​I love listening to old legends and wondering how they got their starts. Knowing that these stories come from somewhere with a little bit of truth behind them, I keep that in mind when hearing the warnings that the stories possess. I know plenty of people that believe that these stories have nothing fact based in their structure, and I feel sorry for them when they find out the hard way that a legend is loosely based on fact. Always remember to keep your eyes and ears open for those local legends, you never know when or where they will pop their heads out, but when they do, heed the warnings.
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After buying a new house on Mammoth Mountain, Bruce decides it is finally time to get moved in with his family. With plenty of space for his kids, since Kacie is going to be going off to college in a matter of months, young Manny will get one of the biggest bedrooms in the house. With Kacie’s boyfriend along for the ride as well, Bruce is keeping an eye on his little girl, but also getting to know the boy Mark who actually seems to be an all-right guy. As everyone is forced to pitch in on the unpacking duties, Bruce and his family seem to have found a new home with no known issues and fantastic views.

Making it through dinner on their first night without any issues, Jennifer is shocked to hear that her husband is allowing Mark to sleep over. But with it being so dark outside and the fog starting to move in, there is a chance that Mark would not make it home safe and sound. With everyone getting ready for bed, Bruce is shocked to see his son Manny hiding in the bed and wanting to sleep with his parents. Thinking that this is alright, everyone in the house is surprised when the lights mysteriously go out. With only the light on the camera to show the way, Bruce heads out into the fog to try and flip the circuit breaker when he sees a shape in the distance.

Rushing back inside to see if anyone in the house is messing with him, strange sounds start coming from the kitchen that cannot be explained. Gathering up the family and locking them in a bathroom, Bruce enlists Mark to help him search the house for any intruders. Moving room to room with a kitchen knife and video camera, the two come up with nothing, but when they report back to the rest of the family a hard pounding on the door makes sure that they understand that they are not alone. Needing to find some way to get help for his family, Bruce decides to make a run for the car, but when it does not start, the true nightmare the family is experiencing comes into full effect.

Shot with found footage and interviews thrown into the cuts, this movie has more of a documentary type feel to it, which is not bad, just different. With a story about the area and what the fog and woods have lurking in them, there are believers of the legends around the mountain area and non-believers. I liked the opinions that were given on the interview segments, along with a girl that lost her boyfriend to whatever is hiding in the woods. There is nothing wrong with adding a little cover-up story to a place that is known for having some sort of haunting and missing persons. The family story was fun, and I have a hard time believing that all of the events happened in one day, but that is what they were going for. I will have to admit it, Manny was a little scene stealer. While everyone got their screen time, they also seemed to have their time behind the camera documenting their first day in the house, which was nice overall. While watching the footage begin, I was waiting for something to happen in the background, since the interviews were pointing to something strange happening in the house, and while I did not see anything out of the ordinary, when the fog sets in, all bets are off the table, so you need to get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Stay Scared.
 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Skull: The Mask’.
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Horror is perhaps the purest and most versatile genre in storytelling… for several reasons. First and foremost, because this is a genre that knows how to adapt with the times. Which allows for stories that examine the zeitgeist and the fears of a particular era to come to life. Plus, this is perhaps the only genre out there that can blend with the other genres that surround it. Since it knows how to properly inject elements of drama and science fiction and even comedy into the framework of a scary story and of course… this is the only genre out there that properly offers up quality commentary on the human condition and the problems that plague us both internally and externally.
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But as for what makes it pure, well that’s quite simple. In that, this is a genre that never loses sight of its roots, and regardless of how moving or philosophical a particular moment is in a horror story, there is always a true moment of terror waiting in the wings. One that will prey upon our fears of the unknown and undoubtedly make us squirm in our seats with a touch of gore as well and some horror stories, well they like to reside within those more primal elements and should be celebrated for doing so. For they are horror tales in the raw and as pure as they come, and they remind us why horror is great, and it just so happens that there is a brand-new feature on Shudder that embraces the purity and raw terror and gore that permeates the genre in Skull: The Mask.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a bevy of everyday individuals in São Paulo that are about to see their lives turned upside down. For an ancient artifact, a skull that supposedly has ties to the NetherRealm has arrived in town and well… it is indeed the real deal. For a young woman familiar with its legacy, unleashes its unbridled and evil power and now, the monster that is Anhangá walks amongst us again and it is eager to finish what it started. Which means that a great deal of people will need to die so that it can satisfy its master, a God named Tamay, and once its work is completed, darkness will fall across the land and evil with reign. Unless of course, a broken and corrupt police detective and a former guerilla with knowledge of this being, are successful in stopping this ancient evil. 

Which is a pretty straightforward plot that really does do a wonderful job of preying upon our most primal fears. For we do worry about whether or not evil spirits exist and can wreak havoc in our world and of course, we fear the end of the world and having the threat of the end hang over this story and bearing witness to a true evil, really does tap into those worries in the back of our minds and the wonder of this story doesn’t end with its chilling premise. Because what also allows for this plot to work, is the sheer fact that the mythos surrounding Anhangá and Tamay is fleshed out in an incredibly smooth and dynamic manner, allowing for the viewer to truly be immersed in an utterly horrifying experience where the unknown walks about our modern world in a realistic manner.
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But while that alone could have carried this feature from beginning to end, there is one other aspect of this story worth celebrating, specifically… the incredible gore present in this story. For Anhangá will stop at nothing to retrieve the hearts he needs to bring his master back to our realm, and that that means that we are treated to some incredibly gory sequences. The kind that quite frankly, hold nothing back visually. Providing the viewer with an unexpected anatomy lesson since we are at times, able to see inside the chest cavity of the unfortunate soul that Anhangá has decided to kill and this really is quite the incredible surprise to find in this tale… since most stories involving Gods and spirits don’t go down the gore route all that often.

In the end however, this is nothing more than a simple and wonderful and self-contained horror movie. One that really does put the purity and the best parts of the genre on display. To the point where it even manages to pay homage to some of the stories that come before it and some of the greats of the genre as well. Since some of the visuals and the gore remind one of Fulci and Argento’s work, and at times it really does feel akin to a classic gothic horror story from the 19th century with its sweeping visuals of the city and locations that feel as though they’re torn from a Lovecraft story and all of these elements definitely make this movie a worthwhile watch. Because you can never go wrong with a horror story that reminds us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place.

‘Skull: The Mask’ is available to stream right now, exclusively on Shudder.  

​There are many things that you can do with your friends, but nothing seems to beat playing a game. While there are many more adult themed games that have hit the market, there are still games that do not cost you a dime to play. Truth or Dare was a great game while growing up, not only because of the silliness of the questions, but because you got to learn a lot more about your friends than any other game. While the game can get pretty intense, it is all about having a good time with your friends and depending on the mood and drinks involved, you may find out that you don’t know your friends as well as you thought.
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Arriving at Carter’s aunt’s house for their Halloween party, Alex, Tyler, Maddie, Holt, Luke, Jessie and Addison have no idea what is really happening. Knowing that Carter likes to have fun at his parties, they all want to keep it a little more low key than the previous year when Luke almost lost his scholarship after getting hurt. Seeing that his friends are having a hard time, Carter comes clean about the house not being his, and reveals that it is a haunted rental with a chilling past. Telling his friends about what happened in the house back in 1983 as seven kids lost their lives, he wants to play the game Truth or Dare and tape it to see what really happens.

While the group is at first hesitant about playing the game, they finally decide to give it a go. Putting down the ground rules of nothing dirty being written on the cards, Alex draws the first one and is told to make out with her best friend Maddie. Fulfilling the Dare, Maddie pulls the next card that seems a little off kilter and comes clean about sleeping with Alex’s boyfriend, Tyler. Pulling the next card, Tyler believes that the game is getting out of hand. Being told to put his hand on a stove burner, he will not comply and that results in a penalty from the house. As something unseen in the house forces his hand on the burner, the group is privy to the rules of the game and they will be forced to play three rounds over the next forty-eight hours and if they do not comply, they will be killed.

As the Dares continue to mount up, the group tries to work together as best they can, but when Addison refuses to come clean about a bad habit, she is penalized in the worst way, death. Leaving the house and getting everyone checked on at the hospital, Carter tries to explain what is happening to the group to the police, but nobody will believe him. As everyone goes their own way to get a good night’s sleep thinking that they have beaten the house, they are shocked when a video appears on their phones of Carter being the next victim. Seeing now that being in the house does not make a difference, the group tries to find help from the only survivor of the game that killed her friends so many years ago. With her only advice being that everyone has to work together, the group must try and find a way to survive the game as the Dares become far more deadly. 

Hearing about this movie from a friend, I did not pay much attention when it aired, but after seeing it, I was blown away by the story being told. Most of the time when I watch a SyFy movie, I find myself laughing most of the time and that did not happen when watching this, as it is deliciously creepy and twisted. With tensions rising in the house after cheaters are being exposed, the house or spirit takes over the game with its own rules. I really liked just the creepiness of the house as a whole and how the Dares were exposed was pretty epic as the group was forced to continue their game. With creepy Dares, very little Truths, exposing past mistakes, punishment for the guilty and a finale that will keep you guessing, this was a pleasant, yet creepy surprise that has been delivered to the airwaves. I must admit that it has made me reconsider my Halloween plans of playing games in a haunted house, as the movie tells you, you must do the Dare, or the Dare does you. Stay Scared.

When people get older, they start to think about settling down with someone that they love. The wedding planning however is something that cannot be overlooked. With so many people loving the traditional huge family and friend styles, this has started to tone down over the years. As expenses continue to climb for a dream wedding, some people have taken notice and veered from the traditional and just invite a few people to attend, or just have it as a three-person ceremony. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as you allow your friends to pamper you when you make it back from the honeymoon. 
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Heading up to a secluded cabin in the woods, Grant and Sarah are ready to start their lives together. With a close handful of friends invited to the ceremony, the two only want to have a good time with those closest to them and of course a preacher. As the cars arrive at the cabin, Carter and Trish are showing that they might be next in line to tie the knot. Dani and Beth however are not looking for love and Sarah is trying to figure out why Dani was even invited, being an old friend of her fiancé and all. After Jay arrives on his own, the ceremony can commence and Grant and Sarah make it official.

After the ceremony, the group is having a good time and keeping it extremely low key until the newlyweds adjourn for their first night of marital bliss. But Jay is looking for something else as he tries to put the moves on Trish who is not interested. Seeing that his lady friend is not comfortable, Carter stands up for her and tries to beat the heck out of the preacher. Sending him out on his own in the woods, Jay has no one to turn to as he finds that someone has him targeted for something much worse. 

Getting their morning duties out of the way and being interrupted by Trish who gets a surprise, Sarah and Grant are ready to have a great vacation with their friends. Seeing that Dani has eyes for her man however, Sarah is not afraid to try and keep the two apart. But there is no stopping Dani from trying to help her oldest guy friend when the group decides to try and find out what happened to their preacher. Enlisting help from the ground’s keeper, the group comes back empty handed and find that Trish has gone missing while they were gone. As the group starts to disband one by one, they find out that there is a killer on the loose when they locate Trish’s body in the basement. Needing to find a way to safety before the killer claims his next victim, the group finds that they are stuck in the cabin until morning when all of their cars are out of commission. 

I must admit that if I was ever offered a weekend at a secluded cabin, I would take it without thinking twice and I am sure that I am not the only one. I liked how the story played out, especially with the cell phones being put out of commission right away so you knew they were not an option. The group was very fun as well, as I believe that Beth was the most prepared for what was coming their way and made it feel a little less frightening. When the bodies started to pile up, there was no stopping Sarah from trying to convince Grant what the right thing to do was, but as time runs out, she gets a target put on her as well. With a killer in the shadows, a secluded cabin, a creepy caretaker, a drunk preacher, an old friendship and friends going missing, this is a fun ‘who done it’ that might surprise you in the end. Stay Scared.

At this point, it is definitely safe to say that the horror streaming service, Shudder, has been nothing short of a blessing for horror fans everywhere. Because for years upon years, fans of this genre have been desperate to find a place that not only curates the finest stories the genre has to offer, but actually celebrates the genre and gives a voice to the young and up and coming up filmmakers that will undoubtedly shape the genre in years to come and that is in essence… what Shudder has accomplished through and through.
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Because not only is the network host to some genuine horror classics, but it features fresh work from genre legends such as Joe Bob Briggs and Greg Nicotero and of course, there are plenty of new voices from around the globe whose work finds their way into the weekly Thursday premiere. Truly making this a safe and welcome space for horror fans everywhere and in a few weeks, another incredible celebration of the genre and of future legends will be arriving by way of the Etheria Film Festival. Which showcases short horror, sci-fi, fantasy and action and thrillers films that have been created by women and here are all of the details in regard to this prestigious festival (alongside the lineup and who is being honored this year) per Shudder:

Etheria Film Night (www.etheriafilmnight.com) announced today the 2021 Official Short Films Showcase Lineup, which will stream exclusively on Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, beginning Friday, June 25 through July 25. This year’s Festival, the world’s most respected annual showcase of horror, science fiction, fantasy, action and thriller films directed by women, will feature nine short films and honor The Walking Dead Showrunner and Executive Producer Angela Kang with the 2021 Etheria Inspiration Award, given annually to a person in the entertainment industry who has inspired women to pursue careers working in genre film and television. Producer Gale Anne Hurd (Terminator) will present the Award to Kang with the ceremony included as part of the official Etheria 2021 content streaming on Shudder.

 “The 2021 lineup has some of the funniest things we’ve ever programmed alongside some of the darkest and most disturbing things we’ve ever programmed,” says Etheria Director of Programming Heidi Honeycutt. “And we’re so happy to be screening on Shudder for the second year in a row!”
Kang says, “As a life-long fan of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, and thrillers, I am truly humbled to be in the company of the incredible women Etheria has honored over the years with their Inspiration Award, not least the incomparable Gale Anne Hurd. I am on a trail she blazed and love that Etheria is showcasing new genre films created by women who want to travel the same exhilarating path.” 
“The Etheria Film Festival is the preeminent forum showcasing the many talented women working in the genre field.  As The Walking Dead’s first female showrunner, Angela Kang has proven herself to be a visionary in the horror/sci-fi medium, and she is also one of the most talented people working in television today,” says Hurd.  “Being a previous recipient of the Inspiration Award myself, I am honored to pass the torch to Angela.”

Kang joined the show’s writing staff in season two as a story editor, quickly rising the ranks to co-executive producer by season five.  Her promotion to showrunner was announced in January 2018, going into season nine of the acclaimed series. Kang is also currently co-creating The Walking Dead Universe’s Untitled Daryl & Carol Spinoff. 

Hurd is one of the industry’s most respected genre film and television producers. Along with The Walking Dead, she is an executive producer on Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond. A The Walking Dead feature film has also been announced and will premiere theatrically via Universal Pictures, with Hurd serving as a producer.

The 2021 Etheria Film Festival Short Film Lineup includes:
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THE FOURTH WALL
Directed by Kelsey Bollig (11:30 min) (Horror) (Switzerland/France)
Chloé fights for her moment in the spotlight. How far will she go to upstage the annoying actors with whom she is forced to perform Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

NARROW
Directed by Anna Chazelle (10 min) (Sci-Fi/Horror) (USA)
In a post-apocalyptic world where survival means never stepping off a thin narrow path, a lone woman must evade a creature that stalks her every move.

YOU WILL NEVER BE BACK
Directed by Mónica Mateo (13:30) (Sci-Fi/Horror) (Spain)
After Ana and David say goodbye like any other day, something extraordinary happens that alters reality.

BOOTSTRAPPED
Directed by Katy Erin (7:30 min) (Sci-Fi) (USA)
A physicist travels back in time to try to save her relationship - and in turn, the world.

MISFITS
Directed by Ciani Rey Walker (18 min) (Thriller) (USA)
When they learn their friend has kidnapped a cop on the night of MLK Jr.’s assassination, two sisters and leaders of the Black Panther Party must set aside their differences to navigate one of the most turbulent nights in history.

THE GRAY
Directed by Myra Aquino (9:30 min) (Fantasy) (USA)
A former cop works in purgatory and processes people going to heaven and hell. One day, his 20-year-old son appears.

POLVOTRON 500
Directed by Silvia Conesa (11 min) (Sci-Fi) (Spain)
In the year 2065, a man enters an old holographic sex booth intending to take a nap, but he accidentally activates the sex hologram.

EYE EXAM
Directed by Aislinn Clarke (2:30 min) (Horror) (U.K.)
A woman regrets attending a free eye exam when she begins to suspect that her optometrist has nefarious intentions.

WHO GOES THERE
Directed by Astrid Thorvaldsen (23 min) (Horror/Western) (U.K.)
When a stranger appears on their prairie in 1880 Minnesota, Ingrid invites him in to heal her dying sister, but she doesn't realize that a supernatural force is crossing her threshold.

The 2021 Etheria Jury includes numerous development and acquisitions executives, agents, managers, showrunners, critics, journalists, filmmakers, and distributors.

Past Etheria Film Festival official selections have included films from directors Axelle Carolyn (The Haunting of Bly Manor), Roseanne Liang (Shadow in the Cloud), Natalie Erika James (Relic), Anna Biller (The Love Witch), Prano Bailey-Bond (Censor), Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Into the Dark: Culture Shock) and Bridget Savage Cole (Blow the Man Down).

Detailed information about the festival can be found on the official Etheria website at www.etheriafilmnight.com.

So, as you can see, the Etheria Film Festival has curated some fascinating and incredible shorts to feature this year and it is equally as wonderful that it will be honoring Angela Kang for her work and guidance in providing zombie fans with some incredible storytelling on The Walking Dead, since that series has been slaying it under her watchful eye. And we here at Nerds That Geek, cannot wait to see what these shorts will bring to the table when the 2021 Etheria Film Festival gets underway on June 25th… exclusively on Shudder.

Not wanting to become our parents is a fear that many people have, especially when we had a rotten childhood. Knowing that our parents love us and want us to succeed at life is a good thing, but when they force us to do things that we do not believe in, well, that is a different story altogether. Pushing us in a direction that we are not wanting to go can leave scars that last a lifetime and even though I believe in forgiveness, there are still many things that I cannot just let go. As we grow into parents, it is important to remember what made our childhood good and bad and that is the first step in becoming the best parent we can be.
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After her mother’s funeral, Claire and her husband Aaron have made a life changing decision. Moving back into her childhood home may be financially responsible for the couple, but Claire does not have many good memories surrounding the house, especially concerning her mother. Not telling Aaron everything about her past, Claire is quickly welcomed back into her old home by her imaginary friend Bethany who has been waiting to see her again. Getting visions from the past and now haunting dreams that force her to scream herself awake, Claire needs to get help from anyone that will listen to her.

Trying to kill herself after her first child was stillborn, Claire has had terrible personal issues, but refuses to go back to taking her medication. The love that Aaron has for her and his passion for making tea with lots of honey is enough to help sooth her nerves, but Bethany is playing by a new set of rules and is more aggressive than ever before. As Claire finally sees Bethany hiding behind the walls, she does not understand why her former friend wants to hurt her. Waking up to footsteps in the hallway, Claire goes to investigate, but gets pushed down the stairs by the former friend.

Waking up in the hospital with Aaron by her side, Claire finds out another life changing discovery, she is pregnant. Not wanting to have a baby in her old house, there is nothing that she will be able to do to stop it now. As Aaron is making strides at work, he is confident that everything will be fine for the struggling couple. Getting a visit from their doctor, Dr. Brown, Claire seems to be in high spirits as he is invited into the house, but Bethany refuses to be ignored. Attacking her former friend, Claire pulls out a knife and cuts the ghost’s fingers off, but when she sees that she has cut her wrist once again she is forced to question her own sanity. With nobody believing her about Bethany tormenting her in the house, Claire gets a visit from the most unlikely of people who knows a little something about her birth and who is hiding in the walls.

I am not a fan of movies that play with different timelines when telling a story, but when it is done right, I have nothing to complain about and this movie did it right. With Claire remembering everything that her mother did and forced her to do in the past, she just wanted those memories to die, but the house would not let that happen. Watching as Claire was forced to open up to Aaron about her past was refreshing and while I don’t know why she would not have done that before they moved into the house, Claire has plenty of skeletons in the closet that will not go away. The love that Aaron and Dr. Brown show for the woman in her time of need is something that I did not expect when Claire seemed to go completely off of the reservation and their research could be the only thing that can save the young pregnant woman. With a ghostly presence in the house, bad mother memories, creepy cereal eating, terrifying visions, an invisible friend and a family secret for the ages, Bethany pulls at your psyche, especially if you do not have happy memories of your childhood. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Army of the Dead’.

​Whenever anyone settles in to watch a zombie themed horror film, fan of them or not, they have a specific checklist of expectations for the movie in question, in order to properly enjoy it. For instance, this parable about the living dead has to include some quality commentary on our modern world, and it needs to be incredibly gory and tense and well… it is understandable as to why people have those particular expectations. Because movies that feature walking corpses have truly established themselves to be a perfect hybrid of cerebral and splatter-y storytelling, the kind that thrills and captivates and challenges us and this formula is so effective and so impactful, that people really do tend to shun zombie flicks that don’t feature that small but important mental checklist.
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But while it is indeed wonderful to know that the zombie film will do its best to pay tribute to the foundation that George A. Romero put together by way of Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead and on, there is one downside to constantly having the zombie movie be so refined. In that… the genre doesn’t quite indulge itself in fun as often as it used to. Which is a shame since a bevy of zombie themed films have proven to audiences in the past, that fun and humor can be injected into these stories on a moment’s notice. But thankfully, as we continue along in this golden era of the zombie, there are some filmmakers who understand the need to spice up this sub-genre with a touch of humor and fun… as evidenced by Zack Snyder’s latest ghoulish offering, Army of the Dead.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a man named Scott Ward, whose better days appear to be behind him. For not that long ago, he was a celebrated hero of the zombie wars since he saved a great deal of lives, including the Secretary of Defense, when a zombie outbreak washed over the city of Las Vegas. But now that Sin City is walled off and the combat has come to an end, Scott and his team are all but forgotten, that is until… a former casino magnate, named Tanaka, approaches Scott with quite the incredible offer. One that involves Scott assembling a team of the finest warriors he can find, to enjoy a cut of the $200 million that Tanaka wants them to rescue from his fallen casino before the United States Army nukes this once proud city. Which is, of course, an offer that Scott cannot refuse, motivating him to assemble his team for what should be a simple and straightforward mission. But once Scott and his team step into what is left of America’s Playground… they quickly come to learn that this will be the most difficult mission they’ve ever faced, since a powerful army of the dead stands between them and their goal.

Which is, quite the juicy plot for certain, one that is so epic in nature that it alone… allows for a sense of fun and adventure to take place. Because in essence, Snyder has given zombie fans everywhere something they’ve craved for years… a spectacle zombiepocaylpse that is set in a major urban center and the fun factor doesn’t end there. Because watching Scott and his team navigate what’s left of one of America’s most famous cities really is quite the sight to behold and it is further enhanced by incredible action sequences and delightfully humors moments and all of these elements simply grab hold of the viewer and never let go and it also doesn’t hurt that Snyder and his team have worked to further enhance the zombie sub-genre by trying to build on Romero’s take on zombie evolution, which he introduced in 2005's Land of the Dead.
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But while those elements alone could have carried this film from beginning to end, there are more reasons to celebrate Snyder’s creation. Because he even found a way to sneak some social commentary into the story as well. Since the quarantine camps surrounding Las Vegas serve as an eerie parallel to the camps that are currently on the border, and the fact that they are filled with people of Latin descent, only adds to the commentary in question and it forces the viewer to ponder upon the point of these camps. Plus, the fall of Las Vegas and its decrepit appearance, serves as a parallel to some of the current views on capitalism right now, since a great deal of people see the old model as decadent, much like the city itself, and it is nice to find that present here… since it gives hardcore zombie fans something to enjoy as well.

However, this film is not without its faults. For its runtime is a little too long and there are spots it could have been trimmed to make the movie feel a little crisper and there is a strange storytelling decision involving zombie biology. But all of that aside, this really is quite the entertaining ride, one that you can easily lose yourself within and one that features some fine performances as well. Since Dave Bautista and his supporting cast captivate us at every single turn and of course, it features plenty of action and splatter and some solid humor to boot. So, if you’re looking for a big budget zombie epic that puts a smile on your face and leaves you content when its sweeping story has come to a close, then swing by Netflix and give Army of the Dead a look. You’ll be glad you did.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 614 of ‘Fear of the Walking Dead’.

Hope is a notion that has transformed into a comfortable and predictable trope in visual storytelling. Because time and time again now, we see characters that harbor this important and powerful notion, defeat evil by instilling it in others. And while that does indeed make for some uplifting storytelling, the kind that really does motivate a viewer to take a deep breath and bask in the sunlight when they turn the television off or leave the theater, this is a particular concept that is staring to lose its gravity and its weight in these particular mediums. Simply because it is predictable, to the point where everyone knows the appearance of hope in a story means a happy ending is going to occur regardless of how harrowing the story might become.

Which is why stories that offer up a more realistic and unique approach to hope and what it means should be celebrated as often as possible. Since they’re trying to shatter this trope and make it original and dynamic once again and that is precisely why last night’s episode of Fear the Walking Dead is of note. For ‘Mother’ took hope and its power and flipped it upside down, making for quite the dynamic and oddly horrifying story when all is said and done. Which is something that the writers of this tale pulled off by outright fooling us. Because early on this episode felt like a standard hope-themed tale, wherein its power would be used to defeat evil by making it quake in its boots when its raw power was put on display.

A feat that this story accomplished by way of Teddy’s inability to break Alicia. Because weeks after she ruined The Holding, Teddy worked to embed his twisted teachings into her brain by subjecting her to torture, really. Since she spent every waking hour, listening to Teddy’s weird mantras on an intercom and well… it simply didn't work in the slightest and that truly made it seem as though the foundation had been laid down for that more traditional story to come into play. After all, it takes hope to get through torture. But what matters more is that her resolve, in turn motivated Teddy to try something different in an effort to get her to swing to their side, by taking Alicia and Dakota (who arrived from the sanctuary with thoughts of playing the hero by joining the group), on a little road trip to remove that all-important hope from Alicia's mind and that’s when this story started to take quite the fascinating and surprising turn.

Because while they were out in the middle of nowhere, rescuing the corpse of Teddy’s mother as part of his madness, they just so happened to be near the very stadium where Madison died in a valiant attempt to save her daughter’s life and the lives of everyone that lived there. A coincidence that Alicia immediately knew was part of the plan to convert her into the cult, but before she could figure out exactly what Teddy had planned to make that happen, an unexpected detour occurred. One that reunited Alicia with Cole and others from the stadium. Truly making it seem as though this was the moment that hope would reign supreme and Teddy would be defeated in this moment and sent running back home. For if Cole and his small band of survivors were able to thrive in the wild after losing what they held dear, then hope had won the day and the fight would have new recruits.

But instead, it turned out that Cole and his group… had lost all semblance of it. In fact, they opted to harm others with impunity and rob them when they wandered into their territory. Making them the bad guys and that oddly reinforced the possibility that perhaps hope would save them after all. For if Alicia could reach them and re-teach them its meaning, then perhaps they could finally enjoy their all-important second chance, and that is when this series brought forth all of its twists and turns in regard to this notion. By reminding us that people can in fact lose all hope and become lost to the darkness, since there was no reasoning with Cole and his people… to the point where Alicia had to put them down in order to ensure her safety and the safety of Teddy, since she was determined to learn his plans for the future, and her decision to do so… led to one incredibly unique twist when it comes to hope.
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In that, it can be used a weapon of manipulation if handled just right. Which is why Teddy was so keen on Alicia joining the group in the first place. Because his vision for the future didn’t just involve the destruction of the greater Houston area by way of nuclear weapons, he was also fully aware of the fact that his role in leveling the old world would always make him be seen as the heavy, as a man that predicted the end correctly and that would motivate his followers to fear him. Which is why he needs Alicia, so that she can spread hope and speak to what comes to next for the new world and its future and in essence, be its new beginning through and through. Which is a role she wants no part of and in the end, this was quite the brilliant twist for certain. Simply because it really did do a wonderful job of taking hope and turning it into something more than a cure all cliché and credit for that has to go to writers Channing Powell and Alex Delyle for figuring out a wonderful way to make hope, horrific.

However, while all of that made for some powerful storytelling for certain, there are some other highlights in this tale we need go over. Such as the fact that Teddy’s backstory gave his character great depth and gravity, since now we know that he is a broken man that surprisingly understands his role as a monster and embraces it as some kind of inspirational badge, one that he genuinely believes will inspire others to be better when of course it is the opposite. And this was simply refreshing to see because serial killers are often depicted in a far different light on television and of course, we would be foolish to not discuss, that despite the fact that this episode ended in such a hopeless manner, not all of it is lost in the end. Since Alicia did get the call out to Strand about Teddy’s plans to drop at least a single nuke on the area, and that will likely bring everyone together at last to finally fight for a bigger cause.

But while we wait to see how quickly Strand can bring everyone together for an epic fight, we can bask in one fascinating tale. One that was also complete with some powerful performances as well. Since Alycia Debnam-Carey brought forth a resolute and powerful performance and John Glover also shined as Teddy, since his restrained performance allowed for us to see just enough of Teddy’s mental illness to make us genuinely fear him and well, this is an episode that really does leave the viewer eager for more. Because at long last… the stage is set for a final showdown between the forces of good and the lost souls that Teddy has collected and it will be quite interesting to see how that battle comes together, since season six has kept us guessing from the start and that is a pattern that likely won’t break for the final two episodes of year six, in the slightest. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Psycho Goreman’.
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One thing that horror fans everywhere can agree upon, is that the 1980s were a pivotal time for the genre. After all, this was an era of horror where iconic film after iconic film arrived on the silver screen, the kind that were so powerful and so impactful that filmmakers are still working to create tributes and sequels to the incredible works enjoyed during that era and for proof… well then look no further than the fact that Creepshow has evolved into a hit television series and that George Romero’s Day of the Dead is getting its own series. And for that matter… there’s another Scream movie on the way, one that will undoubtedly tip its cap to the slasher films from that era that gave life to that franchise in the first place. 

But while it is indeed wonderful to know that the greats are still getting their day in the sun decades after they were released to either major or minor fanfare back then, it does leave one to wonder when the mass tributes will arrive for the more… unconventional movies that popped up in that era. For the 80s also gave rise to cult classics that were delightfully twisted and unique and other films that were simply quirky and off the beaten horror path. But thanks to writer and director Steven Kostanski, the time has come for those wacky, straight to VHS and off the cuff mainstream horror movies from that era, to finally get their own modern tribute tale by way of his new, Shudder exclusive motion picture, Psycho Goreman.

Now in this particular tale, we are transported to the idyllic town of Spangler Springs where an important and surprise discovery is made. For shortly after young Mimi and her brother Luke finish up another round of Crazy Ball, they come to uncover what appears to be an ancient grave in their own backyard, one complete with a beautiful gem that Mimi cannot resist taking for her own collection. But unbeknownst to Mimi, taking that gem will bring about all kinds of trouble. For this is the final resting place of an ancient evil, one that has destroyed an untold number of lives and has now been awakened. But before it can begin a brand-new era of darkness for the galaxy, it will have to contend with the fact that Mimi’s possession of the gem puts it squarely under her control, and now the newly crowned Psycho Goreman, a being that has brought incalculable pain to countless species… must adjust to its new life… as a young girl’s pet monster.

Which is a plot that is quite frankly, about as original as it gets, since you always expect a monster of that level of power in a story such as this, to become nothing more than an uncontrollable killing force that requires that magical artifact to stop it, and really, it is that wondrous storyline that allows for so many homages to take place. Because this has that real hint of Gremlins to it since it features an innocent kid in charge of a violent and powerful force and honestly, everywhere you look there are homages after homages to great horror and sci-fi flicks from the 1980s and beyond. Since this also has hints of The Gate in it and Wishmaster and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Making this film a perfect love letter to multiple genres, including comedy for that matter as well. And yes, you read that right… there’s comedy to be found in this film.

But then again, how could there not be some measure of laughs? Because the premise in and of itself screams comedy since the sheer thought of a young girl being in complete and utter control of a bloodthirsty monster is pretty damn chuckle-worthy in its own right and thankfully, the jokes work here. In fact, this reviewer found himself needing to pause the movie on several occasions to get the laughs out and to properly absorb the wonder of a particular joke and the majesty of this film doesn’t end with its homages and its humor. Because this is a horror, sci-fi, comedy flick that offers up all kinds of gore since PG is all about wreaking havoc in the most violent way imaginable and thanks to some lovely practical effects work from Masters FX, the audience is treated to some genuinely gross and delightful splatter, the kind that perfectly fits the movie’s underlying commentary on the excess of the 80s. 

Speaking of that, the tongue in cheek commentary present in this film is another welcome surprise as well. Since it also does a wonderful job of speaking to how family really is special and needs to be celebrated and it even has a little something to say about the dangers of organized religion and it also helps to teach us that if you show an ancient monster or insatiable evil the power of love… you’ll likely be spared when it decides to burn down your home town whilst thinking about hunky boys. All joking aside however, this really is a can’t miss Shudder feature. Simply because it is a true love letter to multiple genres and it offers up so many wonderful moments for the audience and most important of all, it really is a fresh and original and unique motion picture. One that reminds us that horror can be quite versatile when it is in the right hands. So, if you’re looking for a change of pace horror film, one that will plaster a smile upon your face, give Psycho Goreman a look. You’ll be glad you did.

‘Psycho Goreman’ is available to stream right now, exclusively on Shudder.

You learn many things when you are a kid, but mostly how to keep a secret when you have done something wrong. Not wanting to get into trouble with our parents, it is commonplace to keep your mouth shut for many years and even take the secret to your grave. I know that I am not one that likes to keep secrets about anything and have been letting out a couple of unknown facts about my past throughout the years, because now, nobody really cares. But there are still those big secrets that you might need to wait for the right time to let someone know, because overloading on things can damage whatever type of relationship that you are trying to hold on to.
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Playing in an abandoned warehouse, Kelly, Jude, Wendy, Nick and Robin are set for their next game of ‘Killer’. Giving everyone a chance to hide, the group loves the game, but is a little bit lax on the rules, as most kids are. Being able to find her victims, Wendy is making her way through the abandoned halls to find Robin to finish the game, but she is not alone. As all of the recently ‘killed’ kids are making a big deal over the fact that Robin is about to ‘die’, the young girl steps onto a windowsill and is forced out, falling to her death. Knowing that they will get in trouble for the death of their friend, the group decides not to let anyone know that they were involved and will have to live with the awful truth for the rest of their lives.

A dozen years have passed, and Robin’s siblings are gearing up for their prom night. Kim has no reservations about what will happen during the prom and since her new love Nick will be at her side throughout the night, she firmly believes that nothing can go wrong. But there is still some baggage that Nick is having a hard time in dealing with, as Wendy is not ready to give him up for anyone, especially the principal’s daughter. With the angry Wendy on the war path, it is evident that she will try to do something to mess up Kim’s special night, where she will be crowned Prom Queen, so she is getting ready for anything.

But this is no normal night, as it is the anniversary of when Robin died many years ago and even though things have been taken care of, there is still the sense of loss that the group will never get over. Young Alex seems to be taking it harder than his parents and lets his emotions out by getting into a fight with a local bully in Lou. As Lou gets suspended, Alex is given a slap on the wrist from his father, because he is the DJ at the night’s activities and cannot go missing. Lou on the other hand gets recruited by Wendy to pull a prank the likes of which the school has never seen before on its new prom queen and while she does not want anyone hurt, she does want Kim out of the way so she can reunite with her true love. As the night begins and members of the group go missing throughout the prom, nobody knows what to expect when a masked killer shows up and is ready to take vengeance upon anyone that gets in his way.

As far as an 80s slasher movie goes, I must say that I was a bit impressed, but mainly because Jamie Lee Curtis hasn’t aged a day from this film. Even though it was easy to see that most of these high schoolers were a little bit out of high school in real life, the story kept you guessing about who was going to be the next victim of the masked killer, and the killer’s true identity. With so many false assumptions about who the killer is by the police, I liked that nobody in the school was aware that they were under surveillance by the officer who wrongly arrested an out of towner for Robin’s murder. With plenty of twists, turns, missing mirror fragments and a creepy grounds keeper, this movie will keep you guessing as to who the killer might actually be and while you eventually figure it out, the remorse on display may not be redeeming enough. Stay Scared.