At Texas Frightmare Weekend 2012, I stumbled across a little movie called Jacob (review here), and it completely blew me away. For a completely independent picture made for extremely little money, it packed an emotional punch that few mainstream horror films can pull off.
Truth be told, I've paid to see movies in the theater that display less skill and power than Jacob, and that's a damn shame, but finally someone was wise enough to pick up this gem for distribution, and as of April 16th, Jacob is out on DVD and Blu-ray for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Kino Lorber's Horizon Movies.
Jacob had a return performance at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend to celebrate its release, and I sat down with main man Larry Carrell to chat about writing, directing, and acting in the film.
Mr. Dark: Give us the background on yourself, and what you've done so far.
Truth be told, I've paid to see movies in the theater that display less skill and power than Jacob, and that's a damn shame, but finally someone was wise enough to pick up this gem for distribution, and as of April 16th, Jacob is out on DVD and Blu-ray for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Kino Lorber's Horizon Movies.
Jacob had a return performance at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend to celebrate its release, and I sat down with main man Larry Carrell to chat about writing, directing, and acting in the film.
Mr. Dark: Give us the background on yourself, and what you've done so far.
- 5/8/2013
- by Mr. Dark
- DreadCentral.com
Sanitarium is a horror film anthology. Directors Bryan Ortiz, Bryan Ramirez and Kerry Valderrama each tell a story of a half hour. And the film is similar to other horror anthologies such as the Creepshow series of film. Each story deals with supernatural elements or alternate realities, from a mental health hospital. Sanitarium now has an intriguing trailer. The clip shows patients in a rehabilitation center struggling with four walls, shock treatment and a world of insane doctors. Horror fans can preview the film below, in this exciting reel. Release Date: May 27th, 2013 (United Kingdom, DVD). Director: Bryan Ortiz, Bryan Ramirez, and Kerry Valderrama. Writers: Crystal Bratton, Scott Marcano, Bryan Ortiz and Kerry Valderrama. Cast: Lou Diamond Phillips, Robert Englund, David Mazouz, John Glover, Chris Mulkey and Mayra Leal. The trailer for Sanitarium is here: Source: Sanitarium at Igorslab | | Advertise Here -...
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- 2/20/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Tagline: "Locked in Insanity." The horror anthology Sanitarium will be released by Signature Entertainment May 27th. This offering involves three separate tales, each of which takes place in a rehabilitation facility. The stories involve the paranormal, alternate realities and the mystical (Signature). And now, the United Kingdom poster for the release is available. The poster shows a masked figure. The beady eyes of the figure host malevolence, while the patient appears tormented. Fans of anthologies can peel back their DVD wrapping in just a few months! Release Date: May 27th, 2013 (United Kingdom, DVD). Directors: Bryan Ortiz, Bryan Ramirez, and Kerry Valderrama. Writers: Crystal Bratton, Scott Marcano, Bryan Ortiz, and Kerry Valderrama. Cast: Robert Englund, Lou Diamond Phillips, John Glover, Mayra Leal, Chris Mulkey, David Mazouz and Walter Perez. Source: Sanitarium at Signature Entertainment | | Advertise Here -...
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[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]...
- 2/8/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Futuristic Socialist America. Pfft. New teaser trailer for Wayne Slaten’s “Patriot Act”. Looks decent. Low-budget as all get-out, of course. I shall reserve judgement until I see more. Kane is a retired member of The Legion, a disbanded government agency responsible for the extinction of the Dropas, an alien race during the Class Revolution. Set against the backdrop of a future dystopic socialist America in the year 2078, Kane is reluctantly dispatched by The Party to search for a renegade Dropa intent on hunting down the former members of The Legion. Starring James Hong, Richard Grieco and Mayra Leal. Coming in 2013.
- 12/7/2012
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
Latin beauty Mayra Leal has landed the female lead role in crime thriller Ashes of Eden.
Described as having a gritty Michigan backdrop similar to 8 Mile, the project is in pre-production and is expected to begin filming this autumn.
Leal said she was "excited to be joining such a talented cast in this emotionally charged script."
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Mayra's screen credits include appearing in the Robert Rodriguez-directed Machete, alongside Danny Trejo and Steven Seagal.
Soon after she landed a role in an episode of the ABC series The Deep End directed by Michigan-born actor/director Timothy Busfield.
More recently, Mayra filmed action thriller Arena with Samuel L. Jackson and Kellan Lutz as well as a role in comedy crime drama Memphis Beat with series leads Jason Lee and Sam Hennings.
In addition, it's been announced that Dennis Therrian, owner of Therrian Productions, is to compose...
Described as having a gritty Michigan backdrop similar to 8 Mile, the project is in pre-production and is expected to begin filming this autumn.
Leal said she was "excited to be joining such a talented cast in this emotionally charged script."
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Mayra's screen credits include appearing in the Robert Rodriguez-directed Machete, alongside Danny Trejo and Steven Seagal.
Soon after she landed a role in an episode of the ABC series The Deep End directed by Michigan-born actor/director Timothy Busfield.
More recently, Mayra filmed action thriller Arena with Samuel L. Jackson and Kellan Lutz as well as a role in comedy crime drama Memphis Beat with series leads Jason Lee and Sam Hennings.
In addition, it's been announced that Dennis Therrian, owner of Therrian Productions, is to compose...
- 9/20/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Two members of the wolf pack, Bronson Pelletier and Kiowa Gordon, are trying to get a little film called Heat Wave off the ground. The movie is a dark indie road comedy about two friends taking a cross country trip to go to a Bon Jovi Concert, and all the folks that them meet on their way. Currently the project has raised $2000 of the $20000 that the movie needs for a budget. Check out more below:
Heat Wave is a Dark Indie Road Comedy written by Russ Russo (The Projectionist, Donner Pass) to be directed by Will Lamborn (Award Winning SXSW and Sundance Director) and features an All-Star cast that includes Twilight’s Kiowa Gordon, True Blood’s Natasha Alam, John Carter’s Amanda Clayton, Machete’s Mayra Leal, Broadway’s Olja Hrustic, Twilight’s Bronson Pelletier and more. Heat Wave follows two guys from New Jersey running amok in Hollywood when it’s time to get out of Dodge, a Road Trip comes about due to the fact that Bon Jovi is giving a Farewell Concert in New Jersey in 3 days. It’s about life , friendship, the winding roads, discoveries of self and all the people you meet along the way with a twist.
The film is a collaborative effort stewarded by The Projectionist producer Atit Shah as a response to the changing landscape of the film industry. Russo and Gordon are partly financing the film themselves through Shah’s new company Create Entertainment in order to maintain complete creative control of the source material. We all experienced the frustrations of financing and institutional censorship as artists even when making dark comedy. But now, with advances in digital photography and distribution, we can tell a story in the manner we choose. Movies are changing and we’re changing with it.
The Heat Wave team has realized that Kickstarter is indeed a part of this new independent change, and is seeking to connect with our fan base even further with this campaign. Raising money will assist us in the production of our film in addition to increasing awareness of it. There is a distinct value in having an intimate relationship to those who care most about our work, and we are thankful to Kickstarter for helping foster these relationships.
Find out more about Heat Wave here.
Heat Wave is a Dark Indie Road Comedy written by Russ Russo (The Projectionist, Donner Pass) to be directed by Will Lamborn (Award Winning SXSW and Sundance Director) and features an All-Star cast that includes Twilight’s Kiowa Gordon, True Blood’s Natasha Alam, John Carter’s Amanda Clayton, Machete’s Mayra Leal, Broadway’s Olja Hrustic, Twilight’s Bronson Pelletier and more. Heat Wave follows two guys from New Jersey running amok in Hollywood when it’s time to get out of Dodge, a Road Trip comes about due to the fact that Bon Jovi is giving a Farewell Concert in New Jersey in 3 days. It’s about life , friendship, the winding roads, discoveries of self and all the people you meet along the way with a twist.
The film is a collaborative effort stewarded by The Projectionist producer Atit Shah as a response to the changing landscape of the film industry. Russo and Gordon are partly financing the film themselves through Shah’s new company Create Entertainment in order to maintain complete creative control of the source material. We all experienced the frustrations of financing and institutional censorship as artists even when making dark comedy. But now, with advances in digital photography and distribution, we can tell a story in the manner we choose. Movies are changing and we’re changing with it.
The Heat Wave team has realized that Kickstarter is indeed a part of this new independent change, and is seeking to connect with our fan base even further with this campaign. Raising money will assist us in the production of our film in addition to increasing awareness of it. There is a distinct value in having an intimate relationship to those who care most about our work, and we are thankful to Kickstarter for helping foster these relationships.
Find out more about Heat Wave here.
- 8/6/2012
- by Evie
- twilightersanonymous.com
In Playing House this girl has her eye on the good life with a new Doctor just out of his internship – via riding his best friend from behind in the pool. Playing House is a kind of cross between Single White Female and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. The strength of Playing House is in the performances, Mayra Leal as Blair and Sarah Prikryl as Jen particularly. These women both make the film work very well. Read the full review of Playing House. Playing House is directed by Tom Vaughan (Unstoppable) and stars Shelley Calene-Black (Dark Water), Alex Dorman, Mayra Leal (Machete) and Mari E. Ferguson.
- 7/27/2011
- Best-Horror-Movies.com
Directed by: T. Vaughan
Starring: Sarah Prikryl, Craig Welzbacher, Matt Lusk and Mayra Leal
If there's one thing I will never grow tired of, it's the psycho-bitch/bastard genre of horror. Yes you heard that correctly, it's a two way street my friends. For some reason, films that showcase the insane psyche of a jealous, murderous and mentally ill boyfriend or girlfriend are some of the most entertaining films in history. Not greatest films mind you--but entertaining, oh yes. What is it about these films that tickles so many of us? My best educated guess is that these films read like Soap Operas except with tons of blood and stabbing. They are everything that we wanted Soap Operas to be plus more, which by most calculations equals winning. Playing House therefore is mostly winning with a few small exceptions that can be glossed over thanks to some superb craziness.
In...
Starring: Sarah Prikryl, Craig Welzbacher, Matt Lusk and Mayra Leal
If there's one thing I will never grow tired of, it's the psycho-bitch/bastard genre of horror. Yes you heard that correctly, it's a two way street my friends. For some reason, films that showcase the insane psyche of a jealous, murderous and mentally ill boyfriend or girlfriend are some of the most entertaining films in history. Not greatest films mind you--but entertaining, oh yes. What is it about these films that tickles so many of us? My best educated guess is that these films read like Soap Operas except with tons of blood and stabbing. They are everything that we wanted Soap Operas to be plus more, which by most calculations equals winning. Playing House therefore is mostly winning with a few small exceptions that can be glossed over thanks to some superb craziness.
In...
- 7/24/2011
- by Andre Dumas
- Planet Fury
*full disclosure: Maya Entertainment provided a DVD screener of this film for review.
**here be some spoilers.
Director: Tom Vaughan.
Writers: Tom Vaughan and Kristy Dobkin.
Playing House is a thriller that was released on DVD June 21st by Maya Entertainment and this title was developed for distribution by American World Pictures. This is Uv Pictures first feature film, Tom Vaughan's first film and also writer Kristy Dobkins' first feature. So, viewers can understand that there will be some growing pains in this picture. However, there are lots of positives here, as a resident doctor invites one too many people to stay at his large house in the outskirts of Los Angeles. That extra person brings her sexuality to the party and some very sharp knives. The result is a pretty average, predictable erotic thriller that produces a combination of some highs and lows.
Blair (Mayra Leal) is a young seductress with a past.
**here be some spoilers.
Director: Tom Vaughan.
Writers: Tom Vaughan and Kristy Dobkin.
Playing House is a thriller that was released on DVD June 21st by Maya Entertainment and this title was developed for distribution by American World Pictures. This is Uv Pictures first feature film, Tom Vaughan's first film and also writer Kristy Dobkins' first feature. So, viewers can understand that there will be some growing pains in this picture. However, there are lots of positives here, as a resident doctor invites one too many people to stay at his large house in the outskirts of Los Angeles. That extra person brings her sexuality to the party and some very sharp knives. The result is a pretty average, predictable erotic thriller that produces a combination of some highs and lows.
Blair (Mayra Leal) is a young seductress with a past.
- 7/16/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Get set to go behind the scenes with Maya Entertainment's Playing House. This horror title releases June 21st on DVD and the film stars Mayra Leal (Machete), as Blair, a real life nightmare. She tries to break up the marriage of newlyweds Jen (Sarah Prikryl) and Mitch (Craig Welzbacher), who invite their friend Danny (Matt Lusk) into their quiet abode as a roommate. Events do not stay quiet for long when Jen, seen left, brings knives to this once happy home. Have a look at three early movie stills here, which show Jen at her worst.
Tagline:
"Home sweet home."
The synopsis for Playing House is here:
"In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she...
Tagline:
"Home sweet home."
The synopsis for Playing House is here:
"In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she...
- 6/16/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Hitting DVD on June 21, 2011 is the new erotic thriller Playing House, starring Mayra Leal from Robert Rodriguez’s Machete. This has one has perked more than my interest.
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave. The seductive stranger turns the friends against each other and exploits unspoken desires to achieve her own unique version of the American Dream.
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave. The seductive stranger turns the friends against each other and exploits unspoken desires to achieve her own unique version of the American Dream.
- 6/9/2011
- by Jason Bene
- Killer Films
Tom Vaughan's 'Playing House' is coming to disc from 21 June across the Us courtesy of Maya Entertainment. The new thriller stars Mayra Leal, Sarah Prikryl, Craig Welzbacher, Shelley Calene-Black, Alex Dorman, Caleb George, Matt Lusk, Kevin Parker and Celeste Roberts. And if that wasn't good enough news well it appears that you can also try and win a date with the movies' star Mayra Leal! Check out the full details at the Maya Entertainment facebook page below as well as the new trailer and sexy assed DVD artwork!...
- 6/9/2011
- Horror Asylum
We fondly remember playing "house" as kids although our house was filled with demons, murderers, monsters, and of course victims. Actually that's not exactly too far off from Maya Entertainment's Playing House, which drops onto DVD in a couple of weeks.
Look for the film directed by Tom Vaughan and starring Mayra Leal (Machete), Sarah Prikryl (11 Minutes Ago), and Craig Welbacher ("Hawthorne") in stores on June 21st.
To celebrate the flick's release, Maya is actually giving away a date with star Mayra Leal. Check out the official Maya Facebook Page for details.
Synopsis
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave.
Look for the film directed by Tom Vaughan and starring Mayra Leal (Machete), Sarah Prikryl (11 Minutes Ago), and Craig Welbacher ("Hawthorne") in stores on June 21st.
To celebrate the flick's release, Maya is actually giving away a date with star Mayra Leal. Check out the official Maya Facebook Page for details.
Synopsis
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave.
- 6/8/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Maya Entertainment has released word that they'll be debuting their psycho thriller Playing House on DVD come June 21st. Sounds like the type of sleazy fun we'd be frothing at the mouths to watch as teenagers, which means it could be worth a look.
From the Press Release:
Desire becomes obsession when the psycho-sexual thriller Playing House comes to DVD on June 21st from Maya Entertainment. After two newlyweds ask their best friend to move in and help with the mortgage, the friend soon brings home a stunning temptress obsessed with obtaining her own twisted American dream. Starring Mayra Leal (Machete, TV’s “The Deep End”), Sarah Prikryl (11 Minutes Ago, Stellina Blue), Craig Welbacher (TV’s “Hawthorne,” 11 Minutes Ago), Playing House will be available on DVD for $27.98 Srp.
Synopsis:
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend...
From the Press Release:
Desire becomes obsession when the psycho-sexual thriller Playing House comes to DVD on June 21st from Maya Entertainment. After two newlyweds ask their best friend to move in and help with the mortgage, the friend soon brings home a stunning temptress obsessed with obtaining her own twisted American dream. Starring Mayra Leal (Machete, TV’s “The Deep End”), Sarah Prikryl (11 Minutes Ago, Stellina Blue), Craig Welbacher (TV’s “Hawthorne,” 11 Minutes Ago), Playing House will be available on DVD for $27.98 Srp.
Synopsis:
In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend...
- 5/6/2011
- by Masked Slasher
- DreadCentral.com
Maya Entertainment has just picked up the "psycho-sexual thriller" (Maya) Playing House for DVD distribution. The film tells viewers not to get to cozy with strangers, as one woman tries to add herself to a happy marriage. Sparks fly, but they are not the romantic kind and soon Blair (Mayra Leal) turns from obsessed stalker to full time homewrecker. Playing House stars Mayra Leal (Machete), Sarah Prikryl (11 Minutes Ago), and Craig Welbacher (“Hawthorne”). Check out the release details for this when-love-triangles-go-wrong thriller below.
Tagline:
"Home sweet home."
The synopsis for Playing House is here:
"In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave.
Tagline:
"Home sweet home."
The synopsis for Playing House is here:
"In order to afford their dream house, newlyweds Jen and Mitch McKenzie (Sarah Prikryl and Craig Welzbacher) ask their best friend Danny (Matt Lusk) to move in with them. The plan works beautifully until Danny brings home Blair (Mayra Leal), a stunning temptress who decides she likes what the young couple has and never wants to leave.
- 5/6/2011
- by Remove28DaysLaterAnalysisThis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Machete’S Naked Girl Is Splatterific!
SplatterFest’s “Weekend of Mayhem” kicked off this evening sending hundreds of filmmakers creating short stories of splatter filled mischief. Each team was given a prop that must cause at least characters death, a line of dialogue and character. With only 54 hours to write, shoot and edit a horror film, teams must turn in their macabre masterpieces by midnight Sunday!
A DVD compilation of the shorts will be available in October, and Machete’s naked girl, Mayra Leal, graces the cover.
For more information visit http://splatterfest.com/...
SplatterFest’s “Weekend of Mayhem” kicked off this evening sending hundreds of filmmakers creating short stories of splatter filled mischief. Each team was given a prop that must cause at least characters death, a line of dialogue and character. With only 54 hours to write, shoot and edit a horror film, teams must turn in their macabre masterpieces by midnight Sunday!
A DVD compilation of the shorts will be available in October, and Machete’s naked girl, Mayra Leal, graces the cover.
For more information visit http://splatterfest.com/...
- 9/25/2010
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
Vampire spoofers are signing! Jenn Proske has signed with CAA. She continues to be managed by Mark Schumacher. Chris Riggi has signed with Brillstein for management. He continues to be repped by Gersh.
Nathan Parker, who wrote the screenplay for Duncan Jones' Moon, has signed with WME.
Marlon Wayans has signed with CAA. He is managed by Lisa Blum.
Flashpoint's Amy Jo Johnson has signed with Joannie Burstein for management.
Texan Mayra Leal, who's most recent exposure came in Machete, has signed with Rebel Entertainment Partners.
Finally, we hear that Little Children director Todd Field has signed with CAA. He had been at WME.
Nathan Parker, who wrote the screenplay for Duncan Jones' Moon, has signed with WME.
Marlon Wayans has signed with CAA. He is managed by Lisa Blum.
Flashpoint's Amy Jo Johnson has signed with Joannie Burstein for management.
Texan Mayra Leal, who's most recent exposure came in Machete, has signed with Rebel Entertainment Partners.
Finally, we hear that Little Children director Todd Field has signed with CAA. He had been at WME.
- 9/10/2010
- by Matt Hayes
- IMDbPro News
Last Thursday night, the Paramount was completely sold out for the local premiere of Machete, the latest film from Troublemaker Studios. The event was a fundraiser for the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund and the Texas Motion Picture Alliance (Txmpa). Director Robert Rodriguez was on the red carpet along with a number of stars and supporting cast from the locally shot film: Danny Trejo (shown above, naturally), Michelle Rodriguez, Jeff Fahey, Daryl Sabara, Elise and Electra Avellan, Billy Blair, Mayra Leal, and several others.
Paul Gandersman took some excellent photos for Slackerwood from the Machete red carpet, as well as a few from the intro and Q&A inside the Paramount. This was an impressive feat since the red carpet was extremely crowded that night, both with celebrities on the actual carpet and media surrounding it. Here are some of the best pictures from that evening -- mouse over them if...
Paul Gandersman took some excellent photos for Slackerwood from the Machete red carpet, as well as a few from the intro and Q&A inside the Paramount. This was an impressive feat since the red carpet was extremely crowded that night, both with celebrities on the actual carpet and media surrounding it. Here are some of the best pictures from that evening -- mouse over them if...
- 9/8/2010
- by Contributors
- Slackerwood
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