TRAILER - Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

The first time I saw Clint Eastwood it was in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and I walked away impressed with not only the film, but also the huge presence Eastwood had. The second film I saw of Eastwood's was Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, perhaps one the most underrated films in Eastwood's filmography. This film is top to bottom tough and the chemistry between Jeff Bridges and Clint is just good enough to be dangerous.

Eastwood originally wanted to direct this film but the helm was eventually taken by Michael Cimino (who also wrote the film and would later move on to direct The Deer Hunter and Heavens Gate). In the end, I am not sure Eastwood would have done much different than if he had directed. He may have punched up some of the action which moves at a slower clip that now feels familiar knowing Cimino's style, but the pacing would have been the same. Buckle up with Blondie and The Dude, it's bank robbing time!

Thunderbolt... the man with the reputation. Lightfoot... the kid who's about to make one!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Gamera vs. Guiron (1969)

Two young boys end up on an alien planet populated by cannibalistic females who want to eat the tyke's brains. To make matters worse, the lady aliens own a pet monster named Guiron that is basically a giant knife with legs. It's Gamera, the giant super turtle, to the rescue in the amazingly silly Kaiju flick: Gamera vs. Gurion. You've really got to wonder what kind of drugs the filmmakers where on when they made this one.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - Army of Darkness (1992)

"First you wanna kill me, now you wanna kiss me. Blow." "Yo, she-bitch! Let's go!" "Groovy." "Gimme some sugar, baby."

Never has an action hero had so many cool sayings to spurt out in one film as Bruce Campbell's Ash does in Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness. The third (and final?) film in his Evil Dead franchise, Army of Darkness is full of Raimi's imaginative touches and offered him his largest budget yet in the series. Though Evil Dead 2 is generally considered the film that best combines horror and dark comedy, Army is still a wildly imaginative film that allows Campbell to really shine with his over the top heroic antics. Many of the trademarks so prevalent in the Raimi films, particularly Three Stooges references, are offered up in abundance in Army. So "hail to the king baby" and check this one out.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW (1978)

Yuen Woo-Ping, the director of Snake in the Eagle's Shadow is a legend in the world of Hong Kong Cinema. In martial arts films the plot is often just an excuse to get to a particular scene, in Woo-Ping's films however you can see the care he has for those characters and there is always a point to the battles. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, his debut film, is no different. Although he continues to direct today, his work can also be seen as a fight choreographer in The Matrix and Kill Bill films among others.

This film is also notable for being Jackie Chan's first major film as star. Snake was popular but it was Drunken Master that really launched him to the next level. Chan would later shit on his career by taking safe "Hollywood" roles with Chris Tucker, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and others. Ahhh relevancy, you heartless bastard.

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review - Robocop (1987)

Poe’s Saturday Cartoon: Tex Avery Birthday Special

Today on Poe’s Saturday Cartoon we celebrate the birthday of animation legend Tex Avery with two of his funniest cartoons: Red Hot Riding Hood (1943) and Northwest Hounded Police (1946).

Next to Walt Disney, no other figure in the history of animation is as important as Tex Avery. Tex made cartoons funny, pure and simple. While the Disney product of the early to mid 1930s featured amazing animation and were entertaining and amusing, they rarely produced a belly laugh. It wasn’t until 1936 when Avery joined Warner Brothers and started making “looney” cartoons did audiences realize that they could laugh long and hard at an animated film. Avery sped up the pace of the animated short, injecting adult humor, wild takes and violent gags into his seven minute Looney Tunes. His work at Warner Brothers produced such legendary cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck and he helped inspire a whole slew of talented animators and directors. Greats such as Chuck Jones, Bob Clampett and Hannah and Barbera all learned from the Avery playbook and went on to produce some of the funniest cartoons of all time.

When Tex Avery left Warner Brothers and landed at MGM in 1942, his cartoons really took off. The wild takes and gags that one associates with an Avery cartoon really started to show in his MGM product. One of his earliest shorts at the studio was a spoof of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale called Red Hot Riding Hood. In true Avery fashion, he turned the familiar tale on its ear, transforming Red into a steamy showgirl and the Wolf into a horny playboy. The short was a smash hit with audiences, particularly with the armed forces, and today is considered one of the funniest cartoons ever made. The Wolf and Red went on to star in a series of sexy cartoons throughout the 1940s and inspired such latter day films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Mask.

While the Wolf and Red were two of Avery’s most memorable creations, there was only one character that he created while at MGM that inspired a long running series of shorts throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Droopy was his name and he was first featured with the Wolf in a 1942 short called Dumb-Hounded. A deadpan look and delivery and a seemingly magical ability to outwit his enemies made Droopy a hit with audiences and he became Avery’s most popular MGM character. Northwest Hounded Police was Droopy’s fourth cartoon and is basically a reworking of Dumb-Hounded. Again co-starring the Wolf, the short features some of the wildest cartoon takes ever put on film. It was these kinds of takes that have inspired so many modern day animators and exemplify the Avery style.

So tip your hat to the man who made it acceptable for adults to laugh at a cartoon and enjoy two of his funniest masterpieces. Happy birthday Tex, thanks for all the belly laughs.

Red Hot Riding Hood (1943)




Northwest Hounded Police (1946)





Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (1985)

Charlie Sheen has never been a great actor, but he has had some great roles in good films and sometimes even classic films (PLATOON, WALL STREET). Fortunately, he has a great role here. Director Penelope Spheeris (DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIATION 1&2, WAYNES WORLD) gives this film a very dark edge that would have been Hollywood slick in another directors hands. Sheen and Spheris go together like hookers and hotel rooms....and coke...and knives...and porn families...Sheen-Tastic!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - FROGS (1972)

Today the pond! Tomorrow the world!

Ray Milland, Sam Elliott and company are up to their armpits with vengeful critters in the hilariously dumb FROGS. Noteworthy for being one of the first "eco-horror" films of the 1970s and featuring an early film performance from Elliott. I imagine he doesn't show this one much as parties. Worth a good laugh.

Zevk,
Poe

G's Friday Double Feature - The Last Boyscout (1991) & The Last Man Standing (1996)

Welcome to the double. As always, if we had a theater, this is what we would have on the marque for Friday and Saturday night. Today we are taking a look at two films with enough testosterone to make your balls explode (assuming you have them). Both of these films will make you want to smoke a cig and walk with a “don’t fuck with me” swagger. So let’s get to it, time for a double dose of Bruce (Willis) in two films that I think are his forgotten films and represent some of his toughest work in the action genre. I am not saying any of these come close to his work in Die Hard but I would put them at two and three when it comes to his work in action films.

First up, The Last Boyscout. Directed by Tony Scott and written by Shane Black. Black is the author of Lethal Weapon and is largely considered to be the creator of the modern action movie. Now, you put the director of Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop 2, and Days of Thunder on a script by Black and you have a badass movie that doesn’t pretend to be anything that it’s not. This is a P.I. story told with bullet force and the only goal is to survive...The Last Boyscout.




Finally the film you came to see…Walter Hill’s The Last Man Standing. This is a credited remake of Akira Kurosawa’s film Yojimbo. Though it has been done before (most notably Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars) it is the first time that screen credit went to the legend Kurosawa and is to date the only authorized remake. I think this film represents some of Hill's best efforts. This is tough, gritty work from the man who started out in the grindhouse with films like The Driver and The Warriors.

In a lot of ways this feels a bit closer to Leone’s version than Kurosawa. The sets looks like they jumped out of the western genre and the film is full of characters that could easily swap a suit for a pair of boots and a gun belt. Bruce Willis just chews up every scene in this film. His character is calculating and always one step ahead of the rival gangs and never shy to use bullets instead of words. And honestly, any time Bruce is walking around with two guns like Chow Yun Fat, you know someone is about to get fucked up.

If you lived in this town, you'd be dead by now.…. The Last Man Standing.



Oddly enough, today's double is on Blu-Ray: http://amzn.to/eddd9Z

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - The Hangover 2 (2011)

THE WOLFPACK IS BACK!

see you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Apollo 18 (2011)

Faux documentaries seem to be all the rage right now. Occasionally they can work very well (see: Paranormal Activity). This trailer shows real promise for this film, I hope it works.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - I Saw The Devil (2010)

From the director of The Good, The Bad, The Weird (which if you haven't seen yet is available on Netflix streaming) comes a story of revenge and all kinds of ass-kickery. Like Oldboy, I am expecting this plot to go much deeper than the trailer suggests. Let’s get it on.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Source Code (2011)

Duncan Jones brought us Moon in 2009. That was one of the best sci-fi films to come along in some time. Source Code looks to be another inventive film, curious to see how he does with a bigger budget. One of the things that worked so will in Moon was it's simple, CGI free effects.

see you on forty deuece,
G

TRAILER - WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968)

The body count is high when Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood take on the Nazis in this adventure classic. Ranks as one of the all time best "men on a mission" films, right up there with the Guns of Navarone and The Dirty Dozen. Based on a novel and screenplay by Alistair MacLean, the film has Burton and Eastwood attempting to rescue an American general from a castle fortress high in the Alps. All of this is just an excuse for a series of incredible action scenes, including a nail biting fight on top of a cable car. Clint kills more people in this film than in all of his other films combined. And that's just fine with us as they are all Nazis.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - BLIND RAGE (1978)

Fred Williamson made some solid films, then he made BLIND RAGE. It ranks with his role in FIST OF FEAR, TOUCH OF DEATH on the goofy factor. Having said that, I could watch this film on a loop. Five blind martial arts experts robbing banks? I can dig it.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Sabata (1969)

Lee Van Cleef is back at it playing the title character in another fun tongue-in-cheek spaghetti western. A lot like the character Van Cleef played in For a Few Dollars More, Sabata is a bad ass bounty hunter with a code of ethics that separates him from the scum that populate these flicks. This was the first of three Sabata films, all of them directed by Gianfranco Parolini. Yul Brynner played Sabata in the follow up, Adiós, Sabata, Van Cleef was back for the third and final film: Return of Sabata.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - POLICE WOMEN (1974)

She is Bond, Lacy Bond. Cold Steel on the Outside...All Woman on the Inside!

Director Lee Frost is a grindhouse legend responsible for THE DEFILERS, LOVE CAMP 7, CHAIN GANG WOMEN, BLACK GESTAPO, THE THING WITH TWO HEADS and more. POLICEWOMEN is another hit for frost, Sondra Currie kicks 12 kinds of ass and brings vanilla thunder to the female gang she is taking down (Currie would later show up as the brides mom in THE HANGOVER).

There isn't anything she won't do. There isn't anyone she can't stop!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Thunder and Lightning (1977)

It's 250 proof fun! - as they bust up the biggest moonshine racket in the country.

Never has a trailer tried so hard to make you want to see the film it is marketing. The narration over the action seems to almost plead with you to go and see the film. Take away the narration and they would have had me sold by just the the action alone. A fun tongue-in-cheek moonshine actioner full of chases that border on slapstick, Thunder and Lightning was another of the many "car chase" flicks so popular during the 1970s. David Carradine and Kate Jackson are fun in the leads and have a nice chemistry together. Don't miss the scene where a minister preaches a sermon and wrestles an alligator at the same time!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE HIDDEN (1987)

It killed 37 people, robbed 6 banks, 2 liquor stores, a record shop and stole 2 ferraris. Now the fun starts. It just took over a police station.

Why does it take fifteen shots to take down some zoned-out stripper? Because she has an alien inside her that will rip you into a million little fleshy pieces. THE HIDDEN was a video store staple (along with director Jack Sholder's other hit: NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY'S REVENGE) and it still holds up. The soundtrack is pure mullet and the bullets fly frequently and fast. This is essentially a retooling of THE THING FROM ANOTHER PLANET done for the rock and roll crowd and the payoff is all devil horns.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

Brace yourself...it's cataclysmic!!! It's catastrophic!!! The titanic terrifying battle between the mightiest monsters of all time!!! King Kong vs. Godzilla!

One of the most famous monster bashes of all time actually started as a possible Willis O'Brien (the special effects wizard who brought us the original King Kong) project where he pitted his famous ape against a giant version of the Frankenstein Monster. Through shady production deals, the idea ended up being purchased by Japan's Toho Co. and Frankenstein was replaced by Godzilla. The end result is a campy giant monster movie that climaxes with one of the liveliest men in monster suit battles ever filmed. The film would play great in a triple feature along with Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man and Freddy vs. Jason.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THRILLER: A CRUEL PICTURE (1974) aka THRILLER: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE

First they took her speech...then her sight...When they were finished she used what was left of her for her own frightening kind of REVENGE!

Not only is this one of the greatest grindhouse films ever made, it is one of the coolest revenge stories you can find. Christina Lindberg is one of my favorite cult actresses, she brings an intensity to her roles that even most mainstream actresses can't touch. You put a shotgun in her hands and toss an eye patch on her left eye and you have one hot bad ass chick full of vengeance.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Sorcerer (1977)

William Friedkin's remake of the 1953 French classic, Le Salaire de la peur (The Wages of Fear), is a solid adventure film though it flopped at the box office when first released. Roy Scheider plays the leader of a group of outcasts that are forced to drive trucks full of dangerous nitroglycerin through South American jungles to help put out a fire at an oil well. Sorcerer was infamous for its out of control budget and as being the first film Friedkin released after The Exorcist. While not up to his previous efforts, the film does feature some amazing action and suspense scenes and a wonderfully eerie soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. Worth a look.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE (1980)

This is a grindhouse classic that is often thought of as the low budget version of PSYCHO. I get the comparison. The film touches on similar themes and the killer has conversations with his mother but they are really two different films both in style and intent.

In a steel room built for revenge they die burning... in chains.

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review - Poltergeist (1982)

TRAILER - THE OMEGA MAN (1971)

The last man alive is not alone...

This is the second film Heston made in his "Doomsday" trilogy following PLANET OF THE APES (1968) and SOYLENT GREEN (1973). I am a sucker for a last man standing story so I may be biased. I am able to love this film despite Heston's best efforts to fuck it up. He operates in essentially two gears in OMEGA MAN: Either stuck in neutral or revved into 5th prompting the extreme over-acting lights to flash like a strobe.

If you are looking for a scary story, go with Vincent Price's 1964 film THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (both films are based on the same novel "I Am Legend"). However, if you want to look at some of the best cheese around, behold THE OMEGA MAN.

See you on forty deuce.
G

Poe’s Saturday Cartoon: Trap Happy (1946)

Today when you purchase a collection of classic cartoon shorts on DVD you will find that many come with a disclaimer stating that the violence or ethnic humor in the cartoons may be unsuitable for children. Some adults who grew up watching these shorts as kids may find these disclaimers a bit too PC, others will agree and appreciate the warning. Either way, what these disclaimers can do is give these cartoons an edge that makes it “cool” for adults to watch them again.

No cartoon series from the golden era could be edgier at times than Tom and Jerry. Produced at MGM during the 1940s and 1950s, these Hanna and Barbera directed shorts featured some of the craziest and most violent gags to ever be featured in an animated cartoon. Hanna and Barbera took the simple concept of a cat chasing a mouse and turned it on its ear, producing brilliant cartoon after cartoon for over 15 years. The early shorts in the series were a bit tamer, and it wasn’t until animation great Tex Avery arrived at MGM in 1942 that the series really took off. Avery’s directing style inspired Hanna and Barbera to increase the pace of their cartoons and amp up the violence. The results were some of the funniest cartoons ever made, earning the team six academy award nominations and seven wins over the course of 114 shorts.

Today’s cartoon, Trap Happy, is one of the series most violent. The plot is a standard Tom tries to catch Jerry while in a house setting, this time with the help of series regular: Butch the Cat. Full of incredibly violent gags and a pace that will leave you winded, Trap Happy was made at the series peak. From Hanna and Barbera’s razer sharp timing, to the frenetic score by Scott Bradley (whose scores were so important to these mostly dialog less shorts) Trap Happy is seven minutes of head bashing, toe smashing fun. And yes, we do get the famous “Tom scream” in this one. The scream was actually recorded by Bill Hannah as he provided all of the screams and yelps in the series. Talk about talent.

Zevk,
Poe

G's Double Feature - Mother, Jugs Speed (1976) & Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

Welcome to the double. As always, if we had a theater, this is what would be on the marque for a Friday night. Today is a double dose of the Cos (that’s Bill Cosby). Before the bad sweaters, before Jell-O Pudding Pops, and long before Eddie Murphy told Cosby to “have a coke and a smile and shut the fuck up” he was a comedian who could do no wrong. His comedy albums are legendary, but his films these days are largely forgotten despite their popularity when they were released.

First up, from 1976 we have Mother, Jugs & Speed which features the unlikely pairing of Cos and Harvey Keitel. It also features a rather busty performance by drool inducing Raquel Welch (GIGGITY). Cosby was hot as a comedian when this film was made, and Keitel was on fire after already having made Mean Streets and Taxi Driver. This is much lighter than those two but still has some dark humor. Tough to think this came from Peter Yates who directed Bullitt, but this is a great film.

The F & B Ambulance Co. is looking for a few good men... but they will take any body they can get. Mother Jugs & Speed.



The best film Cosby ever made is 1972’s Hickey & Boggs with Robert Culp, his partner from I Spy. Unfortunately, it is also impossible to find a trailer for that noir classic. So today…the film you came to see… the first pairing of Cos and Sidney Poitier, Uptown Saturday Night. This is the first in an unnamed and unofficial trilogy of films, followed by Let’s Do It Again, and A Piece of the Action. This film is considered a classic comedy of the 70’s and the Poitier/Cosby pairing would prove to be a hit with both crowds and critics. Uptown also features a small performance by another comedic legend, Richard Pryor (who made this just after The Mack and Hit!).

They get funny when you mess with their money! From 1974. Uptown Saturday night.



See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1968)

Based on a 1943 novel by Dennis Wheatley, The Devil Rides Out is a stylish Hammer horror film made during the end of the studio's golden era. Christopher Lee gives one of his best performances as the heroic Duc de Richleau. The film was his favorite of the Hammer horrors. An exciting tale of devil worship and the occult, the plot has Lee trying to save the son a friend from falling under the spell of satanist Mocata, played with dripping menace by Charles Gray. The final black magic attack sequence is particularly lively. Directed by the always solid Terence Fisher. Also knows as THE DEVIL'S BRIDE.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - They Call Me Trinity (1970)

Though not a household name in the US, Terence Hill and Bud Spencer were an extremely popular film team from Italy that starred in over a dozen films together. The blonde haired, blue eyed Hill and the gruff and stocky Spencer were a great odd couple, and their films were usually filled with rowdy slapstick gunfights and brawls. They Call Me Trinity was the film that brought them international fame and is generally considered their best film. A real treat for fans of slapstick comedy and the spaghetti western. And just try and tell me that you aren't hungry for a plate of beans after watching Hill's hilarious "eating" scene. Followed by a sequel.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - BLACK SHAMPOO (1976)

HE'S BAD...HE'S MEAN...HE'S A LOVIN' MACHINE! WHEN HE'S MAD...HE'S MEAN...HE'S A KILLING MACHINE! John Daniels only made 5 or 6 films but he became a legit DG badass when he made THE CANDY TANGERINE MAN, BLACK SHAMPOO, and BARE KNUCKLES all in row. If you haven't seen BLACK SHAMPOO, let me tell you from the jump that it's ridiculous. Daniel's plays the owner of a hair salon who takes on the mob in order to protect his secretary. This shit is bad in all the best ways. Dig it, sucka!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE EVIL THAT MEN DO (1984)

When the system of justice doesn't work....Bronson does.

Old Stoneface is back in action, this time playing a hit man called out of retirement to deal with a sadistic doctor whose specializes in teaching torture 101 to banana republics. Extremely violent Bronson flick is one of his better vehicles from the 1980s. Joseph Maher gives an incredibly slimy performance as the doctor.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - NAVAJO JOE (1966)

This may be the best mistake of Burt Reynolds's career. When he signed up for this film, he thought it was being directed by Sergio Leone. Wrong Sergio Burt, but you got the next best thing, Sergio Corbucci. Relentless in his vengeance! Deadly in his violence! NAVAJO JOE!

See you on forty deuce,
G

POE REVIEWS – The Thing (1982) ****

American scientists at an Antarctic research station battle a shape shifting alien that can assume the identity of whatever it kills.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Donald Moffat, Keith David and Wilford Brimley

Directed by John Carpenter

In the summer of 1982, film goers had the choice to see two different “alien” movies that were playing in theaters. One was a film about a young boy who forms a friendship with a cute alien that has been stranded on Earth. The film was called ET: The Extra-Terrestrial and it was directed by Steven Spielberg. The other film was about a shape shifting alien that absorbs humans in the most gruesome of ways and then assumes their identities. The film was called The Thing and it was directed by John Carpenter. ET touched the hearts of millions and went on to become the highest grossing film at that time. The Thing repulsed a handful of cinema goers and failed miserably at the box office. Luckily, something called home video gave the gruesome alien movie a new life and it slowly grew into a cult hit. Today, The Thing is rightly considered one of the greatest science fiction/horror films of all time and has taken its place among a handful of alien invasion movies that have stood the test of time.

John Carpenter, an avid Howard Hawks fan, had always been a fan of Hawk’s The Thing from Another World. While that film was one of the early trend setters for science fiction horror, it really didn't do justice to the John W. Campbell Jr. novelette, Who Goes There, that is was based on. Hawk’s film featured a humanoid alien composed of vegetable matter with no shape shifting abilities. Carpenter and writer Bill Lancaster went back to the original source material and not only stayed faithful to it, but bettered it by giving more layers to the story’s paranoia elements. They also paid much more attention to the creature’s shape shifting abilities and created a horror that deserves a throne in Hell.

Brought to life by special effects wizard Rob Bottin, the alien in The Thing is scary, really scary. We never know what its true form really is, and it is only during its metamorphic changes that we catch a glimpse of what it might look like. And oh what sights! Mutated dogs, human heads with spider legs, a man’s abdomen filled with teeth; the visuals are utterly horrifying. These special effect set pieces are separated by stretches of film in which the characters are trying to find out who is human or who is thing and Carpenter sets the tension high with the help of a handful of wonderful character actors. Led by Kurt Russell (in a wonderfully tough performance) the cast includes such recognizable faces as Wilfred “Quaker Oats” Brimley, Donald Moffat and science fiction regular Keith David. Also helping with the suspense is an incredibly somber and eerie soundtrack composed by the always resourceful Ennio Morricone. Morricone scores the film a lot like Carpenter had scored his early movies, filling it with low synthesizer tones and spooky bass chords. This was actually the first film Carpenter did not score himself.

Critical response at the time of the film’s release was not positive. Many complained that the suspense is drowned out by the repulsive special effects. I strongly disagree. While the effects do tend to overshadow the characters at times, I say big deal. You’re not watching the film to find out whether or not Kurt Russell’s character will get over his drinking problem. You’re watching it to enjoy a roller coaster ride of gruesome mayhem and thrills. The Thing delivers and only the first two Alien films can touch it when it comes to blood curdling alien terror. Now we wait and see if the Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. prequel due out later this year can do justice to the original. I’m crossing my fingers, as I’d love to add another film to my “multiple viewing” list of titles to sit up there with The Thing. Currently, it is way up there at the top.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE GREEN SLIME (1968)

Okay, Richard Jaeckel, you just starred in one of the greatest action movies ever made so now what do you want to do? What film would you like to post on your resume to follow up after THE DIRTY DOZEN? THE GREEN SLIME? Hmmmm, okay.....

This goofy Japanese/American co-production stars Jaeckel and Robert Horton as a pair of tough astronauts doing battle with a hoard of energy consuming aliens on a space station. The aliens are played by Japanese children in monster suits. The film played on the premier episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Bad decision Richard.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - KILL SQUAD (1981)

12 HANDS....12 FEET....24 REASONS TO DIE!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - Play Misty for Me (1971)

Long before Glenn Close went Elmer Fudd on Michael Douglas and cooked him a rabbit for dinner came this little shocker from director and star Clint Eastwood. Play Misty for Me was his directorial debut. The trailer really doesn't do the film justice, as it is a well crafted thriller with an amazingly psychotic performance from Jessica Walter. She plays an absolute nut job who can't take no for an answer after disk jokey Clint refuses to start a relationship with her after a one night stand. A Valentines Day movie for the deranged that will make men think twice about flirting with the barmaid with that crazy gleam in her eye. Don Siegel, Clint's mentor and often times director, plays a bartender in the film.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - TRUE ROMANCE (1993)

Some couples laugh about their first date, others reminisce about chance encounters. Clarence and Alabama get all weepy on a beach, thinking about that one time they ended up with suitcase full of cocaine and were chased by gangsters finally ending up in a Mexican standoff in Hollywood. Now that's my kind of love story.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - VAMPIRE CIRCUS (1972)

The circus is coming to town and you best trade in your cotton candy for a bushel of garlic as everyone in it is a vampire. VAMPIRE CIRCUS is a wild Hammer Horror film made when the studio was adding heavy doses of sex and nudity to their already gory formula. Cushing and Lee are nowhere to be found, but the cast does a fine job even if most of them look like they should be performing in a rock opera. Opening scenes offer a gut punch, we are treated to heavy gore, nudity, sex and a shocking child murder all before the opening credits! One of the best to come out of Hammer's later years.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE EXECUTIONER (1974)

This is classic Chiba doing what he does best. Chiba...is back...and more deadly than any weapon!

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review - Goodfellas (1990)

BREAKING: THE RETURN OF JOHN CARPENTER IS APPROACHING

Ahhh we live for news like this. After being away for far too long, John Carpenter is returning to the big screen. Although Ghost of Mars and Vampires was not up to Carpenters ability, at least he was making films. Can't wait to finally welcome him back. Check out Fangoria for more: http://bit.ly/gq69hZ

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - BLAZING MAGNUMS (1976)

While BLAZING MAGNUMS doesn't have the story chops of THE SEVEN-UPS or BULLITT, it has a very strong chase that could be in my top 10. Plus, it has John Saxon (post Roper) which always gives you a shot of cool. This is certified tough.

See you on forty deuce,
G

Poe's Saturday Cartoon: Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)

A 50 second build up and then a five minute laugh. That is the kind of response this little animated gem from Marv Newland usually got when it played at midnight movie showings in the 1970s. One of the greatest examples of simplistic animation, Bambi Meets Godzilla was made only after Newland couldn't complete a live action film he was working on. He created the short while he was renting an apartment from Adriana Caselotti, the voice of Snow White from the Disney classic. Talk about irony!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SOUTHERN COMFORT (1981)

Tough little actioner from Walter Hill about a squad of National Guards going up against Cajuns in the swamps of Louisiana. Great location shooting and gritty action scenes make this a must see for fans of backwoods action films. The film's final third in a Cajun village is a highlight. Keith Carradine, Fred Ward and Powers Boothe all give solid performances. Why is it that even when Boothe is playing a good guy he still feels bad?

Zevk,
Poe

G's Friday double Feature - Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) & Vanishing Point (1971)

Welcome to the double. As always, if we had a theater, this is what we would have on the marque for a Friday. Today we are taking a look at fast films. Back in the ol'video store days 6:00pm was go-time. That was when the boss left and we could play whatever we wanted. Usually what we wanted had to do with either tough films or what we called "fast films." "Fast films" are the films like Bullet, Smokey and the Bandit, Mad Max, and Thunder Road that make your foot heavier than it probably should be on the gas pedal. A good car chase is rare, a 35 minute car chase is even more rare, and a film that is all chase and little else hasn't been seen in a long, long time.

First up, Gone In 60 Seconds. This film is just as notorious for its 35 minute chase as it is for the complete destruction of more than 90 cars in that 35 minute slot. You can lock your car. But if he wants it...it's GONE IN 60 SECONDS.



And the film you came to see, my favorite all-chase film, Vanishing Point. A 1970 Dodge Challenger never looked so good as it does in this film. Despite some great performances by both Barry Newman and Clevon Little, the film belongs to the super-charged Challenger. Tighten your seat belt, you never had a trip like this before.



See you on forty deuce,
G

G REVIEWS - Let Me In (2010) ** 1/2

A bullied 12-year-old boy develops a friendship with a vampire child in a New Mexico town in the early 1980s.

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloë Grace Moretz, Elias Koteas, and Richard Jenkins

Directed by: Matt Reeves

Let the Right One In is a masterpiece. A haunting film that will go down as one of the greatest horror films of all time. I love how subtle that film is and how the characters evolve. The remake of that film, Matt Reeves' Let Me In is good as well, but absolutely and completely pointless.

I don't hate remakes. Scarface, Cape Fear, The Departed, The Thing, were all remakes that worked and worked well. You could even argue that some of those are better than the original. If you have nothing to add to a story though, why make the picture? The acting and directing in Let Me In are very well done, the children in particular turn in solid performances. In the end however, this is just a carbon copy. If you were to hand paint the Mona Lisa I would say "Wow that is great", then I would ask "Why? We have a perfectly good one hanging in the Musée du Louvre in Paris." (Authors Note: I had to look that up).

FINAL VERDICT: Skip It - See the original instead, unless you have a phobia of subtitles then watch this perfectly good but pointless remake.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - DUEL (1971)

A business trip turns into a day of hell for everyman Dennis Weaver when a tanker truck develops a bad case of road rage and threatens to destroy the poor simpleton on a lonely stretch of desert highway.

Intense, white knuckler of a thriller put a young Steven Spielberg on the map; this was his debut film. Originally filmed for the ABC Movie of the Week, DUEL was eventually expanded and released in Europe as a feature film. Given a short shooting schedule, Spielberg completed the film in only 13 days! It doesn't show, as the director's creative use of camera angles and set ups makes the chase both intense and extremely exciting.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE WILD ANGELS (1966)

Their credo is violence...Their God is hate...and they call themselves 'The Wild Angels'

A Corman classic and the original Peter Fonda on a Harley film. It was signing a movie still from THE WILD ANGELS that Fonda had the idea for EASY RIDER. Leonard Maltin said this film was "OK after about 24 beers." Two things: 1. It's much better than that and 2. Peter Fonda could smack the beard off the often wrong critic.

See you on forty deuce,
G

Big Man Bolo Yeung Films of the 70's, 80's and 90's

G and Poe REVIEW - Ip Man 2 (2010)

Donnie Yen is back as Grandmaster Ip. The film follows him through Hong Kong in 1949 under British Colonial rule. Grand-Master Ip opens a Wing Chun school which causes a problem with the Hung Ga school...naturally.

Starring - Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung

Director - Wilson Yip

G's Take: ** 1/2

Donnie Yen said “Ip Man 2 will incontrovertibly become a classic, bettering the first.” I had similar hopes going into Ip Man 2. The first film in the series (which will become a trilogy sans Yen) had a magic to it, a quiet intensity that escalated to a near perfect ending. I wish director Wilson Yip had made that film. What an accomplishment that would have been. Ip Man 2 fails to match the epic scope of the first film, settling in to routine fights instead.

One of my major problems with the film is that the characters are meaningless. There is zero connection with anybody outside of Master Ip and his wife which eventually lead to some very hollow fight scenes. Sure, the scene on the table is cool but far from the epic fight in Grand-Master Ip’s house in the first film, and yeah the fights in the boxing rings are very well done (thanks to Sammo Hung’s choreography) but they don’t have the consequence associated with them that the first film had. This film is worth seeing for both the work of Yen and Hung, but all have done better. After you see this film, spend some time with the Shaw Brothers or watch the first Ip Man, then tell me how good Ip Man 2 really is.

Poe's Take: ** 1/2

So, is Ip Man 2: Legend of a Grandmaster better than Ip Man? Not even close. Is the table top fight scene that is getting so much attention one of best kung fu battles of recent times? No. In fact, as an avid lover of kung fu movies, the attention this scene is getting baffles me as there have been so many other better fight scenes throughout the history of the genre. Is the acting minus the performances of Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung poor? For the most part, yes. The actors who play the British baddies are laughably bad. Does the plot switch gears midway through making you feel that you are watching two different films at times? Indeed. Part one focuses on Ip Man trying to establish himself in Hong Kong and starting a martial arts school, part two has him battling a British boxer.

Does this review sound like I greatly dislike Ip Man 2? Yes. Do I? No. In fact, I would recommend watching the film as it is entertaining in a Rocky IV kind of way and Donnie Yen still has a great film presence. Ip Man 2 was just a major letdown for me as I was expecting the greatness of the first film after reading all of the positive reviews the movie has been gathering. It got me thinking, have some of those reviewers ever taken the time to catch an old Shaw Brothers film? Do yourself a favor, go and watch Masked Avengers or 8-Diagram Pole Fighter and then ask yourself if the table top fight in Ip Man 2 is that amazing. And for that matter, go and watch the first Ip Man film again if you want to see a great modern day kung fu flick.

FINAL VERDICT: G and Poe agree, RENT IT (unless you find this at your local independant theater in which case, support your local theater and see it)

G REVIEWS - Catfish (2010) - ** 1/2

I think there are essentially three approaches to a documentary. You have the Maysles Brothers approach where the camera studies its subjects (we act as voyeurs). You have the Errol Morris technique where the subjects are interviewed and situations studied. Finally, you have the Michael Moore technique where the director becomes the protagonist. Catfish employs the Morris technique but it never really feels real, a problem for a film labled a documentary.

Catfish follows Nev Schulman, a New york Photographer being filmed by his brother and friend as he slowly builds a romantic a relationship on Facebook with the sister of an 8 year old child prodigy. There is a strong online debate about Catfish, many question it's authenticity and feel the events in the film transpire in an all too timely coincidence. I have no reason to question how real this film is and I think all the players are who they are, what I have issue with is the awareness throughout the film.

Schulman is aware in nearly every scene that he is being filmed and he plays to the camera far too often for me to become fully submerged in the story (which is compelling). There is an instant detachment as he giggles at his own phone calls, and irritation at his faux outrage at even being filmed. Despite it's faults, this is an interesting film and worth a look. It delivers compelling debate and makes you think about all those "friends" on Facebook.

FINAL VERDICT: See it

TRAILER – COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE (1970)

If I ever stumble upon my wife feeding on the family cat, I will one: think that the chili I made the night before wasn’t to her liking, or two: I will suspect that she is a vampire because that's what they do when they're hungry. At least that’s what they do in movies like Count Yorga, Vampire. A solid low-budget horror film that was a drive-in hit when released, Yorga features a great performance from Robert Quarry as the modern day count building up a harem of lovely ladies in Los Angeles. You know you are in for a different kind of film when there is a scene where the vampire is driven around in a Volkswagen Bus. Supposedly this was to originally be filmed as a soft-core porn flick!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE (1977)

THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE actually features some decent fights and several actors from Lee's films (Bolo Yeung, Jon T. Benn), but it's still terrible in all the right ways. Dig it.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – Live and Let Die (1973)

James Bond on Plisskens Grindhouse? Isn’t this the same site that posts trailers for films with titles like Bare Knuckles or Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster? Yet it is, but this Bond gets a pass due to its mash up of the spy adventure and Blaxploitation genres. While not the best the series has to offer, Live and Let Die did introduce Roger Moore as our favorite secret agent, and even if you’re not a fan of him in the role, there is no doubt that he helped keep the series alive after the departure of Sean Connery. The film is one of the more down to earth adventures for the super agent, as he goes up against a drug lord played by the great Yaphet Kotto. Filled with wild chases, including one of the greatest boat chases ever to be put on film, and lots of wink at the camera humor, Live and Let Die is a ton of fun. Just don’t go into it expecting another From Russia with Love or Goldfinger. The title song by Paul McCartney and Wings is a classic.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - CHARLIE VARRICK (1973)

There were times that Walter Mathau looked so tough he could chew through a glass ashtray. The same guy who years later settled on safe comedies could be a smart, hard-nosed criminal, always playing one step ahead of the cops and two steps ahead of the mob. Charlie Varrick is a tough and smart film directed with near perfection by the great Don Siegel (DIRTY HARRY, ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ). The film follows Mathau as he and his hoods score more in a bank than they bargained for. Buckle up.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - DEATHSTALKER (1983)

So what does Conan the Barbarian have that Deathstalker doesn't? Well, his film had a budget, a good director calling the shots, a wonderful set designer, and an amazing soundtrack to compliment the action. What he doesnt have (and this is debatable) is the wonderfully cheesy attitude that this tacky Argentina produced shit fest has..that and Lana Clarkson and Barbi Benton.

Made during the sword and sorcery craze during the early 1980s, DEATHSTALKER is a hoot from start to finish, featuring a hilarious wooden performance from leading man Richard Hill and plenty of gratuities T&A. You've got to love the heroic "close up" shots Hill gets whenever the filmmakers want to let the audience know what a bad ass he is.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - INVASION U.S.A. (1985)

No one thought it could happen here...America wasn't ready...but HE was!

Chuck Norris plays Matt Hunter, a one man army protecting America from a terrorist invasion and he does it all with a single roundhouse kick...and a bazooka...and a couple of uzi's...and in the army issued agile attire of jeans and a jean shirt...with the sleeves cut off for extra toughness. This film is a plate of cheese with a side of ridiculous but this is a true 80's VHS classic.

Matt Hunter: If you come back in here, I am gonna hit you with so many rights you are going to beg for a left.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - The Astro-Zombies (1968)

Though she was best known for Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, The Astro Zombies was her second greatest role. While Faster is tough and mean (and certainly Satana's best role), Zombies is bug-ass nuts and fun. We lost an icon of cult cinema this weekend. Satana's body of work was light but legendary.

Tura Satana (July 10, 1938 – February 4, 2011)

TRAILER - THE SOLDIER (1982)

Routine espionage actioner from the same director who brought you THE EXTERMINATOR and SHAKEDOWN. Worth catching for an incredible snow ski chase. Sharp eyed viewers may notice that the chase footage was playing in the grindhouse theater Sam Elliot's character was sleeping in during a scene from SHAKEDOWN.

Zevk,
Poe

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review - Red Heat (1988)

G's take: Red Heat is a Walter Heat classic and a cool twist on a tired format. This film has a huge re-watch factor for me. See it!

R.I.P. Tura Satana

Though the claws from the fastest pussycat may be gone, the marks remain. Tura, you will be missed but never forgotten.



Here is the report from The New York Times - http://nyti.ms/hFW7CH

Poe's Saturday Cartoon: Goonland (1938)

During the early to later 1930s, Walt Disney dominated the film market in the field of animated cartoons. No other studio could match the success of the studio's amazing output of great animation and roster of popular cartoon stars. The only animation studio that came close was the Flesischer Studios based out of New York. Distributed through Paramount Pictures, the Flesischer shorts were edgier and more adult than the Disney product. Cartoon stars such as Betty Boop brought a sexiness and urban grit to cartoons that Disney could never had gotten away with. When the studio introduced a character from an E.C Segar comic strip called Popeye the Sailor in a Boop cartoon, they found a new star. By the late 30s, Popeye would surpass Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in popularity. Today's short, Goonland, is one of Popeye's best. Both surreal and funny, the short introduced popular Segar characters Poopdeck Pappy and the Goons to film audiences. Features some of the best Jack Mercer (Popeye's voice) "mumblings" in the series. Take that Mickey Mouse!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)

When there's no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the earth!

DAWN OF THE DEAD is one of the best horror films ever created. Director George A. Romero created a classic, a film even better than the flawless NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. DAWN is slightly less terrifying than NIGHT but it delivers more, feels more complete. It could be the use of satire and horror, it could be the maturity of the director, or it could just be that this film oozes cool out the zombie hole, and with that image now in your head I'm out.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

Godzilla never had it so bad. Teamed with a giant robot named Jet Jaguar, the saurian wages war against Megalon (a giant beetle with drills for arms) and Gigan (a giant chicken cyborg with a buzz saw in his belly) in the goofiest film in the franchise (and these things can get pretty goofy). You know you’re in for a crapfest, as my distinguished fellow writer on the site calls it, when the film is one of the most famous episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Yet, the film is still recommended if you like watching grown men in monster costumes beat the hell out of each other. Amazingly, this entry was one of the more popular in the US at the time of its release due to an ingenious marketing campaign that showed the two lead monsters battling each other on top of the World Trade Center (a blatant attempt to cash in on the release of Dino De Laurentiis remake of King Kong, which had a similar poster). WNBC in New York actually broadcast the film in the late 70s with John Belushi hosting it in a Godzilla suit!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER – The Seven-Ups (1973)

Director Philip D’Antoni was no stranger to tough, gritty cop thrillers when he directed 1973’s The Seven-Ups. And with a resume that included production credits for such films as Bullitt and The French Connection, he knew his way around a car chase, and the one in Seven-Ups rivals the classics from his earlier productions. Once again relying on legendary stunt driver Bill Hickman to help stage the amazing car stunts, D’Antoni creates a sequence so well staged in its fury that it can arguably stand as the greatest chase of all time. Car chases aside, the film is a solid thriller with a standout performance from Roy Scheider. Modern day audiences may find the pacing a bit slow, but for fans of good action films, and you know who you are, you can’t go wrong with The Seven-Ups.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - ABBY (1974)

Meeting notes from the production team of Abby: Make Exorcist...blaxploitation style.. Stage some very effective scenes around some good'ol crap.

Meeting adjourned.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE MERCENARY (1968) aka A PROFESSIONAL GUN

He sells death to the highest bidder! Franco Nero is a badass with a machine gun in another Carbucci classic. Walking around to another brilliant Ennio Morricone score, Nero plays a professional soldier for hire. He is employed by a group of revolutionaries to help them defeat both a Colonel and his men, and a wicked sadist named Curly played by Jack Palance (no relation to his character in the Billy Crystal crap fest). This film falls into the Zapata sub-genre of Westerns and joins THE GREAT SILENCE and DJANGO as Carbucci's best work.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – Parasite (1982)

Parasite has one distinction over a number of films released in 3-D during the early 80s when studios where trying to bring back the fad. Unlike Jaws 3-D or Amityville 3-D, Parasite wasn’t the third installment in a franchise, thus it couldn’t use 3-D in its title. What a shame, because if there had been a Parasite 1 and 2 that proceeded this film, then Demi Moore could have possibly added two more trash features to her resume to go along with of a number of Grindhouse kryptonite flicks such as St. Elmo’s Fire or About Last Night..This was her first starring role. Released as being the first futuristic monster movie in 3-D, Parasite really isn’t that good, but any film that played at Grindhouse theaters in 3-D is worth a look for followers of this site. The flick does offer us some nice gory moments, particularly a scene where the monster bursts out of a person’s head. Legendary monster maker Stan Winston created the effects.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SUPERMEN DONUYOR Aka TURKISH SUPERMAN (1979)

Produced by Kunt Film (no, that's not a joke), SUPERMEN DONUYOR is yet another hilarious remake to come out of Turkey and rivals TURKISH STAR WARS as one of their most famous exports. The trailer alone is worth repeated viewings. Unfuckingbelievable.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (1976)

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA was going to be a western set in Chinatown. Jack Burton was going to be a cowboy that had his horse stolen, forcing him to go on a trek through a mysterious underworld. ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 had a similar origin. John Carpenter wanted to make a western and was always thrilled by the "last stand" finale. Each time though, the budget got the best of him and he had to re-write the script. You could make the argument that it forced him to get creative which in the end, produced a better result. This film is viewed annually and gets better every single time. It's a modern day western that knows when to shut-up and shoot.

See you on forty deuce,
G