“Strange Harvest” (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 8 via Roadside Attractions and Saban Films) — Stuart Ortiz, one half of the duo behind the “Grave Encounters” films, helms this mockumentary about the search for a serial killer named Mr. Shiny. It’s a clever satire of true crime culture with plenty for horror fans to enjoy.
“Witchboard” (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 15 via The Avenue and Atlas Distribution) — A sly remake of the ‘80s classic, “The Mask” director Chuck Russell helms this wild tale of a Ouija board gone terribly wrong. Fun kills and a game cast keep things rolling along until a bonkers third act that strives for maximum carnage.
“Hell House LLC: Lineage” (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 20 via Terror Films and Iconic Events) — The fifth and final film in the Abbadon Hotel saga nixes found footage in favor of a traditional feature, but promises even more haunted clown shenanigans and a story that ties the series’ threads together.
“The Toxic Avenger” (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 28 via Cineverse) — “Green Room” director Macon Blair reboots this Troma classic, which is still violent and disgusting, but with a surprisingly soulful lead performance from Peter Dinklage as Toxie. Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood all come to play in this successful take on the character, which — despite a slightly larger budget — is as funny and subversive as the original.
“Jimmy and Stiggs” (Releasing theatrically on Aug. 15 via The Horror Section) — The first film picked up by Eli Roth’s new venture, The Horror Section, Joe Begos wrote and directed this sci-fi freakout that is splattered with practical effects. Dark humor and a colorful visual style elevate this story of a man pushed to the brink as he prepares to wage war against aliens.
“Alive in the Catacombs” (Now available to rent at http://www.qotsa.com) — This performance video from rockers Queens of the Stone Age is both beautiful and creepy, as the band performs acoustically arranged songs from their catalogue for the scores of dead surrounding them in the Catacombs. Also recommended: the mini companion documentary “Alive in Paris and Before,’ which delves into the making of the project.
