#Josh Monkarsh

[fearsmagazine]

AS WE KNOW IT - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Buffalo 8

SYNOPSIS: “Set in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, struggling writer James Bishop grapples with the emotional shrapnel of a recent breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Emily. As James holds up in his Hollywood Hills home with writer's block, his eccentric best friend Bruce shows up with bad news. The city has plunged into chaos by an unusual zombie outbreak, courtesy of tainted soy milk, wreaking havoc on James' semi-charmed kinda life. With the streets of Los Angeles swarming with the undead, James, Bruce, and Emily come together to barricade themselves in the house while reconciling their personal struggles. And occasionally, letting in the only food delivery service still operating, Abracadabra.” -Press Release

REVIEW: Josh Monkarsh’s film feels like a play as James’ home is the main setting and much of the story unfolds in the living room, kitchen and bedroom. The limited locations add to the feel of a 90’s sitcom, from “Seinfeld,” to “Friends” and the late 90’s “Freaks & Geeks.” Clearly these characters are in their mid to late 20’s but their lack of maturity make them seem much younger.

Monkarsh, DePaolo and Francis’s script is jam packed with 90’s references and bits and gags that rely on period as well. One of the jokes between James and Bruce is their love of “Waterworld,” which they watch on a laserdisc (yes, I still have a player and a collection of laserdiscs). It is clearly a love letter to that period of time when life was simpler and complicated in different ways before the advent of the smartphone, tablets and laptops. The absurdity of the zombie plague being caused by tainted soy milk takes a back seat to the relationship between the three characters, and Rory, the delivery person who happens to be an old acquaintance of Bruce, makes for a nice distraction.

The film has a rather dry pacing, and even Bruce’s chaotic moments come at a slower pace. There is an overall malaise that you would expect from the zombies. Somehow it all works and becomes engaging. Each actor brings elements to their performances that make for likable and sympathetic characters, even Bruce. It’s a great ensemble cast, but I have to say actor Danny Mondello creates this memorable character that could have easily been cliched but comes off fresh and memorable, like an early Joe Pesci performance. Actor Chris Parnell received a nice amount of screen time, with an additional scene during the credits, and it would have been nice to see a bit more of Pam Grier.

I enjoyed the cinematography, costumes and production designs that captured the period. The editing sustained my viewing engagement. The zombie make up and designs are simple and effective, as well as the special effects, with nothing too gorey. I liked Michl Britsch’s score. It enhanced the comedic tones of the film and added slightly more energy to the film.

AS WE KNOW IT is a relationship comedy set against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak taking place in Los Angeles. The film is kind of a 90’s American slacker reworking of “Shaun of the Dead,” with a tone similar to Jim Jarmusch’s “The Dead Don't Die,” but without some of the film’s more bizarre moments. A fun and mildly funny trip down memory lane with some likable characters who take center stage over the zombies. Monkarsh does a nice job with the material but given his film credits to date I’m not sure when and if will see Monkarsh venturing into the horror genre again soon.

CAST: Mike Castle, Oliver Cooper, Taylor Blackwell, Chris Parnell, Pam Grier, and Danny Mondello. CREW: Director/Screenplay/Producer - Josh Monkarsh; Screenplay - Brandon DePaolo & Christopher Francis; Producers - Daniel Cummings, K. Asher Levin & Joshua Fruehling; Cinematographer - Stephen St. Peter; Score - Michl Britsch; Editors - Yvonne Valdez & Rebecca Weigold; Production Designer - Lorus Allen; Costume Designer - Zoe Poledouris-Roche; Special Effects - John McConnell; VFX Supervisor - Kevin Vanhook. OFFICIAL: https://asweknowitmovie.com/ FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/-0U1pgXaygk?si=MqlxM792N7xDsdPX RELEASE DATE: Nov. 10th New York City, Chicago, Seattle; Nov. 15th Los Angeles; Nov. 17th Boston; Dec. 1st Calabasas.

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[movienized-com]

As We Know It

As We Know It (2023) #JoshMonkarsh #TaylorBlackwell #MikeCastle #OliverCooper #PamGrier #DannyMondello Mehr auf:

Jahr: 2023 Genre: Comedy / Horror / Romantik Regie: Josh Monkarsh Hauptrollen: Taylor Blackwell, Mike Castle, Oliver Cooper, Pam Grier, Danny Mondello, Chris Parnell … Filmbeschreibung: Ende der 90er Jahre verarbeitet James Bishop mit Hilfe seines besten Freundes eine komplizierte Trennung, während er versucht, sein Buch vor der drohenden Zombie-Apokalypse fertigzustellen…

[moviesandmania]

AS WE KNOW IT (2023) Reviews of zombie slacker comedy

As We Know It is a 2023 American romantic comedy horror set in the ’90s.  Slacker James Bishop is dealing with a complicated breakup with the help of his best friend while trying to finish his book before the impending zombie apocalypse. Directed and co-produced by Josh Monkarsh from a screenplay co-written with Brandon DePaolo and Christopher Francis. Also produced by Daniel Cummings, Joshua…

[tctmp]

As We Know It: Directed by Josh Monkarsh. With Mike Castle, Oliver Cooper, Taylor Blackwell, Danny Mondello. In the late '90s, James Bishop is dealing with a complicated breakup with the help of his best friend, while trying to finish his book before the impending zombie apocalypse.

[docrotten]

[Horror News] INSIDIOUS 5, HAUNTED MANSION, THE EXORCIST, THE HARBINGER, GLORIOUS and more

Welcome to HORROR NEWS RADIO for August 8, 2022. Tonight, we have casting news for HAUNTED MANSION and THE EXORCIST, along with trailer news for THE HARBINGER and GLORIOUS.

I am your host Doc Rotten and this is HNR, the official GRUESOME MAGAZINE HORROR NEWS podcast. Back with me again are the scariest, goriest, bloodiest co-hosts on the 'Net.

Dave Dreher, the lead news writer at Gruesome Magazine Crystal Cleveland, the Livin6dead6irl And Vanessa, Podcasting Rock Star and International Cosplay Queen

OBITS

Clu Gulager, beloved actor who most fans remember from RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1985), has passed away at the age of 93.

https://deadline.com/2022/08/clu-gulager-dead-horror-film-actor-was-93-obituary-1235086691/

UPCOMING FILMS

Production is set to start on INSIDIOUS 5, directed by Patrick Wilson. Insidious 5 is scheduled to hit theaters via Sony Pictures’s Screen Gems on July 7, 2023. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Ty Simpkins return. Sinclair Daniel, Peter Dager, and Hiam Abbass (Hellraiser 2022) join.

https://deadline.com/2022/08/insidious-5-sinclair-daniel-peter-dager-hiam-abbass-1235085898/

CASTING NEWS

Disney's HAUNTED MANSION movie adds Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto. Jamie Lee Curtis will portray Madame Leota, while Leto will play the "Hatbox Ghost." Also starring are Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Tiffany Haddish. Director Justin Simien (Bad Hair) helms the film. Haunted Mansion movie opens March 10, 2023

https://ew.com/movies/disney-haunted-mansion-movie-jared-leto-jamie-lee-curtis-characters/

Casting begins on Blumhouse's THE EXORCIST with Ann Dowd (The Handmaid's Tale, Hereditary) joining Leslie Odom Jr. and Ellen Burstyn, who is reprising her role as Chris MacNeil.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-exorcist-ann-dowd-joins-blumhouse-and-universal-1235191097/

Josh Monkarsh's nuclear zombie apocalypse feature, AS WE KNOW IT, adds Oliver Cooper, Chris Parnell, and Pam Grier to its cast. You had us at "Pam Grier."

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/pam-grier-chris-parnell-as-we-know-it-movie-1235330712/

TRAILERS

Screen Media Films is set to scare audiences with THE HARBINGER on September 2.

Daniel and Theresa Snyder move their troubled young daughter Rosalie to a quaint Midwestern town. Soon after they arrive, neighbors begin to die. The townspeople suspect Rosalie and shun the Snyder family. Fearing something evil followed them, the tormented parents seek the advice of a Native American seer who tells them that only death can save Rosalie. When more people die and a detective starts looking into the mysterious deaths, the Snyders must do whatever it takes to protect their family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMov6M-rQZo

SHUDDER plans on making public restrooms even more frightening than they already are with GLORIOUS, streaming on AUGUST 18.

A heartbroken man finds himself trapped in a bathroom with a strange voice who says he may be the only hope in stopping a terrible event. Starring Ryan Kwanten and J.K. Simmons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esqxTzc3lgM

Check out this episode!

[fearsmagazine]

AS WE KNOW IT | Trailer, Images & Poster

Set in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, struggling writer James Bishop grapples with the emotional shrapnel of a recent breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Emily. As James holds up in his Hollywood Hills home with writer's block, his eccentric best friend Bruce shows up with bad news. The city has plunged into chaos by an unusual zombie outbreak, courtesy of tainted soy milk, wreaking havoc on James' semi-charmed kind a life.

[L-R] Actor Mike Castle and Oliver Cooper in director Josh Monkarsh's AS WE KNOW IT from Traffic City Productions.

With the streets of Los Angeles swarming with the undead, James, Bruce, and Emily come together to barricade themselves in the house while reconciling their personal struggles. And occasionally, letting in the only food delivery service still operating, Abracadabra.

Actress Pam Grier in director Josh Monkarsh's AS WE KNOW IT from Traffic City Productions.

Bringing together elements of romance, friendship, and the absurdity of survival, AS WE KNOW IT is a rollercoaster of laughs and unexpected twists. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, our trio must confront their own demons, rekindle lost love, and, of course, avoid being turned into the living dead. Packed with witty dialogue, nostalgic nods to the '90s, and a unique blend of comedy and horror, AS WE KNOW IT is a riotous ride that proves even in the face of an apocalypse, there's always room for love and laughter.

[L-R] Actors Oliver Cooper, Mike Castle, and Taylor Blackwell in director Josh Monkarsh's AS WE KNOW IT from Traffic City Productions.

AS WE KNOW IT is co-written and directed by Josh Monkarsh. Co-written by Brandon DePaolo and Christopher Francis. Produced by Monkarsh and Daniel Cummings, and Co-produced by K. Asher Levin and Joshua Fruehling. Cinematography by Stephen St. Peter. Composed by Michl Britsch. The film stars Mike Castle, Oliver Cooper, Taylor Blackwell, with Chris Parnell, and Pam Grier. A Traffic City Productions film.

Actor Chris Parnell in director Josh Monkarsh's AS WE KNOW IT from Traffic City Productions.

AS WE KNOW IT IN SELECT U.S. THEATERS: November 10, 2023 - New York City / Chicago / Seattle November 15, 2023 - Los Angeles November 17, 2023 – Boston December 1, 2023 - Calabasas