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[Special Feature] 10 Awful Ways To Die This Halloween

Halloween is supposed to be a night for celebrating the darker sides of human nature. But just like with Christmas, it’s original meaning has been adulterated by consumerism. Instead of worrying about demons and zombies, we now spend Halloween collecting buckets of candy and/or ogling sexy maids/nurses/teachers/adult babies.

Let’s bring the focus back on what Halloween’s really about: Death. While you’re out trick or treating this year, keep these wonderful Halloween-themed threats in mind. READ MORE

Kevin Smith Thinks ‘Red State’ Deserves Awards, Has a Temper Tantrum

redstate080611 Kevin Smith Thinks Red State Deserves Awards, Has a Temper Tantrum

The Independent Spirit Award nominations are in. I truly don’t care. What’s interesting is Kevin Smith, who just can’t seem to stay out of the news (I really wish he would). Via his Twitter account @thatkevinsmith the writer/director of Red State bitched and moaned about his zero noms calling the awards “#fakeindie,” which is absolutely hilarious considering that’s exactly what Red State was.

How the fuck did the @SpiritAwards NOT nominate Michael Parks? Nor John Goodman? Nor Melissa Leo?” Smith snarled on Twitter. “Fuck your idiotic organization.

What Smith probably meant to say was: “How the fuck was MY movie not recognized? I’m Kevin Smith. I’m awesome!” Don’t you dare argue with genius!

While I won’t go as far as to say Red State was absolutely terrible, it is included on my “Worst Horror of 2011″ feature, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the film landed a Razzie nom in 2012. Fingers crossed for justice.

You guys love to hate on us for disliking the film, so go forth and insult away! READ MORE

Handful of Preachy Clips From Kevin Smith’s Red State’

redstate080611 Handful of Preachy Clips From Kevin Smiths Red State

One of the most talked about films of the year premieres for home audiences as Lionsgate releases Kevin Smith’s Red State (review). Beginning September 1st, the film became available On Demand – six weeks before the debut of the Blu-ray Disc, DVD and Digital Download, set to release on October 18th.

A departure from his classic comedies, Smith (Clerks, Mallrats) takes on his first thriller project as writer and director. Centering on a fundamentalist group with a sinister agenda, the film features Academy Award winner Melissa Leo and Golden Globe winner John Goodman, alongside Michael Parks (Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2), Kyle Gallner (The Haunting in Connecticut) and Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects).

Check out full specs and five clips after the break.
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Finally Some Hi-Res Images from ‘Red State’

While there are various other distribution plans (VOD on September 1), Kevin Smith’s Red State (review) will be arriving on DVD and Blu-ray from Lionsgate October 18. Extra features include: “The Making of Red State” documentary, Audio commentary with Kevin Smith, Sundance speech with introduction by Kevin Smith, Sundance ending, Deleted scenes with introduction by Kevin Smith, Poster Gallery with introduction by Kevin Smith.

We just now got our hands on a hi-res image gallery, dig it by clicking the below still.

Three teenage boys are lured to the town of Cooper’s Dell with the promise of a party. But instead of enjoying the night of their dreams, the teens are plunged into the nightmarish world of Pastor Abin Cooper and the Five Points Trinity, a fundamentalist group with a stockpile of weaponry and a deadly moral agenda. When word of the teens’ disappearance reaches the authorities, a military task force is mobilized. With Cooper’s Dell teetering between salvation and damnation, the ATF braces for furious gun battle with Cooper and his heavily armed followers in this fever-pitched action thriller from writer-director Kevin Smith.

redstate080611 Finally Some Hi Res Images from Red State

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DVD/Blu-ray Plans for Kevin Smith’s ‘Red State’

While there are various other distribution plans (VOD on September 1), Kevin Smith’s Red State (review) will be arriving on DVD and Blu-ray from Lionsgate October 18. Extra features include: “The Making of Red State” documentary, Audio commentary with Kevin Smith, Sundance speech with introduction by Kevin Smith, Sundance ending, Deleted scenes with introduction by Kevin Smith, Poster Gallery with introduction by Kevin Smith.

Three teenage boys are lured to the town of Cooper’s Dell with the promise of a party. But instead of enjoying the night of their dreams, the teens are plunged into the nightmarish world of Pastor Abin Cooper and the Five Points Trinity, a fundamentalist group with a stockpile of weaponry and a deadly moral agenda. When word of the teens’ disappearance reaches the authorities, a military task force is mobilized. With Cooper’s Dell teetering between salvation and damnation, the ATF braces for furious gun battle with Cooper and his heavily armed followers in this fever-pitched action thriller from writer-director Kevin Smith.
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Official Trailer, One Sheet for Kevin Smith’s ‘Red State’

On September 1st, Lionsgate will debut Kevin Smith’s Red State (review) on VOD. The untraditional, direct-to-fan, touring theatrical release pioneered by SModcast Pictures during the “Red State USA” Tour continues this fall.

Starring Kyle Gallner, Melissa Leo, Dermot Mulroney, Michael Angarano, Steven Root, Michael Parks and John Goodman, Lionsgate has just released an official trailer and one sheet that can both be viewed inside.

‘Red State’ unfolds in a small town dominated by a fundamentalist preacher, Abin Cooper. It tells the story of three high school boys who, on their way to an internet arranged meeting with a woman, end up crossing paths with Cooper. The encounter sets into motion a series of events that causes all hell to break loose.

 Official Trailer, One Sheet for Kevin Smiths Red State

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Comic-Con ’11: More on Kevin Smith’s ‘Red State’ Panel

Just because our fearless leader Mr Disgusting likes Kevin Smith about as much as Southwest Airlines, that doesn’t mean the rest of the Bloody Disgusting crew share his resent-iment. And by the rest, I mean me. The filmmaker garnered a huge fan response at Comic Con on Saturday when he packed out Hall H at Comic Con for his annual Q&A and sneak peek at his horror flick Red State (review).

As well as showing a five-minute death scene and discussing the Westboro Baptists Church-inspired villains, Smith talked about his partner’s involvement in the flick. His wife of 10 years, Jennifer Schwalbac, has appeared in several of Smith’s films, mostly as a villain. Her cameo as a gun-wielding religious fundamentalist in ‘Red State’ was no exception, but Smith said this time he saw her darker side.
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Fantasia ’11: Not-So-Thrilling New Images from ‘Retreat’

Playing at this month’s Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal is Sony Pictures Worldwide’s thriller Retreat, which stars Cillian Murphy, Thandie Newton and Jamie Bell.

Carl Tibbetts makes his feature directorial debut on the film, which “finds Murphy and Newton heading to a remote island cottage to rebuild their frail marriage. When a wounded and armed stranger (Bell) shows up at their door with news about a deadly airborne virus, they must seal themselves inside the cottage, where the tension starts to escalate from psychological to physical.

Alongside the trailer we’ve now got the first official stills.

 Fantasia 11: Not So Thrilling New Images from Retreat

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Fantasia ’11: Whacked Out Trailer for ‘Theatre Bizarre’ Anthology

Udo Kier has just freaked me the f*ck out. Playing at both the upcoming Fantasia Film Festival and the Film4 FrightFest is Severin’s new horror anthology The Theater Bizarre.

We have just now scored a slew of intense imagery that feature a creepy Kier, alongside a bunch of trippy new stills. In addition, inside you’ll discover the first trailer fore the film jam-packed with outrageous horror madness.

On the subject of Canada’s esteemed horror film culture, Fantasia will be the site of the world premiere of the partially-made-in-Quebec (as well as the USA, the UK, Germany and France) anthology film, (read our set visit). One of the most hotly anticipated genre films of 2011, Theater showcases the combined talents of some of the world’s most exciting and iconoclastic fantastic film figures: Richard Stanley (Hardware, Dust Devil), Karim Hussain (Subconcious Cruelty, cinematographer of Hobo With a Shotgun), Douglas Buck (Sisters, Cutting Moments), Buddy Giovinazzo (Combat Shock), David Gregory (Plague Town, founder of the Severin video label) and Tom Savini (legendary FX artist – Creepshow, Dawn of the Dead, Friday the 13th and countless others, director of the 1990 Night of the Living Dead remake and actor in such films as From Dusk Till Dawn and Machete).

 Fantasia 11: Whacked Out Trailer for Theatre Bizarre Anthology

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Fantasia ’11: Ridiculously Large Full Lineup Announced, Anxiety Ensues

The Fantasia Film Festival hasn’t even started and I’m already burnt out.

The first announced wave of films nearly gave me an anxiety attack, while today’s announcement sent me into cardiac arrest.

Inside you’ll find all of the newly announced genre titles from the 130-feature array that’s going to blow up Montreal on July 14 (through August 7). You’re going to need three weeks to even attempt to see all of these! (Breathe, Brad, breathe.)

 Fantasia 11: Ridiculously Large Full Lineup Announced, Anxiety Ensues

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FrightFest/Fantasia ’11: Have Breakfast With ‘The Theater Bizarre’

Playing at both the upcoming Fantasia Film Festival and the Film4 FrightFest is Severin’s new horror anthology The Theater Bizarre!

On the subject of Canada’s esteemed horror film culture, Fantasia will be the site of the world premiere of the partially-made-in-Quebec (as well as the USA, the UK, Germany and France) anthology film, THE THEATRE BIZARRE (read our set visit). One of the most hotly anticipated genre films of 2011, Theater showcases the combined talents of some of the world’s most exciting and iconoclastic fantastic film figures: Richard Stanley (Hardware, Dust Devil), Karim Hussain (Subconcious Cruelty, cinematographer of Hobo With a Shotgun), Douglas Buck (Sisters, Cutting Moments), Buddy Giovinazzo (Combat Shock), David Gregory (Plague Town, founder of the Severin video label) and Tom Savini (legendary FX artist – Creepshow, Dawn of the Dead, Friday the 13th and countless others, director of the 1990 Night of the Living Dead remake and actor in such films as From Dusk Till Dawn and Machete).

Check out a brain-scrambling new image inside!

 FrightFest/Fantasia 11: Have Breakfast With The Theater Bizarre

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Fantasia ’11: ‘Urban Explorer’ a Double Bagger

Very reminiscent of Black Christmas and te recent Kidnapped, below we scored a slew of new imagery from Andy Fetscher’s Urban Explorer, which will be playing at next month’s Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal.

Anxious to explore the mysterious hidden world under metropolitan Berlin, an international group of four urban explorers hires a local guide, Kris, who leads them into the maze of escape tunnels and subterranean fortifications under the city. When their guide has a bad fall, two of the girls in the group frantically set off to seek help while Denis, the young American, stays behind. Armin, a former East German border guard suddenly appears from nowhere. Out of sheer desperation, Denis allows Armin to lead them and their unconscious guide to safety and it is at this moment that Denis realizes he has just made the biggest mistake of his life!

Click the image for the full gallery. Trailer inside.

urbanexplorder070211 Fantasia 11: Urban Explorer a Double Bagger

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Exclusive

Fantasia ’11: A Jackass of a ‘Wicker Tree’ Image!

Well, it’s actually a horse…

Having its premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal next month is The Wicker Tree, Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man companion piece that looks pretty effin’ bizarre. We’ve compiled all of the previously released goodies, and added an exclusive creeptacular image below.

Starring Graham McTavish, Jacqueline Leonard, Clive Russell, Honeysuckle Weeks with Henry Garrett & introducing Britannia Nicol, “Young Christians Beth and Steve, a gospel singer and her cowboy boyfriend, leave Texas to preach door-to-door in Scotland . When, after initial abuse, they are welcomed with joy and elation to Tressock, the border fiefdom of Sir Lachlan Morrison, they assume their hosts simply want to hear more about Jesus. How innocent and wrong they are.

 Fantasia 11: A Jackass of a Wicker Tree Image!

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Fantasia ’11: Creepy First Images From ‘The Theater Bizarre’

When the Fantasia International Film Festival returns to set Montreal ablaze this summer, the fantastic film festival – one of the largest and most influential of its kind in the world – will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with an astonishing three weeks showcase of international genre cinema, from July 14th to August 7th, 2011.

The full line-up of over 120 feature films from across the world will be announced in another few weeks. But for now, Fantasia is proud to reveal several juicy teases, one of which stands out: A Gala World Premiere for The Theater Bizarre!

Inside you’ll find the first ever images, along with more information on Severin’s insane new anthology.

 Fantasia 11: Creepy First Images From The Theater Bizarre

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Fantasia ’11: ‘Brawler’ Poster Tenses Up

Premiering at the Fantasia Film Festival in July, inside you’ll find a tense teaser poster for The Lost director Chris Sivertson’s new thriller that reteams him with actor Marc Senter. This time Senter acts as star and producer hiring Sivertson to write and direct Brawler, which is based on a true story.

Described as in the vein of Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, Brawler follows two brothers competing in an underground circuit of illicit New Orleans riverboat brawls, struggling to survive their opponents, the crime boss they work for, and ultimately, each other.

Senter, who is a trained martial artists, will square off against his producing partner Nathan Grubbs (Privateer, Down in New Orleans ) in the ring.

Senter also stars in Cabin Fever 2, and can be seen in Simon Rumley’s SXSW festival hit Red White & Blue.

Sivertson’s Jack Ketchum adaptation The Lost received wide praise in the horror community and by major mags.
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Kevin Smith’s ‘Red State’ Gets Labor Day VOD Release

Now that writer/director Kevin Smith is nearly finished with his National Red State (review) ripoff tour (where he charged his closest, most devoted fans a whopping $80 to see his latest effort), the comedy director’s first horror entry is entering its next phase of release.

Smith updated the film’s website with the announcement that Lionsgate will release the political horror on VOD this coming Labor Day (Monday, September 5). The Gate will then release it on Blu-ray and DVD at a later date, following a limited theatrical run.

If you didn’t join us during our first theatrical run, you can catch ‘Red State’ on VOD this Labor Day; and less than a month later, in October, you can see ‘Red State’ in a movie theater, immediately followed by a rollicking, no-holds-barred live-streamed, interactive Q&A! And when the Q&A is done, we wrap this unique theatrical experience with a performance of HOLLYWOOD BABBLE-ON, featuring me and Red State co-star Ralph Garman! Three big shows for one insanely low price: under $20.

Red State, which stars Kyle Gallner, Melissa Leo, Dermot Mulroney, Michael Angarano, Steven Root, Michael Parks and John Goodman, “unfolds in a small town dominated by a fundamentalist preacher, Abin Cooper. It tells the story of three high school boys who, on their way to an internet arranged meeting with a woman, end up crossing paths with Cooper. The encounter sets into motion a series of events that causes all hell to break loose.
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Fantasia ’11: Behold the Glory of ‘The Wicker Tree’

Having its premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal next month is The Wicker Tree, Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man companion piece that looks pretty effin’ bizarre. We’ve compiled all of the previously released goodies, and added your first official look at said “tree” within the following story.

Starring Graham McTavish, Jacqueline Leonard, Clive Russell, Honeysuckle Weeks with Henry Garrett & introducing Britannia Nicol, “Young Christians Beth and Steve, a gospel singer and her cowboy boyfriend, leave Texas to preach door-to-door in Scotland . When, after initial abuse, they are welcomed with joy and elation to Tressock, the border fiefdom of Sir Lachlan Morrison, they assume their hosts simply want to hear more about Jesus. How innocent and wrong they are.

 Fantasia 11: Behold the Glory of The Wicker Tree

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Fantasia ’11: Nazi Occult Revived on ‘The Devil’s Rock’

Entertainment One recently picked up US and Canadian rights to New Zealand WWII horror film The Devil’s Rock, directed and co-written by Paul Campion. With a July 8 release planned in Canada, the film will have its premiere at next month’s Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal. Check out a new pic below, with the official trailer inside.

The horror pic is set in the Channel Islands on the eve of D-Day where two Kiwi Commandos are sent to destroy German gun emplacements in order to distract Hitler’s forces away from Normandy. They discover a Nazi occult plot to unleash demonic forces to win the war.

 Fantasia 11: Nazi Occult Revived on The Devils Rock

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Fantasia Film Festival ’11: ‘Red State’ Opens, First Wave Announced!

While less than two weeks away from announcing the full line-up of its 15th edition, Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival has revealed a first wave of titles and happenings. The full 130-feature array of titles will be announced at our press conference on July 7.

Fantasia is proud to open the 2011 edition of the festival with the Canadian Premiere of Kevin Smith’s Sundance hit Red State (review). The director of Clerks and Mallrats has made a jump to an entirely new genre with tremendous success. Red State is described as a powerhouse film featuring fantastic performances by Michael Parks, Academy Award winner Melissa Leo and John Goodman.

And in celebration of the 30th anniversary of An American Werewolf in London and to celebrate his return to feature filmmaking after a 12-year sabbatical, Fantasia will honour the career of director John Landis with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Landis’ impressive filmography includes such classics as The Blues Brothers, Animal House, Trading Places and Michael Jackson’s trailblazing “Thriller” video!

Following the award presentation, Fantasia will screen the Canadian Premiere of Landis’ comeback film, the black comedy Burke & Hare (review), which stars Simon Pegg, Tom Wilkinson, Andy Serkis and Tim Curry.

Inside you’ll find the entire list of first wave announcements!
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An 180 Degree Spin For Impressive New ‘Red State’ One Sheet

While Kevin Smith continues to charge fans upwards of $80 to see his movie Red State (review) in a theater, the film gets a wide release this coming October. Giving the four-walled ongoing release some fresh promotion, inside you’ll find a brand new character poster, along with an impressive official one sheet that flips the cross upside down. Happy Easter Monday.

Red State‘ unfolds in a small town dominated by a fundamentalist preacher, Abin Cooper. It tells the story of three high school boys who, on their way to an internet arranged meeting with a woman, end up crossing paths with Cooper. The encounter sets into motion a series of events that causes all hell to break loose.” It opens wide on October 19.
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Meet Sheriff Mynan in Latest ‘Red State’ Character Poster

While Kevin Smith charges fans upwards of $80 to see his movie Red State (review) in a theater, he continues to share assets for the movie with fans who donate to a charitable cause. His latest character poster features Stephen Root as “Sherrif Wynan” and was given to FilmThreat, Heath C, Ice, Dan Duffy, Jamie Calder, Darryl Clarke, and Gavin Ap’ Morrygan after they all donated to Japanese Relief at redcross.org.

Red State unfolds in a small town dominated by a fundamentalist preacher, Abin Cooper. It tells the story of three high school boys who, on their way to an internet arranged meeting with a woman, end up crossing paths with Cooper. The encounter sets into motion a series of events that causes all hell to break loose. It opens wide on October 19.
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Second Trailer for Kevin Smith’s ‘Red State’

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this past January, Kevin Smith has officially begun his National roadshow for his political horror Red State (review), which he’ll officially release come October 19.

This morning Apple.com premiered the “official” trailer, poster and synopsis.

The 10th film from writer/director Kevin Smith (“Clerks”, “Chasing Amy”, “Dogma”, “Clerks 2″, “Zack & Miri Make a Porno”), ‘Red State’ unfolds in a small town dominated by a fundamentalist preacher, Abin Cooper. It tells the story of three high school boys who, on their way to an internet arranged meeting with a woman, end up crossing paths with Cooper. The encounter sets into motion a series of events that causes all hell to break loose.

A horror thriller that could only come from the imagination of Smith, ‘Red State’ stars Tarantino and Rodriguez favorite Michael Parks (“From Dusk Till Dawn”, “Kill Bill Vols. 1 & 2″), Oscar Nominee for Best Actress Melissa Leo (“The Fighter,” “Frozen River”) and John Goodman, Michael Angarano, Kyle Gallner and Nicholas Braun.
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Hot Times With Mom in First ‘Red State’ Clip

It’s funny how Kevin Smith used so much energy spewing hate at the press and then pulled a publicity stunt acquiring his own movie for $20. If that’s not begging for press, I don’t know what is. He continues his off-the-charts hypocrisy by providing MTV with the first ever clip from Red State (read our review) that puts three young teens in an awkward position.

Before being self-released via his Smodcast Pictures Banner in October (I still bet money that the Weinsteins will be involved), Smith will be taking the religious horror thriller on the road this coming March. It follows a group of misfits who encounter fundamentalism gone to the extreme in Middle America.


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Full Sundance 2011 Coverage: Ryan Daley Reflects Back on This Year’s Big Indie Horror Films!

I’m not saying that the 2011 Sundance Film Festival was a complete bust, but I can’t help but feel a little bit let down. Like many B-D readers, I was all sweaty and jacked up for sure-fire winners like Red State, The Oregonian, and Hobo with a Shotgun, only to come away feeling bemused and melancholy and…well, still a little bit sweaty, I guess. Looking back, the 2010 Sundance Film Festival gave us four terrific films (The Killer Inside Me, Frozen, Buried, and 7 Days) , but we only got two truly great ones out of this year`s fest. Yeah, that`s right, two.

Still, it’s worth noting that there were more “horror films” at this year’s festival than there have been in a very long time, which has to be a good sign, right? At least it shows that they’re trying. And at the very least, I had a great time. My abiding gratitude to B-D for sending me, and of course, a special thanks to our loyal readers for all of their much appreciated comments.

Inside you’ll find my ranking of this year’s films, along with a complete breakdown of ALL the festival coverage.

 Full Sundance 2011 Coverage: Ryan Daley Reflects Back on This Years Big Indie Horror Films!

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