Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "horror"

Film Review: The Woman in Black

2012-02-03T07:36:20Z

The Woman in Black
Directed by James Watkins

Daniel Radcliffe has made nine theatrical movies in the last decade and eight of them have been episodes in the “Harry Potter” saga. So it’s hardly surprising that when he first appears onscreen in “The Woman in Black,” you find yourself expecting his Hogwarts sidekicks to show up, or a wand to appear in his hand (not helped by an early train journey). But that slight disorientation passes and he turns in a fairly solid performance as the young father who has been sent by his London firm to settle the paperwork of a dead woman who lived in a fabulously spooky house on the far side of a remote tidal causeway.

Outside of the “Potter” films, he’s proved himself to be a versatile performer, probably more lauded on stage than on the big screen, but also willing to throw himself into almost anything as demonstrated in a recent “Saturday Night Live” (including playing the part of Casey Anthony’s yorkie). In interviews, he has described “The Woman in Black” as simply being the best script he'd read at the time he chose to get involved. And it’s a very interesting project, not just for a prospective lead actor, his fans, and genre aficionados, but also for filmmakers and those who are intrigued by the way films are made.

This is a creepy film.

I’m not an easily scared person but there was no shortage of squeals and jumpiness among the audience at the press screening. Which is only to be expected from a film about disappearing children and a haunted house. But what’s noteworthy is how that level of creepiness is achieved. There are virtually no elaborate special effects – it’s almost exclusively an outcome of camera angles, makeup, and timing. This is a $17m production that, in the hands of a different production team could very easily have cost two or three times as much, without being any better at establishing an atmosphere. And that also makes it a good pick for Radcliffe, who gets to headline a film that doesn’t require him to stray far from his comfort zone, and which won’t need to measure success in hundreds of millions of dollars.

That’s not to say it doesn’t have any problems – it does. You can’t afford to think for more than a moment about almost any of the plot details. And much of the logic appears to have been sucked into the marshes on either side of that tidal causeway I mentioned earlier. It’s a brief film at 95 minutes and it doesn’t pause to explain very much: It’s not a complicated story but we’re never told how or why Radcliffe’s character decides what to do or, for example, why residents of the local village never seem to ponder the possibility of moving away despite it clearly being the worst possible location in which to raise a family.

But for the right audience, none of that will matter. It’s creepy and it stars Harry Potter…err, Daniel Radcliffe.

Blood and Thrills and Chills, Oh My! - The Sacramento Horror Scene Through A Friend Of The Genre

2012-01-31T23:17:47Z

Blood and Thrills and Chills, Oh My! - The Sacramento Horror Scene Through A Friend Of The Genre

Adhorroration [ad-horror-ey-shun] – noun

1.A fervent and devoted love of horror.
2.The act of paying honor and homage to horror.
3.The only term to describe my personal love for horror, thanks to the Sacramento
Horror scene.

I've loved horror since I was a teenager (unless you count that peek at “Nightmare On Elm Street” that I was privy to as a child). Sure, I was enthralled with “Ghostbusters” when I was little, and even the nightmares couldn't dissuade me from watching it again. I wasn't allowed to watch scary movies as a kid, so I was actually a late bloomer when it comes to one of my greatest passions. My mom would buy me gifts here and there to tell me that even though she wasn't a fan, she knew horror made me happy. A Chucky doll here, a matchbox of a Camp Crystal Lake SUV with a small figure of Jason straddling it with a machete, ready to strike there... my mom's little way of telling me she didn't understand but she cared. Years went by and I would collect what I could on VHS and in toy form (I own a small treasure trove of Todd McFarlane's “Movie Maniacs” series), but I never went beyond that point. There really was nothing at the time I could move on to.

Fast forward to 2001. I moved from the east coast to Sacramento, and brought my horror memorabilia with me. My husband at the time wasn't a fan either, and I didn't have any friends, much less horror buddies I could geek out with over the genre. I kept to myself, watched my scary movies, played my scary video games, and wished for something more. The closest I ever got to taking action on my love of the genre was knowing Bruce Campbell was going to be in Sacramento signing his book “If Chins Could Kill” and attempting to go (I have yet to meet him). Little did I know, there was a world of horror awaiting me in the very city I had just begun to call home.

A former friend of mine discovered my passion for horror when she met me, and insisted on taking me to Trash Film Orgy. Affectionately known as TFO, Trash Film Orgy has existed since 2001, coincidentally the same year I had moved here. I still remember my first time... showing up with her and a small group to the beautiful Crest Theater and seeing all the people clad in black or in costumes themed on the presentation inside. It made me smile, and I didn't feel so shy. It was July 1st, 2006, and my first film was “Versus”. It was my first time in such a beautiful venue, and one that had so many unique things going on. I had never been somewhere where you could yell at the screen, see skits and horror hosts, and truly be yourself. I bought the movie I saw that night, both because I loved it and I wanted a tangible memory to commemorate my first time. I attended two Trash Til Dawn events there, as well as a few other shows before life took a front seat and my attendance a back seat. My horror happiness hit a low for a few years while things around me spiraled. My son and my horror were the only things keeping me happy, and with my horror being limited to books, movies and games, I felt a void.

Fast forward again through some incredibly tough times and a complete 180 degree turn in direction, and my love has not changed. Horror has sustained me, and anyone I can share it with I will, despite the strange looks that come with my telling someone how great it is. My boyfriend is not a fan of the genre either, but he encourages my passions and knows horror is a big part of me. Even though I was going alone and was genuinely afraid to do so, I mustered the courage to attend my very first Sacramento Horror Film Festival in 2009. My motivation? I originally discovered SHFF at The Colonial Theater through the fact that they were showing “Repo! The Genetic Opera” for the very first time, and I was hoping to meet Terrance Zdunich, Darren Smith, Alisa Burket and Andreja Punkris. What I found when I got there was nothing short of a miracle. I know it sounds corny, but hear me out. The fans were dressed in costumes, or just their own unique styles. The marquee was beautiful, and it made me feel like I was in another world. There was a garland draped over the box office, made of bloodstain-printed plastic surgeon's tools.

Inside and seated, I admired the old-fashioned look of The Colonial, and wondered what kind of things would go on when the lights went out. I was in the very middle of all of those seats with a poor camera, but I was determined to capture memories of my first Sac Horror Film Fest attendance. The movie came on the screen, and the thunder that erupted shook my core. It was everything. The electricity of the fans, the booming sound emitting from the speakers, the cheers, and the callbacks. There was even a flash mob that came on stage (later developing into the Sacramento Sweets shadow cast) during one of the movie scenes. Once I experienced SHFF, I couldn't get enough. It wasn't just “R!TGO” that I fell in love with, despite the fact I met all of the guests and got pictures with Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich. I could see that the fun I had, and the feelings I experienced were due to the festival itself. I thought of the people that made something like this possible, and wondered how long I had been missing out. After the show, one of the people from the flash mob appearance on stage came up to me and greeted me warmly, then hugged me. I had no idea who he was at the time, but he made me feel like I belonged there. He and I are good friends to this day, and I attribute my comfort on that first night to him.

My passion for the genre grew, as did my compulsion to support the people that made these outlets possible. I attended the next two Sac Horror Film Festivals, spending as much time as I could in the darkened Colonial Theater, most of the attendance being from open to close each day. I attended every showing of Repo!, earning the title “Superfan”. One of my proudest things to show off is my tattoo with the original Sacramento Sweets (formerly Amber's Sweets) art as I spread the word. It's not just a logo inked, it's a symbol of one of the biggest changes in my life. I have befriended the Sacramento Sweets and Tim Meunier, as well as multiple hosts that have come to guide the shows and festivals down their twisted paths. I've spoken to and spread the word about these independent artists and filmmakers. I pass out fliers to the public with ghoulish glee, explaining that Halloween is not the only time horror can have its tributes.

Now, I must speak seriously. I cannot speak for TFO because I have not attended in a long time due to life conflicting. I can say, as a fan of Sacramento Horror Film Fest, and as a friend of those who run it... I'm truly disturbed to see the decrease in numbers of attendance to shows. Many people probably think that horror is still something more of a niche, but they are so very wrong. The passion I see every now and then for horror needs to be concentrated, and used to help support those who make it possible for Sacramento to be one of the best places in horror entertainment. Events like Sacramento Horror Film Fest show over a 100 independent films every year, and that means so much exposure for independent filmmakers and artists. Each year there are booths set up for artists, authors, vendors and the like to try and get the work out there for the public to see.
SHFF's motto is “Love Horror”, and I suggest attendance to the festival to anyone that even remotely mentions they like horror. One thing is always recognized, no matter the attendance numbers, and it is the idea that we are a family. No one looks at you as though you are an outcast because you cheer over cinematic and stage bloodshed. We can laugh at a killer's one-liners, splatter ourselves with fake blood, dress like Jack the Ripper, and drive a hearse without being made to feel as though we are mentally unfit to be amongst the public.

Independent entertainment is important in Sacramento, and horror is something that is treated with a loving and macabre hand here. We are strong, united, and want to extend the joys of the genre to those that have yet to experience it. There are so many people out there that, like me in my early Sacramento years, don't even know about the fun they could be having. We all have our opinions about the genre, and one person's favorite thing might be loathed another person's standards. It doesn't mean we don't count. If you love any form of the genre, you need to seek out the entertainment Sacramento has to offer. Come as you are, you costumed and painted wonders, and join the family. Come as you will, those who look so innocent your friends would never believe the grotesque makes you giggle. We come in all shapes and sizes, and horror in Sacramento does too.

I am a friend of the genre, and I want to see it thrive. Bring your friends, talk it up, and help Sacramento's horror scene stay alive. Attend the shows, crowd the theaters, and revel in the sensation that comes with being an accepted strangeling. I do, and I've never been happier. It doesn't have to be Halloween to celebrate the weird, scary, thrilling, chilling, and bloody world of horror in Sacramento. Horror is music, movies, stage plays, art, and so much more. Give horror a chance.

Www.Sacramentohorrorfilmfestival.com

www.trashfilmorgy.com

Disclosure: I am a friend of Sacramento Horror Film Festival Head Tim Meunier, and acquaintances with some of the people that participate in Trash Film Orgy and Sacramento Horror Film Festival. I am also friends with some of the independent artists involved.

The Zombies Are Here

2011-10-12T23:37:30Z

There is a new independent production company in town, Zombie House Pictures. Founded by Sacramentans Geoff Foley, Josh Pierson, and Lodi native Tom Presler, ZHP came together through a mutual love of horror movies and all things zombie.

Presler and Foley are also the co-founders of the non-profit organization, the Zombie Club, based in Lodi, California. The Zombie Club focuses on community outreach, charity fundraising, and yeah, all things zombie.

Zombie House Pictures is the film production arm of the Zombie Club and they're currently in production on a new web series called Diary of a Dead Man that has been shooting here in Sacramento since the beginning of September. Locations have included Shenanigans on J Street, Zen Sushi on 15th Street, and various private residences in the greater Sacramento area.

Diary of a Dead Man, which stars local actors Antonio Mears and Kirsten York Saetes, is the story of James (Mears), a recently turned zombie, and how he not only comes to terms with his new "life" but also having to leave the old one behind. The series also follows the story of one of his first victims, Mary (Saetes), as she also has to deal with her new life as a zombie. Throw into the mix a team of zombie hunters, one of which is Mary's best friend Katie, played by local actress Heidi Briseño, and the drama, and gore, won't be in short supply.

The debut webisode is slated to be released this weekend on both YouTube and on the ZHP website. The production is set for six webisodes in its first "season".

Disclosure: Geoff Foley is a founder of Zombie House Pictures and is also one of the producers of the web series Diary of a Dead Man.

Mediation and conflict resolution featured at the Crest Theatre

2011-08-19T19:42:47Z

The third night of the 12 annual Sacramento Film & Music Festival brings a solid lineup of three narrative feature films to the Crest historic main screen. The first of these, "Face to Face," is an Australian drama that can only be seen at film festivals and which isn't even scheduled to open theatrically in Australia until next month.

"Face to Face" is reminiscent of the classic film "12 Angry Men," with the action moved from a jury room to a mediation session. Ten people and a mediator meet to discuss an employment dispute, but it soon becomes apparent that there is far more at stake and more shared history than one young man's rash actions. The screenplay was adapted from a stage play that was originally written based on actual transcripts of mediation sessions and the result is both powerful and genuine in the relationships and interpersonal dynamics in the room.

"Face to Face" is followed by the dark romantic comedy "Stan" and the horror film "The Corridor." The Festival recommends the later films for adult audiences only. Trailers and synopses for all three films can be found by selecting film titles on the Festival's schedule page here.

The Festival continues at the Crest through Sunday.

Disclosure: Tony Sheppard is Co-Director of the Sacramento Film & Music Festival.

Film, TV celebs beam in for Sacramento Sci-Fi/Horror Show

2010-09-28T01:27:18Z

Halloween came early last weekend when armies of zombies, stormtroopers and hundreds of civilian fanboys and fangirls joined Lando Calrissian, Jason Voorhees and Howard the Duck for a celebration of all things dark and bloodiful at the two-day Sacramento Sci-Fi/Horror Show.

For some attendees – many of whom came dressed to the Plan Nines – the draws were the special screenings of sci-fi and horror films. For others it was a chance to bypass the dozens of vendors hawking everything from phasers to fine art for a chance to nab a vintage Hallmark “Star Trek” ornament for a song at Saturday’s auction (with proceeds benefitting Loaves & Fishes’ Mustard Seed School). For most, however, the weekend wasn’t about picking up a rare “Spider-Man” comic or “Superman” lunch box, but the chance to see some very familiar faces from film and video in the flesh.

Top-billed among the lineup of actors who manned autograph tables (where signed photos of much-younger incarnations were selling for as much as $30 a pop) was Billy Dee Williams, well-known to conventioneers for his appearances in George Lucas’ original “Star Wars” triology as Han Solo’s comrade Lando Calrissian.

Armed with a variety of permanent markers, Williams was happily agreeable to sign whatever was placed in front of him and to rise frequently for impromptu camera-phone portraits during his three-hour appearance Saturday.

On hand for both days were such actors as Jewel Staite, whose roles in such series as “Firefly,” “Stargate Atlantis” and “The X-Files” (as well as her made-for-a-jumpsuit figure) have forever earned her a table at such fan conventions. In addition to chatting up her fans and signing autographs, Staite also hosted a packed Q-and-A session on Sunday.

Other young actors and personalities well-known to the brotherhood of convention-goers included Ashley Palmer (“Paranormal Activity”), Devanny Pinn (“15 til Midnight”) and Kaci Hansen (“Kaci Hansen Presents”).

Less comely, but equally appealing to the young and old who relished the opportunity to get a head start on All Hallows Eve, were actors Derek Mears (Jason in the reboot of the “Friday the 13th” film series), Ed Gale (“Howard the Duck,” “Child’s Play”) and Herbert Jefferson Jr. (Lt. Boomer in the original “Battlestar Galactica” TV series).

Also greeting their minions were a host of comic book/graphic novel artists and writers, including Jason Dube, Richard Zerga, Josh Barker, Arrianna Sherman, Mike Hampton, Brandon Bracamonte and Paul Allen.

While William Shatner never beamed in to tell those dressed as Dr. Who or Boba Fett to “Get a life!” he would have undoubtedly felt right at home among the Klingons who were forgoing the blood wine in favor of the Sprite and Coke on sale at the concessions table.

Far from limited to myopic males sweating through their capes and armor, there were many women of all ages in attendance, from 20-somethings attired as their favorite pop-culture characters (Wonderland’s Alice, a masked animé heroine) to the “dancing dead” who gave life to Saturday night’s Zombie Ball.

Featuring bands Dammit and Left Overz, the Last Doorway Productions event was a monster mash of the first order, with made-up and costumed partygoers often following the calls coming from the stage to crank it up to “11” and start slamming. The monster “mosh” that resulted was pretty tame and didn’t produce a single drop of real blood. Besides, how do you hurt the undead?

photographs by Barry Wisdom

Cinema Insomnia brings horror, comedy to the Guild Saturday

2010-08-12T02:28:43Z

Movies on a Big Screen will host the first live broadcast taping of “Cinema Insomnia” Saturday.

Fans can watch the “1960’s mess” horror film that is “The Undertaker and His Pals” at the Guild Theater, located at 2828 35th St in Sacramento, as horror host Mr. Lobo — a television personality and actor— provides comic relief in between segments.

Movies on the Big Screen is an ongoing film festival, said Robert McKeown who helped start it in September 2006. They show films every week at the historic Guild in various genres including cult classics, documentaries and independent films. Cinema Insomnia is a television series that shows horror films. This is the first time MOBS is teaming up with Cinema Insomnia, although McKeown said it may not be the last.

The concept of a horror movie host is a throwback to the days of creature features, Mr. Lobo said. Late-night horror movies on television would have hosts to keep the audience entertained. Cinema Insomnia will similarly provide a mix of horror and comic relief to give those in the audience a chance to catch their breath.

“I think comedy and horror fit together really nicely because there’s that tension, and then the release of that tension,” Mr. Lobo said. “Not everybody is really a fan of horror movies, so in a weird way, a horror host kind of makes a horror movie more powerful for the general public because you kind of have a way out.”

Mr. Lobo has done TV shows in the past and hosted live shows, although this is the first time he has done both simultaneously. His co-host, Miss Mittens — a houseplant — will help Mr. Lobo guide the audience through the movie.

“She needs to retire soon; she’s been through a lot,” Mr. Lobo said. “That happens when you see a lot of bad movies. It’s hard on the leaves.”

Audience members can expect an array of entertainment throughout the show, including games with the crowd, prizes and even a cooking segment.

“We’ll have barf bags, because this movie has some graphic violence that might unsettle the tummy,” Mr. Lobo said. “In the past we’ve had a hearse parked out front and nurses taking your blood pressure.”

The show will be syndicated nationwide in 30 locations and air at midnight Saturday. To stay true to Cinema Insomnia’s name, fans can also watch the show at any hour of the day or night at cinemainsomnia.com.

Mr. Lobo said this type of late night films are different than other movies.

“The way you appreciate them at 2:30 in the morning is different,” Mr.Lobo said.

Although this Cinema Insomnia will begin at 7 p.m., Mr. Lobo said he will help people stay up.

McKeown began MOBS in September 2006 and has had Mr. Lobo host live shows for them before. He said he expects this show to sell out.

Tickets to Cinema Insomnia, are $7 per person, and can be purchased at moviesonabigscreen.com or at the door on the day of the performance, Aug. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Robert McKeown, Photo 3 by Anthony Bento.

Sacramento Horror Film Festival Offers Four Days of Fright

2009-10-21T19:18:09Z

As Halloween looms over us like a full moon on a blustery autumn eve, we find ourselves in the mood to curl up in front of our favorite slasher film for a healthy dose of murder and mayhem.

But if you dare to leave the comforts of home and celebrate the seasonal bloodlust with likeminded souls, the Sacramento Horror Film Festival is here to provide the scares. Now in its third year, the four-day event will be sure to fill your every dark desire.

“The city of Sacramento didn't have anything resembling a horror film festival," said Tim Meunier, founder and festival director. "And with my past experience I decided it was time to give the city what I felt it needed. I grew tired of going out of city and state to visit sub par horror film festivals and give them my tourist dollars. I felt I could provide a better experience back in my home town."

Meunier founded the festival in 2007. It was an immediate success, drawing horror icons such as Tony Moran (the unmasked face of Michael Myers in “Halloween”) and Tony Todd (the title role in “Candyman”) to sign autographs, take pictures and participate in Q & A sessions.

This year will feature WWE wrestler Chris Jericho, who stars in “Albino Farm,” on Friday, Oct. 23. The creators of “Repo! The Genetic Opera” will attend Saturday’s marathon. On Sunday, Oct.ober 25, William Lustig will be in attendance to voice his commentary on his slasher film “Maniac."

The event has not only attracted celebrities, but filmmakers from all over the world.

“We are an international film festival,” Meunier said. “We screen films that originated from Brazil, France, Japan, all the way back home coast to coast. We are screening more than 50 independent films and out of those 50, 13 are local."

Meunier’s said his preparations for the festival are grueling, beginning with a call for entries and the subsequent reviewing of the films for about 10 months.

“I do a survey among fans and peers and decide on which film to attempt to acquire for our 'retro' screening,” Meunier said. “Once we have some ideas, I contact the actors and directors of that film and attempt to book an appearance at the festival for them to do a live commentary of the film."

When asked which of the films he has seen are his favorite, Meunier refused to play favorites.

“Being asked that is like being asked which child is your favorite," Meunier said. “They all are special. I had to review hundreds of films over the past year to select the 50 best of the best and so I really enjoy all the films we screen."

Meunier realizes that even the most rabid horror fan may not be able to sit through the festival’s proposed gauntlet.

“The live commentary is a very popular program at our festival,” Meunier said. “We then begin contacting local bands that fit within our horror demographic as well as potential other forms of live entertainment to help break the monotony of film viewing for the patrons at the festival."

Average audience turnout for last year’s three-day event was 2,100 people, but Meunier expects more this year given the extra day to make room for even more films.

There’s no rest for the wicked, and Meunier lives the adage to make sure he can put together the best string of scares he can.

“Our third annual event hasn't even gone underway yet and I'm already planning exciting things for our fourth annual event,” Meunier said. “I'm always thinking ahead. It’s a challenge, so at minimum it's a year's worth of dedication."

The festival runs Oct. 22-25 at the Historic Colonial Theatre. Tickets are available at R5 Records and at the theatre's box office during the festival. Four-day all-events passes are $50, but individual day tickets are available as well.

Trash Film Orgy schedule announced

2009-04-14T22:13:23Z

Organizers of the annual Trash Film Orgy, now in its ninth year, have just announced their 2009 summer schedule for July through August at the Crest Theatre in Downtown Sacramento.

The festival, "bringing you the best in 35mm exploitation and cult cinema," will start on July 11 with the camp classic "Flash Gordon," and follow up with five more mostly-obscure films of the midnight movie variety. The shows will be hosted by the festival's original host, Francois Fly. The screenings will also feature a variety of other activities, including "live bloody stage shows," costume contests and audience participation. These folks go all-in.

What follows is the schedule for the 2009 Trash Film Orgy, complete with exuberant punctuation.

JULY 11th
FLASH GORDON
See the 1980 Sci-Fi camp classic on the big screen! With Max von Sydow, Sam Jones, Timothy Dalton, Melody Anderson and an amazing soundtrack from Queen!

JULY 18th
SATAN’S CHEERLEADERS
See the incredible 1977 tale of naughty cheerleaders in league with Satan! With B-movie veterans John Carradine, John Ireland and Yvonne DeCarlo! Also: A special screening of Trash Film Orgy’s own CHEERLEADERS FROM HELL!

JULY 25th
CHOPPING MALL
See this awesome 1986 robots-on-a-bloody rampage flick and find out what happens to unsuspecting teens who throw an all-night party in the mall. With special guest director Jim Wynorski LIVE in person!

AUGUST 1st
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
See the 1992 film that started the Buffy phenomenon! With Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer, Luke Perry, Paul Reubens and Hilary Swank!

AUGUST 8th
LADY TERMINATOR
See a totally different sort of TERMINATOR this summer! This 1988 Indonesian import is loaded with so much boobs, blood and unbelievable action that you won’t believe your eyes!

AUGUST 15th
BLACK BELT JONES
See Jim Kelly clobber the mob in this amazing, but seldom seen 1974 kung-fu blaxploitation extravaganza! With Gloria Hendry and Scatman Crothers. Don’t miss it on the big screen!

It all happens Saturdays at midnight in the fabulous and historic Crest Theatre, located at 1013 K Street in Downtown Sacramento. For more information, call 916-44-CREST. Tickets are $9.50 per show. The TRASH FILM ORGY is adult fun for trash fans 18 and over only.

COME EARLY! Doors open at 11:30 for the Interactive Trash-Action Sideshow and Music from the Amazing DeeJay Junior. And for trash fans 21 and over, the RETRO-TRASH LOUNGE serves beer and wine!

Additional info at trashfilmorgy.com!

Sacramento Invaded by Zombies?

2009-03-10T01:26:18Z

Disclaimer: the contributor of this and his wife run Movies on a Big Screen, Sacramento’s weekly screening series of documentaries, general independent film, classics and cult titles. The following is blatant self-promotion of a MOBS event and the local filmmakers involved.

The living dead recently took over Sacramento’s Movies on a Big Screen building and local filmmakers just happened to be there to capture the nightmare.The result? A film entitled “Dead Exit.”

About Dead Exit:

The reanimated infestation has reached a crisis point, overwhelming both local law enforcement and federal agencies. Designated evacuation and quarantine sites, known as "green zones," were developed to protect the few survivors and strategic assets that remained. With resources pushed to the limit, these formerly secure zones were frequently abandoned or relocated to another area once deemed beyond recovery.

In the midst of the chaos and confusion caused by the latest collapse in the perimeter, three lone survivors rush to the final evacuation point. With one of their own injured and the hordes of the reanimated in close pursuit, the three survivors must make their way to the last known haven. Upon arriving at the evacuation point, the survivors realize their situation is worse than anticipated. Left behind, alone, and abandoned by the authorities, the three survivors must deal with the multitude of ravenous undead just steps behind them.

Dead Exit, from Misfire Productions, is a locally produced, short zombie movie filmed in the Sacramento area. With a nod to iconic zombie movies of the past, Dead Exit adheres to the rules and conventions outlined in classic zombie films. In keeping with these traditions, extensive practical blood effects are used rather than their digital counterparts. With an extensive cast of zombie extras showcasing the talent of local makeup artists, Dead Exit brings the classic shambling hordes of the undead back to the big screen. Directed by Wes Young and Ryan Goff, the film stars Bob Herron, Randy Foos and Mackenzie Goff.

On Friday, March 13, don't miss the opportunity to be the first to see the bloody horrors that took place within the walls of MOBS at two special sneak preview screenings before it hits the film festival circuit, with cast and crew (and very likely zombies) in attendance. $5.00 admission. Plays at 7 and 8:30 PM. 600 4th St, West Sacramento. That's the corner of 4th & F in WEST Sacramento, just over the river from downtown Sacto. Parking lot is off of F Street between 4th & 5th Streets.

This is a shorter film (running a bit under 20 minutes), but there should be enough material for more than an hour's worth of zombie fun.