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Maple Syrup Massacre is an editorial series where Joe Lipsett dissects the themes, conventions and contributions of new and classic Canadian horror films. Spoilers follow…

Fake Blood is a delicious curiousity: it’s a documentary about director Rob Grant and his frequent collaborator Mike Kovac, who also co-writes, exploring their responsibility in depicting cinematic violence.

Or at least that’s how it starts.

Over time the film slowly morphs into something different. As the two men embark on a mission to “experience” the kinds of violence depicted in their low budget films, they slowly become immersed in a narrative of their own making involving a “real-life” murderer named “John.”

Grant is well known in indie horror circles. In addition to directing under-the-radar gem Harpoon, he’s the editor of films like Knuckleball and this year’s Influencer.

In the film, Rob and Mike play themselves: a Vancouver filmmaker and actor,...

“Top Gun: Maverick” has been honoured as Best Picture at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, held Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, with Alan Cumming serving as host.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who also produced the 1986 original, accepted the award from the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons).

Read More: Tom Cruise Spotting Landing Via Helicopter In London Amid ‘Top Gun’ Oscar Nominations

“I’ve produced over 50 movies and more than 2,000 hours of television but there was one question that everybody kept asking, ‘Will there ever be another ‘Top Gun?'” Bruckheimer said in his speech, as reported by Variety. “After almost four decades, all the pieces fell into place and we finally released the much anticipated sequel just when everybody seemed to need it the most.”

Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AARP

Another highlight came when “Elvis” star Austin Butler delivered a touching...

Everyone wants to party with Brad Pitt.

On Tuesday night, though he failed to get a Golden Globe nomination for his work in “Babylon”, he was still there at the gala to support the film and co-stars Margot Robbie and Diego Calva.

Read More: Brad Pitt Crashed A Wedding Party, Shares What Happened

And accounted to a report from E! News, Pitt really was the life of the party.

“Brad was the biggest star in the room,” and eyewitness said. “Everyone was trying to get face time with him.”

Henry Winkler and Brad Pitt – Photo: Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty Images

As he entered The Beverly Hilton for the ceremony, was seen “having a great convo” with actor Henry Winkler.

Later, he palled it up with “The Banshees of Inisherin” star Colin Farrell.

Colin Farrell and Brad Pitt – Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moët and Chandon

“Elvis” star and...

The 2023 Golden Globes was a night of memorable wins, stunning fashion, and, well, Brad Pitt. And while the televised broadcast featured plenty of special moments, there was a lot the cameras didn’t capture at The Beverly Hilton on Tuesday evening.

From hugs to reunions to a Rihanna photo shoot, there were plenty of unseen moments from A-listers and newcomers alike.

Et was live on the red carpet and inside the annual awards show, and got some insider details and eyewitness accounts of what when down when the cameras weren’t rolling.

Everyone loves a good manicure, and Anya Taylor-Joy and Julia Garner were spotted greeting each other and showing off their nails as they arrived at the show. An eyewitness says the women “seem thrilled to see each other” as they introduced their significant others.

Sticking to his sobriety, Brad Pitt was seen throughout the night enjoying a refreshing water amid the festivities.

Image Source: Getty / Michael Kovac

John Stamos may be to thank for one of the most treasured celebrity couples. The actor and "Full House" star recently appeared on a Nov. 14 episode of Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, during which he revealed that he was once nearly set up with Kristen Bell, who is now of course married to Shepard. Upon meeting Bell, however, Stamos felt their nearly 17-year age difference was too great. "I just was so lofty and thought, 'I'm old,'" he said.

Stamos told Shepard he first met Bell at an industry party "freshly divorced" from his first wife, Rebecca Romijn. "My press agent, Lewis K, says, 'There's this girl that wants to meet you. You gotta meet her. She's in the theater, she's fun, you guys will be great together.' It was Kristen." Stamos added, "I said, 'She's so adorable, she's so great. I'm...

Image Source: Getty / Michael Kovac

Frankie Jonas and his girlfriend had a personal connection to their Halloween costume this year. Jonas and his girlfriend, Anna Olson, dressed as Joe Jonas and ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift from their 2008 duet featured in the movie "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience," released in 2009.

Frankie wore black pants and a leather vest on top of a graphic T-shirt with "Burnin' Up" written across the front, referencing the Jonas Brothers' 2008 hit. Meanwhile, Olson faced him in a shimmery silver dress, similar to the one Swift wore while she performed "Should've Said No" with Joe while they were dating. In the Instagram post shared by the youngest Jonas, you can see how closely the couple's outfits resemble the still of Joe and Swift on stage.

The "Claim to Fame" host and his girlfriend doubled down in his commitment to poking fun at Joe. With rings on their ring fingers,...

Event chair Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis hosted the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (Bdc).

John Legend performs onstage during the 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball

Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation

The event, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored Diane Keaton with the “Brass Ring Award,” while patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by music icons John Legend, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox. The Ball raised an incredible over 1.7 million this year alone in addition to the more than 110 million that The Carousel Balls have raised to date.

This year’s Ball brought together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at...

On September 15, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (Etaf) honored Charlize Theron, Colin Farrell and Sheryl Lee Ralph with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award at The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS fundraising gala.

Colin Farrell speaks onstage during The Elizabeth Taylor Ball To End AIDS

Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

Grammy-winning Motown legend Thelma Houston performed at the event. The evening was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Diamond Sponsor Bvlgari.

The gala included a seated dinner, an exciting live auction in partnership with Christie’s featuring unique works of art and luxury experiences with Tash Perrin serving as auctioneer, and a live performance by Thelma Houston. Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc., presented the event honorees with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. Guests were given an up-close look...

For the eleventh year, B. Riley Securities presented the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night on Wednesday, May 25 at The Beverly Hilton.

Nick Jonas and Sugar Ray Leonard attend Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation's 11th Annual 'Big Fighters, Big Cause' Charity Boxing Night

Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation

Actor Chris Spencer hosted the exclusive star-studded event which featured first-class entertainment, a National Anthem performance by Empire Nashville recording artist Sophia Scott, four action-packed live fights presented by Golden Boy, and a live and silent auction display featuring iconic memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items and experiences.

The evening also honored Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling global superstar, actor, producer and philanthropist Nick Jonas with the 2022 Golden Glove Award. The award acknowledged Jonas’ commitment to helping raise awareness for diabetes. In addition to his many accomplishments, Jonas also co-founded Beyond Type 1, a global nonprofit...

Lies and betrayal can ruin a friendship. When a trio of friends, one who is wildly unhinged, turn on each other, there is more at stake than friendship. Directed by Rob Grant, who co-wrote the story with Mike Kovac, Harpoon is a wicked dark comedy that tells the tale of three friends who end up […]

The post Interview: Munro Chambers on the Deranged Horror Comedy Harpoon, Doing His Own Stunts, and Albatrosses appeared first on Dread Central.

Director Rob Grant's (Fake Blood) zombie thriller Yesterday is being released on home entertainment platforms. To show in a special two-disc Blu-ray version, Yesterday was shot on beautiful 16mm. Starring Graham Wardle (Grave Halloween), P. Lynn Johnson (Final Destination), Bill Murdoch, Mike Kovac and Jesse Wheeler, Yesterday will be offered in a two-disc Blu-ray version. Darkside Releasing and Shivers Entertainment are distributing this feature, which just released this week. More release and story details are hosted here. In Yesterday, six strangers are caught in a zombie apocalypse. Each character struggles to survive in a dying city. Events come to a head, in a local grocery store. Here, the remaining few survivors fight danger, from all around. Yesterday was originally released in 2009, on the film festival circuit. This release on Blu-ray will offer lots of extras, including: extensive special features, a 16 page booklet and a slipcover. More details on this limited release.

New slate includes Fake Blood, Skin In The Game

Roman Kopelevich’s La-based Red Sea Media arrives in Berlin this week with sales rights to the action thriller 22 Chaser.

Dan Bekerman and Don Carmody are producing the story of an honest tow truck driver who risks everything in a desperate quest to become king of the road and provide for his family.

“Growing up in the 80’s, I became a fan of high-concept action thrillers,” Kopelevich said. “This film reminds me of those – this is a no-holds-barred action thriller.

“A man placed under extreme circumstances who needs to provide for his family has to make choices: whether to be ethical or to put food on the table. Sadly, they are mutually exclusive, as many of life’s decisions are.”

Red Sea Media also introduces documentary Fake Blood, in which Rob Grant and Mike Kovac investigate violence in films and get to know real-life criminals. LevelFilm distributes in North...

Available in limited theaters and on VOD and iTunes this Friday, February 9th, will be Rob Grant’s new flick Fake Blood; and right now we have a feisty exclusive clip for you! Dig it! Grant also stars alongside Chelsey Reist, Mike Kovac, and Jacqueline Breakwell. Synopsis: Rob Grant and Mike Kovac receive a disturbing fan […]

The post Exclusive Clip Filled With Fake Blood appeared first on Dread Central.

Two Canadians with a sideline in schlock-horror movies ponder the ethics of peddling cinematic violence in Fake Blood, a low-fi film claiming to be a documentary account of that self-reflection. If what they show us all actually happened, Fake Blood would be something of a minor doc discovery, in which truth takes a surprising and on-topic turn. But if director Rob Grant and collaborator Mike Kovac actually had this adventure, they'd surely be crowing about it, not having their publicists refuse to confirm or deny the truth of the pic's third-act events. Judged as a fiction built on a kernel...

The organisers of the MidWest WeirdFest have revealed the first 7 films for their 2018 event. The second annual festival – a cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, offbeat, and just plain weird – takes place March 9-11, 2018 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Says fest founder and veteran programmer Dean Bertram:

We are delighted to unveil this first glimpse at some of the 2018 festival’s incredible program. The selection encapsulates MidWest WeirdFest’s mission of showcasing a heady combination of the latest and most original horror, sci-fi, underground, and documentary films. We can’t wait for the festival’s audience to journey with us on another twisting, terrifying, and at times hilarious journey through the cutting-edge of this season’s weird cinema.

The first seven feature films announced are:

3 Dead Trick Or Treaters

(dir: Torin Langen)

After stumbling upon the graves of three murdered trick or treaters, a...

Grimmfest, Manchester’s Festival of Horror, Cult and Fantastic Film is back; bigger, bolder, and bloodier than ever before. As the Printworks once again find itself under siege by blood-soaked hordes of horror enthusiasts and film freaks, as Team Grimmfest unleashes…the Ninth Configuration! The festivals latest and greatest line-up yet of dark, dangerous, wild, weird, witty, thrilling, chilling, blood-spilling movies, every one of them a premiere or cult classic of one kind or another.

Highlights include: World Premieres!

Grimmfest is proud to be presenting the world premiere of the remarkable and utterly unique Borley Rectory. Using an elaborate mixture of live action, stills, paintings, and model work, it’s an immersive, eerily atmospheric, and elegantly retro-styled exploration of the Most Haunted House in Britain. Over six years in the making, it’s a real labor of love for its creator, Ashley Thorpe. Featuring a score by Ex-Banshee Steve Severin,...

Et has the latest on what some of your favorite celebs have been up to recently that you might have missed.

Dad-to-be George Clooney was spotted in his home state of Kentucky on Super Bowl Sunday. The Oscar winner watched the Patriots take home the Lombardi Trophy at the Augusta Irish Pub in Augusta, Kentucky. The Kentucky native was seen holding a bottle of his own brand of Casamigos tequila, which he owns with Rande Gerber, his friend and Cindy Crawford’s husband.

On Wednesday, Shaquille O'Neal threw down a hands-free Oreo cookie dunk to launch the Oreo Dunk Challenge in New York City. Later that same day, Tinashe was also in the Big Apple, serving up John Frieda Hair Care's newest campaign #HairTalks.

Craig Barritt/Getty ImagesMichael Simon

Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe hosted a Divas Galentine's Day party with celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss and Wedding Paper Divas in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Dennis Kwan

Chef Chris Santos...

Honorees Dev Patel, Mahershala Ali, Simon Helberg, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Janelle Monae, Stephen Henderson, Ruth Negga and Naomie Harris (Courtesy: Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

By: Scott Feinberg

The Hollywood Reporter

When actor Christopher Lloyd describes fellow thespians as “amazing,” you can be pretty sure that they are. And the eight that the Santa Barbara International Film Festival gathered at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday night to receive its Virtuoso Award from Lloyd in recognition of giving a breakthrough film performance — Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Simon Helberg, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Janelle Monae, Ruth Negga, Dev Patel and Aaron Taylor-Johnson — certainly fit the description.

Read the rest of this entry…...

Happy Birthday, Mary J. Blige!

The "No More Drama" singer celebrated her 46th birthday with close friends and family at a private residence in Deer Valley, Utah, on Jan. 20. Guests included Aisha Tyler, DJ Nice, Jason Mitchell, and her sister, Latonya Blige. The party was catered by The Hudson restaurant, which provided tasty bites like quinoa bowls, skirt steak and street corn. Those in attendance sipped on D'usse mixed cocktails and feasted on a delicious cake emblazoned with "Happy Birthday Queen."

Photos: Star Sightings at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival

Michael Kovac

Earlier in the day, Jon Hamm was spotted in Park City, Utah, promoting his latest film, Marjorie Prime. The 45-year-old actor took time off his busy schedule to stop by the Variety Studio at Sundance to get acquainted with the new Google Home, a voice-activated speaker designed to play any song in the world. Hamm's tune of choice was "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin.

Rex...

Image Source: Getty / Michael Kovac Something that has been bothering us for a while now (besides, you know, climate-change deniers, bars that don't serve Rosé, and when something in the sale section isn't actually on sale) is the fact that Lily Collins, ubertalented actress and owner of some of the best brows in the business, doesn't have a British accent. That sounds like a nonsensical thing to be bothered by, because it is, but bear with us: even though her father is British and she did have an accent in the 2014 film Love, Rosie, Lily does not, in fact, have a British accent Irl. And we just feel like she should. Image Source: Getty / Todd Williamson Lily's father is, of course, the great English singer and former Genesis frontman Phil Collins. Her mother is Jill Tavelman, Phil's second wife and the former president of the Beverly Hills Women's Club. The 27-year-old was born in Surrey,...

Burt Bacharach (Courtesy: Michael Kovac/FilmMagic)

By: Scott Feinberg

The Hollywood Reporter

“It’s sort of what I’m supposed to do,” says the legendary songwriter/composer Burt Bacharach — a man who has written the music for 48 Top 10 hits, including nine that reached the top of the charts, and who has won eight Grammys, three Oscars and the Library of Congress’ 2011 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song — as we sit down in his Pacific Palisades piano room to record an episode of The Hollywood Reporter‘s ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast, and I ask him what keeps him working at the age of 88. “Sometimes I have to force it,” he admits. “But it’s what I’ve done. Even if I don’t write anything any good, just let me keep my fingers wet.”

Bacharach certainly has kept his fingers wet, of late: in 2016, for John Asher’s Po, an indie drama about...

Clint Eastwood and Denzel Washington at the AFI Awards luncheon (Courtesy: Michael Kovac/Getty)

By: Scott Feinberg

The Hollywood Reporter

A spotlight shone on some of the best films and TV shows of 2016 as the American Film Institute, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, today hosted its 17th annual AFI Awards luncheon at Beverly Hills’ Four Seasons Hotel. The top 10 films and top 10 TV shows — as chosen by two AFI juries of artists, critics, scholars and AFI trustees — were celebrated, while O.J.: Made in America, Ezra Edelman‘s landmark documentary, was recognized as the recipient of a rare “special award.”

Read the rest of this entry…...

Amid reports that Robert De Niro refused to take a photo with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Gala at the Beverly Hilton on November 3, top industry photographer Michael Kovac captured this moment before words were exchanged. “If you’re supporting Trump, I want nothing do with you,” De Niro reportedly said to the ex-governator, per Malina Saval at Variety. De Niro, Larry King, and Haim Saban, who chaired the event that raised $38 million. Gerard Butler and a soldier at the Fidf benefit. Despite the name and attendees at the event, the Fidf is a non-political,...

Image Source: Getty / Michael Kovac Taylor Swift is giving back in a big way. On Wednesday, Jaime King took to Instagram to publicly thank the singer for making a donation for congenital heart defect research at La's Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in honor of Jaime's son, Leo, who also happens to be Taylor's godson. Along with a photo of the letter from the hospital, Jaime included a touching note explaining the story behind Taylor's grand gesture. "Dear all- at 20 weeks our son was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries Aka Tga. He had a major heart surgery, that was terrifying, and traumatic for us as parents, for our family. Only a few of our best friends knew. I felt that I had to protect him in fear of the unknown, fear he would not make it. We felt isolated & confused. @taylorswift does so many selfless acts that go unnoticed because she does them silently,...

Stars: Brittany Allen, Freddie Stroma, Melanie Papalia, Jesse Moss, Anja Savcic, Sean Rogerson, Emily Perkins, Mike Kovac, Fred Keating, Gil Bellows, Michael Ironside | Written and Directed by The Vicious Brothers

Horror fans usually know where a film is going when they see a group of walk into a cabin in the woods, it means that blood is going to flow as freely as the alcohol they brought with them. This is the perfect example of what to expect with Extraterrestrial, you can tell what is coming because it never deviates from what is expected. In truth though this may be exactly what the Vicious Brothers were aiming for anyway.

When April (Britanny Allen) is asked by her father to take pictures of their holiday cabin in the woods that they are selling her boyfriend Kyle (Freddie Stroma) decides to invite a few friends so they can party all weekend. When...

Source: Getty / Michael Kovac There's no bad blood between Jaime King and Taylor Swift. The two took their friendship to a new level when the actress revealed Taylor will be her baby's godmother. Jaime, who announced her second pregnancy last month, shared an adorable snap of her growing belly with Taylor hugging her from behind. The singer was equally excited about the news as she also posted her own happy snapshot to her social media account. Taylor is seen gently touching Jaime's belly while Jaime is all smiles. Scroll through to see the aww-worthy moment, and then check out Taylor's other friendships, feuds, and flames. Source: Instagram user taylorswift Taylor captioned the photo, "Guess who just got named Godmother of this little one..... (Me) @jaime_king @kyle_newman" Source: Instagram user jaime_king Jaime shared the cute snap with, "And @taylorswift will forever be looking over our new baby @kyle_newman -we all love you!

The Party Report’s early picks of the prestigious, unique and special gatherings at the festival. Look for these intimate invites in your inbox

Despite causing agita throughout the industry for threatening not to circulate his annual “Sundance Party List” for talent, publicists and media — Chris Ryan’s encyclopedic tome is forthcoming and will be likely forwarded several times by the time you’re reading this post.

This is not that list.

Instead of a comprehensive treatise, I’ve picked the intimate, special and the unique gatherings of the creative community and people who make Sundance scene special and so broadly popular,...

Stars: Brittany Allen, Freddie Stroma, Melanie Papalia, Jesse Moss, Anja Savcic, Sean Rogerson, Emily Perkins, Mike Kovac, Fred Keating, Gil Bellows, Michael Ironside | Written and Directed by The Vicious Brothers

The Vicious Brothers, writer/directors of the two popular Grave Encounters found-footage flicks, turn their hands to a more traditional narrative movie, mixing traditional filming methods with their penchant for Pov shaky-cam, with Extraterrestrial.

Still reeling from her parents divorce, April (Brittany Allen) is dragged back to the vacation cabin she spent fond summers at as a child accompanied by a group of friends. Her trip down memory lane takes a dramatic and terrifying turn when a fireball descends from the sky and explodes in the nearby woods. Lead by her boyfriend (Freddie Stroma), the group venture out toward the crash site and discover the remnants of a ship from another planet along with footprints that suggest its alien occupants are still alive.

Extraterrestrial Trailer 2. Colin Minihan‘s Extraterrestrial (2014) movie trailer 2 stars Sean Rogerson, Emily Perkins, Mike Kovac, Fred Keating, Reese Alexander. Extraterrestrial‘s plot synopsis: “Still reeling from her parents divorce, April (Brittany Allen) is dragged back to the vacation cabin she spent fond summers at as a child accompanied by [...]

Continue reading: Extraterrestrial (2014) Movie Trailer 2: Brittany Allen Faces an Alien...

Tags: Afternoon DelightArrested DevelopmentTabatha CoffeyMaximGLEEDefianceParks and RecreationThe FostersIMDbSandra BullockGravity

Good afternoon and happy Friday!

Happy birthday to Lindsey Shaw, Lauren Potter and Charice!

Actress Lindsey Shaw in Los Angeles, CA.

Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images

The Hollywood Reporter is speculating that Heather Morris might not be returning to Glee. Morris hasn’t signed on for the show’s fifth season so maybe she’ll be taking time off to welcome her first child with boyfriend Taylor Hubbell.

Jenny Schecter Mia Kirshner’s Syfy series Defiance has been picked up for a second season.

Justina Machado (Private Practice, Six Feet Under) will guest star on the ABC Family series The Fosters. Machado will play “Sofia Rivera, the outspoken and extremely protective mother of Mariana Foster's (Cierra Ramirez) best friend, Lexi Rivera (Bianca Santos).”

BravoTV.com has launched the all-new original web series "Tabatha Coffey: A Day in the Life,...

Mon Ami

Directed by Rob Grant

Written by Rob Grant

Canada, 2012

*Mon Ami had its world premier at the 2012 Fantasia Film Festival back in July.

Buddy flicks are a staple of the comedy genre. Two or more characters who know each other very well, their relationship at the start of the picture being amicable or not, are thrust into a situation either of their own doing or due to circumstances beyond their control, a situation which quickly spirals frantically into a good old fashioned, grand scale mess. Either the the characters who were not on friendly at the start of the film have learned to appreciate one another in ways they could never have fathomed, or they have further solidified their bond, now unshakable. Writer-director Rob Grant gave audiences his second feature length film not so long ago at Fantasia 2012, with the world premier of Mon Ami, a film that...

Does the zombie genre have anything new to offer? I say no, but then again I'm not a filmmaker.  The only way a zombie movie can stand out in a genre crowded with the undead is to do what it does better than everyone else. The movie needs to compete with the goriest (Dead Alive), the scariest (28 Days Later (not technically zombies, I know)), or the funniest (Return of the Living Dead (yes it is funnier than Shaun of the Dead)) zombie movies already out there. But what do you do if your budget consists of little more than pocket change and your cast and crew consists solely of amateurs? And if that isn't bad enough, what do you do if you're Canadian? If you're writer/director Rob Grant you invite all your friends and neighbors to work on the movie both in front of the camera and behind, and you pool everyone's pocket change together into...