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‘Monster Party’ Review

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Genre : Horror
Rating : Unrated
Director: Chris von Hoffman

Cast:
Julian McMahon
Robin Tunney
Lance Riddick

 

 

 

 

Learning his father owes thousands to a deadly loan shark, thief Casper (Sam Strike) is looking for one big score. With less than a day to return the money he turns to friends Iris (Virginia Gardner) and Dodge (Brandon Michael Hall) when the perfect opportunity arises. When Iris gets a catering gig for a wealthy Malibu family it seems like fate to the trio of home invaders. They’re given even more incentive when they meet the Dawson family, including father, Patrick (Julian McMahon), mother Alexis (Erin Moriarty), son Elliot (Kian Lawley), and daughter Roxanne (Robin Tunney). As the gets begin to arrive we learn that this isn’t an ordinary soiree but a support group meeting. Led by the enigmatic Milo (Lance Riddick) the eclectic group are celebrating their three years without killing someone. With tensions already high within the house the slightest mistake from our team of home invaders can lead to the mother of all relapses.

Going into a smaller film like Monster Party one of the biggest warning signs can be the cast; particularly when it comes to the name talent. More often than not these big names are either in a glorified cameo or completely sleepwalk through their performance. Thankfully that isn’t the case with Monster Party. Every actor and actress put in a fun performance with just the right amount of cheesiness.

 

 

 

Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck) is at his sleezy best as family patriarch Patrick. A man who despite his made-up appearance is barely able to conceal the monster he really is. It makes for a great contrast to his Robin Tunney (The Craft) playing his wife. Trying to be a den mother to this support group of the damned she’s the only trying to keep everyone from giving in to their more sinister instincts. This is particularly true when even group leader Milo is pushed over the limit by one of his rowdier patients.

That isn’t to say it’s only the veteran actors putting on great performances. Virginia Gardner shines as the pregnant Iris. Of our three leads she is easily the most entertaining. Like Tunney she was able to keep her more ambitious partners in crime grounded. Between this and her memorable performance as Vicky in 2018’s Halloween I can’t wait to see what else she can do in horror.

Another solid performance comes happens behind the scenes from sophomore director Chris von Hoffman. Shot in only 17 days this up-and-coming writer-director shows a sense of flair with his stylistic directing. With help from cinematographer Tobias Deml, the two beautifully capture the Dawson family’s lavish lifestyle when juxtaposed against the carnage inside of the home. That isn’t to say Monster Party‘s presentation is flawless. As good as it can look quick cuts and blood splatter on the wall during the movie’s kills become frustrating. Especially when the gore effects look as good as they do. Monster Party‘s other big flaw is the story’s pacing.

 

 

Now I’m not one that needs a horror movie to be action from top to bottom. Recent hits such as Hereditary, It Follows and It Comes at Night have proven that atmospheric can not only work but be just as engrossing as the goriest slasher. Unfortunately, Monster Party lacks the substance to pull this film style off. The mind begins to wander as Dodge has to deal with the psychotic Elliot for what feels like the millionth time and by the time, we get to the second act and its performances it feels like it may be too little too late.

Even though home invasion movies typically make for an enjoyable watch I found Monster Party to be a bit middle of the road. One the one hand, captivating performances with the right amount of cheesiness and stylish directing were able to keep me engaged. On the other as good as the performances can be Monster Party‘s slow pace and a lack of substance can make it a bit of a slog to watch. It’s a real mixed bag and while it may not be on par with some of it’s big budget brethren, Monster Party shows that there is a lot of untapped potential both in front and behind the camera.

 

 

Rating 4/10
Links : IMDB

Monster Party is now available on DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD Now

 

Thank You For The Support!

 

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Charlie Michael Baker, A 16-Year-Old CEO Changing the World of Autism and Anxiety

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Charlie Michael Baker

Today, at the adolescent age of sixteen, Charlie Michael Baker is already set on his journey to help millions of people worldwide suffering from autism. Baker is more than just an influencer, CEO, and an accomplished author. After being diagnosed with autism Charlie has always tried to transform society and aware people of the difficulties one faces. From being bullied in school to collaborating with Kylie Jenner, Baker is the true definition of a champion as he continues to conquer everything against all odds!

We had the opportunity to connect with Charlie Michael Baker to understand his journey better. Read our conversation below.

At the mere age of 16 you’re helping kids and parents understand autism with your book Charlie Baker: Autism And Me, how do you think it’s creating an impact and helping people going through something similar as you did?

Charlie:
At just 16, it feels like I’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time and it’s so rewarding! My book, Charlie Baker: Autism And Me, has helped so many people which is such a rewarding thing to me. The whole reason I wrote my book was to help people and I even helped myself more than anything. Speaking up about what happened to me in school was such a relief for me because I felt like I had nobody to talk to when I was going through it.

Raising £350,000 for autism charities is praiseworthy, how do you plan to proceed further to help more autistic people worldwide?

Charlie:
So far, we’ve raised just over £400,000 ($485,000+, €458,000+). This is an unimaginable amount of money and has helped lots of people worldwide! I plan to continue to donate every cent of the proceeds to my book to charities helping people with autism forever!

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

How can other people help in your contribution?

Charlie: Purchasing my book, Charlie Baker: Autism And Me contributes to many charities globally helping autistic people who are not able to work due to their disability. Purchasing my book is a massive help to everyone currently struggling!

You suffered a lot, and even got suicidal at one point, how do you think the youth can protect themselves from situations like you faced?

Charlie: I was in a really dark place at that time… suicide crossed my mind a few times and it was so bad that I even had to lock myself into school toilets to get away from my bullies. My book was my only escape. I found myself in my writing and it’s honestly the most rewarding thing ever! If anyone is going through any sort of unkindness, tell someone that can help! Tell an adult, a friend, a family member. They can help so don’t be afraid to ask for it!

You once mentioned that you were physically assaulted and your teacher “did nothing about it”. Do you think your life would have been different if some action was taken?

Charlie: I was physically assaulted by another student at a school I was at and we were even right beside a teacher…. Not just any teacher, though, the head of safeguarding. The lead of the safeguarding team ignored what had just happened even though it was caught on camera. Many teachers have even bought my book and they were just as disgusted at this behaviour and have been very vocal about it! My book does circulate some school libraries in England which is such a rewarding feeling. Teachers and schooling staff know of my existence and I know some action is being taken off the back of people like me speaking out.

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

How do you feel about your bullies now?

Charlie: My bullies still message me to this day. Whether it’s asking me for money, or asking me to shout them out on Instagram… they are still around!

You once mentioned about having a job and working 9 to 5, what do you aim for your future?

Charlie: I work a 9-5 currently at a beauty company in Manchester, England and I love it there! I’ve always loved working and not just ‘sitting around and making money off of Instagram’ as some people may think that’s what we do, so I work full time! All money that I make through Instagram goes into a trust and is helping me build my future. I’m so thankful to every one of my followers, fans and even my not – so – friendly followers. Just remember, it’s nice to be nice!

Charlie Michael Baker

Charlie Michael Baker

Baker has been vocal about anxiety, ADHD, autism, and mental health problems. He continues to donate and help people in all ways he can. You can support his cause by getting a copy of his book Charlie Baker: Autism and Me.

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On Sale Today: The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai

The perfect tie-in for the fifth season of ‘Cobra Kai’ is here.

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This feature was made possible by an advance copy from Harper Collins and Dey Street Books.


As the holiday season approaches and fans of the wildly-popular Cobra Kai have likely binged the show’s fifth season, a new addition has arrived that is a must-have for any true sensei. That would be The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai; a new book chronicling the history and making of the Netflix series.

Serving as the official companion to the series, The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is filled with vibrant page-turning designs with complete character breakdowns, interviews (including an insightful chat with stunt coordinator Don Lee) and beautiful pictures from the show and behind-the-scenes.

For a complete synopsis of what to expect from the book, see the official one courtesy of Harper Collins below:


The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans — an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña(Miguel Diaz), Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso), and MUCH MORE!
The show’s creators will give an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai: the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. You will hear directly from the show’s crew, including our stunt team who will give you an exclusive behind the scenes look into fight choreography, journey through the Valley from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo with our set designers, and hear from our composers how the badass soundtrack for the show was conceived. And much more!


What better time than while you wait for the sixth season of the show to read through this incredible guide to all things Cobra Kai? Plus, what would your sensei likely suggest you do? Strike first and get your copy of The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai today.

Check out their official website for more information, including where to buy the book.

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‘A Haunting in Venice’ Marks the Return of Branagh’s Poirot 

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Production on 20th Century Studios’ “A Haunting in Venice,” an unsettling supernatural-thriller inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, is set to begin next month. The film, which is directed by Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”) and features a screenplay by Oscar nominee Michael Green (“Logan”), will shoot at Pinewood Studios outside London and on location in Venice. A brilliant acting ensemble portraying a cast of unforgettable characters will be featured, including Kenneth Branagh, Kyle Allen (“Rosaline”), Camille Cottin (“Call My Agent”), Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”), Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), Jude Hill (“Belfast”), Ali Khan (“6 Underground”), Emma Laird (“Mayor of Kingstown”), Kelly Reilly (“Yellowstone”), Riccardo Scamarico (“Caravaggio’s Shadow”), and Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). “A Haunting in Venice” will open in theatres nationwide in 2023.

Set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve, “A Haunting in Venice” is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

Kenneth Branagh will once again reprise the role of Poirot and will direct the movie as well. Michael Green penned the script, based on Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party. And Production will take place at Pinewood Studios outside London and on location in Venice. In a statement, Kenneth Branagh said:

“This is a fantastic development of the character Hercule Poirot, as well as the Agatha Christie franchise. Based on a complex, little known tale of mystery set at Halloween in a pictorially ravishing city, it is an amazing opportunity for us, as filmmakers, and we are relishing the chance to deliver something truly spine-chilling for our loyal movie audiences.”

Kenneth Brannagh

Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios, added, “We are enormously privileged to continue our long collaboration with the incomparable Sir Kenneth Branagh and couldn’t be more excited by the bold new creative direction Ken, Michael, and the rest of the filmmaking team have taken with this latest film. We also remain grateful to James Prichard and the rest of our friends at Agatha Christie, Ltd., for their partnership and for once again entrusting us with, as Poirot modestly calls himself, ‘probably the greatest detective in the world.’”

I’m such a huge fan of Agatha Christie and of what Branagh has done with the last two films. He’s brought Christie into a contemporary era as we’ve ventured from a murder aboard the Orient Express to a Death along the River Nile. His adaptations are beautifully stylised and this Haunting aesthetic is going to be perfect for an October release maybe?

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