REVIEW: Abigail (2024 Film) - Starring Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens

Review by Jon Donnis

"Abigail," directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and campiness, reimagining the classic "Dracula's Daughter" with a modern twist. The film follows a group of kidnappers who unknowingly abduct a 12-year-old vampire, setting off a series of events that are both terrifying and amusing.

One of the film's strongest points is its ability to take a seemingly limited premise and turn it into an unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining experience. From start to finish, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what twist or turn the story will take next. The filmmakers have crafted an intense, well-filmed, and utterly entertaining work that is sure to delight horror fans.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have delivered their most refined, funniest, and bloodiest film yet with "Abigail." The movie demonstrates that the undead genre is still capable of being lively and immensely entertaining. While "Abigail" is light on scares, it more than makes up for it with copious amounts of gore and plenty of laughs. Alisha Weir delivers a standout performance as the terrifying yet fun titular character, bringing a perfect blend of menace and campiness to the role.

However, despite its many strengths, "Abigail" does suffer from a lack of originality in its script. While the film puts a fresh spin on the classic vampire tale, it ultimately treads familiar ground, relying on well-worn tropes and clichés.

In summary, "Abigail" is a fun and gory horror comedy that is sure to delight fans of the genre. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, its blend of horror, comedy, and campiness makes it a must-see for anyone looking for a good time at the movies. I would score "Abigail" a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Out in cinemas now and on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3xPr6n8

Crime and Sci-Fi Adventures Headline May 2024 Premieres on LEGEND

LEGEND promises an action-packed May with an exciting lineup of crime dramas, action thrillers, and sci-fi adventures. The schedule includes UK TV premieres and channel premieres of some of the most captivating movies and series. From classic thrillers to contemporary action-packed dramas, LEGEND has something for every fan this May.

Kicking off the month on May 3rd at 22:45, viewers can catch the channel premiere of Lucky Number Slevin (2005). Starring Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley, and Morgan Freeman, this film follows Slevin Kelevra as he gets caught in the middle of a war between two rival crime bosses in New York City.

Every Saturday from May 4th, viewers can enjoy the classic anthology series The Twilight Zone (1960) at 20:30. Filled with suspense, sci-fi, and unexpected plot twists, this series explores 'a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man', promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

On May 4th at 21:00, don't miss the channel premiere of The Escapist (2008). This gripping thriller follows convict Frank Perry (Brian Cox) as he plans an ingenious escape from prison to see his ill daughter. Alongside Dominic Cooper and Joseph Fiennes, Cox leads a dysfunctional band of escapists in a daring bid for freedom.

For fans of sci-fi, The Butterfly Effect (2003) makes its channel premiere on May 9th at 21:00. Starring Ashton Kutcher, the film follows Evan Treborn as he discovers he can travel back in time through his journals, attempting to reclaim lost memories with disastrous consequences.

Stratton (2017) premieres on May 11th at 21:00. Dominic Cooper stars as dedicated SBS operative Stratton, who teams up with MI5 and MI6 to track down a terrorist threatening London. With tension and action at every turn, this film is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

On May 16th at 21:00, catch the channel premiere of Commandos (1968). Set during World War II, this Italian film follows an American commando unit parachuted behind enemy lines in North Africa, starring Lee Van Cleef and Jack Kelly.

Mark your calendars for May 17th at 22:55 for the UK TV premiere of A Violent Man (2021). Starring Craig Fairbrass, Zoë Tapper, and Stephen Odubola, this gripping drama follows the life of an institutionalized prisoner whose world is turned upside down when he meets his estranged daughter and a new cellmate.

Unchained (2017) makes its UK TV premiere on May 18th at 21:00. Starring Adrien Brody, Antonio Banderas, John Malkovich, and Rory Culkin, this action-packed thriller follows three career criminals who find themselves fighting for their lives after a robbery gone wrong.

Wrapping up the month on May 24th at 23:00 is the channel premiere of We Still Kill the Old Way (2014). When his brother is murdered by a gang of youths, expat Richie (Ian Ogilvy) returns to his gangster roots in a violent quest for vengeance.

Finally, on May 25th at 21:00, don't miss the channel premiere of Double Team (1997). Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman, this all-action sci-fi thriller follows counterterrorist Jack Quinn as he races against time to save his wife and unborn son from a terrorist threat.

With such a diverse and thrilling lineup, LEGEND promises an unmissable May for all fans of crime dramas, action thrillers, and sci-fi adventures. Make sure to tune in and catch these exciting premieres!

TV: Sky 148 / Virgin 149 / Freeview 41 / Freesat 137

COMPETITION: Win Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 2 on 4K UHD

Based on DC’s iconic comic book limited series ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, join DC Super Heroes from across the multiverse in the second of three parts in DC’s new animated film Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two, which continues the trilogy that marks the beginning of the end to the Tomorrowverse story arc.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the all-new, action-packed DC animated film features some of DC’s most famous Super Heroes from multiple universes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, who come together to stop an impending threat of doom and destruction. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two will be available to purchase on Digital Download on 23rd April and on 4K UHD + Blu-ray in limited edition steelbook packaging on 29th April.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy on 4K UHD Steelbook to give away.

Synopsis

An endless army of SHADOW DEMONS bent on the destruction of all reality swarms over our world and all parallel Earths! The only thing opposing them is the mightiest team of metahumans ever assembled. But not even the combined power of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and all their fellow superheroes can slow down the onslaught of this invincible horde. What mysterious force is driving them? And how do the long-buried secrets of the Monitor and Supergirl threaten to crush our last defence?

Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two will be available on Digital Download on 23rd April. On 29th April, the film will be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray in limited edition steelbook packaging, with pre-order available now.

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3QgZptQ

Enter now for a chance to win.

What's the name of the character voiced by Jensen Ackles in 

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 06-05-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

NEWS & TRAILER: Alien Hunt (2024 Film) - Starring Barron Boedecker, Chelsey Fuller, Brent Bentley and Deiondre Teagle

By Jon Donnis

Get ready for a chilling, adrenaline-pumping ride with "Alien Hunt," the latest creature feature horror film from director Aaron Mirtes (The Bigfoot Trap, Painted in Blood). Set for its US premiere on May 14, 2024, and available on digital platforms thanks to Devilworks, this sci-fi horror promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Starring Barron Boedecker (Escape Pod, The Bigfoot Trap), Brent Bentley (The Perfect In-Laws, Haunt Season), Deiondre Teagle (The Visitor, Painted in Blood, Death Ranch), Chelsey Fuller (The Bigfoot Trap, The Silent Natural), Jesse Santoyo (A Nashville Country Christmas, Potter's Ground), and Adam Pietripaoli (The Bigfoot Trap, The OctoGames), "Alien Hunt" takes you on a thrilling journey into the wilderness.

During a hunting trip, a group of siblings stumbles upon an abandoned military outpost on their land. But what they find inside is beyond their wildest nightmares.

As they face off against a relentless army of extraterrestrial beings, the hunters become the hunted. A brutal battle for survival ensues, where it's kill or be killed.

Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding fight for survival in "Alien Hunt".

Alien Hunt is on digital from May 14 2024 (US with UK release TBC)

Executive produced by Devilworks and their US distribution arm New Era Entertainment, the creature horror will be released on Premium TVOD, rolling out across all digital platforms, such as In-Demand, Hoopla, Vudu, Amazon, YouTube, to name a few.

REVIEW: Civil War (2024 Film) - Starring Kirsten Dunst and Nick Offerman

Review by Jon Donnis

"Civil War," directed by Alex Garland, promised to be a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a nation torn apart by civil strife. However, what unfolds on screen is a disappointing and underwhelming experience.

The film follows a group of journalists led by renowned war photographer Lee Smith, played by Kirsten Dunst, as they navigate the dangerous landscape of a nation engulfed in civil war. Despite an intriguing premise, "Civil War" fails to deliver on its potential.

One of the film's major shortcomings is its lack of compelling storytelling. Rather than delving into the ideologies driving the conflict, the narrative focuses primarily on the ethical dilemmas faced by the journalists. This narrow focus makes the film feel like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of the civil war setting.

While there are moments of tension and some nice cinematography, they are not enough to salvage the film from its overall dullness. The characters fail to engage, and the storyline lacks depth and nuance.

One redeeming aspect of the film is the incorporation of real-life footage depicting the violence perpetrated by radical far-left anarchists. However, this is not enough to save the film from its overall lackluster execution.

In the end, "Civil War" is a film that fails to live up to its potential. It is a missed opportunity to explore important themes and instead delivers a dull and uninspired viewing experience. I score "Civil War" a poor 3 out of 10.

Out in cinemas now.