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

Published

9 years ago

November 26, 2014

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.

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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.

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Movies

Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed

Published

7 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

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.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

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Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween

Published

9 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

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.”

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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

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

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.

**Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes**

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.