars once belonging to a disreputable amateur archaeologist; a man whose extra-curricular, corpse-centric activities led to his untimely demise on the spot of an old execution site. Taking the binoculars to a nearby hill Fanshawe glimpses the ghostly image of an ancient local monastery, long since ruined; the disturbing apparition suggesting that the binoculars hold some ghastly power imparted by their late owner.

The adaptation of M. R. James’ Number 13 transposes the action from northern Denmark to a closely-knit, rural English setting, in which another academic (this one from Oxford and going by the name Anderson) finds himself in the employ of the local librarian. Anderson’s work revolves around some of the more macabre entries into the town’s archives, ones which reference civil war-era witch trails, and grim accounts of bizarre satanic rituals in nearby buildings. The Oxford man’s involvement in the case becomes more dangerous upon the realisation that his hotel room sits adjacent to a mysterious, occasionally perceptible and sinister room 13, a location with possible links bizarre goings-on.

The BBC’s Christmas ghost stories are uncanny in their ability to ramp-up colossal amounts of tension, and generate a tangible sense of dread in a little over half an hour, all with a miniscule budget. Luke Watson’s ability to suggest the presence of a malevolent woodland entity, stalking the forlorn yet determined Fanshawe in A View is absolutely Blair Witch-esque in its captivating, minimalist creepiness. Pier Wilkie opts to add a dash of visual horror to his tale in 13, in a largely successful move away from the simplicity of the previous story; the occasional moments in which the production’s lack of financial clout is visible are overshadowed by the charismatic and convincing performances of its cast. Paul Freeman is enjoyably devious as the untrustworthy librarian, Greg Wise thoroughly engaging as the uncertain professor who is dragged through the emotional and psychological wringer.

An exercise in economical horror, the DVD extras including essays by BFI Mediatheque Curator, Simon McCallum, author Jonathan Rigby (amongst others), and Christopher Lee’s 2000 reading of Number 13 contribute to a neat package. A fully fledged five-disc box set also available combines all of the BFI’s previous releases to remind you that not all TV is talent shows and Tyneside tantrums.

Chris Banks (@chris_in_2d) 

★★★1/2☆

Rating:12
DVD Release Date: 29th October 2012 (UK)
Directed By: Pier Wilkie, Luke Watson
Cast: Greg Wise, Paul Freeman, David Burke, Mark Letheren, Pip Torrens
Buy Ghost Stories Volume 5:DVD

Horror Channel brings winter chills

Deep and crisp and bloody! Get ready to be frozen to the bone this November with Horror Channel’s Winter Chills Weekend – featuring some truly snow-filled spine tingling premieres.

Fri Nov 9 @ 22:55

The hills are alive – with undead Nazis as the season kicks off with the premiere of DEAD SNOW (2009), a beautifully nasty horror comedy directed by Tom Wirkola (Hansel &Gretel Witch Hunters). With a car full of ski equipment and enough beer to fuel their escape from everyday life, eight medical students head out on their vacation.  Isolated in the snowy hills the group begin to realise they came to the wrong resort, as deep in the hills lay an unthinkable evil. 

Sat Nov 10 @ 22.55

The season continues with BLOOD RUNS COLD (2011). Swedish director Sonny Laguna gives the slasher genre a welcome Scandinavian make-over. Record-producer Winona heads to her hometown on the outskirts of Stockholm for a break... Shortly after settling in, she invites a former boyfriend and a couple to the house. But there is an unknown presence stirring within the house, one that has been waiting for the right moment to strike.

 

 

Sun Nov 11 @ 22.55

Wrapping up the season is sci-fi horror thriller THE THAW (2009) Directed by Mark A Lewis, it stars Val Kilmer as Dr. Krupien the head of a team of ecology students, who are examining a melting ice cap in the Arctic.  When Krupien unearths a prehistoric specimen the likes of which has never been seen, he summons four of his brightest students to take part in the excavation. But the melting polar ice-cap has released a deadly pre-historic parasite…

 

Moments Worth Paying For Gemma Atkinson Supports Anti-Piracy Campaign In Iconic Way

Two young design students from London have created an innovative take on anti-piracy advertising for the UK film, TV and video industry.

Leighton Pountney (24) and Omri Dvir (27) will see their idea brought to life in outdoor advertising UK-wide, as well across the Internet from today.
Called All for the Price of a Ticket, their idea uses till receipts – with a twist – to celebrate the entertainment value behind the purchase price of a DVD, download or cinema ticket. The campaign has been brought to life in the form of a film quiz called Riddle Me Th?s, which features giant receipts, each offering the public the chance to  solve clues to great films at FindAnyFilm.com, the UK search engine for official film, TV and video.

A host of screen stars are supporting the approach, including BAFTA award winner Adam Deacon and film and TV actress Gemma Atkinson. Their favourite films feature as riddles in the campaign, alongside clues from other film and TV experts, including film critics and bloggers.

 Adam Deacon said: “So much time, energy and passion goes into making films and TV shows, so it’s always disappointing if people choose not to pay for your work. It’s great to see a campaign that celebrates the entertainment value you get back from your DVD, download or cinema ticket.”

 Gemma Atkinson added: “It’s refreshing to see the industry creating a campaign like this with the young people it hopes to inspire. The riddle element is a great way to get people thinking about how film and TV makes you feel – and whether that feeling is something worth paying for.”

The students behind the campaign first submitted their idea to the YCN Annual Student Awards, which spotlight young talent by challenging students to answer a live creative brief. The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which commissioned an anti-piracy brief for the 2012 Awards, spotted the potential of the concept – and is working with its industry partners to bring it to life.
Omri Dvir, one of the students behind the campaign, said: “We’re thrilled that our idea is being turned into a real campaign. We wanted to get across the point that the price of your film or TV show is great value for all the enjoyment you get in return. You get magical worlds, futuristic technology, great memories and of course countless pub conversations.”

 Liz Bales, Director General of The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which commissioned the campaign on behalf of the UK film, TV and video industry, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Omri and Leighton’s idea to life. Our research shows that nearly half of young men today access some of their entertainment from unauthorised sources. So who better to take inspiration from than the generation of people we are hoping to reach?”

The new advertising will form part of the UK film, TV and video industry’s innovative Moments Worth Paying For campaign, which spans cinema, outdoor advertising, PR and social media. It will feature in Clear Channel advertising spaces UK-wide from tomorrow as well as on Findanyfilm.com and a wealth of other film and TV industry websites.

As you can see from the top image Gemma Atkinson one of her 'moments worth paying for' was the iconic scene to re-create an iconic scene from Pulp Fiction becoming Uma Thurman to help promote a Moment Worth Paying For campaign. Below is an behind the scenes video looking at how she becam uma thurman and her talking about her support for the campaign too. Here at The People's Movies & Cinehouse do support the campaign we also believe something has to be done about the pricing structure as well as the overall experience of going to the cinema or buying that DVD or Blu-Ray.Though we might have the home release but let's be honest there is some great scenes from films over the decades that should only be enjoyed in one format that's on the big screen at your local cinema.
To put your film know-how to the test, visit www.facebook.com/FindAnyFilm.

Try To Remain Calm And Watch Official Trailer For UFO