Review: 6 Degrees of Hell

Published January 8, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

“The pretty son of a cop is defiling a grave, chief!” – Demon, 6 Degrees of Hell

Sometimes Big Gay Horror Fan mixes a can of corn into his stovetop chili for lunch – and calls that ambition. But leave it to heroic director Joe Raffa and far reaching writer Harrison Smith to truly go the distance with their multi-plotted, flashback strewn horror opus 6 Degrees of Hell.

Certainly convoluted, this tale features under-threads of possession, reality show antics, psychic awareness, romantic rivalry and haunted objects. The finale takes place in a real Halloween Haunted attraction, the Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA. Many have claimed that this is the film’s true drawing power and its presence is not felt fully enough throughout the movie’s spooky happenings.

Yet, Raffa and Smith are obviously going for something different here. They mix plenty of mature characters in with their young adult set and follow them on a winding journey as they collect a group of objects that eventually end up possessing the performers at the Hotel of Horror one fateful evening. Chief among these characters are prescient June (a solid Nicole Cinaglia), bad boy Kellen (Raffa, showing true presence), haunted reality star Erik (sympathetic Kyle Patrick Brennan), angry police chief John Hanson (a truly believable Faust Checho) and Uncle Jack (a likeable Brian Gallagher), the proprietor of the haunt.

Granted, the low budget mares the duel auteurs’ vision a bit and some streamlining may have been in order. But, viewers with a clear focus should catch all of the film’s subtleties. There is, also, enough blood and violence in the multiple asides to retain interest – even if confusion may reign for a moment. The two, also, use their flashback sequences to build power in the contemporary scenes. Wandering through the haunt attraction at the outset of the spirit fueled finale, June recalls an event from her childhood. As the remembered feelings grow in intensity, the electricity in the attraction blows out, bringing about a galvanizing filmic synchronicity.

Casting wise, the project’s publicity unit has focused on the participation of mini-genre icon Corey Feldman and former television star Jill Whelan (Love Boat) – who both acquit themselves admirably in supporting (Feldman) and minor (Whelan) roles. But, it is Raffa, Checho and Gallagher who truly offer layered performances here.

And, interestingly, while the beautiful Ashley Sumner offers up the film’s only (post mortem) nudity, it is the male cast (including Raffa, Brennan and David J. Bonner as Chris) who offer up the film’s primary visual appeal, a common requirement of any genre project. Raffa and Smith even seem to acknowledge this with the above tagline and multiple joking/sarcastic references to homosexuality among the male characters in the cast.

Released by Breaking Glass Pictures (www.breakingglasspictures.com) in late 2012, you can catch the trailer for 6 Degrees of Hell here:

You can also keep up with all the production’s haunted antics at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Six-Degrees-of-Hell/242739789078346?fref=ts and
www.sixdegreesofhellmovie.com

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always waiting for celebrity guest appearances at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE! – Big Gay Horror Fan!!

Lia D. Mortensen: A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Favored Mother!

Published January 5, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

There is nothing Big Gay Horror Fan adores more than a beautiful eclectic actress and when it comes to those qualities, Chicago stage actress Lia Mortensen is top of the line! Mortensen has even dipped her elegant feet into the razored bloodshed via her passionate performance of Nora Fowles in 2010’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. Yes, this gorgeous goddess of the boards actually got to chase down Jackie Earle Haley’s Freddy and send him to his fiery destruction! Currently, participating in the incisive stage revival of the mystical, gothic tinged Faith Healer at the Den Theatre in Chicago, Mortensen took a few moments to chat about her time on the Nightmare set and her current role. So, grab your singed sweaters and cherished playbills– and let’s go!

BGHF: Hey, Lia! Let’s dive right into the bloodshed! Was there anything that stands out in particular about your experience working on the A Nightmare on Elm Street remake?

Lia: It was a huge learning curve for me; I was on set for 3+ weeks, filming 7 scenes. This was my largest role to date, and getting comfortable, really feeling like I belonged there was challenging. I also LOVED watching the process from behind the monitor. Watching how the director and the lead photographer set up shots and then seeing that come to fruition. And it was awesome watching/being a part of the special effects! The stuntmen and women really earn their pay.

BGHF: It sounds fascinating! So, what was it like working with (genre remake queen) Katie Cassidy (Black Christmas, When A Stranger Calls) who played your daughter, on Nightmare? Were you able to spend any time together or was it more ‘hello – and go’?

Lia: “Hello – and go”, definitely. Let’s just say there is a distinction between Hollywood and Chicago.

BGHF: Well, all I can say is Ms. Cassidy lost out on some awesomeness! You’ve recently returned to a stage role you first visited many years ago. What has been the most interesting difference in how you approach the role of Grace in Faith Healer now as opposed to the original production?

Lia: Life experience! There is no substitute. The lines on my face have been earned. 17 years ago, there was alot I had to manufacture emotionally. Now, it’s just in me.

BGHF: What has been the most enjoyable aspect of revisiting the piece for you?

Lia: (laughing) I’m not sure the word “enjoyable” applies. Grace’s story is an intense, painful, one on so many levels. I suppose what has been gratifying about revisiting this piece is that we all three have wanted to return to these characters for years. We were too young for the roles the first time around. It’s as if we played a concerto and never resolved the piece with the final note. We are getting to do that now, if that makes any sense. And, I have found more humor in her all these years later. That’s good!

BGHF: Definitely! Grace does go to some dark places throughout Faith Healer. How do you prepare yourself to enter her journey for each performance?

Lia: Some days I think, God, I don’t want to go where she needs to go. But once I put on her sweater (which in my mind belonged to Frank) and sit in her chair backstage, I’m there. I listen to Frank’s monologue as if remembering the words he’s saying and I am transported – the sign of a brilliant play, if you ask me!

BGHF: True! You have forged a successful career as an actress and director in Chicago – which I know has involved hard work and (probably) plenty of emotional horrors. What has sustained you along the way?

Lia: Hmmm, the knowledge that I have no choice! This is what I love and I don’t have any other marketable skills! (More laughter)

BGHF: Well, at the very least, honesty will get you a smile! So, are there any current projects that we should keep an eye out for?

Lia: I will be (as well as Brad Armacost – my costar in Faith Healer) in a new adaptation of Spoon River Anthology at Provision Theatre – www.provisiontheater.org – (where I’m also an ensemble member) this Spring.

BGHF: Great! We’ll definitely have to check that out! And thanks, Lia. This has been better than chasing down a demented child killer any day of the week!

For more information on Faith Healer, which runs until January 20th, 2013, check out www.dentheatre.com.

Big Gay Horror, meanwhile, is always welcoming lovers of the bloody arts at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Overview: Osh Kosh Horror Film Festival 2012

Published January 5, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan believes some things are worth traveling for. Pepto flavored ice pops, a shop selling the latest slasher flick attire – and, last but not least, the Osh Kosh Horror Film Festival!

The brain child of writer-director John Pata (Dead Weight, Better Off Undead), this yearly Wisconsin highlight most recently took place on October 6th, 2012 and featured such truly ambitious offerings as A Cadaver Christmas, Tony Wash’s A Chance in Hell, the haunting Divination (starring genre legend Lynn Lowry) and the premiere of Cory Udler’s latest counter culture masterpiece, IDS Rising.

Here, Carolyn Baker from Screaming Like Banshees (www.screaminglikebanshees.com) discusses her directorial effort The Christmas Mummy with Pata. Like a steam punk comedy mixed with the Universal Horror of old, The Christmas Mummy was a definite festival highlight.

The Slasher Studios crew (www.slasherstudios.com) discuss their offerings – noir style Blood Brothers and devoted slasher throwback Teddy.

The joy shouting out from the above photo proves that there is ONLY one place in Osh Kosh to food break during a festival – and that is the awesome Fat Mama’s! Great service, delicious food (try the pulled pork sandwich, dripping with sweet coleslaw) and a fun atmosphere! Check it :
http://www.facebook.com/fatmamasbarbeque?rf=192020500831544

Here, Pata engages in the art of the multi-task as he works the concession counter with the brilliant Ashley Lamers – a woman who always proves that Osh Kosh folks are the bloody coolest!

In the theater with Studio Boo’s always active Chad Hawks and compelling literary chanteuse Christine Fugate!

Celebrities? They got celebrities! IDS Rising‘s Cory Udler (www.incestdeathsquad.com) shows off his collaboration with Ted V. Mikels – Demon Haunt! A perfect way to end a round-up, if there is one!

Be sure to keep abreast of all that is titularly horrifying in Osh Kosh at www.oshkoshhorror.com!

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always holding a spooky film festival of his own at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

The Backside of Horror: Christoph Bretner in Bruno Mattei’s Rats

Published December 31, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

So many things have embarrassed Big Gay Horror Fan in his various living quarters over the years. Why you must remember the time that my actress friend Griselda sat on the couch in the living room without realizing she was resting upon my roommate’s rubber cock ring. It had blended in perfectly with that piece of furniture’s black leather exterior and she was blissfully unaware – despite my herculean efforts to rescue her! Horrors! Then there was the time that my building manager came into do a quick inspection and discovered mouse poo upon my stovetop. It had been dropped off, during the waning hours of morning, by an unknown (at least to me), yet very charitable visitor!

But, at the very least, I haven’t suffered the fate of Bruno Mattei’s characters in 1984’s deliciously ridiculous Rats: A Night of Terror. I have never ONCE been eaten alive, in my dwelling, by bucket loads of enormously flung rats!

Still, out of the many things to recommend about this enormously fun chunk fest, concerning a group of apocalyptic survivors who find more than they bargained for in the residence they are squatting in, is the copious amount of nudity provided by lean ‘n mean Cristoph Bretner (AKA Jean Christophe Bretrigniere)as irascible punk Lucifer.

Looking like a combination of Mick Jagger and an anorexic Goth child, Bretner exposes both lean arse and flopping pee pee as he beds the exotic Lilith. Played by lithe Moune Duvivier (whom apparently also essayed the all important ‘Nun on a Bicycle’ in the 1990 Molly Ringwald flick Strike it Rich), Lilith is dubbed in a dreadful Southern accent, and soon meets her fate via the film’s most memorable kill – a rat burrows its way into her sleeping bag entangled hoo-ha, nibbling its way up through her mouth!

Of course, Bretner soon meets his maker via the shrieking title monsters, as well. Thus proving, once and for all (again!), that nudity on film is very bad for the portrayer – but oh so good for us thrill-seeking viewers!

You can check out the trailer for Rats – which features the amazing Geretta Geretta (Demons) in a prominent Sigourney Weaver style role – here:

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror Fan is always hanging with the fang sized rodents at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Now, this is Naughty! – Brazilian Ghost Girl Prank

Published December 30, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan is loathe to mention the things that he finds in his building’s elevator. But – sh-h-h – they do involve lace panties, toilet paper and empty whiskey bottles.

Those crafty Brazilians, though, have come up with the ultimate elevator prank involving a Ringu style ghost girl and screaming passengers!

Yes, it is kind of cruel. So, prepare to lose karma points while howling with laughter!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan (http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan)!

In Fear Of

Published December 29, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

As you all know, Big Gay Horror Fan’s biggest fear is himself! Thankfully (for viewers), that is NOT one of the fears that is covered in the amazingly fun, absolutely free web series In Fear Of featuring genre legend Debbie Rochon and other amazing horror regulars like Raine Brown, David Marancik and Suzi Lorraine.

Directors Scott W. Perry, Jeremiah Kipp and Mike Polizzi DO cover such fears as Selenophobia (fear of the moon), Podophobia (fear of feet) and Thanatophobia (fear of feet), though.

Kipp’s initial segment Monophobia: Fear of Being Alone is a wacky delight featuring an energetic, humorously layered performance from Rochon (sporting a sleekly gamine hair style). Rochon has a perfect scene partner in Marancik who gives a subtle and committed performance as a man caught in a torturous date that just will not end! For all those concerned, though, this piece’s highlight definitely has to be when Rochon, giddily, reads graphic gay sex personals out loud to a clearly unresponsive Marancik.

Be sure to check the whole series out at: www.youtube.com/infearofwebseries.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always exploring the stuff that frightens him at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

(Have a Mary, Bloody X-Mas With) Home for the Holidays!

Published December 25, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

Living solo, Big Gay Horror Fan never has to worry about billing. I ALWAYS top line! But, gothic and gruesome 1972 made for television holiday horror Home for the Holidays had five divas battling for glory – (then television star) Sally Field, (the legendary) Julie Harris, (very popular) Jessica Walter, (Oscar nominee/screen legend) Eleanor Parker and (Broadway Baby-the original Sally Bowles, herself) Jill Haworth (whose British origins reveal themselves, slightly, throughout the telefilm).

Therefore, the opening of this grande dame fest is particularily fun. Field and Haworth are Starring, Harris is a Guest Star while Parker is a Special Guest Star and (rounding it up) Walter makes a Special Appearance (By). Whoa! Who doesn’t want to re-visit those contract negotiations?!?

And while there is definitely some mayhem here – including death by pitchfork and a deep sea bathtub drowning – the main fun of this John Llewellyn Moxey (Horror Hotel AKA The City of the Dead) helmed event is watching our beautifully filmed dames go at it.

Field, Haworth, Parker and Walter are estranged siblings reunited to support their cranky father whom claims his current wife (Harris) is trying to do away with him. Of course, Harris’ character was accused (and found innocent) of her first husband’s murder, so the five have plenty of heavily twisted encounters. Think The Women with a twist of Days of Our Lives and an early 1970’s slasher hybrid.

All are in fine velvet form, here, but Walter is truly heartwrenching as an alcoholic socialite type who still can’t forgive her father’s role in her mother’s death, many years previous. Meanwhile, Harris (never looking prettier) walks a fine line between compassion and menace as the (seemingly) shady stepmother.

You can watch Home for the Holidays, in the whole, here:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=home+for+the+holidays+1972&mid=019C87ED016B5D941630019C87ED016B5D941630&view=detail&FORM=VIRE2

So, Mary Bloody X-Mas – and until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan (http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan)!

Music to Make Horror Films By: My Gold Mask – “Violet Eyes” Remix

Published December 22, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

When Big Gay Horror Fan is enacting the middle aged, bra baring, death throes antics of Elizabeth Taylor circa 1974’s The Driver’s Seat, there is only one thing that drives him to distraction. What, you ask? Why losing track of my violet eyes, of course!

Thankfully multi-talented producer Alex Zelenka (Crystal Castles) has remixed slinky, ultra fun My Gold Mask’s brilliant track, “Violet Eyes” and it’s now available, permanently, for public consumption.

Oh, Liz! Cruising for a bruising in The Driver’s Seat!

Highlighting eclectic singer Gretta’s 80’s infused vocals; this version of one of the band’s catchiest numbers makes you feel sinister and cool, at once. In fact with just one listen, some claim they feel like a trench coat sporting Brian DePalma cruising Angie Dickinson through a museum while the Missing Persons’ Dale Bozzio hums in their ears. It’s pure, exciting audio heaven. So, be sure to check it at:

Then keep up with further giallo inspired offerings from My Gold Mask at http://www.facebook.com/#!/mygoldmask and www.mygoldmask.com.

Meanwhile, you can always give Big Gay Horror Fan an extra sultry look at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, too!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

J. Anthony Kosar on Face Off!

Published December 21, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan has had face time with some amazing talent in his entertainment tenure. Now one of the coolest, Midwest based special effects makeup artist J.Anthony Kosar, has landed on the fourth season of popular Syfy reality show and make-up competition Face Off.

Kosar, who apprenticed under Stan Winston and designed masks and other props from indie favorite Satanic Panic, will be sure to show the world the monstrous goods on this weekly adventure, beginning on January 15th, 2013.

Be sure to keep up with all the fun at http://www.facebook.com/#!/KOSARTeffects and at the show’s official site at http://www.syfy.com/faceoff, as well.

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror Fan is always showing off his scary mug at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan!

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Dive into Snow Shark!

Published December 20, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

The only thing that Big Gay Horror Fan used to find in the snow, growing up, was the local drunk, Ralph.

Thankfully, writer-director Sam Qualiana and Metroshia Productions have come up with something a bit more toothy for their frosty wonderland walks with the delightful sounding Snow Shark: Ancient Snow Beast. Currently touring the festival circuit, you can keep up with this icy, body chopping flick at
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Snow-Shark-Ancient-Snow-Beast/184154051607263

Watch the trailer here:

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always getting into the gruesome fins at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan!

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE! – Big Gay Horror Fan!