Not Really Normal - Independent Critic Reviews THE MINIONS

"Kipp's shadowy, dark, and uncomfortably intimate film...It's the worst kind of scary really, because there's a complete and utter normalcy about it all...Yet, we know it's not really normal. THE MINIONS is perhaps a more subtle voice than we're used to from Kipp, less hardcore intensity and more subtle lingering of mood, atmosphere, word, and action. It's jarring. It's honest. It's intimate. It's normal."

"The always mesmerizing Lukas Hassel [plays] William, a young man increasingly caught between fantasy and nightmare and somewhere in between...There's a normalcy to it. Yet, we know it's not really normal. Hassel excels at playing characters who are layered and here he's both angel and devil in semi-peaceful co-existence."

http://www.theindependentcritic.com/the_minions

New Painkiller Review from the UK

In-depth review of PAINKILLER at Hickey's House of Horror from the UK.

http://hickeyshouseofhorrors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/sharp-shock-short-painkiller.html

"Painkiller has a fantastic premise, full of imagination and it offers a unique and fascinating sci-fi horror with real human heart and emotion. It is examines the true nature of love and destruction — asking the viewer could you truly hurt the one you love?

I particularly admired Jeremiah Kipp's restraint during the more intense scenes, using suggestion rather than gore to create a far more disturbing atmosphere. There are scares and real emotion in this short’s compact 12-minute runtime and it offers a chilling, thrilling examination of the human condition, discovery, addiction and codependency." 

Adam the Movie God reviews BERENICE, PAINKILLER and THE MINIONS

"Production value here is truly impressive. All the shot choices and camera work (by Kenneth Kotowski) are on point. Beautifully lit, and the suspenseful score by Barbara Weber was a great addition. BERENICE should be a how to guide for getting the fundamentals of film making right."

The budget was much lower than Adam makes out, but he heaps some praise on Painkiller. "The camera work (by Jeffrey Scott Gould) is beautiful, very smooth and precise. The edit was really well cut together, and the story lays nearly everything out for you. Jeremiah shows a true grasp of the technical know how, as well as conjuring a wonderful, all be it disturbing body/horror short film. I can’t recommend this one enough..."

http://adamthemoviegod.com/painkiller-the-minions-berenice-review/

Cocktail Napkin Pitch

"Imagine if Charles Bukowski, Philip K. Dick and Graham Greene met at a bar and wrote a love poem together on a cocktail napkin—that’s the tone of this unusual film. " 
- my pitch for THE DAYS GOD SLEPT at Idea Fountain.  

http://www.ideafountain.ca/on-art-and-artists/the-beautiful-side-of-evil-the-films-of-jeremiah-kipp

Idea Fountain Essay & Interview

"The seductive persuasion of darkness, the erotic undertow of pure surrender, the edge where disgust gives way to submission, are masterfully played out in films like Crestfallen, Drool, and Contact. "
-  from an in-depth essay about my work followed by a contemplative interview at Idea Fountain.

Read all about it here:
http://www.ideafountain.ca/on-art-and-artists/the-beautiful-side-of-evil-the-films-of-jeremiah-kipp

"every masochist needs a sadist"

"There’s shades of Cronenberg and William Castle’s THE TINGLER, and a nasty twist once a third party gets involved. The film left me with the thought: every masochist needs a sadist. It also left me uneasy about the depths and shadows of the human condition, as some of the best horror does. And it adds a bone-chilling creepiness to the phrase, 'It’s not enough.'” - Death Ensemble covers Painkiller 

http://deathensemble.com/blog/?p=7117

German Review of The Minions/The Days God Slept

http://hardsensations.com/2015/01/the-minions-the-days-god-slept/

Wonderful double review of THE DAYS GOD SLEPT and THE MINIONS in German at Hard Sensations. 

"Mit hochgeschlagenem Kragen streift er durch die feuchten Gassen eines plötzlich sehr beklemmd engen New York, das, verstärkt durch die pulsierend traumartige und zugleich bedrohliche Tonspur zusammenschrumpft wie zu einer anderen, jenseitigen Welt, in der alles Mögliche passieren könnte. Unterstützt wird diese grundlegende Verunsicherung durch die immer wieder erratisch zitternden Bilder, die den Film wie im nächsten Moment auseinander zu reissen drohen. Verstörend schön."

"William roams the streets of New York, amplified by the pulsating dreamlike, yet menacing soundscape (by Roman Chimienti) that hints to another, otherworldly world in which anything could happen. This fundamental uncertainty is supported by the erratic trembling images (from director of photography Brian Dilg) that threaten to tear the film apart in the next moment. Disturbingly beautiful."

"Withholding details from the viewer for 10 threatening, surrealistic minutes, THE DAYS GOD SLEPT is very promising...the narrative elements are pushed further into the background (by writer Joe Fiorillo). It is a suggestive trip, a kind of meditative prayer art film...the central question of the film is: what do you want to know? A question you can only answer if you already have the answer." 

Rave review for BERENICE at Sonic Cinema

"Writer/director Jeremiah Kipp adapts the Edgar Allen Poe story, Berenice, to modern times, and it’s a potent, bold interpretation....an unsettling story, exceptionally told, with a strong sense of dread that hangs over every moment, whether it comes from the score (by Barbara Weber), or the way a scene is lit (by Kenneth Kotowski), or a performance or mannerism. It’s an unforgettable work from a filmmaker who knows strong material when he sees it."

http://www.sonic-cinema.com/film_reviews_individual/1589/berenice-short

Upcoming Painkiller screenings

Feb 14 - Bring someone you love to First CON-tact near LaGuardia Airport in Queens, programmed by Mark Boutros. Kelly Rae LeGault, Jerry Janda Jrand I will be there for a lively Q&A where I'll do my usual Tasmanian Devil on cocaine responses to questions.

Feb 27 - Part of the Short Film Block at DAYS OF THE DEAD: Culture Shockprogrammed by Jason Hoover. An amazing festival and convention, run by genre fans for genre fans.

Feb 28 - Grindhouse Nights at Cafe Z in Union, NJ hosted by Todd Staruch. Jerry, Kelly, director of photography Jeffrey Scott Gould and I will be there.

NY Horror Show/Macabre Faire screenings of PAINKILLER and BERENICE

We had an amazing time screening BERENICE and PAINKILLER at NY Horror Show/Macabre Faire.  I'll quote writer/producer/actor Jerry Janda on his PAINKILLER experience in full...

"My first film. My first film festival.

Painkiller had its premiere screening this past weekend at the NY Horror Show / Macabre Faire Film Festival. During the long drive there, I was somewhat apprehensive. Would I find myself in an empty screening room? Would I share few smiles, shake a few hands, and get back on the road early -- just to spend hours alone in my car with my own doubts and self-criticism? Would I be humiliated?

Nope.

As I posted yesterday, I stayed longer than I had planned (overnight), drank more than I should have, and felt a sense of community that far exceeded my expectations. I had a blast and despite the treacherous, icy roads I faced on my ride home yesterday afternoon, I smiled the whole way. My sense of elation still hasn't faded in the slightest.

I have so many people I want to acknowledge for making this weekend so special. (There are a lot, so if I accidentally missed you, please forgive my oversight.) Anyway, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank:

The PAINKILLER cast and crew who were in attendance: Jeffrey Scott Gould, Kelly Rae LeGault, and Jeremiah Kipp. I haven't seen most of them since wrapping, and it was like reuniting with family. I hope we can get the band back together (again) one day.

Everyone who attended the screening, asked questions, or simply stopped me to compliment the film or chat. (Quite a few people came up to me to tell me that PAINKILLER was their favorite short of the weekend -- and that meant the world to me.) Off the top of my head, I'd like to express my gratitude to Ed Fisk, Lisa Dandrea Fisk, Bob Socci, John Iwasz, Barbara Weber, and Michael Gingold. Thanks for the kind words and taking the time.

Jay Kay from the Horror Happens Radio Show. Jay asked great questions during the Q&A portion of the screening, then interviewed me afterwards for his show. We talked for 30 minutes, and I would have gladly talked for 30 more. His insights into film are amazing, and his questions really helped me get deep into the experiences that formed and inspired PAINKILLER. He's also the first person to recognize the film's NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN influence -- and pick up on the similarities between Anton Chigurh and my character. I was overjoyed.

All my new friends from the Canadian crew: Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi,Marc-Andre Miron, Darryl Shaw, Steve Walsh, Kyle Hytonen, and Christopher White. They showed some of the best films I saw all weekend (and in polite Canadian fashion, kindly stuck around for my screening), and their panel discussion about Canadian filmmaking was fun and fascinating. (Oh, if I missed any of you...sorry. smile emoticon )

The FACES crew, including Thomas Ryan, Joe Parascand II, and Paul Gmitter. They've been incredibly supportive and complimentary, and that means a lot coming from people who put together one of the best films in the entire festival. (FACES picked up all kinds of awards -- and rightfully so. It's all good. smile emoticon ) Additional thanks to Paul for handing me a flask of fireball whiskey, which pretty much ensured that I wasn't driving home Saturday night.

Jennifer Valdes and the ISABELLE crew who came to the screening and took the time to chat afterward. I wanted to return the favor and attend the ISABELLE screening, but the room was packed to capacity and I couldn't get in. I saw the film on DVD yesterday, and now I understand why it drew so many people. ISABELLE picked up the Audience Choice award. No surprise there.

Adam Ginsberg for having us at the festival -- and for his impromptu interview Saturday night with Jeremiah and me for his POD of the Dead podcast. I was pretty drunk by then (it was after several beers and the previously mentioned fireball flask), so I hope I managed to maintain some semblance of coherency in my responses.

Todd Staruch for recommending so many good films -- and for just being Todd. He was incredibly busy all weekend, yet he always took a moment to talk with me when he saw me, and I enjoyed each and every conversation we had.

The bartender at Applebee's for keeping the beer coming -- and for managing to keep a straight face when I presented him with a PAINKILLER DVD as part of his tip. I hope he enjoyed it -- whatever his name is.

You. Yeah, you. If you've made it this far, then I know you are one of the people who supported this film and my dreams. I'll never be able to express enough gratitude.

I wrote PAINKILLER on January 1, 2014, and here we are, a year later, and I never could have guessed that the journey would have lasted this long and gotten this far.

Thank you so much for being part of the trip.

Let's hope it isn't over yet."

Berenice ranks #7 in the top 20 horror short films on The Horror Happens Radio Show

Jay Kay announces the top 20 horror short films on The Horror Happens Radio Show on HomegrownRadioNJ.org or http://Hgrnj.org

BERENICE is ranked as #7 on the list -- truly honored!

PAINKILLER wins Best Short Film Bronze Antenna Award 2014

The Mario Likes Movies Podcast kicks 2015 off strong with the Bronze Antenna Awards. Painkiller is honored as Best Short Film of 2014.0

http://mariolikesmovies.com/episode-xli-the-bronze-antenna-awards-2014/

Alex is top of the list!

1950s era period film ALEX makes the top of the list on Maynard’s Horror Movie Diary Top 15 List for Best Horror Shorts. “Probably the best thing Kipp has ever done. Incredibly directed and edited, stunning-looking (photography by Ken Kotowski), with pitch-perfect acting and accompanied by an unbelievable soundtrack. 6 minutes of cinematic perfection.”   

http://www.horrormoviediary.net/2015/01/best-short-films-2014.html

Maynard's Horror Movie Diary praises BERENICE and PAINKILLER

Flattered by the comparison to Richard Powell, a director I greatly admire, Maynard's Horror Diary reviews PAINKILLER. "Probably Kipp's most unconventional, most exceptional film to date...camera- and editing-wise, it possesses all the distinctive Kipp-trademarks, but several plot elements and some striking details make it actually look and feel surprisingly non-Kipp-like, more in the vein of the works by Daniel DelPurgatorio, Richard Powell or the Cronenbergs (David AND Brandon)."  

http://www.horrormoviediary.net/2015/01/jeremiah-kipp-triple-feature-edgar.html

And Maynard also covers BERENICE.  

Maynard's Horror Film Diary reviews BERENICE! "Kipp successfully managed to bring Poe's 19th century nightmare into the 21st century by giving it a fresh coat of paint, while also keeping the story's basic tone and atmosphere, creating a wonderfullly unsettling film that perfectly combines modern arthouse horror with classic gothic horror. Kudos to the wicked performances of Cheryl Koski as charming and pitiful Berenice, and Thomas Mendolia as unsympathetic and slightly frightening weirdo. Mr. Kipp, more Poe please!"

Minions Makes Unseen Films End of Year List

"This short film about following the Witch's Path is as scary as any you'll see all year." - Unseen Films on The Minions


http://unseenfilms.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-best-of-year-and-favorites-part-2.html

Malevolent Magazine - Made the Top 5

"As focused, experienced and organized a director you will find, Kipp has brought to life the darkest of psychological horror, the most terrifying of fear, funniest of moments and dramatic of storytelling in 2014. Always busy with a new project, Kipp feels lost if he is not working..." - a perceptive and thoughtful top 5 directors list where Jay Kay also mentions Adam Robitel ("The Taking of Deborah Logan" - available on Instant Netflix), Eric England ("Contracted" - also available on Instant Netflix), Gregg Bishop ("VHS: Viral") and the team of Navot Papushado and Aharon Keshales ("Big Bad Wolves". I'm proud to be part of the esteemed lineup. Read the rest of the article, and the full January 2015 issue of Malevolent Magazine.

http://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/malevolent-magazine-9-january-2015/0401276001420080644?ref=ib