Halloween Horror Movie Marathon Madness Circus of Coulrophobes Week 1

American Horror Story: Freakshow (2014)

Before I jump into my week of viewing I figured I would put all of my AHS viewing up front as I watched almost the entire season 4 over the course of the week

Episode 1: 4 Points (ATB for clown committing murder)

Episode 2: 4 Points (ATB for clown committing murder)

Episode 3: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, someone dressed up as a clown, traveling circus)

Episode 4: 4 Points (ATB for clown committing murder)

Episode 5: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 6: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 7: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 8: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 9: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 10: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

Episode 11: 4 Points (Clown toy in credits, actual sideshow actor (Mat Fraser), traveling circus)

I have not kept up with AHS over the years. I did watch season 1 but dropped off at season 2. I think I watched the opening episodes of season 3 and 4 but that was it. I saw this Madness theme as a good reason to jump into season 4. The nice thing about the series is each season is its own story independent of previous seasons making it easy to jump in. So far I'm 11 episodes in out of the 13 and it's been pretty uneven. There are some real standout moments, Kathy Bates as the bearded woman gives a really strong performance and I also found Mat Fraser to have a really strong presence. Twisty the clown is a really terrifying iteration of a killer clown so his early departure was a bit disappointing though it would have been difficult to see his story last over 13 episodes. The character of Dandy is a bit difficult as he's too much of stereotypical rich sociopath. The fact that he has become such a focus particularly in these later episodes is a bit frustrating. Also, while episode 10 focusing entirely on Pepper was pretty pointless outside of that final shot foreshadowing the future of Elsa, the episode itself was pretty depressing and kind of devastating to see a character like Pepper go through so much horror. I am interested to see what the last two episodes hold but overall I can see why I never stuck with the series. The show isn't scary. It's shocking, but shock does not equal scary for me. 3/5

Sunday October 2nd

Clown (2014)

A guy dresses up in an old clown costume only to discover that once he puts it on it's not so easy to take off. A fun movie if not a bit long with some good gore and a few shocking deaths. 2.5/5
Points: 6 (ATB for clown committing murder)

Clownhouse(1989)

Victor Salva is a piece of garbage. Clownhouse is one of those movies where I'm happy to own a bootleg VHS rip as any official release would potentially mean more money in his pocket. The movie itself isn't bad but still an uncomfortable watch knowing its backstory. 2.5/5
Points: 6 (ATB for clown committing murder)

Carnival of Souls(1962)

I tried watching Carnival of Souls many years ago and never got through it. I guess I must have been in the wrong frame of mind as I quite enjoyed this viewing. Even though it's clear what is happening the atmosphere is great and I loved the ending. 4/5
Points: 6 (ATB carnival collects souls)

Hocus Pocus(1993)

My youngest daughter actually wanted to watch this so I couldn't say not. My over familiarity with it has tainted it quite a bit but it's still fun to watch with my girls who really enjoy it. 2.5/5
Points: 2

Halloween Wars(2016)

Elvira and Don Mancini were the guest judges and the themes had to do with selfies and witches and warlocks. For the first round I would have gone with the pumpkin devouring the girl as I just found it more gruesomely fun but agreed with the second round pick. 3/5
Points: 4 (ATB for the premiere night viewing)

Monday October 3rd

Simpsons Treehouse of Horror III

The Threehouse of Horror episodes are an annual watch for me and I usually find myself going back to the same ones. I will always search out any that meet the ATB but otherwise I'll avoid the later ones most of the time. In this episode Homer buys an evil Krusty doll for Bart, a giant ape is captured in a King Kong parody titled "King Homer" and zombies run amok in Springfield after Bart and Lisa attempt to resurrect Snowball. While I'm not really fond of the middle section the opening and closing segments are right up my alley so it's a solid entry in the series. 4/5
Points: 3 (ATB for clown doll attaching a human)

Tuesday October 4th

Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XIX

This episode features a parody of Transformers, a segment where Homer finds word killing off celebrities and a parody of Charlie Brown where Millhouse brings about destruction and murder when he conjures up the Grand Pumpkin. The final segment is the most fun for me, the other two are fine. 2.5/5
Points: 3 (ATB for Krusty being killed by Homer)

Wednesday October 5th

Kids Halloween Baking Championship (2016)

My oldest daughter loves the kids cooking competitions so once she saw this was on we had no choice but to watch it. These kids are more accomplished bakers at 10 then I am at 33. One kid manages to raise up a cake on rice krispy treats, that's talent. 3/5
Points: 1

Thursday October 6th

Simpsons Treehouse of Horror I

My wife doesn't understand my love for the Simpsons and now she has to content with two of us as my oldest daughter loves it. This very first Simpsons Halloween special features segments that to me are classics though the next few years would really find their stride. The first has the family move into an evil house, the second is a parody of a classic Twilight Zone episode where the Simpsons believe they are being prepared as a meal for some hungry aliens and the final is their take on Poe's The Raven. 4/5
Points: 1 (Bart sleeps with a clown doll)

Killer Klowns From Outer Space

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I grew up watching this on HBO. I introduced my friends to it and we'd watch it constantly. It still stands as one of my favorite 80s horror comedies. From the costumes and props to the giant cotton candy cocoons I love all of it.

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6 points (ATB for clown committing murder)

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Saturday October 8th

Clowntown (2016)

It's about what I expected from a direct to video killer clown movie. It has it's moments but not something I would revisit. Some of the clowns are surprisingly effective but the leads are pretty bland and terrible. This wouldn't have been on the front of my list if it hadn't been for the bonus. 2/5
Points: 12 (First week viewing bonus)

The Crow (1993)

My wife had never seen The Crow and it had been years since I watched it. The movie still holds up and has maybe even improved since I was younger. I can probably relate a bit more to the plight of Draven more than I could when I was in my early 20's. 4/5
Points: 2

Fright Night (1985)

I watch it every year. It's one of my favorite horror films and I'm pretty sure has been included in all three years of my madness viewing. It never gets old for me and will always stand as a classic with just the right blend of solid horror and comedy. 5/5
Points: 2

Total Week 1 Points: 98

Podcast Episode 55 - City of the Living Dead & Burial Ground.

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In episode 55 we cover two Italian horror classics! Lucio Fulci's City of the Living Dead and Burial Ground: Nights of Terror starring everyone's favorite little person posing as a child, Peter Bark! We also discuss what's happening in the news, what we've been watching and more. Enjoy!

Podcast Episode 54 - Samurai Space Cop 2

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In this episode of Midnight Triple Feature we cover the so bad it's good classic Samurai Cop and it's sequel, Samurai Cop 2 as well as Space Cop. We also talk about what we've been watching, current news and more. Enjoy!

Artsploitation Films Picks Up American Indie Horror The Anatomy of Monsters

Cannes, May 12, 2016 – Artsploitation Films has announced that is has acquired the North American rights to the edgy and dark American independent film The Anatomy of Monsters directed by Seattle-based filmmaker Byron C. Miller.

The film revolves around a seemingly normal yet homicidal young man who ventures out one night in search for his first kill. At a lonely bar he meets a young woman, takes her to a hotel room and prepares to slash her throat…until he discovers she harbors secrets far worse than even he could imagine.

Ray Murray, President of Artsploitation, called the film, “Refreshingly gritty, the kind of film John Cassavetes would have done if he ventured into genre filmmaking. The storyline is original, the tension palpable and it features a star-making performance by Tabitha Bastien as the far from innocent victim.” He says of the director and co-writer Miller, “Byron ignored the constraints of his limited budget to make a creepy, dark, disturbing and immensely creative thriller.”

Miller, who previously directed the feature Night and is currently attached to direct the genre film, Unwelcome, called his film, “midnight poetry in that attempts to create “the feeling of late night hours and sinister urges,” and commented, "It truly is an honor to work with Artsploitation Films, and be included among their stunning library of titles. Paul Morgan (screenplay, cinematographer), and I put our souls into this film and brought it to life with a beyond dedicated cast and crew. I can't wait to share this monster with the world!"

The Anatomy of Monsters trailer: https://youtu.be/t9jHaKSaSrU

The Anatomy of Monsters is scheduled to be released on DVD and VOD early fall, 2016.

Burial Plots - A Horror Anthology from the Makers of "WNUF Halloween Special" and "Call Girl of Cthulu"

Burial Plots - A Horror Anthology from the Makers of "WNUF Halloween Special" and "Call Girl of Cthulu"Pick up your copy… before you end up bagged and boarded.

Filmmakers Chris LaMartina and Jimmy George are unleashing a Kickstarter campaign for their new horror project, Burial Plots.

Inspired by creepy comics likeTales from the Crypt and The Witching Hour, BURIAL PLOTS contains thirty ghastly black & white pages, featuring two macabre adventures. With dread-inducing artwork and blood-soaked storylines, it’s perfect for creeps who like their fear mixed with fun.

In BUM WRAP, a wronged homeless man discovers an ancient mummy and uses the decrepit creature to seek revenge. It’s a real rags-to-riches story!

In SHAPESHIFTERS, a scrawny recruit transforms after he joins a gym run by a pack of muscle head werewolves. Will this killer workout get him ripped in thirty days?

Since 2007, Chris LaMartina and Jimmy George have written and produced six award winning, critically-acclaimed horror features. With an anarchic knack for sharp wit and stylized bloodshed, their work has been praised by the New York Times, VICE, NPR, and MTV. Their film, WNUF Halloween Special is currently streaming on Shudder and their Lovecraft comedy, Call Girl of Cthulhu tore up the international film fest circuit.

Illustrator John de Campos (aka GHOSTBAT) has been producing artwork professionally since 2013. Specializing in show posters, album covers and logos, de Campos has covered a wide range of illustration needs while sharpening a versatile but accessible style. He is a founding member of the Baltimore Rock Opera Society.

If their Kickstarter campaign is successful, BURIAL PLOTS will be the first comic from Baltimore-based Midnight Crew Studios.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1972109475/burial-plots-a-horror-comic-from-midnight-crew-stu

Podcast Episode 53 - Bad Dead-Alive Taste

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In episode 53 we discuss a double feature of Peter Jackson's early work. First up is Bad Taste, an off the wall scifi comedy starring Jackson himself. Second is Dead-Alive, one of the goriest films ever made and one that planted Jackson firmly into the hearts of horror fans everywhere. We also discuss what we've been watching and what's going on in the news. Enjoy!

"The Horror" Now Available on Digital VHX and Limited Edition VHS

Los Angeles, CA - Moondog Media is excited to announce today's nationwide digital VHX and limited edition VHS release of their first feature The Horror. Jerry White III's first film follows freshly orphaned twins made to fight for their survival; a fight that continues long after the violence ends. Anchored by stars Callie Ott (WTF!) and Raymond Creamer in his debut performance, The Horror and its leads have been hailed by critics since the world premiere at Dances With Films. Bloody Disgusting called Creamer a "modern take on Norman Bates" while Modern Horrors applauded White for making "one of the more impressive genre debuts [of the] year".

Still reeling from the loss of their parents, Malcolm (Creamer) and Isabel Rademacher (Ott) head to their family's lake house for a weekend with their friends. What starts as a fun trip is cut short when Malcolm and Isabel ultimately push their companions away. Abandoned, Malcolm and Isabel's isolation is exploited by two masked assailants who invade their home. Malcolm kills one of them in self-defense, but becomes obsessed with tracking his escaped partner down.

A year later, Isabel is attempting to put her life back together but memories of the invasion cast a long shadow. As Malcolm continues his hunt for the second assailant, Isabel becomes aware of the darkness that he carries inside and, while he claims to be protecting her, she worries that he may be the biggest threat of all.

The VHS release of The Horror ($20) exclusively includes an introduction by Jerry White III and a digital download of the film. VHX downloads of The Horror ($5) can be played on any home entertainment system, as well as Roku, AppleTV, Android, iOS, Chromecast, AirPlay and more.

Volumes of Blood Coming April 26th

Critically acclaimed VOLUMES OF BLOOD coming April 26th.

LeglessCorpse Films has acquired distribution rights to the critically acclaimed horror anthology VOLUMES OF BLOOD! Coming to Limited Edition Steelbook, BluRay, and DVD April 26th exclusively at LeglessCorpseFilms.com and Amazon. Major VOD date TBA.

"has all the right bits in place to entertain the horror masses" -Dread Central

"Armed with an incredible cast and an incredible script, Volumes of Blood has finally given horror fans the anthology film they have craved." -Movie Pilot

"‘Volumes of Blood’ Is the Best Damn Anthology This Year" -Bloody-Disgusting

SYNOPSIS: Five tales of dread interwoven when a sociology student gathers several of his friends on Halloween night at the local library to help him create a new urban legend with deadly consequences; Lily is in for a late night of researching and needs something to keep her going. It isn't until she's approached by a mysterious stranger that her luck may change... for the worse; a typical night of work for a librarian becomes a classic ghost story with a modern twist. Sometimes you can't keep a bad book down; Sidney is allowed to stay after hours to study for a test. It's not until she suddenly awakens in the darkened library that she realizes the horrifying truth of what lurks among the stacks of books after midnight. She better pray she doesn't become the prey; Paige faces regrets that she'd do anything to take back. When an ancient and arcane spell book literally falls into her lap, she decides to make a grave decision. Be careful what you wish for, it might just kill you.

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Verite Cinema has released a new horror anthology produced through their Unscripted Film School program at the Daviess County Public Library. Volumes of Blood is produced by P.J. Starks and Jim Blanton the team behind the indie horror short Lucky. The film also features exclusive work from Justin Mabry of Trick or Treat Studios and is Executive Produced by Lynn Lowry (The Crazies, I Drink Your Blood).

That’s A Wrap! – Directed by Lee Vervoort (The Truck)

A Little Pick Me Up – Directed by John Kenneth Muir (The House Between)

Ghastly – Directed by P.J. Starks (Hallows Eve: Slaughter on Second Street)

Encyclopedia Satanica – Directed by Nathan Thomas Milliner (A Wish For The Dead)

13 After Midnight – Directed by Jakob Bilinski (Three Tears on Bloodstained Flesh)

The anthology was written by Todd Martin (Lucky & Nightmare Tales). P.J. Starks and Nathan Thomas Milliner (Scream Factory and HorrorHound Magazine artist). The film stars Jim O’Rear (Day of the Dead, Teen Wolf), Jason Crowe (Easter Casket, Back in the Day), Roni Jonah (Overtime, The Zombie Movie), Todd Reynolds (Hallows Eve, Bumsicle), Louisa Torres (Lucky), Kristine Renee Farley (Bloody Hooker Bang Bang, The Creepy Doll), Kevin Roach (Out of the Shadows, Bloody Hooker Bang Bang) and more.