‘They’re urban, they’re vermin, and they exterminate you!’ Bugged – aka Bugged! – is a 1997 American science fiction comedy horror feature film co-produced, written and directed by Ronald K. Armstrong. The film was released on VHS and DVD by Troma Entertainment and now crops up on Netflix. The movie stars Priscilla K. Basque, Ronald K. Armstrong, Jeff Lee...

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Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh is a 1991 American comedy horror feature film directed by Dean Tschetter (art director on The Wraith) from a screenplay co-written with Tom Tully; it stars Jake Dengel, Joe Sharkey, Susann Fletcher and Beverly Penberthy. On some promo material, Tschetter name is replaced by”Alan Smithee” to indicate his dissatisfaction with the final product.

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Revenge of the Sun Demon aka What’s Up, Hideous Sun Demon is a 1983 re-dubbed, re-edited comedy version of The Hideous Sun Demon (1959) scripted by Craig Mitchell, Allen Astrik and Mark Estrik. Featuring the voice of Jay Leno, the spoof was authorised by original director Robert Clarke. Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk Clip:

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‘You’ll burn for this’ Flesh for the Inferno is a 2015 American supernatural comedy horror film directed by Richard Griffin (Creature from the Hillbilly Lagoon; Necroville; Frankenstein’s Hungry Dead) from a screenplay by Michael Varrati (Tales of Poe; The Sins of Dracula; 60 Seconds to Die). It stars Anna Rizzo, Jamie Dufault, Monica Saviolakis, Jamie Lyn Bagley and...

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‘Demons are a girl’s best friend’ Ava’s Possessions is a 2015 comedy horror film written and directed by Jordan Galland. Momentum Pictures released the film in cinemas and on VOD March 4, 2016. A DVD release by Entertainment One followed on April 6. Main cast: Jemima Kirke, Carol Kane (When a Stranger Calls), William Sadler, Alysia Reiner, Louisa Krause, Dan Fogler...

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Unspeakable Horrors: The Plan 9 Conspiracy is a 2016 American docu-film produced and directed by Jose Prendes. “From the producers who saw Room 237 comes the blistering truth about Edward D. Wood, Jr.’s Plan 9 from Outer Space. Hailed as the worst movie ever made, this cinematic gem and its mysteries have gone largely ignored… until now! At great personal risk from hidden elements within the...

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“It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent Fritters” Motel Hell is a 1980 American comedy horror feature film directed by Kevin Connor (The House Where Evil Dwells; At the Earth’s Core, Frankenstein – [2004]; From Beyond the Grave), from a screenplay by producers Robert Jaffe and Steven-Charles Jaffe, and stars Rory Calhoun as farmer, butcher...

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‘Inside every artist lurks… a madman!’ A Bucket of Blood is a 1959 American comedy horror feature film directed by Roger Corman from a screenplay by Charles B. Griffith. The movie stars Dick Miller, Barboura Morris, Antony Carbone and Julian Burton. Produced on a $50,000 budget for American International Pictures, it was shot in five days, and shares many of the low-budget...

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‘Disco isn’t dead, but you just might be’ Discopath is a 2013 Canadian comedy horror feature film directed by Renaud Gauthier (Aquaslash). The movie stars Jérémie Earp-Lavergne, Sandrine Bisson, and Ivan Freud. Plot: In the mid-1970s, Duane Lewis is a man who transforms into a crazed serial killer whenever he catches the relentless rhythm of disco! As Duane flees New York...

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‘They Do NOT Come In Peace!’ Zombies from Outer Space is a 2012 German sci-fi comedy horror film directed by Martin Faltermeier and starring Judith Gorgass, Siegfried Foster and Florian Kiml. Plot teaser: Rural Bavaria. The late 1950’s. Something very strange is taking place. When Maria (Judith Gorgrass) happens upon the dead body of a woman, little does she realize the terror that...

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8216;The ultimate war machine… has come to work.’ Automation is a 2019 American science-fiction comedy horror feature film about an office robot that goes on a killing mission when it is about to be replaced. Directed by Garo Setian – making his feature debut – from a screenplay written by Rolfe Kanefsky (director of Art of the Dead; Bus Party to Hell; The Black Room.

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‘The ultimate war machine… has come to work.’

Automation is a 2019 American science-fiction comedy horror feature film about an office robot that goes on a killing mission when it is about to be replaced.

Directed by Garo Setian – making his feature debut – from a screenplay written by Rolfe Kanefsky (director of Art of the Dead; Bus Party to Hell; The Black Room; et al) and Matthew L. Schaffer, the movie stars Parry Shen (Victor Crowley), Elissa Dowling (We Are Still Here), Graham Skipper (Sequence Break), Sarah French and Sadie Katz.

Plot:

When a prototype automated worker robot named Auto has proven successful on the night shift at Alert Insulation, plans are put in motion to replace almost all the human employees with the next generation of robots — but to Auto’s dismay, he is also to be replaced by the new and improved robots — something he refuses to accept and takes murderous action to prevent…

Reviews [click links to read more]:

“The drama is too stock and melodramatic to be taken all that seriously. While the comedy is not quite sharp enough to be like Office Space. There are a few funny lines, but otherwise the level is more like Freddy Krueger’s one-liners (like Auto’s misunderstanding of the term ‘crush’).” Cryptic Rock

“Automation has all of the makings of a classic slasher. From the final girl trope to bizarre kills. I was enthralled by this movie from beginning to end. Even if science fiction isn’t your go-to genre, you should definitely still be able to find enjoyment in Automation.” Fansided

“This movie is silly, warm-hearted, and fun. Scary? Not really. AUTO’s cute face makes it hard to be afraid of him even as his killing spree washes over the warehouse. But that’s okay. And there’s a Christmas party, so technically that makes this a holiday film, right?” Horror Buzz

“There’s a lot of humor in the film, especially early on during scenes with the employees at work or when Auto takes an interest in getting to know Jenny. These scenes work extremely well and are often surprisingly touching. But the things get bloody as Auto’s programming gets more and more confused and the body count rises in the third act.” Morbidly Beautiful

“Automation was surprisingly different than the killer robot movie I thought I was getting, and I can’t be happier about that. The movie had a fresh take on the genre and was paced brilliantly by its humor. The effects and kills were great, with a couple that stood out…” Pop Horror

“It doesn’t quite have the skill or resources to pull off an idea which will inevitably be copied by other directors with more panache. However, to give Garo Setian some credit, without giving anything away, he pulls off a truly heart-warming ending, reminiscent of the best anime auteurs.” Starburst

“Director Garo Setian does a great job capturing the office hijinks and raunchy humor before the narrative by Rolfe Kanefsky and Matthew L. Schaffer turns into a bloody slasher movie. As Linda, Sarah French nails the hilarious one-liners that poke fun at office culture.” Villain Media

” …a confused film that doesn’t seem to be sure of what it wants to be. It’s still an interesting film and I’m giving Automation a guarded recommendation. As long as you know you’re not getting ninety minutes of robotic mayhem you may find it worth a watch. But it’s not the film it’s billed as.” Voices from the Balcony

” …horror fans might find it slightly light on tension and gore but what it lacks in scares, Automation more than makes up for with two formidable female leads, a villain/antihero with real depth (even if he isn’t exactly human), and enough punchy energy to carry it across the finish line.” Wicked Horror

Release:

Epic Pictures’ Dread released Automation in the USA on November 29th 2019 (limited theatrical) and December 3rd 2019 (Blu-ray and Digital).

Cast and characters:

• Elissa Dowling … Jenny
• Sadie Katz … Susan
• Parry Shen … Alan
• Graham Skipper … Devin
• Sarah French … Linda
• Jeff Rector … Bill
• Anahit Setian … Marci
• Marv Blauvelt … Mel
• Josh Fallon … Rick
• Jeff J. Knight … Auto
• Jim Tasker … Auto (voice)
• Tara Cardinal … Private Corrigan
• Joshua Lou Friedman … Shovel Guy
• Wes Hubbard … Detective Parker
• Mary O’Neil … Paramedic Menzler

Production companies:

• Capital Arts Entertainment
• Hungry Monster Entertainment
• Thriller Films

The post Automation – USA, 2019 – Now with ten reviews appeared first on MOVIES & MANIA.

‘They Do NOT Come In Peace!’

Zombies from Outer Space is a 2012 German sci-fi comedy horror film directed by Martin Faltermeier and starring Judith Gorgass, Siegfried Foster and Florian Kiml.

Plot teaser:

Rural Bavaria. The late 1950’s. Something very strange is taking place. When Maria (Judith Gorgrass) happens upon the dead body of a woman, little does she realize the terror that will unleashed. Noted scientist Doctor Robert Hoelzlein (Florian Kiml) and American Army Captain John Welles (Siegfried Foster), both brought in to investigate the crime, soon butt heads over the case and their mutual attraction to Maria. Romance takes a back seat when more bodies are discovered. Who or what has caused these mysterious deaths?

The following bands appear on the soundtrack; Biermösl Blosn, The Meteors, Cherry Casino and the Gamblers, The Bricats, and Mars Attacks.

Buy Zombies from Outer Space on DVD from Amazon.com

Reviews [click links to read more]:

“The story works (quite) well and it delivers entertainment in good doses, even if I wished for more graphic gore and less talk. It’s already a bit too long, so I – if I was a producer – would have demanded some cuts, maybe to get it down to 85 minutes. Then it would have been perfect, cheesy entertainment. Now it’s a ambitious, good, crazy and very well-made oddity that deserves a bigger audience!” Fred Anderson

“If you have a soft spot for the classic horror films of the 50’s and 60’s this could well work for you. Slightly more splatter would however have been welcome. All in all, not a knockout but  still a remarkable debut film “Made ​​in Germany”. Watch the Shit

“Pure entertainment value is high, especially in light of the available funds and resources.” Scary Movies

Official website | IMDb

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The post Zombies from Outer Space – Germany, 2012 appeared first on MOVIES & MANIA.

‘What doesn’t kill you makes your richer’

Cheap Thrills is a 2013 American black comedy thriller horror film, directed by E. L. Katz in his directorial debut and starring Pat Healy (Starry Eyes), Sara Paxton (The Innkeepers), Ethan Embry and David Koechner. It premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 8, 2013, and was acquired by Drafthouse Films and Snoot Entertainment. Cheap Thrills was released on March 24, 2014, in the United States.

Plot teaser:

Craig (Pat Healy,) is a struggling family man who loses his low-wage job and is threatened with eviction. In an effort to delay facing the music at home, he heads to a local bar and encounters an old friend (Ethan Embry). The two friends are roped into a round of drinks by a charismatic and obscenely wealthy stranger (David Koechner) along with his mysterious wife (Sara Paxton). The couple engage the two friends in a series of innocent dares in exchange for money over the course of the evening, with each challenge upping the ante in both reward and boundaries. It seems like easy and much needed money, but the couple’s twisted sense of humor pushes just how far Craig and his friend are willing to go for money and cheap thrills…

Buy Cheap Thrills on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com

Reviews [click links to read more]:

“It’s about as subtle as a massive brick to the head, but that doesn’t stop it being joyously entertaining in a thoroughly mean-spirited fashion. Cheap Thrills is like the younger, punk rock second-cousin to the likes of Haneke and von Trier and it leaves no holds barred, so be prepared…” Brutal as Hell 

“E.L. Katz’s Cheap Thrills is a very effective piece of body horror, teasing in its attempts to keep the audience guessing, but the cruel irresistibility of its premise wears itself out before the film’s final minutes.” Slant Magazine

“Cheap Thrills is everything you’d want out of a satirical thriller and more; it’s also a remarkable directorial debut by Katz, who delivers one hell of a story that was continuously surprising, shocking and visceral with wildly unexpected events that were often played out with a quiet restraint.” Dread Central

The post Cheap Thrills – USA, 2013 – reviews appeared first on MOVIES and MANIA.

Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh is a 1991 American comedy horror feature film directed by Dean Tschetter (art director on The Wraith) from a screenplay co-written with Tom Tully; it stars Jake Dengel, Joe Sharkey, Susann Fletcher and Beverly Penberthy.

On some promo material, Tschetter name is replaced by”Alan Smithee” to indicate his dissatisfaction with the final product. The film’s original title was Picking Up the Pieces.

Reviews [click links to read more]:

“It’s not as bad as its sour reputation, especially for those who enjoy the late ’80s primes of Fred Olen Ray and David DeCoteau. Given the brand of comedy, it’s a love-or-hate proposition, and even then it’s something you have to be in the mood for. Savini’s effects are unfairly busted on with all the MPAA cuts…” Basement of Ghoulish Decadence

“It’s clear the filmmakers intended this to be either a wild, Airplane!-style take on splatter movies or a frenetic, comic gorefest a la Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive, but the story and direction lack wit or creativity enough for either one. Nevertheless, there are some outstanding moments of grim humor (particularly a subplot involving a quit-smoking clinic) and audacious makeup effects from local boy Tom Savini.” Cavett Binion, Rovi

“Borrowing elements from Blood Feast, the film sadly misfires on the comedy aspect side of things and on the whole is rather dull. The special effects, believe it or not, where by Tom Savini, though with one exception, aren’t particularly gory. But as this was being released by a major studio they probably cut a lot out of it.” Realm of Horror

Main cast:

• Jake Dengel (Something Wicked This Way Comes)
• Joe Sharkey
• Susann Fletcher
• Beverly Penberthy
• Veronica Hart (Deranged [1987]; Bad Blood; One-Eyed Monster)
• Shawn Elliott (The Dead Pool)
• Pat Logan (Day of the Dead; Night of the Living Dead [1990])
• Don Brockett (Lady Beware; The Silence of the Lambs)
• Robert Stoeckle (Demonic Toys)
• Debra Gordon (Day of the Dead; Sorority Row; Bloodlock).

Image thanks: Basement of Ghoulish Decadence | That’s Some Bad Hat Harry

‘What doesn’t kill you makes your richer’

Cheap Thrills is a 2013 American black comedy thriller horror film, directed by E. L. Katz in his directorial debut and starring Pat Healy (Starry Eyes), Sara Paxton (The Innkeepers), Ethan Embry and David Koechner. It premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 8, 2013, and was acquired by Drafthouse Films and Snoot Entertainment. Cheap Thrills was released on March 24, 2014, in the United States.

Plot teaser:

Craig (Pat Healy,) is a struggling family man who loses his low-wage job and is threatened with eviction. In an effort to delay facing the music at home, he heads to a local bar and encounters an old friend (Ethan Embry). The two friends are roped into a round of drinks by a charismatic and obscenely wealthy stranger (David Koechner) along with his mysterious wife (Sara Paxton). The couple engage the two friends in a series of innocent dares in exchange for money over the course of the evening, with each challenge upping the ante in both reward and boundaries. It seems like easy and much needed money, but the couple’s twisted sense of humor pushes just how far Craig and his friend are willing to go for money and cheap thrills…

Buy Cheap Thrills on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com

Reviews [click links to read more]:

“It’s about as subtle as a massive brick to the head, but that doesn’t stop it being joyously entertaining in a thoroughly mean-spirited fashion. Cheap Thrills is like the younger, punk rock second-cousin to the likes of Haneke and von Trier and it leaves no holds barred, so be prepared…” Brutal as Hell 

“E.L. Katz’s Cheap Thrills is a very effective piece of body horror, teasing in its attempts to keep the audience guessing, but the cruel irresistibility of its premise wears itself out before the film’s final minutes.” Slant Magazine

“Cheap Thrills is everything you’d want out of a satirical thriller and more; it’s also a remarkable directorial debut by Katz, who delivers one hell of a story that was continuously surprising, shocking and visceral with wildly unexpected events that were often played out with a quiet restraint.” Dread Central

The post Cheap Thrills – USA, 2013 – reviews appeared first on MOVIES and MANIA.

Suck is a 2009 Canadian rock-and-roll vampire black comedy feature film starring, written and directed by Rob Stefaniuk. Stefaniuk stars alongside Canadian actress Jessica Paré, Nicole de Boer, Malcolm McDowell and rock legends Alice Cooper (Prince of Darkness; Bigfoot; Dark Shadows), Iggy Pop (Hardware; The Sandman), Henry Rollins (Dreamland; He Never Died; Wrong Turn 2) and Alex Lifeson of Rush.

Continue reading Suck (2009) reviews and overview at MOVIESandMANIA.com.

‘Corona was just the beginning…’

Zombie Reddy is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language comedy-horror film based around the COVID-19 pandemic and a doomed wedding in Rayalaseema.

Written and directed by Prasanth Varma (Kalki; Awe!), with additional dialogue by Tajuddin Syed, the Apple Tree Studios production stars Teja Sajja, Anandhi, Daksha Nagarkar, Raghu Babu, Prudhvi Raj.

Plot:

Video game developer Mario’s new game is on the verge of crashing due to coding issues.

Continue reading ZOMBIE REDDY (2021) Reviews and overview at MOVIES and MANIA.

Da Sweet Blood of Jesus is a 2014 romantic horror comedy film written and directed by Spike Lee. With a budget of just $1,418,910, it was the first of Lee’s films to be funded through Kickstarter. It stars Felicia Pearson, Elvis Nolasco, Zaraah Abrahams, Steven Hauck and Stephen Tyrone Williams.

The film was released on June 22, 2014 on American Black Film Festival as the closing film. 

Continue reading Da Sweet Blood of Jesus – USA, 2014 – overview and reviews at MOVIES and MANIA.

The Addams Family are fictional characters created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. The Addams Family characters include Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Grandmama, Wednesday, Pugsley, Pubert Addams, Cousin Itt and Thing.

The Addamses are a satirical inversion of the ideal American family; an eccentric, wealthy clan who delight in the macabre and are unaware or do not care, that other people find them bizarre or frightening. They originally appeared as an unrelated group of 150 single-panel cartoons, about half of which were originally published in The New Yorker between their debut in 1938 and Addams’s death in 1988.

Continue reading The Addams Family: cartoons, TV series, animated series, movies, musicals and merchandise at MOVIES and MANIA.