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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

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

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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

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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

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Capt McNeely
Dec 4, 2016
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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
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – One Night of Fear Equals 1 Hour and 12 Minutes of Boredom

One Night of Fear Directed by – Brian Troxell Written by – Brian Troxell and Johnna Troxell Featuring – Jessica Sonneborn, Suzi Lorraine, Jimmy Dempster, Russ Forga, Megan Sweet, Joel D Wynkoop and Jason Sutton This movie is based on events surrounding several unsolved disappearances that have occurred over many years, in Florida’s Ocala National Forest. A group of friends decide to take a break from the norm and go on a hiking trip through the woods. With the group momentarily split up, one of the women in the group bears witness to the brutal murder of her boyfriend. In the meantime, her friends impatiently await the couple’s return so they can all get back on track, as it were. But their plans are soon derailed when only one friend returns, covered in her boyfriend’s blood and screaming. As they try to calm her enough to coax an explanation from her, the murder emerges on the road in the distance

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016
Horror Fuel

CD Review – Midnight Syndicate Creates an Awesome Soundtrack to Zombies!!! The Board Game

Creating a soundtrack for a board game. How exactly does anyone do that? Well, one only needs to point said query to the masterminds/madmen behind Midnight Syndicate – Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka. Their most recent release, ZOMBIES!!! Official Board Game Soundtrack, offers a definitive answer to this question. Back in my D&D (which they have also done an album base on, WOOHOO!), Call of Cthulhu, Shadowrun and “roll playing game that a group of us created, but came up with no name for” days, I remember game-play situations taking shape in my mind as if they were scenes in a movie. I imagine that composing music for the elements and situations within this game must have been done in a similar fashion. Then again…maybe that’s not how Douglas and Gozska conceptualized the scoring of ZOMBIES!!!. Seriously, what do I know about composing music in any way, shape or form, let alone composing the way they do? Nothing. What I

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – It Watches is at Least Worth a Watch

It Watches Directed by –David Parker Written by – David Parker and Ivan Djurovic Featuring – Ivan Djurovic, Rick Irwin, Sanny Van Heteren, James Duval Rob has been asked to house sit for a friend, but a scheduling conflict arises and now he must find someone to take over for him. Enter Andre, Rob’s friend and a man in definite need of some stress free, post concussion convalescing. Well…it’s as stress free as a big and slightly creepy house can possibly allow. And while the cupboards aren’t exactly stocked as promised, there are some intoxicating beverages and “party favors” to be had. While there, Andre must obey one rule above all else – no visitors. Aside from seeking relaxation, at the suggestion of his doctor, Andre is making a video diary in hopes that it will help him recall details about the accident that resulted in his aforementioned concussion. So with his camcorder in tow, he takes a self guided

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Nov 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Lights Out Made Me Want To Leave The Lights On – A Spoiler Free Review

Normally, when a movie is being hailed “the best horror movie” months before its theatrical debut, I wonder two things: is the movie that good, or does it just have a lot of big names and a great PR team. ‘Lights Out’ is one of those movies. Months before it opened in theaters the buzz was that it was going to be the best horror film of 2016. But is it? Directed by David F. Sandberg and co-written by Eric Heiseerer, the film is based on the short film by the same name by Sandberg. With horror master James Wan producing the film, it had my attention from the moment it was announced (I am huge fan of Wan). Living in rural Georgia and the closest theater being over an hour’s drive away, I had to wait till ‘Lights Out’ was released on DVD to check it out. Last night, I finally had the chance to see it for myself.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Nov 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – Tabloid Vivant is a Tale of Beautiful Torment

Tabloid Vivant Written and Directed by Kyle Broom Starring – Jesse Woodrow, Tamzin Brown, and Chris Carlisle To refer to Max Klinkau and Sara Speed as kindred spirits would be to make a gross understatement. They both seek notoriety, but don’t want to achieve it by way of the humdrum and conventional means that many are more than happy to accept. Max and Sara are striving for something truly unique. Max has developed a “system of painting” that will radically change the way people will view the classic art form, even in an age where digital art has gained prominence. Sara sees this as an incredibly fascinating concept, and is ecstatic to be tasked with writing a critique based on Max’s new style. They retreat to the seclusion of a house deep in the woods, which belongs to Max’s agent. He explains how the incorporation of an aspect of digital art into a classical form, such as painting on canvas

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Oct 26, 2016

More from Reviews

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
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – One Night of Fear Equals 1 Hour and 12 Minutes of Boredom

One Night of Fear Directed by – Brian Troxell Written by – Brian Troxell and Johnna Troxell Featuring – Jessica Sonneborn, Suzi Lorraine, Jimmy Dempster, Russ Forga, Megan Sweet, Joel D Wynkoop and Jason Sutton This movie is based on events surrounding several unsolved disappearances that have occurred over many years, in Florida’s Ocala National Forest. A group of friends decide to take a break from the norm and go on a hiking trip through the woods. With the group momentarily split up, one of the women in the group bears witness to the brutal murder of her boyfriend. In the meantime, her friends impatiently await the couple’s return so they can all get back on track, as it were. But their plans are soon derailed when only one friend returns, covered in her boyfriend’s blood and screaming. As they try to calm her enough to coax an explanation from her, the murder emerges on the road in the distance

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016
Horror Fuel

CD Review – Midnight Syndicate Creates an Awesome Soundtrack to Zombies!!! The Board Game

Creating a soundtrack for a board game. How exactly does anyone do that? Well, one only needs to point said query to the masterminds/madmen behind Midnight Syndicate – Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka. Their most recent release, ZOMBIES!!! Official Board Game Soundtrack, offers a definitive answer to this question. Back in my D&D (which they have also done an album base on, WOOHOO!), Call of Cthulhu, Shadowrun and “roll playing game that a group of us created, but came up with no name for” days, I remember game-play situations taking shape in my mind as if they were scenes in a movie. I imagine that composing music for the elements and situations within this game must have been done in a similar fashion. Then again…maybe that’s not how Douglas and Gozska conceptualized the scoring of ZOMBIES!!!. Seriously, what do I know about composing music in any way, shape or form, let alone composing the way they do? Nothing. What I

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 3, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – It Watches is at Least Worth a Watch

It Watches Directed by –David Parker Written by – David Parker and Ivan Djurovic Featuring – Ivan Djurovic, Rick Irwin, Sanny Van Heteren, James Duval Rob has been asked to house sit for a friend, but a scheduling conflict arises and now he must find someone to take over for him. Enter Andre, Rob’s friend and a man in definite need of some stress free, post concussion convalescing. Well…it’s as stress free as a big and slightly creepy house can possibly allow. And while the cupboards aren’t exactly stocked as promised, there are some intoxicating beverages and “party favors” to be had. While there, Andre must obey one rule above all else – no visitors. Aside from seeking relaxation, at the suggestion of his doctor, Andre is making a video diary in hopes that it will help him recall details about the accident that resulted in his aforementioned concussion. So with his camcorder in tow, he takes a self guided

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Nov 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Lights Out Made Me Want To Leave The Lights On – A Spoiler Free Review

Normally, when a movie is being hailed “the best horror movie” months before its theatrical debut, I wonder two things: is the movie that good, or does it just have a lot of big names and a great PR team. ‘Lights Out’ is one of those movies. Months before it opened in theaters the buzz was that it was going to be the best horror film of 2016. But is it? Directed by David F. Sandberg and co-written by Eric Heiseerer, the film is based on the short film by the same name by Sandberg. With horror master James Wan producing the film, it had my attention from the moment it was announced (I am huge fan of Wan). Living in rural Georgia and the closest theater being over an hour’s drive away, I had to wait till ‘Lights Out’ was released on DVD to check it out. Last night, I finally had the chance to see it for myself.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Nov 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Movie Review – Tabloid Vivant is a Tale of Beautiful Torment

Tabloid Vivant Written and Directed by Kyle Broom Starring – Jesse Woodrow, Tamzin Brown, and Chris Carlisle To refer to Max Klinkau and Sara Speed as kindred spirits would be to make a gross understatement. They both seek notoriety, but don’t want to achieve it by way of the humdrum and conventional means that many are more than happy to accept. Max and Sara are striving for something truly unique. Max has developed a “system of painting” that will radically change the way people will view the classic art form, even in an age where digital art has gained prominence. Sara sees this as an incredibly fascinating concept, and is ecstatic to be tasked with writing a critique based on Max’s new style. They retreat to the seclusion of a house deep in the woods, which belongs to Max’s agent. He explains how the incorporation of an aspect of digital art into a classical form, such as painting on canvas

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Oct 26, 2016
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