Normally the concept of horror anthologies reoccurs and at a steady pace, and performs well, with the initial design of a collection of different directors and screenwriters making 5 to 8 short stories with the customary wraparound bookending the movie. However, unlike those of Tales of Halloween (2015) and Holidays (2016), Creature Feature only has one director and writer, Chase Smith, who used his company Spirit World Productions to head the project and released by Brain Damage Films. Smith executes a very good collection tales, with a version that combines both legendary film Creepshow (1982) and comics from the 1950s, for stories ranging mysteries, murder, satanic worship and even some art appreciation.

Chase starts with friends arriving late to a Halloween costume party on a foggy night in Georgia, and saunter into an old warehouse, where a live and solid sounding band plays to entertain everyone. Soon enough, the friends meet up with others which leads to flirting and then a game starts the best scary story, this hence acts the opening of the book, and the start of the wraparound. Their stories include tales of a babysitter learning art appreciation and how naughty gets more than just a spanking; next scarecrow mutilation (which includes an interesting element); teenage trespassers on a full moon night; a tale of vengeance and lastly meeting Jack. Smith makes sure to interweave details, hints, and clues into the stories and later reveal in shocking moments for the viewers to enjoy, and yet gives a few jump scares along the way. However, another secret holds deep in the stories, which all have a well designed and written tale, keep a quick upbeat pace, and design the trick in this treat. The horror fans seeking a mixture of multiple favorites found in many movies, satanic worship done richly well and bloody to boot and unleashing carnage at every turn. Fret not fans, the T&A freely gazes over the screen frequently and used as a prop to entice the viewer deeper into the stories, and they cover the rules of horror films, that everyone knows leads to death. Since the stories contain vast designs and covering each will give secrets and spoiler it is best just to note the talented works from babysitter Rachel (Christina Klein) and Jack (Jason Vail (Family Possessions [2016])).  One must note the crafty artwork throughout the movie, classy in all manners, and very much pays a devote homage to Creepshow, and never misses a beat. The film never dives too far to the extremes, rather keeping a steady hand at both gothic tales and horror creations, without venturing into torture porn or found footage. Rather this gem presenting with cool cover art, caters to all horror fans, with a buffet of choices to sink one’s fangs into and enjoy.

First, one hopes that Creature Feature spawns a part two for a double feature, as the work display within, shows the capabilities of Chase and his team, as they took the times to create depth to their characters and victims with equal foresight. The pacing and stories continue to use a craziness found in his previous work and while the acting from time to time slips a bit below a welcomed level, the forgiveness easily handed over, as many independent films contain quirks. The practical effects fans will find much enjoyment with the cascade of tricks and talents all their to amuse themselves and shower the gifts of blood and gore, realizing it doesn’t occur as often was the desire it. Yet, Smith’s film and his team understand limits and never pushing the boundary of their capabilities further than needed, and ruin a wonderful production.

I had the pleasure and opportunity to review Chase’s film Realm of Souls (2013) and enjoyed it very much, and sought the opportunity to review another one of his creations once again it does not let anyone down. It truly fits the mold of the anthologies tales, brings an innovative and very creative format to the tried and tested method, and guarantees enjoyment in a darkened room. The best part, this reviewer previously watched the documentary on Creepshow, called Just Desserts and Smith’s film fits wonderfully as a follow-up to that movie.

This review was originally posted on the now defunct Rogue Cinema website in September 2016.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3809696/

IMDb Rating: 3.8/10

Baron’s Rating: 3.5/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jYkI1FUMTI