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• Ripoff remake of a classic posted on 25 Jul 2009

  This movie is a really poor retelling of Todd Browning's 1932 classic Freaks.It is essentially the same story of circus folks (offend one, offend all, etc) but instead of genuine freaks you get heavily tattooed people into body modification as the main freaks. Guys with stretched-out earlobes and excessive tats do not a freak make.The only redeeming feature I can recall is the "cannibal girl" who is notable for her beauty and is not a freak in any way other than being freakishly hot. She is the only reason I did not bestow a rating of 1 on this movie.The original Freaks movie was great because it had all those genuine circus freaks in it and was very controversial at the time of conservative film making.This flick borrows, nay, steals heavily from the 1932 Freaks and even steals it's "banned in X countries" logo from the original. The only reason this modern Freakshow movie might be banned from anywhere would be for plagiarism.

• Slow moving and VERY misleading! posted on 11 Jul 2009

  I am a huge horror buff and found myself looking around my local Blockbuster the other night. After a short while I stumbled on to the DVD entitled "Freak Show". Immediately I was drawn to it because the cover art states "Banned in 43 Countries"! Also, the back cover art reads "one of the most horrific movies of the last few years" or something of that sort. Well let me be the first to tell you --- This is a complete SHAM.The movie starts off very slow and bored me to sleep in the first 30 minutes. Because I am a huge fan of B-rate horror movies, I managed to down (3) of my favorite energy drinks in hopes of pulling through to the end. I will not ruin this awful movie for you, but I will let you know that I will NOT rent or buy anymore Asylum movies after this rip-off. How can this movie be banned in 43 countries, yet have ZERO amount of gore until the last 10 minutes? Not only was there no gore, the movie lacks anything that resembles something suspenseful or scary! The last 10 minutes of this film is the high point, and that falls very short of the films potential.If your interested in seeing a low budget version of HBO's series Carnivale, then this is the one. If your a horror fan and want to be completely ripped off by false advertising then go ahead and rent this one. You too will be as irritated as I am. The production value of this film was excellent, but the plot was very boring and there is absolutely nothing scary about this one. This was a complete waste of time. It amazes me how they can write that this film was the most "horrific and disturbing film in years" and "banned in 43 countries" yet give no sources or credits. Total BS!You won't be getting my money anymore if you continue to mislead the public. Even the low budget horror fans can say enough is enough and shop elsewhere. There are too many other fine films to see, than to be ripped off by flashy cover art and totally false and misleading claims. TWO THUMBS DOWN!

• As much fun as a real freak-show, without salted nuts. posted on 23 Feb 2009

  I bought this movie without any high standards set for it. I originally bought it to see the ending that had so much hype surrounding it. To briefly put it, I got what I expected.The story was... well.. nonexistent. The story was, I believe, about an outsider who worked for the circus as the ticket sales-lady. The owner had fallen in love with her, and she wished to marry him. Assumably, she only agreed to marry him for his wealth, which is what caused the rest of the movie to fall into the pieces it did.After a good, hour, hour and 10 minutes, of absolutely nothing happening besides low- grade sex scenes, and persistent cussing, the "banned in 43 countries" violence began, which I can honestly say didn't satisfy my blood lust, but it did leave me saying "Eh, good way to end it."The sex scenes were very frequent, but they were very boring and plain. Honestly, the R. Kelly video where he pees on the young girl, is a lot more interesting than the sex scenes in this film. I could have made better sex scenes with just myself. The violence began decently cartoonish, and evolved into an Eli Roth styled partition.As for film qualities, the acting was fair. Wasn't too impressive, but I have definitely seen worse (*cough* Trolls 2 *cough*). The film production was honestly, very well done. The filming styles and camera angles were nothing new or too fancy, but they definitely set the mood of the film. The soundtrack was very suitable, kind of an old-school styled sound which fit the film grain and the feel of the film.Honestly, I would only recommend this film to 12-year-old boys who are desperate for nude scenes. If you are a fan of horror, or B-Horror, or Independent films, please, stay away. It will not please any of your senses, because anything "positive" from this film has already been done.I gave it a 2/10, and that's me being generous, and for the ending.

• Look beyond the very special people posted on 21 Feb 2009

  What I found interesting about this movie is something that most everyone seems to over look.Most are disturbed by the "very special people" in the movie and cannot see beyond that. If you take the time to watch and analyze the movie you will see the metaphors, symbolism, and images that give a whole new debt to this movie. Which is why I believe Freakshow will go on to become a classic.Look at the metaphors seen in the images of the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is a metaphor for the circle of life. When you see the four villains, in the movie, fixing and starting the wheel, sub-consciously you are meant to realize how these evil people believe that they can control the life and death of their victims.The carousel is an obvious metaphor for the ying yang of life. The carousel is a symbol of fun, joy and childhood, yet in the last sequence it looks and sounds ominous as in a nightmare. So is life. Life is to be enjoyed yet evilness keeps creeping up in our everyday lives.There even more metaphors and symbolisms found in the movie, but is up to you to find them.

• A real Freakshow posted on 13 Feb 2009

  My summery title might seem negative, but it's really quite positive. I read all reviews to see if someone might mention it, but no one did. The 1970's movie called "Snuff". I'll get back to that later.Freakshow is a supposed remake of Tod Brownings cult classic "Freaks" I can't recall seeing that movie, but it's plot seems familiar. Freakshow borrows from that storyline, but of course in a much more gruesome and vindictive way. There are no good and bad people in this movie and here is why. While the group of criminals working as hired help at the circus were clearly conniving individuals with horrid intentions; they never actually killed anyone up until they felt threatened by the presence of a young mongoloid. The Freaks on the other hand; really got pleasure out of murder.Now while the last 10 minutes do merit the actions taken against Rebeka Cochan; it still baffles me as to why the Freaks ; who were supposed to be the "good" ones had to do it? I often compare movies to other ones in certain parts. This one has a bit of Ruggero Deodato's "Cannibal.." in it. You have the group of explorers who find the young natives and torture and humiliate them for kicks. Here two of the hired hand find the young mongoloid girl in the tent while they are looting it and decide to shut her up by killing her and leaving her on the ferris wheel for the others to find. First off; this is really stupid. I mean who else are the Freaks gonna think did it? The same kind of revengeful action is taken on the criminals as was in Deodato's film. The Freaks hunt down each criminal and murder them in Circus fashion. Sledghammer to the head, knife thrown at the gut. Lee;played by Mark Preston Miller even has one more fling with the cannibal girl before she rips at his throat.The one who gets it the worst is poor Rebekah. Though, she was the one who plotted the whole thing and pardon the expression "used" Lon for her own get rich scheme; she still didn't kill anyone.So far the movie has been very enjoyable. There is vintage music in the soundtrack, giving it a real old circus feeling. The way it's filmed also had a slight orange hue to it. Giving it a classic look and the majority of the "Freaks" were actually real oddities. This might be the only reason the movie was banned in 43 countries, but read on....The last 10 or so minutes are what caught me off guard in every sense of the word. When the group finally discloses Rebekah and her scheme; Lon's partner or wife, we never really know, tells him that he can keep his trophy wife, but she needs to become part of the family. What follows next is one of the most gruesome transformations of a human being into a freak I have ever seen. You can best compare these scene to the now underground cult classic "Snuff" or maybe even "Maniac" The poor Rebekah is sliced diced and sewn together to literally become the show's newest attraction...."Worm Girl" Horror fans should definitely get a jolt out of this scene. While it might repulse those who are squeamish it is definitely sweet revenge and the unexpected finale to the movie Freakshow. Appalling, gory and shocking. That makes a good Horror film.

• Not the best, but fun to watch. posted on 09 Feb 2009

  Well, I just finished watching Freakshow. After all the hype I had to see it. I was mildly disappointed, and somewhat amused. The acting was not very good, then, I can handle that, since these protagonists seemed to be real circus performers and perhaps not real actors. Rebeka Kochan, as Lucy, had her greatest moment at the wedding feast. Her lines were realistic and hurtful. Christopher Adamson, as Lon, was creepy, and yet likable. Mark Preston Miller, as Lee, must be thanking his agent, and director for such fabulous scenes with Amanda Ward, Cannibal Girl. All I can say about Amanda Ward is WOW! I believe that the only one to show true emotions and reactions to the various scenes, as they were developing, is the wolf man, played by Veekay. Kimmie, portrayed by McKenna Geu, must be a very brave young lady, with potentials to becoming a good actress. If you like circus freaks, you'll like this movie. However, the makers of this movie did not give us much time on them individually, to learn more about them. I believe that Mighty Mike, as Curtis, seemed to carry the story along, as he discovers the plot. Not a great movie, but a good movie to watch over and over again. Is like watching an accident, you can't turn away. Finally, I believe that the editors of this movie spent too much time in the carnage and sex and not enough time in developing the characters. To understand the movie you must watch the behind the scenes features, and listen to the commentaries.

• a group of sideshow "freaks" kill a group of idiots who are stupid enough to try to rob money from them posted on 18 Jan 2009

  This isn't so much a comment as it is a warning. I've been watching horror movies since I was able to watch movies. I have them on tapes and dvds, I was originally going to school for forensic science (all this info is to explain that I DO have the stomach, strength, etc to watch horror movies/gore/etc). This movie sent me to therapy. Seriously. It effected me in such a way that I still can't sleep (it's now exactly one week after I rented this movie). I'm anxious, nervous, and the day after I watched this movie I had a panic attack and had to schedule an emergency appointment to speak with a psychiatrist. The last ten minutes of this movie are THE most disturbing ten minutes I have ever seen in absolutely any form (film, photography, written word, etc.) Just typing about it and making me think about it is making me start to get anxious.Oddly enough everyone I watched it with was totally unaffected by it. My boyfriend doesn't understand why he has to stay awake with me every night. But for some reason, the last scene hit me in a way no movie, no book, no image has ever effected me before. Not hostel, or the hills have eyes, or house of 1000 corpses, or Texas chainsaw massacre, or any other horror flick involving torture/gore/disturbing images.Maybe I'm the only one, but I can understand why it was banned.

• Stupid f*en movie posted on 12 Jan 2009

  Last 10 minutes of the movie were completely unnecessary... It was like watching a surgery, a nasty surgery... n btw I'm sure a person could die from that much blood loss, or at the very least pass out.I don't particularly like scary movies, and this is a perfect example of why, because they're stupid, but I wanted to see this because I do like the original Freaks. The success in that movie was they left the gore to the imagination, and otherwise told a story-- that's something today's movie have no concept of. Everything is all shock appeal, and the success of a horror movie is merited to the one that makes you want to vomit the most.The other comments were right, there is zero character development. Characters get hurt, and die gory deaths, and you really don't care, there is no effort in the screenplay to pull the movie watcher into the film; they just want to gross you out. I forced myself to not be grossed out by the last 10 minutes because I didn't want to give the makers the satisfaction of achieving that from me for this stupid movie, which had the potential to be a lot more.

• a bad, bad movie posted on 31 Dec 2008

  This movie is sadistic, cruel but meaningless at the same time.I think that the director of the movie needs a psychiatric checking and further advice from a doctor!!I cannot describe in words the aberration that this movie is.I am myself a fan of horror movies, but this one is the lowest of them all.It should not get to see the light of a cinema!!I only saw it until the end only to see how far can stupidity and mental illness can go and listen to me, the answer is: far, far away......But that's a one man's opinion....

• The Beauty and the Beasties posted on 07 Dec 2008

  In a side-show circus owned by Lon (Christopher Adamson), the greatest attractions are the deformed people that are bonded with Lon as family. When a group of five outsiders join the circus to work in security, they actually are criminals that intend to steal one week ticket sales. However, the greedy and sexy slut Lucy (Rebekah Kochan) finds that Lon owns a fortune and convinces her partners that she could seduce Lon, get married with him and later kill him to become the heir of his fortune. When the youngest freak is murdered by the gang, the side-show performers seek revenge and join forces to hunt each criminal. Then they capture Lucy and transform her into the next attraction of the show, the Worm Woman.The violent and graphic "Freakshow" uses the same storyline of Tod Browning's "Freaks" (1932) and is a good remake of the classic, with a modification of the plot and characters. The make-up is excellent and the production is also very careful with the music score. This movie is absolutely underrated in IMDb, maybe because the voters are influenced by the negative propaganda that was written about this film or maybe by the inhuman and extremely graphic conclusion. Anyway, I believe that real fans of harsh slashers will like this horror movie. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Freakshow – O Circo dos Horrores" ("Freakshow – The Horror Circus")

• We saw the Freaks and the Freaks Are Us! posted on 10 Oct 2008

  We Saw the Freaks and the Freaks are Us!Why are we afraid or repulsed by those who are different then us? Why do we cringe when we see human "oddities" doing mundane things? Recently I visited the "Freakshow," 2007, IMDb comment page, there I saw so many negative comments. Some said that the freaks of Freakshow were fakes. Some of the comments were filled with hate, and I wanted to know why was there such a reaction to this movie, "Freakshow" by The Asylum Studios.The movie it self, even though not the best film out there, was not that bad. So, why is there such an unreasonable hostility toward this film? Because, I realized, they are not angry at the movie, the real live Freaks in the movie terrifies them! It's this fear of what is different, out of the norm for them that make them so incensed toward "Freakshow" (The Asylum, 2007).You see, this century there have been other movies with the same theme, one called "SideShow" (Full Moon Pictures), another one called "Freakshow" (Arrow Home Entertainment Inc. 2001) and people loved them, however, these movies did not have "Real" freaks. The movies had gaffs and grifts, made up freaks."Freakshow" (2007) has "REAL" freaks. Tom Devlin is a great make-up artist and FX guy. But with all his talent, Tom did not make Jim Gold Man (The Great Riwami) into an armless wonder. Bill Quinn (Chef) needs no special effects to appear legless. Jeffrey Allen, (The Strong Man) is truly built that way. Margaret the Cannibal Girl, played by Amanda Ward, smiles as bright in real life. McKenna Geu, AKA Little Kimmie, is really as adorable. The suspension guys' hooks really did go through their flesh, and their tattoos are real. How about Mighty (Curtis) Mike? Yes, he is real dwarf, and proud of it. The tooth you see sticking out of Lon (Chris Adamson) is his real tooth. Larry "The wolf Boy" Gomez was born with hypertrichosis. That facial hair is 100 per cent real! And, speaking of faces. That is the outside talker's (the barker) real face. He could be hiding somewhere, or covering his face, a face that only a wife could love, but he is brave enough to go out in public that way. Even appearing in movies and talk shows to show that it is "okay" to be different. But I digress.Why are they so angry at these freaks, these disabled or unusual people? Because they realize that if not for fate, choice, or accident they themselves could have been one of these freaks. And that terrifies them. Thus, their fear turns to hatred, as they are not able to express their fears, or unwilling to admit that the freaks makes then uncomfortable.They do not want it to be known of the prejudice toward those of us who are different, they turn their anger toward the movie.Having grown up in the sideshow, performing with other special people, AKA freaks, I saw this hatred. Not while we were performing, No, they paid money to see us. However, when we were out in the "real" world, shopping, playing, going to the movie, etc. That's when we saw their prejudice toward us. You see. Some people would like for us to go away. Locked up somewhere where they do not have to see us. Where they do not have to think of us as "people." We are people. We are like most of you. We have feelings, we fall in love, we have families, we cry, we laugh, we go on diets, and we even have "cell phones!" As Shylock said, "If you prick us, do we not bleed" or feel pain? Well, actually, if you are the "suspension guys" (piercing people) the answer may be, no.Instead of hating us, give thanks that you are who you are, as we give thanks that we are alive, able to work, support ourselves, our families, performing in the sideshow, circus, even movies.What I am trying to say is, enjoy "Freakshow." You are we, and we are you.

• It's Not That Bad, I Enjoyed It. posted on 18 Sep 2008

  Come on, it's not so bad. I enjoyed the movie, sure there were a few scenes I did not agree with but I got over it. After talking to friends and reading Veekay Yolose's comment I realized that Veekay Yolose was correct. People do not have a problem with this kind of movies a long as the freaks are fakes done up with make up or special effects, but when the freaks are real as they are in Freaks (1932) and Freakshow (2007) that when people have problem. Some people like to see "freaks" and are fascinated by their accomplishments and human spirits; others see the "freaks" as just curiosities to be laughed at; and there's the ones who are scared to death of "freaks" or anything or anyone who is so different or handicapped. And this are the people who write angry comments about this movie. So like some one else said before "give them a break"From Perlita

• really bad wannabe scary movie. posted on 23 Aug 2008

  The cover made it look like The Devils Rejects, the opening credits (images and choice of songs) made it look like The Hills Have Eyes, yet this movie wasn't like either. It wasn't even scary, the first hour and a half was just a waste, then they tried to pile all of the "Scary stuff" into the last 5 minutes. I had never heard of any of the actors or actresses before, and sometimes thats not a bad thing, but usually (and it was the case here) it means you're in for a low-budget film that really won't be that great. The whole movie pretty much left you wondering why you rented it in the first place. Definitely not worth the 4 bucks at blockbuster. If you want a scary movie, don't rent this one.

• Stunningly bad. Then considerably worse. posted on 02 Jun 2008

  I just don't know what to say about this film, it was so bad on so many levels that at the end of the 90 minutes I feel a mixed emotion of disappointment at time wasted and a curious wonderment as to if I've actually seen what I think I've just seen.Now, I don't know the movie Freaks however I wasn't expecting the story line to be particularly original but it was worse than that. A clichéd storyline only marginally bolstered by an unusual setting. It may have been carried by some reasonable acting, but if the word had been defined by the standard in this movie then I think actors would still be waiting tables as it bought in a higher salary.The production values were awful as well, with an dire soundtrack and even more abysmal editing. I assume the sound and costume were supposed to give us a feel for the era of the film as in itself it did little to set the audience expectation. But the soundtrack did little more for me than want to smash the damn gramaphone to splinters (you'll see/hear what I mean).So what then made this a horror? Well it was those last few minutes. Although the concept, the hook if you will, was quite gruesome and to some extent deserves a little merit. Now the imagination can create a disturbing empathy given the right nudges and it made me feel uncomfortable so job done! Right? But still, even though the idea was great in the end it was the ham fisted execution of the concept that will probably make any self respecting movie go-er recoil in horror the most.

• what I like of Freakshow posted on 23 May 2008

  what I like of Freakshow was to see the man wolf. Since he responded according to the situations. The movie was very confused and difficult to follow and the continuity was not there. Makes me feel that something was missed the editing of the movie in order to maintain that of form cohesiveness. It was not so bad a movie, but I entertained for a while. The freaks were interesting to see. But I would like to know a little more about the main characters. Maybe I hope there may be a director's cut coming latter on. What I want to know is was Hank story notinside the movie as a story. Why did wolf man only helps the Kimmy girl. Why did the people not cry for her dead. I want to know why the half man person only acted like the girl. Maybe you or someone can answer the questions.

• Freaks,Oddities,Whatever the moniker THEY ARE ENTERTAINING !!! posted on 17 May 2008

  FREAKSHOW (theasylum.cc) Directed by Drew Bell, Starring Rebekah Kochan ,Mighty Mike and Christopher Adamson. Okay, Great music for soundtrack,Music box or player piano or something else magnificent.The film just looks great and draws you in.The sets, Make-up and acting are a step above Theasylum usual fodder. This film takes place in a carnival/side show with the special people who inhabit that world, For whatever reason. The bad guys become victims and societies victim's become the ones in control. Drew Bell directs well, From commentary with producer I felt he LOVES controversy. Rebekah Kochan ( Pirates Of Treasure Island) does the best performance yet,We interviewed her earlier too. Mighty Mike Murga ( Evil Ever After) is probably the most charismatic of Special Performers. Christopher Adamson ( POTC: Curse Of The Black Pearl) has a fantastic screen presence, He is the Horror Icon we remember from our youth. Many of the fans may not know Director Fred Olen Ray is a huge fan of sideshows, This is one effort even he will appreciate. Most of the performers ARE REAL,But when make-up was needed(Especially) the finale, Tom Devlin and crew were enthralling. Welcome back,Theasylum !

• What??? posted on 03 Apr 2008

  This movie claims to banned in 43 countries....but for what, being so feeble?? It was by far the worst film I have ever seen and that says a lot since I dig the occasional low budget horror movie. Not only did it lack imagination, it relied on a weak ending that was so disappointing, considering I was waiting on material that I would consider making a film worthy of being banned. Lame, lame, and more lame is all that I put in my DVD player when I rented this piece of filth. Never again will I be lured into rented another movie based on "this film is banned... Furthermore the mastermind behind this story, as well all actors and film crew involved, should be embarrassed for this trash!!

• Much Better Then She Freak posted on 09 Feb 2008

  Well, I just finish watching the movie She Freak from 1967. My friend was correct. "Freakshow" looks to be more a remake of "She Freak" then of the 1932 Freaks. I comparing the two I can tell you with a certainty that Freakshow is much more a superior movie the "She Freak". "Freakshow" contained real freaks to give credibility to the movie. On the other hand, "She Freak" had a bigger budget, but no real freaks. "She Freak" went on forever before we had a chance to see any of the freaks, and when we did they were all fakes, and with lousy make up. In "Freakshow" we see the freaks right from the start, and we get to see them interacting with one another, performing and doing everyday tasks. My understanding from reviews and from the "Making Of" segment, "Freakshow" hired real sideshow performers. Between the two I'll take "Freakshow" anytime.

• Slow & Boring then Horrible and Uncalled for posted on 22 Jan 2008

  I am not one for censorship and don't like the idea of banning anything, but honestly I thought it was very appropriate that this movie was banned in 40+ countries.This movie is Slow and Boring with Bad Acting, Bad Mixing, Bad Sound Engineering, etc. It sounds like traffic in the background for most of the movie. The movie has no point, constantly repeated scene stills and short carnival clips, extremely choppy, even worse then your average asylum movie.Then there is the last 20 minutes. When the violence starts, it is your average gore fest. However, The last scene where the woman is turned into a worm is one of the worst things you could possibly see. It is not entertaining, It is not enjoyable. It is completely uncalled for. I would even understand if someone threw their rental disk away and paid the fee just so it wasn't put back on the shelf. Extremely bad taste. Even if you love horror movies like hellraiser, freddy, hills have eyes, hostile, etc. nothing is as disgusting and awful as this movie. Don't waste your money on this crap, and it's time we stop supporting asylum, they are sick people that don't belong in showbiz, and on top of that they can't even mix down their movie right.

• This movie is terrible...here's why posted on 18 Jan 2008

  I won't give out any spoilers even though I hated this movie...but here's why!-The storyline was crap. It makes no sense whatsoever and is plain stupid. -There was NO character development -The freaks were nothing special at all. With the exception of maybe 1 or 2 weird looking characters(whom you rarely see and never even hear speak)the freaks in that movie are way outdated...(as in nothing shocking) and it should have simply been called "Carnaval" instead of Freakshow. -The ending was completely disappointing. Actually, the whole movie was disappointing. All in all, this movie is not worth buying or renting. Don't even waste your bandwidth downloading this crap(if you download movies).Perhaps this film would be considered "gory" if we were living in the year 1970.