Cup of My Blood (2005)

Why would I rather stick pins in my eyes? Because with pins in my eyes, I'd never, ever have to watch this awful, awful film ever again. The story is ridiculous, and having accidentally stumbled on this film I spent the entire time trying to work out whether or not I was watching some kind of soft porn rip-off of the Da Vinci Code. However, that would actually be a compliment, and this film is nowhere near that good.It has no redeeming features whatsoever - the lighting, acting, over-grading (why is everything green?) score and story are awful. There's nothing about this film that makes any sense. It's like some kind of X-Files/Twin Peaks wannabe made by an eighteen year old and his mates, where they've based the whole film on one of those 'really profound and clever' ideas you get when you've had way too much to drink ... You get the impression whilst watching this film that the writer and director are trying to be 'shocking' by combining religious and sexual imagery. It just looks deeply, deeply silly and adolescent and serves no purpose at all - it's like they realised the story was so dull that the only way to keep even part of the audience watching was to throw in some boob shots.Awful film - don't bother.

I rented this movie from BlockBuster on a recommendation from a friend. I was pretty excited to hear about another horror movie that was made independently then went straight to DVD. I was hoping it would be like Evil Dead, but it was more serious (and less loud). It was kind of slow moving here & there, but the storyline was very cool and there were some really surprisingly good actors that I had never heard of before. I heard that someone in the cast or crew died! Does anyone know if that's true? One last question, because I watched the part over & over trying to figure it out: That demon who jumps at the camera in the bathroom or whatever scared the crap out of me! But I have to ask- is it a guy or a girl?! It ~sounds~ like a girl crying, but it's so hard to tell these days with make up and all. Utterly CREEPY! Could you just imagine walking into use the bathroom & having THAT jump out at you? LOL, it would be a mess! I'm just curious, if anybody knows? Definitely worth a look!

When Jack Fender (Daniel Patrick Sullivan) - former photographer turned pornographer - witnesses a car accident, the dying passenger charges him with a task: take care of the box she's carrying. Don't look at what's within and keep it safe. Jack takes the box and is soon haunted by strange dreams, weird visions and a feeling of acute paranoia. And rightly so, as the box contains the Holy Grail and there are forces who will go to great lengths to get their hands upon it...Imagine if David Lynch was Japanese and he'd directed The Ninth Gate.That's probably the best way to describe "Cup of My Blood," a creepy, atmospheric supernatural thriller that delivers some very well-timed shocks, has a great sense of dread, features some nice "in-camera" SFX (ala Jacob's Ladder) and some very well executed (no pun intended) gore scenes, which, although not hugely visceral, are enough to keep schlock fans happy without offending the more sensitive horror fan.One other point to raise is the superb use of sound in this movie. Atmospheric rumbles, almost bordering on the subsonic haunt the movie's soundtrack, creating a very disturbing, eerie atmosphere of dread.Sadly, performances are a mixed bag, with some stilted acting and - to be brutally honest - dialogue that's at best, okay and at worst, bad. Despite its faults, though, it manages to retain a great sense of dread and an interesting - if at times confusingly overplayed - plot.Whilst the movie's basic plot is straightforward enough (providing you stick with it - just roll with the "flashbacks/intercuts," as they're explained later), but some extra backstory on a couple of characters and a clearer explanation on exactly WHY the Grail is so important (being Christ's cup aside) would have helped.As it is, "Cup of My Blood" falls short of being a great movie. With a stronger cast, a little tightening around the edges and a little more exposition it could have been superb. As it stands, it's a solid, entertaining enough movie that I doubt will make anybody's Top Ten, but kudos to Lance Catania and crew for producing a chilling, different and interesting movie. I look forward to seeing his future work.

I was lucky enough to attend the Chicago premiere of this spooky epic and it really delivered the goods. Director/Writer Lance Catania has rewoven the elements of the horror genre into a commentary on modern society and the power/creepiness of religion. Plus it has some saucy gore and sex!Pornographer Jack Fender (Daniel Patrick Sullivan) has accidentally(?) come into possession of a religious icon. Within his wacky, underground world he must come to understand why he must, by any means, protect the icon. Looking to separate him from his holy possession are a strange group of brutally surreal characters. Jack, while trying to figure out why he was chosen, also is in the unenviable position of not being able to trust anyone.Catania has a way with an intriguing story, plus he displays a love for the "money shots" of the blood, guts and flesh. Playing like a tragi-comic opera, the broad scope of Fender's predicament also allows for the occasional (and sometimes nervous) laughter. As a director/writer of this original story (shot on location in Chicago), Catania displays a passion for the subject in every frame. But even through the exploration of his interesting and complex themes, he never forgets the reason why horror films have their wild appeal (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).Satan, may I have the next dance?Rating ***1/2 stars