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It is always great fun to see what the good folks at Big Biting Pig Productions have unleashed upon the world in each of their annual horror productions. This year's release is their tenth movie to date. Written, directed and staring Steve Hudgins, it is titled "It Lives In The Attic" and perhaps the scariest thing about this film is that it ever lived in the mind of Steve Hudgins. You know what they say... better out than in. Oh, really?

The pre-release trailers for this film did little to reveal any more about what to expect than does the film's title; this signaled to me that the actual story line was being held close to the vest. Wishing not to take away from that spirit of mystery, a thorough review of this film is going to be little tough to do. I will say however, that it was fantastic to see Michael Coon in a leading role, all grown up and enjoying life as happy-go-lucky Andy. It was also good to see that Jessica Leonard was none the worse for wear; coming from her starring role in last years Big Biting Pig monster hit, to figure voluptuously into this tapestry of madness as Ellie, the girl next door. Steve Hudgins channeled his inner "Aqualung" in a masterful "perv"formance as the standoffish Barney.

I really don't think it is much of a stretch to say this production has crossed the line into a soft-porn classification but you may rest assured the horror is there in ample quantity to spoil the mood. Many familiar Big Biting Pig performers contribute admirably to the film and a good many of these seemed just a little too convincing when letting their freak flags fly.

Disturbing? Yes. Uncomfortable? Yes. Horrific? Oh, yeah! Honestly, I came away from this film with much the same feeling as after having first viewed Stanley Kubrick's classic "A Clockwork Orange." In fact, to my mind, I think of this as Big Biting Pig's "A Cuckoo-Clockwork Orange" (I mean this in a good way.) Steve Hudgins and the Big Biting Pig crew always seems to bring us smart, thinking-person's horror, so you will want to bring your brain; of course it will be of no great help with this one, but you will want to refer back to it as the credits begin to roll.

It Lives In The Attic? If only...

A brand new vehicle has been added to the Carriage House Productions stable of creative independent cinema (in association with Koldwind Productions.) Director Cindy Maples gets her creative juices flowing to the point of "dripping" in this, her latest film project.

"Out of my Mind" is a mysterious little thriller based on the story "Drip Drip" written by John Cosper. The screenplay/adaptation was a collaboration between Cindy Maples and Neil Kellen and found it's way into my consciousness through the predictably masterful camera work of Joe Atkinson. Credit Al Ponton and Lewis Chaney with expertly lighting this artistic offering. Successfully edited by Neil Kellen, this fifteen minute short packs all the entertainment value of any film two times thrice its run-time.

Hearkening to the film noir genre, this pseudo-narrative added color and complexity and presented a film that was as much horror as mystery. "Out of my Mind" was exactly how I felt as I tried to predict the outcomes of the actions in view. Once I surrendered to the fact this film was not playing back some tired, old formulaic devices but was instead telling me a story in a most unique way, I was rewarded with a tasty, tricky tale.

Rusty James is atop his game in his portrayal of best-selling mystery author "Carter"; haunted by rejection and a desire to redirect those negative emotions into something better suited to pay the bar tab. Mina Fedora brings her assets to bear in a mighty performance as the Woman in Blue. Though her eyes plead for rescue, Carter is limited in his available options to relieve her misery.

I find this to be a deep deep drama that develops fully in the mind only upon reflection. It must be a great feeling for everyone involved to know their efforts have resulted in such an outstanding film. Keep 'em coming Cindy!

Okay, I will admit it - I fell prey to a billboard suggesting that I visit a particular website. In fact the billboard said little more than "nomorepu.com". I found it somewhat ironic (if not planned) that it was situated along the interstate near the landfill on the south side of town - it has been known to get quite stinky in the area at times.

I had no idea what the campaign was about but discovered after visiting the website that it was regarding "Tidy Cat" brand kitty litter. They had put together a clever website featuring the theme "Life Stinks? We Can Help." This particular advertising campaign featured a series of video shorts which were actually quite humorous and at the end of each they'd play a short outtake/blooper type scene from the shoot.

This hysterical mini-series stars Rachael Harris as hapless Abigail and is easily one of the best promotions ever undertaken in the "purr"suit of selling kitty liter. A creation of "Kids at Play Media" and produced in association with AFG, Principato Young Entertainment, and Electus.

While it is hard to believe all this misfortune - exhibited throughout the series - could actually befall a single individual, the actual events are completely relate-able to anyone on the receiving end of this mini collection of masterpiece videos. It is said that great comedy is built upon the truth; we then have Abigail to thank for keeping it real.

It is tough to pick a favorite from among these 10 episodes but I really must point you to the brilliant pairing of Rachel Harris with Brian Huskey in the episode titled "The Lobby." Some of the best comedy to ever grace the small screen. The series is still available for viewing on the "Kids At Play Media" website and represents one of those veins of pure gold tucked away in one of the cooler out-of-the-way corners of the inter-webs. Watch them all!