Good concept, poorly executed.

How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Pleasantly surprised by this "Independent" Horror/Thriller, which has remained under the radar for a while. Low budget Indie films need to be taken with a grain of salt, and in some cases a few aspirins, but "Cup Of My Blood" delivered a well rounded viewing experience. The cinematography was top notch, as was the screenplay which moved flawlessly through an engaging story. Director Lance Catania obviously did his homework, and learned what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to selling the suspense. Part "Da Vinci Code" and part "Demon Knight", COMB was refreshing to see, when you consider what some people like to release as horror. The virtually unknown actors play their parts to great effect, and the lighting scheme adds a creepiness not often seen in the genre of film. Looking forward to seeing more from this up and coming director.

The story is not believable.The acting is not believable.The horror techniques have long since grown old and boring.The result is that it's not scary. That is the primary problem. I never felt surprised or shocked. I didn't care about the characters. In fact, it was more like watching a poor zombie film where you simply can't wait for the next body to get ripped apart simply to keep you amused.Lucky for everyone, this has been a good year for zombie and gore films, so you can check out Land of the Dead instead. Or even a better than average ghost film like Dark Water. Or a spookier, more brutal than average super-hero film like Batman Begins.

Not a good "wow," regrettably. Jack is a porn photographer now, after the death of his girl a few years back when he tossed his lucrative photography career aside. He witnesses a car crash where he's given a box, told to keep it safe, and to deliver it from evil; he'll know to whom to deliver it when the time is right.108 minutes later, salvation is yours. We're first treated to a few bits and pieces of religious history, touch on the rapture (if you want more on that, try Left Behind from 2000), some dark commentary on the direction of modern society from a guy who wires together batteries to keep The System up -- though when the power flickers, the lights and computers go dark for several seconds, then those precious batteries bring everything back up like nothing happened (no login screens, flying Windows windows or happy Mac sounds, nothing).If you're a big fan of oodles of blood, a bit of demons and the undead tossed in for good measure, and a grail everyone wants to get their hands on (and unlike Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail, this one isn't just a beacon over the Castle Anthrax), dive in. Otherwise, there's plenty of other fish in to the sea -- toss this one back.

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