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Horror Fuel

Ode to 80’s Horror: The Hellraiser Series

If you Google “80’s Horror”, one of the first movies that’s going to pop up is Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with it’s multiple (and extremely varying) sequels. Hellraiser is a Horror Film’s Horror Film. It’s a movie that any horror aficionado worth his or her salt knows and appreciates. Personally, it’s my favorite horror film (well- it’s really a three way tie between Hellraiser, Evil Dead 2, and Reanimator, but there’s time for that later.) so I couldn’t think of a better way to kick of this #Odeto80sHorror than by exploring Kirsty Cotton and her Cenobite counterparts. WHERE IT CAME FROM: The original 1987 Hellraiser film was an adapted from noted horror author Clive Barker’s novella The Hellbound Heart (it’s a quick read; I highly recommend it.) Barker would also direct the 1987 film. The screenplay adapts a romantic relationship into a father/daughter relationship, and our heroine, the young and scrappy Kirsty Cotton (played by a young Ashley Lawrence) ,

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Aug 2, 2016
Horror Fuel

A Cornucopia Of Terror With “A Book of Horrors” (Review)

The UK’s most acclaimed horror editor, Stephen Jones, is back at it again with A Book of Horrors – a collection of page-turning and bone-chilling short stories from some of the greatest names in horror literature. Everything you could ever want from a horror thriller is included in this anthology; from classic pulp-style fiction to cutting-edge terror, dark fantasy and everything in-between. A Book of Horrors will have you looking over your shoulder and under the bed from beginning to end. What’s great about this book is not only the quality of the writing but the sheer diversity. This anthology is packed to the teeth with something for everyone and contains some of the best work from the best writers in the business. Each story is also proceeded by a short introduction and explanation from the authors – something which gives you true insight into the macabre nightshades of terror you will experience in this spine-chilling thrillscape. If you’re looking

Continue reading →
Guest Writer
Jun 10, 2016
Horror Fuel

I Took Some Bad Acid! A Review Of Djinn Short ‘Bad Acid’

Maybe it was all just bad acid?! I screened recently Bad Acid a short for HF and boy was I entertained! Bad Acid follows the tale of a bad illusionist trying to make a living. When he fights with a heckler, he runs to his friend for a loan. The loan his friend gives him is that of a box belonging to a dead heavy metal artist. The box contained a genie’s lamp which inside held an acid tablet . When the illusionist put the tablet to work, his reality became twisted and wildest dreams were revealed. The price? His soul! Per Press Pack “David Chaudoir, writer/director, has worked for 25 years in UK Broadcast Television and as- sociated crafts. He has directed award winning promotions for The Walking Dead and The Wire and music videos for bands such as Athlete and Starsailor. Sukey Richardson, producer, has produced / production-managed a range of features, documentaries, commercials and short films including

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
May 22, 2016
Horror Fuel

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is an interesting book. Typically when I think of sea monsters, or dangers in the ocean, my immediate thought is Jaws. This book takes that same, deeply rooted fear of both the unknown and the creatures which might dwell there, and exploits them. Initially readers aren’t quite sure of what is going on. The initial chapter hooks you in, while the remaining content provides content and further draws you into the story. (No fishing puns were intended in the writing of this review… But reading back over it, several appear. I apologize in advance.) Book Description: There are places we were never meant to go… *** A woman searching for a sister lost at sea. A man bent on finding lost treasure. A mother who has lost all hope. A maniac who believes all life exists for his pleasure. The man who would keep them all safe. Together, they will all seek below the waves

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Feb 28, 2016
Horror Fuel

Get a Quick Scare with Home

Home, created by Benjamin Rivers and released in 2012, is touted as a unique horror adventure game by the developer. Everything that happens is entirely subjective, which is not commonly seen in games. The art is in a pixel style, making the game feel retro, especially when combined with the story taking place in text. It is a very simple game as controls only go forward, backward, raise your lamp, and select highlighted objects, which makes it perfect for mobile gaming. Going through the first time will only take an hour and it is best to play the game straight through. However, it requires multiple passes to achieve each of the different endings. The game is engaging for the first time, but it becomes very tedious and repetitive if you make attempts at each of the endings and achievements. The game is heavily story-driven and you wake up in an unknown house. As you explore, you uncover many dark secrets

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Part 1 of The X-Files Breakdown Seasons 1 – 3

The X-Files centers around two F.B.I. agents, Fox Mulder, the believer, and Dana Scully, the skeptic. The two spent 9 seasons and 2 major motion pictures investigating the strange and unexplained, all while hidden forces worked to impede their efforts. The X-Files was inspired by shows which featured elements of suspense and speculative fiction. The two could not be more different, Mulder, a firm believer in the paranormal searches for the truth hidden in the government all while continuing his search for his abducted sister, Samantha. Scully, spent years studying to be an MD before changing careers and joining the F.B.I. Scully looks at everything from a scientific standpoint and is originally sent to debunk Agents Mulders work. While she agrees with Mulder through much of the series that certain things can not be explained, her and Mulder’s reasonings always differ. The show offered multiple “monster-of-the-week” type episodes which were loosely based off “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “The Twilight Zone,” and

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 9, 2016
Horror Fuel

Film Review: “At The Devils Door (2014)”

“When ambitious young real estate agent Leigh is asked to sell a house with a checkered past, she crosses paths with a disturbed girl whom she believes is the runaway daughter of the couple selling the property. When Leigh tries to intervene and help her, she becomes entangled with a supernatural force that soon pulls Leigh’s artist sister Vera into its own web – and has sinister plans for both of them.” _______________________________________ “At The Devil’s Door” is packed with young familiar faces from “Glee’s” Naya Rivera, to MTV’s “Awkard’s” Ashley Rickards, to “Falling Skies” star Catalina Sandino Moreno. The three girls play off of each other well creating the perfect formula for a modern day horror thriller. I did enjoy this film, although what started off as an extremely promising demonic horror flick, started to loose its sense of direction through the middle of the film. While the actors played off each other beautifully, I almost wonder if too

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 6, 2016
Horror Fuel

Christopher MacBride’s “The Conspiracy”

We all have that one person who is our go to paranoid conspiracy theorist… heck, maybe it is even you! Christopher MacBride’s “The Conspiracy” perfectly descends deeper and deeper into the world occupied by those who believe in certain paranoias, such as, 9/11 and The Illuminati. The film itself is marketed as a horror documentary, and is quite believable as they use actual conspiracy theories and multiple sources for their investigation, but it is important to remember it is complete fiction. I assure you, the two main actors Aaron Poole and James Gilbert are doing quite well. I enjoyed this film, although, being a conspiracy theorist myself, I started to wonder if “The Conspiracy” mocks people like me, because after all is it a MOCUMENTARY. It is shot extremely well and is quite an easy watch. While it focuses heavily on the dangers of secret societies, it will get you thinking about your freedom and rights you have (or have

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 31, 2015
Horror Fuel

“Welcome to the family!” A look at Jordan Barker’s “Torment”

“When one has not had a good father, one must create one.” – Friedrich Nietzsche 2014’s “Torment” follows two newlyweds (Cory and Sarah) who take a much needed family vacation in order for Cory’s son, Liam, to get to know his new wife. The boy soon vanishes and Sarah and Cory must confront an evil, sadistic family who have kidnapped the boy for themselves! The first 5 minutes of the film are really quiet thrilling! You are shown an old home in the middle of nowhere, and are put into the middle of an awkward family moment. The family ends up seperating, and right from the start we are given 3 very promising kills! One of these kills even mimics a very important death scene in the first Halloween film as a teen puts on a pair of headphones and has no idea what is coming her way. “Torment” stars Katharine Isabelle, Robin Dunne, and Peter DaCunha, who stars as

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

“Man is the only animal that kills for fun,” A look into Christopher Denham’s “Preservation”

A camping trip goes awry as newlyweds Mike and Wit are suddenly joined by Mike’s brother, Sean, a former marine, in the psychological horror-thrill ride “Preservation.” They awake from their first night on the trip to find that everything has been stolen from their campsite. A weekend in the woods suddenly becomes a game of survival for the three. The film is littered with classic horror stereotypes which makes it a particularly fun watch, especially for horror fans! For me, the movie fell short in the realm of reality, and what “traditional hunters” actually do on a hunting trip. A great example of this is when the group arrives at their hunting spot and realize it is closed. To quote the characters, “That’s never stopped our family before,” and they enter anyways. With that said, the common horror movie stereotype-stupidity of these three is what makes this film a great horror film. The “closed” sign is the typical warning in

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 15, 2015

More from #review

Horror Fuel

Ode to 80’s Horror: The Hellraiser Series

If you Google “80’s Horror”, one of the first movies that’s going to pop up is Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with it’s multiple (and extremely varying) sequels. Hellraiser is a Horror Film’s Horror Film. It’s a movie that any horror aficionado worth his or her salt knows and appreciates. Personally, it’s my favorite horror film (well- it’s really a three way tie between Hellraiser, Evil Dead 2, and Reanimator, but there’s time for that later.) so I couldn’t think of a better way to kick of this #Odeto80sHorror than by exploring Kirsty Cotton and her Cenobite counterparts. WHERE IT CAME FROM: The original 1987 Hellraiser film was an adapted from noted horror author Clive Barker’s novella The Hellbound Heart (it’s a quick read; I highly recommend it.) Barker would also direct the 1987 film. The screenplay adapts a romantic relationship into a father/daughter relationship, and our heroine, the young and scrappy Kirsty Cotton (played by a young Ashley Lawrence) ,

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Aug 2, 2016
Horror Fuel

A Cornucopia Of Terror With “A Book of Horrors” (Review)

The UK’s most acclaimed horror editor, Stephen Jones, is back at it again with A Book of Horrors – a collection of page-turning and bone-chilling short stories from some of the greatest names in horror literature. Everything you could ever want from a horror thriller is included in this anthology; from classic pulp-style fiction to cutting-edge terror, dark fantasy and everything in-between. A Book of Horrors will have you looking over your shoulder and under the bed from beginning to end. What’s great about this book is not only the quality of the writing but the sheer diversity. This anthology is packed to the teeth with something for everyone and contains some of the best work from the best writers in the business. Each story is also proceeded by a short introduction and explanation from the authors – something which gives you true insight into the macabre nightshades of terror you will experience in this spine-chilling thrillscape. If you’re looking

Continue reading →
Guest Writer
Jun 10, 2016
Horror Fuel

I Took Some Bad Acid! A Review Of Djinn Short ‘Bad Acid’

Maybe it was all just bad acid?! I screened recently Bad Acid a short for HF and boy was I entertained! Bad Acid follows the tale of a bad illusionist trying to make a living. When he fights with a heckler, he runs to his friend for a loan. The loan his friend gives him is that of a box belonging to a dead heavy metal artist. The box contained a genie’s lamp which inside held an acid tablet . When the illusionist put the tablet to work, his reality became twisted and wildest dreams were revealed. The price? His soul! Per Press Pack “David Chaudoir, writer/director, has worked for 25 years in UK Broadcast Television and as- sociated crafts. He has directed award winning promotions for The Walking Dead and The Wire and music videos for bands such as Athlete and Starsailor. Sukey Richardson, producer, has produced / production-managed a range of features, documentaries, commercials and short films including

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
May 22, 2016
Horror Fuel

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings

The Deep by Michaelbrent Collings is an interesting book. Typically when I think of sea monsters, or dangers in the ocean, my immediate thought is Jaws. This book takes that same, deeply rooted fear of both the unknown and the creatures which might dwell there, and exploits them. Initially readers aren’t quite sure of what is going on. The initial chapter hooks you in, while the remaining content provides content and further draws you into the story. (No fishing puns were intended in the writing of this review… But reading back over it, several appear. I apologize in advance.) Book Description: There are places we were never meant to go… *** A woman searching for a sister lost at sea. A man bent on finding lost treasure. A mother who has lost all hope. A maniac who believes all life exists for his pleasure. The man who would keep them all safe. Together, they will all seek below the waves

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Feb 28, 2016
Horror Fuel

Get a Quick Scare with Home

Home, created by Benjamin Rivers and released in 2012, is touted as a unique horror adventure game by the developer. Everything that happens is entirely subjective, which is not commonly seen in games. The art is in a pixel style, making the game feel retro, especially when combined with the story taking place in text. It is a very simple game as controls only go forward, backward, raise your lamp, and select highlighted objects, which makes it perfect for mobile gaming. Going through the first time will only take an hour and it is best to play the game straight through. However, it requires multiple passes to achieve each of the different endings. The game is engaging for the first time, but it becomes very tedious and repetitive if you make attempts at each of the endings and achievements. The game is heavily story-driven and you wake up in an unknown house. As you explore, you uncover many dark secrets

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 30, 2016
Horror Fuel

Part 1 of The X-Files Breakdown Seasons 1 – 3

The X-Files centers around two F.B.I. agents, Fox Mulder, the believer, and Dana Scully, the skeptic. The two spent 9 seasons and 2 major motion pictures investigating the strange and unexplained, all while hidden forces worked to impede their efforts. The X-Files was inspired by shows which featured elements of suspense and speculative fiction. The two could not be more different, Mulder, a firm believer in the paranormal searches for the truth hidden in the government all while continuing his search for his abducted sister, Samantha. Scully, spent years studying to be an MD before changing careers and joining the F.B.I. Scully looks at everything from a scientific standpoint and is originally sent to debunk Agents Mulders work. While she agrees with Mulder through much of the series that certain things can not be explained, her and Mulder’s reasonings always differ. The show offered multiple “monster-of-the-week” type episodes which were loosely based off “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “The Twilight Zone,” and

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 9, 2016
Horror Fuel

Film Review: “At The Devils Door (2014)”

“When ambitious young real estate agent Leigh is asked to sell a house with a checkered past, she crosses paths with a disturbed girl whom she believes is the runaway daughter of the couple selling the property. When Leigh tries to intervene and help her, she becomes entangled with a supernatural force that soon pulls Leigh’s artist sister Vera into its own web – and has sinister plans for both of them.” _______________________________________ “At The Devil’s Door” is packed with young familiar faces from “Glee’s” Naya Rivera, to MTV’s “Awkard’s” Ashley Rickards, to “Falling Skies” star Catalina Sandino Moreno. The three girls play off of each other well creating the perfect formula for a modern day horror thriller. I did enjoy this film, although what started off as an extremely promising demonic horror flick, started to loose its sense of direction through the middle of the film. While the actors played off each other beautifully, I almost wonder if too

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Jan 6, 2016
Horror Fuel

Christopher MacBride’s “The Conspiracy”

We all have that one person who is our go to paranoid conspiracy theorist… heck, maybe it is even you! Christopher MacBride’s “The Conspiracy” perfectly descends deeper and deeper into the world occupied by those who believe in certain paranoias, such as, 9/11 and The Illuminati. The film itself is marketed as a horror documentary, and is quite believable as they use actual conspiracy theories and multiple sources for their investigation, but it is important to remember it is complete fiction. I assure you, the two main actors Aaron Poole and James Gilbert are doing quite well. I enjoyed this film, although, being a conspiracy theorist myself, I started to wonder if “The Conspiracy” mocks people like me, because after all is it a MOCUMENTARY. It is shot extremely well and is quite an easy watch. While it focuses heavily on the dangers of secret societies, it will get you thinking about your freedom and rights you have (or have

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 31, 2015
Horror Fuel

“Welcome to the family!” A look at Jordan Barker’s “Torment”

“When one has not had a good father, one must create one.” – Friedrich Nietzsche 2014’s “Torment” follows two newlyweds (Cory and Sarah) who take a much needed family vacation in order for Cory’s son, Liam, to get to know his new wife. The boy soon vanishes and Sarah and Cory must confront an evil, sadistic family who have kidnapped the boy for themselves! The first 5 minutes of the film are really quiet thrilling! You are shown an old home in the middle of nowhere, and are put into the middle of an awkward family moment. The family ends up seperating, and right from the start we are given 3 very promising kills! One of these kills even mimics a very important death scene in the first Halloween film as a teen puts on a pair of headphones and has no idea what is coming her way. “Torment” stars Katharine Isabelle, Robin Dunne, and Peter DaCunha, who stars as

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

“Man is the only animal that kills for fun,” A look into Christopher Denham’s “Preservation”

A camping trip goes awry as newlyweds Mike and Wit are suddenly joined by Mike’s brother, Sean, a former marine, in the psychological horror-thrill ride “Preservation.” They awake from their first night on the trip to find that everything has been stolen from their campsite. A weekend in the woods suddenly becomes a game of survival for the three. The film is littered with classic horror stereotypes which makes it a particularly fun watch, especially for horror fans! For me, the movie fell short in the realm of reality, and what “traditional hunters” actually do on a hunting trip. A great example of this is when the group arrives at their hunting spot and realize it is closed. To quote the characters, “That’s never stopped our family before,” and they enter anyways. With that said, the common horror movie stereotype-stupidity of these three is what makes this film a great horror film. The “closed” sign is the typical warning in

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Dec 15, 2015
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