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Review: ‘DOWNRANGE’ Is A Terrifyingly Modern Horror Movie
While the horror genre has often been maligned by the mainstream, it cannot be denied that it has helped filter and address some of the darkest issues and anxieties plaguing our society. Most prominently perhaps being the new wave of horror films to hit in the fallout of the Vietnam War with Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and George Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead. Now, there is DOWNRANGE from director Ryuhei Kitamura (Midnight Meat Train, VERSUS).
Image via Youtube
The story follows a group of six friends on their way to a birthday party. Deciding to take the backroads of California, they end up with a flat on an isolated stretch of pavement surrounded by nature, with not another human soul for miles… so it seems. There’s a camo-covered sniper nearby armed with a hunting rifle, and he’s got his victims lined up in his scope. Now, the friends have to band together, use their wits, and try to find a way to survive this onslaught.
Image via Youtube
In many ways, DOWNRANGE is the logical extension of the slasher sub-genre, turning it into a ‘shooter.’ I was fortunate enough to attend a screening with Ryuhei Kitamura in person with the cast and crew, where he discussed the impetus of the project. Talking with his co-writer, Joey O’Bryan, they tried to think of what would be scary. Jason with a machete? Not as scary these days. A spree killer with a gun? Very scary these days. We’re given very little insight into “Rifleman”, his motives, even his voice. Seeing his eerie, piercing gaze as he looks upon the stranded prey and who to strike next, making for a deeply unsettling villain. Reminding me in some ways of John Carpenter’s early classic, Assault On Precinct 13 with it’s armed and dangerous Street Thunder. Though let’s say there’s a scene that’s like Assault On Precinct 13 times 13!
Image via Youtube
The pacing starts off fast and right into the action, slowing down at the beginning to introduce our fateful cast, the tension keeps going and amps up all the way to the end. The deaths are gory as all Hell, with distinct practical fx that make them all the more visceral and memorable. As well, the narrative is twisted enough that it’s hard to guess where things will go next… or how far. As with most slasher movies, the introduction dialogue from our fateful cast of potential victims can feel a little tired, but the characters themselves each stand on their own, such as new guy, Jeff (Anthony Kirlew) and military brat, Keren (Stephanie Pearson) among the group. Successfully avoiding the horror pitfall of unlikable characters, you don’t want to see them in the Rifleman’s cross-hairs. This is one movie that keeps you guessing, so try and go in as blind as possible.
All-In-All, DOWNRANGE is a bloody modern update to a classic sub-genre, and an adrenaline rush of a horror movie with an ending that will make your jaw drop. Watch it April 26th on the SHUDDER app/streaming!
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Movies
Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed
The latest exorcism movie is about to drop this summer. It’s aptly titled The Exorcism and it stars Academy Award winner turned B-movie savant Russell Crowe. The trailer dropped today and by the looks of it, we are getting a possession movie that takes place on a movie set.
Just like this year’s recent demon-in-media-space film Late Night With the Devil, The Exorcism happens during a production. Although the former takes place on a live network talk show, the latter is on an active sound stage. Hopefully, it won’t be entirely serious and we’ll get some meta chuckles out of it.
The film will open in theaters on June 7, but since Shudder also acquired it, it probably won’t be long after that until it finds a home on the streaming service.
Crowe plays, “Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.”
Crowe did see some success in last year’s The Pope’s Exorcist mostly because his character was so over-the-top and infused with such comical hubris it bordered on parody. We will see if that is the route actor-turned-director Joshua John Miller takes with The Exorcism.
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News
Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween has declared that this week marks the start of spooky season and to celebrate they are offering fans a chance to stay at the Lizzie Borden House with so many perks Lizzie herself would approve.
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA is claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Of course one lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will find out if the rumors are true if they win the grand prize: A private stay in the notorious house.
“We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise,” said Lance Zaal, President & Founder of US Ghost Adventures.
Fans can enter to win by following Spirit Halloween‘s Instagram and leaving a comment on the contest post from now through April 28.
The prize also includes:
An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings
A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear
A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room
A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course
The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America’s Most Haunted Volume II
Winner’s choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two
“Our Halfway to Halloween celebration provides fans an exhilarating taste of what’s to come this fall and empowers them to start planning for their favorite season as early as they please,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We have cultivated an incredible following of enthusiasts who embody the Halloween lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to bring the fun back to life.”
Spirit Halloween is also preparing for their retail haunted houses. On Thursday, August 1 their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. will officially open to start off the season. That event usually draws in hordes of people eager to see what new merch, animatronics, and exclusive IP goods will be trending this year.
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Movies
’28 Years Later’ Trilogy Taking Shape With Serious Star Power
Danny Boyle is revisiting his 28 Days Later universe with three new films. He will direct the first, 28 Years Later, with two more to follow. Deadline is reporting that sources say Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have been cast for the first entry, a sequel to the original. Details are being kept under wraps so we don’t know how or if the first original sequel 28 Weeks Later fits into the project.
Boyle will direct the first movie but it’s unclear which role he will take on in the subsequent films. What is known is Candyman (2021) director Nia DaCosta is scheduled to direct the second film in this trilogy and that the third will be filmed immediately afterward. Whether DaCosta will direct both is still unclear.
Alex Garland is writing the scripts. Garland is having a successful time at the box office right now. He wrote and directed the current action/thriller Civil War which was just knocked out of the theatrical top spot by Radio Silence’s Abigail.
There is no word yet on when, or where, 28 Years Later will start production.
The original film followed Jim (Cillian Murphy) who wakes from a coma to find that London is currently dealing with a zombie outbreak.
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