Sunday Matinee: Five Fingers For Marseilles [Film]

“The residents of the colonial town of Marseilles are under the thumb of police oppression and only the young rebels known as the Five Fingers are willing to stand up to them. Their battle is just, until Tau kills two policemen and flees the scene. The remaining rebels disband while the banished Tau resorts to a life of crime.  Twenty years later, now known as feared outlaw The Lion of Marseilles, he is released from prison. He returns home, desiring only peace and to reconnect with those he left behind. The battle for South Africa’s freedom has been won, and former comrades-in-arms are in prominent positions as mayor, police chief, and pastor. But it quickly becomes clear to Tau that Marseilles is caught in the grip of a vicious new threat — and he must reconstitute the Five Fingers to fight frontier justice. Standing against former allies and new enemies, the re-formed Five Fingers saddle up and ride out, and put their lives at risk to save their beloved Marseilles.” – October Coast PR

I am torn on whether I should truly express just how much “fun” I had watching this incredible film. While at its core, Five Fingers For Marseilles is indeed a brilliant western film with a similar story that has been played time and time again in the world of western films, there is something very different about this tale. Maybe it’s the modernization of it all. Maybe it’s simply being old enough to remember that South Africa was not free from oppression even within my own relatively short lifespan. Or, probably most likely, it’s that this film is so damn gripping and visually stimulating that you are left with that “so awesome” feeling and then go back to recapture what exactly it was that you just saw portrayed on the screen in front of you. Very much like, and I hate to make a comparison but, like the Academy Award winning western, Unforgiven. While technically classified by its setting as a “western”, this film is a dramatic thrill ride that hits so hard with a terrific story and amazing cinematography.

Five Fingers For Marseilles is available now on Video On Demand. Check out the trailer for this incredible thrill ride, here:

Sunday Matinee: Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain [Film]

“Hacktivist and blockchain expert Lauri Love fights extradition in TRUST MACHINE‹his computer skills a threat to the US government. Tech innovators strike a raw nerve as banks and network pundits rush to condemn volatile cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology. Why are banks terrified while UNICEF Ventures embraces it to help refugee children? Award­ winning filmmaker Alex Winter reveals that proponents of blockchain‹a verified digital ledger‹are already using the technology to change the world; fighting income inequality, the refugee crisis and world hunger.” – Big Time PR

I’m going to need to preface this coverage by attempting to set a lot of minds at ease: I didn’t understand bitcoin before watching this film, and I am still not entirely sure if I do after watching this stunning documentary. But, that is a personal problem. I will say that after watching Alex Winter’s amazing documentary, I understand that it is an absolutely incredible advancement in technology that is receiving a far too negative reaction, for exactly all the wrong reasons. Old heads of our expiring democracy see this type of technology as a threat, and something that needs to stop. Thankfully there are folks out there like legendary cult favorite actor turned documentarian Alex Winter out there to set the god damn record straight.

As I stated before, I am not entirely knowledgable on what bitcoin truly is. But, this is truly just my self-realization that there is so much excellence in the simplicity of it all that it makes it hard for my simple mind to comprehend. Or maybe I understand it entirely. Cryptocurrency makes about as much sense as a monetary world that is solely based around numbers and figures placed into a digital bank. Why wouldn’t it work? Well, the real answer is that there is no reason. It can work. It should work. But, will the powers that be allow it to be a thing? I mean, “no” is their answer. But, can they really stop it? I believe that time will truly tell. And in watching Trust Machine, I find the the future to be very bright in knowing that the old fogies like myself are just going to have to deal with the changes for the better by just stepping the fuck aside, and keeping our god damn mouths closed. Of course, I am not a person of power, so I could never understand the level of narcissism that it takes to be one of these psychopaths, but I’m not here to brag. I’m simply here to support the likes of Laurie Love and everyone else out there who is desperately trying to make the future so bright that we will all be wearing designer aviators out of necessity.

What I am basically trying to say here is that if you have ever wondered what exactly cryptocurrency and blockchain truly is, and want to set your mind at ease about something that is so scary and different than what you are used to, you absolutely MUST see Trust Machine. And also, I may be biased as a fan, but I would believe just about any and every thing that Rosario Dawson told me. Thank goodness she’s not a flat-earther, as I really wouldn’t know what to do.

All jokes aside, Alex Winter has created something magical here. This is the type of documentary that has the ability to not only change minds, but history. Please watch this!

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain recently premiered in L.A. on November 16th. Additional cities are to follow. Keep up with how you can check out the film at the film’s WEBSITE. And check out the trailer for the film right here:

Sunday Matinee: Sacred Heart [Film]

“Sacred Heart chronicles the journey of a religious man, who rejects God and his faith, after the tragic death of his pregnant wife and then challenges the Devil. He receives a visit from his priest, who pushes him to question his own beliefs.” – October Coast PR

I have to preface this by stating that I am of the opinion that referring to a psychological thriller as “extremely fucked up” is a high compliment. These types of films are meant to toy with your emotions and tear down your sense of right and wrong.

With that being said….Sacred Heart is extremely fucked up.

It is a story that weaves in and out of reality like a national leader on Twitter. It creates false realities, but it is on a deeper level than the previously mentioned example. At its core, this is a film about dealing with not only loss and pain, but guilt and self-hatred. With a plot that is simply two men having a conversation about God and relationships, the creators of this fantastic film manage to create a story so in depth and in touch with the human psyche that it was not only frightening to watch, but also pretty damn uncomfortable. Which is a sign of most good art. If you’re uncomfortable watching a film, you’re probably relating it to it on a psychological level that you may not truly understand.

It should probably go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway, that the reason this film was so impactful is clearly based around the work of both David Field and Kipan Rothbury. While clearly well-written characters developed by writer/director Kosta Nikas, these two really hit it out of the proverbial ball park when it comes to making you truly believe in the madness that is raging within both of them. Their point/counterpoint and delivery were spot on. Their reactions were rapid fire or a slow burn, and in either case they absolutely destroyed their time on the screen.

Although Kosta Nikas’s brilliant feature film debut was released almost two years ago, it is finally seen its light of day with a DVD and VoD release this past summer. And if you watch this film and feel as though you need to take something away from your time viewing it, please let it be that Kosta Nika is a filmmaker to lookout for in the future. I am so excited to see what else can come from the mind that would bring us a film like Sacred Heart. Again, brilliant performances. A wonderfully written story. Shot fantastically. This is what great cinema is all about!

Check out the trailer for Sacred Heart, and find the film wherever you get them on DVD and VoD, available now:

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/140627364″>Trailer SACRED HEART Australia Psychological Thriller (90 min feature)</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/devilworksales”>DEVILWORKS</a&gt; on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Sunday Bloody Sunday Matinee: Krampus Origins [Film]

Welcome to Day 28 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“The first World War rages on when a group of American soldiers find a mysterious artifact that can summon the ancient evil of the Krampus.  After the men are killed in action, the artifact is sent to the commanding officers widow who is a teacher at a small-town orphanage.  The orphans accidentally summon the Krampus and the teacher, and her pupils are forced to battle this ancient evil.” – October Coast PR

Not going to lie to you good people….this is a “review” of a film coming from someone who has never actually watched anything regarding this Krampus figure. Of course I have heard of Krampus, but I just haven’t really leaned into the entire lure of the character. That is until now that I have witnessed Krampus Origins. Even with knowing nothing about the figure that is Krampus, I know a wonderfully done b-horror flick, and this is definitely one of them. The stylization of the film alone is worth its weight in golden medallions. I can’t tell you that I am looking into the world of Krampus, but I am definitely a bit more intrigued than ever before based on this terrifying film. What else could they have in store?

With a wonderful story line and a brilliant young cast, I believe that Krampus Origins is just a damn fine horror flick for all to know and love, whether or not you are a fan of the previous films. With veteran horror performers like Maria Olsen and brilliant newcomers who are moments away from breaking it big like Amelia Haberman, there is just so many great things to visually digest in this film. This is a film that takes itself seriously for all the right reasons, and manages to fill up every second of screen time with brilliant effects and wonderful performances. Check it out!

Krampus Origins is available on VOD and DVD on November 6th. Scary Christmas Everyone!

Splatterday Special: The Heretics [Film]

Welcome to Day 27 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“A young woman is abducted by a strange man who claims that a cult is hunting her. His goal is to protect her until sunrise but while restrained, she falls deathly ill. As her friends and family search for her, the source of her illness becomes more and more apparent. She’s not sick…she’s changing.” – October Coast PR

Holy shit Folks! Do we have an absolutely insane film to share with your fine people today. Today we are talking The Heretics, which is one of the most terrifying films of to be released in the last decade. With brilliant performances & effects that guide a very intense and disturbing plot line, this is the perfect film for anyone looking to lose themselves in terror for a short time. But please, be warned…this film  will stick with you. If you already have a deep-rooted fear of the occult and the awkward feelings that come with it, you’re going to be affected by this film for sure!

I’m not gonna lie Folks, it has been a week as of this writing since I watch actress Nina Kiri fight her way through a proverbial web of confusion, pain, anger, and absolutely fucking terror. And so much respect to Jorja Cadence who is someone we will definitely be watching closely here at Trainwreck’d Society. Filmmaker Chad Archibald has already had a brilliant career in the world of horror, and The Heretics is a brilliant addition to said career and further proof that he is one of the best in the business.

Check out The Heretics, available On Demand on November 6th and on DVD on January 5th from Uncork’d Entertainment.

 

Sunday Bloody Sunday Matinee: Dead Love [Film]

Welcome to Day 21 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“Brandon is a young train engineer whose world is upended when his mother suddenly takes her own life. At the funeral home, he meets Fiona, a beautiful and mysterious mortician who takes a strong interest in him. Soon they discover they share a passion for music. And when Fiona serenades him with an ancient folk song, their lives become entwined for eternity.” – October Coast PR

This might very well be one of the hardest films to ever truly explain. First and foremost, it is a brilliant tale. Whether or not it is technically a horror film is not really a necessary argument, as it is just a damn fine piece of art. Sure, it’s pretty easy to classify it as a thriller and just go on about our lives. But I honestly just don’t work like that. I’m not hung up on categorizing films…that much. But, I do believe that the genre blending of Dead Love is one of the finest elements of the film. It is a dramatic thriller with a twist of horror elements involved.

I’m not going to spoil what the dark secret may be that leaves the main characters with their “lives becoming entwined for eternity”, but it is suffice to say that a whole lot of you are not going to see it coming. Myself included. I watch a lot of horror movies, as you could guess, but I have never seen anything quite like this. Again, it could be possible this is because it isn’t a proper horror film, and actually isn’t advertised as such. It’s just…just…just fucking watch it! I want everyone I know to watch this film with one of the best endings ever made so I can TALK TO SOMEONE!!

One element that makes this brilliant film such a delight also comes with a heavy surprise. The film’s female lead is one Nicole Elizabeth Olson. Not aware of work? Do not feel bad, as this is her first film! And I am not over exaggerating when I say that she NAILS IT in her role as Fiona. I became immensely engrossed in Dead Love to the point where I couldn’t stop watching it, but I kept it in the back of my head to look up who this Olson character was, and where I could find her other work. Turns out, there is no other work! I was just privy to the fact that this was her first on screen performance, and almost refused to believe it. It seriously took someone from the film’s promotion team to ensure this to me. I seriously could not believe it. And I truly hope that Nicole understands what a huge talent she is, and she has so much to offer the world of performance. Should all the stars align, this woman is going to be a star! The talent is undeniable, all she needs is opportunity. Which, sadly and an entirely different subject, can be the biggest pain in the ass of all. But, here is to hope!

And back to the idea that the film is so uncategorizable is really a tribute to the genius that is the film’s team of talent that brought this story to life. Writer’s Emanuel Isler and Chad Israel wrote one hell of a story, and directors Colin Floom and Greg Nemer did a superb job at giving the visual respect that the story deserved. Luke Askelson eye should not be disregarded as well as it was quite good.

Overall, Dead Love is an indie masterpiece, and one of the finest films of 2018. I need you all to see this gem, and get back to me on your thoughts. We have covered some great films this year at Trainwreck’d Society, as recently as just one week ago, yesterday even. And this is most definitely one of them, Folks. Check it out!

Dead Love is available now on DVD and VOD. Check out the trailer below, and purchase the film wherever you get your viewing pleasure:

Splatterday Special: Bonehill Road [Film]

Welcome to Day 20 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“Emily and Eden Stevens escape one violent situation only to dive head first into another. Terrified and alone they are stranded in the dark woods only to be chased into a horrific scene in a house or horrors. They must work together to get out alive. But what is worse? What is on the inside or out?” – October Coast PR

Welcome to another Splatterday Special here at Trainwreck’d Society! Today we are featuring a true low budget delight of a film. We are talking Bonehill Road, a wonderful part werewolf and part psychological thriller from the mind of the legendary B-Horror filmmaker Todd Sheets. It’s part cringe-worthy, part silly in a dark kind of way, and ALL superbly done. The cast even includes our dear friend Linnea Quigley who you may remember from a couple of Month of Horror showcases ago. She is fantastic, and is surrounded by a wonderful group of peers in this film. Big shout out to Millie Milan, who puts on one of the finest “frightened as fuck!” performances I have ever seen.

When it comes to low-budget horror films, you can’t get much better than the legendary Todd Sheets. He is of the class and caliber of so many damn fine filmmakers we have had the pleasure of showcasing here. But Sheets has his own unique style that is very prevalent here in Bonehill Road. The blood flows like a chilled box wine, and the suspense is as exhilarating as “that one couple” arguing for hours as the sun gently drapes over the trailer park. I really, really loved this film for being exactly what it was supposed to be: a wonderful piece of B-Horror art that both entertains and frightens. It’s what we have come to expect from a guy like Todd Sheets, and he once again did not disappoint!

Bonehill Road is available now on DVD from Wild Eye Releasing, with a digital release coming soon. Check out the trailer here:

Sunday Bloody Sunday Matinee: Clickbait [Film]

Welcome to Day 14 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“Clickbait tells the story of Bailey and Emma, roommates who have conflicting philosophical views on fame in the Internet age. Just when Bailey’s vlog stats begin waning, they are threatened by a dangerous stalker, resulting in their exploding popularity on the vlogging site str33ker. When Bailey is kidnapped, Emma, with the help of the incompetent detective Frank Dobson, must race against time and her own exploding popularity, to locate Bailey.” – Launch Over Films

We have been teasing this one a lot over the last week, and I know you have all be patiently waiting for it as you are all fine and gentle people. Well, now you can let your proverbial hair down and get excited! Today we are talking about the amazing comedy horror film Clickbait! Previously we spoke with the film’s co-writer and a fantastic stand up comedian Jeremy Long about his work on the project. And on Friday we ended our week of interviews with some words from the man who portrayed the incompetent detective Frank Dobson, the wonderful actor Seth Chatfield. I can not recommend to you know to go back and check out their words as they have so many wonderful things to say about the film that would simply be echoed here in a far less professional manner.

Clickbait is just about the most fun I have had watching a film in such a long time. And fun in a different way that I had become accustomed to in watching the work of the great filmmakers that are Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. These two have shown up a lot here at Trainwreck’d Society for what should be extremely obvious reasons. Do a quick search of either of them, or both, and you will see a magnitude of amazing projects in the world of film and music that is all bursting with talent and charisma. But, the one thing you won’t find too much of is their involvement in the specific world of comedy. The duo has been tormenting us for years in the world of horror with films like Ten and Blood of the Tribades, and even confusing a simple mind like mine in the world of science fiction with the wonderfully done Magnetic. But, we really haven’t seen the two pair up to create something that is of the thriller nature, but also quite hilarious!

I seriously had to fact check myself on this, and I believe I am right. Problem being that Sophia and Michael have worked on other comedic projects that never made it to our digital pages, but also that they are a couple of the best social media follows I have ever witnessed. Case in point: The Beyonce Thread. Seriously, go to this.

So, here we are finally talking about the duo’s stab at the world of comedy horror (there’s a pun there somewhere, right?), and it would behoove us to mention that the cast of this film is magnificent. Along with the three main leads, there is just a whacky plethora of side characters and cameos that are brilliantly done, but also great little cameos for anyone who is a follower of the MJE and Sophia C world. I liken it to my fellow View Askew/Kevin Smith fanatics out there. You know, the people who knew of Ming Chen as the View Askew tech guy BEFORE Comic Book Men. Yeah, that deep. But, fandom aside, so much love has to be given to the absolutely brilliant Amanda Colby Stewart and Brandi Aguilar. I finished this film with an absolute desire to see these two in more and more work. And as immensely talented as they are, I so no reason that I won’t. Stewart is amazing as she brings the reality of the modern world on screen in such a cringe-worthy yet you can not deny it to be true sort of way. And Aguilar is wonderful in her performance as the character who seems to have the right perspective, but her rational ideals just don’t seem to translate into modern society. I have always said that the writing of dialogue for a character is only as good as the actor’s who speak them. Well, I’m sure everyone says that, even like, actual professionals out there. Anyway, it’s true. And While Jeremy Long and Michael J. Epstein have written a beautifully tragic and hilarious story, Stewart and Aguilar were brilliant at putting their words out into the world.

And of course, there’s our buddy Seth Chatfield. Again, I’d really love you all to head back to last Friday’s interview with Seth, as he is such a charming man and a damn delightful person. He was amazing in this film. His character manages to ease the tension when needed, and bring us right back into it when it was needed even more.

I also can’t say enough about the great work that went into creating the  incredible music and sound of the film. Our dear friend and frequent MJE/Sophia C collaborator Catherine Capozzi is joined with her old friends as well as the band Night Kisses to create a wonderfully entertaining sound. Much like everything Capozzi touches, Clickbait has turned into award winning musical gold. And Night Kisses is a band that is now continuously on my radar, and should be on yours as well.

Seriously folks, from the cast to the writing, to the editing, to the flawlessly executed Toot Strudel commercials (seriously, watch this, you are going to love them), This is film is a masterpiece in the world of comedy horror. Please recognize that I put “comedy” before “horror”, as I truly believe in my heart of heart’s that at it’s root this is a wonderful comedic film with some well done horror moments. It’s dark without getting grim, and fun without getting real blue. I truly loved Clickbait, and I know you all are going to as well!

Clickbait is currently making its rounds on the festival circuit, and is sit to be released sometime in 2019. Until then, follow the film on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and check out the trailer below. And if you find yourself in attendance at one of these fine festivals, watch for the film through the next few weeks:

10/16  Sanford International Film Fest in Sanford, ME

10/27  FANtastic Horror Film Fest in San Diego, CA

11/3  Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Fest in Buffalo, NY

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/280361846″>Clickbait (2018) – Trailer from Launch Over – Cacciola / Epstein on Vimeo.

Splatterday Special: The Dial Tone of Doom [Short]

Welcome to Day 13 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

 

Oh hot damn do we have something special for you fine Folks today! We have been talking about a project from our friends Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola, who have been a mainstay in our Month of Horror showcase not only this year, but several years prior. That film is Clickbait. And I promise we are going to talk about soon. Very soon. Alright, it’s tomorrow. But, before we get to the future, let’s talk about the NOW! It turns out, our dear friends MJE & Sophia C have yet ANOTHER project that is currently available now that you should all know and love. But, I have to make it clear…Do it now!

The Dial Tone of Doom is an absolutely brilliant short horror film written & directed by Epstein, and stars the ever-wonderful Cacciola. It also happens to be a part of a truly incredible anthology series that I was previously unaware of until this film, but you can bet your bottom blood soaked dollar that I will be paying attention to it from now on. As previously stated, this is an anthology series that is currently available on YouTube. Which means, they episodes will “air” and be available for one week, and then they will disappear. But not forever! A DVD release will include The Dial Tone of Doom and the rest of the anthology that is sure to be fantastic!

But for now, check out the provided link to this amazing short film that you are absolutely going to love. I don’t want to spoil too much of the film, but it is suffice to say that it is a brilliant satirical look at the technological world in which we live in today, and that even those who attempt to deny said technology is still susceptible to the darker forces of nature. There is no winning in this dark, twisted world. Which is very cool, and brilliantly displayed here in The Dial Tone of Doom. Enjoy!

Sunday Bloody Sunday Matinee: The Basement [Film]

Welcome to Day 7 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

“Craig is abducted and wakes up in a basement. His captor, Bill, is a twisted serial killer who wishes to reenact his own capture, with Craig playing the part of Bill and Bill playing everyone else. As Bill tortures Craig, he cycles through a number of personas, all while Craig tries desperately to find a way into Bill’s pathology in order to save himself.” October Coast PR

Holy shit Folks! I have to kick this thing off my stating that while this is indeed a wonderful horror film, it’s actually a whole lot more than that. It’s a truly original and wonderful FILM, regardless of what genre it should reside in. The Basement truly has it all. As one would obviously expect simply by the description, the performances are absolutely incredible. I mean, Jackson Davis literally has to do 12 different roles! Well, maybe 13 to 14, depending on how you look at it in the end. Anyway, damn the performances from Davis and Cayleb Long are absolutely phenomenal and are worth the viewing of this brilliant film in itself. It’s actually tough to decide which personality was my favorite, as they were all done so damn well.

Beyond the brilliant acting work completed in this magnificent film, it is really just a brilliant story brought to screen. This is a brilliantly written work of art that contains everything you would want from not only a horror or thriller film, but a film in general. Filmmaker Brian M. Conley manages bring every element of surprise imaginable to this film, literally up to the very end of the film. It is a cinematic experience in which you should really go into watching it with an expectation of the unexpected is going to most definitely occur. I simply cannot say enough great things about this wonderfully done film. It’s as gruesome as it is dramatic, and as fascinating as it is terrifying.

The Basement is available now on VOD, wherever you stream great films.