Connect with us

News

New Release Review: Late Phases is One Hell of a Werewolf Movie

Published

on

Though it’s a blanket statement that admittedly doesn’t apply to every single movie, there tends to be a big difference between theatrically-released horror films and ones that go straight to VOD. Never have those differences been more clear than in 2014, which has been a fantastic year for the latter and an absolutely terrible one for the former.

Late Phases is yet another reason why the home is currently the best place to consume horror.

Directed by Spanish filmmaker Adrian Garcia Bogliano (Here Comes the Devil) and released onto VOD outlets (and in limited theaters) this past Friday, Late Phases centers on blind army veteran Ambrose McKinley, who moves into a retirement community at the start of the film.

On his first night there, Ambrose’s neighbor and dog are savagely attacked by a beast that he cannot see, and it soon becomes clear to him that a werewolf resides within the community. With the next full moon approaching in 30 days, Ambrose prepares himself for battle, and sets out to discover who among him harbors the beast within.

[youtube id=”EJgXfzSYehk”]

If I had to pick out one main difference between Hollywood horror and independent horror it’d have to be that indie horror tends to be more concerned with story, as the lack of a widespread theatrical release frees filmmakers to focus on what matters, rather than on what makes money. And what matters, more than anything, is story.

Like all the best horror movies that have gone straight-to-VOD this year, Late Phases is character-driven above all else, to the point that a large chunk of the film has little to do with the impending werewolf threat. Though the movie is book-ended by sizeable hunks of horror, the majority of the runtime is spent simply tracking Ambrose’s day-to-day life, as he attends church gatherings and struggles to bond with his son – and everyone else he comes into contact with.

Played by the always fantastic Nick Damici (Stake Land), Ambrose is one of the best and most memorable horror movie characters of the year, the sort of grizzled war vet that it’s hard not to love. He’s a total dick and he makes no apologies about it, but you just know deep down, within mere moments of meeting him, that there’s a lot more going on beyond the gruff exterior. Think Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino, right down to the beloved dog and affinity for guns.

Late Phases werewolf

Though the real joy of Late Phases is simply being a fly on the wall of Ambrose’s life, make no mistake about it: this is one hell of a werewolf movie. While cinema werewolves have mostly been computer generated for the last several years, the one(s) on display in Late Phases are entirely practical, and holy shit do they look awesome.

Admittedly, the design of the wolves teeters on the brink of badass and corny, but I say that in the most loving way possible. Practical effects are always better than CGI when it comes to movie monsters, and Late Phases is home to a handful that will have fans of 80s horror movies howling with sheer delight.

And yes, there’s a transformation scene. And yes, it is one of the best in many years. I’d kiss your feet if your feet were in front of me, Robert Kurtzman.

As good of a werewolf movie as it is, perhaps the most impressive thing about Late Phases is the way it transcends that sub-genre, delivering all of the familiar elements that you’d expect but neatly wrapping them up inside of a story that’s about so much more than hairy monsters. There’s plenty of horror going on here, to be sure, but it’s the heart, humor and genuine emotion of Bogliano’s English-language debut that set it apart from the pack. This is a surprisingly human story, at the end of the day.

Late Phases

Not only is Late Phases one of the very best horror films that 2014 has to offer but it’s also one of the downright best werewolf movies in years. There aren’t too many recent movies from that sub-genre that have delivered the goods, and this one effectively serves as a big ole apology for all that CG-laden nonsense the last few years have brought to the table.

Bottom line: Late Phases is a senior citizen Silver Bullet. And I can’t think of any higher praise than that. Rent it. Immediately.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

Published

on

Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

Published

on

Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

Published

on

Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title