
Greetings, all. Ambush Bug here with another AICN HORROR: ZOMBIES & SHARKS column. This week, I’ve got another dozen fright films for you--some based on real life, others from the darkest crevices of the psyche. Here we go with the horror reviews!
(Click title to go directly to the feature)
Retro-review: MONSTERS TV Series Collected Box Set: Season One – Episodes 7-12 (1989)
Short Cuts: DONE IN Short Film (2014)
SERIAL KILLER CULTURE (2014)
NECRONOS: TOWER OF DOOM (2010)
LOCK IN (2014)
FRACTIONAL (2011)
BLOOD COUSINS (2012)
2 LITTLE MONSTERS (2012)
ABOUT A ZOMBIE (aka PORTRAIT OF A ZOMBIE, 2012)
FORGETTING THE GIRL (2012)
HOUSE OF GOOD & EVIL (2013)
Advance Review: BARRONWOOD (2013)
And finally…LIGHTS OUT: LITTLE OLD LADY!

MONSTERS: THE COMPLETE SERIES Box Set
Series One: Episodes 7-12 (1989)Retro-reviewed by Ambush Bug
Ahhh, MONSTERS. It’s one of those TV series that warms my heart. Back in the late 80’s, when practical effects were king, Mitchell Gallin and Richard P. Rubinstein, the producers of TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE TV series, decided to put together a show which highlighted a different story about a different monster every week. In my region, the show was broadcast late at night, and it was a thrill to be able to stay up late and watch it. Now, given the amount of years since I’ve watched it, I’m bound to be disappointed at the way some of them present upon reviewing. But still, this was a fun series deserving of this look back, episode by episode, of this quaint little shock series. I’m currently looking back on the TWILIGHT ZONE series as well, so for the time being, I’ll be flipping between TZ and MONSTERS every week looking back on TV horrors of yesteryear episode by episode!

Directed by Jeffrey Wolf
Written by Robert Bloch (story), John Harrison (teleplay)
Starring David Brisbin, Lara Harris, Mary Ann Gibson, Kevin Jeffries, Kevin Cutts
A man obsessed with a makeup artist who is not identified as Lon Chaney but might as well be purchases the Man of a Thousand Faces’ home and finds his mythical makeup kit. Though his girlfriend urges him to leave the home and drop his obsession, the finding of the kit pushes the man over the edge. This is a fun little homage to the black and white days of Chaney, and some nice-looking makeup effects are used which look very much like Quasimodo, the London Vampire, and others. But this episode skids off the rails when it downright rips off THE SHINING by having the woman find a typewriter with nothing but a single phrase typed on it, and while those who love those black and white films of the past will find something that endears them to this film, it’s not going to impress with its limp ending.

Directed by Mark Rezyka
Written by Michael Reaves
Starring Kin Shriner, Russell Johnson, Beth Toussaint, Wayne Toth
A mystical and mysterious object is unearthed and a scientist, the actual Professor from GILLIGAN’S ISLAND (Russell Johnson), and his 80’s hair sporting hottie daughter decide to chuck all caution and try to break into it to see what makes it tick. As the name may suggest, there’s a monster sleeping inside the object, and it’s a literal dragon--but because of budget, this dragon would more likely slay you with laughter than anything else. It’s fun to see this man-in-suit take on these three scientific adventurers, but the monster looks downright lovable. I don’t know for sure, but it might actually be one of the actual costumes used in the short lived DINOSAURS series from the 80’s, as the face looked oddly familiar. Some heavy shadows and quick editing try to make this one scary, but the big-eyed dino just didn’t do it for me.

Directed by Alan Kingsberg
Written by Alan Kingsberg
Starring Tom Mason, Irving Metzman, Rebecca Kyler Downs, Page Johnson
Though a bit slow, this story about a pool hall vampire who hustles her prey in with her looks and steals their hearts and souls by having them invite her to play a game is a bit of a stretch, but it makes for some fun billiards action. The pool hall is a good as any place to have a battle between the forces of good and evil and though there are some pretty hokey moments, the ending is a lot of fun and unexpected. The vamp herself isn’t the best actress, but APOCALYPSE NOW’s Tom Mason makes up for it as a hustler with an eye for vengeance.

Directed by Carl Stine
Written by David Odell
Starring Ruth de Sosa, John Diehl, Mary Woronov
I loved this quirky episode about a man (MIAMI VICE’s John Diehl) who is bound to bring women back to his apartment to feed his flesh-eating bed who finally meets his match when he tries to lure in a woman with a similar problem (played by Mary Woronov). This one has a darkly comic wit that some of the other episodes reviewed this week lacked and definitely delivered on a different kind of monster. As if it was lifted right from Patton Oswalt’s DEATH BED: THE BED WHO EATS skit, this one is a load of laughs, especially the ending which doesn’t make a lot of sense, but still is a whole lotta fun.

Directed by Mark Shostrom
Written by Michel Parry, Manly Wade Wellman (story)
Starring Alex Cord, Terrence Evans, Laraine Newman
Though there’s definitely talent in this episode with SNL’s Laraine Newman playing a painter who leases a home, not knowing that there’s a bubbling pool to the beyond in her basement and AIRWOLF’s Alex Cord’s turn as a silver sword carrying protector with intimate knowledge of the beasts bobbing around in said pool. But everything from the action to the suspense falls pretty flat here. There is supposed to be ties to some kind of witchcraft and there is a slimy monster that appears, but neither is fully realized as the witchcraft angle is quickly glossed over and the beast is only seen in shadow and quick cuts. The ending is especially odd as it refers to the former owner of the sword as if it were to mean something, but is just left dangling there before the credits begin rolling. This one is one of many episodes that I feel might have run a bit too long and the full story is on the editing room dustbin somewhere never to be seen. As is, this one is a snoozer of an episode.

Directed by Greg Cannom
Written by Michael Reaves
Starring Jeff Conaway, Mary Cadorette, T.J. Castronovo, Debbie Lee Carrington, Greg Safel
The final episode of MONSTERS we’re looking at this week is directed by make-up artist extraordinaire Greg Cannom who has worked on everything from NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3 to ALIEN3 to THE WATCHMEN to TITANIC. Here he takes on the legend of the troll and the way the wee beastie lures the greedy in with golden treasure. This is an especially girthy tale that really feels like it covers much more ground than your average episode of MONSTERS. We get some backstory into the mythos of trolls, there are some nice scenes of action as first a trio of tunnelers, including GREASE’s Jeff Conway, who discover the cave full of gold, then decide to raid it, and then find themselves trapped in a cave in battling the troll. While the troll is difficult to make out, the acting and action make up for it, keeping this episode rolling at a brisk pace right up until the somewhat intense ending. Next to the evil bed episode earlier in this column, this was my favorite episode of the week.
Season 1: Episodes 1.1-1.6


DONE IN (2014)
Directed by Adam Stephen KellyWritten by Adam Stephen Kelly
Starring Guy Henry, Gordon Styles
Find out more about this film on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
The less revealed about this diabolical little short the better for those lucky enough to catch this one at your nearest festival. It’s a short by AICN’s very own BritGeek Adam Stephen Kelly, and it appears BritGeek has been holding out on us in terms of his talent at writing and directing. I don’t know Kelly personally (it might surprise you that the folks at AICN are not all living in one basement together), but I do know after seeing this short little ditty I’d love to see more of Kelly’s work.

The final moments play out like the opener to a much broader and darker story, leaving you wanting to see more, which all good short films should do. DONE IN is touring fests, having been a selection at Cannes. You can find out when and where you can experience this dastardly little treat on its Facebook page here.

SERIAL KILLER CULTURE (2014)
Directed by John BorowskiWritten by John Borowski
Starring Matthew Aaron, John Borowski, Joe Coleman, Hart D. Fisher, Steve Giannangelo, Sam Hane, Joe Hiles, Rick Staton, David Van Gough
Find out more about this film here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug

All of these arguments as to the whys behind man’s fascination with the killers of other men are addressed in SERIAL KILLER CULTURE, a new documentary from John Borowski, a filmmaker who has made a career on documenting the true stories of some of the world’s most notorious of serial killers.
There are also numerous collectors examined like Matthew Aaron, who is trying to keep the penny museums alive with his own collection of notorious memorabilia. Aaron trades his own artwork with serial killers for his extensive collection, which in itself is an ethical wicket, as oftentimes these collectors (not specifically Aaron, but many of them) send serial killers art materials in exchange for their artwork, and the incarcerated murderers respond possibly as a means to create, but more likely to feed egos and sustain notoriety. The film leads off with an extremely personal look into the mind of Rick Staton, a mega-collector who became infamous for being John Wayne Gacy’s art dealer, for lack of a better term, who developed a morally grey relationship with the serial killer in order to attain some of his artwork. Staton also admits to his fascination with Gacy, and then talks of his distancing from the subject matter once his son was born.
Joe Coleman also goes into his artwork, for which he immerses himself in information in order to channel the serial killer’s side of the story in his intricately surreal and haunting artwork. The work of two other artists David Van Gough, whose artwork delves into the deep symbolism of the Manson Murders and graphic artist Sam Hane, who does serial killer-inspired artwork collages in mixed media, are showcased at length showing both the artist’s talents and their intentions behind their artwork. Hearing these artists talk about their own work was a highlight for me, and just as fascinating as the horrific minds that inspired the artwork to begin with. Finally, director Borowski turns the camera onto himself, allowing us a peek into his own psyche and why he has formed a career on documenting and retelling the stories of horrible men and their acts in his films.
SERIAL KILLER CULTURE is an unrelenting film you won’t be able to look away from. In terms of sheer volume of memorabilia and artwork featured and the broad range of personalities showcased, it’s a film that will definitely satiate that bloodlust for those in need of a serial killer fix while delving into themes and territories that might just make you squirm a little.

NECRONOS: TOWER OF DOOM (2010)
Directed by Marc RohnstockWritten by Marc Rohnstock
Starring Thomas Sender, Manoush, Timo Fuchs, Mario Zimmerschitt, Alexander Andreszka, Tanja Karius, Saskia Neumüller, Mike Weishaupt, Denissa Schmidt, Toni Reckert, Patrick Bender
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
Though they try, NECRONOS: TOWER OF DOOM is feather-light on story and as far as acting is concerned—forget about it! But that’s not what this film is about. This film from the ever-offensive and uber violent German Underground Horror scene is what it is and what it is—is a blood splattered gore fest that sets out to offend, nauseate, and make you want a shower after a viewing. And while I am usually attracted to more of a cerebral experience in my horror films, I have to admit; sometimes I just want to see gore and violence. And this film has it in gobs.


And while I definitely can’t say NECRONOS: TOWER OF DOOM is a good film, it is an effective slice of gore that will most definitely churn some stomachs. It’s the type of horror film that is not for everyone, but if you need a fix for tasteless grue and gore, NECRONOS: TOWER OF DOOM is going to do the trick.

LOCK IN (2014)
Directed by Mark J. HowardWritten by Mark J. Howard
Starring Roy Basnett, Jessica Cunningham, Stephen Greenhalgh, James Thompson, Tim Paley, Jeff Downs, Rachel Dargie, Simon Entwistle, Holly Chadwick
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug

And that’s what LOCK IN has going for it. It’s a low budgeter, one of those films that could most likely be done by some of you reading, but the thing is writer/director Mark Howard has gone out and actually made a film starring a scary clown terrorizing the late shift workers in an office. There are scenes as the clown slinks his way around the corridors, somehow avoiding all cameras, and terrorizing those within that are lit ominously and somewhat effective in their execution. Those scenes are the saving grace for LOCK IN, though.

But still, I have to give this film points for having a pretty creepy clown doing pretty creepy things. LOCK IN is not the most substantial or tense of films due to script and editing, but those who quiver at the sight of clowns will most likely feel some of those same chills here.

FRACTIONAL (2011)
Directed by Malcolm DeeganWritten by Malcolm Deegan
Starring Desmond Daly, Peter O'Toole, Donna Bradley, Paul Byrne, Paula Gahan,
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
While FRACTIONAL opens with a man bound to a chair with a number of tools of torture on a table beside him, my first notions that this was going to be another torture porn film were surprisingly and refreshingly wrong. The hint that there are horrible tortures only a heartbeat away is the fuel that drives FRACTIONAL and the reason it is far and above different from the same old torture stuff we all are sick of at this point.


The truth is revealed in the end, and it’s not the reveal I was expecting. I have to say the fact that the ending is so unconventional makes it all the more appealing to me. Still the standout feature of FRACTIONAL is the fact that there’s not a lot of blood shed or pain induced. At least not the physical kind. FRACTIONAL’s strength lies in how powerful it conveys the suggestion of torture and horror without really going there; making it sort of an anomaly in horror, and a refreshing anomaly at that.

BLOOD COUSINS (2012)
Directed by Regan Arevalos, Jess Castro, Larry GarzaWritten by Regan Arevalos, Jess Castro, Larry Garza
Starring Joel Settles, Regan Arevalos, Larry Garza, Jess Castro, Rodney Garza, Roy Lopez Jr., Martina Griffin
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
While this might sound somewhat like a joke, BLOOD COUSINS can be best described as a Tex-Mex SWINGERS with a witch. While this is very much a horror film, BLOOD COUSINS is at its best when it simply follows the antics of its four latino stars, Joel Settles, Regan Arevalos, Larry Garza, & Jess Castro, who decide to go on a road trip from California to the Texas Rio Grande Valley to honor their dead grandmother. While there are moments of seriousness and moments of sheer terror, I reacted the most when it was just these four longtime friends (who happen to be cousins) bouncing off of one another with one liners, digs, putdowns, and practical jokery.


BLOOD COUSINS’ success or failure is going to hinge on whether or not you are able to hang with these four smart-assed guys. For me, it was a hell of a lot of fun going on this road trip with these guys. The film packs a powerful one-two punch of laughter and scares. I found the level of intensity in this one escalates to in the final moments are pretty potent. The comedy quartet of Settles, Arevalos, Garza, and Castro are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what Comedia A Go-Go have in store for me next. BLOOD COUSINS is a story about families and curses, but it doesn’t forget to make you laugh along the way to lure you in so that the horror is all the more vicious by the end.

2 LITTLE MONSTERS (2012)
AKA LITTLE MONSTERSDirected by David Schmoeller
Written by David Schmoeller
Starring Charles Cantrell, Ryan LeBoeuf, Christopher Boeres Hipp, Michael Brown, Patrick Sean Clark, Jeremy Cloe, Danny Countess, Shana Dahan, Deana Deatherage, Kynan Dias, Dee Drenta, Diana Eden, Tony Foresta, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Chaz Greco,
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
The bravest and ballsiest film of the week has got to be 2 LITTLE MONSTERS, which dares go into real horror territory and leaves the masked serial killers and zombies in its dust. Directed by CRAWLSPACE and TOURIST TRAP director David Schmoeller, this tense thriller is bound to cause discomfort in some of its viewers and is likely to spawn some heated debate after viewing.


There are people who rush to judgment as soon as a crime against a child is committed, and while this is one of the most atrocious acts one can make, it is ignorant to think that the child alone is the victim. In Schmoeller’s brave film, he addresses that complex concept which some will simply have a hard time fathoming. While some of the acting is not top tier, everyone in the film, especially the actors playing the two now-adult murderers (Charles Cantrell and Ryan LeBoeuf),do a really good job of conveying this story, and Schmoeller, who blew my mind in the 80’s with TOURIST TRAP takes a much more subtle approach here with similar results. If you’re of an open mind and are willing to have the debate this film will most definitely incite, I recommend you check out 2 LITTLE MONSTERS--a true crime thriller that is carefully constructed and ventures down paths few films are brave enough to go.

ABOUT A ZOMBIE (2012)
aka PORTRAIT OF A ZOMBIEDirected by Bing Bailey
Written by Bing Bailey, Laura Morand Bailey
Starring Patrick Murphy, Geraldine McAlinden, Rory Mullen, Todd Fletcher, Paul O'Bryan, Sonya O'Donoghue, Steven Neeson, Ciaran Davies, Sara Eavan, Gerry Shanahan, Neill Fleming
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
Formerly known as PORTRAIT OF A ZOMBIE, ABOUT A ZOMBIE is a mockumentary-esque film that most definitely stands high above the rest of the zombie movie herd. Reminiscent of HAROLD’S GOING STIFF (another mock doc following an elderly man who is suffering from early onset of zombie-ism – reviewed here), ABOUT A ZOMBIE is a mix of comedy, gore, drama, and action that works in ways few others have.
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There are also serious issues at play here. Metaphorically, this can be likened to a story about a family going to extreme lengths to protect a mentally handicapped or psychiatrically unsound family member by keeping them in their own home rather than putting them in an institution where the person could be cared for appropriately. This is best exemplified through the character of Billy’s mother Lizzy (Geraldine McAlinden), who steals the show here as it is absolutely heartbreaking to see the lengths to which she will go to keep her son safe and under her care. There are scenes here that will definitely raise emotions about the extreme sacrifices she makes to keep her family together.

It’s a crapshoot when you put a zombie flick in the player these days. More often than not it’ll be an uninspired snooze, but occasionally, as with ABOUT A ZOMBIE, people with imagination and talent decide to make a zombie flick, and it’s almost worth sifting through the zombie trash to find it. By smartly thinking big while paying attention to the small emotional beats (and not forgetting to use copious amounts of gore), ABOUT A ZOMBIE is proof the zombie genre is still alive and kicking.

FORGETTING THE GIRL (2012)
Directed by Nate TaylorWritten by Peter Moore Smith
Starring Christopher Denham, Lindsay Beamish, Elizabeth Rice, Paul Sparks, Anna Camp, Phyllis Somerville, Joel de la Fuente
Find out more about this film here!
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
Though it might be a bit of a stretch to call this film a straight up horror movie, it surely isn’t a stretch to brand FORGETTING THE GIRL as the favorite film I saw this week. The film, written as a short story by Peter Moore Smith and adapted to screen by the same author, is an electrifying dissection of a damaged man dealing with flawed logic and social handicaps in his own unhealthy way.

Just from this description, it’s pretty obvious that FORGETTING THE GIRL is not your typical horror film in that the terrors at play here are much more on a psychological level. Kevin is a deeply disturbed individual scarred by an event from his past that left deep emotional wounds. As Kevin’s failed relationships pile up and his deviant behavior expands and grows more dangerous, the film works its way to a climax that is both shocking and emotionally resonant long after the credits.

If you like your horror on the psychological side, FORGETTING THE GIRL is a surefire pleaser. Directed tightly and meticulously, acted superbly, thematically emotionally crippling, FORGETTING THE GIRL is a film not easily forgotten.

HOUSE OF GOOD & EVIL (2013)
Directed by David MunWritten by Blu de Golyer
Starring Rachel Marie Lewis, Christian Oliver, Marietta Marich, Jordan Rhodes, Rob Neukirch, Bo Keister, Blu de Golyer
Find out more about this film on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
It’s interesting the way horror films have shied away from the “old dark haunted house” concept and instead have gravitated toward the “haunted mind” concept. Films like THE CONJURING, INSIDIOUS, SAFE HOUSE, and the like answer the question “why don’t they just move out of the house?” by having the haunts follow the hauntees even after the boxes are packed and unpacked. In the case of HOUSE OF GOOD AND EVIL, while we are not totally aware of the haunting in the opening moments, as the story proceeds, it’s safe to say those ghosts were there, and the change in locale only intensified the haunt.


While I had an inkling of what was happening by the time the ending came around, I still enjoyed the ride this film took me on. The bulk of the heavy lifting of this film lies on the back of actress Rachel Marie Lewis, who is at times enchanting and at other times utterly sympathetic. The strength of her performance here hopefully will lead to bigger and better things. HOUSE OF GOOD AND EVIL is deeper and more complex than most haunted abode flicks, and though all might not exactly be what it seems, I think it will definitely cause a rattle in your rafters if you check it out.

BARRONWOOD (2013)
Directed by Jason Williams & Nathaniel RossWritten by Jason Williams & Nathaniel Ross
Starring Sarah Pearson, Brian Green, Nathaniel Ross, Jason Williams, Cyn Dulay, Ryan Charles and Bruce Spielbauer
Find out more about this film here and on Facebook here
Reviewed by Ambush Bug
One of the bastard stepchildren of the found footage subgenre is the faux ghost hunting show gone wrong film. I’ve checked out quite a few of these films, and have to say that each of them tap into that thing that is missing from most ghost hunting shows on cable these days—-that is, something actually happens. I don’t know how many hours I’ve sat watching these ghost hunting shows hoping for the answer to “What the hell was that?” to actually be something paranormal, but alas, nary an answer or proof of the paranormal is shown. In the sense that something paranormal actually occurs (though it is fictional), these types of films, including BARRONWOOD, are satisfying.


But because of the low budget, the filmmakers rely on the ambience--which is genuinely spooky, as most abandoned hospitals are. So conveying an overall feeling of creep is pretty successful in BARRONWOOD, and despite some amateurish moments, it does succeed in having something ghostly actually happening, which gives it a leg up on most ghost hunting shows you see on TV these days.
And finally…Here’s a twisted little tale from yesteryear called THE LITTLE OLD LADY from the old radio series LIGHTS OUT! Enojoy!
See ya next week, folks!
Ambush Bug is Mark L. Miller, original @$$Hole/wordslinger/writer of wrongs/reviewer/interviewer/editor of AICN COMICS for over 13 years & AICN HORROR for 4. Mark’s written THE TINGLERS & WITCHFINDER GENERAL, DEATHSPORT GAMES, NANNY & HANK (soon to be an Uptown 6 Films feature film), Zenescope’s GRIMM FAIRY TALES Vol.13, UNLEASHED: WEREWOLVES, and the critically acclaimed THE JUNGLE BOOK and its follow up THE JUNGLE BOOK: LAST OF THE SPECIES. FAMOUS MONSTERS’ LUNA: ORDER OF THE WEREWOLF (co-written with Martin Fisher) will be available soon in trade. Mark wrote/provided art for a chapter in Black Mask Studios’ OCCUPY COMICS. Follow Ambush Bug on the Twitters @Mark_L_Miller.


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