Happy Thanksgiving from Ginger Christ!

Posted by lahorror on November 26, 2015

Holidays are all about great food–everyone knows that. And this Thanksgiving, Ginger Christ, the super sassy and delightfully demented cooking show host, has served up a whopping feast of horror in her Thanksgiving Special! Directed by Alex Napiwocki and costarring a group of hilarious misfits (and a certain critter…), Thanksgiving is transformed into an absolute scream with their Ginger Christ holiday horror series.

I love bizarre horror, and as soon as I watched Ginger Christ’s Halloween and now Thanksgiving Specials, I’m sold. It’s weird, super twisted and will either make you die laughing or turn off the show in disgust! But if you do that, well, then you’re no damn fun. Watch Ginger Christ’s Thanksgiving Special, titled “What’s Eating Critter?” here!

Tasty, am I right? Also be sure to watch her Halloween Special!

Can’t wait Can’t wait what she’s serving up for Christmas…Happy Holidays Horror Lover!

“RVTH: Genesis” – Watch This Horror Web Series!

Posted by lahorror on November 4, 2015

Hello Horror Lovers!

It’s with great pleasure that I share with you “RVTH: GENESIS” – a new horror web series co-produced by LAHorror.com! This project, created by Brialynn Massie, follows the story of Eli Connors and his sister Ruth, as they come face to face with the forces of evil. This is an intense piece of work that dives into many horrifying issues – consider this your trigger warning.

The first season is complete, watch every episode right here on LAHorror.com! Enjoy!

Be sure to “like” this webseries on Facebook!

“Deadly Reunion” Video Contest! Send us your CAT!

Posted by lahorror on September 22, 2015

Have you ever wanted your cat to be in a horror movie? Yes, you read that right, your CAT. James Cullen Bressack, a known cat lover that dabbles in horror, is on a worldwide hunt for a terrific CAT video! Sound strange? Well, let me explain.

Earlier this year, James Cullen Bressack directed a grind house horror film entitled “Deadly Reunion,” and it’s fucking awesome, trust me. We need a cat video of epic proportions to help us finish this movie. Film it however you’d like, but send it to us for a chance for your CAT to be in “Deadly Reunion!”

Please submit videos between five seconds and one minute. It can be a cute cat video, a scary cat video, a cat FAIL video, the choice is yours! Just make sure it’s YOUR cat in the video! This contest ends OCTOBER 1ST, so submit your video right away! Please e-mail all submissions to Hunter at LAHorrorcom@gmail.com with “Cat Video” in subject line. Who knows, maybe your cat will be the next big thing in HORROR! Send it before it’s too late, because we want your CAT in “Deadly Reunion”!

Emily Eden Productions Presents: “Rvth: Genesis” – A New Horror Web Series Coming Soon!

Posted by lahorror on September 15, 2015

Horror is such a diverse genre, with so many different elements that can make new projects feel fresh. There’s a million things that have terrorized horror audiences over the years, but maybe the most overlooked is the terror of one’s self, the internal demons that we all deal with that sometimes grow to unimaginable monsters. In Brialynn Massie‘s new horror web series, “Rvth,” we see just how real our inner demons can become.

LAHorror.com recently teamed up with Emily Eden Productions, Chris Pardal & Dominic Pattin to create this new epic horror web series, the first season entitled “Rvth: Genesis.” The series was co-written, directed and produced by Brialynn Massie, who also plays the title character. The first trailer for this series recently dropped and we couldn’t be more excited – this is definitely a show that will rock you to your very core.

Follow Ruth who, after a failed suicide attempt, must find her way out of Hell to save her younger brother, Eli, and the rest of her loved ones from a government induced Apocalypse.

This show stars Massie, Chris Kato, Jennifer Clarke, Paulette Lamori, Bobbie Lee Jr., and this very writer, Hunter Johnson, among others. The show features beautiful cinematography from Jeff Guzman, Adrian Sierkowski and Evan Schultz. It was edited and scored by Massie.

There’s a lot of different elements going on in this show, which was one of the main reasons we loved this script. Filled with incredible character arcs, relationships, carnage and conspiracy, “Rvth: Genesis” will prove to be an epic that will leave the audience wanting more. Most notable, creator Bria Lynn Massie finished this season through self financing and incredible tenacity, aligning a cast and crew of over 30 people to help make her vision come to life. An incredible example of a hard working indie filmmaker putting her vision out there and rallying fellow artists to the cause.

And as stated before, “Rvth: Genesis” deals with many complex issues that not only horror fans, but human beings alike, will be able to relate to. Family turmoil, broken hearts, lost friendships and suicide are just some of the major issues addressed in this series, which is also loaded with scares and gore of biblical proportions. And while exploring complex human drama in horror creates great fiction, we’d like you to remember that if you’re experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, there is always help out there, and nobody is hopeless. You are not alone. Please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255, or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

You will love this web series, which is set to debut on October 25th, leading to the first season finale on Halloween. Get ready for “Rvth: Genesis,” it will possess you…

We’ll be sharing this series once it’s released, but until then be sure to “like” “Rvth: Genesis” on Facebook, and subscribe to the Youtube channel.

2 Violent. 2 Horrifying. “2 Jennifer,” coming soon from LAHorror.com!

Posted by lahorror on July 26, 2015

Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask, do you know anyone named Jennifer?

It’s been some time since we’ve had an update, but for great reason, I assure you. I’m excited to announce that LAHorror.com’s first feature film, “2 Jennifer,” has wrapped principle photography and is on slate for completion in August! It’s been a wild ride putting this film together, and fans of murder, violence and horrifying GORE will not be disappointed! “2 Jennifer” is a hard “R” rated sequel to our good friend James Cullen Bressack’s 2013 film, “To Jennifer.” You can read our review of his film here.

“Two filmmakers attempt to make the perfect sequel to “To Jennifer,” however a dark secret threatens the lives of everyone involved. Jennifer, a beautiful actress, now has two options: become the heroine of the film, or face a brutal death.”

Our good friends at Dread Central dropped our first official teaser trailer, and we wanted to share as well! So WATCH it, SHARE it, and get ready for a really NASTY movie.

“2 Jennifer” stars Hunter Johnson, David Coupe and Lara Jean Mummert. The film also features performances from “To Jennifer” alums James Cullen Bressack, Jarrett Furst & Jody Barton, Felissa Rose (“Sleepaway Camp”), Veronica Ricci (“Bloody Mary 3D”), Erin Marie Hogan (“House of Manson”), Charles Chudabala, Josh Brown and Matt Holbrook. The film is Produced by Johnson, Bressack, Furst, Frank Merle, Christian Ackerman & Megan Perrin.

Keep your eyes peeled for this one, it is likely to shock and horrify! Get ready, horror lovers!

Keep up with “2 Jennifer” on twitter here!

Film Courage Presents: “BETHANY” – Behind the Scenes

Posted by lahorror on May 14, 2015

Hello Horror Lovers! I’ve recently had the privilege of working on two incredible horror projects entitled “Bethany” and “Restoration,” directed by James Cullen Bressack & Zack Ward, respectively. These feature films will no doubt chill you to your very bones and shock your system – that’s a personal guarantee. While principle photography is wrapped and the films make their way into post, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into not only the films themselves, but the filmmaking process.

Film Courage, an incredible resource and supporter of indie films, visited the set of “Bethany” and shared some incredible behind the scenes insight for the project. I’ve got the playlist here, so I HIGHLY recommend checking them out, especially if you’re an aspiring filmmaker yourself. Enjoy!

We will keep you up to date on all things “Bethany” & “Restoration” as more emerges from the films. Also be sure to follow Film Courage on Twitter!

LA Horror Review: “Pernicious”

Posted by lahorror on March 30, 2015

While James Cullen Bressack continues filming his latest project, “Bethany,” LAHorror.com had the pleasure of viewing “Pernicious,” Bressack’s ultra violent ghost film that’s making the rounds now in the horror circuit. Fans of Bressack’s films will no doubt be in for a shocking surprise, as this is not only one of his most brutal and violent films (though probably not as rough as “Hate Crime,” which has been banned in the UK), but also his biggest film in terms of scope. “Pernicious” is a horror genre blending blood bath that will keep you guessing until the very end…

It was supposed to be an adventure of a lifetime as three young girls spend the summer in Thailand. But their adventure quickly becomes a nightmare when the trio unleashes the spirit of a murdered child with only one thing on her mind – revenge.

“Pernicious” works on a variety of levels and manages to differentiate itself from other films with similar set ups. We’ve seen young American’s overseas get brutalized before, but torture is far from the only thing “Pernicious” has to offer. Instead we get a rather clever ghost story, with elements of the torture porn nasties of the early 2000s, as well as something completely new and freaky…the gold little girl statue. All of this is cast over the beautiful landscape of Thailand, which adds to the mystery and isolation that this film offers. It’s hard to pinpoint the scariest aspect of “Pernicious,” but let me just say that the golden statue is freaky as hell. You’ll understand when you watch it. I love when horror films master several subgenres in one picture, and “Pernicious” does just that.

Another thing that “Pernicious” masters is the gore. Can we talk about the gore? Toenails, eyeballs, throat slashes and oh so much more. “Pernicious” brings it. In fact, it’s a golden blood bath. If you’re a gore hound that likes it to look legit, then look no further. Watch “Pernicious.”

But what’s good gore without good victims (and killers)? Our trio of leads, Alex (Ciara Hanna), Julie (Emily O’Brien) and Rachel (Jackie Moore) all do a great job keeping this film engaging and entertaining. Humor when humors needed, creepy when things get creepy. There are times when their Americanisms play a bit hard, but in all honesty it’s believable. We’ve all got friends like these girls. O’Brien in particular steals the show in a couple of scenes, one of them involving a very large knife and another involving a creepy witch doctor.

Bressack no doubt has hit a new high in his filmmaking career with “Pernicious,” and if this is any indication as to what’s to come then horror filmmakers should start to get really excited. Bressack directs “Pernicious” extremely effectively, his real talent shines when things get rough for these characters. The sequences involving the golden statue were especially effective. Bressack also litters clues to the films final secrets throughout, which makes a repeat viewing especially enjoyable. If Bressack isn’t on your radar already, get with the program and catch up on his work. Starting with “Pernicious” isn’t a bad idea at all.

I really enjoyed this film, and if you’re a sicko like me then chances are you will too. So keep your eyes peeled for this one…you don’t want to miss this golden opportunity for terror!

Read our pre “Pernicious” interview with James Cullen Bressack here. You can also read the LAHorror.com reviews of his films “Hate Crime” & “To Jennifer” here. Follow Bressack on Twitter for all the latest on his work.

Coming Soon from Grit Film Works: “Restoration” & “Bethany”

Posted by lahorror on March 13, 2015

Greetings, horror lovers! It’s my pleasure to share the news that a new production company, Grit Film Works, is now in production on two micro-budget horror films that are going to haunt your face off! The films, entitled “Restoration” & “Bethany,” are being produced by Grit Film Works’ James Cullen Bressack & Zack Ward.

On a side note, I am an Associate Producer on these projects along with Jarrett Furst, Christian Ackerman & Line Producer John Mehrer. I can tell you first hand that these films are going to shock, horrify and satisfy your lust for blood and horror! The Hollywood Reporter just dropped the news in a new exclusive, check it out below!

Two Microbudget Horror Films First on Slate From New Production Company

“Grit Film Works is off to a terrifyingly fast start.

The production company, owned by filmmakers James Cullen Bressack and Zack Ward, is in the middle of back-to-back shoots for two horror films.

Bethany stars Stefanie Estes as Claire, a woman who moves back into her childhood home with her husband. The abusive, traumatic memories of her mother return to haunt her — as her husband becomes busier with work, she finds herself in a fog of memories — as a small figure tries to reach out to her.

Bressack is directing the film, which also stars Ward, Shannen Doherty, Felissa Rose, Brodus Clay, Peter Jason, John Murray, Olivia Stiefel, Anna Harr and Ellen Gerstell.

The second film, Restoration centers on a young doctor who moves to a new town with her husband while she completes her residency. Things seem to be going well, as she and her husband, a contractor, renovate their home, and meet a fun couple next door. Things take a dark turn when they discovery a diary buried within the walls of their house, and a terrifying spirit is awakened.

Restoration stars Emily O’Brien, Ward, Adrian Gaeta and Sarah Ann Schultz. Ward also is directing the film.

Ward and Bressack co-wrote both scripts. Restoration is currently shooting, while Bethany is set to begin filming later this month.”

Keep up with “Restoration” and “Bethany” right here at LAHorror.com! Also be sure to follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates. We will be sharing exclusive photos, videos and interviews as the films continue!

VHS Spotlight: “The Brain”

Posted by lahorror on March 5, 2015

Lots of great stuff in the very near future coming to LAHorror.com! But until then, let’s take a look back to another classic VHS that still needs to be released on DVD! Alex Ray has the scoop on “The Brain,” a horror flick that may be in your basement stash, and one that definitely deserves to be revisited!

VHS SPOTLIGHT: THE BRAIN

1988 * 94 minutes * International Video Entertainment * Directed by Edward Hunt

It’s often noted that politics seem to influence trends in horror. The Vietnam War ushered in an era of dark, cynical works like Night of the Living Dead and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. George Dubya’s time in office saw the rise of torture porn. So what did the Reagan years give us? Films like Larry Cohen’s The Stuff and John Carpenter’s They Live were fairly obvious responses to rampant consumer culture and a general brainwashing of the masses. But there was another un-subtle jab that went under the radar of our thoroughly manipulated collective consciousness: The Brain.

Yep, I’m waxing allegorical about a movie featuring a giant, floating brain that chases teenagers down steam tunnels. While it disguises itself with all the B-horror tropes, it’s pretty easy to see the not-very-hidden message: David Gale (of Re-Animator and Syngenor—look it up!) hosts a TV show called “Independent Thinking,” while he colludes with an alien brain that, well, brainwashes people!

Tom Breznahan (of Ski School) plays a lovable troublemaker just trying to get through high school. Too bad his parents and teachers think he needs a little psychiatric intervention to get him on the right track. So our young prankster goes to Doc Gale, who seems to have just the prescription for all wayward teens (the brain hypnotizes them or something). But when he sees more than he’s supposed to, it’s Three Days of the Condor time for Tommy B.

It really does feel like more of a conspiracy thriller than a monster movie for a majority of the ninety-four minutes, but every so often there’s a slithering tentacle or a topless nurse to remind us of what we’re really watching—which I’m nearly sixty-seven percent sure was pitched as Nightmare on Elm Street meets Videodrome. From there it must have mutated a little (as did a lot of things in those two movies), until they settled on this wannabe Robert Redford vehicle with shades of hentai (maybe intentional; probably not).

Of course, the classics mentioned above aren’t the only ones brought to mind by The Brain (see what I did there?). It owes The Crazies at least half a doff of the cap, and there’s a great Invasion of the Body Snatchers vibe to boot. Here’s a fun fact: M. Night Shyamalan took fifteen minutes of this movie and adapted it into his feature-length screenplay for The Happening, which, conversely, is one-sixth as entertaining.

Well, since I’ve now broken the record for number of movie titles referenced within a single review, I’ll hunker down and get serious. I really do like this movie. The story is compelling and generates a lot of momentum. Unlike with many teen horror flicks, we don’t spend the first act in a van, and the rest doesn’t hang on the suspense of guessing who will be next to hear a strange noise (not to cast aspersions; those movies are great, too). The characters are well-established early on, and then we’re off and running, all the way to the inevitable showdown with the brain—a proxy for any and all puppet masters behind politicians and spokespeople and celebrities. Yeah, this is deep stuff.

Not too deep, though. The subtext is pretty close to the surface at all times, and that’s kinda what makes it fun. The Brain really wears its heart on its sleeve—or its temporal lobe on its cerebral cortex, if you wanna get technical.

I proffer that this movie will only get more relevant, as our political and social landscapes get murkier and harder to navigate. It’s almost comforting to imagine that a big, alien, carnivorous brain might be responsible for all of society’s woes. Now that’s food for thought (yep, actual line!).

3 out of 4 stars

VHS Spotlight is written by LAHorror.com contributor Alex Ray.

“Demons” – A Feature Film That Needs Your Help!

Posted by lahorror on January 30, 2015

Demons. We’ve all got them, in one way or another. Maybe your demons have manifested from a regret or a lost loved one, a missed opportunity or a mistake. Maybe you don’t even know that they’re there…until they rear their ugly heads. For most of us, we learn to live with our demons, as they are often hard to conquer. But in David Coupe‘s debut feature film “Demons,” it’s conquer or die, because these demons aren’t fucking around. It’s a brand new vision of the demons we face in our daily lives, and just how powerful they can become…

“Demons” is a feature length film gearing up to be shot in Chicago this year. It follows a young man who must face-off against the forces of darkness while mending broken friendships and getting over a painful break-up. And while this is being billed as a horror-comedy, the drama, chaos and carnage in this film are going to be straight from the pits of hell. I was fortunate enough to read the script and it’s got basically everything you could hope for in a horror flick. I won’t spoil anything, but this is going to be a damn fun ride, a ride that you can help make happen. But enough from me, hear it from the creator himself! LAHorror.com got to chat with Coupe about his film, his plan and even some of his demons…enjoy horror lovers!

LAHorror: Coupe, “Demons” the movie. In three sentences or less, what are audiences going to be in for?

David Coupe: They are going to be in for an extremely relatable story about relationships that is paired with some of the most outrageous horror they’ve ever seen. I’m currently writing my ninth draft and there are moments that cause my heart to break for the characters as well as moments that make me run around my apartment in demented glee. There is one thing in particular I can’t imagine anyone who sees the movie not talking about non-stop after seeing it.

LAHorror: So are you going for an “Evil Dead” type of outrageous? What are some of your inspirations with this script, specifically horror inspirations?

DC: Someone, after one of the read-throughs, described it as “500 Days of Summer” meets “Evil Dead.” I think that’s not too far off. Specific influences while writing are definitely the “Evil Dead” movies, “The Exorcist,” “Shaun of the Dead,” and the recent crop of demon movies like “The Conjuring.” A lot of these movies I bow at the alter to and some of them, like “The Exorcist” and “The Conjuring,” I specifically study to play with the genre conventions.

LAHorror: Haha awesome! “500 Days of Summer” meets “Evil Dead,” that’s great! The tag line on your Kickstarter says: “An independent horror/comedy about cults, demons, and relationships. Each more horrifying than the last.” What is so horrifying about this relationship? What’s going on with these characters?

DC: I think that relationships are all about trust. The closer you get to someone the more of yourself you are putting in their hands. You don’t want to find out that your trust is misplaced. This movie sees the collapse of a romantic relationship in it’s first few scenes. The main character’s girlfriend breaks up with him and elects to become the host for a powerful and seductive demon. That gives the main character some serious trust issues that permeate the rest of the story. Friends whose integrity he never would’ve doubted are now under intense scrutiny. The whole movie is about this guy finding himself again in the wake of everything in his life changing.

LAHorror: And while he’s finding himself, he’s battling a blood thirsty Demon? Is this a story about getting the girl back or killing the demonic bitch? Exactly what kind of demon is he up against?

DC: He doesn’t even know! He’s in straight up denial mode with the break-up. He still thinks he can salvage it! Unfortunately, the girl he knew is gone. In her place is the most powerful, vicious demon that you’ve ever seen on film. This demon has a plan to eradicate the planet of mankind so he and his kind can run free. He pretty much wants to turn Earth into a vacation spot for his kind. This demon is going to do things to the human anatomy that is going to make you either squirm or squeal depending on where your tastes lie!

LAHorror: Excellent! So what’s the method to this demon’s madness? What kind of HORROR / GORE does it wreak?

DC: She is going to rip a character’s dick off and then whisper a incantation on it. She turns it into a sword and cuts his head off with it.

LAHorror: …that’s fucking brilliant.

DC: I mean, I think I probably shouldn’t be holding anything back with my first movie.

LAHorror: Speaking of which, how stoked are you to be directing your first feature film? Are you nervous about being the writer / actor / director, all in one?

DC: I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve never done anything like this before in terms of wearing so many different hats all at once. Unfortunately, I’m way more excited than I am terrified. I’ve been working on this for over a year and I can watch the movie in my head. In it’s entirety. And in my brain I’ve got the part. Also, as a director, it’s nice to know my lead’s schedule so far in advance.

LAHorror: And how about your cast & crew? What’s your team starting to look like?

DC: It’s an embarrassment of riches. I had a pretty awesome run of working non-stop in Chicago theater from October 2012 to August 2014. I got to meet the best actors that Chicago (and probably the world) have to offer. So I cast the crap out of them. My crew are hard working and diligent. They are still coming together at the moment. This Kickstarter campaign will help us secure everyone we want to work with. The parties are interested, but we do need the cash to back up the vision.

LAHorror: And on that note, why should people, HORROR fans in particular, take a look at your Kickstarter campaign?

DC: We shot a proof-of-concept piece last year and it’s on the page. We didn’t make it with much money, but I think it shows that we’ve got our hearts in the right place. Check it out for the preview alone. If it’s something you enjoyed. I can tell you exactly how to get more: You donate to the Kickstarter. I just want to make that clear! It seems like a weird thing to leave ambiguous.

LAHorror: Is there anything else you want to share about “Demons”?

DC: I’m going to be making movies for the rest of my life. That is a 100% guarantee. It should start with this one. The script is great. The cast is better. We want to take the audience for this ride. I don’t want to just entertain people with this movie. I want to possess them.