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KILL-LIST

Conquer The Bloody Rock With This ‘Sightseers’ Poster!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on April 04, 2013 @ 11:37am
Category: Movies / Images

I think I liked Kill List director Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers just a bit more than Mr. Disgusting did (review here), but it’s something I admire rather than love. I just don’t see myself wanting to spend time with the characters again. They’re well written and played mind you, they’re just unpleasant. I’d still recommend the film for at least one viewing though, and I really dig this new poster – they almost had me again!

In the comedy, “Chris (Steve Oram) wants to show Tina (Alice Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way – on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina’s led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see – the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that accompanies these wonders in his life.

But it doesn’t take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina’s meddling mother, soon conspire to shatter Chris’s dreams and send him, and anyone who rubs him up the wrong way, over a very jagged edge…”

IFC Films releases Sightseers on May 10th. READ MORE

[BEST & WORST '12] Evan Dickson’s List Of The Best Horror Films Of 2012!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on December 27, 2012 @ 2:03pm
Category: Movies / Editorials

This was a weird year. There weren’t that many great “straight up” horror movies out there, at least not in my eyes. I feel like the genre is at a turning point where it’s about to be reinvigorated, I’ve already seen a few of the films coming out next year (ones that simultaneously fit the definitions of the genre while taking it to new places) and I think 2013 will represent a turning point. 2012 saw the genre tentatively figuring out how to spread its wings in the age of huge budget divides (just like the American middle class, medium sized films are on the wane), VOD and a shifting landscape in general.

So don’t be surprised if some of these movies don’t 100% fall under the “horror” category. It’s not like I tossed Cloud Atlas on here or anything, I operated from the films that we cover on the site, but you’ll see what I’m talking about inside. On occasion we cover some great stuff that doesn’t rigidly fit the definitions of the genre, but it’s material that we feel appeals to horror fans’ sensibilities. That being said, I also kept this year’s “best of” list to films that were released in 2012. I still saw plenty of movies that I fell in love with, and here are 10 that you might dig as well. READ MORE

[TIFF '12 Review] The Shocking, Brutal And Beautiful ‘Sightseers’ Ultimately Fizzles

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on September 12, 2012 @ 4:12pm
Category: Movies / News

Kill List was one of last year’s best horror movies and earned its director, Ben Wheatley, a must-see status from me in regard to checking out his future films. His followup, Sightseers, premiered during the Vanguard portion of TIFF this week and Brad (Mr. Disgusting) writes in with the review. I agree with him in some regards, though overall I think I liked the film a bit more.

“Sightseers is Wheatley’s version of ‘Natural Born Killers’ or ‘God Bless America’, only instead of taking on the media and pop culture, he focuses on the elitist and self-absorbed attitudes of today’s youth… the message doesn’t have much impact post the initial kill. Sightseers may be worth a glance, but it’s not a place you’d visit again”

Click here to read the review in its entirety. The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6th-16th.

[BD Review] ‘Sightseers’ Shocking, But Still Falls Flat

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on September 03, 2012 @ 12:14pm
Category: Movies / Reviews

Director Ben Wheatley slammed into my world last year. His Kill List topped my list of the best horror of 2011, and quickly became “the” filmmaker to watch. Keeping his festival run afloat, Wheatley’s black comedy Sightseers screened with much anticipation at the Toronto International Film Festival. Unfortunately, what works so well in Kill List is what ultimately tanks this genre film.

Sightseers follows a relatively young couple – Chris (Steve Oram) and Tina (Alice Lowe) – who take a journey through the British Isles in Abbey Oxford Caravan. Chris is quickly pushed over the edge and the vacation becomes littered with dead bodies.

Sightseers is Wheatley’s version of Natural Born Killers or God Bless America, only instead of taking on the media and pop culture, he focuses on the elitist and self-absorbed attitudes of today’s youth. After beating someone’s head in with a stick, Chris is quick to point out that people get away with being pieces of sh*t and nobody does anything to stop them (basically they get away with “murder”, so to speak).

Wheatley’s message is clear and focused, only his decision to keep it snail-paced is what gums up the entertainment. While Kill List‘s pace is all about the impact finale, Sightseers is supposed to be a comedy with some energy. If anything, there’s no energy here, albeit, plenty of shocking moments fierce with impact. And it’s not very funny.

While Sightseers is beautifully made, and features rock solid performances by the entire cast, it just sort of falls a bit flat. The joke gets a bit old, quickly, and while there’s some juxtaposing between Tina and Chris, the message doesn’t have much impact post the initial kill. Sightseers may be worth a glance, but it’s not a place you’d visit again.

[Blu-ray Review] ‘Kill List’ Is An Atmospheric Delight

Movies
Posted by David Harley on August 21, 2012 @ 9:29pm
Category: Movies / Home Video

Kill List is the kind of film whose full impact doesn’t hit you until after you have had a chance to reel your mind in from the incredibly intense ending. Like Down Terrace, director Ben Wheatley’s last film, it follows the exploits of people living outside the law while moving in less expected directions, but has more of an emphasis on the physical and psychological pitfalls of their morally ambiguous lifestyles and the horrors, conventional and otherwise, it leads to. READ MORE

Ben Wheatley’s ‘Freakshift’ Closer To Happening, Could Be The Rare High-Concept Movie That Actually Turns Out Great!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on July 26, 2012 @ 9:30pm
Category: Movies / News

Ben Wheatley directed the amazing Kill List (and I can’t wait for Sightseers) so I’m stoked that director’s planned cops-and-monsters film, Freakshift, might be acquired in pre-production by Lava Bear who will help co-finance the movie with Film4.

Per Variety, “Lava Bear is in exclusive negotiations to acquire monster action thriller “Freakshift,” which “Kill List” director Ben Wheatley will helm. Rook Films’ Andrew Starke, Claire Jones and Lava Bear will produce. Katherine Butler will exec produce via the Film4 banner which developed and co-financed the project.”

Co-written by Wheatley and Amy Jump, “pic is set in a world where monsters rise from the ground and terrorize citizens when night falls. The Freakshift is a band of government-organized misfits and lawbreakers who hunt and kill the creatures for civic duty, sport and money. Wheatley told me back in February: “It’s like “Hill Street Blues” vs. Monsters. But it’s like 15 million [budget] so it’s quite big. That’s our first kind of American film as well. We’re hoping to start it in the beginning of next year, all things being equal.”

The project is likely to shoot in spring 2013 and I couldn’t be more excited. Usually projects like Freakshift sound great in development, but get watered down along the way. I don’t see that happening here.

The Incredible Indie Thriller ‘Kill List’ Dated For Home Video!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on July 24, 2012 @ 1:32pm
Category: Movies / Home Video

A one-of-a-kind blend of family drama, hitman thriller and terrifying psychological shocker, Kill List (review) is the story of an ex-soldier turned contract killer who plunges into the heart of darkness – and takes the viewer with him on a ride from which there is no return. The “#1 horror film of the year” (David Harley, Bloody-Disgusting) arrives on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD on August 14, 2012.

“From director Ben Wheatley (Down Terrace, The ABCs of Death) comes a mind-blowing genre concoction that marks a new milestone in the annals of modern horror. Eight months after a disastrous hit job left him physically and mentally scarred (and struggling to support his wife and son), Jay (Neil Maskell, Pusher, Basic Instinct 2) is pressured by his partner and best friend Gal (Michael Smiley, Wire in the Blood) into taking a lucrative three-part assignment: kill a priest, then a dealer in torture porn, and finally a member of Parliament. As the two men – one a volatile hothead, the other a careful professional – carry out their work with shocking brutality, Jay’s world begins to unravel until paranoia and unexplainable visions send him reeling.”

Don’t miss out on easily one of the best films of the year! READ MORE

Take The Expanded Ultimate Horror Challenge!!! How Do You Rank Now?

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on July 06, 2012 @ 2:04pm
Category: Movies / News

We have heard your cries! MANY of you felt that the The Ultimate Horror Challenge wasn’t comprehensive enough! So we included an additional 20 films that round it out a bit more. Many of these are from your suggestions! But this still isn’t a list of every horror movie ever made. And it still doesn’t contain every major work of every horror auteur (there’s still no John Carpenter’s They Live or Wes Craven’s The Last House On The Left).

The next update will be the Ultimate Horror Challenge: Final Edition – where we take your best new suggestions and use them to get up to 101 films that every horror fan should see! So in addition to your ranking, let us know which films should make the cut! Should newer fan favorites like Frozen or The Devil’s Rejects be included? Should we go back and pick up a few more old-school slashers? You’re shaping the Final 20! Discuss and vote and I’ll tally it up!

There are now 81 Films listed below the jump. Each film you’ve seen earns you 1 Point. Count out how many you’ve seen and let us know which category you fall into!

1-10 Points: Soccer Mom

11-20 Points: Mildly Adventurous

21-30 Points: Casual Fan

31-40 Points: Enthusiast

41-50 Points: Hardcore

51-60 Points: Unstable

61-70 Points: Need Meds

71-80 Points: Psychopath

81 Points: Special Circle Of Hell

Head inside to take the challenge! The films are listed in no particular order. This is NOT a ranking! READ MORE

Poster For ‘The ABC’s Of Death’ Spells Out Greatness

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on April 02, 2012 @ 8:55pm
Category: Movies / News

Abcsland40212 Poster For The ABCs Of Death Spells Out Greatness

Entertainment Weekly got their hands on the poster for The ABC’s Of Death, and I have to say it’s nothing if not absolutely great. The anthology film features segments from Adam Wingard (You’re Next), Ti West (The Innkeepers), Yoshihiro Nishimur (Tokyo Gore Police), Ben Wheatley (Kill List) and 23 other notable horror directors. I can’t wait to see it.

The ABC’s Of Death is a “feature film produced by Ant Timpson & Tim League. A project made up of 26 individual chapters by 26 directors that showcase death in all its wondrous and brutal beauty. Established directors and some of the most gifted emerging directors will make up the diverse roster of creative talent that will showcase twenty-six tales of mortality, beginning with the letter A and ending with the letter Z.

This will be a celebration of death in all its forms. From the shocking and exotic through to the banal and droll. The spectrum of cause will run from the accidental through to murder most foul. It is up to each director to interpret the letter (word) they are assigned. They have 6 months, 6 weeks and 6 days to finish their short tale on death. ”

Hit the jump to check out the poster by Kaare Andrews, who also happens to be directing Cabin Fever prequel Patient X. READ MORE

Exclusive

[Interview] Ben Wheatley Talks ‘Kill List’, ‘ABC’s Of Death’, ‘Sightseers’, ‘Megaevilmotherf*ckers’ and ‘Freak Shift’!

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on February 03, 2012 @ 4:42pm
Category: Movies / Exclusives

KillListMondoLand13112 [Interview] Ben Wheatley Talks Kill List, ABCs Of Death, Sightseers, Megaevilmotherf*ckers and Freak Shift!

Topping Mr. Disgusting’s list of the best films of 2011 is Ben Wheatley’s instant classic Kill List (review).

With the film opening in select theaters today, I sat down with Ben Wheatley at the Andaz Hotel this week for a lengthy chat about the genesis of Kill List and the multitude of projects he has coming up.

I found him to be a genuinely amiable and intelligent presence, a guy who clearly loves making movies and is extremely grateful to be doing so.

I highly urge you to go see this film this weekend if it’s playing anywhere remotely near you. While it’s not for everyone (a topic we touch on in our interview), it resonates quite strongly with those who are receptive to it.

If you live in Los Angeles, the film is screening at Cinefamily tonight. The 730PM and 1015PM shows will feature a Q&A with Mr. Wheatley moderated by Devin Faraci. Tickets here.

Hit the jump for the interview! READ MORE

New ‘Kill List’ Mondo Poster Is Awesome, Says Too Much?

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 31, 2012 @ 7:10pm
Category: Movies / News

KillListMondoLand13112 New Kill List Mondo Poster Is Awesome, Says Too Much?

For me, one of the pleasures Ben Wheatley’s Kill List was actually paying heed to the recommendation of those who had already seen the film that I go in absolutely blind. I’m so glad I did. It’s a great film either way, but watching it unfold without seeing a trailer or even too many stills certainly elevated the experience.

Which is why – no matter how awesome this Mondo Poster for the film is – it might be a better idea to go see the movie which it comes out this Friday (February 3rd) first. Does the poster have spoilers? Not really, and certainly not in any strict sense. But it does have information you may or may not need ahead of time.

But if you want to see it now, hit the jump to take a look. It will be on sale at Mondo Tees on February 23rd for 30 bucks. READ MORE

First ‘Sightseers’ Pic Is Indeed A Sight To Behold

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 24, 2012 @ 5:41pm
Category: Movies / News

First Sightseers Pic Is Indeed A Sight To Behold

With Kill List topping multiple year-end lists, including Mr. Disgusting’s, all eyes are on director Ben Wheatley’s next project Sightseers.

It started shooting a few months back and now, courtesy of Empire Online, we have our first look at the film itself. In the accompanying interview, Wheatley concedes that the film will be less dark. Per Empire, “There will be kills, and there may even be a list of some kind, but Wheatley insists that this is lighter fare than his last two outings, ‘Down Terrace’ and the film that birthed the Kill List Stare. It’s not as dark as Kill List,’ Wheatley tells Empire, ‘I’d have to shoot a child in the head live on television to be darker than that, but it has the same humour and the same worldview. But it’s also quite romantic, a bit more of a love story.’”

Actors Alice Lowe and Steve Oram wrote the script about a couple on a countryside caravan trip that goes wrong. “Chris (Steve Oram) wants to show Tina (Alice Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way – on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina’s led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see – the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that separates these wonders in his life. But it doesn’t take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina’s meddling mother, soon conspire to shatter Chris’s dreams and send him, and anyone who rubs him up the wrong way, over a very jagged edge…”

Hit the jump to check out the pic and head to the film’s official website for more info. I’m picking up a Malick vibe from the pic. How about you? READ MORE

Dear Filmmakers: Subvert A Genre All You Want, But You Have To Respect It First.

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 23, 2012 @ 12:33am
Category: Movies / Editorials

Dear Filmmakers: Subvert A Genre All You Want, But You Have To Respect It First.

A little while ago I tossed up an article about the sale of Black Rock at Sundance. In fact, it should be the piece right below this one.

Right after doing so I saw that Devin Faraci, one of my favorite critics, had already filed his review of the film over at Badass Digest so I headed over there to check it out. You can do the same by clicking here.

Now I’m gonna state in bold letters that I have not seen Black Rock. For all I know it could become my favorite movie of 2012. I don’t always agree with Devin (maybe 70% of the time), but he’s one of a handful of about 5 or 6 critics whose reviews are my “go-tos” when I’m deciding what films to spend my time or money on as a consumer (I don’t always see everything for free, especially non-horror stuff). Whether or not I ultimately agree with his take on something, he’s got a knack for thoroughly explaining the reasoning behind his reactions that’s in a language I can relate to.

So I was surprised to come across a couple lines in his piece on Black Rock that echoed something that’s been on my mind for sometime in regard to genre and people who think they’re slumming in it.

Hit the jump to see what I’m talking about. READ MORE

‘Kill List’, Bloody Disgusting’s #1 Film of 2011, Is Now On VOD!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on January 05, 2012 @ 3:27pm
Category: Movies / News

Kill List, Bloody Disgustings #1 Film of 2011, Is Now On VOD!

Topping my personal list of the best films of 2011 is Ben Wheatley’s instant classic Kill List (review), which premiered at SXSW before making its way to the Midnight audience at the TIFF. The slow-burn chiller is now available on VOD everywhere, with a limited theatrical run planned for Los Angeles and New York on February 3rd. You’d be doing yourself a major disservice by missing it.

“Eight months after a botched job in Kiev, Jay (Neil Maskell) is an out-of-work hit man with no job, money, health insurance and a wife constantly on his case. But when his business partner Gal (Michael Smiley) comes over for dinner and pressures Jay into taking a new assignment, Jay quickly finds himself back in the game with the promise of a big payoff after three assassinations. Although the hits start off without incident, soon things begin to unravel and Jay’s paranoia reveals itself as he is plunged into the heart of darkness.”

Watch a new 30-second spot inside. READ MORE

Trailer Promises ‘Kill List’ Will Unhinge the Hardest of Genre Fans

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on December 14, 2011 @ 12:38am
Category: Movies / Videos

Trailer Promises Kill List Will Unhinge the Hardest of Genre Fans

Hiding somewhere within my top 10 films of 2011 is Ben Wheatley’s instant classic Kill List (review), which premiered at SXSW before making its way to the Midnight audience at the TIFF. The slow-burn chiller opens in Los Angeles and New York theaters on February 3rd before arriving on VOD January 4th. You’d be doing yourself a major disservice by missing it.

Gearing up for release, IFC has now unveiled the final, full trailer that boasts a strong quote from David Harley’s review. The film is absolutely brilliant and will rock you to your core.

Official U.S. One Sheet and New Look at ‘Kill List’

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on December 06, 2011 @ 1:01am
Category: Movies / Images

Hiding somewhere within my top 10 films of 2011 is Ben Wheatley’s instant classic Kill List, which premiered at SXSW before making its way to the Midnight audience at the TIFF. The slow-burn chiller opens in Los Angeles and New York theaters on February 3rd before arriving on VOD January 4th. You’d be doing yourself a major disservice by missing it.

Gearing up for release, inside you’ll find the film’s official poster and a brand new still.

Brilliant ‘Kill List’ Gets Christmas Release in UK

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on November 25, 2011 @ 6:22pm
Category: Movies / Home Video

Arriving on UK DVD and Blu-ray December 26 is Ben Wheatley’s incredible Kill List (review), which IFC Films will probably just dump onto DVD here in the States.

“Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer, Jay (NEIL MASKELL: RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER), is pressured by his partner, Gal (MICHAEL SMILEY: DOWN TERRACE), and wife Shel (MYANNA BURING: THE DESCENT), into taking a new assignment. As they descend into the dark and disturbing world of the contract, Jay beings to unravel once again – his fear and paranoia sending him deep into the heart of darkness.”

Extras include: Commentary with Director Ben Wheatley and Writer Amy Jump, Commentary with Actors Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring and Michael Smiley, Audio Description, Making Of Kill List, Interview with Ben Wheatley, Interview with Neil Maskell and MyAnna Buring, Interview with Claire Jones and Andrew Starke, Trailer. READ MORE

Ben Wheatley’s Shocking ‘Kill List’ Gets January Release

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on October 25, 2011 @ 4:19pm
Category: Movies / News

Ben Wheatleys Shocking Kill List Gets January Release

IFC has announced that Ben Wheatley’s absolutely shocking Kill List (review) will be opening in limited theaters on January 4, 2012, which probably means the VOD date is right around there. It will also kick off the Film Society Lincoln Center’s Scary Movies Festival, playing at the Walter Reade Theater Thursday, October 27 at 9:15pm.

“Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer Jay, is pressured by his partner Gal, into taking a new assignment. As they descend into the dark, disturbing world of the contract, Jay begins to unravel once again – his fear and paranoia sending him deep into the heart of darkness.” READ MORE

[Final Report] TIFF ’11: Full Coverage, Reviews and Interviews!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on September 29, 2011 @ 3:51pm
Category: Movies / News

After weeks of insane coverage, I’m excited to announce the conclusion of our Toronto International Film Festival coverage, which also included reviews and interviews from various “Midnight Madness” features.

Beyond the break you’ll find our breakdown of each film reviewed, along with link to interviews, images and even trailers (if available). If you’d like to see what else you’ve missed, click here for EVERYTHING.

Interview

[Interview] TIFF ’11: ‘Kill List’ Director Ben Wheatley

Movies
Posted by Bloody Disgusting Staff on September 21, 2011 @ 2:55pm
Category: Movies / Interviews

Kill List has been playing the film festival circuit, including SXSW, London Frightfest and The Toronto International Film Festival this year. Director Ben Wheatley was in Toronto on the second to last day of the festival, the last Midnight Madness slot of the week.

We don’t want to spoil too much, so you can still discover the film fresh. It is basically about two hit men, Jay (Neil Maskell) and Gal (Michael Smiley), killing people on their list and discovering a cult conspiracy. Festival audiences have been blown away by the horrific surprises, though the film has opened to UK audiences this month.

A softspoken Brit, Wheatley sat in the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic restaurant eating a sandwich between interviews. Nearing the end of the festival circuit, he lamented that he hadn’t actually gotten to see other movies. Still, he was there to talk about Kill List so we got his spoiler light thoughts on the film, his horror inspirations and his next film, a change of pace comedy.

[Interview] TIFF 11: Kill List Director Ben Wheatley

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on September 01, 2011 @ 2:54pm
Category: Movies / News

IFC has a pair of new clips from Ben Wheatley’s absolutely shocking Kill List (review), which will be screening at the “Midnight Madness” portion of the TIFF, while also opening in the UK on September 2. The first can only be viewed by UK reader here, while the second is the top video beyond the break. Hope you’re in the mood for a rabbit dinner…

A Pair of Kill List Clips and a Rabbit Dinner

Exclusive

Brooding Imagery Evokes a Feeling of Impending Doom in ‘Kill List’ Clip

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on August 26, 2011 @ 6:24am
Category: Movies / Exclusives

World Exclusive: Bloody Disgusting has been provided with an exclusive look at Ben Wheatley’s absolutely shocking Kill List (review), which will be screening at the “Midnight Madness” portion of the TIFF next month, while also opening in UK cinemas on September 2.

Not a whole lot happens in the clip, but it’s extremely representational of the brooding imagery and deep feelings of impending doom that viewers will experience. Kill List is truly a film lover’s treat.

Are you on the Kill List? Follow @ kill_list_movie to find out if you are a target! You can also keep up with the flick by becoming a Facebook fan.

“Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer, Jay, is pressured by his partner, Gal, into taking a new assignment. As they descend into the dark and disturbing world of the contract, Jay begins to unravel once again – his fear and paranoia sending him deep into the heart of darkness.”

Brooding Imagery Evokes a Feeling of Impending Doom in Kill List Clip

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on August 25, 2011 @ 3:49pm
Category: Movies / News

IFC has unveiled a new red band clip from Ben Wheatley’s absolutely shocking Kill List (review), which will be screening at the “Midnight Madness” portion of the TIFF, while also opening in the UK on September 2.

The clip isn’t violent or anything – so it’s odd that it’s red band – but it does feature an intricate plot point that sort of revs the film into action mode. I still implore you to avoid watching or reading anything until it’s released.

Red Band Kill List Clip Gets Back in the Game

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on August 16, 2011 @ 2:53pm
Category: Movies / News

While I continue to beg for you to avoid looking at anything related to the film until it hits theaters, some of you may want to gaze upon a hideous UK quad for Ben Wheatley’s absolutely shocking Kill List (review), which will be screening at the “Midnight Madness” portion of the TIFF, while also opning in the UK on September 2.

In addition to the quad, inside you’ll find the first official clip that features our contract killers making a fresh payday. Will it be worth coming out of retirement?

TIFF 11: A Fugly UK Quad, Contract Signed in First Clip From Kill List