Train (2008)

On IMDB, it states that "Train" was originally penned as a remake to the 1980 Jamie Lee Curtis film "Terror Train". Apparently, they must have re-written the entire script, as other than the fact that the events are unfolding on a train, there isn't even remotely any similarities between the two plots. "Train" follows an American wrestling team as they travel abroad to compete. On the night before they leave for their next stop, the kids decide to sneak out of their hotel, and visit a local club. Drunk, disoriented, and in some cases bleeding, the kids get lost on their way back to the hotel, and by the time they make it back to the train station, their train has left without them. The coach has waited at the train station for them to arrive, so once they are reunited, he tries to get them booked on the next train to their destination. Unfortunately, being in a foreign country, communication doesn't seem to be working out very well. Finally, another passenger that speaks English steps in, and informs them that the train she is about to board will get them where they need to go. As soon as they step foot on the train, you can tell something is not quite right. The crew is dirty, and ragged, and just overall shady. Our wrestlers are not in for a pleasant train ride through the country.

I had little to no expectations going into this movie. I've had it laying on my desk for the better part of a year, but I just assumed it was z-grade nonsense. Thankfully, I got around to watching it, and it's far better than I expected. Understand, that enjoying this film on the whole takes a lot of suspension of disbelief. As soon as we are introduced to the crew of the train, no traveler in their right mind would have continued. A tip, if two dirty, tattooed men that appear like they haven't bathed in around three months, grabbing their crotches, making slurping sounds, and just being generally creepy ask you to give them your passport, it would be a good idea to ignore that request. There are a lot of things that happen aboard this train, and otherwise, that is a full on assault on common sense. Strangely enough, it doesn't appear to hamper the experience. "Train" is genuinely creepy at times.

It's bad enough to be in a foreign land, and feel alone due to the communications barrier, but couple this with the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped on a train, and it amplifies the sense of dread, and isolation that seeps from this movie.

The acting, for the most part is passable. There are a few lines that I questioned it's delivery, but it's nothing that deters from the continuity of the film. There were a couple of times where the way a scene was edited seemed a little odd, like they just couldn't get the scene cut right or something, but it only happened once or twice, and it was too quick for it to be any kind of issue.

Now, lets get to the bread and butter of this flick, the violence. The gore in this movie? Outstanding. I never would have expected such a visceral display of torturous carnage that is on display here. Sick, and depraved acts are intensified with some amazing practical FX. In fact, you don't have to wait around for the mayhem to begin, the opening montage is gorier than most mainstream flicks combined. If graphic violence is your thing, you're in for a fun ride.

In closing, "Train" is not absent of flaws. Some supremely idiotic decisions are made by our characters, so if that kind of things ruins a movie for you, just remember that I warned you. Overall though, I'd recommend the movie to any genre fan. It's quick and dirty, and it makes no apologies for it's self. For netflix subscribers, "Train" is currently available to watch instantly, so if you're looking for a horror movie with some balls this weekend, give it a shot.

6.5/10

The Liberal Dead talks to "Star Vehicle" director Ryan Nicholson

I'm not going to lie, Ryan Nicholson is one of my favorite directors. He has the balls to do a lot of things that other people in the industry would never do. Nicholson's films have developed a huge cult following, and rightfully so. There is some real talent that goes into making these movies, and the fact that he's as big of a film geek as we are, makes it the perfect storm of depravity.

Ryan's films include "Torched" a short rape/revenge style film that was featured in the anthology "Hell Hath No Fury" in 2006. "Live Feed" a comedic survival horror film, which was also released in 2006. "Gutterballs" is THE best homage to trashy 80s slasher films that has ever been made. "Hanger" is Nicholson's depraved take on the rape/revenge film, and is one of the nastiest movies that will ever make you laugh your ass off. This year, Nicholson, through his company "Plotdigger Films" will release "Star Vehicle" which is said to follow Dan Ellis on his trip into madness.

Ryan has spent a lot of time doing FX, and make-up for various projects, including several SyFy original movies, as well as some big name TV series, such as Supernatural, The X-Files, and Stargate: SG1. If you glance at his body of work on IMDB, It's actually quite impressive.

Mr. Nicholson was cool enough to let us ask him a few questions about his work, as well as some other things. This is another thing that makes him one of my favorite directors. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the community, and makes himself accessible to his fans. We, here at The Liberal Dead, want to thank Ryan for doing this, even though he's one of the busiest people in the industry right now. We also would like to wish him a long, and prosperous career. Enjoy the interview, and make sure to visit plotdigger.com, and pick up some merch.

LDead: Since this seems to be the hot button issue in the horror community right now, I thought I'd ask you a question in relation. If a big studio offered you an obscene amount of money to remake an obscure 80's slasher, say, “Maniac” would you do it? And if so, What would you do to make a film like Maniac marketable to this generation of horror fans?

Nicholson: I would jump at the chance to work on a studio picture. I feel that if given the chance, I could make something cool for a larger audience, even if it meant doing a remake. There's been some remakes that have worked really well. "The Hills Have Eyes", "Last House on the Left" and "The Crazies" were some notable ones that stood out as quality. With something like "Maniac", it would be a challenge because the original "Maniac" was all Joe Spinell. It was his performance and Lustig's direction, that really made "Maniac" a cult hit. The FX were killer too! To be honest, I don't really mind remakes. I like to see what the new generation of horror directors can bring to the table when taking on one of the classics. I'm a big fan of Rob Zombie's "Halloween" redux. He put his own stamp on it. I admire him for that. And who can argue that his "Halloween 2" didn't have some of the most brutal onscreen murders you'll have see in a multiplex? It was vicious.

LDead: Danny Ellis seems to appear in all of your films. Have the two of you been friends for a long time? What's it like working together, do you have to do a lot of “directing” with him, or does he usually get your vision without much coaching?

Nicholson: Dan and I are like Brothers. We both love horror and more importantly, we both love film in general. I've known Dan since he read for "Gutterballs" in 2006. We have stayed tight because we both share the common goal of making bigger pictures one day. And it takes dedication and hard work. Nerves of steel help as well! Dan knows what to expect when working on one of my movies. It's cool because he's like the veteran on our sets. Any time a newbie actor is about to get killed or bitches at the blood being poured or sprayed on them, Dan and I just laugh because they really don't have a clue. It makes it easier liking the people you work with and I dig Dan, he's just a cool guy, plain and simple. He's very determined to try and bring out better performances from his cast mates too. He thrives on an actor that has some chops. He really enjoyed acting opposite of Debbie Rochon because she has some serious skill and range. Dan's the king of improv so I just let him go and he delivers.

LDead: Your films are all similar, in that they remind the viewer of 70's and 80's exploitation. Do you make these types of movies because you felt there was a lack of decent homages to this era of film? Or is it just what you grew up watching, and what you wanted to be known for as a film maker?

Nicholson: I think it's an area that I excel in moreso than straight up horror. I am not one for the "scares". I love scary movies but when I make movies, I just can't help making them campy. No matter how straight-up I write a script, it always starts to twist into a 42nd St. kind of movie. The more outlandish, the better. I don't know how to do anything different and I don't really want or need to. My fourth feature "Star Vehicle" is about as "dramatic" as I've ever gone but in post production, I've been trying to bring it into the realm of my other stuff. The continuity is there, it's just tough when you write something one way and you can't help but film it another. It's the story of my life. I always come full circle and my circle is a sleazy one.

LDead: Hanger may have been one of the most disgusting films I've ever seen. It also made me laugh, even at it's most disgusting. Where did you get the idea for such gags as the “tea” and the “poop sack” ? Did these scene gross people out while filming?

Nicholson: The colostomy bag was a part of "Hanger" and the damage he obtained while being aborted. I knew that "hole" and "bag" would and could play into some sickness big time. I think people in general have many fetishes. Some are more slippery and smelly than others. Russell's "Tampon Tea" seemed like a logical fetish. After I wrote that, I actually came across some Asian fetish porn with tampons and tea! "Hanger" dabbles in reality and what people do when others aren't looking. The movie to me, is a guilty pleasure. It was something I needed to make at the time. As people discover it, they are really surprised at how different it is than "Live Feed" and "Gutterballs", but those two movies are very different than each other as well. I don't want to keep remaking the same thing. I like to switch it up a bit. Explore new orifices!

LDead: There never seems to be a lack of cocks in your movies. Are we seeing authentic “man meat” or do most of the gags involve prosthetic penii?

Nicholson: I will never tell! But I think you can tell the real ones from the falsies. The only real one was "Sam's" in "Gutterballs" and we cut that in half! Kidding. But seriously, I would rather to shoot real cocks...but men are very timid on film, way more than women. The women on my shows have more balls than the guys. Because the women get naked and don't make it a big deal. The guys are like "dude don't shoot my ass, I may be famous one day!" It's cool, all my cast are great and I respect their boundaries even though I give them a little nudge here and there.

LDead: One of the biggest complaints I've heard with Gutterballs were the characters. Personally, I felt like you were aiming for the audience to hate the characters, in order to make their deaths fun. Would this be an accurate assumption?

Nicholson: It's true, I wanted the audience to hate the characters. That's why the rape seems to relish in the violence. It's the characters enjoying it. Therefore, logically you'd hate the bad guys. I think overall it was the ample swearing the got to most viewers. But I do find it amusing that we have the most "F" bombs in any movie ever made other than the documentary "FUCK" which is on the word "fuck". Someone actually counted and it beat everything. It beat "Goodfellas", "The Devil's Rejects" and anything else for that matter. We should have an award for that! It wasn't intended but it's kind of cool.

LDead: I mentioned this to you on Facebook, but would you ever consider shooting a spaghetti western, casting Dan Ellis as a sort of “Man without a name” type of character? If so, what would you call it? Going over your body of work on IMDB, it seems like you spent most of your career working on Special Effects on various Television shows and films. What was the greatest special effects job you've done, and what would be your advice for someone that wants to get into the business of special effects?

Nicholson: I would kill to shoot a spaghetti western, as would Dan for that matter. I'd call it "Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump"...which is actually a historical site in Canada where the Natives use to herd the buffalo off a big ass cliff, where the buffalo's would fall to their death. And the BBQ would begin! It's also an SNFU punk rock song...I think it's a perfect name for a spaghetti western starring Dan "Big Horn" Ellis. As for Make-up Effects, I really enjoyed all of the ScFy channel creatures movies I did. Because I did them with my partner Michelle and my Father, Roy. It was just us three for a few of these "Creature of the Week" type shows and it was fun as all Hell. When you do the big Hollywood stuff, it's not as hands on, because you run a crew and spend too much time in production meetings. I like the more intimate jobs I've done.

LDead: What can we expect from Star Vehicle? Will it top Hanger's gorss-out factor? And what can we look forward to from you and your crew beyond Star Vehicle?

Nicholson:
"Star Vehicle" is more straight ahead and less crazed like my other stuff. It has some violence in it but it's not over the top. It's me restrained. "Star Vehicle" is a co-pro with "New Image Entertainment" and they were the producers. I held back. I'm not ashamed I did because I think Dan Ellis has a break-out role. I think it's the most character driven show I've made. I focus a lot of time on Dan as "Don Cardini" and has mannerisms. His dialogue and the overall script is not as campy as my other stuff. Is there dick violence though? Yes there is! Are there titties, yes there are! Is there full frontal? Yes! Is there gore? Yes! BUT it's all done more straight-up and less campy for sure. I mean after "Gutterballs" and "Hanger" where do you go? It's hard to top those movies for onscreen depravity, skin and blood...but don't worry, "The Murder Mack" is up next and we go into some very dark depraved places with that one!

LDead: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some of our questions, is there anything else you'd like to say to anyone that might read this interview? Is there anything you'd like to plug? Website? Stores? Merch?

Nicholson: Come and visit our forum over and start some threads at www.plotdigger.com and www.starvehiclemovie.com as well as our Facebook fan page, Plotdigger Films. We want some good conversation going on between us and our friends out there in the horror community. Our webstore also carries all of our movies and even some out of print items. Our new one "Star Vehicle" will be out in the Fall of 2010. We film "Famine", our school slasher movie this August and "The Murder Mack" in between everything else. Should be a bloody good time!

There you have it. The man, the myth, the legend. Ryan Nicholson. Below you will find some pics that he has supplied from both "Hanger" and "Star Vehicle" be sure to check them out, and watch the film this fall. Thanks, Ryan, for your time, and keep making weak stomachs uneasy.

Death of a ghost hunter (2007)

Death of a ghost hunter tells the story of now deceased paranormal investigator Carter Simms, who after accepting a case for payment of 5000$ ultimately met her doom. The home in question was the scene of a horrible murder / suicide in which a women killed her children and husband and then herself. With use of her journal entries this is a video representation of the three nights in the home and what happened to Carter Simms and her crew.

As always going into one of these movies I have ultra low expectations , if you are a regular reader you will know that I was once a paranormal investigator and tend to watch every movie that comes out related to the subject even though 98 percent of them are terrible. But Death of a ghost hunter is an exception, and I enjoyed watching it and thought it was well made and generally realistic something I really enjoy when it comes to ghost or paranormal related movies.

The special effects were kept low key and believable, which ultimately really adds to the experience and gives it a truly creepy feeling. The paranormal activity moments for once didn't make me shake my head and mumble various obscenities to myself like many of the movies in this sub genre. Although the acting was pretty typical B movie grade with this kind of movie it really didn't take away from the experience at all if anything in a way it made the supporting characters more believable as every day people.

The story was pretty cookie cutter but interesting enough to keep me entertained to the end and not shut it off mid way. This is not a mind blowing film and nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to a paranormal movie but it does a good job at being just interesting enough to make you want to see the end, which in this sub genre is something a lot of directors have tried lately and failed at.

If you're bored and have nothing better to do give it a watch especially if you are a Netflix subscriber as it is currently available via instaview and in the end I give "Death of a ghost hunter" a 5 out of 10 a good effort but not enough to make it a must watch film by any means.

5/10

- Ritualistic

American Zombie (2007)

It's been many years since we discovered they were living among us. We live in the same neighbor hoods shop at the same stores and even work in the same offices. But what do we really know about them? The true day to day lives of Zombies or the living impaired has remained a mystery since they became known as reality. Director Grace Lee takes you on a journey into the lives of some LA's local zombie population in his documentary "American Zombie".

This documentary may be very shocking for some viewers, as many zombie truths are unraveled, some that may leave the living weary of their undead counter parts. The story I found most interesting had to of been that of a young zombie male named Ivan who is also the creator and owner of a small magazine that also shares the name "American Zombie" and he's also a convenience store clerk by night. I highly recommend this movie to any viewer both living and deceased as it helps destroy some ageless untrue stereotypes of the zombie population. But be warned it also exposes an underbelly movement lead by a select group of zombies who do not wish to live as equals but want to rule as superiors. Follow the lives of a student, an underachiever, an activist, and an artist who have moved on from their living life and joined the ranks of the undead.

WARNING: The ideas and opinions of this documentary are not necessarily shared by the staff of The Liberal Dead. This documentary is meant only as a source of information for the viewer to decide if it's accurate or not. We here at Liberal Dead believe in equal rights for all races even those who are no longer living. We do not think zombies should be victims of profiling due to the actions of a few after all there isn't a single race that does not have their own radical groups.

After viewing Grace Lee's "American Zombie" and letting all the information sink in I believe it deserves a 7 out of 10 and should be viewed by anyone curious to how others live in a world post zombie.

- Ritualistic

7/10

Rampage (2009)

Disclaimer: This is going to be a positive review for an Uwe Boll flick. If you fear this will shatter your concept of reality, you may want to stop reading now. Rampage stars Brendan Fletcher(Freddy Vs. Jason) as Bill, a seemingly normal early twenties kid, who has yet to find his way. His parents are on his back to move out, he's grown tired of what appears to be his only friend, and is just overall disgusted with the world. Instead of just dealing with it, like everybody else, he decides he's going to build an impenetrable suit of armor, and go on a killing spree.

Fletcher does a really good job at portraying his character in a believable way. As him, and the audience is constantly assaulted with negative media, about terrorism, the economy, and the like, you can really feel the rage building. Boll plays with the audiences sense of decency throughout the entire film. Sure, it's a depraved act, and you can't believe you're witnessing these events unfold, but can you honestly say, that even for a brief moments, the thought of carrying out this act hasn't flashed through your head? Does this make you a terrible person, or do all people actually harbor these types of feelings, and some are better at coping with them than others? Have you ever had a terrible experience at a restaurant and said something, even to yourself, about murdering everyone there? Your sense of morality might make it hard for you to admit, but most of us have had these feelings, and Boll does well at playing with that emotion, in my opinion.

Rampage is a full on assault on whatever sense of decency you may possess. You know what's about to happen is wrong on many levels, but you're kind of excited for it to begin. There is nothing PC about this film. Black, white, Asian, man, woman, child, nobody is safe. One of the only problems are a couple of scenes where you really have to suspend your disbelief. Like, this kid was able to rig up a van to be driven by remote, but it doesn't take away from the experience. The movie is fairly bloody, but there aren't many special effects to talk about. Nothing is CGI, it's just mainly squib work. It's realistic, and effective.

In my opinion, you can tell that Uwe Boll can direct a film if he tries, he just doesn't seem to try all that often. Perhaps he's a genius, and we are his pawn. Perhaps he's purposefully reached his infamous status, and now he's going to show us what he's actually capable of. This is probably wishful thinking, but one can hope. I've now had at least 2 pleasant Uwe boll experiences that I can think of, maybe 3. All I can say is, love or hate the man, Rampage is a good film. Well made, well directed, solid acting throughout, and it actually makes you think. If you think you can put aside your hatred for the man, give Rampage a shot. I think you'll be surprised.

7/10

The Devil's Chair (2006)

The Devil's Chair follows the story of Nick west who after taking his girlfriend out for a crazy LSD induced night with in the walls of a deserted asylum, finds himself accused of her brutal murder and is shipped off to a mental hospital. Years later a doctor who is writing a book decides to take Nick back to the scene of the grisly murder along with some other students to find out the truth about what happened that night.

It's very rare that after I watch a horror movie these days that I'm totally blown away and speechless. But The Devil's Chair did just that too me, for anyone who has become jaded and heartbroken with what horror has become in the eyes of the mainstream, it will remind you of all the reasons you fell in love with the genre to begin with. This movie has it all a well written and acted script, beautiful special effects, and a ending that will leave you running the entire film over and over through your mind as if it's stuck on repeat for weeks to come.

It's really sad that a movie like this did not see a nationwide theater release as it would have been a very fun and intense experience on the big screen. And I believe audiences would of left very happy with what they paid too experience something that I'm sure a lot of today's mover goers don't have the pleasure of saying too often. If you have not seen this film it should be added to the top of your too watch list. Adam Mason does a wonderful job at keeping your attention and makes it all worth your while when it comes to the end leaving you satisfied and lost in a state that can only be described as pure horror bliss.

The special effects and overall setting in this movie is beautiful. The blood and gore are realistic and the kills are very intense. I was very impressed with the way this movie was filmed, at first when I was going into this movie I was expecting something along the lines of the quality you'd find in most B horror movies. But I was very wrong the special effects and overall visuals of this movie are on par with what you see Hollywood churning out these days.

But unlike Hollywood horror your also blessed with a mind blowing story that's backed up with very solid and believable acting. The dialog in this movie at times is very thought provoking and really makes you take into consideration what the main character is saying. I was highly impressed with the writing in this movie, something I don't get to say about to many horror movies these days.

In the end when all is said and done and I think back to the experience I had while watching this movie I believe it deserves the rating of 9 out of 10 and a spot on my list of important horror movies to see before you die.

9/10

- Ritualistic

Mutants (2009)

Two good zombie flicks in a row? Is that even mathematically possible? Leave it to the French to quench my bloodlust. After being pleasantly surprised by "La Horde" I decided to pop in another new French zombie film titled "Mutants." Low and behold, I was surprised once more.

"Mutants" opens with a furious, and bloody escape in an ambulance already in progress. We're introduced to our 2 main characters, Sonia, and Marco, and a french military woman whom I don't believe we are ever given a name for. Sonia, and Marco are paramedics(hence the ambulance) who are somehow put in the position to be on the run from a horde of zombies. Apparently, there's a short film that director David Morlet filmed as a way to sell Mutants as a feature. I personally haven't been able to see it, but I'm told that "Mutants" picks up right where the short leaves off. Low on gas, and injured, our main characters hold up in what appears to be an abandoned hospital, or something similar.

"Mutants" is a different type of film than "The Horde" was. Where the latter was more of an action/horror flick, the former sort of follows the old school romero'esque path of survival/horror. Also, it's titled "Mutants" for a reason. It appears that our zombies actually mutate, instead of just getting up and walking after they have died. If you pay attention, I think you'll notice some extra nostril holes on our undead, among other subtle differences. There is no difference in how the virus is spread, and they don't go into enough details to actually separate the mutants from zombies, so to me, it's still a zombie movie.

Some subtle uses of CG are noticeable, but they did such a good job of blending it in with the practical stuff that unless you're really looking for it, you won't notice. The cinematography in this film is outstanding. The opening scene alone is worth the price of the DVD, and there are several extremely clever camera gags throughout the entire film.

The gore is good, and plentiful in this movie, so if you like your zombie flicks violent, have no fear, Mutants is here! I really wish that mainstream horror directors in the states had half the balls as the directors from over seas. When was the last time you saw a good zombie movie at the theater? Unfortunately, unless you live in one of the 2 major cities in the states, it's almost impossible to catch these french flicks on the big screen. Be thankful for DVD, I guess. If you're starving for a zombie movie like I was after the past several let downs, Give Mutants a shot, I believe there's something to love for every genre fan.

8/10