ianmair91 Reviews

Axegrinder 3 (2022 Video)

Freddy Palmer is back in action in the third chapter of David Sterling's slasher franchise!

[7/10 · 5 April 2022]

"Axegrinder 3" centers on serial killer Freddy Palmer, who escapes from a mental asylum and goes on another killing spree while on a trek back to his childhood home. On the way, he finds time to slaughter some innocent pedestrians as his desire to kill cannot be suppressed. Little do the new occupants of the home know that a dangerous madman is on the way there, and nothing will stop him!

Co-directed by Joe Sherlock (Beyond the Wall of Fear) and Joseph Voegele (Specimen 6), "Axegrinder 3" is a standalone sequel in David Sterling's horror series, only briefly referencing the previous films. The visual look and style of each film in the "Axegrinder" series is distinctive, with different directors helming each production, and I think that adds a lot of intrigue to each installment. By recruiting various filmmakers from all over the country to participate in the series, Sterling keeps things fresh, as every film feels totally unique from the last. Sherlock brings his usual sense of quirky fun, practical f/x and a terrific sense of humor to the proceedings, while Voegele provides some excellent kill sequences throughout, even making reference to classic slashers like "Friday the 13th."

The cast includes some Skullface Astronaut regulars like Emilynn, Roxxy Mountains and Kirk Sardonis, as well as tremendous indie film scream-queen Mel Heflin. Jackey Neyman Jones (Manos: The Hands of Fate) also makes a welcome appearance as a TV psychologist hosting a weekly series about all things horrific and mysterious. A standout to this reviewer is an actress named Larsa Honeytoast, who I felt did an excellent job in her short role; I hope to see her in more horror flicks going forward.

"Axegrinder 3" was another fun, solid entry in this on-going slasher marathon. I always enjoy when a new Skullface Astronaut film is released, as Sherlock's films are a good time, every time. And I think Joseph Voegele is someone to keep your eyes on in the indie horror film world. Well done, gentleman! I look forward to more!

Things 666 (2021)

Another fun anthology flick from Skullface Astronaut maestro, Joe Sherlock!

[8/10 · 14 January 2022]

"Things 666" is actually the seventh installment in the long-running "Things" franchise from producer David Sterling. This is Joe Sherlock's third foray into the series, and I believe in many ways, one of the strongest of his trilogy of films.

As with all horror anthology flicks, "Things 666" is broken into separate stories; one dealing with two sisters and the fallout from something their dad dug up underneath the house, one about a mysterious doll who shows up at a bar and brings about sinister visions of the past and one showcasing a cam-girl who becomes entangled in a problem from beyond the grave.

Skullface Astronaut regulars Jackey Neyman Jones (Manos: The Hands of Fate), Jewel Siren, Melody Berg, Rob Merickel and Tonjia Atomic are on-hand yet again in the leading roles, and all bring a touch of fun and energy to their roles. Joseph Voegele, another indie-filmmaker, also turns in a wildly enjoyable performance as a conspiracy theorist. And special mention needs to be given to genre legend George Stover (Night Beast, The Alien Factor) for his terrific portrayal of "Louis," who has quite a deadly secret. Stover, the screen legend that he is, is always a welcome addition to any flick!

As always, Joe's cinematography and editing are top-notch. His films always have a crisp, clean look to them and production values are high for a micro-budget shocker. There is also a great melting-man effect near the end of the movie that is a treat for gore hounds!

If you are a fan of the "Things" series, this is another frightfully fun installment. And if you're a Skullface Astronaut fan, "Things 666" will not disappoint!

Zombi VIII: Urban Decay (2021)

ZOMBI VIII- a fun, throwback love-letter to the genre

[8/10 · 26 May 2021]

"Zombi VIII: Urban Decay" is a 2021 horror flick from filmmaker Dustin Ferguson and the folks at Retrosploitation. It tells the story of a young woman who has been searching for her missing father, and by way of a database that specializes in finding missing people, is able to track him down on the sinister island of Matool. She is successful in finding her father, but it isn't a happy family reunion as he has been transformed into a bloodthirsty zombie. Vowing to get him help, the daughter and two friends bring him back to the states, but all hell breaks loose when he escapes and begins infecting the entire city.

Clearly made as a love-letter to classic exploitation and Italian zombie films, Ferguson creates a well-paced and fun adventure that spans all the way from a tropical island in the Caribbean to the urban jungle of Los Angeles. By creating references to Lucio Fulci's "Zombi" and "Zombi 3," as well as "Return of the Living Dead" and others of the same ilk, the director really succeeds in capturing the feel and aura of those films. What also takes the film up a notch is the superb soundtrack from composer Oscar Fogelström. He creates a sense of urgency to the entire film through his score, and the themes are very stylized and atmospheric. There is also some great location work here, as well as drone footage of the island and the city, which adds to the overall stature of the storyline.

Mel Novak (Bruce Lee's "Game of Death") headlines the cast here as Gov. Hadley, a shady politician who is rooting for the downfall of mankind. Although only featured in a cameo appearance, Novak always adds gravitas to the films he stars in. Other standouts in the cast include YouTube star Shawn C. Phillips in a quirky role as a pothead, Samantha McCullough in a sexy and fun tribute to Linnea Quigley from ROTLD, and the amazingly talented Noel Jason Scott as the film's lead zombie, "Patient 0." Scott was exceptional in his role, snarling and gnawing through his scenes like a champion. Bravo!

I have seen many of Ferguson's films, and it's safe to say that "Zombi VIII: Urban Decay" is my favorite. As a huge fan of this genre and classic zombie and splatter films, this was a real treat!

Children of Camp Blood (2020)

Mark Polonia provides "Camp Blood" fans one of the best entries in the series

[7/10 · 29 January 2021]

A spin-off of sorts in the long-running microbudget franchise, "Children of Camp Blood" follows four young people whose lives were destroyed when various members of their family were murdered by the bloodthirsty clown killer. The youths seek the help of a kindly doctor who operates a rehab center nearby the infamous "Camp Blood." But despite reports of the killer clown being dead, the patients know this isn't true.

Mark Polonia is a frequent contributor to the series, produced by David Sterling. He produced and directed Part 3, Part 7, Ghost of Camp Blood, and now this installment. He understands this type of film very well and gives the audience exactly what they want.... some cool kills, blood and clowns! Polonia gives his films a breezy feel and with this installment I believe he provided one of the best entries in the series.

Our lead actress, Samantha Coolidge, is far and away one of the most likeable leads in the series since the very early entries. She is super relatable and makes you feel for her character. Coolidge is a very good actress and I hope to see more films from her in the future. James Kelly is also a welcome addition, providing some of the film's more endearing moments. And there is a cameo appearance from Jeff Kirkendall, and that's always a good thing.

The clown killer himself was strong in this film, boasting one of the best masks in quite some time. There were a few startling shots of the killer, especially in a tracking shot early on in the film. The locations were minimalistic but get the job done and the props and f/x were also pretty strong.

Overall, this is definitely a contender for a top three spot in the "Camp Blood" lineup. I hope Mark Polonia does many more entries in this series in the future.

Eternal Code (2019)

Extremely impressive science-fiction piece from director Harley Wallen

[10/10 · 19 November 2020]

"Eternal Code" is a 2019 science-fiction thriller with a high-profile cast including Richard Tyson, Scout Taylor-Compton and Mel Novak. The film revolves around two companies that are working together to create a technology that will allow a person to transfer their mind into someone else. But the deal goes sour and the rival company attempts to get rid of the woman, Bridget Pellegrini (played very well by Erika Hoveland) who stopped the deal from going through. She is kidnapped and taken away and it basically becomes a mission by a homeless vet named Corey (Damien Chinappi), and Bridget's daughter Miranda (Angelina Danielle Cama) to rescue her before the technology is put into effect.

What impressed me most with this film is the very high production value that it boasts. With independent films, you never quite know what you're getting into, and right away it's evident that a great deal of care and attention went into the production. The cinematography is beautiful, with smooth tracking shots being employed and an overall dynamic look throughout the entire film. In terms of the cast, the heavy-hitters were mentioned at the beginning of this review... Tyson, Taylor-Compton and Novak, and as always, they turn in stellar performances. You can never go wrong with Tyson as the villain! He just rocks in these types of roles. The rest of the cast all do exceptional jobs as well, with Damien Chinappi being the most impressive to me. He brought a great attitude and aura to his character, and you really find yourself invested in him throughout the movie. Other noteworthy performers include Cama, Kaiti Wallen and filmmaker Harley Wallen himself.

I look forward to seeing more productions from this company and from writer/director/producer Harley Wallen and associate producer Joe Williamson.

Meathook Massacre 4 (2018)

Bubba returns with a vengeance in the most exciting chapter of the long-running franchise!

[8/10 · 17 October 2020]

"Meathook Massacre 4" ranks as one of my favorites in the series of slasher films centered around Bubba, the stark-raving mad butcher! John Ward came into the fold with this film and brings a unique visual and storytelling style to the proceedings. The plot centers around a group of four travelers who accidentally run over Bubba's mother on the highway in the middle of a desert. They believe they have gotten away with it, but Bubba and family are not far behind and have no intentions of letting the assailants live!

What I like most about this particular film in the franchise is that it gives you a character to really root for, that being Kim played by Mindy Gilkerson. She is excellent in her role and brings a great deal of energy and pathos to her character. Brinke Stevens, horror film legend, also makes a superb turn as Auntie Mara, the new head of the family. Any time Brinke is involved, the quality of a film is lifted exponentially! Robert Lankford continues to play Bubba, and I feel this is by far one of his best turns as the character. He seems more animalistic and strong in this film, and the way in which he was photographed really boosted the movie overall. Finally, Dawna Lee Heising makes an appearance in the film, and although brief, was definitely one of the highlights! She is always fun to watch and her cameo in this installment is great!

John Ward brings a keen eye to the visuals in this one, a movie that looks way more expensive than it probably was. Part 4 maintains a certain degree of polish without losing that raw, organic nature of the first three films. There is a great deal of production value here and Ward gets a lot of mileage out of his locations and cast.

Overall, this is one of my favorite installments in the series, next to Parts 6 and 2. I really have enjoyed my journey through this franchise and I hope many more "Meathook Massacre" films are in store for us indie horror fans!

Meathook Massacre II (2017)

Second installment in Dustin Ferguson's "Meathook Massacre" franchise sure to delight fans of indie-slashers!

[8/10 · 4 October 2020]

While the first film in the series was shot on VHS, this chapter graduates to hi-def digital video, giving it a unique look and feel, but keeping with the same tone as the original movie. The plot this time around involves a young man who ventures into the dark, twisted world of "Bubba" and his cannibalistic family to find his missing sister.

What I like about this series is that each installment looks, sounds and feels totally different than the one before it, but there is enough connective thread to tie them all together. I think that keeps things intriguing for the viewer, as it doesn't feel repetitive. Robert Lankford again reprises his role as "Bubba" and does an awesome job in the part, creating an animalistic and scary villain for the franchise. Deborah Dutch is introduced into the fold as "Auntie Deb" and really shines in her role. Genre favorite Dawna Lee Heising also makes an appearance as a crazy member of "Bubba's" family and brings her A-game to the part. The rest of the cast does a nice job as well in their roles. I also really enjoyed the soundtrack of the film, with some songs provided by the excellent "Dragonsclaw" band. Dustin Ferguson is someone to watch out for in the business and really brings a solid second installment to the franchise with some fun twists, turns and plenty of the red stuff. He employs some interesting visuals in the film, especially the way the cavern sequences were photographed. Check it out!

Meathook Massacre Part VI: Bloodline (2020)

One of the best installments in this long-running cult franchise!

[7/10 · 3 October 2020]

Jerimiah Douglas helmed this chapter in Dustin Ferguson's "Meathook Massacre" series and brings an atmospheric and spooky aura to the proceedings. The story involves a young woman who doesn't quite fit in with her new family. But what she doesn't realize is that her family descends from a long line of cannibals, working under the guise of a sinister project known as "66636."

What I like about this series is that each film looks and feels totally unique from the last, but there is enough connective tissue between films that they stay married to one-another. Robert Lankford, in his sixth outing as the series' slasher "Bubba," returns in this installment and is used quite effectively, especially during a chase sequence featuring YouTube sensation Shawn C. Phillips. I liked how Douglas kept Bubba in the shadows a little more this time, making the character seem more ominous and scary. Deborah Dutch also makes a return appearance, her first in the series since the second film, and she is always a welcome addition. I hope if the series continues that Dutch will reprise her role again and again. The storyline was very engaging and the film gives us a main character who is easy to root for. Overall, this is definitely in my top two of the series and the combined talents of Douglas/Ferguson really shined through in this one.

I hope the "Meathook Massacre" series continues to live on in this tradition!

The Beast Beneath (2023)

Dustin Ferguson delivers a fun creature-feature in the tradition of the genre!

[8/10 · 11 August 2020]

I had the opportunity to check out "The Beast Beneath" on its premiere night through After Hours Cinema. As a big fan of Mel Novak and Brinke Stevens, who both cameo in the picture, as well as a fan and follower of the films of Dustin Ferguson, I highly anticipated the debut of this flick. The story is simple in that a sinister monster rises from the earth to attack the locals who pass by. A scientist and his sister are interested in the recent attacks and use their skills to uncover the mystery of the beast beneath. I enjoyed the cinematography and music very much, both fitting the tone and style of the film. Novak and Stevens always turn in great performances and I was impressed with the design and look of the creature itself. I was also pumped when I saw that Shawn C. Phillips was featured in the film as well. Shawn is always a treat to watch! If you dig underground horror movies, "The Beast Beneath" may be for you!

Claw (2017)

David Palmieri delivers a suspenseful, bloody slasher flick starring scream queen Tina Krause

[7/10 · 23 March 2018]

Scream-queen icon Tina Krause (Witchouse 3, Camp Blood 666) stars alongside Justin Pavia and Lina Tanille in this gory and entertaining horror romp from director David Palmieri (Witchcraft 14,15 and 16) and producer David S. Sterling (Camp Blood, Witchcraft XI: Sisters in Blood).

"Claw" is a film about three friends who rent an old house in the country for some rest and relaxation, only to be killed off one by one by a sinister madman that dwells in the old barn next door.

The setup is pretty basic, but the dynamic between the three lead characters is interesting and there is enough interplay and backstory that you find yourself engaged when the danger begins. Lina Tanille is especially solid in her role. She plays Tiffani as a little bit of a loner; she has a complexity to her that doesn't need to be spoken in dialogue. Tina Krause plays her role well too as a free-spirit who doesn't take life all too seriously. Justin Pavia does nice work as well in his role and gets a chance to really shine toward the end of the film, but I won't reveal any spoilers.

The killer himself is interesting, with a blood-stained welding mask, an interesting main weapon in the form of a detachable claw and an assortment of ways to do in his victims. I also liked the touch of him playing classical music while getting down to business in the old, sinister barn. This added to the creepy atmosphere in the film.

The twist ending is great as well and appreciated in a film like this. Many time, lower budgeted slasher flicks don't try anything interesting, and I appreciated the extra effort to throw off the viewer and provide something new and refreshing at the end of the film.

I would love to see a "Claw 2" directed by David Palmieri. I think he does a great job with the tools that he has available. He created a fun, exciting, atmospheric slasher flick that was well paced and very well shot. He utilized some cool timelapse camera work and his setups for the camera angles were well done as well. I commend his efforts and look forward to seeing more from him in the future.

Nightblade (2016)

NIGHTBLADE: A fast paced, exciting romp through a world of crime and murder!

[8/10 · 1 February 2017]

I had the opportunity to attend the Nashville premiere of NIGHTBLADE and I was really excited to see this movie on the big screen. From Jim O'Rear and Scott Tepperman, a fantastic film-making duo, NIGHTBLADE was a fun, thrilling ride that kept me intrigued from the opening frame to the closing credits!

The film opens with some stellar aerial photography of Nashville and really sets the tone for the film. We are quickly introduced to our main characters; Andy (Scott Tepperman) and Nicky (Jim O'Rear) who play a pair of childhood friends who went their separate ways as they grew up. Andy is a cop, whose family was killed, and Nicky is the owner of a strip-club called the Pleasure Dome. Some time later, the men are partners at the club and get in some trouble with money. When a series of murders takes place involving the women who work at the club, a series of events is set into motion that intertwines the stories of other various characters and delivers a very surprising twist at the end.

There is a great ensemble cast in the film: Old pro Todd Bridges (Diff'rent Strokes) is great as the grizzled detective on the case, the beautiful and very talent Betsy Rue (My Bloody Valentine) plays the lead heroine, who you really root for as the movie progresses and the awesome Robert LaSardo (Death Race) plays a thug who may or may not be involved in the murder conspiracy.

Jim O'Rear and Scott Tepperman both do great jobs in their roles, playing very flawed characters who are believable as friends who are torn apart as the movie progresses.

I was very impressed with the film and I hope to see many, many more productions by these men. It was a great time to check this film out on its premiere night.

Camp Blood 666 (2016)

One of the best entries in the series!

[12 December 2016]

"Camp Blood" is a long-running SOV horror film series that began in 1999. There are six films altogether, including the newest addition to the franchise, "Camp Blood 666." The new film stars horror legends George Stover (Nightbeast, The Alien Factor) and Tina Krause (Witchouse III), as well as some up-and-coming performers. The film was directed by Ted Moehring.

The movie revolves around the disappearance of a local boy and his sister's efforts to locate him inside Camp Blood. The sheriff's department is not much help in locating the boy and locals believe it has something to do the occult and the evil clowns of Camp Blood.

I really enjoyed several aspects to the movie. The cinematography was nice and the movie looks good. Most of the performers did a really solid job and the two leads played off of each other nicely; their relationship was believable and they are the strongest lead characters since the first two movies. George Stover is always awesome and his role as the concerned father of the missing boy is very strong and dramatic. The sound quality on the film was good, but sometimes the music was too loud to hear what people were saying. This was the only real complaint I had with the film. Other than this, I really, really dug the movie and the cool gore f/x it provided. The clown mask is also the best in the series since the first film! Very creepy

If this series continues, I hope Moehring continues in the role of director. He did a very nice job and I look forward to seeing "Camp Blood 7" with him at the helm.