Screamfest Horror Film Festival, in its 22 year, is the largest and longest running horror film festival in the United States. The festival premieres and showcases new work from American and international independent horror filmmakers. Most films have some form of music and it’s the music that gives us that jump scare we can’t wait to feel when watching a horror or thriller film. Screamfest allows filmmakers to achieve distribution, representation, and exposure they might otherwise not receive.
The Retaliators film was part of Screamfest 2022 and Better Noise Music, whose artists did most of the music for the film and Top Shelf Music was invited to attend its premiere! The Retaliators film is set to release via VOD (video on demand); for those unaware, streaming companies such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc. release VOD to give filmmakers opportunities to reach audiences across the globe. When a film uses artists from a well-known label, such as Better Noise Music, it’s a win-win for the film and the artists.
We are not sure how or why a film foregoes a theatre release, but to be picked up by a VOD company would seem to mean the film will be successful to all the parties involved. So much is involved and so many people go into making a terrific and suspenseful film. The next time you are watching a film, stay until the end to see all the credits of everyone who worked on the project. When you think about it, it really puts filmmaking into perspective.
‘Retaliators’ is a MUST-SEE!
The film concept is based on the awe-inspiring and stunning Jody Geare. Many years ago, Jody was raped, tortured, and left for dead. Years after her dreadful encounter, the vile criminal was finally brought to justice… if there is such a thing? The question facing Jody was if “I could retaliate, would I”? The Geare brothers (who wrote the film) answer this question.
The notion of retaliation and revenge is a thought that many people believe in, but when it comes down to acting out your revenge, would you do anything? If you were in Jody’s shoes, what would you do if given the opportunity to be toe-to-toe with your assailant. Would you get your revenge knowing that you could get away with it?
Retaliation, revenge, retribution, and justice, these were the questions a minister, played by Michael Lombardi, must ask himself. How and could a minister retaliate? Even a man of God can be tested to give into his own will of retaliation and revenge.
Would he give in or not? Watch and find out!
Lombardi’s acting was pure perfection, and as the film comes to an end, you’ll wish there was more.
In the opening scene of the film, we were thinking was this going to be another zombie film, however, there was nothing even remotely close to a zombie in this film. The film goes full circle, and each character was developed so well. This will make sense after you watch it. No spoilers here! We didn’t want the film to end because we felt a connection to the characters, and it left us wanting to know what was going to happen next. The Retaliators definite screams for a sequel AND even more awesome music!
The Retaliators soundtrack features music from various artists, most of which are on the Better Noise Music label. The theme song “21 Bullets” feat. Motley Crew, Asking Alexandria, Ice Nine Kills and From Ashes to New was one of those catchy songs that will keep you singing it until some asks you to “STOP!”
This is a soundtrack you will want to purchase, and here is why! There are so many exceptional artists and most of the songs are a collaboration of two or more people/bands. These are the artists you will enjoy:
- Papa Roach
- The HU feat. Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach
- Eva Under Fire feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills
- From Ashes to New, feat. Anders Friden of In Flames
- Asking Alexandria feat. Temptation
- Tommy Lee featuring Push Push
- Classless Act feat. Vince Neil of Motley Crue
- Five Finger Death Punch
- Nothing More
- Crossbone Skully
- Bad Wolfs feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills
- Mickey Mars of Motley Crue
- Cory Marks feat. Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman and Jason Hook
- Tempt feat. Dorothy
- Hyro The Hero feat. Mick Mars of Motley Crue & Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria
- All Good Things feat. Hollywood Undead
Grab yourself a big bucket of popcorn and enjoy The Retaliators thriller film and the magnificent music which will keep you in suspense. Thank you for the invite, Better Noise Music!
Review by Stacey Shorr and Warren Litberg
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