Since I'm mainly interested in splatter and gore (lots and lots of it), I thought I'd make my picks for the Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival based on what I think will be the bloodiest. So, here we go: 

Midnight Son (opening night, Friday 9/16 @ 8pm): This vampire-esque tale is about a dude who has to drink blood to live, but is apparently having trouble containing his urge to murder everyone in the most violent way possible. Splatter potential: HIGH. The short playing with this (Juan Con Miedo) looks like a typical "don't trust the kid" cautionary tale. Being a fan of creepy children, I'm down for that too.

Abstentia (9/18 @ 6pm) looks creepy and wrong in all kinds of ways! Missing husbands, hallunications, secrets, etc. Watch the trailer, you'll see what I mean. Splatter potential: Minimal, but there'll probably be lots of jumpy scares….which can sometimes be just as good. 

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Starting this Friday there will be a ton of genre films appearing at SIFF Cinema as part of the Maelstromg International Fantastic Film Festival (Imaginary Amie has already briefed everyone of the general coolness involved). I've checked out a number of films, and am hear to vouch for the offerings as well...with notes on a few things I've already seen.  

One thing I haven't seen yet is the opening night film - hope to see tons of folks checking it out with me Friday night.  I'm a sucker for a vampire romp, and Friday night's feature Midnight Sun didn't make it into the stack of screeners the organizers were kind enough to share for review.  I especially don't want to miss it. given Summit Entertainment's propensity for suing everyone in sight. Since that's the same name given to Stephenie Meyer's unfinished retelling of Twilight from Edward's point of view (no....seriously... please stop laughing .... I'm not making this up - and it's not as bad as it sounds) I figure it's only a matter of time before someone tries to shut 'em down..

Without further adieu, here are a few of the selections I've screened and some notes on them. One spoiler alert up front - you don't want to miss the closing night film The Selling: a supernatural comedy/mystery which will appeal to a broad audience.

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