Fright-Rags releasing Tarman (Return of the Living Dead) collector's mask set and more

Limited edition masks, posters and shirts licensed by William Stout

Pre-orders available July 11th - July 15th

 

Fright-Rags is bringing Tarman - the iconic zombie from 1985's The Return of the Living Dead - back from the grave... and he's ready to party! The horror shirt specialists have teamed with Tarman creator and acclaimed artist William Stout for a line of limited edition merchandise featuring one of cinema's most beloved monsters.

Perhaps its most unique offering yet, Fright-Rags has produced a Tarman mask and shirt box set. Limited to 500 pieces, the set is inspired by the Ben Cooper and Collegeville Halloween costumes of yore. Unlike the paper-thin masks from your childhood, these modernized versions are crafted from high-density plastic. Each one is handmade and hand painted by master artist Monte Ward. Also included is a two-sided Tarman shirt designed by William Stout. They come packaged in a collector's box.

In addition to the box set, Fright-Rags is also offering an 18x24 screen printed poster of Stout's design. They are limited to only 200, and each one is hand numbered. Last but certainly not least is a new Tarman shirt created by Justin Osbourn. This nostalgic design will be available on unisex T-shirts, girls shirts, hoodies and 3/4 sleeve baseball tees.

These items will be available exclusively on Fright-Rags.com for four days only. Pre-orders begin on Thursday, July 11th at 10 am EST and will end on Monday, July 15th promptly at 10 am EST. Due to the limited quantities, the box set and poster may sell out early. Act fast, because like a good brain, these will be devoured quickly!

For additional information on these items, visit http://www.fright-rags.com/teaser/tarman.html

EASTER SUNDAY!!!!

 

Iconic actor Robert Z'Dar set to appear in slasher throwback Easter Sunday

Currently in production in Virginia, raising funds on Kickstarter

It seems every holiday was used as the backdrop for an '80s slasher movie - with the exception of Easter... until now!

Northgate Pictures is currently in production in Virginia on Easter Sunday. The gritty throwback to the golden era of slasher films is based on an urban legend about an axe-wielding killer who wears a rabbit costume.

A Kickstarter campaign has been launched in order to raise the funds necessary to complete the film. Although the $2,000 goal has already been exceeded, the filmmakers are still accepting support in order to create the best movie possible. Supporters can donate anywhere from $1 to $275, with rewards including producer credits, roles in the film, screen-used props, artwork, memorabilia, autographs and more.

Easter Sunday is written and directed by Jeremy Morehead, an exciting new filmmaker with a lifelong passion for horror. Genre fans will recognize iconic actor Robert Z'Dar (Maniac Cop, Tango & Cash) as the film's Sheriff Arkin and indie regular Edward X. Young (Mr. Hush, Sea of Dust) as demonologist Angus Bradley. The cast also includes Jeremy Morehead, Valerie Foos, Jon McCoy, Anne Morehead, Travis Morton and Jason Delgado.

Easter Sunday aims to return to the slasher genre's roots by relying on tension, suspense, camerawork, character development and black humor, rather than quick editing and jump scares. "I feel like a lot of horror films being released these days don't have the heart and soul that the genre films from the '80s had," explains Morehead. "Our goal is to create a film that pays homage to all the films that made us horror fanatics."

Synopsis:

It's been 24 years since the deranged serial killer Douglas Fisher was executed by police on Easter night. This year, a group of hard partying teenagers not only raise some hell, but literally raise the dead! The teens accidentally conjure the spirit of Douglas Fisher... aka the bunny masked killer. These teens have until midnight on Easter to stop the evil bunny slasher, or he will tear their town and everyone in it into pieces. There will be no candy in your Easter basket, just the limbs and body parts of your family and friends.

Watch the Easter Sunday teaser trailer at http://youtu.be/WUYdIkQx98w

The 'New" Texas Chainsaw Massacre

review by Deyandra Williams

 

On January 6, 2013, Leatherface lost his balls. Yep, I said it. I don't know what the 'vision' of Director John Lussenhop was, but it wasn't to stay true to the original story or to add anything new and vibrant to it. The plot is as follows: Shortly after the heroine and last surviving member escapes Leatherface and his family, the sheriff shows up to ask for the surrender of Leatherface.

 

After some thought, the family decides it is best to give him up. That's when the redneck mob shows up to exact some country justice. The family is burned alive, all except one.

 

Years later, it is revealed that the sole survivor of the clan is alive and well, having been kidnapped and raised by one of the members of the mob. Heather Miller (Alexandria Daddario) gives a great performance in this incredibly bad re-imagining as the cousin of Leatherface. After getting word of an inheritance of a huge mansion by a long lost grandmother, she and her friends, Ryan, Nikki, and Kenny, go off on a road trip to see what granny has given her.

 

Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker, Darryl, and proceeds to the mansion. Although Heather has been given a very important note to read from her benefactor, she neglects to read it. So what ensues is the killing of Heathers' friends, and the discovery of what happened to Heathers' family long ago.

 

Okay, still with me? Sounds like a solid movie right? Right?

 

I thought so too, until I SAW the film.

 

First of all, Trey Songz is the main characters' boyfriend. I don't know about you, but putting a novice in a central role is well, dumb.  Secondly, when the movie picks up from the original, there are a few, well, discrepancies......

 

At then end of the final movie, the people that were in the house were Leatherface, the mother, the brother who was the Sheriff, the brother with the metal plate in his head, and the grandfather. That's IT. But apparently consistency wasn't a concern for the director or writer.

 

The movie picks up with at least ten people in the house with no sign of ANY of the original characters, and the Sheriff is NOT the brother. Then as the house is burning, a woman and a child, the aforementioned Heather, is in the garage. Where did she come from? The same black hole the other 'family' members did.

 

Then there is the chase scene through the carnival. A friggin' carnival.....

 

And Finally, there are the scenes that are so horrible, so gut-wrenching for me: Heather has been chained by some townsfolk and is in danger of being killed. Leatherface finds her while the two men are distracted and is about to kill her when he 'discovers' a mark of the family crest on her chest. He then frees her. That's right, he FREES her. WTF???? Leatherface has a soft side? Well I'll be a monkey's uncle.

 

Then after she hears him being beaten by the men who captured her, she goes back, grabs the chainsaw, and while throwing it to Leatherface, yells, 'Do your thing, cuz!" It's at this point in the movie that I was about to get up and leave, but I made a promise to you all to suffer through garbage like this so hopefully you don't have to.

 

Anyway, the last scene that almost brought me to tears: after all the murders and such, Leatherface and Heather go home where she reads her grandmother's letter stating that in keeping her inheritance, she is resigning herself to be the caretaker of Leatherface from now on. Yep, Leatherface is now a.......PET.

 

This wasn't the worst of all the Massacre movies, but this was a huge letdown. Leatherface should never be re-imagined as a watered down version of himself. He doesn't care if he's liked, he's Leatherface! What's next, Michael Myers finds out he has a kid? Decides to go home to raise him?

Nonsense.....pure drivel for the masses. This is not a film for true blue horror fans.

 





Fantasm - Official Trailer

Official Trailer for Horror Convention Documentary FANTASM Now Online

Filmmaker Kyle Kuchta is proud to present the official trailer for his horror convention documentary FANTASM. It can be viewed via YouTube at the following link: http://youtu.be/bvzZRoh1g90

Fantasm analyzes the tight-knit community that attends horror conventions in an exploration of how the genre brings fans together. "Fantasm was filmed over six conventions, and I felt myself growing closer and closer to the genre that we all love so much," says Kuchta. "It means a lot to be able to share that love with people, and that's what Fantasm is all about."

In addition to a variety of devoted fans, Fantasm features insight from popular horror actors and filmmakers, including Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street ), Tom Atkins (Escape from New York ), Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2), Amanda Wyss (A Nightmare on Elm Street ), Lloyd Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger) and more.

With production complete, Kuchta is currently focused on editing Fantasm. The documentary will be submitted to film festivals in the fall, with an official premiere to be announced. An abridged version of the film will screen for free at Syracuse University 's Shemin Auditorium as part of the school's Class of 2013 Film Showcase on May 4th.

FANS OF HORROR AND SCIENCE FICTION

Check out my monthly article "THE EVOLUTION OF SCIENCE FICTION TELEVISION" featured on http://horrornews.net/70532/evolution-of-science-fiction-in-television-the-outer-limits/ 

Enjoy!!!

 

EVIL DEAD

 

MOVIE REVIEW

 

by Deyandra Williams

 

 

            Sam Raimi has done it again. Evil Dead 2013 is as gory and fast paced as the original. If you are a die hard fan wanting to see if the revision paid homage to the original, you are going to be as well satisfied as the demon in the woods was listening to Eric (played by Lou Taylor Pucci) recite those familiar words from the Necronomicon.

 

             Those unfamiliar with the original, well, you're in for a treat as well........

 

             The movie starts of with a bang, literally. And from the opening to the credits, the action keeps building. Mia (played by Jane Levy) is an addict whose friends have brought out to her families' cabin in the woods to stage an intervention. Olivia (Jessica Lewis), a nurse who is ready to administer any medicine that may make the effects of going cold-turkey a litte better. David (Shiloh Fernandez), Mia's brother. Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore), David's girlfriend and Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci).

             Very soon after arriving, Mia gets the feeling something is in the woods surrounding the cabin. Her friends believe she is just going through the many affects of stopping cold turkey. Even when Mia is attacked, her friends believe her wounds were self inflicted. Then everything and everyone starts going bat shit crazy. By the time it starts raining blood, literally, you are on the edge of your seat.

             Fans wanted gore and Sam Raimi and Fede Alvarez gave it to them. Limbs are cut, torn, and sliced. This film isn't blood soaked, it's SATURATED  in blood. For me, a dream come true.

              Oh, and for the fans, the true blue fans........the tree rape scene will leave your jaw hanging.

            

The Children

"What should we do with the children?" asked Martha.

"Leave them be for now. They will need to be well rested for tomorrow." answered Harry.

Lois and Nicolas kept their eyes closed while their aunt and uncle discussed them in the hallway. Two weeks had past since the children lost their parents. Lois was riding in the car when it flipped, while Nicolas was at a friends house playing video games.

Lois walked away from the accident with minor injuries, but Mom and Dad died on impact. The passenger of the other car also died, not from the impact, but from burns sustained when his car exploded.

Everyone said it was a miracle Lois survived, but coming to live with Aunt Martha and Uncle Harry didn't seem like a blessing. Not at all, Nicolas decided when he saw the run down farm house they lived in. Lois didn't care, there were horses and pigs, and cows, so she was happy.

But Nicolas knew something wasn't right. The way all the adults looked so unhappy when the judge decided to send them there since there wasn't any will and the Nelson's played up the big, sprawling child friendly farm.

Now Nicolas was sure things weren't right. Aunt Martha teaching Lois the "proper" way to make beds and clean the house, and Uncle Harry showing him the "proper" way to tend to the animals and fields. To Nicolas, it seemed they were being groomed for something they weren't gonna like.

"You hear that Nicolas?" whispered Lois.

"Yeah, I heard. Told ya something is up. Just be cool." replied Nicolas

"But I'm scared. What do we need our rest for?"

"I don't know, guess we will find out tomorrow."

The sound of Uncle Harry's footsteps awoke Nicolas.

"Rise and shine little ones." bellowed Uncle Harry.

"Little ones? I'm fourteen and almost as tall as you, Uncle Harry." replied a sleepy Nicolas.

A wide grin spread across Harry's face.

"Yes you are, son, and that is why we chose you."

"What?" asked a confused Nicolas.

"We need help. I need help around the farm, and Aunt Martha needs help in the house. You two need a home. Your big and strong enough to help out there, and she's small enough to help in here. It's a simple trade, work for shelter and food."

"That's fine, I guess."

"Yeah, that's fine. Can I play with the animals when I'm done cleaning?" asked Lois.

"No, you'll be too tired and it will be too late at night for any play." Aunt Martha chimed in.

"What? What do you mean? She's a little kid, you can't work her all day. That's slavery, that's illegal, I'll call Aunt Sharo-"

Wham! With one swift move, Uncle Harry knocked Nicolas to the ground.

"Your ALMOST as tall as me, but a far way from being as strong as me!" he said laughingly.

"Know your place, boy. We are taking in two kids for God's sake! You know how much it costs to feed and clothe you two? And all we ask is for you two to pull your weight. Damn spoiled brats." hissed Aunt Martha.

Lois had her hand over her mouth to muffle her scream when Uncle Harry hit Nicolas. She couldn't stop staring at the fresh blood in the corner of Nicolas' mouth. It wasn't until Aunt Martha screamed her name that she focused on what was going on.

"Get your lazy butt outta bed and let's get started with breakfast. Then you've got laundry to do young lady." giggled Aunt Martha

"And get up off that floor, boy, we got work to do."

Nicolas wiped his face with the back of his arm, and stood up. He would not let Uncle Harry see him cry. He would wait til the right time and get his little sister out of there.

The sun was hot against Nicolas' back. Sweat poured down his face as he shoveled hay. With each movement, his arms hurt more and more. When he started to see double, he asked Uncle Harry for some water and a break.

"I'm tired. Can I please have some water?" Nicolas panted

"Get a cup and get back to work."

His shoulders slumped as he slowly walked towards the bucket of water. Before he could get there, he spotted what looked like wax teeth on the floor of the barn. As he turned it over in his hand, his stomach started to churn.

"What the-" he said bewildered.

"Whatcha got there boy?"

Nicolas turned to show the teeth to his Uncle.

"Oh, that's Stephen," Uncle Harry chuckled, "that's what happens if you try to leave."

Nicolas couldn't hold back his tears as he shook his head violently back and forth in disbelief. His parents were dead, and he and his sister were stuck in a nut house with violent people. There would be no escape, no relief. They would die here.

"Hush up that crying boy. I know your smarter than that. You will be good. You've got my blood. That means your strong. Not like that bastard sister of yours....."

"Bastard sister? What are you talking about?"

"You didn't know? Of course not, forgot your parents were hoiti toiti types. Well, it seems your whore of a Momma had an affair with someone while your pitiful Dad was on one of his business trips. Some foreigner. Knew she was filth the first time I laid eyes on her."

Nicolas was on top of Uncle Harry before he could keep talking trash about his parents. He tried to hurt him, tried punching him, but all Uncle Harry did was curl up then push Nicolas out of the way when he got tired of getting hit.

"Hahahahaha, I knew it! You got spunk, son. Definitely one of us. Don't you worry. You put in hard work, and you'll be rewarded. We gotta look out for family. That sister of yours, well, she'll be worked until she can't work no more. Sorry, but outsiders just slow us down." he said nodding at the teeth on the floor.

Nicolas was spent. He couldn't believe the horror that was his life now. His and Lois life. He was sure Uncle Harry was lying, but it didn't matter. This nut was determined to make slaves out of them, and eventually kill Lois. He had to get her out of there....

"Now get up and let's go tend to the pigs."

Before Nicolas could stand up, there was a loud bang coming from the house. He looked at Uncle Harry then followed the older man to the back door of the house.

There was Lois, pig tails hanging with her head cocked to one side, standing at the top of the basement stairs.

"What the hell is going on?" asked Uncle Harry

When Lois didn't answer or even acknowledge they were there, he pushed her aside then screamed.

"What happened? Martha! Baby, say something!"

Before Uncle Harry could get to his wife's body lying limp at the bottom of the basement stairs, the door closed and bolted. Lois turned to her brother and in a small, curious voice asked:

"Want to have lunch now? They won't be bothering us anymore. All the food is in the pantry, and Auntie Martha showed me that if I was bad I would be put down there with no food, no water, and no one would ever hear me scream because the basement has seals" she said innocently.

"Not seals, sweetie," he replied horrified, "the basement is sealed."

They ate real well that night. Eventually Uncle Harry stopped banging on the door and threatening them, but the way Lois kept humming and talking as though they were gonna stay on the farm disturbed Nicolas.

"What are gonna do tomorrow Nicolas? I wanna play with the horses."

"We have to go get help tomorrow Lois. We have to call someone. We can't stay here and Uncle Harry needs to go to jail for what he has done to us and others."

"No. I don't want to go anywhere, and I don't want you to go either. I like it here. Just us two. You will feel differently in the morning. Goodnight." she said jumping off her chair and giving him a big hug.

"I won't. Sorry Lois, but we have to go." he yawned.

"We will talk later. Sleep time." she smiled

Nicolas started to protest as his eyelids became heavier and finally closed.