A trio of must-see Sci-Fi shorts!

A close friend of mine (that goes by the moniker "Silent Steve" when we record film commentaries for my ongoing Riff Bros. web project) is constantly bombarding my Facebook wall with Youtube videos he discovers when he's bored. Recently he has rocked my world with three very cool sci-fi shorts that may or may not have escaped your eyes. Behold three fantastic tales with robotic warriors, alien worlds, and human mutations!

ARCHETYPE
Directed by Aaron Sims, this seven minute short reminds me heavily of "Robocop" (and to a much lesser extent, "Skyline"). A robotic soldier is being cross-examined by a superior (human) officer after it disobeyed orders and engaged an EMP amidst a battle. It turns out, that the war machine was once human itself and its memories of its past life are starting to come back. When threatened with having its mind erased, the eight-foot tall robot takes matters into his own hands.


MAN THAT IS SO COOL! It's a good concept, and I for one would readily shell out ten bucks to see a feature-length film featuring bionic robo-warrior battling those that would attempt to eradicate his humanity. Or at the very least, can we get a followup short or two to fully flesh this story out? Please?!


THE GATE
No, this doesn't have anything to do with "Stargate," and it doesn't have anything to do with classic 80's film with the creepy little demons and Stephen Dorff. This short revolves around a security meeting where those involved are discussing a minor outbreak of human mutations caused by medication the victims obtained from shady sources. Apparently long-term use of the substances triggered a dormant gene in human DNA, resulting in some pretty freaky man-sters.


So remember kids, don't buy cheap or untested pharmaceutical products off the web because the legit stuff you need is too expensive. Doing so may turn you into a evolutionary monstrosity!

I really like the idea behind this short film and apparently others did too, because Matt Westrup's "The Gate" is going feature-length! Congrats Matt; I for one am very much looking forward to seeing what else you bring to the table here.


R'HA
While the previous shorts had humans interacting with robots and mutants, the third one I'm sharing with you tonight is a very cool sci-fi tale featuring diabolical war machines who have turned against their creators: A race of multi-limbed reptilian humanoids. Check out this six and-a-half minute short from Kaleb Lechowski.


Oh man! Again another awesome concept, and what an ending! Even more shocking? This was created by a 22-year old German film student entirely by himself. The only thing he didn't do was the voice acting for the alien and the machine! Pat yourself on the back Kaleb; I have no doubt in my mind that you're going places!

So there you have it folks; three fantastic short films showcasing great effects and storylines that put most of the junk Hollywood makes to shame. Kudos to the men and women who created these works of cinematic art; here's hoping you all go far!

Upcoming Tempe DVD titles: AGENT BEETLE and ATTACK OF THE JURASSIC SHARK!

Tempe's PR department dropped me a line the other day with news about their next two upcoming DVD releases. Both films were directed by Brett Kelly, who did the "Attack of the Giant Leeches" remake, along with various other low budget genre flicks. Each disc will feature their respective films in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, have a theatrical trailer as an extra feature, and will be Region 0, meaning that they are playable worldwide!

First up is AGENT BEETLE:

Click for larger picture.

Synopsis: A rookie cop goes undercover at a drug company and poses as a criminal in order to get the information on a program that gives convicted felons superpowers. With his reporter ex-girlfriend on his trail, he must use his newly acquired powers to stop the program and bring its powerful convicts to justice!

Release Date: April 30,2013

Running Time: 80 minutes

Price: $19.99 (Pre-order it at Amazon.com!)





Next up is ATTACK OF THE JURASSIC SHARK:

Click for larger picture.

Synopsis: When an oil company unwittingly unleashes a prehistoric shark from its icy prison, the Jurassic killer maroons a group of art thieves and a group of beautiful young college students on an abandoned piece of land. The two opposing groups are forced to do what they can to survive or become food for the not-quite-extinct shark!

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Running Time: 79 minutes

Price: $19.99 (Pre-order it at Amazon.com!)



I've seen a few of Brett Kelly's movies (namely his two silly "Spacemen & Go Go Girls" short films) and I can vouch for his ability to do quite a bit with next to no budget. He's like a modern day Canadian Ed Wood. With that said, don't expect fantastic acting or jaw-dropping special effects (like I have to say that if you watched the trailers), but do expect to have some fun, especially if you round up a few friends and knock back a few brewskis.

Also, I'll admit that at $19.99 apiece, these two movies are kind of pricy (especially when you consider the quality of the films), but if you do pick them up, just remember that YOU are helping out a struggling independent filmmaker!

This Spring, beware of THE SCREAM MACHINE!

I recently received a press release from filmmaker Walter Ruether about his new Horror anthology, entitled "Scream Machine." Taking a cue from last year's surprise hit "V/H/S," Ruether's "Scream Machine" features five tales of terror that exist on various video tapes that are popped into a cursed VCR!

Here's the synopsis of the film:

FIVE OF THE DEADLIEST TALES EVER TOLD ON AN OLD HAUNTED VCR CALLED SCREAM MACHINE. (**OFFICIAL SELECTION PHOENIX COMIC CON 2012!**)

A battered and mysterious VCR... A bevy of lethal videotapes... These are the building blocks of horror in "SCREAM MACHINE." A mind blowing descent into madness and death. Five shocking vignettes, designed to take your sanity and devour your soul! Mild curiosity leads to severe consequences when a couple rents a supposedly cursed video cassette recorder. An urban legend renowned for leaving a trail of agonizing and torturous death. Unbelieving, they take the plunge... And another legend is horrifyingly born.

Do you dare give fate a winning hand, and test yourself against the hellish consequences of the SCREAM MACHINE?

Insert Cassette Press Play...DIE!

USA PREMIERE MAY 2013 PHOENIX COMIC CON-USA DVD RELEASE WITH WORLDWIDE MULTI MEDIA... SPRING 2013!

For additional information on the cast and director, visit the Scream Machine IMDB page. To keep up to date on the movie and its eventual Spring release, be sure to like the Scream Machine Facebook page.

What's that? Your curiosity is still not sated and you want to see some pics and a trailer? Well ask and you shall receive:


For a production that only cost around ten grand, that's some pretty impressive makeup f/x and gore. But you know, I kind of wish that this movie had some more eye candy. Like, oh say.... a smoking hot redhead dressed in a nurse's outfit or something....

Yeah! That's exactly what I was talking about!

Hooray! It's as if Walter Ruether's read my mind and put this gal into the movie just for me. I can't wait to see how she figures into things! I'm sure things will totally go her way; what's the worst that can happen to an attractive woman in a nurse's outfit in a Horror film?

NOOOO! My hopes and dreams have been crushed!

NOW PLAYING - HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS and JOHN DIES AT THE END.

January is the month where all the major studios dump their wretched refuse; this is the time of year where films go to theaters to die. The tradition continues with the release of HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS. This gritty retelling of the classic fairy tale has the two famous children growing up to become professional witch hunters, which makes sense since they were nearly eaten by one in their youth. Using anachronistic weaponry (I don't think they had shotguns and Gatling guns back then), the two siblings deal out justice to those who would dabble in dark magics and ride on brooms. Check out the trailer below:


It looks like dumb fun, and part of me kind of wants to throw down $8 to $10 to see it. It's a cool concept, Gemma Arterton is hot (I've had a crush on her since the shitty Clash of the Titans remake - read my review for that here), the witch designs are interesting (it would seem no two witches are exactly alike... unless they are conjoined twins), there's explosions, and Jeremy Renner as medieval Hawkeye. (Much like Chris Hemsworth was "medieval Thor with an axe" in "Snow White and the Huntsman.") However, I'm tight on money at the moment, so I'll just patiently wait for the DVD release later this year.

Also out now is a film I've already seen and was totally perplexed by (I rented it off of Amazon last month). I've never read the novel that the film is based on, but apparently I should have according to most sources. JOHN DIES IN THE END is currently playing in limited theaters (most likely New York, Los Angeles, and a few other big cities). The trailer will definitely entice you to check it out:


The film follows two buddies named John and Dave who get caught in the middle of an interdimensional invasion. Along the way they have to deal with the dead, the undead, meat monsters, hallucinogenic drugs, alternate timelines, and gateways to other worlds. The movie is pretty crazy, but is an engaging piece of cinema that boasts a colorful cast, which includes Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown, and Doug Jones. Plus, it was directed by Don Coscarelli, who really needs to get on the ball and get "Phantasm 5" in the can before Angus Scrimm (who makes a cameo in "John Dies in the End") is too damned old to chase people and toss coffins into the back of a hearse!

I sort of "got" the movie, but apparently it meshes together a lot better if you've read the book. If you haven't, order it at Amazon.com, and give it a look. Got a Kindle? Then get the Kindle Edition.

That's pretty much all that's worth noting this week. If you're not up for either of these and are in the mood for cheesy/violent action flicks, there are plenty to choose from at the moment. Schwarzengger is back in action in "The Last Stand" (which won't be in theaters much longer since it flopped), Jason Statham is doing his usual thing in "Parker," and Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling (among others) gun down gangsters by the dozen in "Gangster Squad."

If you hit up the theaters this weekend, leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the movie(s) you saw. Was it good? Was it bad? Were there any good trailers before the film? Let us all know!

UFO movie news round-up (25 Jan. 2013)

By Robbie Graham Silver Screen Saucers

J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars Episode VII

 

J.J. Abrams is headed for a galaxy far, far away. Yes indeed, he has signed on to direct the next instalment of the iconic Star Wars franchise.

According to The Wrap, Abrams – who directed the UFO movie Super 8 (2011), as well as the hugely successful Star Trek reboot (2009) and its upcoming sequel (2013) – will direct Star Wars: Episode VII for Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm. Apparently, Ben Affleck was also in contention.

Okay, so the Star Wars films don’t exactly qualify as ‘UFO movies’, but to many fans of the broader sci-fi genre, Abrams helming a new Star Wars flick is pant-wettingly exciting news.

Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled for release in 2015. Michael Arndt is writing the script. Disney and Lucasfilm are planning a new trilogy with a new movie coming our way every other year.

Aliens vs. Robots in new short film, ‘R’ha’

A new sci-fi short titled R'ha calls to mind Ancient Astronaut theory with its alien protagonist bearing more than a passing resemblance to depictions of the Egyptian sun god, Ra. The movie took 22-year-old Kaleb Lechowski seven months to create... 

 

‘Dark Skies’ movie: new infographic

Dimension Films has released a new infographic as part of the marketing campaign for its upcoming alien horror flick Dark Skies (which, once again, I feel compelled to point out, stole its title from another UFO-themed production)...

According to its official blurb, “Dark Skies is a psychological thriller about a suburban couple whose lives become a nightmare when a terrifying alien presence enters their home each night to prey upon their children. Increasingly isolated from skeptical friends and neighbors, the couple is forced to take matters into their own hands to save their family.”

Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton star in the February 22, 2013 release.

‘The Host’: new featurettes

Two new featurettes for the upcoming body-snatching alien movie The Host, which is based on Stephanie Meyer’s book and will be taking over multiplexes this year from March 29...

 

Humans, vampires and zombies vs. aliens 

Mackenzie Davis (Breathe In), Nicholas Braun (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and Josh Fadem (The Eric Andre Show) are in talks to star in Sony Pictures’ genre mash-up movie The Kitchen Sink.

According to Variety, the story – which is said to be in the vein of Zombieland – “follows a pair of teens (Davis and Braun) who form an unlikely alliance with vampires and zombies in order to take on an alien army.”

Matt Tolmach is producing and Robbie Pickering will direct from a script by Oren Uziel. The movie is expected to shoot this summer in time for a 2014 release.

Carrey or Sandler to star in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’?

The Latino Reviewreports that Marvel is eying Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler for its upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Although it's not clear which role Marvel has in mind for the comedy superstars, the obvious answer would be the loud-mouthed Rocket Raccoon.

Wes Bentley, Chris Lowell and Cam Gigandet are apparently also on Marvel’s shortlist for the Peter Quill/Star-Lord character.

Guardians of the Galaxy will be directed by James Gunn (Super, Slither) and has been written by Chris McCoy and Nicole Periman. The superhero team consists of Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora.

The movie is set to shoot this summer in London for an August 1, 2014 release date.

Terrifying (possibly UFO-related) real-life horror story headed for the big screen

Readers well-versed in paranormal-lore may already be familiar with the Dyatlov Pass Incident, which resulted in the grisly deaths of nine ski hikers in the northern Ural Mountains on the night of February 2, 1959. If you’re not familiar with this case – which some have suggested has a possible UFO connection – you’ll find a detailed examination of it over at Mysterious Universe. For a briefer summary, watch the video below...

 

This could make for one of the most terrifying movies ever – a thought which obviously has occurred to director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger), who has only gone and shot the damn thing already. The Dyatlov Pass Incident is due for release in Russia on 28 February this year (no US release date has yet been set). Check out the poster...

Harlin says: “I was fascinated by this story, which remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of modern paranormal lore. The facts, the script, and the very dramatic setting convinced me that there is a thrilling movie there, just waiting to rivet audiences.”

Harlin’s movie will not focus on the original ill-fated Russian hikers, but instead will be an updated story following a group of American college students who decide to retrace the footsteps of the Russians in an attempt to discover what happened to them. The official blurb reads, in part:

“Present Day: Five ambitious American college students are issued a grant to return to the site of the original events in the belief that they can uncover and document the truth of what happened at Dyatlov Pass. But what they find is more shocking than anything they could have imagined. Their trek through the Ural Mountains, retracing the steps of that ill-fated journey, is plagued by strange and increasingly terrifying phenomena, all of which suggest that in spite of their desolate surroundings, they are not alone. The forces behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident have been waiting for them.”

GORGO coming to Blu-ray on March 19th!

First off, a huge thanks to Kevin over at wtf-Film (which is sadly no longer updated) for sharing this on his Facebook page earlier today. Secondly... HOLY KAIJU SH*T! GORGO IS COMING TO BLU-RAY! And this isn't some cheapo DVD rip either; this is a legit "we totally give a f*ck about Gorgo" release!

VCI has released this title twice onto DVD (once in 2000 and then again in 2005) and each one had its flaws, which hopefully have been rectified now that they've supposedly gone back to original film elements and made an all new restoration for this release. We shall find out for sure on March 19th!

VCI's new disc promises a 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio in glorious HD, with enhanced 5.1 surround sound (with English and French audio options), and it will be PACKED to the gills with extras! (And it will sporting spiffy new cover art as well, as you can see..)

Special features on the disc include:

• "Ninth Wonder Of The World: The Making Of Gorgo" a new documentary by Daniel Griffith
•  Gorgo - Video Comic Book and Comic Book Cover Gallery
•  Extensive Lobby Card & Poster Gallery
• Photo Gallery
• Gorgo Toys and Collectibles Gallery
• Production Notes
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Pressbook Gallery
• Star Ciné Cosmos - French-language "fumetto" (comic book)
• Before and After Restoration Video

I'm one of those crazy people who buys a new edition of a film every time it comes out in a new format, or even a new DVD/Blu-ray release, so I'll be picking this up! You can pre-order the all new sexy edition of GORGO (on Blu-ray or DVD) right now at Amazon.com for the low price of $14.99!

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE BLU-RAY.
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE DVD.

Catch a "Die Hard" marathon at a Regal theater near you in February!

Naturally, nothing this cool happens anywhere near me (there's two Regal theaters that are less than an hour from my house, but neither one is doing this event! ARGH!), but you may be lucky enough to catch ALL FIVE "DIE HARD" MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN on February 13th! The marathon will be playing at select Regal theaters at 12:00 PM and the tickets are only $25.00! (Or $20.00 if you have a Regal Crown Club Card, which will also net you some cheaper snacks!) That's worthy of a Yippie Ki Yay or two methinks!

Click image for larger version.

The list of theaters can be found HERE (locations are subject to change), but just because I'm cool, I'll post the list of locations below so you can enjoy the John McClane film fest while I'm stuck at work:

Participating Theatres:

Regal Trussville Stadium 16 in Birmingham, AL
Regal McCain Mall Stadium 12 & RPX in North Little Rock, AZ
Regal LA Live Stadium 14 in Los Angeles,CA
Edwards South Gate Stadium 20 & IMAX in South Gate, CA
Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26 & IMAX in Long Beach, CA
Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium 22 & IMAX in Ontario, CA
Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 & IMAX in Temecula, CA
Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX in Irvine, CA
Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20 & IMAX in Aliso Viejo, CA
Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 IMAX & RPX in San Diego, CA
Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 in San Marcos, CA
Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX in Fresno, CA
Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX in El Dorado Hills, CA
Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 & IMAX in Dublin, CA
UA Denver Pavilions Stadium 15 in Denver, CO
UA Colorado Center Stadium 9 & IMAX in Denver, CO
Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 in Washington, DC
Regal Brandywine Town Center Stadium 16 in Wilmington, DE
Regal Peoples Plaza Stadium 17 in Newark, DE
Regal Belltower Stadium 20 in Fort Myers, FL
Regal Royal Park Stadium 16 in Gainesville, FL
Regal Kendall Village Stadium 16 & RPX in Miami, FL
Regal Sawgrass Stadium 23 & IMAX in Sunrise, FL
Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 & IMAX in Orlando, FL
Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16 & IMAX in Atlanta, GA
Regal Medlock Crossing Stadium 18 in Duluth, GA
Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 21 & IMAX in Buford, GA
Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 @ North I-85 in Chamblee, GA
Regal Pearl Highlands Stadium 12 in Pearl City, HI
Edwards Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX in Boise, ID
Regal City North Stadium 14 & RPX in Chicago, IL
Regal Lincolnshire Stadium 21 & IMAX in Lincolnshire, IL
Regal Louisiana Boardwalk Stadium 14 & IMAX in Bossier City, LA
Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX in Boston, MA
Regal Independence Mall 14 & RPX in Kingston, MA
Regal Waugh Chapel Stadium 12 & IMAX in Gambrills, MD
Regal Rockville Center Stadium 13 in Rockville, MD
Regal Majestic Stadium 20 & IMAX in Silver Springs, MD
Regal Westview Stadium 16 & IMAX in Frederick, MD
Regal St. Louis Mills Stadium 18 & IMAX in Hazelwood, MO
Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 & RPX in Asheville, NC
Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen Stadium 22 & IMAX in Charlotte, NC
Regal Palladium Stadium 14 & IMAX in High Point, NC
Regal Crossroads Stadium 20 & IMAX in Cary, NC
Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16 & IMAX inWilmington, NC
Regal Red Rock Stadium 16 & IMAX in Las Vegas, NV
Regal Crossgates Mall Stadium 18 & IMAX in Albany, NY
Regal Union Square Stadium 14 in New York, NY
Regal Staten Island Stadium 16 & RPX in Staten Island, NY
UA Court Street Stadium 12 & RPX in Brooklyn, NY
UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 & IMAX in Brooklyn, NY
Regal Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14 in Astoria, NY
Regal New Roc City Stadium 18 & IMAX in New Rochelle, NY
Regal Deer Park Stadium 16 & IMAX in Deer Park, NY
Regal Quaker Crossing Stadium 18 in Orchard Park, NY
Regal Walden Galleria Stadium 16 in Cheektowaga, NY
Regal Carousel Mall Stadium 17 in Syracuse, NY
Regal Henrietta Stadium 18 in Rochester, NY
Regal Crocker Park Stadium 16 & IMAX in Westlake, OH
Regal Deerfield Town Center Stadium 16 & IMAX in Mason, OH
Regal Valley River Center Stadium 15 & IMAX in Eugene, OR
Regal Bridgeport Stadium 16 & IMAX in Tigard, OR
UA Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 in Philadelphia, PA
UA King Of Prussia Stadium 16 & IMAX in King of Prussia, PA
Regal Warrington Crossing Stadium 22 & IMAX in Warrington, PA
Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 & RPX - Greenville in Greenville, NC
Regal Spartan Stadium 16 in Spartanburg, NC
Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 & IMAX in Nashville, TN
Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18 & IMAX in Knoxville, TN
Edwards Houston Marq*E Stadium 23 & IMAX in Houston, TX
Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium 24 & RPX in Houston, TX
Regal Alamo Quarry Stadium 16 in San Antonio, TX
Regal Live Oak Stadium 18 & RPX in San Antonio, TX
Regal Kingstowne Stadium 16 & RPX in Alexandria, VA
Regal Potomac Yards Stadium 16 in Alexandria, VA
Regal Manassas Stadium 14 & IMAX in Manassas, VA
Regal Countryside Stadium 20 in Sterling, VA
Regal Stonefield Stadium 14 & IMAX in Charlottesville, VA
Regal MacArthur Center Stadium 18 in Norfolk, VA
Regal Commonwealth Stadium 20 & IMAX in Richmond, VA
Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 & IMAX in Seattle, WA
Regal Meridian 16 in Seattle WA
Regal Barkley Village Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX in Bellingham, WA

If anyone from Regal Entertainment Group happens to read this little blog post before February 13th, just grant me one tiny wish. PLEASE GET THIS DAMNED MARATHON PLAYING IN EITHER DICKSON CITY, PA OR VESTAL, NY!