Horror Comedy
“Cult Favourite” ‘Mandao of the Dead’ selected for LA Comic Con and Kickstarter campaign for sequel ‘Mandao Returns’ launching 8th October
Scott Dunn’s Mandao of the Dead, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Vimeo on Demand.
The Sci-fi Horror Comedy has also been selected to screen at the LA Comic Con on Sunday, October 13th, 2019.

“Mandao of the Dead is a true indie horror with colorful, wildly quirky characters […] sure to be a cult favorite” — Nightmare on Film Street
Mandao Films has recently announced that the cult indie film Mandao of the Dead has been selected to play at the LA Comic Con.
Mandao of the Dead is scheduled to screen:
Sunday, October 13th, 2019
4:00pm
Room 301A
Los Angeles Convention Center
Mandao of the Dead is a supernatural comedy about the reclusive Jay Mandao who lives frugally off his late father’s cereal royalties. He wants nothing more than to live in solitude, but is duped into taking in his adult nephew-in-law, Jackson.
As Halloween approaches, Jay begins having odd dreams, and comes to find that he has the ability of astral projection. Jay and Jackson are approached by a ghost who has a small window of opportunity to reverse his death at the hands of Jackson’s murderous ex-girlfriend.
This is the second feature from Writer/Director Scott Dunn and Producer Gina Gomez Dunn. Mandao of the Dead gained some media attention after screening at the San Diego Comic Con. It was considered a “cult favorite” among film critics and lauded as, “the horror equivalent of Napoleon Dynamite,” (Horror-Fix).

Mandao Films has launched a Kickstarter on October 8th – November 8th in an effort to raise $20,000 USD for their sequel “Mandao Returns”. This time, Mandao Returns takes place around Christmas. After abstaining from astral projecting, Jay Mandao’s life starts to unravel. Jay’s cousin Andy hatches a plan to steal money from the past after encountering some serious financial issues. To make matters worse, they encounter an evil ghost intent on possessing one of their bodies to live again. Jay, Jackson, Cousin Andy, and their cab driver Fer must team up to stop the entity. Will they succeed?
You can support the campaign, donate by visiting www.mandaoreturns.com and sharing on Facebook and Twitter.
Dracula’s Coffin movie review
Dracula’s Coffin, a Hawthorne House Films and Barton CT Productions brings you a film by Stephen Wolfe. Based on the story by Brian Hardin II, Matt Spease and John Vasilio , Wolfe brings you…back in time with an 80’s feel to a story of blood, lust , hunters….and boners!
P.J. Starks (Volumes of Blood / Volumes of Blood :Horror Stories/ Volumes of Blood 3: Devil’s Night) , is executive producer of the film, and when he reached out to me asking if I’d care to review a film that he was involved in, how could I say no!?!
Dracula’s Coffin is the story of young Josephine (Sarah Pohl) who is hired to house sit for a very horny Abe Vanhelsing (Matt Boca), who is on his way to Transylvania to go “hunting”. But before he does so , there’s only one condition…”Don’t go in the basement!” Well all is fine and dandy till her boy band boyfriend Freddy (Tim Robinson) comes over and insists they of course check out the basement.
Low and behold , Dracula’s Coffin is found, the lid is popped, and back from the dead Count Dracula(Justin Herman) comes ready to take vengeance, feed and rebuild his army .
A lot is packed into this film. A small cast, all very well acted. Strong production , sound and lighting really set the mood well.
The campy 80’s feel of the film sets the mood from the very beginning and stays true till the very end.
Dracula’s Coffin is a fun 26 minute short that will have you laughing out loud , feeling nostalgic and wanting to break out all the old classic vampire films. My opinion, this is a great film to show at any Halloween get together!
Keep an eye on Wolfe as his 2nd film Doll Factory will be out in late August , as well as he has signed on to be a part of Rocky Gray’s 10/31 pt.2
Cheers to you Stephen Wolfe, a job well done!!
Keep it evil.
Monster Reviews: The Dead Don’t Die 2019
When it comes to zombie films, they’re traditionally all very similar. Lots of blood, guts and brains. They rely heavily on the gore and they’re usually rich with social commentary. The storylines are generally very light and its always about the aesthetics.
The Dead Don’t Die is written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. It stars Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tom Waits, Chloë Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Danny Glover, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Rosie Perez, RZA, Sturgill Simpson and Selena Gomez. The residents of Centerville are left to battle for their lives as the dead begin to rise and invade their once tranquil town.
Let’s face it, when it comes to the actors and characters in films, they can single handedly make or break a picture. They can make you fall in love with them, or they can make you hate them. You can root for them to survive, or cheer for their defeat. However, when executed properly, a legendary performance can be eternal and sometimes even immortal.
The Dead Don’t Die is full of dry wit and laugh out loud humor that will tickle your funny bone to the core. It’s a killer horror comedy unlike any other, with the largest ensemble cast ever assembled for a zombie film. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, hold on tight as director Jim Jarmusch brings viewers a side splitting comedy about the end of the world.
This film is absolute genius. It’s managed to take the nearly beat to death subgenre and flip it on its axis. Instead of the tired old gore and blood drenched cannibal feasts that we’re used to, this film focuses more on gut busting laughs and hysterics from its amazing cast. Bill Murray and Adam Driver headline one magnificently talented lineup that’s guaranteed to entertain.
There are some seriously amazing performances in this. Murray was awesome as the cool, laid back Sheriff, and Driver was the perfect level headed sidekick. Chloë Sevigny was also great as the shy and awkward third wheel of the law, and Steve Busvemi was a riot as the crazy racist farmer. Tom Waits was savage as Hermit Bob, but the best has to be Rosie Perez as a news reporter with the hilariously similar name.
It’s not your average fast paced, chew em up and spit em out, insane, over the top type of zombie film. Instead it’s a much slower, more comedic based style where the zombies are essentially the background noise to the jokes and one liners. It’s a truly entertaining laugh filled odyssey.
Not evry film needs to employ off the wall kills or loads of gore. With the subgenre currently on a downslope, it’s pleasing to see a fresh take on the outdated monsters. It’s nice to see the undead reinvented and not taken so seriously, like they normally are. With all the zombie themed content out there, it’s hard to leave a mark on the genre and that’s exactly what this film has done.
The film looks amazing. The cinematography is great and the countryside sets are very soothing. Jarmusch’s storytelling is always slower paced, which seems to work really well with the Romeroesque zombies. It amps up the fun quotient and lightens the intensity.
While fans might not be so accepting of a film like this, it’s definitely delightful and a worthy addition to the zombie subgenre. Stellar performances and a solid cast make it one of the best modern undead films to date. It’s a hilarious centerpiece and a great all around film.
If you’re bored of the same old tiresome zombie films, look no further. The Dead Don’t Die is an off the path, unconventional, entertaining undead film unlike the rest. Tons of laughs, awesome special effects and even its own theme song. It’s the best ZomCom yet.
We Summoned A Demon (Short Film)-House Of Tortured Souls
Chris McInroy directed another hilarious and very gory short film We Summoned A Demon. This is actually the third installment to 2 to other shorts Death Metal and Bad Guy #2.
We Summoned A Demon shows two friends who had no idea what they were doing and ended up summoning demons. This included a perfect blend of gore and comedy.
Having the pleasure of messaging Chris McInroy, he stated that it took 2 days to film in a warehouse in Austin, Texas. Chris is also into making practical effects driven from horror-comedies while being heavily influenced by 80s movies. Getting to experience with monster creations will be what wil inspire him to create his first feature to make a werewolf movie.
Chris also lives for the audience’s reactions, bringing happiness to them with gore and comedy in which he gets satisfaction from when viewing his movies.
I highly recommend checking this out and hope to see more of Chris McInroy’s movies soon. ⬇️⬇️
COMING SOON: Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Anna and the Apocalypse a Christmas zombie musical. Yup, you read that right.
When you think of Christmas horror movies, you can probably name a good dozen of the ones people should watch. The same goes for zombies and musicals. It’s a given that we will choose the classics or ones we feel hold a place in our hearts, but it’s still always a debate on which to watch because there’s just so many out there. Oh, and for the record, the great debate about The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) being either a Halloween or Christmas movie? It’s a holiday movie. Enjoy it anytime you like.
Then came a movie that from the title I thought, “Okay, not bad”. Then the description sealed the deal: Christmas horror zombie musical comedy. Well, of course, I had to stop whatever I’m doing to view this trailer. The film is called; Anna and the Apocalypse and follows Anna, a girl who wakes up one December morning to find her town Little Haven has been taken over by zombies.
Anna and the Apocalypse consists of a background of Indie and some horror stars and director. Don’t let this fool you in thinking it’s going to be a teen angst film with goofy zombies, no gore, and overused songs. There is a great amount of gore in the film, and small tidbits from the trailer promise that we will get some goofy gore as well as some creative kills. The songs are original and sung by the cast, which works, so be on the lookout for the soundtrack. Christmas does play a part as shopping carts full of presents are used as weapons. Zombie carolers, zombie Santa (guy in a Santa suit), plus one zombie Snowman (again guy in a costume) = fun.
Anna and the Apocalypse is compared to Shaun Of the Dead meets La La Land which, judging by the trailer, does give off more of a feel-good vibe. I’ll be enjoying this movie. The movie comes out 30 Nov 2018. When you need a break from the Christmas shopping and still eating leftovers from Thanksgiving, check out this movie. Like always, House of Tortured Souls will be checking out this holiday movie.
Tristan Takes Charge!

Tristan Risk: I had always had it at the back of my mind, but I think it mostly came from writing and wanting to see those stories come off of the page, and I had this idea to get someone else to direct. I am not technically trained, so I was worried I needed to know about lens and craft before diving in. Fortunately, I had really great support from my circle of Topher, Jordan, and Burns, who encouraged me to just do it, and so I went with majority rules.

TR: Body horror is the most frightening of subgenres for me. Because I’ve always made my living off of my body, the ideas, and themes it. The idea that we don’t have autonomy over my body is frightening, and while as a woman we face this every day with not having access to health care that meets our needs with regards to our reproductive health. So rather than have an existential crisis over that, we watch Martyrs and Tetsuo: The Iron Man.
TR: We shot Parlour Tricks in one day on a Saturday in March. The post took a little bit longer as everyone was donating their time to polish it off, but Jordan had us a working edit right away so we got it done quickly, and were able to start sending it to festivals quickly. I’m not sure how long it generally takes, but I’m happy to let people take their time and do the job to their satisfaction.
TR: I don’t think it’s any shock for anyone who has read my writing to know I can go to very dark and graphic places. I love comedy, and while I enjoy all things horror, I wanted to try something different and showcase a side of myself that I don’t often get to display when I’m in front of the camera. I think I also did it as a mild admonishment to people who are thinking I’d go the safe, shocking route, and that one should always expect the unexpected.
TR: I just wrapped with the Cronenberg remake of Rabid with the Soska sisters in Toronto, Canada. So when that comes to screens I’m very excited and proud to be part of that production. I’m planning on shooting three of my short films, and to work on some features in the future.
TR: The production was full of challenges, but the amazing camera crew and delightful cast, it was an amazing display of tenacity and talent in equal measure. I was so impressed by the crew and in particular our director of photography, Kim Derko, and our camera operators Paula Tymchuk and Tamara Jones. They stood out for me and showed skill and grace, and everyone from all the departments put their blood and souls into this. I’m fiercely proud to be among all of these people’s number in helping contribute to the making of this film.
At this time I’m not sure I’m permitted to reveal the names of what I play at this time. However, I can share that I do play multiple roles in this film that showcases my skill set as well as a new batch of skills previously not used in any other film. I’m very excited to be able to pop up in a few unexpected places and in such a striking film.

TR: Oddly enough, I’ve been tapped to contribute and collaborate on another remake, but I’m going to keep that in a quiet whisper for the time being. If I had my pick of films to recreate and reimagine, I’d be tempted to take on Splash. I’m dying to shoot underwater and feature mermaid myth and lore. I even swim in til myself and have worked as a professional mermaid. I’m wanting to feature all the deep diving babes I’ve met over the years who I think could sell the idea.
TR: I think just a desire to create. So much of it is visual mediums, and I can translate the write to the visual so easily. I’ve always found release in using my ideas to shape my reality around me, and films give me access to a wider audience to do that. I love live shows and it’s frustrating to channel so much energy into a performance where only a handful of people can experience it. While the stage is my first love, I am always ready to have a long-time affair with the screen, and willing to switch between behind and in front of the camera.
UPDATE: Zombieland 2 (2019)
Almost exactly ten years later we finally get to spend another day at Zombieland.
Sony announced that Zombieland 2 is happening. It will reunite Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Emma Stone for another adventure. Though no plot has been “released”, it is rumored this film will send the team to the American Heartland. Meeting more evolved zombies than before and some other not so great survivors. All while learning to be the crazy patchwork family they are.
To recap the original Zombieland, this film came out in 2009 from director Ruben Fleischer, who is also bringing us the Marvel film Venom. It was a Zom-Com (zombie comedy) that followed a zombie apocalypse survivor named Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg. He traveled across the country to reach family and ran into some characters along the way. Meeting Tallahassee portrayed by Woody Harrelson first and then the beautiful Emma Stone as Wichita. The film has a great cameo that you have to watch to see, I won’t ruin it for you. Throughout the film, you also learn some great rules of the apocalypse from Columbus.
Back to the sequel. Both original writer, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese will be coming back to lend their expertise. These two helped with Deadpool and Deadpool 2 most recently. Slated to start production in January 2019, this long speculated sequel is finally raising from the grave. The tentative release will be October 2019, just in time for the Halloween season. Who’s bringing the Twinkies to the release party?
Here’s to hoping that such a quick turnaround will produce a fun dedicated flick that won’t let us down.
Happy Nightmares!
ZombieGurl
THIS JUST IN: Ash vs. Evil Dead Canceled
Since Starz moved Ash vs Evil Dead to Sunday night, the ratings have never recovered and the fan favorite has been canceled. That’s right. In spite of scores like a 99% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer (94% on the Audience Tomatometer) and 8.5 stars on IMDb, Ash vs Evil Dead has been staked, leaving fans disappointed and wanting more.
Word hit when Bruce Campbell tweeted earlier this afternoon:

Ash vs Evil Dead, which starred Ray Santiago, Dana DeLorenzo, and Lucy Lawless in addition to Bruce Campbell, saw Ash drawn back into fighting the Deadites long after the events in the movie franchise. Like the movies – especially the two sequels, Ash vs Evil Dead was a fun and gore-filled but cheesy romp through one outrageous event after another. Ash vs Evil Dead not only gave us more of the Ashley J. Williams we all know and love, it also gave us more about Ash and his family. We learned of Ash’s guilt and suffering after his sister’s death as well as his ostracization by nearly everyone in his hometown. We meet his father – and Lee Majors playing Ash’s father was positively inspired casting – as well as his daughter, and there are hints of more… so much more… to come. Alas, unless something changes dramatically at Starz, those hints are all we’ll ever have.
I’m glad to see that Bruce has a groovy attitude because I and other fans of the show are bummed.
House of Tortured Souls wishes Bruce and everyone else involved in the Evil Dead film franchise and TV series the best.
Thank you.
MOVIE REVIEW: What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Directors: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi; Writers: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi; Stars: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonny Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Ben Fransham; Rating: R; Run Time: 86 min; Genre: Comedy, Horror; Country: New Zealand; Language: English; Year: 2014
What We Do in the Shadows is probably the most original horror-comedy released in the last decade and is definitely my favorite. Presented as a documentary, What We Do in the Shadows follows the lives of four vampires who share a flat in Wellington, New Zealand, in the months leading up to the yearly celebration of undead known as The Unholy Masquerade. If you haven’t seen it, you should do so as soon as you finish reading. You won’t regret it.
In perfect mockumentary form, the film begins with a title card from the “New Zealand Documentary Board” and an explanation of the nature of the “documentary” before moving into the action. Viago (Taika Waititi), the 379-year-old defacto leader of the group, is the first vampire introduced as he wakes to his dusk alarm. As Viago wakes his flatmates, we are introduced to Deacon (Jonny Brugh) – the 183-year-old bad boy of the group, Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) – an 862-year-old former tyrant known as “Vladislav the Poker, and Petyr (Ben Fransham) – an 8,000-year-old Nosferatuesque vampire who spends most of his time alone or in his stone crypt in the basement. We are then treated to a vampire flat meeting to discuss chores, a scene that both establishes the personalities of the vampires and dynamics of the group, as well as the type of humor that viewers can expect throughout the rest of the film.
What We Do in the Shadows plays on traditional vampire tropes – the fear and danger of sunlight, shapeshifting, hypnosis, the lack of reflection in mirrors, and the need for human blood – but combines them with traditional roommate issues in a wholly unique and hilarious manner. We follow them as they go out on the town, acquire another flatmate (thanks to Petyr), make friends with a human, interact with werewolves, learn of technological advances that can benefit them, deal with vampire hunters, and, finally, attend The Unholy Masquerade.
With What We Do in the Shadows, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi have created a unique horror comedy that becomes funnier with each viewing. The attention to detail, direction, music, cinematography, and acting are all top notch. Following its success, Clement and Waititi have announced a sequel that will focus on werewolves living in Wellington, New Zealand, and will be called We’re Wolves (formerly titled What We Do in the Moonlight). IMDb lists this project as in development, and I can’t wait to see what they produce. In addition, late 2016 brought news of a New Zealand TV spin-off project called Paranormal Event Response Unit (or Paranormal Unit) and late 2017 brought news of an American TV spin-off called Wellington Paranormal. Both will be X-Files type comedies following Officers Minogue (Mike Minogue) and O’Leary (Karen O’Leary) as they investigate supernatural happenings in the town of Wellington, New Zealand. Fans of What We Do in the Shadows will recognize Minogue and O’Leary as the officers who investigate a disturbance at the vampires’ flat. Not too shabby for a horror comedy mockumentary.
What We Do in the Shadows is available now on Amazon Prime, so catch it now if you get the chance. Check back with House of Tortured Souls for more information on We’re Wolves as we get it.
Happy Birthday Betty White!
Hey, guys Horrormadam here just wanting to wish Betty White a Happy Birthday! Now I know you are thinking why is Betty White on a horror site? Because I love the movie Lake Placid and even though it had great actors like Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, and Brendan Gleeson, Betty White stole the movie with her crazy antics and saucy language. So for the nonagenarian, she was born on January 17, 1922, which is impressive on its own, we here at House of Tortured Souls say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETTY WHITE! May you live another 96 years because you make us smile.
MOVIE REVIEW: Ghost Team (2016)
MOVIE REVIEW: The Night Watchman (2016)
HOUSE OF TORTURED SOULS LIVE: KEN ARNOLD & DAN DELUCA
By John Roisland
Hey, everyone, welcome! And thank you all for joining us once again as your hosts of House of Tortured Souls Live – the hosts with the most John and Allen bring you all the horror news!
We have a big show this week as John and Allen welcome writers and stars of THE NIGHT WATCHMEN, Ken Arnold and Dan Deluca and costars Donald Imm and Dan Franko. The guys took the time to break away from their hectic schedule while in Atlanta for the premier of their film THE NIGHT WATCHMEN to tell us a bit about how the film originally came to be, the audience response to the film, and, of course, the future of THE NIGHT WATCHMEN.
John and Allen go over news issues ranging from film remakes THE CROW to the most recent updates on film director Robert Eggers, who has signed on to remake horror classic Nosferatu.
House of Tortured Souls Live also makes mention of the upcoming KING KONG film Skull Island as well as the already in the works sequel to box office smash DON’T BREATHE.
We pay our respects to the huge loss of musician/poet Leonard Cohen. And, on the flip side of music, make mention of Slayer’s own, Kerry King as he is joining the horror convention circuit.
Allen also gives his very heart felt thoughts to actress Shelly Duvall as she makes a public cry out for medical help with many physical and mental issues she has been fighting with for years.
So stick around and fill your ears with the sounds of horror at the House of Tortured Souls Live.
Keep It Evil…