Summer School (2006 film)

Plot synopsis

Charles runs a website that reviews "the more macabre of the cinema world" and he has stayed up a bit too late trying to catch up on his work ala a horror movie marathon. In his rapid absorption of an endless series of dark delicacies, Charles has emerged the next day, the first day of Summer School in a bit of a mental flux. He is slipping in and out of consciousness, into a realm of sadistic, genre bending nightmares that test his sanity and question his grip on reality.

Police incident

In August 2005, St. Paul, Minnesota police were called to a local neighborhood with to investigate a possible shooting. The car contained “blood” and “brain matter” on the seats, dashboard, and windows. After canvassing the area, the officers discovered the owner of the car, Lance Hendrickson, one of the directors. The blood and bits of brain were fake—the officers were shown the scene from the then in-production film as proof.

Reception

Dread Central calls it “wildly entertaining”, saying it has “set a new standard... for all other independent horror films, it is a sterling standard.” Dread Central also reviewed the “Extra Credit” edition DVD, giving even more praise. The two articles give the film a 4.5 out of 5 and the special features a 4 out of 5. Fatally Yours says it's “wonderfully clever”, “a slice of horror heaven pie”, and “a film by horror fans, for horror fans.”

The film was also nominated for several awards, winning Mike Nelson and Ben Trandem an award for Best Editing in 2007.