TRAILER - DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW (1981)

J.D. Feigelson, author of HORROR HIGH (http://bit.ly/huZjo7) originally planned this as a feature film but the rights were snatched up by CBS. Though the film had to be slightly altered for t.v. the edits were only minor. This film went on to play horror festivals to solid reviews and has built up a strong cult following. This is a very atmospheric film that is freaky as hell.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE VAN (1977)

Bobby couldn't make it... till he went Fun-Truckin'!

THE VAN is one vantastic film! Well, not really, but worth checking out if you're a fan of cheesy teen comedies made in the 70s. Watching it is literally like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to the age of bell bottoms and groovy vibes. Also fun to see Danny DeVito featured in a small role (no pun intended).

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - HORROR HIGH (1974)

First Austin Stoker took on “Precinct 13” in John Carpentar’s classic film. Now he battles pubescent analogies and a nerd bent on revenge in HORROR HIGH! This is an epic grindhouse title with kills a-plenty and a surprisingly witty script by J.D. Fiegelson who would go on to write the classic T.V. movie DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW.

There is something evil out there... Possessed by a force that doesn't belong to this world…Meet Vernon Potts.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – GATOR BAIT (1974)

Sleazy trash classic with Playboy Playmate Claudia Jennings at her loveliest as a sexy poacher doing battle with swamp land rednecks out to take her boop-oop-a-doop away. When the backwoods boys kill her sister, it’s time for some ass kicking: hottie Cajun style.

Directed by Beverly and Ferd Sebastian (THE HITCHHIKERS, FLASH AND THE FIRECAT), GATOR BAIT is basically another grade-Z DELIVERANCE wannabe full of the expected boat chases and backwoods gun play. Actually offers up a surprisingly low amount of nudity for a film of this type. Followed by a sequel 14 years later.

UNTAMED AND DEADLY, she ruled the swamp with a BLAZING GUN and a LUSCIOUS SMILE.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SYBIL DANNING'S ADVENTURE VIDEO: SPACE 1999: ALIEN ATTACK

Starting in the mid-80’s, B-movie queen Sybil Danning went the Elvira Mistress of the Dark route in a battle of cleavage to host her own video series called SYBIL DANNING’S ADVENTURE VIDEO. The series featured Sybil introducing each film with one-liners and double-entendres and always in a costume that matched the theme of the film. There were 26 titles in all and included: MAN CALLED RAGE, WOMEN IN CELL BLOCK 7, BLOOD & GUTS, BRAVE BUNCH, MEAN BUSINESS aka PAY OR DIE (http://bit.ly/eJhpcb) and British television shows like Roger Moore's THE SAINT and today's trailer of SPACE 1999: ALIEN ATTACK. Locating all 26 films is more difficult than locating the lost city of Atlantis but it's worth the hunt. These films were always perfect for late night viewing and done in the best traditions of the grindhouse. For bringing these to the masses, we owe Sybil our thanks. God breast her.





See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – THEM! (1954)

Landmark science fiction film about giant ants was one of the first of the atomic age monster movies and remains one of the best to come out of the 1950s. Though THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS (1953) was the first creature feature to explore the possible consequences of mankind entering the atomic age, THEM! was the initial film to fantasize the effects atomic radiation may have on living creatures, in this case common desert ants in New Mexico.

The film has stood the test of time and still works beautifully because of its documentary type style and straightforward story. The pacing is beautiful as it starts out as a standard police mystery and then transforms itself into a science fiction thriller once the ants show up. I can picture how scared 1950s audiences must have been when they finally realize that it is a colony of giant ants that are responsible for the plot’s killings. The ants themselves remind me of the shark in JAWS. Both are 'life-sized”, giant mechanical props that are effective even if they don’t look entirely real; proof that a strong story can trump some not-so special effects and make a film work.

THEM! was Warner Brother’s biggest hit of 1954 and its success spawned a whole slew of giant insect movies that are still being made up to this day. I’m itching to see this one remade as I can only imagine what it would be like to watch an effective update with solid direction and JURASSIC PARK style special effects. My mouth literally waters at the thought. At Hollywood’s rate of grinding out remakes, my wish will probably come true.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY (1981)

Bob Boyle: Ann? Mommy says you're not dead. Is that true?

A “video nasty” was the UK version of the "parental advisory" label that started appearing on CD’s in the late 80’s. A “video nasty” was a video cassette that was criticized for its excessive violent content by the press, religious organizations, and other outlets. HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY was slapped with that label mainly because of two violent murders that occur in the film which are gruesome even by today’s standards. The picture went through several edited releases but we will soon see the full uncut version from Blue Underground (Bill Lustig’s distribution house) hopefully in 2011. This is a brilliant film by Lucio Fulci that I think features a classic story and a great, methodical approach to the direction. Though ZOMBIE remains his best film, HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY has to be a very close second.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM (1979)

Typically wild Venoms film full of the dizzy battles and double crosses one has come to expect in these Chang Cheh kung fu fests. Notable for being one of the few films in the series to feature Wei Pai, better known to fans as "Snake" or the "Sixth Venom".

As always, the best part of these films is watching the antics of the three Peking Opera trained team members: Kuo Chui, Lu Feng and Chiang Sheng. Here we get a wild spear/axe battle between Lu Feng and Chiang Sheng that simply amazes. It's also fun to see the team's strong man, Lo Meng, get to play a villain for once. Usually reduced to playing a secondary hero role that gets killed off early in the film, here he gets the title role and survives right up to the end.

THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM is another winner from the Shaw Brothers, perfect for that late night kung fu marathon we know you're itching to put together.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - PENITENTIARY II (1982)

Before B.A. Baracus, before Clubber Lang, Mr. T was....Mr. T!

PENITENTIARY I and II are both pretty fun films, the acting is terrible and the plot is ridiculous but the actors here don't seem to know they are in a trash can of a film which makes it work. These films were at the end of the Blaxpoitation genre but they were a reminder of how well the genre could work when they don't mock themselves. Having said that, skip PENITENTIARY III. The actors were in on the joke at that point,

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel & Ebert Classic Review - CRIMSON TIDE (1995) & Gene and Roger discuss Tarantino

This is a special edition of Classic Reviews. As we mentioned on The Double, today is Quentin Tarantino's birthday. Gene and Roger devoted a show to Tarantino's influential film PULP FICTION called PULP FACTION: THE TARANTINO GENERATION and I thought it would be an interesting look back. But first, a look at Tony Scott's CRIMSON TIDE, a film the features some scripting by Tarantino. Though written by Michael Schiffer (COLORS, LEAN ON ME), Tarantino was brought in to punch up a key scene with Denzel Washington. Take it away boys...







CRIMSON TIDE (1995) - ****

Hunter: Denzel Washington
Ramsey: Gene Hackman
Zimmer: Matt Craven
Cob: George Dzundza

Directed By Tony Scott. Written By Michael Schiffer, Based On A Story By Schiffer And Richard P. Henrick. Running Time: 116 Minutes. Rated R

It’s no secret that I am huge Tony Scott fan. He has a visual style that carries an action film unlike anybody else in the business. Match that skill with a very complex script and that equals one of his best films. While the situation is simply explained, a first officer attempts a mutiny on a submarine to prevent the captain from carrying out unconfirmed orders to launch nuclear missiles, the way the film debates the arguments of both sides is smart and to some extent sympathetic to each side of the argument. Denzel Washington turns in a great performance, but this is Gene Hackman’s film. He towers above the cast and has a controlling presence as the grizzled captain. Though this film has very well staged action scenes, including a white knuckle scene as the submarine losses power and sinks to hull crushing depths, it is the dialogue and skilled direction that allow this film to go beyond your average action picture. Thumbs WAY up!





See you on forty deuce,
G

Poe's Saturday Cartoon: BOOP-OOP-A-DOOP (1932)

This early Betty Boop cartoon was made back when the Fleischer Studio were still trying to emulate the Disney style with one little difference. You never saw Mickey trying to molest Minnie and take her "boop-oop-a-doop" away. Incredibly adult for their time, the early Boop cartoons took full advantage of a code less Hollywood. Made before the production code of 1934, these cartoons featured Betty as an innocent yet sexy flapper complete with baby-doll looks, short dresses, high heels, a garter belt and noticeable cleavage. The shorts were full of sexual innuendos, none so much as today's cartoon.

BOOP-OOP-A-DOOP has Betty at work in the circus, avoiding the sexual advances of a slimy ringmaster. His "moves" on Boop are jaw dropping exploitive, and you don't have to think long to guess what Betty means when she begs him not to take her "boop-oop-a-doop" away. Series regulars Koko the Clown and Bimbo make appearances in this must be seen to be believed cartoon.

Don't watch this one with the kiddies.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - 13 ASSASSINS (2010)

Director Takashi Miike has made some notorious films. AUDITION, ICHI THE KILLER, the DEAD OR ALIVE trilogy, even his own take on DJANGO called SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO (that featured an appearance by Tarantino). Miike's films are an orchestra of violence and always challenge the viewer in some way. His new film 13 ASSASSINS recently played to incredible reviews at SXSW and if the trailer is any indication, it looks like Miike will once again kick unholy ass.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME (1976)

Led Zeppelin. Live on film. Enough said.


Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE DARK (1979)

I remember seeing this one as a kid and wondering why in the hell did the film receive an R rating. There isn't much gore, absolutely no nudity, maybe one or two cuss words...as a ten year old boy itching to see some R rated goodness, I felt completed gipped.

Re watching the film recently, I not only felt gipped again but was a bit in the dark as to why the filmmakers would make an alien from outer space look like a giant zombie. That's because the film was originally a straight horror film about a zombie mutilating the goods citizens of Los Angeles at night. After the film received negative reviews during early screenings, the studio decided to change it to into a science fiction piece, adding laser beam eyes to the zombie's methods of destroying his victims and claiming that he came from outer space. No, I'm not kidding.

THE DARK is still worth a look for anyone who wants to see yet another film that rode on the coattails of Ridley Scott's ALIEN, released that same year. Because you know that's exactly what the studio had in mind when they added the outer space angle. I wonder why they didn't give the zombie a second set of jaws?

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SUPER FUZZ (1980)

Sergio Carbucci is one of my favorite directors. DJANGO, THE GREAT SILENCE, HELLBENDERS, NAVAJOE JOE, they are all incredibly impressive films, unlike SUPER FUZZ which plays on the opposite side of impressive. This film is crap. Back in the 80’s it felt like HBO had five films in their catalog and SUPER FUZZ was one of them so I have seen this film more times than it deserves. Multiple viewings has brain-washed me into a fondness for the FUZZ. Damn you Carbucci for making this crap charming!

Terrence Hill does his best Trinity with super powers and Ernest Borgnine walks through the film looking like he swallowed a spoon. If you are looking for any Carbucci hallmarks move along to one of his better films. There is nothing to see here but a man catching a bullet between his teeth to a theme song that literally doesn’t stop until the end of the film (at which point it continues in your head for weeks).

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (1973)

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER is one of Clint Eastwood's most interesting westerns, made two years after the actor had reached superstar status with his iconic role in DIRTY HARRY. Offbeat and noirish, this tale of ultimate revenge borders on the supernatural as Eastwood's ghostlike stranger helps a small western town protect themselves from a band of outlaws, led by Eastwood regular: Geoffrey Lewis. All is not what it seems though as we slowly realize that the stranger has ulterior motives and that's when the fun begins.

Written by Ernest Tidyman (The FRENCH CONNECTION) and featuring a stellar cast of familiar character actors, HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER remains one of Clint's better westerns and was the first that he both directed and starred in. Interestingly enough, John Wayne disliked the film due to its violent content. He actually wrote to Clint, letting him know how he felt that the film gave the old west a negative vibe. You've got to wonder if Clint sent him a new pair of glasses to replace the rose colored ones he must have been wearing.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS (1980)

John Saxon as Sador: Hear me, beings of Akir. I am Sador of the Malmori. I have come with my forces to conquer you. If you resist, I will crush you. I possess a stellar converter, the most powerful weapon in the universe. You cannot resist me. I want your planet to be my colony. Your harvest comes in seven risings of your red giant. I shall return then, and you will accept me as your master. If you do not submit, your planet and all life on it will be burned to ash...You are mine.

In the vast world of STAR WARS rip-offs which continue today, STARCRASH (http://bit.ly/g7GAMa) is my favorite. A close second however is BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS. Roger Corman knows how to quickly and efficiently pound out a genre picture. His films (outside of one or two) were always profitable, in part because of the talent he found. Scorsese, Coppola, Bogdanovich, Ron Howard, all worked with Corman early in their careers. In today's film, two Corman alumni: John Sayles (who wrote the film) and James Cameron. Cameron started on BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS as a model maker, designing the ship Nell to get Corman’s attention: He basically created a ship that resembled a female chest. Cameron was promoted to Production Designer by the end of the film. Along for the ride is John “steel hair” Saxon, George “Hannibal” Preppard, Robert “I am often dull” Vaughn and Sybil “I actually had to be glued into this costume because too many shots were ruined by nipple exposure” Danning.

Rebels. Outlaws. Mercenaries. Seven magnificent warriors join to fight the... Battle Beyond The Stars.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - DEAD-END DRIVE IN (1986)

We’ve all been there before. We get to the drive-in, unload the friends from the trunk, grab some corn and coke, and settle in for the film only to realize the drive-in is a concentration camp for societies least wanted. DEAD-END DRIVE IN is a post-apocalyptic tale from the legendary Brian Trenchard-Smith. Trenchard-Smith is a smart filmmaker who truly appreciates his plots and characters. He doesn’t operate under any false pretenses, he knows exactly what his films are and fully embraces each genre he works in. This is really one of his most visually interesting pictures. Australians and the apocalypse, they go together like Chiba and ass-kicking.

There's a party every day, a movie every night, and all the junk food you can eat. What more can a kid want... except to get out of the DEAD-END DRIVE IN!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - EEGAH (1962)

Primitive Passions Turned On! Love Breaks the Time Barrier!

I can imagine driving past a movie theater in 1962 and looking up to see the title of this trailer up on the marquee, imagining that a wind storm had jumbled the lettering for the film's title, accidentally spelling out EEGAH. But then the title is there the next day, and the next, until it has finally been replaced a week later by a newer film (I can't imagine this film playing longer than a week at any theater).

One of the worst movies ever made, EEGAH is a laugh a minute for fans of the "so bad it's good" school of film making. Here we have the tale of a caveman who has been living in the California desert who falls in love with a teenage girl from Palms Springs. Shockingly, his love is scorned, causing him to loose his temper and go on a rampage. Or maybe it was the obnoxious "beach party" type teenagers and their dune buggies that pissed him off. Either way, he ends up dead in a pool at the end.

Richard Kiel, who plays the caveman, would go on to play some incredibly menacing characters in the 1970s, but here he is just plain goofy. As is the rest of the cast. With all of these negatives going against it, the film still managed to make up its $15,000 budget when it pulled in that same amount during its debut at a drive-in in Omaha, Nebraska! The filmmakers must have literally pissed themselves with shock when they learned of the returns, letting out a big "Eegah" of relief.


Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - GODZILLA VS. THE THING (1964)

For those of you who haven't seen this film, you are probably wondering what in the hell is The Thing. Is it the carrot man from THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD blown up to gigantic proportions so that he can battle Godzilla? Or maybe it is some mutated , multi tentacled creature as the ambiguous American movie poster would have us think? No, it's just our old friend Mothra, back for her second film appearance after her debut in 1961's MOTHRA. Why the American distributing company that released the film changed her name to The Thing is beyond me. Luckily, the name change didn't affect the finished product, as GODZILLA VS. THE THING is the best of the sequels to the original GOJIRA.

Full of creative battle and destruction scenes, the film was the last in the original Showa series to feature a villainous Godzilla. He's all bad ass, cranky atomic terror here as he takes another jab at Japan and is forced to battle Mothra after he threatens to destroy the big momma moth's egg. A subplot about greedy landowners gives the film some depth and ties in nicely with the monster mayhem. No other film in the series outside of GOJIRA was so craftily made. A real winner for monster fans.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE HELLCATS (1967)

This is going to be a short write-up only because this film makes about as much sense as Gary Busy after a bender. This film has flashes of tough and I am all for female biker gangs but...what the fuck?

LEATHER ON THE OUTSIDE...ALL WOMAN ON THE INSIDE...THE HELLCATS!

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review: DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (1993) & ESCAPE FROM L.A. (1996)

G’s Take: DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY - *** - While I agree with both Gene and Roger that Jason Scott Lee delivers an amazing and special performance as Bruce Lee, I disagree that the film does a disservice to Lee’s fans by not spending a large amount of time on Lee’s death. For a life that was as dramatic, successful, and interesting as Lee’s, the cause of his death is the least interesting part of the story. People die, even the really famous ones. I don’t know whole lot of people that think there was a curse. However, that story is a lot more interesting than a brain aneurysm. DRAGON is a smart bio-epic directed by Rob Cohen that manages some very well-choreographed fight scenes done in the tradition of Lee’s best work. Thumbs Up!





G’s Take: ESCAPE FROM L.A. - ** ½ - Let me preface this review be saying how much I dig Carpenters work. When he is on, he is one of the best directors around. HALLOWEEN, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13, THE THING, and of course ESPCAPE FROM NEW YORK, are some of my favorite films. Carpenter has a very distinct style that is M.I.A. on ESCAPE FROM L.A., in fact, it was M.I.A. throughout the 90’s. Carpenter didn’t make a single film in the 90’s that I could recommend (VAMPIRES comes close) and ESCAPE FROM L.A. is no different. I don’t know what happened in the process of making this film but nothing works here outside of an okay chase. Even Kurt Russell falls flat in his iconic role. I agree with Gene on this one. Thumbs Down.

TRAILER - FIVE BLOODY GRAVES (1970)

Al Adamson has directed some of my favorite grindhouse films of all time: HORROR OF THE BLOOD MONSTERS, NURSE SHERRI, and at the top of the Adamson shit pile BLACK SAMURAI which is just lunacy wrapped in Jim Kelly’s afro. Adamson took his skills, such as they were, to the western genre in FIVE BLOOD GRAVES, filmed just after BLOOD MONSTERS. This film really isn’t as poorly made as some of his other stuff and has slightly less action and gore than the trailer suggests, but it has the Adamson touch making it a certified crapterpiece.

One quick note: I dig the warning at the beginning of this trailer. The “audience disclaimer” has a long history as a publicity tool, even PSYCHO used that. Here endeth the note.

Lust-Mad Men and Lawless Women in a Vicious and Sensuous Orgy of Slaughter! FIVE BLOODY GRAVES!

See you on forty deuce,
G

Poe's Saturday Cartoon: MOTOR MANIA (1950)

Jack Kinney's MOTOR MANIA is a timeless classic that is just as relevant today as it was when first released 61 years ago. Goofy's demonstration of bad driving skills is so effective that many drivers education courses will show the short to point out what not to do when out on the road. I for one remember watching it during my drivers ed course in high school.

This cartoon is the first in a series of Goofy shorts that cast him as an everyman who stumbles his way through a number of situations in the domestic world of the 1950s. Often referred to as "Mr. Geef" in these cartoons, the Goof would go on to tackle issues with smoking, over eating, getting sick, insomnia and fatherhood is some of the funnier Disney shorts of the era. MOTOR MANIA was the best of the bunch, as this is the only cartoon where Goofy truly shows an evil side to his character. His transformation into the hideous Mr. Wheeler is both funny and just a little too familiar. I know I've transformed into a Mr. Wheeler a few times during that long drive into work.

So the next time you find yourself cursing up a storm at the mini van who just cut you off, remember back to this cartoon and imagine what kind of fool you must look like. Who said you couldn't learn good social behavior on Plissken's Grindhouse.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - MEAN BUSINESS (1979) aka DEVIL'S THREE

Marrie Lee in her first Cleopatra Wong film. An underworld kingpin's daughter is kidnapped so naturally he calls in Cleopatra Wong who brings in her posse vengeance: A 300+ pound psychic and a female impersonator. This film is the best kind of terrible around.

Wong crime! Wong time! Cleopatra Wong is MEAN BUSINESS!

See you on forty Deuce,
G

R.I.P. Michael Gough

To honor the legendary British character actor Michael Gough, who passed away today at age 94, Plissken's Grindhouse will be playing the trailer for one of his most famous films: HORROR OF DRACULA. Best known for his work at Hammer Studios and for his role as Alfred the Butler in the pre-Nolan Batman films, Michael was a hard working showman who worked in the business for over 46 years. R.I.P Michael, you'll be missed.

TRAILER - BACHELOR PARTY (1984)

"Let's have a bachelor party with chicks and guns and fire trucks and hookers and drugs and booze!"

Happy St. Patrick's Day Plisskenites. For those of you heading out tonight to pound back the green beer, we salute you. For those of you who are staying home to avoid the madness but still feel like a party, grab a sixer and throw in this little gem. Made back when Tom Hanks was mostly known to the masses as the comic who dressed like a girl on some television show, BACHELOR PARTY has reached cult status in recent years due to the presence of Hanks and bad girl Tawny Kitaen in the leads. Full of goofy, frat boy humor, the film is a lot of fun and offers up a fair amount of laughs as Tom and buddies tear it up one night during that wild male ritual known as the bachelor party.

Interestingly enough, Hanks and Kitaen weren't the producer's first choices for the lead-roles. Paul Reiser and Kelly McGillis originally landed the parts, but due to a lack of chemistry, were replaced in early production. A wise decision, as Hanks and Kitaen play well off each other and as anyone who has had the fortune (or misfortune) of watching a Whitesnake video can tell you, Kitaen was one hot piece of loveliness back in the day.

So as an added St. Patty's Day bonus, we will be showing one of those Whitesnake videos for all of the single guys out there that will strike out tonight. And ladies, if David Coverdale is your cup of tea, well, you've got that as well. Just don't expect this kind of thing too often on the Grindhouse. Salute!



Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - LEPRECHAUN 2 (1994)

Scream as you may! Scream as you might! If you try to escape, you'll be dead on this night.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Sláinte,
G

TRAILER - STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN (1982)

Leonard Nimoy never was never excited for a Star Trek sequel, but he was brought back with the promise his character Spock would die, an intriguing idea and a gutsy move for the franchise. In many ways, STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KAHN could not be the greatest Trek film without that death scene. The idea of killing off a main character dictates a darker story line and a Shakespearian ending. A story line of that strength needs a villain of the same scope to help that narrative focus, and we get that in spades with Kahn. This film is far from the grindhouse, but is 12 kinds of tough and remains a sci-fi classic.

The first Trek film operates like a procedural. It took adventurous characters and removed the adventure. It is a slowly plotted piece that while I still love, can be very hard to get through. WRATH OF KAHN however, moves at a breakneck pace towards one of the most shocking endings you could imagine. We follow a captain firmly in charge of his crew as he comes face to face with his nemesis, from there we are treated to some of the best dog-fights we have seen outside of the STAR WARS films. These ships fight like pirate ships shooting cannons, they don’t act like the agile Falcon or Tie-Fighters. These are shots that are looking for a clear mark, not spraying with lasers hoping to hit something. This is not only the best Trek film to this day, but also a personal favorite that has a comfortable slot in my top 25.

At the end of the universe, lies the beginning of vengeance...

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - TURKEY SHOOT aka ESCAPE 2000 (1982)

Brian Trenchard-Smith is one of my favorite Directors. He directed a film that would eventually lead me to scrapes, bruises, and a broken arm as a child, the classic BMX BANDITS (1983). Trenchard-Smith also directed some of the most sought after work in my video store: THE MAN FROM HONG KONG (1975), DEATH CHEATERS (1976), the now infamous STUNT ROCK (1980), to some of his later work like DEAD-END DRIVE-IN (1986), Trenchard-Smith was known for taking the smallest of budgets and creating tremendous action scenes. B-movie films directed with blockbuster talent. TURKEY SHOOT aka ESCAPE 2000 (1982) is no different. Though it works on themes found in the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” which at its most simple explanation is about hunting humans for sport, TURKEY SHOOT is a vehicle for action coming fast and quick as soon as the film begins. Fistfights, explosions, chases, and hot chicks with a dash of pure chaos. Everything a growing boy needs. TURKEY SHOOT is classic grindhouse at its best.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - EMPIRE OF THE ANTS (1977)

It's no picnic!

Unintentionally funny eco-horror film from director Bert I. Gordon about super intelligent, giant ants on the loose in the Florida everglades. Based on a short story by H.G. Wells, EMPIRE OF THE ANTS is a typical Gordon disaster, full of cheap special effects and ham acting. The man must have really had an infatuation with size, as he had already enlarged rats, wasps, grasshoppers, spiders and even man in previous film efforts. Worth a good chuckle.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - NO BLADE OF GRASS (1970)

I saw NO BLADE OF GRASS (1970) back in the early ‘90’s on a grainy VHS tape that was being passed around my geek community of acne covered, mullet wearing film freaks (I paint a picture of a good looking crew). It was one of those copies that had been played so often the auto-tracking clicked on about every 20 minutes in search of a clearer picture. The Director of the film was Cornel Wilde. Though NO BLADE OF GRASS would make a significant impression on me, Wilde fell off my radar until earlier this year when I saw NAKED PREY (1966) and since then I have been on a search for a copy of NO BLADE with no luck.

This film has been called the exploitation film with a message. It touches on themes of global warming (which was way ahead of its time) and a society spinning out of control. This is a smart, violent film with a very strong narrative that is unique to the exploitation genre. If you can find this film, watch it at your first opportunity. If you can’t, just come back to the Grindhouse and peep the trailer.

See you on forty deuce.
G

TRAILER - DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1966)

Cool Hammer flick with Christopher Lee back for his second go around as the blood thirsty Count Dracula. Terence Fisher's atmospheric direction helps boost a rather simple plot about a group of travelers and their run in with the King of the Vampires. Lee play the entire film with out any dialogue, hissing his way through his scenes. He always seemed to be under used in these Hammer Dracula flicks, this film being no exception. He's only on screen for a few minutes of the film's 90 minute running time. His commanding presence and the expert staging of his scenes all make it worth the wait.

DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS remains one of Hammer's best, and in my opinion, is one of the better vampire films out there.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - VILLAIN (1971)

The Kray twins were the largest perpetrators of organized crime in London’s East End during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Armed robbery, arson, assault, torture, all in a day’s work. In VILLAIN (1971), Richard Burton stars as Vic Dakin, a character based on the Kray twins. He essentially takes the character traits of each twin and roles it up in to one package of ruthlessness. VILLAIN has one of the best Burton performances you can find. He is given dialogue that pops you straight in the mush. This is a forgotten eru-gangster film that takes full advantage of our motto “Tough films for the rough crowd.”

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - BATMAN: THE MOVIE (1966)

Nothing says Sunday mornings to me like the campy Batman series from the 60's. For some reason, the local station here thought this belonged right after Televangelist Jimmy Swaggert. It must have been a preemptive strike for those that had naughty thoughts about Julie Newmar as Catwoman. Though Newmar left production before this film (replaced by Lee Meriwether) the rest of the cast is in place. This is Bat-shit but in the best way possible.

See you on forty deuce,
G

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review: BATMAN (1989) & BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM (1993)

G’s Take: BATMAN (1989) - *** - Michael Keaton was an odd choice to play BATMAN, he looks nothing like the tall, muscular character from the comics, but he fits in perfectly with Director Tim Burton’s vision of Gotham. Jack Nicholson steals the show as the Joker, the scene in the Gotham Art Museum shows both the insanity of the character and the brilliance of Jack (and is by far the best action set piece in the film). What holds the film back from greatness is a plot that often lacks focus and the pacing of the film suffers because of it. Burton’s second Batman film, BATMAN RETURNS (1992), remains my favorite of the two due to a more well thought out story and humor that was lacking completely from the first film. Thumbs up.





G’s Take: BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM (1993) - *** 1/2 - BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES premiered in 1992 and ran through 1995. It represents some of the best animation I have seen. It is a tough, hardboiled take on Batman based partially on Frank Miller’s comic BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS (which Director Christopher Nolan would also use as source material for his vision of the character). The success of the series would lead to this film helmed with precision by the animated series vets Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm. The characters are smart, the action scenes are inventive, and the voice acting in this film is phenomenal. Mark Hamill is far from the X-Wing as the Joker, and he delivers the voice that I feel like I always had in my head when I was reading the comics. Batman is voiced by Kevin Conroy who’s Batman voice sounds like he is chewing on nails and his Wayne voice is calm, patient and thoughtful. Conroy gives the character a complexity we had not seen on-screen at this point. Both actors still voice the characters today. This remains one of my favorite Batman films to this day (second only to Nolan’s 2008 THE DARK KNIGHT). Thumbs WAY up.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - SHAKEDOWN (1988)

When the bad guys have taken over... and the good guys are the worst of all... whatever you do, don't call the cops...

When I first saw the ad for SHAKEDOWN with all of its cool looking action scenes and slick "buckle up" type dialogue set to that amazing Hendrix riff, I really hoped that the film would live up to its trailer. Multiple viewings later I guess you can say that it did as the film remains one of my favorite action flicks from the 80s.

I'm not really sure why, as the cops on the take plot line isn't all that original, and the action scenes, while explosive, all feel like they end before they really get started. More than anything it's the cool pairing of Peter Weller, playing a slick attorney, and Sam Elliott, tough as nails as a gruff undercover cop, that does it for me. I've always liked buddy action films that don't focus on how the lead characters first met and grow to respect each other through their first escapade together. In SHAKEDOWN, Weller and Elliott seem to already have a past and this case is just an opportunity for them to team up for another adventure. Both actors nail their performances and as a team they have a vibe that oozes cool. It's a shame that the two never teamed up for another film.

Honestly though, it all comes back to that trailer, as it literally brainwashed me into expecting the film to be kick ass and damn if it didn't work. I can't think of another trailer on Plissken's Grindhouse that works so well for me. Check it out and see for yourself.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THEY CALL HER CLEOPATRA WONG (1978)

If you think it's safe to be a criminal, you’re dead WONG.



THEY CALL HER CLEOPATRA WONG (1978) is from the same “Director” as ONE ARMED EXECUTIONER (http://bit.ly/h62Y9Q) and the results are just as spectacular (see: glorious pile of shit). There is no way anybody involved with this production thought “Man, we are making something great here.” This is classically bad. If I were a rutheless villain intent on taking over the world and I was treated to a display of prowess like the one Cleopatra Wong gives us, I would say “Her! I would like her to be my nemesis.” This film is 12 kinds of suck on a bad day, and I am huge fan because of that.

She purrs like a kitten and makes love like a siren. This side of the pacific, she is the meanest, deadliest and sexiest secret agent. She is Cleopatra Wong!

See you on forty deuce,
G

Poe's Saturday Cartoon: THE WEARING OF THE GRIN (1951)

In honor of St. Patrick's Day next week, today on Poe's Saturday Cartoon we will be featuring a Chuck Jone's Porky Pig cartoon from 1951 titled THE WEARING OF THE GRIN. Made when Chuck Jones was at his creative peek, the short is one of his odder cartoons with its Gothic trappings and a surreal dream sequence that seems more fitting for a Bob Clampett entry. Porky's run in with a couple of leprechauns is actually quiet spooky and Jones and long time collaborator, writer Michael Maltese, do a good job of blending the surreal with the looney.

Interesting enough, this was one of the last solo cartoons Porky Pig was featured in during animation's golden era. From this point on, the fussy, stuttering pig would be featured primarily as a sidekick to Daffy Duck. Not that the move hurt his career, as he is at his funniest when playing a Greek chorus of sorts, commenting on the idiocies of the crazy mallard.

So raise your drinking glasses a few days early and keep your eyes out for that pot of gold as you enjoy this little gem.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967)

If I were to guess which film in the James Bond series Mike Myers sat down and watched to get ideas to spoof in his Austin Powers films, it would have to be YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. Along with THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, this film features more of what we think of as the Bond cliches than any other film in the series. So how about a cliche role call? Villain calling the shots from his hollowed out volcano base while stroking his white cat: check. Conveniently placed pool full of man eating animals (this time piranhas) that the villain uses to dispose of his enemies: check. Giant henchman: check. Sexy femme fatale: check. Multiple women for Bond to bed: check. Super gadgets (this time a high speed mini helicopter): check. And the list goes on.

Cliches aside, this is a Sean Connery Bond, so it's worth catching no matter how silly it can get. Even when he seems a bit bored in the role (as he does here at times), Connery delivers the toughest and coolest interpretation of Ian Fleming's super agent. Just check out the office fight scene where Bond fights off a giant henchman with a couch! Only Connery can pull this off and make it work.

One word of warning: the Connery Bonds could be extremely chauvinistic and YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE is no exception. All in all though, a solid Bond effort worth repeated viewings.

Zevk,
Poe

G Presents: The Double featuring HELL'S ANGELS ON WHEELS (1967) & GIMME SHELTER (1970)

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. It’s a double bill of danger and icons at the grindhouse. Jack Nicholson and The Hell’s Angels star in our first film. In our second film, The Angels make a return appearance with The Rolling Stones.

First up, Jack Nicholson as Poet in HELL’S ANGELS ON WHEELS (1967). Nicholson started out working for Hannah-Barbera and had more than decent chops as an artist, but his sights were set on the big screen. I always found it fitting that he started out in animation, that big shit eating grin that only Jack can flash is straight out of the exaggerated features seen in a toon.

HELL’s was a few years before EASY RIDER (1969) but the biker genre was already on fire. Most of those films lack the authenticity that is on display with this film (real life Hell’s Angel Sonny Barger served as consultant on this film and can also be heard in our next film). In most biker films the actors come off as just that, actors. In Roger Ebert’s review of this film (http://bit.ly/ihz4TO), he noted that in Roger Corman’s WILD ANGELS (1966) stars Peter Fonda and Nancy Sinatra “came across as middle-class kids who didn't want to get dirty.” Not a problem with this film. This film is dangerous and full of good old fashion exploitation excess. Two years after this film Nicholson would steal the show in EASY RIDERS and would soon after reach legend status.

The shattering true story of the Hell's Angels of Northern California! The violence...The hate...The way-out parties...Exactly as it happens!



Next up, the film you came to see, Albert and David Maysles GIMME SHELTER (1970). The Maysles brothers have been responsible for some of my favorite documentaries of all time: SALESMEN (1968) and GIMME SHELTER (1970). Both show moments of defeat that less skilled filmmakers would not have been able to capture. The defeat experienced in SALESMAN is personal and career centric just as it is in GIMME SHELTER. In SALESMAN however, spirits are damaged, in SHELTER lives are lost.

It was going to be the west coast answer to Woodstock, a free show headlined by The Rolling Stones. 300,000 people answered the call and flooded the Altamont Speedway in Northern California. By the end of the night there would be one homicide at the hands of The Hell’s Angels, three accidental deaths, and one headlining band that would rarely ever discuss the incident again in it’s long history. This concert is known as the event that ended the 60’s and the Maysle’s are there filming it frame by frame.

What the Maysle’s do so well is disappear to the subjects they are capturing, there is a naturalistic approach to each shot in their films (they call it the "fly on a wall" technique) and SHELTER is no different. The reactions to the events on screen are ours, we aren’t told what we should think. The Maysle’s film some of the most intense footage I have seen in a film, we not only see but feel the events spiraling into chaos: The crowd growing uneasy and restless, the Angel’s actions become more aggressive. Mick Jagger said “It was terrible. If Jesus had been there he would have been crucified ('Let it Bleed’, by Ethan A Russell).” Rock and Roll.

"When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.” Motto of The Hell’s Angels



Here's to good watching this weekend, salute!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER – UP IN SMOKE (1978)

My father, a fairly straight laced individual, once told me a story about how he went to see a movie called UP IN SMOKE at a little theater in Corvallis, Oregon in 1978. He wasn’t expecting much, as all he knew about the film’s stars, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, were that they had made some funny adult records and featured a lot of drug humor in their act. 90 minutes later my father’s sides ached from belly laughs and he ultimately had difficulty sleeping that night as he lay remembering scenes from the film.

When I was old enough to view the film myself, I could see what he was laughing about. The Holy Grail of all pothead comedies, UP IN SMOKE is a comedy tour de force for the counter culture comedy team. Even conservative viewers have been known to laugh out loud at the film's simplistic yet hilarious humor. The movie's strength lies in the fact that Cheech and Chong are likable characters that aren’t out to hurt anyone; they just want to live life as high as possible. A great cast including Stother Martin, Tom Skerritt and Stacy Keach (who is great as Sargent Standako, a character from their albums), provide strong support in this comedy classic.

Note to party animals: the flick makes a great drinking game movie. Drink every time you hear the word “man” and I bet you struggle saying it yourself by the end of the movie (the word is said 295 times over the course of the film).

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - SLIPSTREAM (1989)

Producer Gary Kurtz has been involved in some of my favorite films: TWO-LANE BLACKTOP, AMERICAN GRAFFITTI, STAR WARS, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and THE DARK CRYSTAL. Then Kurtz decided to get involved with SLIPSTREAM and had a rare miss. SLIPSTREAM has potential written all over it. Instead, it ends up being good in that straight to video coulda been good kind of way. SLIPSTREAM has great ideas and interesting characters not to mention a good cast: Mark Hamill (who went the “I am not Luke Skywalker” method actor route and put on a few pounds for this role), Bill Paxton, F. Murray Abraham, Ben Kingsley, and an un-credited Robbie Coltrane. We get to see Hamill (now a top voice-actor) be a bad ass and we get to see Paxton pop off some one-liners like only he can. SLIPSTREAM ain’t great, but it ain’t bad.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - BLOOD BEACH (1980)

I love the tag line for this film: "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...you can't get to it!" I'm guessing the filmmakers are assuming that we have all seen JAWS and JAWS 2? We all know that at one point it wasn't safe to go in the water but it is now because those dangerous sharks have been blown up and electrocuted to death? Or maybe they are expecting us to know that Tentacles and Orca are no longer around? Gary Busey from the BIG WEDNESDAY?

Poor marketing aside, BLOOD BEACH is worth catching for anyone who enjoys watching these Jaws ripoffs that were so prevelant during the late 70s and early 80s. The film does offer up some interesting ideas, with a "monster under the sand" premise predating TREMORS by ten years. And any film that features John Saxon and Burt Young as detectives is worth a look. You've got to wonder why JAWS 3 didn't piggyback on this film with a tagline that read: "Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the beach...you can but now there is another fucking shark in the water!"

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - THE ONE ARMED EXECUTIONER (1983)

From the director that brought you nothing good, and the star of some terrible junk comes a crap-fest served up in a tale of revenge. This is bad. This is so bad Ed Wood would say “Now this is some shit!” There is nothing redeeming about this film but it deserves a special spot at your next viewing party after the Jell-O shots and vodka Red Bulls. You know the movie sucks when they can’t even nail a sex scene (two words: Shower cap) and represent painful memories by cutting to slow motion walks on the beach. This is a TDG classic. Time for another shot!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - FAST FIVE (2011)

Buckle up, start the engines, and prepare for maximum warp. This series is all about taking the idea of a chase and building a film to put you in the driver seat. We are in. Let's get it on!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE THING WITH TWO HEADS (1972)

I imagine the look of horror you have on your face after accidentally walking in on your parents having sex is similar to the look I wore as I viewed THE THING WITH TWO HEADS. This is a hilariously bad comedy....no make that a hilariously bad blaxploitation film....no, how about we call it a hilariously bad horror film.... bad carsploitation film? Hard to label this one, as in the course of 90 minutes we are treated to hospital drama, mad scientist hijinks, a two headed gorilla, a long car chase full of crashing police cars, an ending that belongs on a Brady Bunch episode and of course the title character himself, played by that daffy duo of Ray Milland and Rosey Grier. And for those of you looking for a film about racial love, don't start here. Milland and Grier hate each other right up to the end. A must for fans of the two headed person genre.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY (1974)

Peter Fonda just has a way of making a film cool. He got stuck in a particular style of film and I always thought he was more capable than the material, but this and a few others (RACE WITH THE DEVIL) represent some of his best post-EASY RIDER work. The making of this chase classic is almost better than the film itself. At one time, the rights were owned by Howard Hawks (who later opted out). Hawks wanted to direct the film with Steve McQueen in the lead role. Albert R. Broccoli (the Bond films) was attached as a producer, and at some point in the films history it was looked at as a potential starring vehicle for Sam Elliott.

Eventually the film went to director John Hough of THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE fame, cause that’s a natural fit……? I don’t get it either but he pulled it off. A fast-film is one of those flicks that adds about 20 pounds to your foot when it hits the gas. Buckle up, this one may get you a speeding ticket.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS (1958)

A college professor transforms into a murderous Neanderthal Man after he is exposed to the blood of a prehistoric Coelacanth. Only in the 1950s could a plot be executed for the masses. And I imagine the drive-in crowd loved it.

A fun little monster movie from Universal International, MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS was director Jack Arnold's (IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN) final science fiction/horror movie for the studio. While not up to his earlier classics, MONSTER still contains many of the director's atmospheric touches and is full of the silly cliches that populate these films. The professor, played by Arthur Franz, is particularly goofy as even after the facts are practically shoved down his throat, it takes him the entire film to realize that he is the monster. A perfect flick to catch on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Some of the film's themes can be found in Ken Russell's ALTERED STATES.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - WONDER WOMEN (1973)

From the Director of BLOOD MANIA (1970) comes the 70’s classic WONDER WOMEN (1973). It’s the same old story you’ve heard a thousand times. A surgeon has her own island which comes complete with an all-girl army of martial-arts experts, and kidnaps the greatest athletes in the world to kill them and sell their body parts. We know, we know. Actually we don’t. This plot is bananas from the jump and the action scenes are told with the artistic flair of a blind 2 year old. This is pure magical crap.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - SENGOKU JIEITAI (1979) aka G.I. SAMURAI & TIME SLIP

It’s no secret that I’m a Sonny Chiba fan. He brings everything he has to each performance. Most films are built around his strength as an action star, few showcase his talents as an actor. The three exceptions are SHORINJI KENPO (1976) (aka THE KILLING MACHINE), the KILL BILL (2003) films, and SENGOKU JIEITAI (1979) (aka G.I. SAMURAI and TIME SLIP). In fact, you could easily make the case that SENGOKU JIEITAI is the most demanding of his talents. The trailer is a little lengthy (just over four minutes) and serves as almost a Reader's Digest version of the film. This is a top 5 Chiba classic.

See you on forty deuce,
G

Hollywood Theater (PDX) Marque 3/5

Not a bad looking marque for a Saturday night. 35mm prints of the masterpiece (in my opinion) INVINCEBLE POLE FIGHTER (1984) and THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN (1983).

TRAILER – TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. (1985)

Solid action thriller was a critical comeback of sorts for director William Friedkin following a series of flops in the late 70s and early 80s. William L. Peterson and Willem Dafoe deliver gritty performances in this tale of rogue cops and sleazy counterfeiters. Offers up an incredible car chase, this one set during Los Angeles rush hour. The New Wave group, Wang Chung, provide an interesting soundtrack.

Zevk,
Poe

G's Siskel and Ebert Classic Review: Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) & Friday the 13th IV: The Final Chapter (1984)

G's Take: ELM STREET 3 - *** - It's the best sequel in the franchise and features a hot nurse shooting tongues like bullets...so what's there to not like? This film is very creative and like the other sequels (excluding NEW NIGHTMARE) never takes itself too seriously. Thumbs up!





G's Take: F13thPTIV - ** 1/2 - Complaining about the violence in a horror film for me is a hallow argument. Those that do often don't mind seeing Action Star X kill X number of people in Anytown, USA. Some people like to dip their fries in ranch and some like ketchup. Me, I dig'em both.

The Friday the 13th series lacks the humor of the Nightmare films but the filmmakers seem to know Jason is never taken seriously by the audience. And despite Sir Ebert's assertion, I have yet to meet a single individual who's life purpose and aspirations were altered because Jason stuck a stick through a character in a film. Now, I am more of a Freddy guy than a Jason guy but these films work well for me. Thumbs up!

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - BLACK SAMURAI (1977)

Producers: Jim “The Dragon” Kelly, welcome to our office.
Jim: Get to the point Roper.
Producer: Uh…right…well…we have a new role for you in our next film. It’s called BLACK SAUMRAI: AGENT FOR DRAGON.
Jim: Can I play tennis in it? You know I am thinking of hanging up my kung-fu-ness to teach tennis right?
Producer: No Jim I didn’t know that, that seems…odd.
Jim: Call me Dragon damnit!
Producer: Sorry Dragon. Yes, we can work in a tennis scene.
Jim: You know I only star in shit movies Roper, is this shit?
Producer: It’s the shittiest! Why do you keep calling me Roper?
Jim: Can I wear jet-pack?
Producer: What? Why? This isn't a Bond film Dragon, why do you need to wear a jet-pack?
Jim: It was the last thing Bruce Lee said to me. He said "Jim, wear a damn jet-pack in your next film."
Producer: Okay, okay, a jet-pack. But it wont be real and you'll be able to see the strings.
Jim: Will the audio sync up to the onscreen action?
Producer: No, we are expecting a lot of out-of sync scenes
Jim: Will my punches and kicks look like they really connect?
Producer: Rarely.
Jim: Rarely or never?
Producer: Never, we will make sure you are at least a yard away from where your punches and kicks should end up.
Jim: Sounds like you got yourself a real stinker Roper.
Producer: Seriously, why do you keep calling me Roper?
Jim: Sign me up before I challenge you to a tennis match and hump your wife.
Producer: I am not married Jim.
Jim: Dragon!
Producer: Dragon.

See you on forty deuce,
G

Poe’s Saturday Cartoon: THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY (1946)

THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY is my favorite Warner Brothers cartoon. No other short in the studio’s long list of classics ever reached the surreal hilarity that this 1946 gem did. Directed by Bob Clampett, one of the directors who helped put the “looney” in Looney Tunes, the short features what I consider to be the best version of Daffy Duck. Unlike the crazy, off the wall Daffy from the late 1930s and early 1940s or the greedy, self indulgent version that Chuck Jones would develop in the early 1950s, the Daffy in PIGGY BANK seems to have a balanced control over his insanity. He’s the perfect character in the studio’s roster of cartoon stars to throw into a spoof of Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy comic.

Full of monstrous villains, phantasmagoric imagery and the rubbery animation style so prevalent in Clampett’s work in the mid 1940s, THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY can best be described as a Looney Tunes cartoon on acid. No other Warner Brothers cartoon expect maybe Porky in Wackyland or The Big Snooze (both directed by Clampett), reached such dizzying levels of surreal greatness. One can really see the influence such surrealist artists as Salvador Dali had on Clampett’s work when watching the short. Daffy’s descent into the villain’s hideout and the final, violent encounter where the bad guys get their comeuppances are straight out of a psychedelic film noir.

Warren Beatty liked this cartoon so much that he requested it to be played before his own DICK TRACY in 1990. Disappointingly, Disney, who produced the film, wouldn’t allow it because it wasn’t one of their cartoons. What a shame, because it would have been great to see this one up on the big screen. Luckily, one can appreciate the madness that is THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY right here on Plissken’s Grindhouse. My gift to you on Poe’s Saturday Cartoon.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT (2011)

I am not a huge Brandon Routh fan but this looks like it has some potential. Quick note though: Pimping your involvement with Terminator Salvation may not be the best way to sling your tickets.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - 10 TO MIDNIGHT (1983)

So how do you stop a clever serial killer who knifes women to death while in the nude all because they won't go out on a date with him. You sick Charles Bronson on him, that's how. One of the better Bronson vehicles from the Cannon Group, 10 TO MIDNIGHT plays like a Dirty Harry meets Friday the 13th hybrid, combining elements of the cop thriller with the slasher film. Director J. Lee Thompson sets up some fairly suspenseful set pieces in which the nude killer, well played by Gene Davis, stalks his female victims. Bronson ultimately administers his typical brand of justice, but not before a gory time was had by all. The story was based on the real life murders of eight nurses by serial killer Richard Speck. Too bad there wasn't a Bronson in his life.

Zevk,
Poe

COMING SOON

Attack the Block



From executive producer Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) comes a cool new tale about a group of boarders trying to stop an alien invasion. I am in!



24 kinds of geekiness. This is a must see Plisskenites.

TRAILER - Keoma (1976)

Keoma is in my top 10 of spaghetti westerns. It represents some of the very best work in the genre. While Leone and Carbucci both made better films, director Enzo G. Castellari created a film that has a style and touch all it’s own. Castellari uses the action scenes to advance the plot, they are never throw away battles. Like Peckinpah the use of slow-motion is prominent and gives the battles an epic feel. Franco Nero is nearly unrecognizable as the title character, his tough and grizzled look lacks the polish of some of his earlier roles and it pays off huge. This is one of last true spaghetti westerns made and it’s a classic. I also dig the 70's headband look...so there's that as well.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER: The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

Why are the world's chief assassins after Inspector Clouseau? Why not? Everybody else is.

Inspector Clouseu is back in the fifth and arguably funniest installment in the Pink Panther franchise: The Pink Panther Strikes Again. All of the gang are back in the most violent and outlandish film in the series. The crazy plot centers around Clouseu’s former boss, Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), going insane and creating a doomsday machine that will destroy the world unless someone kills his ultimate white whale: Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseu.

Released directly on the heels of Return of the Pink Panther, Strikes Again is one of those sequels that assumes its audience is already familiar with the films that preceded it, allowing it to dive right into the familiar antics of its hilarious collection of characters. The film is full of the slapstick destruction gags that director Blake Edwards was so fond of, and Peter Sellers was never funnier as the world’s dumbest detective. It almost plays like a violent Chuck Jones cartoon at times, particularly during a sequence where Clouseu tries to gain entrance to a castle via a drawbridge. Also features the funniest of the Clouseu vs. Cato battles, this one full of hilarious slow motion effects and sounds.

No other Pink Panther film before or after offered up more belly laughs than this entry. Check it out and try and prove me wrong.

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - Death Race 2000 (1975)

In The Year 2000 Hit And Run Driving Is No Longer A Felony. It's The National Sport!

Another great cult classic from Roger Corman and New World Pictures, Death Race 2000 is the one about a futuristic cross-country race where drivers score points by hitting pedestrians. Starring David Carradine and a pre Rocky Sylvester Stallone, the film is one of the liveliest and funniest cult movies to come out of the 1970s. The flick offers up oodles of amazing car stunts and a healthy dose of satire and is smarter than it should be. Remade as Death Race in 2008 with Corman again producing. The man never quits!

Zevk,
Poe

TRAILER - ELIMINATORS (1986)

Harry Fontana: "Quo Vadis"?
Ray: That's Italian. It means "We kick ass."

(Actual translation: Where are you going?)

ELIMINATORS is one of my video store classics. Believe it or not this was a tough title to get your hands on. After all, it does have a character who is 25% man, 25% tank and 50% android (actual percentages may vary). The plot however is 100% ridiculous and there is absolutely nothing redeeming about this film, but I could watch it on a loop. You can feel director Peter Manoogian (remember him? Yeah me neither) throwing things up to see what sticks, the answer being NOTHING but damn-it he tried. This is 80’s cheese trying to get a TERMINATOR paycheck. This is a men-on-a-mission film dry humping THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU. This is Mandroid. Mercenary. Scientist. Ninja. Each one a specialist. Together they are….ELIMINATORS.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY (1980)

Who lit the fuse that tore Harold's world apart?

Bob Hoskins has always been a bit of a missed opportunity here in the states. Directors never seem to tap into his true skills. He has a danger about him, an explosive energy that, when used correctly, produces a truly epic performance. THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY gives us Hoskins unhinged. It is raw, powerful and about as tough a film as you can find. This film is a shot of whiskey and a punch in the face kind of tough. Director John Mackenzie would never come close to making another film this good, and would never use meat hooks in quite the same way.

See you on forty deuce,
G

TRAILER - The Jezebels aka Switchblade Sisters (1975)

If I were asked to list some of the greats that are associated with grindhouse cinema, I would have to include such names as Pam Grier, Roger Corman, Sid Haig, Lucio Fulci, and above all, trash cinema legend: director Jack Hill. Hill, the man responsible for bringing to the screen such classics as Coffy, The Big Doll House, and Foxy Brown, also directed a film that Quentin Tarantino labels as one of his personal favorites and is rightly considered one of greatest grindhouse flicks ever made. I'm referring of course to the film that was originally called The Jezebels but is better known today as Switchblade Sisters.

A wonderfully trashy girl gang movie, Switchblade Sisters offers up the ultimate grindhouse experience, showering the viewer with all of the elements that make up the perfect exploitation flick. Sex, violence, loud action, cheap production values, the film has it all. One can see the kind of influence it had on such directors as Tarantino with its tough girl attitude and dialogue. The lead actresses seem to only know one language in the film: snarl. Hill himself has labeled the film a piece of trash. He’s right, and we thank him all the more for it.

Zevk,
Poe