The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Film News: ‘Twilight’ Star Kiowa Jordan Released From Jail

BrianTT — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:08:16 -0400

CHICAGO – While the next “Twilight” film is set to be released this coming November, one cast member is happy his release was much sooner. Wolfpack member and, presumably, loyal ‘Team Jacob’ supporter Kiowa Gordon, who plays the character of Embry Call, was released from jail Wednesday after being arrested earlier this week.

Gordon was taken to the pound early Monday morning in Tempe, Arizona after police found an outstanding warrant for Gordon’s arrest during a “routine registration check.” The warrant stemmed from missing a court date for a prior arrest in 2010.

“Kiowa Gordon was a passenger in a vehicle registered to him when he was stopped by the Tempe Police Department. During a registration check on that vehicle, it showed the registered owner (Kiowa Gordon) had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest,” Tempe police reported in a statement on Monday, as reported by Ace Showbiz.

Gordon was arrested a year ago for possession of a marijuana pipe and the popular caffeinated alcoholic beverage Four Loko, which has been banned in several states. Gordon was underage at the time of the original arrest.

Gordon was let out of his cage after he paid the $1,000 bail at the Maricopa County Jail on Wednesday.

While the second arrest and criminal proceedings could mar the “Twilight” name for a few weeks, even bad publicity is still publicity for the popular teen fantasy movies. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1” hits theaters this coming November 18th, 2011.

“Twilight,” which starred Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner grossed $178 million domestically. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” was an even bigger hit, grossing an amazing $296 million domestically and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” topped even that with $301 million stateside and nearly $700 million worldwide.

By TIM MARTENS
Contributing Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Film Review: Mexicans in America Keep Striving in ‘A Better Life’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:39:26 -0400

CHICAGO – One of the most contentious issues in America now is the handling of “illegal” immigrants from Mexico. They, like anyone else, want a better circumstance for themselves and their families, as director Chris Weitz explores in the new film “A Better Life.”

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Essentially a modern re-telling of Victorio De Sica’s “The Bicycle Thief,” A Better Life mines the emotional journey of its protagonists, a father and son trying to get somewhere, anywhere in the midst of the slave wages and substandard living conditions for the illegal immigrant in this country. Surrounding the father is a cloak of pressure-filled fear, and even when a sliver of hope appears on the horizon it comes with consequences.

Carlos (Demián Bichir) life is one of redundant hard labor, earning a living sub contracting through a friend’s landscaping business. He has been in America illegally since he and his wife escaped from Mexico years before. After his wife passes away, he is left to raise his son Luis (José Julián), now a teenager, who views his father as weak. Luis doesn’t even share Carlos illegal status since he was born in the U.S. The son is also being challenged in high school, as the gangs loom as an alternative to his poverty-stricken existence.

The tide turns somewhat when the owner of the landscaping business decides to move back to Mexico. He offers Carlos the business for a seemingly insurmountable sum, but a good deed Carlos had done years before miraculously secures the proper amount. He proudly buys the truck and equipment, then sets out to find that elusive “better life” for himself and his son.

When an unthinkable turn of events takes away the business opportunity, it is up to Luis to help his father recover what it his. This takes the pair toward a path of self-discovery, both through their relationship and their approach to solving the situation of the loss. What results from this challenge has the potential to change both their lives forever.

”A Better Life” has a limited release, including Chicago, on July 8th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Demián Bichir, José Julián, Joaquín Cosio and Carlos Linares. Written by Eric Eason and Roger L. Simon, directed by Chris Weitz. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “A Better Life”

Hard Knocks: Carlos (Demián Bichir) Keeps Going in ‘A Better Life’
Photo credit: Merrick Morton for © Summit Entertainment

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “A Better Life”

Film News: Brand New Photo From ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’

BrianTT — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:58:03 -0500

CHICAGO – Summit just released a new production still from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1” and we just had to share. The highly anticipated sequel, which opens on Nov. 18, 2011, stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Anna Kendrick, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed and Kellan Lutz. The film is directed by Bill Condon from a script by Melissa Rosenberg.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn
Photo credit: Summit

Read about Bill Condon directing “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”.
See the teaser trailer for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
See our “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “Remember Me” slideshow.
Read our review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
See our “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” slideshow.
Read about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
See our “New Moon” slideshow.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 2 Signed ‘Meskada’ Posters By ‘Twilight’ Star Kellan Lutz

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:30:18 -0500

CHICAGO – In our latest crime/drama edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 2 signed posters up for grabs to the new film “Meskada” by “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” star Kellan Lutz!

“Meskada” also stars Nick Stahl, Rachel Nichols, Jonathan Tucker, Grace Gummer, Laura Benanti, James McCaffrey, Michael Cerveris, Norman Reedus, David Aaron Baker, Michael Sirow, Kerry Bishé, Rebecca Henderson, Kathy Searle and Charlie Tahan from writer and director Josh Sternfeld. “Meskada” opened in theaters and premiered on video on demand on Dec. 3, 2010.

To win your free “Meskada” signed poster courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The movie poster for “Meskada” with Kellan Lutz and Nick Stahl.
Image credit: Red Flag Releasing

Here is the plot description for “Meskada”:

“Meskada” follows a small-town detective named Noah Cordin as he struggles to solve the brutal murder of a boy in the peaceful, affluent town of Hilliard. The killers left behind no clues at the crime scene with the exception of a scrap of paper leading Cordin back to his hometown of Caswell.

Here, Cordin and county detective Leslie Spencer consult with Cordin’s old friends – all of whom are suffering from the economic troubles that have plunged Caswell into near destitution. As their search fails to turn up a suspect, feverish tensions rise between the towns of Hilliard and Caswell until the film reaches its shocking climax.

“Meskada” captures a snapshot of quintessential American small-town life. The story calls to mind our nation’s history, the brutal clashes over land and territory, the class divides and the improbable victories for equal opportunity. The film portrays a vivid picture of the rift between characters in two towns, people bound by loyalty, family, community and a battle born of circumstances beyond their control.

The movie trailer for “Meskada” can be watched now below.

To score your free signed poster, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply answer our question. You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

You must include your first and last name, e-mail address and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared, will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries. Please answer our question below.

What are the pros and cons of small-town life over big-city living?

This Hookup is simple: two readers will be selected as the winners of our free “Meskada” Hookup! The winners will be mailed their signed posters at our expense. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ Delivers For Franchise Fans

BrianTT — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:53:06 -0500

CHICAGO – One of the biggest films of 2010, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” comes home to Blu-ray and DVD this weekend and the release is a surprisingly-complete set for the best film yet in the blockbuster franchise. With commentary tracks, a ton of behind-the-scenes material, deleted scenes, and great HD video, “Eclipse” could satisfy even moderate fans of the franchise.

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

Despite its significant flaws, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” is, without question, the best of the three “Twilight” films. Even with that fact aside, the Blu-ray and DVD release of the title is impressive. When a franchise has this many hardcore fans, it must be tempting for a studio to produce the bare minimum. Seriously, how many tweens putting “Eclipse” on their Christmas wish list really care about special features, video quality, and commentaries? They’d want their favorite movie no matter what. And so it’s nice to see a studio like Summit treat fans respectfully and go above and beyond what they need to merely to make money.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on December 4th, 2010.
Photo credit: Summit

As for why “Eclipse” works, David Slade’s film not only has actual atmosphere and pace instead of just romantic teen obsession but actually proves that Robert Pattinson might be able to act. Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have finally found the urgency in their characters. Sadly, Taylor Lautner could still use a few actiing classes and Melissa Rosenberg’s writing continues to frustrate, but this is the most technically-accomplished and interesting film in the series because Slade, Stewart, and Pattinson actually invest in rising action unlike the monotonous moping of the first two films.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on December 4th, 2010.
Photo credit: Summit

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” dives right into the story on a sun-drenched romantic afternoon between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). She wants to become a vampire and he refuses to do so until they’re married. He won’t sleep with her either. The moral message is clear — sex before marriage isn’t just bad, it will make you undead.

Jacob (Taylor Lautner) continues to brood over Bella, convinced that she will one day love him instead of Edward. A mysterious new figure named Victoria played by Bryce Dallas Howard enters the picture, accompanied by a man named Riley (Xavier Samuel) who does her bidding. The two have been planning a war against the Cullens and Bella becomes the obvious target. Yes, we’re expected to believe that Bella is basically the key to centuries-old conflict. It’s every girl’s teen fantasy come true — the fate of your love story truly is the most important thing in the world.

The problems with “Eclipse” are similar to “New Moon” in that the movie takes itself way too damn seriously, producing unintended laughter far too often. Most of it centers around Lautner, an actor who always looks like he’s waiting to speak instead of actually listening or being in the moment. And yet, “Eclipse” moves at an undeniably better pace than “New Moon” and the entire cast seems reinvigorated by actually having something urgent to do.

Summit may be relatively new to the HD game but they have picked it up pretty quickly. The HD video on “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” looks excellent with just the right amount of color saturation and line detail. It’s not over-heated like so much of the dialogue. And the special features are remarkable, including appearances and anecdotes by the cast members that teenagers really want to hear from. We know “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” is your favorite movie of 2010. It’s nice that the Blu-ray will probably be your favorite holiday present too.

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary by Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart
o Audio Commentary by Stephanie Meyer & Wyck Godfrey
o Deleted & Extended Scenes
o Photo Gallery
o Six-Part Making Of Documentary (PIP mode on Combo only)
o Edward Fast Forward
o Jacob Fast Forward
o Music Videos From Muse and Metric
o Photo Gallery

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Bryce Dallas Howard, Xavier Samuel, Peter Facinelli, Elisabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene, and Dakota Fanning. It was written by Melissa Rosenberg from the book by Stephenie Meyer and it was directed by David Slade. It will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 4th, 2010. It is rated PG-13 and runs 124 minutes.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 33-Image Gallery For ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ Starring Robert Pattinson

BrianTT — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:34:07 -0400

CHICAGO – This 33-image slideshow contains all of the official press images for the highly anticipated “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Dakota Fanning, and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film was adapted by Melissa Rosenberg from the book by Stephenie Meyer and directed by David Slade. It will be released on June 30th, 2010.

Synopsis: “In ECLIPSE, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos courtesy of Summit Pictures and stills are credited to Kimberley French. All Rights Reserved.

Eclipse_01: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in the Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_02: Director David Slade and star Kristen Stewart on the set of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_03: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_04: Kristen Stewart and Billy Burke star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_05: (L to R) Anna Kendrick, Justin Chon, Christian Serratos and Michael Welch star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_06: Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_07: Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_08: Taylor Lautner stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_09: Nikki Reed and Kellan Lutz star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_10: Elizabeth Reaser and Peter Facinelli star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_11: (L to R) Alex Meraz, Booboo Stewart (seated), Kiowa Gordon, Tyson Houseman, Bronson Pelletier, Gil Birmingham, Tinsel Korey and Julia Jones star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_12: Kristen Stewart stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_13: Booboo Stewart stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_14: Ashley Greene and Jackson Rathbone star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_15: Tinsel Korey and Chaske Spencer star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_16: (L to R) Tinsel Korey, Chaske Spencer, Tyson Houseman, Bronson Pelletier, Kiowa Gordon and Alex Meraz star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_17: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_18: Robert Pattinson stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_19: (L to R) Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Elizabeth Reaser, Jackson Rathbone and Peter Facinelli star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_20: Director David Slade on the set of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_21: Alex Meraz stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_22: Julia Jones stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_23: Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_24: Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_25: Xavier Samuel stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_26: (L to R) Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Jackson Rathbone and Robert Pattinson star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_27: Jodelle Ferland stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_28: Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner star in the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_29: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_30: Xavier Samuel (center) stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_31: Bryce Dallas Howard stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_32: (L to R) Danielle Cudmore, Dakota Fanning, Cameron Bright and Charlie Bewley star in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Eclipse_33: Dakota Fanning stars in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’ Will Be Two Films

BrianTT — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:14:19 -0400

CHICAGO – It’s been rumored for months but Summit Entertainment made it official this week when they announced that the final book in Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series — “Breaking Dawn” — will be released as two separate films with “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I” hitting theaters on November 18th, 2011.

Recently announced director Bill Condon (“Dreamgirls”) will direct both parts which will start filming this fall. The following actors have been confirmed for both the fourth and fifth films in the franchise by Summit: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Ashley Green, and Kellan Lutz. Melissa Rosenberg, who adapted the first three books, is currently working on the script.

Breaking Dawn
Photo credit: Little, Brown Books

With only two films released, the “Twilight” franchise has already grossed over $1.1 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales and the third film, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” hits theaters on June 30th, 2010. The first “Twilight” film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the second by Chris Weitz, and the third by David Slade.

Read about Bill Condon directing “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”.
See the teaser trailer for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
See our Summit 2010 slideshow with “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” images.
Check out our review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
See our “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” slideshow.
Read about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
See why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’ Set For Nov. 18, 2011

BrianTT — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:53:54 -0400

CHICAGO – Summit announced the release date for the final film in the “Twilight” franchise today, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner, but did not yet reveal if it will be one or two films, as has been rumored. “Breaking Dawn,” helmed by recently-announced director Bill Condon, will be released on Nov. 18, 2011.

Variety reported that Summit will release at least one film on that date, but could release another film on a later date, splitting the final Stephenie Meyer book into two films. They did not confirm rumors that “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” will be in 3D.

Breaking Dawn
Photo credit: Little, Brown Books

The first “Twilight” film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the second by Chris Weitz, and the third by David Slade.

Read about Bill Condon directing “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”.
Check out the teaser trailer for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
See our Summit 2010 slideshow with “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Check out our review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Check out the slideshow of images from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Oscar Winner Bill Condon to Direct ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’

BrianTT — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:04:16 -0400

CHICAGO – The final sequel to “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” just found itself an A-list director in the man behind the lens for “Kinsey” and “Dreamgirls” and an Oscar winner for his script for “Gods and Monsters” (and nominee for “Chicago”), Bill Condon.

After weeks of rumors as to who would sit in the directorial chair for the fourth and final film based on the series of books by Stephenie Meyer after “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” Summit Entertainment made the announcement this afternoon. The script for “Breaking Dawn” is currently being penned by series scribe Melissa Rosenberg and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.

Erik Feig, president of production and acquisitions for Summit Entertainment, said: “Bringing Stephenie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensivity.”

Breaking Dawn
Photo credit: Little, Brown Books

The press release announcing the hire also quotes author Stephenie Meyer, “I’m so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he’s going to be a great fit, and I’m excited to see what he does with the material.”

Finally, Mr. Condon himself chimed in with “I’m very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we’re hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience.”

The first “Twilight” film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the second by Chris Weitz, and the third by David Slade.

Check out the teaser trailer for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
See our Summit 2010 slideshow including “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Check out our review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Check out the slideshow of images from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: ‘After Dark Horrorfest 4’ a Typical Mixed Bag

BrianTT — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:03:07 -0400

CHICAGO – We’ve spent the last few weeks working our way through the fourth collection of the series subtitled “8 Films to Die For” and found a few highlights and lowlights of the fourth annual “After Dark Horrorfest” that we would are now unafraid to share. With two entries that are much more accomplished than last year’s thoroughly mediocre octet, this year featured some quality and some, well, not-so-quality. Let us break it down from best to worst.

1. “Dread”

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Starring: Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Evans, Hanne Steen, and Laura Donnelly
Written by: Anthony DiBlasi
Directed by: Anthony DiBlasi

After Dark Horrorfest IV: Dread
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video

Synopsis: “Produced by Clive Barker and adapted from his Books of Blood collection by Anthony DiBlasi (screenwriter), Dread follows Stephen (Jackson Rathbone, The Twilight Saga) and Cheryl (Hanne Steen), college students making a documentary about what people dread in life. But they have no idea that their partner, Quaid (Shaun Evans), witnessed his parents being murdered by an axe-wielding lunatic and wants to make others experience his own personal horror. Called “one of the finest Clive Barker adaptations to date,” by shocktillyoudrop.com, “Dread delivers on all chilling counts,” according to fangoria.com.”

Review: “What if we did a fear study? To live another’s dread vicariously - that’s the safest way to touch the beast.” Here’s some daily advice. If a classmate starts to talking to you like that, run in the other direction. Easily the best entry in this year’s Horrorfest and one of the best straight-to-DVD horror movies in some time, “Dread” gets that Clive Barker vibe that so often becomes warped by less talented writer/directors. It’s a very well made, clever, interesting slice of horror that actually examines the impetus of its genre in an intellectual way. And the cast is quite good with a solid performance from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” star Jackson Rathbone and really strong turns from the charismatic Shaun Evans and moving Laura Donnelly. The brutal darkness within human beings has always been the playground of Barker and this adaptation of one of his short stories may have drastically altered his plot but gets his vibe just right. Writer/director DiBiasi is reportedly working on an adaptation of Barker’s “The Great and Secret Show” and horror fans should be very excited about the potential of that project.

Special features:
o “Facing the Fear: Behind the Scenes of Dread” featurette
o A Conversation with Clive Barker and Director Anthony DiBlasi
o Deleted Scenes

2. “Lake Mungo”

DVD Rating: 3.5/5.0

Starring: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe, Talia Zucker, and Steve Jodrell
Written by: Joel Anderson
Directed by: Joel Anderson

After Dark Horrorfest IV: Lake Mungo
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video

Synopsis: “In Lake Mungo, sixteen-year-old Alice Palmer drowns while swimming in the local dam. When her body is recovered and a verdict of accidental death returned, her grieving family buries her. The family then experiences a series of strange and inexplicable events centered in and around their home. Profoundly unsettled, the Palmers seek the help of psychic and parapsychologist, Ray Kemeny. Ray discovers that Alice led a secret, double life. A series of clues lead the family to Lake Mungo where Alice’s secret past emerges. Quietearth.com states, the film “…doesn’t need to rely on gimmicks to get under your skin,” while The Hollywood Reporter declared, “A convincing mock-documentary style lifts ‘Lake Mungo’ beyond spooky supernatural mystery into the realms of emotional truth-telling.””

Review: “Lake Mungo” proves that even a film series that’s over thirty movies deep and in its fourth year can produce something unique. “Mungo” gets under your skin and stays there. The “mockumentary” thing has arguably been overdone with hits like “Paranormal Activity” but “Mungo” feels different. The fact that it consists mostly of reportedly found footage and interviews makes it feel more like a “48 Hours Mystery” or very special “Dateline NBC” and the genuine quality of the performances really enhance the overall piece. Some of the “ghost” footage doesn’t work (why does everything have to be the worst possible video quality to be creepy) but the stuff that does work? Whoa. And the film wraps back in on itself very creatively in ways that force you to think about it for some time after.

Special features:
o Theatrical Trailer

3. “Hidden”

DVD Rating: 2.5/5.0

Starring: Kristoffer Joner, Cecilie Mosli, Anders Danielsen Lie, and Bjarte Hjelmeland
Written by: Pal Oie
Directed by: Pal Oie

After Dark Horrorfest IV: Hidden
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video

Synopsis: “With his mother’s passing, KK returns home after nineteen years to settle her estate. But with his heritage comes dark and deadly secrets. Having spent the last two decades trying to forget his cruel mother and his past life in the creepy house in the woods, KK finds that there are some things you just can’t run from. Thefreshfilms.com declares “…Hidden is bordering on greatness.””

Review: And here’s where the series starts to slide. What’s so remarkable about horror fans is that 2 out of 8 straight-to-DVD releases ending up worthwhile and a few more that aren’t quite horrible is a win in our genre of choice. One of those “not-quite-horrible” titles is “Hidden,” a film that I really wanted to like more but falls into too many cliches to be as effective as it could have been with less jump cuts and noisy scare cues on the soundtrack. “Hidden” is promising in terms of what its director could do in the future but it’s a near-miss as a film.

Special features:
None

4. “The Reeds”

DVD Rating: 2.5/5.0

Starring: Anna Brewster, OT Fagbenie, Will Mellor, Danny Caltagirone, Scarlett Johnson, Emma Catherwood, and Geoff Bell
Written by: Chris Baker
Directed by: Nick Cohen

After Dark Horrorfest IV: The Reeds
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video

Synopsis: “A weekend boating party turns into a nightmare for a group of young Londoners when they stumble upon a terrifying secret hidden in the reeds.”

Review: Just as much of a near-miss is “The Reeds,” a reasonably well-made thriller that goes off the rails in ways that just don’t work. It starts like a remake of “Donkey Punch” in the worst possible vacation spot in the world and with less popular people and looks like it will just become a standard slasher pic and then becomes something even weirder. Clearly, “The Reeds” has a bit of an identity crisis. The biggest problem however is the film’s pacing. Some sequences - like one with a guy with a metal spike through his body - go on way too long and then the final act feels rushed. It just never develops the right rhythym to be effective, making the cliches harder to take. But the cast is pretty strong and it’s well made. “The Reeds” suffers from a common horror problem - being shot before the one or two rewrites that would have made it work.

Special features: None