It’s A Wonderful Knife Film (2023)

 

"It's A Wonderful Knife" is a holiday horror comedy set in the fictional town of Angel Falls. With a name like that, what could go wrong? Except everything. 

Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop) has her world turned upside down when everything she knew, everything she loved was taken from her. Her life just got a little more complicated. 

Angels are known for their spiritual presence. They're supposed to protect you, keep you out of harms way. This angel must have missed the memo because they've gone bad. 

There is universal question that everyone asks themselves from time to time. What would life be like if I was never born? Would everyone around me better off? This film answers that question. This story gives you a glimpse into what life would look like without one on our main characters and I’ll let you in on a little secret. It isn’t good. 

One of my favorite characters is Bernie Simon (Jess McLeod). Bernie is a nerdy, misunderstood character that is incorporated into the story in a meaningful, thought out way, and is given a genuine reason to be there. This is rather rare in cinema these days. More often than not, these characters are added strictly for comedic relief or to over exaggerate the actions of the typical “bully” character. 

Justin Long has made a name for himself within the Horror genre. I hadn’t seen a film of his that I didn't like. Until now. His portrayal of Mayor Henry Waters is very strange and rather uncomfortable to watch. I'm not sure if it was the Ross Gellar - like self tanner, the blinding white teeth, or the fake, over the top accent but it just didn’t work for me. His acting was very cartoon like. It felt like he was trying too hard and although I tried to overlook it, it was very distracting and seemed so out of sync with the rest of the story.  

Jane Widdop shines as the likeable Winnie Carruthers. You may be familiar with her work on the popular Showtime series "Yellowjackets". Without her stellar performance in this film I don't think I would have found it as enjoyable. She has the ability to express her emotions in a way that is realistic and relatable. I find myself having trouble connecting with characters in modern Horror cinema but she reeled me in. 

Katharine Isabelle is an actress I have been a fan of for years. I first discovered her when she played trouble teen turned werewolf in 2001's "Ginger Snaps". She may have a smaller role as Winnie's loveable aunt, Gale, but she makes every second count when she's on screen. She's a great addition to the story. 

Joel McHale is an incredibly talented actor. Best known for his role as Jeff Winger in the Dan Harmon Television series, Community, Joel plays David Carruthers. Winnie's father and a beloved member of Angel Falls. It's great to see him in a role so far removed from what he's best known as it really shows his abilities as an actor.

Overall, I enjoyed "It's A Wonderful Knife". Despite a few minor hiccups here and there it was an entertaining watch. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I didn't. Holiday Horror films tend to get silly. Fast. It's so easy to get lost in the theme and forget about the plot. I'm happy to say that is not the case here. Writer Michael Kennedy (Freaky) knows how to create an enjoyable watching experience for his viewers, while Director Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls) has a knack for helping actors express their deepest fears in a believable way. 

"It's A Wonderful Knife" is available on Shudder on AMC+ and all movie rental platforms starting December 1, 2023. I highly suggest you tune in for a little holiday fright. 

What Lies Below Film Review

 

A 16 year old returns from camp to discover her mother has welcomed a new man into her life. This unconventional story of love and suspense takes the genre in a fresh, new direction with Braden R. Duemmler’s mystery thriller, “What Lies Below”. 

I thought I knew how this film was going to end. I did not. I was way off and that makes me happy. I really enjoyed this story. My only complaint is I want more. I want a back story on John (Trey Tucker), the love interest. His character is so multidimensional that I had a hard time figuring him out, which I think works really well here. Who is he? Where does he come from? I have so many questions. At the same time, I do think that him being so mysterious adds to the unsettling feeling I had each time he was on screen. Trey played the good, bad guy so well. He’s so believable. When I first saw him on screen my initial thought was “this man is far too good looking to be this nice”. 

It was strange yet refreshing to see Mina Suvari playing the roll of a mother. I grew up watching her in classic 90’s films from “American Beauty” to “American Pie”. She’s a natural. She’s a great actress at any age and I think this is a testament to her acting style as well as her talent as a performer. The character of Michelle is very relatable in many ways. One of which being her estranged relationship with her deceased father. She wanted to be loved by someone who put the needs of her sibling first. I think this is something a lot of viewers can relate to. I interpreted her need for love as her reasoning for falling for John so quickly. She’s vulnerable and unfortunately she was the perfect prey and an easy target. 

Ema Horvath is an up and coming actress who showcased her talent when she portrayed 16 year old Liberty. She’s shy, introverted, and a little awkward. Her relationship with her mother appears to be somewhat strained. Perhaps this is due to her inheritance from Michelle’s father. He left her a cabin in his will which has led her mother to feel as though he loved her child more than his own daughter. The mother / daughter bond is quickly tested when John starts exhibiting strange behavior.

Overall I think “What Lies Below” is a fantastic genre piece. The ending is unique and not what I expected, especially with the tone of the film during the first two acts. The story is aware but doesn’t take itself seriously. The characters aren’t overly simplistic or unintelligent. They’re a family just like you and I. They’re a little broken, a little damaged, and this lead to what unfolds during the third act. Everything flows perfectly with no feelings of forced chemistry or interactions. I suggest watching this film if you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers. The ending is a complete surprise up until the last shot which I think many of you will enjoy. “What Lies Below” is being released through Vertical Entertainment on Demand and Digital December 4, 2020. 

Relic Film Review

Relic is a daring horror drama about the dangers of Dementia. It encompasses the heart of both horror and compassion in one of the best IFC Midnight films I have seen to date.

Kay (Emily Mortimer; Mary Poppins Returns, Shutter Island) and her daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote; Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Dark Shadows) travel to visit Kay’s mother, Edna (Robyn Nevin; The Matrix Reloaded, Gods of Egypt) after she mysteriously vanishes from her home. While in the process of taking care of her grandmother, Sam starts to notice strange happenings in the house that seem rather harmless at first glance. Over time the duo discovers that something seems a little off about Edna and she seems to have returned a shell of her former self.

Relic is one of the most unique genre films I have seen in a long time. It encompasses both family and horror in the same realm without trying too hard to win over its audience. It flows beautifully and tells the tale of a daughter struggling to come to terms with her mothers dementia. The choice to use the house as a metaphor for the disease was a brilliant choice and adds to the dark atmosphere of the film. The lack of jump scares and cheap thrills is a welcomed change in modern cinema, especially ones of this caliber. I thought the darkness tone of the film matched beautifully with the haunting music and the artistic videography. They all worked so well together to create a cohesive film that is both memorable and enjoyable.

I first discovered Emily Mortimer when she played Chloe in the 2005 Woody Allen film Match Point opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson. After watching the trailer for Relic I could already see her character coming to life. She has this gift you rarely see in films these days. She pulls genuine emotion from her audience and makes them feel like the character she’s playing is a real person. Even though I didn’t know Kay very well as a character I identified with her as a woman and as a daughter.

Bella Heathcote is known for her portrayal of Victoria Winters in Tim Burton’s interpretation of Dark Shadows. It was great to see Bella in a more controlled environment. Her skills as an actress really shined here. Sam is a young woman who is struggling to figure out what it is she wants to do with her life and incorporating that into this story makes her someone people of all ages can relate to.

Robyn Nevin did a superb job playing Edna. I believed that she was someone’s loved one who is going through a big change in the later years of her life. I really cared about what happened to her. The way Robyn portrayed Edna’s disconnect from reality was both convincing and heartbreaking. I would definitely recommend watching her other films.

I would suggest Relic to fans who enjoy a little drama and realism in their horror films. If you’re looking for some thing that is both Erie and relatable I think this is the film for you. The entire cast is phenomenal. They bring this story to life and I really enjoyed it. I give Relic a 9/10. I wish we had gotten to know Edna before her disappearance in order to really get a good glimpse at how shocking her transformation really was. Aside from that I thought it was brilliant. Relic was praised during its opening at Sundance Film Festival in 2019. The film opens on July 10 In Theaters and also available On Demand / Digital Rental.

Then Comes Silence - Machine Album Review

The leaders of the modern Post Punk scene, Then Comes Silence released their fifth studio album “Machine” on Friday, March 13, 2020. The album was released through Metropolis Records. If you would like to know more about the bands history and their previous album releases go here

The band has released three music videos to coincide with the albums release. You can find the official music videos for “We Lose The Night”, “Ritual” (Feat. Karolina Engdahl of True Moon), and “Apocalypse Flare” on Youtube. I also suggest following TCS on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the bands touring schedules, updates, and album releases.

I have been a fan of Then Comes Silence for many years now. Although the band members have changed since it’s birth it has been a seamless transition. The current line up feels like home. Their chemistry is enthralling and has helped create one of the best Post Punk albums in decades. The Goth scene is ever changing and bands like TCS help breathe new life into the subculture.

Machine is quickly becoming my favorite album from the quartet and fits perfectly amongst its predecessors. Alex Svenson, the bands bassist and front runner has a beautifully dark voice that is strong yet comforting. Each song from the album flows perfectly for an ideal listening experience. The first single “We Lose The Night” ranked number one on the Global Gothic Chart. I predict that Machine will be one of the top albums of 2020. This is a band that has been growing steadily for years. Their time has come and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. If you would like to browse the bands offerings and purchase a copy of Machine, go here

Track Listing: 

1. We Lose The Night 

2. Devil

3. Dark End 

4. I Gave You Everything 

5. Ritual (Feat. Karolina Engdahl)

6. Apocalypse Flare 

7. W.O.O.O.U 

8. In Your Name 

9. Glass 

10. Kill It 

11. Cuts Inside

Camp Cold Brook Film Review Starring Danielle Harris and Chad Michael Murray

In order to go out with a bang, a team of veteran paranormal investigators travels to Oklahoma to investigate an abandoned camp where a brutal massacre occurred years earlier.

Chad Michael Murray (Gilmore Girls, House Of Wax) and Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, Rob Zombie’s Halloween 1 & 2) star in this old school style horror tale that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats. It’s witty, It’s dark, and it’s a lot of fun. Chad and Danielle have such great on screen chemistry. They act like professional paranormal investigators and I believed them.

When audiences hear about a horror film that takes place at a camp there’s always that fear that the film will be lazy and ride off the coat tails of previous horror franchises. Camp Cold Brook doesn’t need to do that and is able to stand on its own. I felt like this film was a mix between 80’s horror and Ghost Adventures. The good Ghost Adventures. You know, before they started making everything up for ratings.

It’s very easy to make a paranormal film boring. It’s also very easy to rely on jump scares to carry the film. The filming techniques that were used in this movie allow the audience to have a completely different experience. I love that the creators were very mindful about how they included the technological equipment. It was very similar to what you’d see during a real paranormal investigation. You can tell everyone involved in the film did their homework on the subject and I have a lot of respect for that.

Through out the movie the team begins filming via found footage angles in order to record the events for the teams television series. This was a bold choice but I think it works really well for this specific film. I have never been a fan of the found footage genre but I think it works really well when used this way. It adds that extra “We’re not alone” feeling that helps breathe life into the film.

Camp Cold Brook is the winner of not one but two awards. Horrorhound Film Festival for Best Feature and Shriekfest for Best Horror Feature. I agree with their decisions. I think this film definitely deserves the recognition it’s receiving.

If you’re a fan of well thought out paranormal films definitely check out Camp Cold Brook. It reminds me a lot of horror films from the late 90’s and early 2000’s while remaining current and I think this will resonate with a lot of viewers. Writer Alex Carl and Director Andy Palmer are both fun and artistic filmmakers. I’ll be keeping my eye out for future projects.

Tingle Monsters Short Film Review - Final Girls Film Festival

After a long hiatus Dee, an ASMR Vlogger returns to her patient viewers only to discover that her session isn’t going to be the comeback she anticipated. Tingle Monsters highlights one of the internet’s rising trends. ASMR. For those of you who are unaware, ASMR is short for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response". What this is referring to is the tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck that some viewers may experience while listening to particular sounds. These sounds can range from the tapping on a cup, to the ripping of paper, and most commonly, the relaxing sound of the human voice. These techniques have been known to help people who suffer from anxiety disorders as they are very soothing.

Video platforms such as YouTube and Twitch make it easy to connect with people from all over the world. As humans we have become fascinated with the lives of strangers. Tingle Monsters gives us a look into a fictional world where this lifestyle can become extremely dangerous. This short may be fictional but the subject matter certainly isn’t.

Writer and Director Alexandra Serio has a unique vision with this piece and I think it works. Her knowledge of the ASMR culture makes the story feel more authentic. Her portrayal of Dee was quite impressive especially with the time given. The difference between a short film and a full length feature is that a short film does not have the luxury of time. Instead of being able to stretch out a plot over the entirety of the film it’s condensed and when this happens it can feel very forced and unnatural. I was happy to see that this was not the case here. I felt like I was watching a real ASMR video.

I encourage all of you to give this film a watch. It’s fun, creative, and attention grabbing. Tingle Monsters is being shown at the 2020 Final Girls Film Festival in Berlin, Germany.

Swallow Film Review - Final Girls Film Festival

Hunter, an expectant mother begins her journey down a dangerous path to self destruction. Can she find a better way to cope with her loneliness or will she let it consume her? It becomes obvious very early on that although Hunter loves her husband their marriage isn’t ideal. She is constantly trying to be the perfect wife for Richie and in doing so she loses a part of herself. She lacks the ability to control her life and in an effort to gain back that control she starts experimenting by swallowing small objects. It seems perfectly harmless at first but as we dig deeper we start to realize that this has become a dangerous obsession.

Swallow is a great example of a film that concentrates on the darker side of marriage. It explains in detail what can happen when you marry someone and you spend that entire relationship not being yourself but trying to be someone else for the one you love. It’s a great way to look into a relationship without rose tinted glasses. Few films are able to do this in a way that is truly relatable.

Haley Bennett’s portrayal of Hunter is fantastic. She is able to make her character seem both relatable and detached all at the same time. It’s almost as if she’s playing two separate characters that merge together seamlessly and I applaud her for her abilities. After seeing this film I cannot imagine anyone else playing the role of Hunter.

Denis O’Hare plays the pivotal role of Irwin in this story. Sometimes it’s the characters who provide the backstory that are the important ones. They tell us about who the main character is and what they’ve gone through to lead up to the moment when we meet them. I have been a big fan of Denis’s work and I think he really shines here.

If you are a fan of strong female characters I urge you to check out Swallow. It gives a real, heartfelt look into life and shows that no one is perfect even if it appears so from the outside. I give Swallow a 10/10. The directing, writing, acting, cinematography, and music are all brilliant. It all comes together to tell the story of a perfectly imperfect housewife. Swallow debuts in select theaters and on demand on March 6, 2020 and is currently being shown at Final Girls Film Festival in Berlin, Germany.

The Wave Film Review - Feat. Justin Long and Donald Faison

Frank (Justin Long) has been searching for his big break at the firm for six years. When the day finally arrives he just wants to get a good nights sleep to prepare for his presentation the next morning. Friend and colleague Jeff (Donald Faison) insists they head out of town to celebrate. The duo runs into trouble when Frank is given a hallucinogen that alters his perception of reality. Their lives will be forever changed in Gille Klabin’s The Wave.

I was blown away by how creative this film is. It’s purposely misleading which I think is a brilliant concept. The movie is filmed in a way where it seems cut and dry but then the action takes over. Once Frank realizes the substance he was given is taking effect is where things really take off. There is a scene where Frank is brushing his teeth and it is shot so flawlessly. There was no disconnect in the first reveal which makes the story that much more believable.

There is so much that goes on in this film that in any other setting I think it would be too much. A film that is this ambitious requires a certain amount of skill, patience, and an eye for detail. The Wave includes all of these and more which is why I was impressed with it. The writing, directing, and acting are all top notch. It was both fascinating and entertaining to watch Frank react to both reality and the world he was seeing due to hallucinations. Those scenes were done in a way where they felt realistic rather than cheesy or over the top. I found myself being somewhat sympathetic to Franks situation. On one hand, you shouldn’t take drugs. Especially from strangers. On the other hand, it’s clear to me that Frank doesn’t exactly make the best decisions. Especially under pressure.

Sheila Vand plays Theresa. Although she’s a secondary character her existence is pretty important to the story. While in his “medicated” state Frank sees Theresa and tells her all about the man he wants to be. It’s clear that the man he is isn’t who he wishes to be. This reveal is something that is relatable to all of us. No matter how ideal our lives may be there is always something we wish we could change. Wish we could do better. I loved how this scene took a movie about an altered reality and turned it into something that is prevalent in the real world. It makes Frank a relatable character which I was very fond of.

Justin Long and Donald Faison have such great on screen chemistry. I love Justin’s ability to become his character so effortlessly. He does a great job at portraying the every day Joe with the 9 - 5 job. That is not something all actors are capable of because it becomes stale over time. He has mastered it in a way where it’s enjoyable in any setting. The Wave is no exception to this. I have yet to see a Justin Long Film that I didn’t like. Donald has played a variety of different characters throughout his career and this is a role I really enjoyed him in.

Overall this film was great. The characters felt so real that I connected with them in a way. This is rare for me and I don’t take this experience lightly. If you’re a fan of Justin Long and or films about altered reality I would definitely give The Wave a watch. I give this movie a 10/10 easily. It was a very enjoyable experience. The film comes out in select theaters and on nationwide VOD on January 17th. I applaud Director Gille Klabin and Writer Carl W. Lucas for their brilliant work and look forward to viewing future projects.

BAFF 2019 Playtime’s Over Short Film Review

Laurie (Haley Leary) an S-Mart employee decides to pick up a babysitting gig to earn some extra cash. She gets more than she bargained for when Dee, (Evan Reames) a young girl obsessed with horror movies decides to terrorize her sitter by setting up a series of games. After this dreadful experience I don’t think Laurie will be babysitting anytime soon.

Playtime’s Over is an homage to some of my favorite horror classics. From Evil Dead to Carrie this film brought me back to my love of horror at a young age. There’s something so creepy and unnerving about a child wrecking havoc on the person who’s one job is to protect them. I was a babysitter myself back in the early 2000’s. I remember it like it was yesterday. The fear of something happening and knowing that someone else’s child was my responsibility is a big deal. Taking this concept and making the child the “villain” is a brilliant concept that works well both in writing and on screen.

With a movie like this it’s very easy to get carried away and make the entire movie one big throwback. That isn’t the case here. Each film reference was used methodically and rationally making it a truly unique experience. I found myself pointing at the screen multiple times saying “Oh, that’s good!” Or “I know that reference!” It is truly refreshing to see a horror short that is meant to be goofy and over the top while remaining true to itself. This is something I have tremendous respect for.

Overall I think Playtime’s Over is a success. It has a little something for everyone and It’s a movie that can be watched by viewers more than once. I give this film an 8/10. My only complaint is some of the acting was a little off. Aside from that I think Writer Todd Jacobs and Director Tony Reams did a fantastic job. I hope to see more of their work in the future. Playtime’s Over is a part of Buried Alive Film Festival 2019.

Red Letter Day Film Review

After her divorce single mother Melanie Edwards (Dawn Van de Schoot) moves herself and her two teens, Madison (Hailey Foss) and Timothy (Kaeleb Zain Gartner) to a quant suburban town. One seemingly normal morning turns their lives upside down when the family receives three mysterious red letters in the mail instructing them to kill their neighbors or suffer the consequences.

The thought of an event such as Red Letter Day happening in real life is scary. Social media has an enormous amount of influence on people. If a company or an influencer says jump the general public says “how high?” That’s a lot of responsibility and control over people. This movie takes a look into what would happen if there was a case of mass hysteria in the world today. Technology can be our greatest asset but in wrong hands it can also lead us down the path of destruction.

I believe that Red Letter Day will soon be compared with the Univeral Studios film The Purge. Although I have seen the first film in the Purge series I wasn’t a fan and found that the entire movie seemed very forced and didn’t meet my expectations. Although Red Letter Day is similar in plot and tone I think it is far superior. This film takes the more realistic, psychological thriller route and that to me was a brilliant approach.

Generally speaking I tend to have bigger expectations for horror movies and psychological thrillers than any other genre. The reason for this is that these films have way more wiggle room when it comes to making an impression. If I’m watching a historical drama I want to feel the emotion of the characters. I want to feel as though I’m in that time period if only for a few hours. The same applies to horror except I want to be scared. I don’t need gore in a film to be frightened and this film is a great example of how a realistic situation can be scarier than horror classics such as Dawn of the Dead.

Red Letter day is a superior genre piece that dives deep into the human psyche. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers I think you’ll love this movie. I give this film a 10/10. I was very impressed by Writer and Director Cameron Macgowan. Macgowan is known for his short films and this is his first full length feature. I have no doubt that with talent like his we will see more of his work in the future. Red Letter Day will be released by Epic Pictures under the label Dread on Blu-Ray and VOD November 5.