Splatterday Special: Johnny Gruesome [Film]

Welcome to Day 6 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!

“High school students Eric Carter and Johnny Grissom are best friends. Johnny is a heavy metal rebel nicknamed “Johnny Gruesome” by his classmates. When Johnny is murdered while on a drunken joyride, his killer persuades Eric and Johnny’s girlfriend to help him make the murder look like an accidental death. Johnny returns from the grave as a murderous, wisecracking zombie hell bent on revenge.” – October Coast PR

Oh hot damn, do we have an absolutely incredible film to share with you fine folks for our first film showcase in this year’s Month of Horror feature. Johnny Gruesome is a lot of things, but most important of them all, is that it is so much FUN! This film is a perfect blend of gore, jump scares, gut-wrenching violence…and so much to laugh about! As a huge fan of the comedy horror world, this film works from that angle specifically, but is also truly frightening. Filmmaker Gregory Lamberson flawlessly executes an absolutely brilliant film that moves in and out of different types of horror seamlessly with ease and is just a god damned delight, to be perfectly honest.

Gregory Lamberson has been creating some of the finest content in the world of B-Horror for over 30 years, so it truly isn’t a surprised that he has knocked it out of the park once again. A common theme in his film has been his wonderful use of make up, prosthetics, and a brilliant blend of corn syrup (maybe?) to make for a truly bloody and wonderful viewing experience. And so much credit has to be given to the man who portrayed the titular character, Anthony De La Torre. While the entire cast was great in their respective roles, it was Anthony that truly stood out amongst the proverbial sea of brilliance that was the cast of Johnny Gruesome. Also Byron Brown II is most definitely an actor to be on the lookout for in the coming years. There is something wonderful in his performance that leaves me wanting more, for damn sure!

Trust me Folks, if you are looking for a damn fine cinematic experience that hits all the marks of the world of horror, this is the film you want to see!

From Uncork’d Entertainment, Johnny Gruesome on VOD 10/16 and DVD 1/1/2019.

Sunday Matinee: Revenge [Film]

“Travelling under a false identity, Rebekka sets out on a mission to confront Morten Holand whom she shares a dark secret surrounding the death of her sister. As her plan falls apart, Rebekka is forced to face the devastating consequences of her actions and must decide how far she is willing to go to seek revenge.” – October Coast PR

Folks, I have to preface this by saying that if you are even remotely thinking about watching this film….strap in! Revenge is a brilliant thriller set against a beautiful Norwegian backdrop with some absolutely amazing performances. I usually get a bit nervous when starting a film that really sets up the premise and story very early. I know from film watching experience that it takes a certain kind of talented filmmaker and/or writer to keep the momentum going until the inevitable conclusion. Even if you don’t know what exactly will happen, you know a confrontation is imminent. And I have to say that Kjersti Steinsbø absolutely nailed it, and has created one of the finest films of recent years!

While it would behoove me to mention the incredible performances by folks like Frode Winther (who is so good at being hated!), Helene Bergsholm, Trond Espen Seim, and others…the performances that really stood out to be is not only from the film’s lead, the brilliant Siren Jørgensen who is so close to perfect it’s frightening, but also the amazing Anders Baasmo Christiansen. Now to be fair, Anders was handed a wonderfully written character to work with. I was honestly worried about what direction his character, Bimbo, was going to take. But, even with the perfectly written character, execution is everything. And I believe that Mr. Christiansen executed this role absolutely perfectly. And going back to Siren, just bloody brilliant! Another greatly written character, but with obvious motives, it was a character that was obviously a bit harder to execute. And again, she crushed it!

As most of you readers know, we don’t even cover films that we aren’t fans of here at Trainwreck’d Society. So technically, we would probably recommend every film we showcase here. But this one, Folks, you absolutely HAVE to see. I was so enamored by this brilliant put together film with a Norwegian backdrop that almost seemed unfair to other films that aren’t set in such a magnificent location! I’ve enjoyed Revenge so much that I have made a mental note to check out the work of not only the filmmaker, but everyone involved with this amazing project. And I am certain that you will to after only one viewing of this incredible film. Check it out Folks! I guarantee you will not be disappointed

 

 

Sunday Matinee: The Things You Think I’m Thinking [Short]

Sunday Matinee: The Forest of Lost Souls [Film]

Ricardo and Carolina are complete strangers that meet seemingly by chance in the “Forest of the Lost Souls”, a place where many people go to commit suicide. These two, a young woman and an old man, are no different than the others as they also came to the forest for this very reason. They decide to briefly postpone killing themselves in order to explore the forest and also to continue talking to one another, as Ricardo and Carolina find themselves intrigued by one another. However, as the pair go further into the forest it becomes clear that one of them has other reasons for being in the forest and is not who they would have the other believe them to be and is actually a psychopath.

This is hands down one of the finest films of 2018. I felt like I had to lead with this. By all technicalities, this should be categorized as a mystery film, if we felt the need to categorize it at all. I don’t recommend doing so, unless we are going to categorize it as brilliant, compelling, and absolutely fantastic! Writer and Filmmaker Jose Pedro Lopes has created a truly haunting yet beautiful story with characters that were expertly portrayed by Jorge Mota and Daniela Love.

Seriously Folks, go see this you are looking for a film that is as thoughtful as it is entertaining and suspenseful. Amazing performances, a truly original story, The Forest of Lost Souls is a film that is truly not to be missed. It is another truly inspiring tale of what the people around you may be able to do to help you through even the darkest of times, no matter how irreparable they may come to seem.

The Forest of Lost Souls is in select theatres across North America right now from Wild Eye Releasing. 

Sunday Matinee: Calling All Earthlings [Film]

 

“Calling All Earthlings explores a mid-century UFO cult led by one-time Howard Hughes confidante, George Van Tassel. Van Tassel claimed to have combined alien guidance with the writings of inventor/physicist Nikola Tesla, and other controversial science, to build an electromagnetic time machine he dubbed “The Integratron.” Was he insane? Or could the dome really break through the boundaries of space, time, and energy? FBI agents worked against Van Tassel and the alternative community that formed out of his work. Would he finish the Integratron before the government finished him?” – Big Time PR

This was easily one of the most interesting documentaries I have ever watched, and actually made me realize something about myself in the process of taking it all in, and was left with a very simple question in the end. And that was: What if? I consider myself to be a pretty open-minded person. Of course, my idea of open-mindedness is usually more on a social level, and believing that people have the right to do what makes them happy, as long as they aren’t hurting anyone in the process. It’s a simple train of thought I have always lived by. But, I honestly wouldn’t say I am very open minded about the idea of outer-worldly possibilities that some believe exist in this universe. And that is, in the simplest of definitions, is sort of what is at the core of Calling All Earthlings. And after watching this brilliant documentary, I can’t help but wonder if maybe I need to open myself up a bit more to the possibilities that a man like George Van Tassel so very clearly believed in. I mean, he wasn’t hurting anyone, right? The feds certainly didn’t want him to achieve success, and why was that? So while I remain skeptical overall, there are just too many damn questions out there to simply just call someone a nut job and move on with our lives like there is no other possible way to exist than the way we are now. Or maybe I’m just over thinking it a bit.

 

 

But, having a wonderful documentary lead you into the possibility of overthinking issues and life in general is sort of what they are there for, right? These films explore real events and if we pay close enough attention to the subject matter of these films, we may just learn something about ourselves in the process. George Van Tassel was obviously a genius man with an intellect and thought process beyond the likes that most of us will ever know. And I dare say that Calling All Earthlings is definitely a wonderful homage to this brilliant man. Whether you are all in with what he was trying to achieve, or what he believed, this is a wonderfully done film that you simply have to see for yourself.

Calling All Earthlings will be available on VOD, August 28th, 2018. The film will also open in New York City at the Maysles Cinema on August 1st, 2018. For more information about the film and where you can see it, head on over to callingallearthlings.com for more details!

 

 

Sunday Matinee: Rock Rubber 45s [Film]

 

“Rock Rubber 45s is a cinematic odyssey exploring the connectivity of global basketball, sneaker, and music lifestyle through the firsthand lens of authentic New York City culture orchestrator Bobbito Garcia. The film explores García’s youth dealing with mistreatment, educational quandaries, identity, and loss as well as his ascension to self-determination as an adult freelance creative. The ballplayer/author/DJ/filmmaker has carved an independent career that has inspired millions throughout the world, and has affected the growth and direction of the footwear, hip hop, and sports industries in the process. ” – Emma Griffiths PR

Whenever I throw on a documentary like this, I immediately begin to feel ashamed. Let me explain. As I have probably said a few times here at TWS, I was not aware of the subject matter of the film. In this case, it is the brilliant Bobbito Garcia. He is a man who has been so inspirational to so many different cultures, and I was so ignorant that I was unaware of his existence. And in my defense, the culture he created is pretty removed from my own. Although I appreciate the culture of street ball, sneakers, and NYC in general, I honestly know nothing about it. But, I do know something about cultural diversity, unity, and the importance of self representation. And I firmly believe that these are the things that Bobbito Garcia represents the most, and I am so damn happy to know that there is a man like this out there in the world, gaining as much success as possible.

 

 

Check out Rock Rubber 45s on VOD this Tuesday to find out why legends like Michael Rapaport, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Patti Labelle, Questlove, and Rosie Perez call this man a genius!

Also check out the film at the following events:

July 24th – Kinki Lounge Kitchen in Ottawa, Ontario

July 31st – Kinki Lounge Kitchen in Ottawa, Ontario

August 1st – BAM Rose Cinemas in New York City, New York

August 30th – Claremont Community Center in Bronx, New York

And surely more to follow! For all things Bobbito Garcia, be sure to check out his WEBSITE for tickets to screenings, as well as info about all the amazing things he is working on!

 

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/274980857″>Rock Rubber 45s</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/saboteurmedia”>Saboteur Media</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Sunday Matinee: King Cohen [Film]

“Buckle up for KING COHEN, the true story of writer, producer, director, creator and all-around maverick, Larry Cohen. Told through compelling live interviews, stills and film/TV clips, the people who helped fulfill his vision, and industry icons such as Martin Scorsese, J.J. Abrams, John Landis, Michael Moriarty, Fred Williamson, Yaphet Kotto and many more, including Larry himself, bring one-of-a-kind insight into the work, process and legacy of a true American film auteur. Few can boast of a career as remarkable or prolific, spanning more than 50 years of entertaining audiences worldwide.” – October Coast

Larry Cohen has always been one of those maverick figures that I feel like I always knew was out there, but really didn’t know anything about, until now. King Cohen dives directly into its attempt to make unwary viewers understand just how important this man was to the world of film and television. It also brilliantly provides the strong sense that with a strong work ethic and willingness to go as far as possible, pushing the limits of both society and the world of cinema, some really great art can be given to the world. Because that was exactly what Cohen did, and even continues to do.

And just as previously stated above by our friends at October Coast, and as any showcase of a film legend should do, there are a TON of wonderful interview subjects that are more than willing to tell you that Larry was, while a bit eccentric, probably one of the nicest guys in both old and new Hollywood. The brilliant Steve Mitchell (the man who wrote the seminal horror classic Chopping Mall!) knew exactly what he was doing, and managed to chop this brilliant film together to make a very lovely ode to a man who both changed cinema, but also rethought the way it could be created.

King Cohen begins its theatrical run July 27 in markets including Los Angeles and New York.

Special event screenings of the film will also be held throughout July and August in cities including Asheville, VA and Yonkers, NY.

Sunday Matinee: 1/1 [Film]

“Breathless, daring, and undone in a million pieces. Describing both the film’s style and main character, 1/1 submerges the audience into the mind of Lissa, a twenty-year-old girl trapped in rural Pennsylvania, who grapples with sex, drugs, love and loss. When a possible pregnancy forces Lissa to take a hard look at her life, both her and the structure of the film mature, illuminating a brighter path ahead.” – Big Time PR

Wow, just wow! I have to be very honest and admit that I was unaware of the actress Lindsey Shaw prior to sitting down to watch 1/1, I was more drawn to the idea of seeing Judd Nelson and Dendrie Taylor who I have always admired. But I will be god damned if I did not find myself almost entirely drawn to the amazing talent that is Shaw. What an absolutely stunning performance! I seriously can not think of a single moment in this film where she was not completely spot on and brilliant in her portrayal as Lissa. Especially being somebody who has felt that bitterness and resentment to the fact that you may very well be stuck in a place that is as frustrating as it is saddening. I can state with all honesty that she absolutely nailed it! Nelson and Taylor may have been the draw for me, but I left with a whole new love for the brilliant Lindsey Shaw.

And what a hell of a story, I should probably add! Shaw’s amazing performance was obviously guided by an amazing script by Jeremy Phillips. The frustration and turmoil of desperate times during desperate situations is a subject that so many of us can feel right to our cores.  And Phillips has created a brilliant visual demonstration of said turmoil with this brilliant film. With an amazing soundtrack from the amazing group Liars, the list of amazing things about this film would go on forever. Suffice to say, 1/1 is a genuine, honest, and damn near perfect film that everyone needs to see.

1/1 will be released July 17 on VOD, DVD and Blu-ray. (special features and unreleased Liars track available on Blu-ray) For more information about the film, go to oneoveronemovie.com

 

 

Sunday Matinee: Troll Inc. [Film]

“From innocent meme culture to malicious propaganda, the avant-garde has moved online and they have an agenda. Emerging from deep within underground computer programming culture, internet trolls are disenfranchised and using the click-bait obsessed mass media to propel their performance art into the mainstream. Whether mischievously entertaining the masses, influencing presidential elections, or manipulating journalists and corporations, trolls are either saving us or driving our culture off of a cliff. Prosecuted as a whistleblower by the Federal Government, Troll Inc. follows the world’s most famous Internet troll, Andrew Auernheimer, and his merry band of provocateurs as they take on corporate America, the media, and political-correctness.” – October Coast PR

Wow. Fucking WOW! What a god damned story this was! I am almost ashamed to admit that I was completely and utterly unaware of the events depicted in Trolls Inc., and had absolutely no idea who the illustrious “weev” was. I’m not certain that I really do now, or if anyone really understands this man. I do know that this is an absolutely brilliant documentary that attempts to bring light onto a dark situation, that should have been light all along. Although I am sure that it can be debated otherwise, I have found this story to be one of a man who was simply trying to do the right thing, was rejected horribly, and decided to have some God damned fun with it all, and ended up losing far too many months of his life to the bullshit pennial system that is plagued with corruption and absolute nonsense. This film is an amazing depiction of an entire culture of people who are just, well, way smarter than you, and are indeed the modern day avant garden artists of this modern tech-reliable world.

 

 

Troll Inc. is available on VOD now. 

 

Check out the trailer to Troll Inc. right here:

 

Sunday Matinee: The Lighthouse [Film]

“A dark and disquieting journey into the heart of madness” (Starburst), the film, inspired by a terrifying true story, tells of two men trapped in an isolated lighthouse, surrounded by the deadly Irish sea, with both their minds ultimately pushed to the limits.”

 

I believe it has happened folks! I may have very well seen the best film of 2018 thus far. Only half way through the year, and I have already become smitten and awestruck by this gem of a film entitled The Lighthouse. For a film that literally only has one location, and two men doing 99% of the acting, it absolutely blows my mind how insanely full of life this film is. The concept of isolation turned to absolute madness may very well be one of the most frightening concepts imaginable, and it has never been better portrayed than it has in this absolutely brilliant film from the eye of filmmaker Chris Crow.

Obvious nods have to go to the two (and basically only) stars of the film, Michael Jibson and Mark Lewis Jones. It is a rare thing to see the evolution of a relationship move from distant, to hopeful, to absolute madness in a perfectly timed hour and half. Jibson especially handles the absolute madness with the precision of an absolute professional and man of obvious and immense talent.

I have to admit that I find it almost impossible to truly get lost in a film these days, as the distractions of the world tend to intervene and make me fall out of a story. This absolutely was not the case in viewing The Lighthouse. The world could have stricken down everyone around me, and I would have had no idea when I was watching this amazing film. It was damn intriguing, and impossible to look away from. I honestly can not remember the last time I felt this way watching a film. It may have been as recently as last year, but it certainly didn’t have the impact that this one has had on me. Go see this damn movie folks, however you are able to. You are not going to regret losing yourself in this cinematic masterpiece.

The Lighthouse opens in select theaters July 6 and VOD July 10.