In honor of the witching season, we’ll profile a new Halloween-centric title every day throughout the month of October.
“THIS IS SPINAL TAP” MEETS “AMERICAN MOVIE!”
Article by Adam Mast
BLOOD-O-WEEN (Not Rated)-2006
If you’ve been reading our Countdown to Halloween and saw our special look a homegrown filmmaking yesterday, then you already know that in addition to covering a wide variety of mainstream and independent movies, we also like to champion the lesser known filmmaker here at Cinemast.net. Especially, if that lesser known filmmaker makes something as damn entertaining as BLOOD-O-WEEN.
This affectionate mockumentary follows sweet-natured entrepreneurs Reginald (Matt Mangus) and Chaz (Josh Everett) as they set out to make your ears bleed guts by way of a Halloween mix tape comprised of the ultimate in scary sounds. Along the way, they learn a little more about themselves and life in general.
BLOOD-O-WEEN was directed by Nathan Fackrell. You may not know his name yet, but I suspect you will soon. Fackrell’s genuine warmth and humility as a person comes across in the numerous commercials and short films he’s been involved in and the same is true of BLOOD-O-WEEN. Likewise, stars Mangus and Everett ooze likability here and it should be noted that they not only appear in the movie, but they also developed the story with Fackrell.
In addition to its eccentric, offbeat nature and winning sense of humor, BLOOD-O-WEEN is surprisingly warmhearted. At its core, this gem of a short film is a celebration of Halloween, but more importantly, BLOOD-O-WEEN is a story about following your dreams and persevering in the face of insurmountable odds. Chaz and Reginald and their merry band of sound-collecting misfits have an endearing, unwavering spirit that remind me of the great Ed Wood (PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE) and I mean that as the biggest and most affectionate of compliments.
BLOOD-O-WEEN was released in 2006 and I positively adore it. It may be a no-budget indie but it’s huge in heart and character. It isn’t particularly scary, but it’s wickedly funny and perfect viewing for Halloween. If you’re a fan of THIS IS SPINAL TAP, AMERICAN MOVIE, and WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, then you’re sure to succumb to its undeniable charms.
Side note: BLOOD-O-WEEN also serves as a touching tribute to beguiling co-star Trent Johnson who, sadly, past away shortly before the film’s release. His spirit lives on in this wonderfully entertaining short film.
Click Here for more on BLOOD-O-WEEN!
Click Here to purchase a copy of BLOOD-O-WEEN!
END TRANSMISSION!!
COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN
October 25th-“Horror-Fest 2015” and “Guerilla Showcase” Recap–Click Here
October 24th-“Jaws”– Click Here
October 23rd-“Frailty”– Click Here
October 22nd- “Psycho” – Click Here
October 21st-“Killer Klowns From Outer Space”– Click Here
October 20th- “Horrorfest 2015” – Click Here
October 19th- “Hocus Pocus” – Click Here
October 18th-“The Exorcist”– Click Here
October 17th-“Prince of Darkness”– Click Here
October 16th- “The Omen” – Click Here
October 15th-“Dawn of the Dead”– Click Here
October 14th- Student Bodies”–Click Here
October 13th-“Habit”–Click Here
October 12th- “The Twilight Zone” – Click Here
October 11th- “Creepshow” – Click Here
October 10th-“Shaun of the Dead“-Click Here
October 9th-“Invasion of the Body Snatchers”– Click Here
October 8th-“The Final Girls”–Click Here
October 7th-“Something Wicked This Way Comes”–Click Here
October 6th- “We Are Still Here”–Click Here
October 5th-“Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn”–Click Here
October 4th- “Phantom of the Paradise“-Click Here
October 3rd-“Poltergeist“-Click Here
October 2nd-“The Babadook“-Click Here
October 1st-“John Carpenter’s The Thing“-Click Here
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