MUTANTS - David Morlet

Status:  On DVD

Starring:  truthfully, all French cast that would take forever and I don't think I know any of them.

       

       A couple and their unborn child try to survive after a cannibalistic virus spreads to the populous.

Notes:  I know, a pretty standard plot for any zombie, virus, or apocalyptic film made in the last eighty years or so.  What I'm looking forward to is the gore and special effects.  Maybe it's the tradition of artistic inspiration centered in France, or the after effects of the Renaissance, or maybe that the French are arrogant, sick fucks themselves; but they do amazing horror film effects. 

Trailer from Bloody-Disgusting

BURKE & HARE - John Landis

Status:  ????

Starring:  Simon Pegg
                (Shaun of the Dead)
               Andy Serkis
               Tim Curry
               Isla Fisher
                (The Wedding Crashers,
                  married to Sascha Baron Cohen)

          A comedic retelling of the true story of William Burke and William Hare, England's serial killing and body snatching duo in the 1800's.  At the time, medical schools were desperate for corpses to expand scientific knowledge; and the cost for a corpse was too high for these two, and many others, to ignore.


Notes:  I am really excited for this one!  Last year, I fell in love with a similar film and story called I Sell The Dead.  I can't help but grin, at the contrast between what was accepted by the medical community in the ever proper U.K.  The truth is, medical schools worldwide were known at this time to procure corpses in less than admirable circumstances.  But the idea that these two were serial killers, whose actions in effect are saving lives today, is about as tongue and cheek as you can get without ripping a hole in your mouth.

Trailer from Bloody-Disgusting

BLACK SWAN - Darren Aronofsky

Status:  Release Scheduled for December 3, 2010

Starring:  Natalie Portman
               Mila Kunis
               Winona Ryder
               Vincent Cassel

       Natalie Portman is a ballerina under immense amounts of pressure to perform perfectly, satisfy her mentor in many ways, and prove to her rival that she deserves to be on top.  As Portman becomes strangled by the stress, she starts seeing something evil.  Regardless of whether or not it truly exists or is a representation of her desperation, it is malicious, and powerful enough to take her for everything she's got.




NOTES:  Aronofsky is well known for his surreal, and intense cinema (Requiem For A Dream).  I adore Natalie Portman, in her acting strength, and fearlessness for such a small woman.  I'm hoping Mila Kunis will redeem herself from the clusterfuck that was Max Payne (not entirely her fault, but my hatred for that film runs deep).  I think Vincent Cassel is perfect for the arrogant, European-man-whore teacher; even if I myself find him as sexually appealing as Gilbert Gottfried.  The ending will make or break this movie.  Is she insane, and if so, will she be violent inwardly, or outwardly.  Is it supernatural?  Is she really turning in to a demon or is one after her? Or are Kunis and Cassel just fucking with her?  I am sure I will love the cinematography, the music and the mood.  But dropping the ball on this ending will force me to add another name to my "Dean Koontz: and Other Celebrity Blow Hards I Will Punch In The Face' list.

Trailer from Bloody-Disgusting

S&MAN (SANDMAN) - J.T. Petty

Status: On DVD, October 12, 2010

               
     A faux documentary that mixes in real interviews from filmmakers and actors involved in fringe horror that focus on voyeuristic gore.  The film explores why people watch these films, what is the payoff, and gives a lesson in worst case scenario.

Notes:  I regularly question and analyze myself in my interest in horror film.  I have a masters in Catholic school survival and knowledge, and the paranoid guilt that follows has caused me some anxiety over the years.  Honestly, when I first saw the title and poster I ignored it; thinking it was just another angry nerd, torture porn film.  But I honestly want to watch it now that I know there are real questions and answers that I ponder myself, and a fictional story line to keep me entertained.

Bloody-Disgusting: 8/10



DEATH AND CREMATION - Justin Steele

Status:  ?????

Starring: Brad Dourif (he does creepy so well)
              Jeremy Sumpter
              Daniel Baldwin (really?)

           A lonely neighbor who offers cremation services takes a young boy in need under his wing.  The two delve into the older man's secret life as a vengeful serial killer and try to evade capture from the local police.

 

NOTES:  So far, I've only been able to see the teaser trailer.  I'm hoping for a little more explanation of the plot before I actually see the movie.  I love Brad Dourif, and I love a good revenge story; especially one that produces some morally good effect.  But Daniel Baldwin, well, I hate thee, and if he slithered his way into a large part, he could ruin the whole damn thing.

Bloody-Disgusting: 8/10

Teaser Trailer from Bloody-Disgusting