Do you like scary movies?
It’s time to “be afraid, be very afraid,” as SpoilerFreeReviews is dropping 13 spooky movies for fans to enjoy this PSL season. We will be posting our most frightful Halloween favorites over the next 13 spooky nights. So come join us around the fire as we tell our 13 creepy Halloween favorites.
Disclaimer: I was involved in the making of this film.
This Halloween season, I decided to take an intense trip down memory lane to ALIEN RAIDERS, a film I associate produced, acted in as a dead alien, and music supervised. Despite my bias, this low-budget horror gem deserves an audience (and the film festival awards it has received). Please ignore the frighteningly bad title that leads audiences to believe they are in for a bad flick.
The plot executes on a simple premise – aliens in a supermarket hostage setup. Think THE MIST, but with less Stephen King sentimentality and more Blumhouse violence.
ALIEN RAIDERS is a one-stop shopping experience that “checks out” thanks to inspiring shaky camera work courtesy of Walt Lloyd, a pulse-pounding score by Kays Al-Atrakchi, and a large likable cast. Notable standouts in the cast are Carlos Bernard (24) as Aaron Ritter (great first name! 😉), the likable Tom Kiesche as Logan, and Matthew St. Patrick (SIX FEET UNDER) as Detective Steadman. The only reason I’m not giving this film a glowing review is due to some timing issues and a few weak performances, mainly the big bad could’ve been different and added another layer.
As for me, my experience on the ALIEN RAIDERS set was a blast. I got to watch friend and director Ben Rock make his first feature with producers Tony Krantz (MULHOLLAND DRIVE), John Shiban (THE X-FILES), and Dan Myrick (THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT). That journey had us filming at a Los Angeles supermarket for all-nighters. It was long, but luckily we had product placement energy drinks that helped us stay awake. One anecdotal story from many is regarding my role as the Music Supervisor. I remember Ben falling in love with Siouxsie and the Banshees’ song, INTO A SWAN. I asked if I could find the management group. After a couple of weeks, I found one of her band members on MySpace (this was before Facebook and iPhone), and they connected me to the management team. We negotiated the rights, signed the contract, and I became a Music Supervisor in less than a month #ShowBusiness. The lesson – even if you don’t know what you’re doing, try it. The worst that can happen is you fail.
But let’s get back to the film. Please pour some extra milk, take a trip to Buck Lake and watch the “circus come to town early this year.” It’s a bloody good time that should’ve found an audience. And hey, if you don’t believe me check out this violent trailer (warning though – it’s FULL of spoilers).
It’s available to rent or purchase on all streaming platforms.