American Mummy (Blu-ray), Wild Eye Releasing, Horror

Charles Pinion, legendary filmmaker behind a string of brilliant lo-fi punk-pulp films (Twisted Issues; Red Spirit Lake; We Await) returns with his first feature-length film in over 20 years. And what a return! From his early movies, shot on hi-8 consumer camcorders, with friends on weekends; here he makes the leap to not only hi-def, but 3D--not fakey post 3D, but honest-to-Crom dual-camera REAL 3D! AMERICAN MUMMY (aka AZTEC BLOOD) is a modern spin on the EQUINOX/EVIL DEAD "cursed book unleashes an ancient, eldritch horror" style of film. in this case, it's a group of college students and archeologists on a dig in the Mexican desert. in short order, a mummy is discovered; a forbidden incantation is read; limbs are hewn and a grieving boyfriend loses his girlfriend's head under the van. the 3D is expertly done; no Friday The 13th-style poking at the screen, just an incredible illusion of depth that makes you feel like you're right there in the desert getting splashed with demon barf and arterial spray. it's an incredibly fun, gory and funny film. i wanted to watch it again as soon as the credits started. it's screaming for a sequel! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!