Day five - Well we're really in the thick of the festival. As previously reported by Phil we had a great time at the premiere of George's new dead film SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD. It really is the most fun of the series since DAWN. A big, 35mm, beautifully scored zombie western. Followed the screening with some drinks at Mr R's – finally leaving at 7am!

A few hours much needed sleep and off to DAYBREAKERS. Again the music for this is sensational and the film looked and sounded fantastic. Production design and effects are all top notch and the performances by Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill are all perfectly pitched for the futuristic vampire premise. Plenty of action, gore and car chases make this a solid genre entry.

Next up an under the radar cross genre thriller / horror / black comedy picture THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED. A new UK abduction caper with a strong three handed cast of Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston and Eddie Marsan. The well crafted and executed script keeps you guessing at every turn and this was a nice discovery.

Over then to the Midnight Madness party proper.. great venue, great guests and a really good time. Caught up with the Speirigs and chatted about their DAYBREAKERS film which I had originally chatted to them about way back in 2003 when we met here when they were premiering UNDEAD. Really great guys. Then we were accosted by the buxom stars of tonights midnight entry BITCH SLAP which should prove a lot of fun. Ran into genre legend Joe Dante – a really down to earth chap and an obvious horror buff who could be an amazing future FF guest.

Finally....after a meal with Colin's partner Kat and Mitch from Fantasia and another quick party we cabbed it quickly to the premiere of THE LOVED ONES.

We had met the self effacing director earlier in the day and we were all preparing for something special. This Australian feature debut by Sean Byrne is a horror sensation. No spoilers as this is a cross between “CARRIE, THE EVIL DEAD and PRETTY IN PINK!” as was noted in the films intro. You are going to be hearing a LOT about this film but suffice to say it delivers on every level. A wonderful debut!

So, that was all... just a typical lazy Sunday really!!

Until the next time…..

Paul

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