The Gore Report – Grave Encounters 2, The Lords of Salem, The Exorcist, Zombies and More

Welcome to the FTS feature that brings you a bi-weekly helping of all things horror. If you are looking for things that go bump, bite and boo be sure to click through. Read all about the latest horror news, see new trailers, and read what other bloggers are talking about.

Elijah Wood is best known for playing Frodo in Lord of the Rings but recently the meek actor played the lead psychopath in the remake Maniac. It turns out Wood has a strong love for horror films and even put that passion towards a new production company that focuses on genre films. Read all about Elijah Wood’s new production company, The Woodshed.

Here’s something new for a change. Author Tom Holland, whose work includes Fright Night and Child’s Play, has started an online store that allows people to purchase merchandise from his personal collection. Take a look at the press release and visit Tom Holland’s Twisted Curios.

Jurassic Park isn’t the first thing I think of when I look into horror films, but this news story looks pretty creepy. Some concept art surfaced that’s based on a failed Jurassic Park 4 script where there were weird dino-human hybrids. Take a look at the bizarre concept art for Jurassic Park 4.

THE AMERICAN SCREAM
Directed by Michael Stephenson. Starring: Matthew Brodeur, Victor Bariteau and Manny Souza.

Coming from the same director that filmed Best Worst Movie, I sense the same vibe here in this trailer. Stephenson knows how to capture the magic of the offbeat and unusual with a full scope. As a horror fan, it’s hard not to fall in love with this concept here, of adults latching on to what some people look at to be a childlike passion. This seems like it will be a really fun documentary filled with interesting characters and authentic moments. I’m officially looking forward to this one.

IN THEIR SKIN
Directed by Jeremy Power Regimbal. Starring: Selma Blair, Joshua Close, James D’Arcy, & Rachel Miner.

There are some obvious Funny Games comparisons to be made here but I think it’s safe to say this film isn’t aimed at the same effect. The trailer shows off some decent performances and showcases the appropriately drab cinematography. There is also the added bonus of not spoiling the entire film. Verdict: Intrigued but not compelled.

TRAPPED IN ABYSS
Directed by Srinath Ramalingam. Starring: Bobby Hicks, Amber Armstrong, & Shihab Sinnalebbe.

This is a shitty trailer for what looks like a shitty film. I can’t really tell what is going on except for the fact that “they are alone but they are not.” Oh wait that didn’t clear anything thing up. I’m not an asshole (debatable) so I will reserve judgment until I actually see the film. Trouble is, I doubt that will ever happen.

GRAVE ENCOUNTERS 2
Directed by John Poliquin. Starring: Richard Harmon, Sean Rogerson, & Stephanie Bennett.

Grave Encounters, a movie following a fictional paranormal tv show crew as they spend the night in a bona fide haunted building, seemed to find a nice cult following with some horror bloggers. For me, the film started off strong but was ultimately taken down by some silly effects and weak turns as it approached the conclusion. I’d like to say GE2 improves upon those flaws but instead it looks like it added a few in. The second go around is prompted by a thin plot line and the trailer promises amped up ghostly terrors. I’ll probably sit out for this sequel.

THE LORDS OF SALEM
Directed by Rob Zombie. Starring: Sheri Moon Zombie, Bruce Davison and Jeff Daniel Phillips.

Rob Zombie has certainly made a name for himself in current horror culture. In my book, he has proved himself worthy with all of his films offering something new and stylistically progressing through Rob’s various visions. His weakest film, Halloween 2, was problematic because he tried to introduce a lot of dream-like imagery into a gritty, real-to-life narrative. It’s nice to see he was able to put that dream-state experimentation to good use now, with the standalone Lords of Salem film. The trailer is obviously not focused on the plot so much as the look and feel of the film. There a lot of delightful cinematic inspirations present including the likes of Dario Argento and Stanely Kubrick, all of which have me captivated.

Man, I Love Films cofounder Kai breaks out an old list that’s perfect for this horror time of year. He puts together a good list of some of his favorite ‘bad guys’ in film. Read Kai’s list of Top 17 Horror Movie Baddies @ Man, I Love Films.

Public Transportation Snob doesn’t just host amazing trivia podcasts, he also writes awesome stuff over at his blog. One of his latest top 5 lists centers around the Master of Suspense, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock. Read Dan’s list of the Top 5 Alfred Hitchcock Films @ Public Transportation Snob.

Bloody Disgusting has a fun post that takes a look at popular Halloween costumes based on horror movies. I don’t know how I’m going to break it to my friend that’s dressing up as Frank the Bunny that he might be fat or ugly. Read the article What Your Horror Tie-In Halloween Costume Says About You… @ Bloody Disgusting.

Dead Central knows that we know the classic rules of zombie movies. So it’s their duty to point out some moments where cool films sometimes break the rules. Read the list of 6 Zombie Movies that Break Zombie Rules @ Dead Central.

To The Escape Hatch wrangled up another great movie scene for their reoccurring feature Favorite Scene Friday. This time Patrick selected the ‘Your Mother’s In Here’ scene from an all time favorite The Exorcist. See one of Patrick’s ‘Favorite Scenes’ from The Exorcist @ To The Escape Hatch.

Geeks of Doom is celebrating Halloween the whole month of October with horror films of course! There are tons of horror reviews to read every day so check it out. Read through the whole 31 Days of Horror series @ Geeks of Doom.