Psychotik Review: Mr. Hush
Alright this has been a long time coming, and I’m so happy to be able to finally review this film. As some of you may know who have been with us from the get go…or those of you that like to browse my back catalogue of articles…know about Mr. Hush. I feel so bad that I have sat on this review for so long. I know a few people who have been dying for my thoughts on it (Literally I have been to two funerals over this so far and can’t do it anymore…lol) Seriously though, this has been a long journey and I can’t wait for the next one David Madison set’s me on. Without beating around the bush…and no more around the tush…Allow me to present…
Psychotik Review: Mr. Hush
Behold his greatness!
Allow me to start this off my saying I’m generally not a fan of Independent Films. Most experiences I’ve had in the past were very bad. Not to say that their haven’t been times that I’ve been amazed. Also in saying this though, I’d like to add I’ve come to know what to expect from these movies. Hush stands head and shoulders above others. Let’s not start out with the rating though…I want you all to sweat! The film is about Holland Price (Brad Loree), an average enough guy with a perfect family. This all changes one Halloween night when a priest shows up at his door. According to him, he was taking some children trick or treating when his vehicle caught a flat. He just needed to use the phone. Seems legit? WRONG! I a single instance all goes wrong and thus begins Hollands nightmare. Flash 10 years in the future and Holland has become a drifter that suffers from nightmares of the night his wife was murdered and his daughter disappeared. He still searches for her, clinging to the thought she is still out there. It’s when he stops to settle down a bit…he finds the nightmare…has found him once again.
Before I dive into pro’s and con’s, let me start off with saying this is an independent film, and as such there are some things you have to take into consideration. Independent films are very low budget most of the times. So picking at bad visual effects, shaky camera, and other small details…you can’t really do that fairly. These are present in most if not all independent films. They can’t all have Rick Baker, Tom Savini, or film in an IMAX camera. So if your watching this movie, don’t rate it yourself comparing it to a multimillion dollar flick. At this point you are being unfair. You have to appreciate it for what it is. A throwback to the old horror movies of the 80’s. Something that was done wonderfully. Now that that’s out of the way…Pro’s and Con’s (I’m going to reverse the two so we end on a positive note!)
Cons
Really there isn’t much bad I have to say about Hush. The main problems I found was with transitions and character development. Some of the transitions between dream sequences and flashes forward in time are left unclear. It takes you a minuet to gather your thoughts and realize you aren’t really lost. A couple of times it happened and I was like “Whoa, Did I miss something?”
As far as character development goes, you learn a nice bit about most of the characters. Definitely enough to keep the movie moving. I just wish there was more. Some of the relationships that are formed are unclear because you don’t know how much time has lapsed. This con is almost a good thing, because that means the film had characters worth wanting to know more about it.
Pros
Ah, a lot of these to be had. But I’m only going to gush over a few. I enjoyed the casting, the story, the ending (the ending is going to have spoilers…but don’t worry I’ll warn you…this is number 1) The casting in this movie is very interesting. This is the first speaking main role for Brad Loree who usually is just a stunt man. I do hope this isn’t his last lead role as he did very well. The antagonistic role is played with a chilling sadistic nature by Edward X. Young. The man plays a villain like no other. He can go from purely calm in demeanor to psycho in seconds. Stephen Geoffreys is like the perfect lackey and very much so a nod to his roles from the 80’s (Fright Night, 976-EVIL). Steve Dash will make you smile from ear to ear as will director Thomas Churchill. Neither one has much screen time, but boy the time they are on screen…you won’t forget them. Watch out for Spoilers ahead….
Story was another thing I enjoyed. It is cut from the same cloth has most horror from the 80’s, but in an original pattern. it’s refreshing to see a call back to when horror was really different. It wasn’t afraid to have comedy. It wasn’t afraid to be a little campy. The dialogue in this movie will chill you in some areas and in others make you have a real gut wrenching laugh (Listen for “You Smelly Fuck!”…your going to lose it and not get it back!! lol) A + for freshness….Spoiler Alert coming up ….now!!!
***SPOILER ALERT***
Who is this Edward Cullen you speak of?
The ending is really worth mentioning as a pro. You don’t see it coming. Obviously you get their is something off about Mr. Hush. A sort of supernatural quality. What you don’t expect is him turning into a grey shark tooth fanged vampire. You also don’t expect one of the most hilarious vampire staking since Paul Rubens in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Huey Lewis and the News isn’t a bad addition either. I like the twist ending the most. You sort of see it, but it’s not at the front of your mind for sure. Age old vampire grudge over Hollands grandfather killing Hush’s mate? it’s very refreshing not seeing regurgitated ideas.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, I give David Lee Madison’s Mr. Hush 4 out of 5 Top Hats. If you’re a fan of independent film, or just wanting to see a good fresh horror flick pick it up! It’s available at Blockbuster and through Netflix by mail. I really can’t wait to see further projects from David Madison. Hats off sir…Hats off! That will be all for today Darlings! Stay tuned for more madness!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
P.S. Did you know Encyclopedia Psychotika has a Facebook? By clicking HERE and liking this page you will be able to stay up to date on whats next on your favorite place for madness on the web! Also…do you like beautiful women but can’t seem to find anything but the stereotypical? Look no further! Your ol’ pal Malice has collected for you a bouquet of rare beauties in their natural state! Find them by liking the Psychotik Girls page HERE
Madison’s Mr. Hush to be realeased on Blu-Ray and DVD
I have big news (that thanks to Yahoo I got rather late…seesh!) I’m sure all of you remember our good friend David Madison right? Well you better! Anyway, Dave sent me an email the other day with good news about his film, Mr. Hush. It seems that it has been picked up my a distributor and we will see it on Blu-Ray and DVD August 5th, 2012. I’m so happy this has finally happened. He has been working so hard to make this happen (plus I really, Really, REALLY want to see it damn it!!!) So the following is the press release from Kino Lorber’s Horizon Movies:
Epic cover means epic movie…..
HORIZON MOVIES ACQUIRES ALL NORTH AMERICAN
RIGHTS TO MR. HUSH (2011) A NEW HORROR FILM
FROM WRITER/DIRECTOR DAVID LEE MADISON
NEW YORK, NY MAY 15, 2012- Kino Lorber’s Horizon
Movies label is proud to announce the acquisition of all North
American rights to MR. HUSH, a new horror film that
celebrates the classic style of the horror movies of the 1970’s and 1980’s.The film premiered at Anthology Film Archives in 2011 and
continued its limited theatrical release at the Laemmle Sunset
5 in West Hollywood, The Hollywood Theater in Pittsburgh, PA
and most recently at the Majestic Cinemas in Matamoras, PA, among others.
The film tells the story of Holland Price, a devoted husband
and loving father, who, unbeknownst to him, becomes the
target of evil and dark forces. An idyllic, small Pennsylvania
town serves as the background for this epic battle between
good and evil.
Inspired by the horror films he watched growing up, director
David Lee Madison set out to create a new film with classic
sensibilities, not only in terms of story and structure, but also
going as far as casting some of the actors from the films of
that era. MR. HUSH is scheduled to be released on Bluray,
DVD and digitally on August 7, 2012.
“As a product of the 80s, I was exposed to some of the finest
horror films ever made,” said writer, director and executive
producer, David Lee Madison.
“In addition, my older brother, Bob, who was like a father figure
to me, adored the classic Universal films. Every
Halloween, these films would be shown on the local PBS
station; it is one of my fondest childhood memories.”
Steve Dash, known to horror fans as the first actor to portray
Jason Voorhees (as an adult) from Friday The 13th: Part 2
recalls, “David, the director called me and said that he was
doing this film and would like to have some roles in the film
filled with people from classic horror movies. I said send me
the script, I’ll take a look at it, and I really liked it. The role of
“Mac” that he had picked for me was great, so I decided to do the film.”
“I’m excited to be working with Kino Lorber’s recently
launched Horizon Movies label. It’s certainly an honor to have
my film distributed by a company that has shown their
dedication to the horror genre with their Redemption film line
of classic horror films and to be in the company of filmmakers
that include Mario Bava, Wes Craven, and Jean Rollin”, said
writer and director David Lee Madison.
Madison’s film is populated with icons of the 1980’s horror
genre that include Stephen Geoffreys (Fright Night, 976EVIL),
Steve Dash (Friday the 13th: Part 2, Nighthawks), Brad Loree
(Halloween: Resurrection) along with costars
Edward X. Young (Sea of Dust) and Jessica Cameron (Silent Night).
This acquisition was negotiated between Kino Lorber’s Vice
President of Home Entertainment Sales & Distribution Eric D.
Wilkinson and Writer, Director and Executive Producer David Lee Madison.
Kino Lorber:
Kino Lorber curates high quality, critically acclaimed films for discerning audiences.
So, it’s with great pleasure that I give congrats to David Madison and the rest of the cast and crew that made Mr. Hush possible. Most excellent job guys and ghouls, can’t wait to enjoy it. I wish you all the best and…PARTY ON DUDES!!!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
p.s I have some news to pass on to you about Halloween Horror Nights…but that will be tomorrow…STAY TUNED!!!
Allow Me to Introduce Dave Madison…
The other day, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dave Madison. Dave is the Director of an up coming independent film, Mr. Hush. He is also the promoter for Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear. I have to say, I’m very impressed with this movie and the convention. The movie looks fantastic, and the convention line-up is pretty tight. They even have the privilege of being Steve Dash’s last show. It was great being able to chat with Dave, he’s such a down to earth guy and real genre fan at heart. I truly feel that it’s people like him, that will lead the horror genre in the direction it needs to go. So without wasting another key stroke, done in the name of From Dusk till Con, and interviewed by yours truly…
Allow Me to Introduce, Dave Madison…
That's Dave in the Middle...
Malice Psychotik: So we will get to the movie and the convention in a moment, but first I would like to ask some question about you if you don’t mind. I think it would be pretty fair to say that you are a fan of horror film. Why Horror? What got you into the genre?
Dave Madison: As a product of the 80’s, I was exposed to some of the finest horror films ever made. In addition, my older brother, Bob, who was like a father-figure to me, adored the classic Universal films. Every Halloween, these films would be shown on the local PBS station; it is one of my fondest childhood memories.
Malice: What are some of your favorite Horror films?
Dave: I have a real passion for the Universal classic films such as Karloff’s Frankenstein, Lugosi’s Dracula and Chaney’s Wolfman. Fright Night is one of the finest horror films ever made with just the right amount of scares and wit. Halloween is driven by the great performances of Donald Pleasance and Jamie Lee Curtis. The Lost Boys was a great popcorn, summer vampire film that was beautifully shot. Near Dark made smarmy cool and American Werewolf in London was terrifying as our hero never really had a chance to win. Other great horror films, in no particular order, are Frank Langella’s Dracula, Evil Dead, the original King Kong, and Needful Things.
Malice: Is there anyone in the genre that you look up to specifically?
Dave: No, oddly enough, I think Frank Capra was the finest film maker that ever lived. I would have loved to have worked with the late Roddy McDowall, Donald Pleasance or Vincent Price.
Malice: Let’s move to Mr. Hush. I’ve seen the trailer, and I have to say I’m impressed! It looks really good, and I can’t wait to see it. What was your inspiration for the film?
Dave: Mr Hush is the perfect storm of films that have inspired me over the course of my life. I like to think it is smart and witty like Fright Night, well acted like Langella’s Dracula, and paced like a great Carpenter film.
Malice: What has been your favorite part of the film making process?
Dave: The writing. It is really rewarding to see your characters come to life by extremely talented actors and actresses.
Malice: You have a pretty tight cast going on with this film. What helped you pick some of them?
Dave: After knowing most of these people for a while, this particular script was written to the strengths of these fine actors. Stark, for example, brings Stephen Geoffreys back to what he is beloved for by genre fans, classic horror with a touch of dark humor.
Stephen Geoffreys in a scene from Mr. Hush
Malice: Any on-set stories you can share with us?
Dave: Sets are kind of like Vegas, what happens there stays there!
Malice: What advice do you have for anyone trying to get into the business of film? Anything you have learned?
Dave: Keep working at it and if you have talent, it will eventually come to you. And the most important thing you can ever learn is never take yourself too seriously.
Malice: I would also like to discuss your convention. What got the idea started for the convention?
Dave: The genesis of the convention came when I was pondering how to introduce the next cultural horror icon to as many people as possible. The Weekend of Fear is really just a celebration of our beloved genre where new film makers, veteran film makers, actors, actresses and fans can convene for a weekend of fun. What is most important to me is that we stay true to our genre.
Malice: Do you attend other conventions? If so, do you have any favorites?
Dave: I have attended a handful and all have been fun.
Malice: Is there any special events that you think will stand out at your show? Anything you think fans are not going to want to miss?
Dave: So much fun, so little time. Here are a few not to be missed: Friday night’s Masquerade Ball – if you have not partied with Brad Loree (Michael Myers in Halloween: Resurrection), you haven’t lived! Steve Dash (Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part 2) will be making his last convention appearance- if you have not had a chance to meet this horror icon, he is truly a fan favorite. Stephen Geoffreys and Tiffany Shepis discussing Corey Haim’s last horror genre film, New Terminal Hotel, should be very interesting. And of course, the world premier of Mr Hush. Plus there will be more surprises.
Malice: Your guest list looks great! Will you be adding anymore to the list? Any hints?
Dave: There are more to come and they are all from the horror genre. wink wink
Malice: This being the first show, where do you see the show going? Do you have any goals for the show to grow?
Dave: I hope that every autumn, people converge on northeastern PA to celebrate the greatest genre in film today. But truly the most important thing is that everyone has fun!
Malice: Alright, before we wrap this up, it’s become a trademark of mine to ask a round of completely random questions. Would you be interested in participating in the madness?
Dave: Sure
Malice: If you could be any infectious disease, which would you be?
Dave: mono
Malice: Who do you think would win between Lestat (from Queen of the Damned) and David (from The Lost Boys)
Dave: Lestat was a buttercup so it would be David, hands down. But David would fall quickly to the mighty Evil Ed.
Malice: How much wood could a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck could dual wield chainsaws?
Dave: 2 cords
Malice: Have you ever had something so good, it made you want to smack a man named “Rufus”
Dave: Sal’s chicken parm
Malice: Well, I want to thank you for doing this interview. You have been awesome and it was a pleasure having you. I really look forward to see Mr. Hush when it’s ready. Is there anything you would like to add?
Dave: Thanks for the time. It was great. I hope everyone loves Mr Hush. We made a film that is very different from the types of horror films Hollywood pumps out today. We’re not in 3D, and we’re smart with a touch of dark humor. It is exactly the direction the genre should be going in. And I can’t wait to see everyone at the Weekend of Fear- we will have a blast.
Well that wraps up the interview with Mr. Madison. I look forward to seeing Mr. Hush. I just can’t wait to hear more news. If anyone else would like to keep up with the movie or the convention, you can catch the news on the website at MrHush.net.
Sadistically Yours,
Malice Psychotik
Encyclopedia Psychotika 