Thursday, June 30, 2011
TRAILER - SUGAR BOXX (2009)
Prisoners. Hookers. Machetes... Revenge! All in a days work.
SUGAR BOXX took the WIP genre and beat the fuck out of it. These girls kick all kinds of ass and the cast features some of the best known names in exploitation: Jack Hill and the legendary Tura Satana in one of her last roles (may God breast her). Can we have more Ellie Arkett in our grindhouse tribute films? Buckle up, these chicks are out for blood.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - ROBOCOP (1987)
Paul Verhoeven's ROBOCOP looks like it was made yesterday. There is nothing in this film that looks dated, and after more than twenty years, there is nothing I would change. This is a smart film with some incredible action sequences, not to mention gore a-plenty. I could watch this shit on a loop.
Part man. Part machine. All cop. The future of law enforcement.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THE GIANT GILA MONSTER (1959)
Rowdy teenagers and rampaging monsters collide when a mammoth lizard invades a small Texas town in this hilariously awful monster flick. The special effects look like they were filmed by a fifth grader for a creative school assignment. Director Ray Kellog went on to direct the John Wayne travesty THE GREEN BERETS.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - STREET TRASH (1987)
Anytime you have bums pounding back some nasty toxic beverage that makes them melt or explode, you know it's time to buckle up and enjoy some madness. This ladies and gentlemen is the epic STREET TRASH! Remember that scene in ROBOCOP when Clarence Boddicker's henchman Emil drove the truck into the toxic waste and then walked around have melted? STREET TRASH is 90 minutes of that... and it's glorious.
Things in New York are about to go down the toilet...
See you on forty deuce,
G
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
NEWS - Synapse Films to release THE EXTERMINATOR on Blu-ray!
Synapse Films is proud to present THE EXTERMINATOR in its more violent and gory director’s cut, lovingly restored in high-definition from original vault materials. One of the most cold-blooded and controversial “revenge” films ever made, this is a “sick example of the almost unbelievable descent into gruesome savagery in American movies.” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)
Blu-Ray All Region
NTSC All Region DVD
DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono
Uncensored Version
Director's Audio Commentary
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
DG: The only way I have watched THE EXTERMINATOR is on a grainy VHS with an auto-tracker that can't seem to find the right spot. We are excited to get our hands on this to check out the transfer and commentary. According to Diabolik DVD this is set for release on (or around) 9/13.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)
The Big G and his robot double square off for a repeat bout in the fifteenth and final Godzilla film from the Showa series. Original GOJIRA director, Inshiro Honda, returns to helm one of the better monster bashes of the 1970s, staging some impressive battle scenes. Godzilla would lay dormant for ten years until GODZILLA 1985.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - DETROIT 9000 (1973)
I wouldn't call this a blaxpoitation film, I think it's more of a police drama that happens to have strong racial tensions running throughout. Alex Rocco owns this film, dude is just tough, and of course Vonetta McGee (BLACULA) is all kinds of delicious. DETROIT 9000 doesn't have a lot of action but the few sequences it has will punch you in the face with a fistful of Detroit attitude. Dig it.
It's the murder capital of the world, The Black rip-off of the decade, and a White cop squeezed in the middle.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
TRAILER - THE NESTING (1981)
THE NESTING has a vintage feel to it. It does what horror films should do and even though it uses familiar plot devices, it is totally original. Director Armand Weston was known more for his sexploitation films when he jumped onto THE NESTING, and while the results aren't up to the level of Fulci, it is really well done.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - ZOMBI HOLOCAUST (1980)
It's zombies Vs. cannibals in a mediocre genre mash-up from the producer of ZOMBI II. This was actually released at some point as ZOMBI III, and it easily could have been a sequel. While it has some creative kills and cool moments, it just doesn't have the consistent "what the fuck?" that ZOMBI II has.
He's a depraved, homicidal killer...and he makes house calls!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - SLIME CITY (1988)
SLIME CITY is low budget horror at it's best. The blood flows by the gallons and the gore is served up in heaping piles of terribly spectacular effects. I have to admit, I prefer this to any of the EVIL DEAD films. The humor here combined with the effects (such as they are) fucking kills me.
Quick note: If someone offers you Himalyan yogurt it may turn you into a deformed, murderous monster. Just sayin'.
SLIME CITY... the horror film with guts!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - BLOODY BIRTHDAY (1981)
HALLOWEEN has been one of my favorite films since the moment I first saw it in the mid 80’s. Michael Meyers defined horror; his slow and menacing walk, the way he just appeared in the background, but the most terrifying part of that film was Meyers as a kid in a clown outfit grabbing a knife and making staby-staby on his sister. The thought of that tapped danced all over my nightmares for a good couple weeks. BLOODY BIRTHDAY won’t give anybody nightmares, but it will provide some wicked laughs, some great kills, and one of the most famous nude scenes of all-time.
During a total eclipse, three children are born simultaneously and due to the eclipse they become stone cold killers. As their tenth birthday nears, they pick up guns, bow and arrows, and other tools of death to pick off their parents, teachers, and friends one by one. Important note for all the parents to-be out there: If you’re ever in the hospital giving birth during a solar eclipse, shoot that kid out of the baby popper and run like hell. If there are two other simultaneous births, see the previous note but now get out of dodge and move a few states over. Fucking terrible things will happen if you don’t take my advice. Once these little shits reach 10 they will find new ways to torture and kill you.
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is a smart film. Sure, we have seen the killer kid idea before, but it has never been this fun. It doesn’t go for straight horror; instead it appreciates the humor of the situation while also having a cast of kids that could slaughter THE GOONIES in a heartbeat. They are the kids you just don’t want to fuck with. These kids could take on a dream team of Charlie from FIRESTARTER, Gage from PET SEMETARY, and Damien from THE OMEN and still own all kinds of ass. Writer/director Ed Hunt and his screenplay partner Barry Pearson put together a film that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do: kill some people, show some boobs, and unleash three hell-spawns on the world. Now, who hasn’t been there before?
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - NIGHTMARES (1980)
NIGHTMARES has been around in one form or another since 1980. I saw a heavily edited version in the late 80’s when it was called STAGE FRIGHT. This film has been plagued by censorship and title confusion since it was released but thanks to Severin Films, it is finally getting the release it deserves: Uncut and Uncensored.
Jenny Neumann stars as Cathy who as a little girl woke up in the backseat of the car while mommy had fun-time with a stranger. Cathy freaked, mom zigged instead of zagged, and out the front window goes mom slicing her throat in the process. This doesn’t set Cathy up for a life of success but this is a horror film, she wasn’t going to have success anyway. Cathy changes her name to Helen and makes use of her insanity by becoming an actress in the local theater. Coincidentally, this is when members of the cast start turning up dead of stab wounds, usually after fornicating.
Quick note: If I am ever backstage getting it on with a hot actress (happens more than you think…..no it doesn’t), and I hear glass breaking, I don’t care if you are Halle Berry, I am zipping that shit up and bolting like an erection in a cold pool. But I digress…
NIGHTMARES isn’t a perfect film. The killer POV shots don’t work very well, the identity of the killer is revealed way too early, and some of the scenes in the film just don’t make a lot of sense. Still, this a no holds barred slasher film that is dirty, trashy fun full of the genre staples we all want: nakedness, pointy objects with fleshy points of entry, and blood by the gallons.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION (1975)
Giant spiders from another dimension arrive in Wisconsin via an asteroid and begin chewing up the countryside. Can a group of television actors including Steve "Gunsmoke" Brodie, Barbara "Perry Mason" Hale and Alan "Giligan's Island" Hale Jr. stop them?
Hilariously bad giant monster flick features some of the funniest special effects ever committed to film, particularly the titular creatures, which in some shots are Volkswagen Beetles with giant fake legs attached! Be sure to catch Alan Hale Jr's opening line of dialogue: "Hi, little buddy!"
Zevk,
Poe
THE NEW RELEASE WALL FOR 6/28
It’s Tuesday, and that means sites and stores will be full of new goodness to tickle your eyeballs with. So sit-back, relax, and take a look at what’s good enough to stick in the movie playing machine.
Usually we have a DG Pick of the Week. Sometimes we have two, never have we had three... until today. Severin Films is dropping a ménage à trois of parental horror this week. If you read our reviews you know we were huge fans of NIGHTMARES and BLOODY BIRTHDAY. We dug THE BABY but wanted to scrub our eyes with a steal brush when it was over. All three films should be picked up and we couldn't do just one, so all three are our DG Pick of the Week.
NIGHTMARES has been around in one form or another since 1980. I saw a heavily edited version in the late 80’s when it was called STAGE FRIGHT. This film has been plagued by censorship and title confusion since it was released but thanks to Severin Films, it is finally getting the release it deserves: Uncut and Uncensored.
John Lamond was known for cheap sexploitation films when he made NIGHTMARES. He got the idea after seeing HALLOWEEN, appreciating the way that film was made. Even before a script was complete he began asking for money, showing up to meetings with a script for THE EXORCIST, hoping nobody asked to take it home to read. He got the cash, a decent cast, and directed one of my favorite ozploitation slasher films around.
Jenny Neumann stars as Cathy who as a little girl woke up in the backseat of the car while mommy had fun-time with a stranger. Cathy freaked, mom zigged instead of zagged, and out the front window goes mom slicing her throat in the process. This doesn’t set Cathy up for a life of success but this is a horror film, she wasn’t going to have success anyway. Cathy changes her name to Helen and makes use of her insanity by becoming an actress in the local theater. Coincidentally, this is when members of the cast start turning up dead of stab wounds, usually after fornicating.
Quick note: If I am ever backstage getting it on with a hot actress (happens more than you think…..no it doesn’t), and I hear glass breaking, I don’t care if you are Halle Berry, I am zipping that shit up and bolting like an erection in a cold pool. But I digress…
NIGHTMARES isn’t a perfect film. The killer POV shots don’t work very well, the identity of the killer is revealed way too early, and some of the scenes in the film just don’t make a lot of sense. Still, this a no holds barred slasher film that is dirty, trashy fun full of the genre staples we all want: nakedness, pointy objects with fleshy points of entry, and blood by the gallons. NIGHTMARES finally got the release it deserved and this is why Severin Films is one of our favorite labels.
THE GOODS:
This is dropping from Severin Films on 6/28 (in addition to BLOODY BIRTHDAY and THE BABY). The full lists of features are below but I wanted to highlight the commentary on this disc. Mark Hartley of NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD joins Lamond to discuss this film and ozploitation in general. Hartley is not shy about letting Lamond know what works and what doesn’t work while also going into the historical perspective of ozploitation’s place in cinema. This is some of the best commentary I have heard in a while.
16:9 anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
Audio Commentary by director John Lamond and NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD's Mark Hartley
"A Brief History of Slasher Films" featurette
John Lamond Trailer Reel
Theatrical Trailer
Additional trailers for BLOODY MOON, HORROR EXPRESS, and PSYCHOMANIA
Grab NIGHTMARES from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/iy96gp
HALLOWEEN has been one of my favorite films since the moment I first saw it in the mid 80’s. Michael Meyers defined horror; his slow and menacing walk, the way he just appeared in the background, but the most terrifying part of that film was Meyers as a kid in a clown outfit grabbing a knife and making staby-staby on his sister. The thought of that tapped danced all over my nightmares for a good couple weeks. BLOODY BIRTHDAY won’t give anybody nightmares, but it will provide some wicked laughs, some great kills, and one of the most famous nude scenes of all-time.
During a total eclipse, three children are born simultaneously and due to the eclipse they become stone cold killers. As their tenth birthday nears, they pick up guns, bow and arrows, and other tools of death to pick off their parents, teachers, and friends one by one. Important note for all the parents to-be out there: If you’re ever in the hospital giving birth during a solar eclipse, shoot that kid out of the baby popper and run like hell. If there are two other simultaneous births, see the previous note but now get out of dodge and move a few states over. Fucking terrible things will happen if you don’t take my advice. Once these little shits reach 10 they will find new ways to torture and kill you.
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is a smart film. Sure, we have seen the killer kid idea before, but it has never been this fun. It doesn’t go for straight horror; instead it appreciates the humor of the situation while also having a cast of kids that could slaughter THE GOONIES in a heartbeat. They are the kids you just don’t want to fuck with. These kids could take on a dream team of Charlie from FIRESTARTER, Gage from PET SEMETARY, and Damien from THE OMEN and still own all kinds of ass. Writer/director Ed Hunt and his screenplay partner Barry Pearson put together a film that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do: kill some people, show some boobs, and unleash three hell-spawns on the world. Now, who hasn’t been there before?
THE GOODS:
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is being released by Severin Films on 6/28
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
• Audio Interview with director Ed Hunt (51:10)
• Don't Eat the Cake: Interview with Actress Lori Lethin (16:9; 9:50)
• A Brief History of Slasher Films featurette (16:9; 15:11)
• Trailers for THE BABY, BLOODY MOON, NIGHTMARES, and HORROR EXPRESS
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/jR9thG
Poe took a look at THE BABY last week. Here is his review:
Sitting and watching THE BABY for the first time was a bit of a surreal experience for me. Few films have flooded me with so many conflicting emotions. In the course of 84 minutes I was horrified, confused, repulsed, and in the end a bit shell shocked. Exploitation films are meant to manipulate their audiences with disturbing images and subject matter. THE BABY goes one step beyond with its underlying tones of incest and sadism, leaving you to feel like you need a hot shower afterwards. It's that feeling that horror fans crave, making THE BABY a must see.
The story follows social worker Ann Gentry, played by innocent eyed Anjanette Comer, and her experiences with the Wadsworths, a family that could give the cannibal clan from THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE a run for their money as the sickest family in film history. First we have Mama Wadsworth, played with slow burn menace by screen veteran Ruth Roman, best know for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Next we have her pair of attractive yet "I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole" daughters played by Marianna Hill and Susanne Zenor. And then there is the character of Baby, a twenty year old man who has remained diaper-clad, still sleeps in a crib, sucks on a bottle and has the mental capabilities of a two year old. Played by television actor David Mooney, Baby simultaneously repulses and tugs at the heart strings. It's an inspired and often overlooked performance. Ann's realization that Baby's development is being held hostage by the family for their own perverted reasons and her fight to make things right ends in a bloody showdown that lifts the film into solid horror territory. It all ends with a twist that will leave viewers slack jawed.
Journeyman director Ted Post didn't want to make this film. He generally worked on straightforward adventure fair and seemed an odd choice to helm this freak show of a movie. It took a years worth of convincing from writer Abe Polsky to get him to agree to make the picture. Post's unobtrusive directing style ends up benefiting a film that didn't require clever camera shots to captivate (or disgust) its audience. Particularly effective is his handling of the family's individual relationships with Baby. Post layers the film with a subtle sexual undertone that never gets too graphic minus a very disturbing scene with a babysitter.
THE BABY is a true oddity. It's strange subject matter and disturbing performances keep you watching even when you feel like taking that aforementioned shower midway through. The film provides a one of a kind viewing experience that is impossible to forget and its status as a cult classic is well deserved. Guessing Hollywood will never remake this one, though if they do, here's to hoping that Biel, Alba, Fox and Stone are cast in the key roles. Time for another shower.
THE GOODS:
16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio
•Audio Interview with director Ted Post
•Audio Interview with actor David Manzy
•Theatrical Trailer
•Other Severin Films Trailers
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/l7KlY7
Make sure you pick up NIGHTMARES, BLOODY BIRTHDAY, and THE BABY from Severin Films, trust us. Here's a look at everything else dropping that we have in our crosshairs.
After Severin Films, Blue Underground is our favorite label. William Lustig (MANIAC COP 1 & 2) has done a great job of finding titles that deserve an audience, like THE NESTING.
THE NESTING has a vintage feel to it. It does what horror films should do and even though it uses familiar plot devices, it is totally original. We haven't had a chance to pick through this release yet but we are anxious to jump on it.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/m9FLuK
It's zombies Vs. cannibals in a mediocre genre mash-up from the producer of ZOMBI II. This was actually released at some point as ZOMBI III, and it easily could have been a sequel. While it has some creative kills and cool moments, it just doesn't have the consistent "what the fuck?" that ZOMBI II has.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/j6gHdD
Next week is slow due to the 4th of July holiday, but there is still some heavy stuff dropping like: 13 ASSASSINS, HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN, and BLOODLUST ZOMBIES (with Alexis Texas).
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week... Salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Usually we have a DG Pick of the Week. Sometimes we have two, never have we had three... until today. Severin Films is dropping a ménage à trois of parental horror this week. If you read our reviews you know we were huge fans of NIGHTMARES and BLOODY BIRTHDAY. We dug THE BABY but wanted to scrub our eyes with a steal brush when it was over. All three films should be picked up and we couldn't do just one, so all three are our DG Pick of the Week.
NIGHTMARES has been around in one form or another since 1980. I saw a heavily edited version in the late 80’s when it was called STAGE FRIGHT. This film has been plagued by censorship and title confusion since it was released but thanks to Severin Films, it is finally getting the release it deserves: Uncut and Uncensored.
John Lamond was known for cheap sexploitation films when he made NIGHTMARES. He got the idea after seeing HALLOWEEN, appreciating the way that film was made. Even before a script was complete he began asking for money, showing up to meetings with a script for THE EXORCIST, hoping nobody asked to take it home to read. He got the cash, a decent cast, and directed one of my favorite ozploitation slasher films around.
Jenny Neumann stars as Cathy who as a little girl woke up in the backseat of the car while mommy had fun-time with a stranger. Cathy freaked, mom zigged instead of zagged, and out the front window goes mom slicing her throat in the process. This doesn’t set Cathy up for a life of success but this is a horror film, she wasn’t going to have success anyway. Cathy changes her name to Helen and makes use of her insanity by becoming an actress in the local theater. Coincidentally, this is when members of the cast start turning up dead of stab wounds, usually after fornicating.
Quick note: If I am ever backstage getting it on with a hot actress (happens more than you think…..no it doesn’t), and I hear glass breaking, I don’t care if you are Halle Berry, I am zipping that shit up and bolting like an erection in a cold pool. But I digress…
NIGHTMARES isn’t a perfect film. The killer POV shots don’t work very well, the identity of the killer is revealed way too early, and some of the scenes in the film just don’t make a lot of sense. Still, this a no holds barred slasher film that is dirty, trashy fun full of the genre staples we all want: nakedness, pointy objects with fleshy points of entry, and blood by the gallons. NIGHTMARES finally got the release it deserved and this is why Severin Films is one of our favorite labels.
THE GOODS:
This is dropping from Severin Films on 6/28 (in addition to BLOODY BIRTHDAY and THE BABY). The full lists of features are below but I wanted to highlight the commentary on this disc. Mark Hartley of NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD joins Lamond to discuss this film and ozploitation in general. Hartley is not shy about letting Lamond know what works and what doesn’t work while also going into the historical perspective of ozploitation’s place in cinema. This is some of the best commentary I have heard in a while.
16:9 anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
Audio Commentary by director John Lamond and NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD's Mark Hartley
"A Brief History of Slasher Films" featurette
John Lamond Trailer Reel
Theatrical Trailer
Additional trailers for BLOODY MOON, HORROR EXPRESS, and PSYCHOMANIA
Grab NIGHTMARES from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/iy96gp
HALLOWEEN has been one of my favorite films since the moment I first saw it in the mid 80’s. Michael Meyers defined horror; his slow and menacing walk, the way he just appeared in the background, but the most terrifying part of that film was Meyers as a kid in a clown outfit grabbing a knife and making staby-staby on his sister. The thought of that tapped danced all over my nightmares for a good couple weeks. BLOODY BIRTHDAY won’t give anybody nightmares, but it will provide some wicked laughs, some great kills, and one of the most famous nude scenes of all-time.
During a total eclipse, three children are born simultaneously and due to the eclipse they become stone cold killers. As their tenth birthday nears, they pick up guns, bow and arrows, and other tools of death to pick off their parents, teachers, and friends one by one. Important note for all the parents to-be out there: If you’re ever in the hospital giving birth during a solar eclipse, shoot that kid out of the baby popper and run like hell. If there are two other simultaneous births, see the previous note but now get out of dodge and move a few states over. Fucking terrible things will happen if you don’t take my advice. Once these little shits reach 10 they will find new ways to torture and kill you.
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is a smart film. Sure, we have seen the killer kid idea before, but it has never been this fun. It doesn’t go for straight horror; instead it appreciates the humor of the situation while also having a cast of kids that could slaughter THE GOONIES in a heartbeat. They are the kids you just don’t want to fuck with. These kids could take on a dream team of Charlie from FIRESTARTER, Gage from PET SEMETARY, and Damien from THE OMEN and still own all kinds of ass. Writer/director Ed Hunt and his screenplay partner Barry Pearson put together a film that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do: kill some people, show some boobs, and unleash three hell-spawns on the world. Now, who hasn’t been there before?
THE GOODS:
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is being released by Severin Films on 6/28
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
• Audio Interview with director Ed Hunt (51:10)
• Don't Eat the Cake: Interview with Actress Lori Lethin (16:9; 9:50)
• A Brief History of Slasher Films featurette (16:9; 15:11)
• Trailers for THE BABY, BLOODY MOON, NIGHTMARES, and HORROR EXPRESS
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/jR9thG
Poe took a look at THE BABY last week. Here is his review:
Sitting and watching THE BABY for the first time was a bit of a surreal experience for me. Few films have flooded me with so many conflicting emotions. In the course of 84 minutes I was horrified, confused, repulsed, and in the end a bit shell shocked. Exploitation films are meant to manipulate their audiences with disturbing images and subject matter. THE BABY goes one step beyond with its underlying tones of incest and sadism, leaving you to feel like you need a hot shower afterwards. It's that feeling that horror fans crave, making THE BABY a must see.
The story follows social worker Ann Gentry, played by innocent eyed Anjanette Comer, and her experiences with the Wadsworths, a family that could give the cannibal clan from THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE a run for their money as the sickest family in film history. First we have Mama Wadsworth, played with slow burn menace by screen veteran Ruth Roman, best know for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Next we have her pair of attractive yet "I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole" daughters played by Marianna Hill and Susanne Zenor. And then there is the character of Baby, a twenty year old man who has remained diaper-clad, still sleeps in a crib, sucks on a bottle and has the mental capabilities of a two year old. Played by television actor David Mooney, Baby simultaneously repulses and tugs at the heart strings. It's an inspired and often overlooked performance. Ann's realization that Baby's development is being held hostage by the family for their own perverted reasons and her fight to make things right ends in a bloody showdown that lifts the film into solid horror territory. It all ends with a twist that will leave viewers slack jawed.
Journeyman director Ted Post didn't want to make this film. He generally worked on straightforward adventure fair and seemed an odd choice to helm this freak show of a movie. It took a years worth of convincing from writer Abe Polsky to get him to agree to make the picture. Post's unobtrusive directing style ends up benefiting a film that didn't require clever camera shots to captivate (or disgust) its audience. Particularly effective is his handling of the family's individual relationships with Baby. Post layers the film with a subtle sexual undertone that never gets too graphic minus a very disturbing scene with a babysitter.
THE BABY is a true oddity. It's strange subject matter and disturbing performances keep you watching even when you feel like taking that aforementioned shower midway through. The film provides a one of a kind viewing experience that is impossible to forget and its status as a cult classic is well deserved. Guessing Hollywood will never remake this one, though if they do, here's to hoping that Biel, Alba, Fox and Stone are cast in the key roles. Time for another shower.
THE GOODS:
16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio
•Audio Interview with director Ted Post
•Audio Interview with actor David Manzy
•Theatrical Trailer
•Other Severin Films Trailers
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/l7KlY7
Make sure you pick up NIGHTMARES, BLOODY BIRTHDAY, and THE BABY from Severin Films, trust us. Here's a look at everything else dropping that we have in our crosshairs.
After Severin Films, Blue Underground is our favorite label. William Lustig (MANIAC COP 1 & 2) has done a great job of finding titles that deserve an audience, like THE NESTING.
THE NESTING has a vintage feel to it. It does what horror films should do and even though it uses familiar plot devices, it is totally original. We haven't had a chance to pick through this release yet but we are anxious to jump on it.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/m9FLuK
It's zombies Vs. cannibals in a mediocre genre mash-up from the producer of ZOMBI II. This was actually released at some point as ZOMBI III, and it easily could have been a sequel. While it has some creative kills and cool moments, it just doesn't have the consistent "what the fuck?" that ZOMBI II has.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/j6gHdD
Next week is slow due to the 4th of July holiday, but there is still some heavy stuff dropping like: 13 ASSASSINS, HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN, and BLOODLUST ZOMBIES (with Alexis Texas).
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week... Salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Monday, June 27, 2011
TRAILER - THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER (1982)
Lively sword and sorcery tale made to capitalize on the release of CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982) is one of the best of the knockoffs no matter how high the cheese level can get. A tongue n' cheek script and generous helpings of gore and nudity help make THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER even more pulpy than CONAN, capturing the flavor of old Robert E. Howard short stories better than the John Milius film did overall. One of director Albert Pyun's best efforts.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - AMERICAN NINJA (1985)
Tomorrow BLOODY BIRTHDAY drops so we thought it was only right to show some vintage Dudikoff kicking a crazy amount of ass. This is classic Caucasian-Fu inspired by Norris and the early 80's ninja craze. Never convincing...Never skilled...Never say Dudikoff didn't warn you.
The deadliest art of the Orient is now in the hands of an American!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Sunday, June 26, 2011
TRAILER - DARKMAN (1990)
Raimi wanted to direct a superhero movie since he started in film. After the success of the EVIL DEAD and EVIL DEAD II, he tried to secure the rights to THE SHADOW (am I the only fan of the Alec Baldwin film) and BATMAN. After he failed to do so he did the next best thing, he created his own superhero.
DARKMAN stars a tragic and brooding Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is attacked and left for dead by Durant, a mobster with no love for law and order. Fortunately, Westlake receives an experimental treatment that gives him super human strength but also some wicked 'roid rage. This is all bad news for Durant who gets whats coming to him and his stable of thugs.
DARKMAN is some of Raimi's best work. One of the things that often frustrates me with Raimi is his need to inject humor into horrific situations (in addition to his sometimes too cute camera techniques), but that's also what can make a great comic book film. The dark and horrific undertones are often hidden by exaggerated fights and ridiculous situations, a Raimi staple on fine display here.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Siskel & Ebert Review Flashback - DARKMAN (1990)
Siskel & Ebert was on Channel 2 at 11:35 pm every Sunday. Here is our weekly tribute to the two legends. Film school starts now.
G's Take: Raimi wanted to direct a superhero movie since he started in film. After the success of the EVIL DEAD and EVIL DEAD II, he tried to secure the rights to THE SHADOW (am I the only fan of the Alec Baldwin film) and BATMAN. After he failed to do so he did the next best thing, he created his own superhero.
DARKMAN stars a tragic and brooding Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is attacked and left for dead by Durant, a mobster with no love for law and order. Fortunately, Westlake receives an experimental treatment that gives him super human strength but also some wicked 'roid rage. This is all bad news for Durant who gets whats coming to him and his stable of thugs.
DARKMAN is some of Raimi's best work. One of the things that often frustrates me with Raimi is his need to inject humor into horrific situations (in addition to his sometimes too cute camera techniques), but that's also what can make a great comic book film. The dark and horrific undertones are often hidden by exaggerated fights and ridiculous situations, a Raimi staple on fine display here. THUMBS UP!
See you on forty deuce,
G
G's Take: Raimi wanted to direct a superhero movie since he started in film. After the success of the EVIL DEAD and EVIL DEAD II, he tried to secure the rights to THE SHADOW (am I the only fan of the Alec Baldwin film) and BATMAN. After he failed to do so he did the next best thing, he created his own superhero.
DARKMAN stars a tragic and brooding Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is attacked and left for dead by Durant, a mobster with no love for law and order. Fortunately, Westlake receives an experimental treatment that gives him super human strength but also some wicked 'roid rage. This is all bad news for Durant who gets whats coming to him and his stable of thugs.DARKMAN is some of Raimi's best work. One of the things that often frustrates me with Raimi is his need to inject humor into horrific situations (in addition to his sometimes too cute camera techniques), but that's also what can make a great comic book film. The dark and horrific undertones are often hidden by exaggerated fights and ridiculous situations, a Raimi staple on fine display here. THUMBS UP!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Saturday, June 25, 2011
TRAILER - CRIMINALLY INSANE (1975)
250 pounds of lovin' is released from an insane asylum but mention the word diet and your dead. Ethel Janowsky kills anyone who tries to get her to stop eating. If you are trying to gain weight, there are worse plans out there...
She's 250 Pounds of Maniacal Fury!
Friday, June 24, 2011
TRAILER - LIGHTNING BOLT (1966)
From Antonio Margheriti, the director of YOR: THE HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE, and CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE, comes a Bond rip-of like no other. If Ed Wood did James Bond this is exactly what it would look like. Brilliant. Just fucking brilliant.
Submit to the master or be frozen forever in his cold-storage harem!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - HALLOWEEN II (1981)
Dr. Loomis: In order to appease the gods, the Druid priests held fire rituals. Prisoners of war, criminals, the insane, animals... were... burned alive in baskets. By observing the way they died, the Druids believed they could see omens of the future. Two thousand years later, we've come no further. Samhain isn't evil spirits. It isn't goblins, ghosts or witches. It's the unconscious mind. We're all afraid of the dark inside ourselves.
The Boogieman Is Back!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THE DEADLY MANTIS (1957)
A giant prehistoric mantis that has been playing Rip Van Winkle in an iceberg for millions of years is released and decides to take up what every other brother monster of the 50s enjoys doing; rampaging through a major city.
One of Universal's lesser sci-fi efforts is still a ton of fun for fans of the giant bug sub genre. Surprisingly atmospheric at times, particularly a scene set in a fog. The special effects are hit and miss, but that sound the mantis makes while flying is unforgettable...at least for monster freaks like myself.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - HALLOWEEN (1978)
Dr. Loomis: I met him, fifteen years ago. I was told there was nothing left. No reason, no conscience, no understanding; even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, good or evil, right or wrong. I met this six-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and, the blackest eyes... the *devil's* eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... *evil*.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Thursday, June 23, 2011
TRAILER - THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE (1977)
John Landis directs a ZAZ script. Result: pure comic gold.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986)
I dig Tobe Hooper's return to Leatherface, the film plays like a morbid horror-comedy with Dennis Hopper doing his schtick as Lt. "Lefty" Enright. It's bigger and bloodier with some cool work from Tom Savini but it falls short of the original. Honestly though, anything would have.
The buzz...is back!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THIS ISLAND EARTH (1955)
Aliens from the planet Metaluna shanghai a pair of Earth scientists in the hope that the earthlings can assist them in their war against a neighboring planet. Seems they should have studied up on Earth history a little better before making the trip.
Great science fiction adventure dazzles with vivid special effects, filmed in beautiful Technicolor. Ties FORBIDDEN PLANET and THE WAR OF THE WORLDS as the best looking sci-fi film to come out of the fifties. The Metaluna Mutant has taken its place in science fiction lore as one of the all-time great alien monsters.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974)
Released on October 1, 1974, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remains the greatest grindhouse title ever made. It is horrific, humorous, claustrophobic, and terrifying. This was Tobe Hooper's second film and it is a masterpiece of the macabre. NARRATOR: The film which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of five youths, in particular Sally Hardesty and her invalid brother, Franklin. It is all the more tragic in that they were young. But, had they lived very, very long lives, they could not have expected nor would they have wished to see as much of the mad and macabre as they were to see that day. For them an idyllic summer afternoon drive became a nightmare. The events of that day were to lead to the discovery of one of the most bizarre crimes in the annals of American history, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS (1953)
Atomic testing in the Arctic awakens a vicious dinosaur that decides to take a swim down to New York City for some good ol' city smashing.
Classic monster movie that helped launch a whole slew of films in the 1950s that featured some sort of mutated atomic beasty. Famous for being Ray Harryhausen's first solo effort as an effects supervisor. His "Rhedosaurus" remains one of his most memorable and ferocious creations. Based on a Ray Bradbury story.
Zevk,
Poe
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
TRAILER - LIPSTICK (1976)
Rape and revenge are served up in heaping proportions in this disturbing tale about a sicko composer who rapes a fashion model, somehow beats the rap and then repeats his crime on the same model's little sister. Cue up the expected revenge tale as the model goes rapist hunting. Real life sisters Margaux and Mariel play the leads. This was Mariel's debut.
Zevk,
Poe
CONTEST ALERT - Get Your FREE copy of Shout Factory's TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL 2.
We are huge fans of Trailers From Hell site. Many hours have been spent listening to fellow geeks and directors drop knowledge bombs on films of all genres. So, to show our appreciation for Joe Dante and the TFH crew, we are giving away 1 copy a day of their new release from Shout Factory TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2.
All you need to do is jump onto our Twitter page (twitter.com/DailyGrindhouse)and re-tweet our announcement. Simple as that. No decoder rings, no self addressed stamped envelopes, just one lazy re-tweet. A new winner will be announced each day (through Saturday) at 3:00pm EST.
Good Luck!
DG
All you need to do is jump onto our Twitter page (twitter.com/DailyGrindhouse)and re-tweet our announcement. Simple as that. No decoder rings, no self addressed stamped envelopes, just one lazy re-tweet. A new winner will be announced each day (through Saturday) at 3:00pm EST.
Good Luck!
DG
TRAILER - BLACK COBRA (1987)
Fred Williamson grabs his best Cosby sweater and kicks some ass in BLACK COBRA! This is one of those films that the VHS box cover would call "in the tradition of COBRA!" or "if you like COBRA see BLACK COBRA". This isn't good, the villains are idiots and Williamson looks a step slow, or maybe he was just cutting the check and calling it a day. Either way this is good ol'fashion 80's action cheese. Serve it up sucka!
There's muscle in his venom and fire in his heart!
See you on forty deuce,
G
REVIEW - THE BABY (1973) - Dropping from Severin Films on 6/28
THE FILM:
Sitting and watching THE BABY for the first time was a bit of a surreal experience for me. Few films have flooded me with so many conflicting emotions. In the course of 84 minutes I was horrified, confused, repulsed, and in the end a bit shell shocked. Exploitation films are meant to manipulate their audiences with disturbing images and subject matter. THE BABY goes one step beyond with its underlying tones of incest and sadism, leaving you to feel like you need a hot shower afterwards. It's that feeling that horror fans crave, making THE BABY a must see.
The story follows social worker Ann Gentry, played by innocent eyed Anjanette Comer, and her experiences with the Wadsworths, a family that could give the cannibal clan from THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE a run for their money as the sickest family in film history. First we have Mama Wadsworth, played with slow burn menace by screen veteran Ruth Roman, best know for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Next we have her pair of attractive yet "I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole" daughters played by Marianna Hill and Susanne Zenor. And then there is the character of Baby, a twenty year old man who has remained diaper-clad, still sleeps in a crib, sucks on a bottle and has the mental capabilities of a two year old. Played by television actor David Mooney, Baby simultaneously repulses and tugs at the heart strings. It's an inspired and often overlooked performance. Ann's realization that Baby's development is being held hostage by the family for their own perverted reasons and her fight to make things right ends in a bloody showdown that lifts the film into solid horror territory. It all ends with a twist that will leave viewers slack jawed.
Journeyman director Ted Post didn't want to make this film. He generally worked on straightforward adventure fair and seemed an odd choice to helm this freak show of a movie. It took a years worth of convincing from writer Abe Polsky to get him to agree to make the picture. Post's unobtrusive directing style ends up benefiting a film that didn't require clever camera shots to captivate (or disgust) its audience. Particularly effective is his handling of the family's individual relationships with Baby. Post layers the film with a subtle sexual undertone that never gets too graphic minus a very disturbing scene with a babysitter.
THE BABY is a true oddity. It's strange subject matter and disturbing performances keep you watching even when you feel like taking that aforementioned shower midway through. The film provides a one of a kind viewing experience that is impossible to forget and its status as a cult classic is well deserved. Guessing Hollywood will never remake this one, though if they do, here's to hoping that Biel, Alba, Fox and Stone are cast in the key roles. Time for another shower.
THE EXTRAS:
16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio
•Audio Interview with director Ted Post
•Audio Interview with actor David Manzy
•Theatrical Trailer
•Other Severin Films Trailers
Zevk,
Poe
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
TRAILER - EXECUTIVE KOALA (2005)
From the director of CALAMARI WRESTLER and PUSSY SOUP comes... EXECUTIVE KOALA!
If the Koala calls... You're fucked.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - 10 VIOLENT WOMEN (1982)
I am a huge fan of Ted V. Mikel but this isn't one of his best films, I just didn't dig the cast. Tura Satana would have torn this story of female thieves/cocaine dealers up. Still, the trailer rocks the Mikel magic.
Too Hot To Handle -- Too Cunning To Catch -- No Prison Could Hold Them!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN (1957)
Body of a boy! Mind of a monster! Soul of an unearthly thing!
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - BUNNYMAN (2009)
I haven't had the chance to jump on this yet but it looks epic. Easter Bunny meets the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE? Sign us up!
All the pretty girls die young!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - TAKE A HARD RIDE (1975)
TAKE A HARD RIDE is the balls with a cast out of geek central: Lee Van Cleef, Jim "The Dragon" Kelly, Jim Brown, and Fred Williamson. Dig it!
The West has never seen a team like this or the hunt that aims to destroy them!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - KISS ME DEADLY (1955)
Since I was in my early teens I have collected old pulp novels. Just like a film with a car chase that makes your foot 10 pounds heaver on the gas (or a Fast Film as we call them), those books gave me a swagger, made me feel like a tough guy. One of the best authors of that genre was the late Mickey Spillane.
Spillane's notorious character Mike Hammer was flawed, rough around the edges, but in the end he always made the wrong things right. KISS ME DEADLY is the 6th book the Hammer series. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides (DESERT FURY, ON DANGEROUS GROUND) who was a good choice to adapt Spillane's novel, though Spillane himself would have done the best job (he began working on scripts in '54).
KISS ME DEADLY follows Hammer (Ralph Meeker's turn as Hammer is a punch in the face) as he picks up a female hitchhiker that pulls him into a giant shit-storm of trouble. Directed by Robert Aldrich (THE DIRTY DOZEN), KISS ME DEADLY remains the best film noir in my book, and if you disagree you may get punch the mush.
See you on forty deuce,
G
THE NEW RELEASE WALL FOR 6/21
It’s Tuesday, and that means sites and stores will be full of new goodness to tickle your eyeballs with. So sit-back, relax, and take a look at what’s good enough to stick in the movie playing machine.
Our Release of the Week is Criterion's Blu-ray of KISS ME DEADLY. Since I was in my early teens I have collected old pulp novels. Just like a film with a car chase that makes your foot 10 pounds heaver on the gas (or a Fast Film as we call them), those books gave me a swagger, made me feel like a tough guy. One of the best authors of that genre was the late Mickey Spillane.
Spillane's notorious character Mike Hammer was flawed, rough around the edges, but in the end he always made the wrong things right. KISS ME DEADLY is the 6th book the Hammer series. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides (DESERT FURY, ON DANGEROUS GROUND) who was a good choice to adapt Spillane's novel, though Spillane himself would have done the best job (he began working on scripts in '54).
KISS ME DEADLY follows Hammer (Ralph Meeker's turn as Hammer is a punch in the face) as he picks up a female hitchhiker that pulls him into a giant shit-storm of trouble. Directed by Robert Aldrich (THE DIRTY DOZEN), KISS ME DEADLY remains the best film noir in my book, and if you disagree you may get punch the mush.
Here's whats on the disc:
New high-definition restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
Audio commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini
New video tribute from director Alex Cox (Repo Man, Walker)
Excerpts from The Long Haul of A. I. Bezzerides, a 2005 documentary on the Kiss Me Deadly screenwriter
Excerpts from Mike Hammer’s, Mickey Spillane, a 1998 documentary on the author whose book inspired the film
A look at the film’s locations
Altered ending
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and a 1955 reprint by director Robert Aldrich
You can (and should) grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/mpgQGs
On any other week a Roger Corman triple feature of WIP films would be at the top of my list, but it isn't for two reasons:
1. This is coming out on Blu-ray in August.
2. KISS ME DEADLY IS THAT FUCKING GOOD.
You can grab all the nekkid goodness from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/lV8CEe
Not one of Ted V. Mikel's best films, but it's still cool and has a strong Mikel's vibe to it. Tura Satana would have torn this story of female thieves/cocaine dealers up. Sigh...
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/iNVp6J
I didn't know who William Castle was until I saw Joe Dante's MATINEE. After I saw that film I was desperate to learn more about Castle and his love of movies and the macabre. He was cinema's PT Barnum and I am anxious to get my hands on this.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/meY2Ue
I haven't seen RIO CONCHOS but TAKE A HARD RIDE is the balls with a cast out of geek central: Lee Van Cleef, Jim "The Dragon" Kelly, Jim Brown, and Fred Williamson.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/lAwqif
I haven't had the chance to jump on this yet but it looks epic. Easter Bunny meets the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE? Sign us up!
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/lHhV9s
And in the "just cause..." file:
Why?
Cause it's Bob Ross jackass!
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/kNZENG
Why?
Do you even have to ask?
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/meUhi7
That's it for this week kids. Next week Severin Films is unleashing all kinds of parental nightmares on the world with ménage à trois of horror: THE BABY, NIGHTMARES (uncut), and BLOODY BIRTHDAY!
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week, salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Our Release of the Week is Criterion's Blu-ray of KISS ME DEADLY. Since I was in my early teens I have collected old pulp novels. Just like a film with a car chase that makes your foot 10 pounds heaver on the gas (or a Fast Film as we call them), those books gave me a swagger, made me feel like a tough guy. One of the best authors of that genre was the late Mickey Spillane.
Spillane's notorious character Mike Hammer was flawed, rough around the edges, but in the end he always made the wrong things right. KISS ME DEADLY is the 6th book the Hammer series. The screenplay was written by A. I. Bezzerides (DESERT FURY, ON DANGEROUS GROUND) who was a good choice to adapt Spillane's novel, though Spillane himself would have done the best job (he began working on scripts in '54).
KISS ME DEADLY follows Hammer (Ralph Meeker's turn as Hammer is a punch in the face) as he picks up a female hitchhiker that pulls him into a giant shit-storm of trouble. Directed by Robert Aldrich (THE DIRTY DOZEN), KISS ME DEADLY remains the best film noir in my book, and if you disagree you may get punch the mush.
Here's whats on the disc:
New high-definition restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
Audio commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini
New video tribute from director Alex Cox (Repo Man, Walker)
Excerpts from The Long Haul of A. I. Bezzerides, a 2005 documentary on the Kiss Me Deadly screenwriter
Excerpts from Mike Hammer’s, Mickey Spillane, a 1998 documentary on the author whose book inspired the film
A look at the film’s locations
Altered ending
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and a 1955 reprint by director Robert Aldrich
You can (and should) grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/mpgQGs
On any other week a Roger Corman triple feature of WIP films would be at the top of my list, but it isn't for two reasons:
1. This is coming out on Blu-ray in August.
2. KISS ME DEADLY IS THAT FUCKING GOOD.
You can grab all the nekkid goodness from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/lV8CEe
Not one of Ted V. Mikel's best films, but it's still cool and has a strong Mikel's vibe to it. Tura Satana would have torn this story of female thieves/cocaine dealers up. Sigh...
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/iNVp6J
I didn't know who William Castle was until I saw Joe Dante's MATINEE. After I saw that film I was desperate to learn more about Castle and his love of movies and the macabre. He was cinema's PT Barnum and I am anxious to get my hands on this.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/meY2Ue
I haven't seen RIO CONCHOS but TAKE A HARD RIDE is the balls with a cast out of geek central: Lee Van Cleef, Jim "The Dragon" Kelly, Jim Brown, and Fred Williamson.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/lAwqif
I haven't had the chance to jump on this yet but it looks epic. Easter Bunny meets the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE? Sign us up!
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/lHhV9s
And in the "just cause..." file:
Why?
Cause it's Bob Ross jackass!
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/kNZENG
Why?
Do you even have to ask?
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/meUhi7
That's it for this week kids. Next week Severin Films is unleashing all kinds of parental nightmares on the world with ménage à trois of horror: THE BABY, NIGHTMARES (uncut), and BLOODY BIRTHDAY!
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week, salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - BODY PARTS (1991)
An intense performance from Jeff Fahey highlights this cool little shocker about a psychologist who looses his arm as the result of a car accident and finds that the replacement he has been given seems to have a life of its own and is controlling his actions. Does the fact that it was taken from a convicted serial killer have something to do with it? Absurd story, basically a reworking of the famous The Hands of Orlac tale by Maurice Renard, is overshadowed by solid performances and director Eric Red's expert handling of the material. Features a great car chase.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - SHOGUN ASSASSIN (1980)
Revenge is a dish best served cold. True. Another way to serve the dish however is to bring you the dish, slam your face into the plate of revenge, cut your head off with my blade and then walk away slowly with my son tucked safely in his carriage.
The story of Lone Wolf and Cub was first published as a manga in 1970 and eventually adapted into six blood soaked films. The first film in that series is SWORD OF VENGEANCE. It would later be cut and edited (only 12min of the first film) with the second film in the series, BABY CART AT THE RIVER STYX, for American audiences and retitled SHOGUN ASSASSIN. I dig all six films in the Lone Wolf series, but SHOGUN ASSASSIN was my first exposure to the series and my default when I want to jump back into the character who is all kinds of badass. Lone wolf and son. The greatest team in the history of mass slaughter.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Monday, June 20, 2011
REVIEW - BLOODY BIRTHDAY (1981) - Dropping from Severin Films on 6/28
THE FILM:
HALLOWEEN has been one of my favorite films since the moment I first saw it in the mid 80’s. Michael Meyers defined horror; his slow and menacing walk, the way he just appeared in the background, but the most terrifying part of that film was Meyers as a kid in a clown outfit grabbing a knife and making staby-staby on his sister. The thought of that tapped danced all over my nightmares for a good couple weeks. BLOODY BIRTHDAY won’t give anybody nightmares, but it will provide some wicked laughs, some great kills, and one of the most famous nude scenes of all-time.
During a total eclipse, three children are born simultaneously and due to the eclipse they become stone cold killers. As their tenth birthday nears, they pick up guns, bow and arrows, and other tools of death to pick off their parents, teachers, and friends one by one. Important note for all the parents to-be out there: If you’re ever in the hospital giving birth during a solar eclipse, shoot that kid out of the baby popper and run like hell. If there are two other simultaneous births, see the previous note but now get out of dodge and move a few states over. Fucking terrible things will happen if you don’t take my advice. Once these little shits reach 10 they will find new ways to torture and kill you.
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is a smart film. Sure, we have seen the killer kid idea before, but it has never been this fun. It doesn’t go for straight horror; instead it appreciates the humor of the situation while also having a cast of kids that could slaughter THE GOONIES in a heartbeat. They are the kids you just don’t want to fuck with. These kids could take on a dream team of Charlie from FIRESTARTER, Gage from PET SEMETARY, and Damien from THE OMEN and still own all kinds of ass. Writer/director Ed Hunt and his screenplay partner Barry Pearson put together a film that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do: kill some people, show some boobs, and unleash three hell-spawns on the world. Now, who hasn’t been there before?
THE EXTRAS:
BLOODY BIRTHDAY is being released by Severin Films on 6/28
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1
• Audio Interview with director Ed Hunt (51:10)
• Don't Eat the Cake: Interview with Actress Lori Lethin (16:9; 9:50)
• A Brief History of Slasher Films featurette (16:9; 15:11)
• Trailers for THE BABY, BLOODY MOON, NIGHTMARES, and HORROR EXPRESS
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - SUPERVAN (1977)
Clint has a hard-on for vans and enters his solar-powered van "Vandora" into a competition called Freakout, cause you wouldn't want the word "van" anywhere near the title for a van competition. This is a shit factory of a film which is hilarious for all the wrong reasons.
Get That Free Wheelin' Feelin'!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - SCANNERS (1981)
David Cronenberg classic about a group of humans with mind controlling, super psychic powers works as both espionage thriller and potent horror flick. Full of gruesome specials effects set pieces, including the famous exploding head scene, SCANNERS remains one of Cronenberg's best films, if not one of his most conventional. Michael Ironside's villainous Revok is absolutely terrifying. His final "mind" duel with hero Stephen Lack is a highlight.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - PETS (1974)
A true grindhouse classic starring Candice Rialson (THE EIGER SANCTION, HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD). PETS is essentially three short films that explore stories of possession with a sexed up 70's S&M vibe. This is way better than it deserves to be. Dig it!
Breakout ... Or Be Broken.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - JOURNEY INTO THE BEYOND (1977)
SHOCKING ASIA is probably Rolf Olsen's most well known film, but JOURNEY INTO THE BEYOND is his best. John Carradine, while simultaneously sounding drunk and like Vincent Price, narrates the shocking and macabre events in this monkey brains free mondo classic.
You have never seen a film like this! A journey into the world of the supernatural!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Sunday, June 19, 2011
TRAILER - JOHN CARPENTER'S PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1987)
The return of Donald Pleasence (HALLOWEEN) and Victor Wong (BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA) to a Carpenter film is reason enough to recommend this underrated picture from the Master of Horror. Like IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, this deals with themes and topics that Carpenter hasn't previously explored. It's far from perfect but the story is interesting and the film has enough jumps and scares to be effective. Long live Dr. Loomis and Egg Shen!
See you on forty deuce,
G
SISKEL & EBERT CLASSIC REVIEW: JOHN CARPENTER'S PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1987)
Siskel & Ebert was on channel 2 at 11:35 pm every Sunday. Here is our weekly tribute to the two legends. Film school starts now.
G's Take: The return of Donald Pleasence (HALLOWEEN) and Victor Wong (BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA) to a Carpenter film is reason enough to recommend this underrated picture from the Master of Horror. Like IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, this deals with themes and topics that Carpenter hasn't previously explored. It's far from perfect but the story is interesting and the film has enough jumps and scares to be effective. Long live Dr. Loomis and Egg Shen! THUMBS UP.
See you on forty deuce,
G
G's Take: The return of Donald Pleasence (HALLOWEEN) and Victor Wong (BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA) to a Carpenter film is reason enough to recommend this underrated picture from the Master of Horror. Like IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, this deals with themes and topics that Carpenter hasn't previously explored. It's far from perfect but the story is interesting and the film has enough jumps and scares to be effective. Long live Dr. Loomis and Egg Shen! THUMBS UP.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Saturday, June 18, 2011
TRAILER - HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II (1988)
The Cenobites are back and this time they are looking for revenge. This isn't the classic that the original was, but it's a solid and bloody outing for Pinhead and the crew.
Is your soul prepared? Good. Time to play.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Friday, June 17, 2011
TRAILER - TOKYO ZOMBIE (2005)
When all you have left is your hands... get up and fight!
The zombie apocolypse hits Tokyo in this 2005 film from Sakichi Sato. This is way, way over the top (kind like how THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WEIRD was to westerns), but a decent film if you are looking to pass some time watching some zombies get all kinds of fucked up. You can catch this on Netflix Instant.
See you on forty deuce,
G
THE FRIDAY YUM-YUM: BETTIE PAGE
The infamous Bettie Page from Irving Klaw's TEASERAMA!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN (1971)
Horror legends Lon Chaney Jr. and J. Carrol Naish ended their careers with this hilarious Grade-Z monster flick. How exploitation king Al Adamson convinced them to star in it is beyond us. The final monster battle must be seen to be believed.
It's a real monster mash when they clash!
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - ANGEL, ANGEL, DOWN WE GO (1969)
A junkyard of flower power and acid starring Jennifer Jones, Roddy McDowall and Lou Rawls ("Black is better baby!").
Drugs, thugs and freaked-out starlets, ritual murder and cannibalism, dedicated to the proposition that all men are created evil.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Thursday, June 16, 2011
TRAILER - LADY AVENGER (1988)
The only thing she couldn't remember...was how to forget!!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - HARD BOILED (1992)
Nobody, and we mean nobody, can stage a gunfight as masterfully as John Woo. During his heyday in Hong Kong from the mid 80s through the early 90s, Woo directed some of the most explosive action films ever made, creating a style that is still being emulated by action directors today. His combination of slow motion effects and hyper kinetic action can leave the viewer exhausted and no film displays his style better than HARD BOILED.
Woo's final film produced in Hong Kong stars his regular go to actor, Chow Yun-fat, as a tough- as-nails cop who teams up with an undercover agent to bring down a ruthless mobster and his gang. A lengthy final gun battle in a hospital highlights this action classic. We love the fact that Philip Kwok from Shaw Brother's Venoms fame plays one of the main baddies. Throw this one on with Woo's other masterpiece, THE KILLER (1989), for a perfect double feature.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - HARD ROCK ZOMBIES (1985)
The trailer makes this look like the zombie version of STUNT ROCK which it isn't, but damn that would be some shit. Nine Inch Nails playing a live show during a zombie apocalypse... I think I just gave myself a geek boner.
As it is, this is watchable crap.
Their farewell concert is to die for!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (1978)
One of the most infamous movies to come out of the 1970s, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE continues to cause controversy up to this day. Its lengthy rape sequence is the most brutal ever committed to film and can be difficult to watch for even the most hardcore exploitation fan. The revenge plot line that follows is most welcome and for anyone looking for the ultimate revenge tale, the film delivers and then some. A form of brave film making or pure exploitation trash, either way you look at it the film has accomplished what so many others fail to do; it keeps people talking. Unnecessarily remade in 2010.
Zevk,
Poe
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
REVIEW - NIGHTMARES (1980) - Dropping 6/28 from Severin Films
THE FILM:
NIGHTMARES has been around in one form or another since 1980. I saw a heavily edited version in the late 80’s when it was called STAGE FRIGHT. This film has been plagued by censorship and title confusion since it was released but thanks to Severin Films, it is finally getting the release it deserves: Uncut and Uncensored. John Lamond was known for cheap sexploitation films when he made NIGHTMARES. He got the idea after seeing HALLOWEEN, appreciating the way that film was made. Even before a script was complete he began asking for money, showing up to meetings with a script for THE EXORCIST, hoping nobody asked to take it home to read. He got the cash, a decent cast, and directed one of my favorite ozploitation slasher films around.
Jenny Neumann stars as Cathy who as a little girl woke up in the backseat of the car while mommy had fun-time with a stranger. Cathy freaked, mom zigged instead of zagged, and out the front window goes mom slicing her throat in the process. This doesn’t set Cathy up for a life of success but this is a horror film, she wasn’t going to have success anyway. Cathy changes her name to Helen and makes use of her insanity by becoming an actress in the local theater. Coincidentally, this is when members of the cast start turning up dead of stab wounds, usually after fornicating.
Quick note: If I am ever backstage getting it on with a hot actress (happens more than you think…..no it doesn’t), and I hear glass breaking, I don’t care if you are Halle Berry, I am zipping that shit up and bolting like an erection in a cold pool. But I digress…
NIGHTMARES isn’t a perfect film. The killer POV shots don’t work very well, the identity of the killer is revealed way too early, and some of the scenes in the film just don’t make a lot of sense. Still, this a no holds barred slasher film that is dirty, trashy fun full of the genre staples we all want: nakedness, pointy objects with fleshy points of entry, and blood by the gallons. NIGHTMARES finally got the release it deserved and this is why Severin Films is one of our favorite labels.
THE DISC:
This is dropping from Severin Films on 6/28 (in addition to BLOODY BIRTHDAY and THE BABY). The full lists of features are below but I wanted to highlight the commentary on this disc. Mark Hartley of NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD joins Lamond to discuss this film and ozploitation in general. Hartley is not shy about letting Lamond know what works and what doesn’t work while also going into the historical perspective of ozploitation’s place in cinema. This is some of the best commentary I have heard in a while.
16:9 anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
Audio Commentary by director John Lamond and NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD's Mark Hartley
"A Brief History of Slasher Films" featurette
John Lamond Trailer Reel
Theatrical Trailer
Additional trailers for BLOODY MOON, HORROR EXPRESS, and PSYCHOMANIA
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - BLACK RODEO (1972)
While Yaphet Kotto was working 110th street, Muhammed Ali was working a bull on 125th street. Dig it!
Nobody ever told you there were Black Cowboys!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - DAY OF THE ANIMALS Aka SOMETHING IS OUT THERE (1977)
Animals are having one hell of a bad hair day when the recent depletion of the Earth's ozone layer causes them to go crazy and attack anything that looks human. This is particularly bad news for a bunch of mountain hikers in Northern California.
Fun eco-horror shitfest from William Girdler features some well-staged animal attacks. Don't miss the scene were wild man Leslie Nielsen wrestles a bear!
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIES (1981)
The dead are hungry... and they're coming to eat you alive! Joel Reed's last film is not his best but it still is a good b-grade zombie flick (and by good we mean awful). BLOODSUCKING FREAKS remains our favorite Reed film (even though there are only 6 to choose from).
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - ROBOT MONSTER (1953)
Ro-Man from the planet Ro-Man has been sent to Earth to annihilate our planet with his bubble machine. Luckily for Earth, one family survives and proceed to bring the good fight to the nasty alien in one of the funniest "bad films" ever made.
DG sat down to watch this one last night and ended up with quite the ab workout after we were subjected to 66 minutes of some of the stupidest cinema imaginable. Makes PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE look like STAR WARS in comparison. Supposedly director Phil Tucker tried to kill himself after the film was released due to extreme embarrassment. If only the poor bastard could have known how much joy his failure was to bring to fans of bad cinema.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - GIRL IN GOLD BOOTS (1968)
Even for Ted V. Mikels this film is bad. Still, as bad as this is, he managed to live with a harem of girls in his own castle in Glendale, CA and not many of us can say that. Come for the go-go dancing, stay for the crime and drugs!
She Hungered For Fame... The Men In Her Life Offered Love, Danger, Excitement!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
TRAILER - WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE (1983)
Bruno Mattei was kind of like Al Adamson. They both worked strictly in B-Movies, never made anything great, and worked across multiple genres. WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE is not as classic as some of the other WIP films, but it has it's moments...and by moments I mean plenty of showers, shackles, and fights.
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - XTRO (1983)
Nasty little flick about a father who returns to Earth to "claim" his family after he was abducted by aliens three years earlier offers up oodles of sick alien gore effects and is a must for fans of sci-fi trash. Future Bond girl Maryam d'Abo plays a nice scene in the buff as a nanny.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - BLOOD NIGHT: THE LEGEND OF MARY HATCHET (2009)
Will you make it through the night?
This is the debut film from Frank Sabatella and we are pretty amped to check this out. The trailer looks like a good old fashioned slasher film, almost a throwback to a simple and classic plot.
From TLA Cult: A group of teenagers celebrating Blood Night, the anniversary of the death of a local axe murderer, Mary Hatchet, suddenly find themselves face to face with the realities of her haunting. As they run from the bloody rampage left behind they’ll need to survive the night to expose the truth behind the legend of Bloody Mary.
Sign us up!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (1973)
Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee battle it out one last time as archenemies Van Helsing and Count Dracula in Hammer's THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA. Almost plays like a Bond film at times with Dracula planning to release a deadly virus upon the world while disguised as a property developer in modern day London. This was Lee's final appearance as Dracula in a Hammer Horror.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - SWEET KARMA (2009)
SWEET KARMA, is the feature film debut from Andrew Thomas Hunt. Though it was made in 2009 this is just now getting a stateside release. We saw this earlier in the year and it is a 100% pure revenge tale with huge re-watch. Shera Bechard plays Karma Balint an intensely shy, mute Russian girl whose sister has moved to Canada to make some quick cash for them. Karma then learns that Anna has been killed by the Russian mafia and the shit is ON!
This is Bechard's first film, and her debut is stunning. She conveys so much emotion through her eyes and actions, really impressive and I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. Plus she is 12 kinds of hot which is always a plus. In the "mute Russian infiltrates a sex ring to bring loads of revenge" genre, this one owns all kinds of ass.
See you on forty deuce,
G
THE NEW RELEASE WALL FOR 6/14
It’s Tuesday, and that means sites and stores will be full of new goodness to tickle your eyeballs with. So sit-back, relax, and take a look at what’s good enough to stick in the movie playing machine.
Kind of a low key week but there are still some new exploitation and horror releases we need to hit in addition to Donnie Yen back to do some damage and the return of The Mistress of the Dark. The juice is a bit low this morning due to a late night of screening BLOODY BIRTHDAY, listening to the commentary track of NIGHTMARES (both are out 6/28 from Severn Films) and watching TRUE GRIT with the little lady so this is going to be short, sweet, and a little bloody. So what do ya say? Let's boogie.
Our release of the week is SWEET KARMA, the feature film debut from Andrew Thomas Hunt. Though it was made in 2009 this is just now getting a stateside release. We saw this earlier in the year and it is a 100% pure revenge tale with huge re-watch. Shera Bechard plays Karma Balint an intensely shy, mute Russian girl whose sister has moved to Canada to make some quick cash for them. Karma then learns that Anna has been killed by the Russian mafia and the shit is ON!
This is Bechard's first film, and her debut is stunning. She conveys so much emotion through her eyes and actions, really impressive and I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. Plus she is 12 kinds of hot which is always a plus. In the "mute Russian infiltrates a sex ring to bring loads of revenge" genre, this one owns all kinds of ass.
Outside of a theatrical trailer this release doesn't have much unless there is something not officially listed. Would love to get a commentary track on this to learn about Hunt's influences.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/lEmTY6
If anybody can fill the shoes of Bruce Lee, you could do a whole lot worse than Donnie Yen. In the role that Lee made famous in FIST OF FURY, Yen plays Chen Zhen in LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN. We haven't seen this one yet but I hope it is better than IP MAN 2, which I dug, just not as much as some of you.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/mpjIzV
Another debut, this time from Frank Sabatella. The trailer looks like a good old fashioned slasher film, almost a throwback to a simple and classic plot. Excited to see this.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/ijlm9V
If there was one video that was NEVER on the shelf long back in the video store days, it was THE IMAGE. I have only seen this film twice, once as a horny teen, and again a few years ago where I was able to appreciate the relationships a little bit more. This is a hot film, but it is also complex in the way these characters develop. This isn't a trashy little splash of erotica, it's a really interesting film. Having said that, yeah it has it's fair share of gettin'-it-oooon!
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/dXEXC4
ELVIRA IS BACK! Bow down you worthless dog!
I dig the hell out of the next two releases. The world is a better place when Elvira is on the shelf ready to corrupt some young and impressionable minds while saluting classic horror and laying waste to the terrible. First up is Romero's classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD followed by Del Tenney's I EAT YOUR SKIN. Guess which one we like more.
You can grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/kqS05l
The next disc features THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA followed by THE WEREWOLF IN WASHINGTON. SATANIC RITES was Lee's last time in a Hammer film as Dracula so that alone makes it a better film than WEREWOLF IN WASHINGTON which is a bit of a crapfest.
You can grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/mCrL2X
That's it for this week kids, the tank is officially empty. Next week is slow but we have 10 VIOLENT WOMEN, WOMEN IN CAGES COLLECTION, RAT PACK and a few others.
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week, salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Kind of a low key week but there are still some new exploitation and horror releases we need to hit in addition to Donnie Yen back to do some damage and the return of The Mistress of the Dark. The juice is a bit low this morning due to a late night of screening BLOODY BIRTHDAY, listening to the commentary track of NIGHTMARES (both are out 6/28 from Severn Films) and watching TRUE GRIT with the little lady so this is going to be short, sweet, and a little bloody. So what do ya say? Let's boogie.
Our release of the week is SWEET KARMA, the feature film debut from Andrew Thomas Hunt. Though it was made in 2009 this is just now getting a stateside release. We saw this earlier in the year and it is a 100% pure revenge tale with huge re-watch. Shera Bechard plays Karma Balint an intensely shy, mute Russian girl whose sister has moved to Canada to make some quick cash for them. Karma then learns that Anna has been killed by the Russian mafia and the shit is ON!
This is Bechard's first film, and her debut is stunning. She conveys so much emotion through her eyes and actions, really impressive and I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. Plus she is 12 kinds of hot which is always a plus. In the "mute Russian infiltrates a sex ring to bring loads of revenge" genre, this one owns all kinds of ass.
Outside of a theatrical trailer this release doesn't have much unless there is something not officially listed. Would love to get a commentary track on this to learn about Hunt's influences.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/lEmTY6
If anybody can fill the shoes of Bruce Lee, you could do a whole lot worse than Donnie Yen. In the role that Lee made famous in FIST OF FURY, Yen plays Chen Zhen in LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN. We haven't seen this one yet but I hope it is better than IP MAN 2, which I dug, just not as much as some of you.
Grab this from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/mpjIzV
Another debut, this time from Frank Sabatella. The trailer looks like a good old fashioned slasher film, almost a throwback to a simple and classic plot. Excited to see this.
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/ijlm9V
If there was one video that was NEVER on the shelf long back in the video store days, it was THE IMAGE. I have only seen this film twice, once as a horny teen, and again a few years ago where I was able to appreciate the relationships a little bit more. This is a hot film, but it is also complex in the way these characters develop. This isn't a trashy little splash of erotica, it's a really interesting film. Having said that, yeah it has it's fair share of gettin'-it-oooon!
Grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/dXEXC4
ELVIRA IS BACK! Bow down you worthless dog!
I dig the hell out of the next two releases. The world is a better place when Elvira is on the shelf ready to corrupt some young and impressionable minds while saluting classic horror and laying waste to the terrible. First up is Romero's classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD followed by Del Tenney's I EAT YOUR SKIN. Guess which one we like more.
You can grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/kqS05l
The next disc features THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA followed by THE WEREWOLF IN WASHINGTON. SATANIC RITES was Lee's last time in a Hammer film as Dracula so that alone makes it a better film than WEREWOLF IN WASHINGTON which is a bit of a crapfest.
You can grab this from TLA Cult here: http://bit.ly/mCrL2X
That's it for this week kids, the tank is officially empty. Next week is slow but we have 10 VIOLENT WOMEN, WOMEN IN CAGES COLLECTION, RAT PACK and a few others.
Until then...
Here's to good watching this week, salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - PHANTASM (1979)
Angus Scrimm's The Tall Man is one of the most underrated villains in horror history. This guy isn't looking for fresh kills, he is essentially a grave robber, creating new "friends" by re-animation. And if you fuck with him, he is going to unleash all kinds of spherical bad-ass on you.
Tell me you didn't pick up a tennis ball after this film and throw it at somebody pretending blades popped out. Oh I didn't either....I was...I was just sayin'...In my defense I was 11 or 12.
Beware the ball, beware the tall man, beware the never dead.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Monday, June 13, 2011
TRAILER - GHIDRAH, THE THREE HEADED MONSTER (1964)
A giant meteor crashes to Earth and unleashes a giant three headed dragon that proceeds to annihilate Japan. It's up to the combined forces of Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan to put aside their differences and stop the cranky beast. Wild monster battles ensue. This was the first film in the Godzilla series were the big guy is presented in a positive light and the first to feature his arch enemy of the title. One of the best in the series.
Zevk,
Poe
TRAILER - SUPER SPOOK (1975)
This was intended as a spoof but the laughs come in all the wrong spots. This movie is all kinds of bad but the trailer is a classic. In my opinion, all films should end with a bike chase through the park. In a perfect world, it would be Benny Hill style set to "Yackity Sax".
If Shaft can't and The Hammer won't ...then Super Spook will!
See you on forty deuce,
G
Sunday, June 12, 2011
TRAILER - THEY CALL HIM CHOP-SUEY (1975)
From Bobby Suarez, the writer and director of CLEOPATRA WONG and ONE ARMED EXECUTIONER comes another pile of shit the size of Texas. Though Jun Gallardo directed this one, it looks and feels like a Suarez film which isn't saying much, which makes it a DG classic.
Call him Chop-suey, or just call him...DEADLY!
See you on forty deuce,
G
TRAILER - CRITTERS (1986)
CRITTERS is a New Line VHS Classic, it was one of those films that kids just gravitated to. Part of it was the promise of a more intense and horrific GREMLINS which CRITTERS doesn't deliver on, but that doesn't stop the film from being fun. GREMLINS worked as a tribute to classic sci-fi (and Looney Tunes to some extent). CRITTERS is meant to be a tribute in the same way, but it works best standing on it's own.
This was a big enough film to spawn a franchise but unfortunately, it was a franchise of half-assed films that didn't work. By the way, have you ever seen an M. Emmet Walsh performance that just sucked? Yeah me neither. The guy just comes to play ball in every single film he is in.
See you on forty deuce,
G
Siskel & Ebert Classic Review: CRITTERS (1986)
Siskel & Ebert was on channel 2 at 11:35 pm every Sunday. Here is our weekly tribute to the two legends. Film school starts now.
G's Take: CRITTERS is a New Line VHS Classic, it was one of those films that kids just gravitated to. Part of it was the promise of a more intense and horrific GREMLINS which CRITTERS doesn't deliver on, but that doesn't stop the film from being fun. GREMLINS worked as a tribute to classic sci-fi (and Looney Tunes to some extent). CRITTERS is meant to be a tribute in the same way, but it works best standing on it's own.
This was a big enough film to spawn a franchise but unfortunately, it was a franchise of half-assed films that didn't work. By the way, have you ever seen an M. Emmet Walsh performance that just sucked? Yeah me neither. The guy just comes to play ball in every single film he is in. THUMB'S UP.
See you on forty deuce,
G
G's Take: CRITTERS is a New Line VHS Classic, it was one of those films that kids just gravitated to. Part of it was the promise of a more intense and horrific GREMLINS which CRITTERS doesn't deliver on, but that doesn't stop the film from being fun. GREMLINS worked as a tribute to classic sci-fi (and Looney Tunes to some extent). CRITTERS is meant to be a tribute in the same way, but it works best standing on it's own.
This was a big enough film to spawn a franchise but unfortunately, it was a franchise of half-assed films that didn't work. By the way, have you ever seen an M. Emmet Walsh performance that just sucked? Yeah me neither. The guy just comes to play ball in every single film he is in. THUMB'S UP.
See you on forty deuce,
G
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