LA Horror Review: “Don’t Go to the Reunion”

Posted by lahorror on August 10, 2013

Who doesn’t have nightmarish memories from high school? The mere thought about my 10-year high school reunion makes me nervous – not because I didn’t like my classmates or have any terrible regrets, but because you get to see how people change and after years, and who knows what kind of monsters people have become…

In Slasher Studios’ debut feature film, “Don’t Go to the Reunion,” the reunion of the 2004 class of Hamilton High is no different, however instead of awkward conversation and bad fruit punch – this 10-year reunion is MURDER. You see, the popular clique, led by the beautiful Erica Carpenter (Stephanie Leigh Rose), wasn’t exactly the nicest to a certain horror movie loving geek Scott Rantzen (Brady Simenson). After a high school prank goes terribly wrong, naturally destroying Scott’s life, someone is back for settle the score 10 years later at the special, invite-only, “A-list” class reunion…

It’s the classic set up for a 80s revenge slasher, which “Don’t Go to the Reunion” has no shame emulating. And why would it? In this day and age, we are bombarded with horror remakes, sequels and reboots. It seems like a lifetime ago that the golden age of slasher horror reigned supreme – and “Don’t Go to the Reunion” reminds us how great the campy slasher can really make us feel. This film is an unbelievable pleasure to watch, especially for its target audience: die-hard slasher movie junkies.

And for those less seasoned horror viewers – let me explain what “Don’t Go to the Reunion” can offer: amazing, tongue-in-cheek one-liners (such as “Out of my way, faggot!” and “Why did we ever come to this fucking reunion?!”), plenty of gratuitous sex and nudity, tons of red-herrings and most importantly buckets and buckets of GORE. “Don’t Go to the Reunion” is a serious blood bath!

Brandon (Matty Dorschner) warns that something is going very wrong at this reunion…

But sex and gore do not alone a terrific slasher make. “Don’t Go to the Reunion” features several terrific performances by some cool-as-ice actors. Most notably, the quiet and cautious Brandon (Matty Dorschner) and the mysterious new boyfriend David (Spencer Harlan) really shine and add a couple of layers of suspense and intrigue to this film. And who can’t love the beer guzzling brute Joe (Mike Goltz), who can be spotted frequently in this film slamming beers and trying to convince other people (and himself) that he’s not gay (you might remember him in a similar fashion in Slasher Studios awesome horror short, “Teddy”).

I think it’s safe to say that director Steve Goltz and writer Kevin Sommerfield have succeeded in what they’ve set out to do: create an enjoyable, gory slasher film which pays homage to the greats that came before it. Albeit a classic set up, it’s great to see original horror coming out of indie filmmakers to remind us of how thrilling the scene used to be, and still could be for that matter. The work of Goltz and Sommerfield will be a pleasure to watch in the future as their passion radiates in each shot of this film, lending to the sense that everybody was on board to get bloody, have fun and make a memorable, freaky and occasionally hilarious slasher romp. I’m not sure if I’ll go to my 10-year high school reunion next year, but “Don’t Go to the Reunion” is one event that you should definitely not skip!

To preorder your copy of “Don’t Go to the Reunion” and other Slasher Studios films, visit their official website. Be sure to follow Slasher Studios and “Don’t Go to the Reunion” on Twitter. You can also find “Don’t Go to the Reunion” on Facebook.

Twixt #Nightmares

Posted by lahorror on July 16, 2013

As a true fan of everything horrific and nasty, I always enjoy getting to experience other peoples #nightmares. Twixt #Nightmares, a new horror website, calls for horror fans to post their creepiest photos to Instagram, Twitter and tumblr with the hashtag #nightmare in the hopes of creating “the most Twixted place on the web.” It’s pretty much the best kind of sensory overload of horror, monsters and carnage — all shared by users. It’s pretty gnarly, but be careful; it’s kind of addicting. Check it out especially if you need a fix of some awesome inspiration and enjoy creepy and bizarre horror.

The site’s background features images from “Twixt,” the latest film from Francis Ford Coppola. Yes, THAT Francis Ford Coppola. Check out the trailer below and keep your eyes peeled — it’s coming to DVD and Blu-Ray on July 23rd!

Contribute to the #nightmare and be sure to like Twixt on Facebook!

LA Horror Review: “The Employer”

Posted by lahorror on October 29, 2012

Finding a job these days is tough, especially one that actually pays the bills. The search could even be described as a “true horror story” for some; even if you do land an interview, often you can get beat out by a more qualified candidate. Frank Merle, the writer and director of the new horror thriller, “The Employer,” takes this idea to a whole new level: in this interview, you either get the job or die…

It’s a now classic set-up. Five strangers wake up in a locked room. Before long, they realize they have something in common: they have all recently interviewed for a position at the mysterious Carcharias Corporation, and today is supposed to be their final interview. Unbeknownst to them, The Employer (Malcolm McDowell) has a very sinister way of choosing the perfect candidate for the job. You see, at Carcharias Corporation, having a well-rounded resume is only half the battle. What’s the other half? It’s killing the competition before they kill you first. Last one standing gets the job of their dreams…

The great part about a film like “The Employer” is that it takes a familiar premise and gives it its own unique and rather intelligent spin. Yes, pitting people against each other in a locked room has created some pretty grisly horror films, but “The Employer” isn’t about the gore; it’s about the characters. Merle creates a group of very fleshed out young professionals who have every reason in the world to try to get ahead. It’s more fun to get to know the characters first before they’re brutally murdered as opposed to watching strangers get hacked up; it makes for a much more satisfying viewing experience.

But while Merle crafts characters who are undoubtedly justified in their reasons to despise each other, he also brings out strong performances by five very talented actors. The scenarios he sets up for these interviewees are amplified by their terrific performances. Everyone brings something to the table, and everyone has a secret.

James, played by David Dastmalchian, is our Everyman and is wonderfully naïve and hopeful that in this terrifying scenario maybe, just maybe, nobody has to die. It really feels like at any moment Dastmalchian could break out and become a recognizable face for frequent moviegoers, and a film like “The Employer” certainly allows him to show some great range. Opposite him is the beautiful Paige Howard who plays the kind and caring Sandra. It’s hard not to root for these two; their chemistry is strong, especially when the going gets tough.

Mike (Matthew Willig) tries to silence the trash talking Keith (Michael DeLorenzo) much to the horror of the level headed Sandra (Paige Howard)

Juxtaposed against this optimistic, seemingly level-headed pair are our other three captives: the sexy and ass-kicking Billie (Katerina Mikailenko), the bruising and massive Mike (Matthew Willig) and the loudmouth Kieth (Michael DeLorenzo). Five very different people in one nightmarish interview, “The Employer” creates a tense and unnerving experience that gets to be a real free for all with plenty of twists to keep you guessing who’s going to get the job.

Which brings us to our last and most important piece of this puzzle: The Employer himself, Malcolm McDowell. As the puppet master of this whole scheme, it’s extremely fun to see The Employer get inside of the heads of these characters and find out exactly what makes them tick. It’s always fun to see McDowell play a bad guy, but in “The Employer” he’s even more dementedly charming than usual. Every time McDowell is on the screen he steals the show, which is understandable given his ultra-talent. He embodies the mission of the Carcharias Corporation and adds a level of mystery and intrigue that we can only hope for a sequel (or two) to expand upon.

Only The Employer knows the secrets of the Carcharias Corporation…

And maybe that’s the real reason this movie was so enjoyable: the fact that it asks more questions than it answers. While Merle’s intentions for making this film are unknown, “The Employer” raises a lot of questions not only about its own reality but also our own, and frequently plays with moral questions that we deal with on a daily basis. How often do we see people doing anything to get ahead of the competition, or a massive corporation treating its employees like pawns in its own sinister game? Merle has created a film that is modern, violent and full of nasty twists, “The Employer” grabs you and won’t let you go.

Lastly I’ll leave you with this, the same thing that Merle told me before I watched the movie and the thing that probably intrigued me the most: at the end, only one person walks out of that room alive…

Be sure to watch our exclusive interview with filmmaker Frank Merle. For more about Frank Merle and “The Employer,” visit the film’s official website. Be sure to check out “The Employer” on Facebook.

LA Horror Review: “The Cohasset Snuff Film”

Posted by lahorror on October 22, 2012

Does life imitate art or does art imitate life? It’s a tricky question, especially when you apply it to the world of horror, given all of the atrocities that happen on a daily basis all over the world. Director Edward Payson‘s “The Cohasset Snuff Film” blends the fictional world and the real world together, giving us an up close and personal look into the mind of a serial killer in a chilling way. At times, it’s hard to determine if what you are watching is real or merely the fantasy of a couple of disturbed but talented filmmakers.

“The Cohasset Snuff Film” is real, or so they say. The film begins with a pair of documentarians as they uncover the secret tapes of Cohasset, Massachusettes best kept secret: serial killer Colin Mason. You see, Mason killed three girls in 2009 and had the good sense to get it all on camera. In a quest for infamy, Mason compiles a series of video diaries plotting, and executing, his plans for inflicting pain and torture. Now you can see the footage for yourself in every horrifying detail.

This film is a tender reminder of just how fucked up this world really is. With murder sprees and serial killers seemingly popping up all the time these days, this film feels relevant. And this is certainly one that will attract the morbid curiosity of both experienced and novice horror viewers. And when I say novice, I mean the kinda of kids that sneak horror movies into their slumber parties, that watch them when their parents aren’t watching or don’t know. I say that because the killer in this film is in high school, and what sort of normal adolescent hasn’t fantasized about murder at one time or another? This film will no doubt be a dirty little secret for many viewers.

But while the idea of this movie hits close to home, our lead character is a little harder to sympathize with. I always like rooting for a killer. It’s fun and makes you feel a little guilty. Yet, the one thing I felt was missing from this film was a strong motive for this killing spree, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Colin Mason is obviously resentful of his fellow humans for the typical reasons – being ignored, abused and picked on, however we never really see any of that on film. While we do learn about the human side of our killer through classmate interviews, psychology studies and the police reports, the face to face time with Mason is long past his days of being “normal.” It’s less of a descent into madness as it is being just thrown into the mix right before shit goes down—and shit does go down.

The great thing about “The Cohasset Snuff Film” is its raw intensity. There are no jump scares or cheesy twists. This film is grounded in reality and the murders are real. Some mad props go to these actors who certainly had trust in director Edward Payson and believed in this project. Their trust will no doubt be rewarded as this film will certainly be getting some pretty big attention in the near future. I say that with no hesitation, because this film has all of the right pieces to be an underground hit.

On a hilarious side note, supposedly some people in Cohasset, Massachusettes are pretty upset that this film has been made. Now, why they are upset is up for debate. Maybe they don’t want their town to have a bad reputation, or maybe they just don’t want to be associated with something as nasty as “The Cohasset Snuff Film.” Or maybe, just maybe, there’s a little more truth to this film than originally thought. That’s why I recommend you check it out and decide for yourself.

If you are living in the Los Angeles area, the world premier of “The Cohasset Snuff Film” is fittingly this Halloween in North Hollywood. You can purchase your ticket here. If you’re not in the Los Angeles area, the film is beginning a self distributed theatrical run in limited cities. If you want to see this film in your area, then visit this page and demand to see “The Cohasset Snuff Film!”

LAHorror.com has previously interviewed director Edward Payson about this film and other horror projects. You can read that here. Be sure to check out “The Cohasset Snuff Film” on Facebook and Twitter.

LA Horror Review: “An American Ghost Story”

Posted by lahorror on October 6, 2012

Curiosity can be a dangerous thing. It’s the cause of many problems for people in horror films and something that can ultimately become deadly. How often do we see someone investigate a strange noise, pursue a forbidden curse or, in the case of “An American Ghost Story,” the new film from 2 Man Production, knowingly invite themselves into the home of a malevolent spirit?

Paul Anderson (Stephen Twardokus) is an aspiring writer who’s trying to get it together. You see, Paul has never finished anything he’s set out to do, and with his new idea he’s more determined than ever. Unfortunately for him and his girlfriend, Stella (Liesel Kopp), his new idea involves moving into the home of a recently murdered family and trying to communicate with its restless spirits. Before long, both Paul and Stella realize that they are not alone and certainly not welcome…

The set up for “Revenant” is simple, but the execution is fantastic. What filmmakers Derek Cole (director, producer), Stephen Twardokus (producer, writer, actor) and Jon Gale (producer, actor) have done is create a bare bones story that still manages to scare the piss out of you with a “less is more” mentality. Wait, I take that back— “less is more” may not be an accurate way to describe this movie, because it is FULL of legitimate scares. From your classic jumps to your slow, sinister sequences, “An American Ghost Story” keeps you on edge from the very first scene until the last. It’s tense as hell and doesn’t let up.

What works about this film is its overall creativity in the things seen on screen. As a filmmaker myself, I was perplexed as to how these guys pulled off some of these sequences. There are no CGI ghosts in this movie, and the practical effects are ridiculous and always frightening. From the spirit rising out of the bed sheets to an entire kitchen erupting in rage, the ingenuity behind the camera is this film’s most impressive feat.

Paul Anderson (Twardokus) has a naïve curiosity with the spirits in his house…

Yet, all of the horror elements in “Revenant” are amplified by Cole’s stellar direction. His choices to make slow zooms, subtle camera movements and some clever editing always keep you in anticipation. Every scene has the ability to give you frights and, trust me, most of them do. Cole is clearly well-versed in the art of suspense, and fans of classic ghost stories such as “The Haunting” or “Poltergeist” would certainly enjoy “An American Ghost Story.”

While this film is exceptional in terms of the talent behind the camera, without good performances all may be for not. Luckily for “An American Ghost Story,” it’s cast, though small, all pull their weight and add to the overall success of the film. In particular, our leading man Twardokus plays the over-curious writer believably, and you can clearly see the shift in him when he realizes that he’s in far over his head in this house. Liesel Kopp as Stella is the most relatable of the characters, given the fact that she is the rational of the two and is far more afraid of these spirits than her boyfriend. Kopp really shines when things get rough. Her panic and fear are felt through the screen.

“An American Ghost Story” is damn scary, and that’s no joke. My advice to you if you get the opportunity to watch it: give this movie the respect it deserves. That means phone off, lights off, popcorn and a beer.

For more information about “An American Ghost Story,” please visit the films official website. You can also check out “An American Ghost Story” on Facebook and Twitter. Actress Liesel Kopp was LAHorror.com‘s first featured artist. You can view her story here.

LA Horror Review: “Lesser Miracles”

Posted by lahorror on September 30, 2012

Horror comes in all sorts of varieties. There’s monsters, aliens, slashers, zombies and more – each thing uniquely terrifying in its own way. However, in Rory Walsh’s film “Lesser Miracles,” horror hits home in a very real way as we slowly see the family structure fall apart with shocking and violent results.

Riley Carpenter (Kathryn Lyn) loves her family. She has a beautiful baby daughter, a caring husband and frequently visits her mother. However, after a freak car accident, everything begins to change. With the presence of an internal demon awakened inside of Riley, she suddenly has a broader view of the world around her and finds out that things may not be as good as they seem.

It’s the descent into madness, the destruction of the family structure that fuels the horror in “Lesser Miracles,” and it’s one of those films where you can’t help but feel bad for every single character at one point or another. There are no villains in this film; it is more of a series of tragic mistakes that ultimately build up into a terrifying conclusion, and everybody pays the price.

Writer/director/editor Rory Walsh certainly assembled a stellar team to pull this off. The talent both on screen and off is abundant with unbelievable performances all around. In particular, the trio of leads are dynamic. Kathryn Lyn plays the disturbed Riley with a subtle edge that gets sharper as the film goes on. She is a terrific leading lady, and with a performance like this we certainly hope to see more insanity from her in the horror world. Opposite her, Cameron Bender plays husband Morgan with genuine heart and sincerity. The chemistry of these two is wonderful. The wild card is Haley Mancini who plays the other woman, Denise Baker. Mancini is brilliant as the seductive yet insecure Denise and really steals the show. There are several moments in her performance where I really felt a sinking in my heart.

On the other side of the camera, Walsh gives us a simple yet excellent story that is masterfully crafted. Along with beautiful cinematography from Terrance Stewart, an absolutely haunting soundtrack and some pretty impressive use of scenery, this film sets the bar for indie filmmakers pretty high.

“Lesser Miracles” is one of those films that is disturbing and heavy, a powerful piece of work that sticks with you long after you’re done watching. This film is more moving than it is scary and the ending packs a certain punch that most films wouldn’t dare swing. It’s unique in the sense that while it does have some brutality, the real horror is in the downfall of these poor souls. You can’t help but watch and pray that everyone will be all right, that everything will work out in the end and that these people can continue with their lives in peace. But sadly, that simply isn’t the case. This is horror, and if there’s any lesson that “Lesser Miracles” can teach us about horror, it’s that nobody is safe and that not all miracles are the good ones.

For more information on “Lesser Miracles,” please visit Rory Walsh’s official website. Also, check out the film on Facebook. “Lesser Miracles” is currently playing at film festivals.

LA Horror Review: “The Los Angeles Ripper”

Posted by lahorror on September 6, 2012

Los Angeles has been home to some of the most prolific serial killers in American history. There was, of course, the night stalker, the hillside strangler, the freeway killer and now another, Craig McIntyre’s “The Los Angeles Ripper.”

Kristy (Celeste Martinez) is an aspiring singer who has just arrived in Los Angeles for a fresh start in life. Living with her lazy cousin and horror fanatic Aunt, things are looking up for Kristy as she makes new friends and begins to take singing lessons. However, drug dealer Grahm (Randy Tobin), The Los Angeles Ripper, has other plans for poor Kristy. You see, Grahm likes to torture, rape and murder young women, and he’s damn good at it…

“The Los Angles Ripper” starts with a bang and ends with a bang, take that how you will. From the very first scene of the film, you know what you are signing up for: a low budget, gritty serial killer story with a director unafraid to show you the good stuff. And what else would you expect from a movie called “The Los Angeles Ripper?” While the body count isn’t necessarily the highest, when Grahm does reveal his sinister intentions to his victims, the intimacy of the filmmaking makes for a quite unnerving experience. The camera is always no more than a foot away from the victim, often in a cramped room or a van, and catches every grueling detail of the torment of the victims. The style is reminiscent of the ultra gory 70s exploitation flicks, with a little dab of some zombie feasting as well. McIntyre is clearly well versed in the horror genre.

The problem with this film is not in the kills, however, but in the killer himself. No doubt Tobin is a talented actor, and his character is quite memorable but also kind of a…well…a douche bag. He’s the guy who’s at the party that you didn’t really invite. He’s the drug dealer that insists that you hang out with him when you only want your fix. He’s the guy at the bar that just doesn’t catch a hint. No means no, Grahm…well, kind of. At times his awkwardness is hard to watch, but when he starts to turn into the Ripper, it’s night and day. The douche becomes a monster and that’s when the performance really takes off.

The main meat of the story is when Grahm meets, and ultimately becomes obsessed with, Kristy. He brazenly stalks her, is constantly showing up wherever she goes and ultimately puts her in a rough spot near the end of the film. Their chemistry is awkward, but that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be, so in that regard, it works. The supporting cast behind these two is also quite enjoyable, in particular a couple of characters that show up to Kristy’s music lessons add a light hearted break to the carnage in this film.

Indie horror fans should appreciate this film, especially ones in the Los Angeles area. It does give you a feel for this city and there are some moments that legitimately made me cringe. While the film isn’t necessarily as deep as it could have been, the gore is intense and the soundtrack is excellent. The final shot of the film is also one that will stick with you, a serious gut-wrencher. I’m a huge fan of serial killer films, and while “The Los Angeles Ripper” isn’t necessarily the scariest, it certainly is worth a look for indie horror lovers and newbies to LA. So go get ripped already.

Be sure to check out “The Los Angeles Ripper” on Facebook and twitter.

LA Horror Review: “Teddy”

Posted by lahorror on August 28, 2012

Who doesn’t enjoy a quick slasher flick? Call me sadistic, but nothing cheers me up more than cramming a whole bunch of death in a real short amount of time – something that Slasher Studios‘ short film, “Teddy,” has no problem doing at all.

The set up is classic: a group of friends having a party weekend when things start to go horribly wrong. Not only do they accidentally run over an old man on their way to the woods, but they then find themselves being stalked by the old man’s demented stuffed bear wielding son, Teddy. Needless to say, things don’t work out too well for these fun loving teens.

What makes “Teddy” so enjoyable is its rapid fire pace. An 11-minute run time is really not a lot, yet “Teddy” manages to establish motive for the title killer, introduce our victims, give us a blood splattering car crash, slam about 20 beers, show a pretty raunchy sex scene, as well as multiple murders that even Jason himself would be proud of. Let me just say this without giving away too much: nobody’s ass is safe in this movie. Don’t believe me? Well see for yourself…

Well, was it too scary to…bear? What I love about this piece is our killer. Much like the horror classics we know and love, Teddy is mysterious and could probably use a feature or two to really get to the bottom of his troubles. I mean, who is this guy and what’s with his demented bear? It’s eerie and unsettling, and while the mystery makes the story stronger, my morbid curiosity would love to learn more. While it works as a short, it easily has all the pieces to grow into a much larger project.

That being said, mad props goes to filmmakers Kevin Sommerfield and Steve Goltz. Slashers are always great fun and it’s always exciting to see new disturbing characters and deaths thrown into the world of horror. Who knows, a couple years down the road maybe we’ll get to see some more of Teddy, but until then? Well, bust open a PBR and keep partying…

Please be sure to check out “Teddy” on Facebook, as well as SlasherStudios.com on Facebook. Also follow SlasherStudios.com on Twitter.

LA Horror Review: “Hate Crime”

Posted by lahorror on August 9, 2012

Ahhh, the home invasion film. It’s a popular idea that requires little setup and exploits a primal fear–the violation of our home and shelter. An ugly intruder amidst all things familiar. Our castle turned cage with a single breach.

Horrifying stuff, really. No doubt filmmakers such as James Cullen Bressack seek to expose their audience to these dreadful scenarios. It hits home. Literally. In this case, Bressack takes it one step further in his quest for full, unadulterated immersion and employs the found footage style. Now, home invasion films aren’t for everyone, but found footage films have an even more polarizing effect. For those horror fans who can appreciate both, “Hate Crime” is worth a look. If you’re seeking specifics of the plot, further reading won’t reveal much. A family is taken hostage by masked gunmen. That’s all I’m telling, and that’s all you need to know.

The elements of this story are decidedly simple, and the film wastes no time getting to the good stuff. It moves along at a brisk pace, hardly allowing the viewer to catch his breath, much less let down his guard. And while that may not make for optimal jump scares, this film isn’t interested in petty antics. It wants to exhaust you.

The brutality is less related to physical torture–the most graphic of which takes place off screen–and more a product of sheer intensity. Save a brief introduction to the family, complete with sibling banter, ill tempers and domestic feuding, the film quickly escalates with a healthy offering of heinous laughter, disturbing acts and distorted enthusiasm that is simply unsettling. When the pace finally lets up and allows for some intimate conversation, the dialogue is effectively sinister and not without devastating implications. It is a gripping contrast of wills and emotions: those of the victims pleading for salvation and those of the jolly invaders. And while the monotony of the struggle may be off-putting, I consider it a test of endurance designed with discomfort in mind. It is a horror film.

One interesting facet of this film is the development of the immediately indiscernible antagonists. It takes time, but they ultimately evolve from the raving mad men of first impression. They are passionate in their endeavors, unrelenting yet giddy and actually far more interesting than the family they victimize. Their brand of off-the-cuff terrorism comprises the bulk of the film, and there really is little else to it.

The performances are often satisfactory, improving as the film progresses, and the direction overall impressive. There are few cuts in this film and the host of long takes is a feat for all involved. However, simply put, the selling point of this film is the content… but that is if, and only if, you’re in the market. “Hate Crime” is a constant barrage of brutality projected through the grit and grime of unpolished cinema. It is “Funny Games” without the civility. And, in the end, it is a hard-hitting feature-length Public Service Announcement for a thoroughly unprepared public. They have no idea what lies in store. Enjoy.

“Hate Crime” will be hitting festivals soon. Review by Levi Caleb Smith

LA Horror Presents: “Bunnyman 2” (coming soon)

Posted by lahorror on June 14, 2012

We received a tip from writer/director/producer Carl Lindbergh about his upcoming horror film “Bunnyman 2.” We checked out the trailer and it looks ultra creepy and fun. While the film is currently in post production, we got the inside scoop from Lindbergh about the film, as well as a little bit about him as an artist.

LAHorror: Tell us about the story of “Bunnyman 2.” What the fuck is up with this bunny?

Lindbergh: As the trailer suggests, this is one very pissed off giant bunny. Obviously someone really upset him, and as a result, he takes out his frustration on any and everyone that crosses his path. “Bunnyman 2” follows the antagonist’s story line, and is about the title character and a crazy redneck trying to manage the stress of killing all these random people.

LAHorror: Why should people see “Bunnyman 2?” What type of horror are you striving for? What makes it unique (besides the fact that it has a Bunnyman)?

Lindbergh: Well the opening scene shows a giant Bunnyman slaughtering a bus full of kids. I would say that’s a pretty unique way to start a film! I certainly haven’t seen it before and I watch a lot of horror films. The main thing I want to stress is that “Bunnyman 2” is not cheesy, it’s not campy. It has a dark sense of humor, but not “stupid” humor. I’m presenting a very absurd idea with a very serious tone. Most films of this type, from say Roger Corman or Troma would play this up as camp. This is a “unique” approach to something very bizarre, almost surreal in a way like a David Lynch film. I guess you could ask yourself, what would a film look like if David Lynch made a horror film for Roger Corman. Perhaps “Bunnyman 2” is the answer to the question?

LAHorror: What are some of the inspirations behind this film? Not necessarily other movies, but ideas/art/etc.?

Lindbergh: The idea stems from taking something very innocent, say either a bunny suit or a school bus sign, and turning it on it’s head. Playing with the symbolic nature of seeing a school bus sign, but with blood on it. I believe it’s a striking image, and tells the viewer a lot with saying any words. It’s this contradictory nature that runs through the Bunnyman films. Another example, we’ll have someone die in a grotesque way however we’ll present it in a way, that the audience can’t help but laugh as it happens.

The cinematic influences on “Bunnyman 2” are a diverse range of films. Two two primarily influences I see in the film is the “Friday the 13th” series of films and Terrence Malick’s “Tree of Life”. Talk about two complete different films. “Bunnyman 2” has the mood, feel, atmosphere of a Malick film such as “Days of Heaven” etc. however within that world we have a serial killer disposing of bodies as what you would see in a 80’s slasher film.

LAHorror: What are the overall plans for “Bunnyman 2”? Any screenings scheduled yet?

Lindbergh: The primary goal is securing distribution. I’m not convinced it’s worth going the festival route as opposed to going straight to the distributors themselves. If the eventual distributor decides to screen the film, I would of course support that decision.

LAHorror: How was the cast/crew? Cool people? Small or large group?

Lindbergh: I can’t speak highly enough about the cast. They put up with harsh conditions, 120 degree heat, meat eating bees etc. They went above and beyond what a filmmaker could ask from them. We had a small crew of about 12 people, i.e. a few amount of people doing multiple jobs.

LAHorror: What are your favorite horror films/directors?

Lindbergh: Obviously the horror classics such as the original “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Halloween” and “The Evil Dead” series of films. I’m a big fan of more obscure horror films such as “Phantasm” and “Cemetery Man.” The directors that I’m truly inspired by are Ridley Scott and Tim Burton.

And in case you were wondering, “Bunnyman 2” is the sequel to “Bunnyman.” Check out the trailer!