​There are many things that people would like to forget when growing up, but when looking back, I am sure that they are glad that they didn’t. You learn so much as a child about life overall, even when fighting with your parents over stupid stuff. You also learn what is important and what is not, you learn how to tie your shoes and most importantly, you learn how to be you. Your past holds the key for anyone that wants to get to know you and how you have turned into the person you are today, and there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to what happened in your life long ago.
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Taking photos of old houses, Jane has followed her passion for years and has never looked back. Trying to capture the story that the old houses have to tell, she is able to get an interview with Time Magazine about her work. No matter if she gets the job or not, Jane will continue to photograph houses, but there is one that she always has to stop by when driving past to try and find the right setting to immortalize it in a photo. But little does she know what this house has in store for her as she is about to take a long trip down memory lane.

Being taken in by a foster family after her family was killed years ago, Jane has wiped out all memories about what she witnessed that tragic day. Being able to move on with her life, marrying Alan and having a wonderful daughter Alice, she is only looking forward. Working out things with Alan to keep the couple together, Jane is still looking for some sort of answer as to why things are the way they are but is not willing to look for help just yet. Keeping up with her work and looking at her photos in the gallery, Jane loses all sense of time and is late to pick her daughter up from school. Having a moment while driving, Jane swerves to miss a random child in the middle of the street and aggravates an injury from her past.

Waking up in the hospital with no memory of how she got there or who her family is, Jane feels alone, but there is a psychiatrist that is willing to try and help her. Turning Liam away, she believes that her memory will come back on its own, but there is someone following her. The little girl from the road shows herself in the hospital and Jane tries to follow her but is interrupted when she finally had her cornered. Getting flashes back from her current life, Jane finds out that she is the owner of her dead parent’s house, whom she is not able to recall.
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Getting ahold of her uncle Patrick, Jane is invited back into the house with open arms. With the thought that her memory would come back faster with an old stimulation, Jane starts to fear that there is something else in the house that wants to cause her and her family harm. When strange things continue to happen and challenge her sanity, Jane is not able to leave and sends Alan and Alice out to safety. Ready to take on the past on her own, an invitation for a game falls into her hands and she is ready to play and find out what the house has been trying to tell her all along.  

This movie is very intriguing to say the least. With a childhood injury that comes back into play, Jane starts to see and hear things that nobody else can, but she may not be crazy. I really liked the story and the payoff at the end was not what I was expecting, it actually kind of surprised me. You could tell from the opening of the movie that something terrible happened to Jane, but flash forward twenty years and it is not even a memory until strange packages start to arrive for her that she cannot explain. I really enjoyed the story, and the acting was pretty darn good, I might need to watch it again. With an obsession, unknown history, possible haunted house and a creepy uncle, you might not want to watch this movie alone, because that is when bad things tend to happen. Stay Scared.  

There are so many people out there that do not believe in ghosts, but the few that do, well, there is no way to convince them otherwise. No matter what evidence is laid out in front of them, they will not accept the possibility that there is nothing waiting for them after they die. I however believe in ghosts, I have heard and seen some strange stuff in my days that I cannot convince myself did not happen. But even when trying to explain this to a skeptic, they think that I am crazy, no matter how good my argument really is. Shame.
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Not getting into the ghost hunting game to make money or become famous, Emily Strand and her group of researchers are only trying to raise awareness. But things take a drastic turn for the group as they try to help out a grieving couple whose ghost daughter is not what it seems. Pulling out the big guns and being able to trap an Elemental in her cross, Emily experiences something that she has never dealt with before. Reading up on what she encountered, Emily knows that she may have been in over her head, yet she has other things to worry about as the Linda Vista Hospital she has set up shop in has been sold and she needs to gather all of the haunting evidence that she can get her hands on.

Waiting to talk with Dawson from the new ownership team, Emily keeps her eyes on the monitors to make sure that she has not missed anything roaming through the empty hallways. Meeting Dawson and giving him a brief tour of the building, Emily’s team of Chase and Lacey join her for one last ghost hunt in the hospital. Taking Dawson along for the ride, the group hits up the third floor of the abandoned building and find some of the best evidence of ghosts they have ever seen. But the ghosts are not the only thing roaming the halls as an Elemental has made its presence known and it is looking to take out everyone and everything that gets in its way.

With her little bit of knowledge on the powerful spirit, Emily knows that the group will need to avoid mirrors, since that is how the Elemental is able to travel from floor to floor. With the exits being locked and no way of getting out the way they came, Emily and her group need to find another way to escape the evil spirit’s grasp. Moving up to the fourth floor, where they have never been before, the group finds a worship den to evil and now understands why the fourth floor has been off limits ever since they arrived. With a demon trying to kill them, along with a janitor looking to keep his secret safe now on the hunt, Emily and her group must find a way out of the old hospital before they join the thousands that have died in the building.

I must admit that I was a little impressed with how this movie captured my attention. I liked how everything came together, even when it took a while to get the entire story out on screen. Emily was not only looking for ghosts, but she was also looking for the truth about what happened to her little sister when she died years back. I also liked how the living and the dead worked together against the Elemental that had taken up residence in the empty halls, since it does not care who it kills, as long as it is able to kill. I feel bad for poor Dawson who got dragged into a ghost hunt without knowing that ghosts are real, and also demons for that matter, he was in way over his head throughout. With ghosts, demons, an evil shrine, locked doors, disembodied cries for help and a ghost hunter that wants the truth, this is not a bad little ghost story that will keep you hoping that the Linda Vista Hospital is really not open for business once again. Stay Scared.

It is definitely safe to say that season one of the Shudder Original Series, Creepshow, was one of the finest inaugural seasons in television history. Simply because this particular series, didn’t go through the growing pains that most shows deal with in their first year. Which means there were no transitional or exploratory stories to figure out the show’s voice or direction. Instead, we were treated to powerful storytelling from day one, the kind that sent chills down our spines and stuck with us long after the episodes came to an end. Thanks to the dynamic and poignant social commentary present in these tales, alongside stunning moments and unsettling gore that outright haunted our dreams. 
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In fact, that first season was so incredibly good, that not even two top quality holiday specials could satiate our desire to enjoy more of this show. For deep down, fans of this series knew that if that was the kind of quality, we were getting in year one, then the sky was the limit going forward and well… the good news, is that our long wait for more this magnificent series is about to come to an end. For next Thursday will bring about the season two premiere of Creepshow, and we here at Nerds That Geek, have had the distinct honor of seeing said premiere early and well, now is the perfect time to give everyone a spoiler-free advance look at this episode, in order to give everyone an idea of just how good season two is going to be.

Now, the first thing you’ll notice when you tune in, is the sheer fact that this episode is a little longer than we are used to seeing in regard to Creepshow, and that’s a huge deal, since that is a sign that the show is working to flesh out its stories in a more dynamic manner and it definitely delivers on that front. Because both of the vignettes present here, really do take their time in telling their story and that genuinely enhances these tales of terror. Because now the already quality character development present in this series, is taken to a whole new level. To the point where you begin to enjoy some intimate moments with these characters, the kind that outright move you emotionally and that’s incredible when all is said and done, since most horror anthology shows, tend to worry about the scares and nothing more. But this little twist adds a whole new depth to the series and the wonder of this premiere doesn’t end there.

Because not only are the stories deeper, but they’re also bigger in scale. Which allows for incredible and powerhouse moments and intricate action sequences to take place, the kind that outright leave you in awe and straight up take your breath away with their scope and majesty. But while those elements alone make this premiere worth your while, what truly allows for it to stand out… is that it never once loses sight of what makes this series great to begin with. Since it still features more quality gore from The KNB EFX Group, and genuinely creepy moments that make your skin crawl and lots of homages and nostalgia that once again remind us of why we fell in love with horror in the first place. And to top it all off, the best part when it comes to this particular premiere, is that it still leaves you hungry for more of this series.

For this premiere is perfect in every way, and you have such a good time that you simply don’t want it to end. Which really is a testament to Greg Nicotero’s passion and skills behind the camera, since he directed both of the vignettes in this premiere. Because this opening chapter to year two, genuinely feels like a labor of love, one that everyone is giving their all to, and one that features the best bits of the genre, and that likely means that season two of magnificent series is going to set a whole new bar for anthology horror shows, one that might not be topped. And truly, we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait for you enjoy this incredible series from the comfort of your own homes when Creepshow returns to the digital airwaves on April 1, 2021, only on Shudder.      

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1020 of ‘The Walking Dead’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, the iconic horror series The Walking Dead, has done a phenomenal job of not only honoring the zombie sub-genre’s legacy of examining our modern world through the lens of social commentary, but it has also managed to take said commentary to a whole new level. For the past three extended season ten episodes from this series, have dug deep into some incredibly heavy concepts. Since we’ve been privy to tales that revolve around the need for us to confront the darkest parts our past, how sometimes isolation and like-minded individuals can help us to heal from traumatic events in our lives and of course, the show has also pondered upon the nature of faith and how we reclaim it when it slips from our fingertips. 
 
Which has allowed for some phenomenal storytelling to take place, the kind that has moved us and wowed us every single step of the way. Since it has helped an already talented to cast to shine on screen and it really has a struck a nerve with the audience, since these stories have tackled topics and situations that each and every one of us have dealt with or will deal with at some point in our lives. If anything, this sudden push to really examine how people respond emotionally and mentally after a harrowing crisis, is starting to make it seem as though these explorations are likely going to tie into the final season in some fashion. Especially when one considers the fact that this week’s tale, once again dove into some of our collective struggles, whilst also setting the stage for events to come in season eleven. All by taking the time to examine how trauma can impact our minds long-term, and motivate us to not trust other people.
 
A feat that ‘Splinter’ was able to accomplish, in the sneakiest and smoothest way imaginable. Because early on, it truly seemed as though this particular tale was going to be designed to teach the audience a great deal about the armored associates that Eugene, Princess and Yumiko and Ezekiel encountered in ‘A Certain Doom’, since this episode picked up shortly after that ambush. Wherein this hopeful group was quickly ushered into rail cars (the kind that brought forth some season five, cannibal vibes), and to hammer home the possibility that we were going to be learning a great deal about these aggressive soldiers; Princess was forced to listen, as her friends were taken one by one, for interrogation by these individuals. Meaning it was only a matter of time before she and in turn, the audience, would be able to see these folks in an up close and personal manner and well, what we were able to learn about these guys, when that moment arrived... was fascinating for certain.
 
Because her interrogation was grounded in utter fear. Because not only did these individuals take the time to subject her to an incredibly uncomfortable bite inspection, but once that indignity came to a close, she had to deal with an intense and fearful interrogation. One that was grounded in questions revolving around why she came to this place and how she even knew about this location. Alongside odd questions revolving around the names of her new friends and how long she’d known them. All of which gave off a vibe akin to a desperate search to root out an enemy that would use guile to try and harm this armed organization and well, while it was indeed fascinating to see a group exhibit such fear over a handful of strangers, any deeper dive into the why behind that, was put to the wayside.

​For there was mention of the fact that this episode dug deep into some of the long-term effects of trauma and its impact upon our ability to trust others and once Princess was returned to her rail car, that exploration got underway. Because we quickly came to learn that Princess has endured a hell of a lot of abuse and trauma, the kind that has taught her to work a situation out in her mind by way of fantasy situations and imaginary friends. To the point where she experienced auditory and visual hallucinations of her new friends, the kind that helped to reinforce the negative thoughts that her pain has brought her throughout the years. In that, she thinks she is dumb, and that she’s worthless and she simply is in incapable of contributing anything positive to any situation. And that trusting these new friends, would only end in heartbreak for her and playing ball would only make her look weak, and that it was better for her to just move along, on her own, and avoid the potential of being hurt.
 
Which really did make for some powerful moments for certain, the kind that really did hammer home the episode's theme, whilst helping us to understand Princess’ plight and feel some measure of sadness for her, since it quickly became obvious that she was badly hurting from her past and was stuck on a path where fear and doubt reigned supreme. But rather than simply stew in that and leave us with the darkest and bleakest episode of this extended season to date, eventually Princess came to realize that this path was no longer sustainable and that her actions could in fact bring harm to her new friends. So, she returned to her rail car, and eventually opened up to her captors in order to engender trust and to understand for the first time in a long time, what trust and a sense of belonging actually feels like. But while that makes it seem as though this episode ends with warm fuzzies thanks to her epiphany; this is The Walking Dead we are talking about here. 
 
For in the closing moments of this tale, it was revealed that these soldiers have Eugene and Ezekiel and Yumiko in a position to potentially be executed and Princess might join them and well, that’s where we leave this tale, with dark clouds hanging over their fate. Which of course, genuinely brings forth a bevy of questions. Because we simply don’t know if this particularly mysterious and fearful group are friend or foe, and if they actually told our intrepid friends the truth, in regard to what their organization stands for. Which means that sadly, we will likely have to wait until the actual start of season eleven to learn more about this group and what will become of Eugene and Yumiko and Ezekiel and Princess. But while we do that, with bated breath no doubt, we can in fact… revel in what turned out to be one incredibly powerful and moving tale. 
 
One that held nothing back in regard to what the long-term effects of trauma can do to the human mind, and how it genuinely keeps us from making connections with our fellow man, and how much it tears us down and well… once again the series deserves serious credit for exploring parts of the human condition that we honestly don’t talk about enough. But we would be foolish to not make mention of the fact, that the only way this kind of examination works, is by way of some quality acting and that was present here too. For Khary Payton and Paola Lázaro offer up some amazing performances here, since Payton’s imaginary Ezekiel was fierce and frightening. But truly, it is Miss Lázaro that steals the show, since she offered up an acting clinic in this tale, one that truly sold the subject the matter and well, now that this particularly harrowing and stunning chapter has come to a close, it’s back to the waiting game… as we sit tight and count down the minutes until next week’s episode, to see what other fascinating examinations of the human condition The Walking Dead is going to send our way. Until next time.

Documentaries can sometimes be quite the chore to sit through. Simply because some of them are filled to the brim with heavy bias and excess opinion, so if by chance I do sit down to watch one, it is because it is either about something incredible that has happened in our world or in this case, about a topic that completely interests me. In fact, this is a documentary I've been meaning to write about for some time now because The American Nightmare is one hell of a feature.  

It's excellent because you will find no bias here, no opinion or agenda, just seventy-three minutes celebrating the wonder of the horror films of the late 1960s and the entirety of the 1970s. But it goes above and above a mere retrospective, since it looks at how often times horror's success is directly related to the state of our society and believe it or not, it has more to offer in addition to that.

On top of pointing out the ties that bind us when it comes to horror, you'll find rare vignettes that break down some of the most influential horror films of the era. Now when I say break down, this picture pulls no punches, taking its time to tie Dawn of the Dead or Shivers, for example, to specific themes and events of the times, demonstrating how films that we didn't think provided us with social commentary instead were filled to the brim with it.  

Yet while a piece-by-piece breakdown of horror's finest offerings is enjoyable enough on its own, The American Nightmare goes farther, taking the time to speak to the men behind the camera. George Romero, Tom Savini, Tobe Hooper, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, John Landis and David Cronenberg are all interviewed in this feature and each and every one of them take the time to speak not only of their films but what influenced them while making them and at times... what scares them.  

It's an incredible look behind the scenes at films that have terrified so many of us and it is handled in such a unique manner that I am stunned this magnificent documentary didn't see a wider release in theaters. In fact, the only place it can be found now is on DVD and I was lucky enough to snag a copy from a local shop a few years ago. But if you're a horror fan, buy it, it really is worth it to see the passion of these filmmakers firsthand and to really get a good understanding of how much horror is truly made from the fabric of our daily lives... all it takes is the stuff of nightmares.  

Everyone needs to find a place where they can escape life for just a few minutes. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach or even a place in the house. Taking a breath and thinking about what is most important to you is vital for moving on from difficult situations. Too many times we tend to worry about stupid things while we let ourselves get dragged into situations that we could have avoided. Take care of yourself and keep your mind clean of these things, it makes life much more enjoyable.
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With their boy in tow, Ryan and Zane have booked a great singles fitness retreat for Sam. Knowing that he needs to get his mind off of the bad breakup he is going through, being surrounded by plenty of beautiful women should help with that. But the boys are not the only ones on the island looking to get a clean slate as Audra and Gabriella have brought Eden to the same retreat. With plenty of hard bodies running around the island, Eden just wants to forget what happened with her ex-boyfriend, but that may be easier said than done.

Reese has been a trainer to the stars and is ready to make his next monetary venture even better. With plenty of single people looking to mingle with others, a singles fitness retreat can provide just that. But everything is not going as he expected as he is getting complaints about guests getting sick. Needing as much help as he can possibly get from his staff, they are quickly turning on him. Yet his situation gets worse when there is something in the water that is not only getting his guests sick but creating a new threat that nobody could have seen coming.

Bumping into each other on the beach, Eden and Sam pick up right where they left off. With both of them wanting to get away from their pasts, they believe that their friends were behind this chance meeting at the resort. But their hatred for each other is forced to take a back seat when Gabriella is taken to the infirmary with a scratch on her leg that starts to get infected. Knowing that there is something strange about the wound, Eden wants to get a closer look, but is quickly distracted by a massive shark that is heading towards the resort. With the ability to shoot out some sort of toxin towards its prey, the shark is hungry and has a special gift for anyone that it comes in contact with.
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Knowing that they need to get off of the island, the staff members Erin, Hayden and Jesse assume the leadership roles, but they will need more help when they see what the toxins can do to the victims.  Becoming a mindless biter, Gabriella not only becomes the shark’s next victim, but patient zero to an outbreak that can take over the entire island. As the infection starts to take over the island, Eden and Sam are able to find a way to coexist for the time being to try and find a way off of the island, along with a way to stop the shark from eating everyone else. Finding out what has caused the shark to mutate is just the first step in defeating it, as it is not the only threat that the exes have to face off against to survive.

Just a fun look at not only what a mutated shark can do, but how to handle difficult situations with people you may no longer have feelings for. The unwanted reunion between Eden and Sam was great, you really get the feeling that they do not like each other, but their early fights show that they still have unfinished business. The groups of friends were just great and while they are short lived in the movie (pun intended), they will do anything for their friends, Eden and Sam. I instantly fell in love with the resort as a place I would like to go and if I had a trainer like Reese to keep me in line, I am sure I would not only drink myself into a coma, but lose plenty of weight in doing so, he is just that kind of guy. The staffers Jesse and Erin captured my heart as the discussions behind closed doors are reminiscent of what employees really discuss, especially when they have a crappy boss. With a mutated shark, dirty water, a fitness retreat, a love scorned couple, plenty of hard bodies, a crazy infection and a flare gun, it just goes to show you that anything is possible. The waters around Puerto Rico seem to be the ultimate feeding grounds for sharks this year, I might wait a couple years for a hurricane to clean them out… or maybe a Sharknado. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Servant’.
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It is definitely safe to say that season two of the AppleTV+ series, Servant, has been quite the satisfying experience. Because after spending a solid year of world and mystery building in season one, season two was quick to reward its fanbase with answers and major plot developments as well. For we now know that Leanne and the Church of Lesser Saints are filled to the brim with reanimated bodies and spirits from beyond, and that their mission in this reformed life is to help others in dire need with their incredible powers. Plus, we finally saw Dorothy and Sean and Julian, begin to face their sorted and painful past, with fascinating results for certain. But what matters most, is that all of these storytelling surprises came about well before the season finale of this phenomenal show, leaving all of us to wonder… why exactly it was important to clear those issues up earlier in the year. 

Because doing so would mean that the finale had to offer up something big, something that could, say... point us toward what season three was going to look like and well, ‘Josephine’, certainly did not disappoint in laying down the foundation for a fascinating future for this series. A feat that it accomplished, by putting Leanne to the outright test. For the strange woman that appeared at the end of last week's tale, aptly named Josephine, revealed herself to be a representative of the church and she was here to make more fluffy promises about Jericho’s return and to handle some church related business. Because Leanne basically violated every covenant that the Lesser Saints hold near and dear and that prompted Josephine to show Leanne what would happen if she opted to follow this path of disobedience and insurrection, in the most unique way imaginable.

For it turns out the church has a contingency plan for this kind of problem, one complete with the wildest training video known to man, since it outlines for the enforcer… how to basically slowly and painfully murder those who turn their back on the church. Unless of course, they repent and fulfill their duties, and that was Josephine’s real mission here. To get Leanne to decide as to whether or not she wanted to die or serve the Lord as the only the Lesser Saints can and well, that decision is what gave us an idea, as to what the future of this show is going to look like. Because despite understanding the risk, Leanne simply couldn’t bring herself to return to the church and abide by their rules, not when she was starting to forge a life in this household at last, one that brought her affection and reflection and her second tour here even put forgiveness into her heart, since she was warming to Dorothy once again.

Which was a decision that was greeted with great disdain and danger, to the point where Leanne almost lost her life. But thankfully an assist from Dorothy and some sheer savagery on Leanne’s part, allowed for Josephine to meet her end. Giving our favorite mysterious nanny her first real taste at independence for the first time in her second life and that in turn, motivated her to bring Jericho back from the void and make the Turners happy, despite the fact that such an act would offend the church and bring down more wrath. Which means that for the foreseeable future, this show is likely going to focus on Leanne’s growth into something the Lesser Saints cannot control and a grand fight to keep her independence from their wishes. Because it is only a matter of time before the next mysterious messenger makes their way to the Turner abode, and the next one that swings by, will likely be a little more aggressive about getting what they want.

But while we wait to see how the fight for Leanne’s soul plays out, we can bask in in one incredible finale. One that offered up some quality growth for Leanne, since she really did come into her own here. Plus, this finale also informed us, that redemption and healing is still in the cards for the Turner family, since Sean almost made the truth known and Dorothy is starting to realize that something went terribly wrong with Jericho while Sean was in Los Angeles, and it will be quite interesting to see how the show handles that particularly delicate matter in the future, since the worst-case scenario was on the table in a finale that quite frankly, delivers in every way imaginable. Since this one featured everything, we love about the series, all while offering up a quality cliffhanger, the kind that will keep us anxiously awaiting season three of this phenomenal and dynamic show. Until next year.
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‘Servant’ is available to stream right now on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Slaxx’.​
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There comes a point in all of our lives, where we are ready to venture out into the world and forge our own path and realize our dreams. And when that proud day comes, we quickly come to realize that we are going to need a little bit of cash to make that happen. Which motivates us to join the workforce while we put our future together and really, all we hope for when that day comes, is to find a good paying job where we are surrounded by quality co-workers and managers so we can happily get that bread while we lay the foundation down for tomorrow. But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to figure out… that a lot of jobs out there, stink, and are stressful and annoying. Simply because… they are full of sub-par and toxic managers and sometimes equally as bad coworkers. Something that of course takes us by surprise since we were hoping for better. 
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But what is truly stunning about that particular revelation, is that we tend to stand by our job regardless of the circumstances. Largely due to the fact that we need the money but also because… it really is the American way to simply put up with toxic and awful gigs. Because we have this collective understanding that jobs like that are commonplace, and that we have to go through them as some sort of strange rite of passage. But the fact of the matter is, that kind of environment is not healthy in the slightest, and it shouldn’t be tolerated and collectively, we need to speak up more about how these kinds of rotten and ugly jobs need to change their toxic and apathetic ways and put people over profit. But thankfully, those conversations seem to be happening on a more consistent basis, to the point where even the horror industry is getting into the commentary game on such matters, as evidenced by the new Shudder release, Slaxx.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a fresh-faced young woman named Libby, who is incredibly excited over the fact that she is starting a brand-new job at the hottest fashion retailer around; Canadian Cotton Clothiers, or CCC as they are more commonly known. And she’s excited to start this new gig, simply because CCC not only stands for quality products, but they offer a dynamic working environment. One where their employees can be proud of the fact that their company puts forth products that are made in a supremely ethical manner. But it doesn’t take long for Libby to learn, that a lot of what CCC boasts about is nothing more than an outright lie, and to complicate matters further, their hot new jean line, the ‘Super Shapers’, were assembled in such a shady manner… that the spirit of an employee that died during their construction has become trapped within their threads. Motivating their spirit to bring those jeans to life to exact revenge upon the employees of CCC and now it will be up to Libby and a handful of crafty employees to try and stop these jeans from continuing their fashionable killing spree.

So, in case the plot summary doesn't make it clear, this is indeed a horror film that features a pair of murderous jeans. Which in many ways makes this a horror comedy. One that is actually quite hilarious for certain. Because watching a pair of pants feast upon flesh to satiate a bloodlust, really does bring about some serious laughs, as do some of the other shenanigans that these pants get into over the course of the film. But once the story takes the time to dive into what CCC is really all about, the movie completely and utterly changes its tone and design, allowing for this unique and gory story… to instead offer up a great deal of commentary on the overall failings of corporate America, with a dash of thoughts on how the power of consumerism relates to that. Which makes this quite the brilliant horror film when all is said and done. 
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For it truly holds nothing back in its scathing examination of how corporate America really did make a decision along the way to prioritize profits and mission statements over people, and how that has helped to create toxic work environments that are complete with equally as toxic managers, something the movie hammers home by way of some shockingly realistic scenes. The kind that a great deal of us have lived through since there are bosses in this movie more concerned with metrics, instead of dealing with very real problems happening on their watch. Granted, in this case, that involves dead bodies, but the lack of care and the desire to protect profits instead of their employees… is in fact a common thread we hear about now and that really does make this movie quite poignant and powerful. Since it really does remind us that corporations no longer care about what truly makes them successful. Something that is likely attributed to the fact that consumerism is sadly what drives some of this problem. 

Because the endless demands that consumers have put upon retailers and companies in general, to have their needs met on an instantaneous basis, has motivated corporations to cut corners and prioritize differently, creating an endless and viscous cycle if you will. An issue that the story makes clear, is up to the corporations to fix. Which is a fascinating ask to find within the framework of a movie about killer jeans and well, in the end, all of these elements make this particular horror film a must watch. Because not only does it feature some quality and intricate gore and some stunning and intelligent commentary on our modern world, but it is also an absolutely fun and refreshing ride. One filled to the brim with quality laughs and epic moments and thankfully, you can experience the wonder of Slaxx right now, since it is available to stream on Shudder.

Everybody remembers their first time for the important things in their lives. The first time driving a car, the first time falling in love, the first time getting a job and of course, the first time they were blown away by a horror movie. Now when I first watched High Tension, I was not a huge horror buff and was just starting to get my feet wet in the genre. One of my friends that I worked with suggested it, as it was a movie that she really liked, so I gave it a try. I must admit that I was speechless when the credits started to roll, because it was something that I had not seen before, and coming back to it over ten years later, it still leaves me in awe. 
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Waking up in the backseat of her friend’s car, Marie is shocked to see that she has been taken so far into the country. Getting away from school for the weekend to study somewhere other than the dorm, Marie is looking forward to spending time with Alexia as well. Meeting her best friend’s family, Marie is blown away by how secluded the house really is and pokes fun at her friend for why she is doing so well in class. Since they arrived a little late, the girls head up to their rooms, but little do they know that there is someone keeping an eye on the house and looking to make their lives a living hell.

Hearing a loud knocking at the door, Marie gets up and looks out the window to see a dark man taking a shot at her friend’s father. Hearing the commotion downstairs, Marie tries to find a way to get out of the house before she is discovered, but the cries from the rest of the house are driving her mad. Finding a closet to stay hidden in, Marie witnesses Alexia’s mother being killed right in front of her very eyes.  Hearing Alexia crying from her room, Marie finds her bound and gagged while the killer walks out front to make short work of the little brother. Not wanting to give any indication that there is anyone else in the house, Marie leaves her friend tied up while she tries to come up with a plan.

As the main killing has stopped in the house, the killer collects his prize in Alexia and tosses her in the back of his truck. Not wanting to lose her friend, Marie sneaks in the back with her and heads off to who knows where. When the truck stops to get some gas, Marie is able to sneak out and tries to get the attention of the gas station attendant to get her some help, but before he is able to pick up the phone, his old friend comes into the building and strikes up a conversation of his own. Needing to keep out of sight, Marie once again sees the killer take another life, but this time he is looking for her. Keeping hidden in the station, Marie is able to wait the killer out, but when he heads off again, she must find a way to stay with him, as her best friend’s life is waiting in limbo and she has no idea what will become of her. 

I will admit, I am a huge fan of this movie and it tops my list of movies for the novice horror fan to watch, because it is not too much of one thing. There is some blood and yes, some really graphic killings that will shock anyone, but it is more than that, because the story plays well throughout and I never detect any plot holes. That is one of the things that is essential for a good movie, the storyline must be sound and if you are watching a horror movie, it is that much more important. The performances are great in this movie, especially the part of Marie, because she is forced to carry the movie without knowing who or what she really is. I really liked the plot twist that was used in this movie, because when it came out, it was not fashionable like twists have been in the last five years’ worth of horror movies. With blood, insane kills, a wandering mind, a killer who likes them pretty and a stick with barbed wire on it, High Tension is a great movie for someone that wants to try to get into the horror genre, or even a veteran that is looking for a movie that still stands tall, even today. Stay Scared.

​There is nothing wrong with taking a step back from life to help out your family when needed. Having been in the situation more than once, it is important to remember that at some point you need to get back to taking care of yourself as well. Being there for your family in a time of need is great and they will appreciate it for the rest of their days. They will also understand if you are not able to help at all times, but sending your thoughts and prayers, even though not as effective, can be just as helpful as being there. Family first is something that I have always said and will never regret any choices I have made when living that motto.
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Returning home from college, Tara Mitchell has some things to think about. Getting to spend time on the water with her father during the town’s fish rodeo, she will be able to talk through her decision to drop out of the science program and join the business side of things. But bringing up the topic herself, she sees the disappointment in her father Ray’s eyes and does not know what to do. With a plan in place to help the family out, Ray gets called away on business and not a moment too soon as Tara has run out of things to say.

Calling in the big guns for this year’s fish rodeo, Big Bill Braddock has a special announcement to make, Shark Bites star Jason London will be in attendance. Even though Jason is very late for his appearance, he does make it to the small town for nothing other than his fans and of course a paycheck. Seeing his hero in person, Wyatt is on cloud nine and cannot understand why everyone else is not loving this event as much as he is. With plans of winning the grand prize this year, Wyatt and his friend Eric will be staying in the harbor with plans of catching the biggest catfish and while there is a small bit of logic behind what they are attempting, they have no idea what the Mississippi River has in store for them and the town.

With reports of shark attacks further down the river, reporter Alison Harting is looking for the biggest story of her career, her first story in fact. Trying to pinpoint where the attacks are taking place, she is shocked to see that the sharks have come to her. After losing her camera man to a shark, she is forced to take matters into her own hands while shooting her story. Being on her own however is not good for the new reporter and finds that Ray is more than happy to keep her safe from the impending doom in the Mississippi. But Ray has priorities of his own and getting to his daughter is the first thing on his list and the sharks have become a close second.

Seeing the sharks making quick work of the fishermen on the river, Big Bill will not call off the fish rodeo for anything. But seeing how dangerous the situation is becoming, Tara, Eric and Wyatt decide to take matters into their own hands and Jason London will not let them face the threat alone, being a shark killer in the movies and all. Assuming the leadership role, Jason is ready to take the sharks head on, but he has no idea what he is really up against. Knowing that this is real life and no actor can save them, Tara takes control with a plan to contact all of the fishermen on the river before they get eaten and a way to rid the harbor of the all of the sharks once and for all.

I got a text saying that this movie was quote ‘all things Scotty’ and that is very true. Even though it seems unlikely that sharks would ever make their way up the Mississippi and start eating people, it is something that you should worry about when living by the water. How a small town would battle the sharks with what they have on hand is the magic of this movie and I never thought I would see a tow truck being turned into a massive fishing pole, but hey, it happened. The fun relationship between Wyatt and Eric is what really stole the story for me, especially with Wyatt’s love for the great Jason London and not wanting to lose his friend to a girl. The attempted romance between Eric and Tara was great as Tara liked to see how gullible her new suitor really was. Then you have international film legend Jason London stealing the show and I guess being himself. I have never seen him at a con before, but maybe sometime in the future he will make his way to my side of the river. With plenty of sharks, a cheating champion, international film legend Jason London, shark movie references, a power struggle, blood in the water and a budding relationship from high school, this is just a fun movie to sink your teeth into. Even though the sharks are not massive, it does not stop them from being a massive threat to the river and all those who dare to enter the water. It’s not the size of the shark that matters, is the motion of the… well you know, the jaws. Stay Scared.