Deadtime Stories: Vol. 1

Deadtime Stories: Vol. 1 is a horror anthology film directed by Michael Fischa and produced by George A. Romero, who also appears in the film. The movie is made up of three individual short horror stories, each with its unique style and themes.

The first story, entitled "Valley of the Shadow," follows a young boy named Bobby (Aric Amendolea) who is haunted by the ghost of his deceased father. Bobby's mother (Kristen Barrega) is a drug addict who neglects him, leaving Bobby to fend for himself. The only friend Bobby has is a mysterious man named Mr. Bones (George A. Romero), who teaches Bobby about the supernatural and helps him confront his demons.

The second story, "Wet," tells the tale of a group of college students who head out to a remote lake for a weekend of camping and partying. When one of their friends mysteriously goes missing, the group finds themselves being hunted by a mysterious creature lurking in the woods.

The final story, "Housecall," is about a home health care nurse who goes to visit an elderly patient in a secluded mansion. The nurse is surprised to find that the mansion is full of deadly traps, and she soon realizes that the patient may not be as helpless as she seems.

Overall, Deadtime Stories: Vol. 1 is a horror movie that tries to play with the audience's sense of fear and imagination. The film's unique format of presenting three different stories in one movie allows for a diverse range of horror themes, from supernatural hauntings to creature features and even a house of horrors. The performances of the cast are decent, with George A. Romero delivering a notable performance as the ominous Mr. Bones.

The first story, "Valley of the Shadow," explores themes of grief, loss, and loneliness. It relies heavily on the supernatural to create a sense of unease and dread. The young protagonist, Bobby, is a sympathetic character who struggles with the burden of his mother's addiction on top of his father's death. The character of Mr. Bones serves as a moral compass for Bobby and gives him the guidance he needs to overcome his fears.

The second story, "Wet," showcases the film's creature feature element. It's a nod to classic horror movies that involve a group of people trapped in a remote location and being hunted by a terrifying monster. The creature design and special effects are well-done, and the tension builds up as the audience watches the college kids fighting for their lives against an unknown enemy.

The third story, "Housecall," has a psychological horror theme that plays on the fear of the unknown. The nurse, played by Kristen Barrega, finds herself in a house full of deadly traps that keep her from leaving. The story's climax reveals a twist that turns the audience's expectations upside down.

In conclusion, Deadtime Stories: Vol. 1 is a horror movie that tries to bring back the traditional horror movie format of an anthology. The movie succeeds in providing a diverse range of horror themes that cater to fans of different sub-genres. Although the movie has its weak spots, it is still worth checking out for fans of horror anthologies.