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Honest horror reviews of films, series, games and books — no hype, no spoilers, just whether it is worth your time and your nerves.

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Horror Fuel

Short Film Review: Killer Date

In this digital age, the way in which people meet up and date has changed drastically. While some rely on more traditional ways of meeting people, others are relying on various online sites and apps. One such person is Mike, who is about to meet a young lad, whom he met by way of dating app. However, this is not a new experience for him, and the readers of his popular blog can bear witness to this fact. It’s likely that his dates are often the subject of his blog, and it’s just as likely he would rather these women not be aware of this before they meet him. Enter Abby, the young woman he’s meeting for coffee. They introduce themselves and after a bit hug vs handshake awkwardness they start the whole getting to know you process. She seems kind of timid, admittedly not getting out much. They share pleasant conversation and seem to be getting along swimmingly until

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 18, 2017
Horror Fuel

Short Film Review: KAL-The Clown

A young woman sits in her apartment watching a movie when the doorbell rings. She answers it and finds a slightly damaged package lying in the doorway. Upon opening the package she finds a creepy clown marionette stuffed inside. It’s holding a note that looks like it was written by a child just learning to write. The note says “My name is KAL”. She closes up the box and goes back to her movie, but she will find that her “little guest” will not be ignored. Soon enough she may learn exactly what fuels people’s Pupaphobia and Coulrophobia (that’s the fear of puppets and clowns to you and me Rusty). The film was directed by Carlos Omar de León from a script he co-wrote with Vince Phrommany. Their story combines two elements that have been used to play on people’s fears for many a year – clowns and puppets/dolls. This particular puppet even bears a resemblance to the kind of

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 17, 2017
Horror Fuel

Movie Review: Hotel of the Damned is Vacant of Scares or Originality

It’s said that one should never judge a book by it’s cover. One should also not make assumptions based on a tile, such as assuming the type of horror movie one is about to see. That being said, let’s begin, my Little Monsters. Nicky is an ex-con, a brand new one at that since he has just this day been released from prison. After being reunited with his good friend Jimmy, Nicky has one more reunion in n mind – one with his estranged daughter Eliza. Nicky and Jimmy track Eliza down, only to find (much to his dismay) she is living with her druggy boyfriend, Bogdan. This just won’t do, so Nicky removes Eliza from this “situation”. While on the road back to town, someone runs out into the road causing them to swerve and wreck their car. They are in the middle of nowhere, with no working mode of transport and no signs of anyone to provide help

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 11, 2017
Horror Fuel

SCREAM’ Turned 20: Where Are They Now? Scream 5?

Last week (12/20) SCREAM —also known as the film that made slasher movies scary again— turned the big 2-0. Twenty years later, three sequels and a awesome TV series (which will be getting a season 3 in case you forgot) and now talk of a fourth sequel by the star and famed writer, where do we begin? So if you stood tuned to my articles, I’ve covered everything to do with SCREAM: The TV series, including reviews, recaps and season updates. MTV’s series acted as the final project based around the infamous SCREAM franchise that Horror Master and my idol Wes Craven, was attached to before his shocking and untimely death in 2015. Craven stood as director of the franchise since its 1996 launch with the writing hand of then fresh face Kevin Williamson. With three sequels on hand, Craven sadly couldn’t stay with us long enough to produce any others, but as previously stated he did manage to have

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 27, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review: The Snare is a Twisted Cinematic Trap

While watching the opening moments of The Snare, it was easy to see that the tone of the film was going to be grim. Beginning on a completely black screen with shrill ominous chords playing in the background, it then cuts to several shots of an overgrown and neglected cemetery strewn with grey tombstones. Then it transitions to a shot of a big black spider on a branch before ending on a final sequence of shots showing a dead and decaying rabbit infested with maggots and flies. Yeah, I felt this was a pretty good indication of a rather bleak story. The story in question actually centers on a sullen and morbid young woman named Alice. She lives with her father, with whom she appears to have, at best, an awkward relationship. For the weekend she will be joining her friend Lizzy and her boyfriend Carl on a trip to a coastal town. Lizzy’s dad is an estate agent and

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 20, 2016
Horror Fuel

Zombie Ninjas VS Black Ops – A Movie Review

While pressing play on my computer to watch ‘Zombie Ninjas vs Black Ops’ I knew the odds were slim that this would be a great movie, but nothing prepared me for the mind-numbing experience I was about to have. ‘Zombie Ninjas vs Black Ops’ was directed by Rody Claude and written by Kylie Claude. Beginning with the story, that I felt I had already seen one too many times, a group of scientist trying to bring new life to dead flesh, make a horrible mistake while testing on the bodies of dead mercenaries. I’m sure you can guess what happens next. Of course there’s a hero in this story, Dillon (Adam T. Perkins), a man who has come for a job interview. When the zombie ninjas begin their assault on the company’s employees Dillon jumps in to help. The platoon of Black Ops soldiers arrive and are quickly killed by the undead. One scientist survives the attacks and Dillon sets

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Dec 14, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – The Shelter Is a Cold, Dark, Introspective Journey

The Shelter Written and Directed by – John Fallon Featuring – Michael Paré, Lauren Alexandra, Amy Wickenheiser, Rachel G. Whittle This is the story of a man named Thomas, and whether it’s rock bottom or the bottom of a bottle, this man is quite familiar with the concept of being lower than low. However this wasn’t always the kind of life he knew. Once he had a loving wife, a good job, a nice home and a daughter on the way. Now he lives as an aimless, homeless wanderer, getting by on the small kindnesses that others will afford him – whether he deserves them or not. Refusing to seek refuge at a local shelter, Thomas walks around town until he comes across a house that seems to beckon to him. It would appear that whomever the house belongs to isn’t home, and fortunately for him (or is it?), a door just happens to be unlocked. He makes himself at

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 13, 2016
Horror Fuel

Surprising And Entertaining – A Review Of Pitchfork

This morning I sat down to watch Glenn Douglas Packard’s slasher ‘Pitchfork’. Watching a director’s first film is always interesting. You never know what to expect, usually it’s hit or miss. This time, I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering that this is Packard’s first real introduction into the genre. Packard’s well known for his work as a dancer and choreographer. He also serves as creative director and producer for the new series Men of the Strip on the E! Network. This Prime Time Emmy Award nominee has racked up quite a few awards, including two Fright Night Film Festival awards for Best Director and Best Feature Film for ‘Pitchfork’. ‘Pitchfork’ follows a young man who “recently shared a life-changing secret with his family, Hunter recruits his friends to come with him from New York to the farm where he grew up as he faces his parents for the first time. As the college students enjoy the fresh air of Michigan

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Dec 12, 2016
Horror Fuel

Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is a Finely Crafted 8 Story House of Horrors

Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories Directed by – Nathan Thomas Milliner (“Murder Death Killer” & “Fear, For Sinners Here” segments), P.J. Starks (“Haters” segment) Sean Blevins (“Trick or Treat” segment), John William Holt (“Feeding Time” segment), Jon Maynard (“Blood Bath” segment), Justin M. Seaman (“The Deathday Party” segment), James Treakle (“A Killer House” segment) Featuring – Barbie Clark, Warren Ray, Thomas Dunbar, Aric Stanish, Nathan Thomas Miliner, Kevin Roach, Gerrimy Keiffer, Jacob Ewers, Erin Troutman, Christopher Bower, Jeff Hancock, Shelby Taylor Mullins, Chad Benefield, Chad Ray, Caleb Shore, T.J. Clark, Eric Huskisson, Anne Welsh, Jay Woolston, Cindy Maples, Alyssa Evelyn Rhoads, Jessica Schroeder, Julie Streble, Troy Davis, Connor Stark, Kevin Arnold, Bridgette Michelle Hoover, and Moses J. Moseley The movie opens with Dick, Vallie and their associate Mr. Dawson as they intend to unburden a business of excess inventory, which they intend to sell to a prearranged buyer. As they prepare for their pilferage, Dawson spins a little yarn about

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 4, 2016
Horror Fuel

Abbey Grace – Everything You’ve Already Seen in One, Fun Plot

Just finished watching Stephen Durham’s Abbey Grace and, although it isn’t a perfect movie, I definitely enjoyed watching it. The movie focuses on a sister (Debbie Sheridan) who returns to her childhood home to look after her agoraphobic brother (Jacob Hobbs). Both Sheridan and Hobbs offer convincing performances of the frustrations they feel and can’t seem to understand in each other. However, as the movie progressed, it became very clear why they got he leads as opposed to the other actors in the film. Invited to the house to observe Hobbs’ character, Amber Gallaway plays a renowned doctor who wasn’t necessarily a bad actress, but she seemed more like a giddy valley-girl in booty shorts as opposed to a highly touted professional. Semi Anthony, the exorcist, used an accent that was so muddles and off that I was waiting to know if he was joking or not….the film should have been a two- person cast. Aside from the downhill spiral

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016

More from Reviews

Horror Fuel

Short Film Review: Killer Date

In this digital age, the way in which people meet up and date has changed drastically. While some rely on more traditional ways of meeting people, others are relying on various online sites and apps. One such person is Mike, who is about to meet a young lad, whom he met by way of dating app. However, this is not a new experience for him, and the readers of his popular blog can bear witness to this fact. It’s likely that his dates are often the subject of his blog, and it’s just as likely he would rather these women not be aware of this before they meet him. Enter Abby, the young woman he’s meeting for coffee. They introduce themselves and after a bit hug vs handshake awkwardness they start the whole getting to know you process. She seems kind of timid, admittedly not getting out much. They share pleasant conversation and seem to be getting along swimmingly until

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 18, 2017
Horror Fuel

Short Film Review: KAL-The Clown

A young woman sits in her apartment watching a movie when the doorbell rings. She answers it and finds a slightly damaged package lying in the doorway. Upon opening the package she finds a creepy clown marionette stuffed inside. It’s holding a note that looks like it was written by a child just learning to write. The note says “My name is KAL”. She closes up the box and goes back to her movie, but she will find that her “little guest” will not be ignored. Soon enough she may learn exactly what fuels people’s Pupaphobia and Coulrophobia (that’s the fear of puppets and clowns to you and me Rusty). The film was directed by Carlos Omar de León from a script he co-wrote with Vince Phrommany. Their story combines two elements that have been used to play on people’s fears for many a year – clowns and puppets/dolls. This particular puppet even bears a resemblance to the kind of

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 17, 2017
Horror Fuel

Movie Review: Hotel of the Damned is Vacant of Scares or Originality

It’s said that one should never judge a book by it’s cover. One should also not make assumptions based on a tile, such as assuming the type of horror movie one is about to see. That being said, let’s begin, my Little Monsters. Nicky is an ex-con, a brand new one at that since he has just this day been released from prison. After being reunited with his good friend Jimmy, Nicky has one more reunion in n mind – one with his estranged daughter Eliza. Nicky and Jimmy track Eliza down, only to find (much to his dismay) she is living with her druggy boyfriend, Bogdan. This just won’t do, so Nicky removes Eliza from this “situation”. While on the road back to town, someone runs out into the road causing them to swerve and wreck their car. They are in the middle of nowhere, with no working mode of transport and no signs of anyone to provide help

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 11, 2017
Horror Fuel

SCREAM’ Turned 20: Where Are They Now? Scream 5?

Last week (12/20) SCREAM —also known as the film that made slasher movies scary again— turned the big 2-0. Twenty years later, three sequels and a awesome TV series (which will be getting a season 3 in case you forgot) and now talk of a fourth sequel by the star and famed writer, where do we begin? So if you stood tuned to my articles, I’ve covered everything to do with SCREAM: The TV series, including reviews, recaps and season updates. MTV’s series acted as the final project based around the infamous SCREAM franchise that Horror Master and my idol Wes Craven, was attached to before his shocking and untimely death in 2015. Craven stood as director of the franchise since its 1996 launch with the writing hand of then fresh face Kevin Williamson. With three sequels on hand, Craven sadly couldn’t stay with us long enough to produce any others, but as previously stated he did manage to have

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 27, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review: The Snare is a Twisted Cinematic Trap

While watching the opening moments of The Snare, it was easy to see that the tone of the film was going to be grim. Beginning on a completely black screen with shrill ominous chords playing in the background, it then cuts to several shots of an overgrown and neglected cemetery strewn with grey tombstones. Then it transitions to a shot of a big black spider on a branch before ending on a final sequence of shots showing a dead and decaying rabbit infested with maggots and flies. Yeah, I felt this was a pretty good indication of a rather bleak story. The story in question actually centers on a sullen and morbid young woman named Alice. She lives with her father, with whom she appears to have, at best, an awkward relationship. For the weekend she will be joining her friend Lizzy and her boyfriend Carl on a trip to a coastal town. Lizzy’s dad is an estate agent and

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 20, 2016
Horror Fuel

Zombie Ninjas VS Black Ops – A Movie Review

While pressing play on my computer to watch ‘Zombie Ninjas vs Black Ops’ I knew the odds were slim that this would be a great movie, but nothing prepared me for the mind-numbing experience I was about to have. ‘Zombie Ninjas vs Black Ops’ was directed by Rody Claude and written by Kylie Claude. Beginning with the story, that I felt I had already seen one too many times, a group of scientist trying to bring new life to dead flesh, make a horrible mistake while testing on the bodies of dead mercenaries. I’m sure you can guess what happens next. Of course there’s a hero in this story, Dillon (Adam T. Perkins), a man who has come for a job interview. When the zombie ninjas begin their assault on the company’s employees Dillon jumps in to help. The platoon of Black Ops soldiers arrive and are quickly killed by the undead. One scientist survives the attacks and Dillon sets

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Dec 14, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – The Shelter Is a Cold, Dark, Introspective Journey

The Shelter Written and Directed by – John Fallon Featuring – Michael Paré, Lauren Alexandra, Amy Wickenheiser, Rachel G. Whittle This is the story of a man named Thomas, and whether it’s rock bottom or the bottom of a bottle, this man is quite familiar with the concept of being lower than low. However this wasn’t always the kind of life he knew. Once he had a loving wife, a good job, a nice home and a daughter on the way. Now he lives as an aimless, homeless wanderer, getting by on the small kindnesses that others will afford him – whether he deserves them or not. Refusing to seek refuge at a local shelter, Thomas walks around town until he comes across a house that seems to beckon to him. It would appear that whomever the house belongs to isn’t home, and fortunately for him (or is it?), a door just happens to be unlocked. He makes himself at

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 13, 2016
Horror Fuel

Surprising And Entertaining – A Review Of Pitchfork

This morning I sat down to watch Glenn Douglas Packard’s slasher ‘Pitchfork’. Watching a director’s first film is always interesting. You never know what to expect, usually it’s hit or miss. This time, I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering that this is Packard’s first real introduction into the genre. Packard’s well known for his work as a dancer and choreographer. He also serves as creative director and producer for the new series Men of the Strip on the E! Network. This Prime Time Emmy Award nominee has racked up quite a few awards, including two Fright Night Film Festival awards for Best Director and Best Feature Film for ‘Pitchfork’. ‘Pitchfork’ follows a young man who “recently shared a life-changing secret with his family, Hunter recruits his friends to come with him from New York to the farm where he grew up as he faces his parents for the first time. As the college students enjoy the fresh air of Michigan

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Dec 12, 2016
Horror Fuel

Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories is a Finely Crafted 8 Story House of Horrors

Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories Directed by – Nathan Thomas Milliner (“Murder Death Killer” & “Fear, For Sinners Here” segments), P.J. Starks (“Haters” segment) Sean Blevins (“Trick or Treat” segment), John William Holt (“Feeding Time” segment), Jon Maynard (“Blood Bath” segment), Justin M. Seaman (“The Deathday Party” segment), James Treakle (“A Killer House” segment) Featuring – Barbie Clark, Warren Ray, Thomas Dunbar, Aric Stanish, Nathan Thomas Miliner, Kevin Roach, Gerrimy Keiffer, Jacob Ewers, Erin Troutman, Christopher Bower, Jeff Hancock, Shelby Taylor Mullins, Chad Benefield, Chad Ray, Caleb Shore, T.J. Clark, Eric Huskisson, Anne Welsh, Jay Woolston, Cindy Maples, Alyssa Evelyn Rhoads, Jessica Schroeder, Julie Streble, Troy Davis, Connor Stark, Kevin Arnold, Bridgette Michelle Hoover, and Moses J. Moseley The movie opens with Dick, Vallie and their associate Mr. Dawson as they intend to unburden a business of excess inventory, which they intend to sell to a prearranged buyer. As they prepare for their pilferage, Dawson spins a little yarn about

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 4, 2016
Horror Fuel

Abbey Grace – Everything You’ve Already Seen in One, Fun Plot

Just finished watching Stephen Durham’s Abbey Grace and, although it isn’t a perfect movie, I definitely enjoyed watching it. The movie focuses on a sister (Debbie Sheridan) who returns to her childhood home to look after her agoraphobic brother (Jacob Hobbs). Both Sheridan and Hobbs offer convincing performances of the frustrations they feel and can’t seem to understand in each other. However, as the movie progressed, it became very clear why they got he leads as opposed to the other actors in the film. Invited to the house to observe Hobbs’ character, Amber Gallaway plays a renowned doctor who wasn’t necessarily a bad actress, but she seemed more like a giddy valley-girl in booty shorts as opposed to a highly touted professional. Semi Anthony, the exorcist, used an accent that was so muddles and off that I was waiting to know if he was joking or not….the film should have been a two- person cast. Aside from the downhill spiral

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016
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