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  • Halloween Kills (2021)

    Halloween Kills (2021)

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    Before the 2018 Halloween was released, co-writer Danny McBride said he and co-writer/director David Gordon Green pitched two films. They proposed filming two movies back-to-back, but they ultimately decided to wait for how audiences reacted to the first one. Thankfully, the film made over $250 million against a $10 million budget and received universal acclaim from critics and audiences. Scott Teems, who gained attention for 2009’s That Evening Sun, was added to co-write the sequel with McBride and Green. Filming commenced in September 2019, primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, with most of the surviving cast returning. Reports surfaced that Kyle Richards, Charles Cyphers, and Nancy Stephens would reprise their original roles. Principal photography wrapped in November 2019 with a scheduled release in October 2020, but the COVID-19 Pandemic delayed the release. Finally, Halloween Kills saw its release in theaters and Peacock in October 2021.

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    Synopsis

    Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), daughter Karen (Judy Greer), and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) believe they’ve finally killed Michael Myers. Unfortunately, as they’re going to the hospital, a group of firefighters unknowingly save Michael from the burning house. Soon, word gets out of Michael’s survival, and grown-up Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall) leads a mob to find him. He recruits fellow survivors Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards), Marion Chambers (Nancy Stephens), and Lonnie Elam (Robert Longstreet) for the hunt. While Laurie is recovering in the hospital, Karen decides not to tell her that Michael is alive for her protection. As Michael continues carving a path through Haddonfield, the mob gets increasingly frustrated with the police and starts rioting. Laurie tries to help but succumbs to her wounds, leaving Karen and Allyson to go out and confront Michael instead. Will Michael’s reign of terror be stopped, and who will he kill next?

     

    Review

    Despite a few issues, I enjoyed the 2018 sequel/reboot and was excited to see where things would go. Unfortunately, Halloween Kills might be one of the most disappointing sequels I’ve seen in quite some time. This film can’t decide between having over-the-top kills or having a more thought-provoking message, and it ends up failing both. While the film does have some inventive and bloody kills, they feel out of place in a Halloween film. Most of these kills would be fine in a Friday the 13th sequel, but here, it just feels gratuitous. It reminds me of how Halloween II felt more like the copycats of Halloween, and that’s not the only comparison. Like that film, Jamie Lee Curtis spends most of her screen time in bed while everyone else does stuff. When she does do something, it’s mostly just monologuing about whatever random nonsense the writers think up.

    I will give the film credit for trying to make a statement about the dangers of mob mentality. Granted, it fails at its message and comes off as needlessly pretentious, as if it needs to be relevant. Also, while it’s nice to see some of the original cast return, their roles are ultimately just extended cameos. Admittedly, Judy Greer was much better in this than the last film, playing her role much more seriously. Anthony Michael Hall also does a pretty good job, though I would’ve preferred if they had brought back Brian Andrews. Green tries to inject some of the suspense and tension John Carpenter utilized, but the gratuitous gore undermines those moments. They’re planning on another installment soon, and I hope they learn from their mistakes here, but I highly doubt that. Overall, Halloween Kills is a massive disappointment to such a promising start.

     

    Buy Halloween Kills from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pfbsa5.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Halloween Kills (2021)

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  • Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 (2013)

    Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 (2013)

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    After producing Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid, Troma announced a fourth film. Entitled Battle of the Bikini Subhumanoids, they held a contest where fans could submit pages for a potential screenplay. While they had a completed script in 2000, the film never made it past pre-production and was ultimately shelved. In 2011, Troma started working on a potential fourth film in Spain with Mushnik’s Entertainment and Chaparra Entertainment as collaborators. Around this time, Anchor Bay expressed interest in remaking Troma’s movies, starting with 2010’s Mother Day. They decided to also collaborate with Troma over a sequel/reboot to their Class of Nuke ‘Em High series. Filming began in 2012, and at some point, Lloyd Kaufman decided to split the film in half. As a result, Troma released Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 in fall 2013.

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    Synopsis

    After the destruction of the Tromaville Nuclear Power Plant, the Tromorganic Foodstuffs Conglomerate has risen in its place. Young blogger Chrissy (Asta Paredes) investigates its shady practices while the company promotes its healthy and organic food, young blogger Chrissy (Asta Paredes) investigates their deceptive practices. Her personal life isn’t so great, particularly with her horned-up boyfriend Eugene (Clay von Carlowitz) obsessed with finally getting laid. Meanwhile, new student Lauren (Catherine Corcoran) isn’t making too many friends, given her wealthy upbringing. Chrissy, in particular, bullies her for it, but as they spend more time together, they begin realizing something about themselves. One day, the school serves “organic” tacos with radioactive meat, transforming the Glee Club into a new batch of Cretins. As they begin terrorizing the school, Chrissy and Lauren must fend off The Cretins while also dealing with their romance. School’s in session, and it’s one hell of a semester!

     

    Review

    I couldn’t help but notice the numerous similarities between this and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV. Both are the fourth installment, both ignore the previous films’ events, and Stan Lee narrates both. Also, both cover similar taboo issues, particularly school shootings, which makes me concerned about our society. There are also some similarities with Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead, namely how no one is free from ridicule. There’s the stereotypically evil corporation, the self-righteous liberal blogger, and the school’s blase nature towards mass shootings. Not to mention that all subtlety is thrown entirely out the window when it comes to satire. All of this is mixed with Troma’s bread and butter: blood, nudity, gore, sex, slime, viscera, and lack of taste. It’s a winning formula that’s helped Troma survive for more than 40 years, and it more than works here.

    Troma is typically known for, among other things, exaggeratedly over-the-top performances, but some of the ones here are annoying. Clay von Carlowitz comes off particularly grating, but to be fair, he’s not playing a likable character. By comparison, Asta Paredes and Catherine Corcoran play their roles straight, ironic given their characters’ arc. They have solid chemistry with each other, and it’s fun contrasting Asta’s sarcastic demeanor against Catherin’s more naive personality. The Cretins are similar to the original ones, but they’re entertaining, especially the Cretin who uses a wheelchair. While there are some pretty solid practical effects, some less-than-stellar digital shots pop up here and there, though that’s forgivable. At roughly 90 minutes, the film gets in and out relatively quickly, and the cliffhanger leaves you wanting more. Overall, Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 is a fun follow-up to the original cult classic.

     

    Buy Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BGoh4Q.

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  • No Time to Die (2021)

    No Time to Die (2021)

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    Since debuting in 1962, James Bond has remained one of the most iconic and popular characters in cinematic history. The character has been brought to life by Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan. Following Brosnan’s departure after Die Another Day, relative newcomer Daniel Craig was announced as his replacement in 2005. Daniel Craig’s debut in 2006’s Casino Royale was a massive critical and commercial success despite some initial controversy. Over the next few years, Craig continued rising to superstardom thanks to the follow-ups Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. After the release of Spectre, rumors were floating around that Craig would not be returning to play Bond anymore. Thankfully, that changed when Craig confirmed he’d be returning for an installment scheduled for a 2020 release. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Craig’s final outing as Bond, No Time to Die, wouldn’t be released until October 2021.

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    Synopsis

    After the events of Spectre, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is living in retirement with his love Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux). Unfortunately, some Spectre assassins try to kill Bond and Swann, and while they escape, Bond suspects Swann betrayed him. Years later, Bond lives in Jamaica when his CIA contact Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) offers him a job. He asks Bond to help him rescue Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik), a scientist who a mysterious group kidnaped. Bond is initially disinterested until he learns that Obruchev was working on a secret MI6 bioweapon called “Project Heracles.” Bond manages to capture Obruchev thanks to Agent Paloma (Ana de Armas), only for Obruchev to slip his grasp. It turns out the mysterious group’s leader is Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), who plans on using the bioweapon for revenge. Now teaming up with his old flame Madeleine, Bond must save the world one last time.

     

    Review

    Daniel Craig has established himself as the James Bond of a new generation, whether you love him or hate him. He’s been able to give this long-established character so much humanity and vulnerability that it’s made him more identifiable. Of course, he still has the quips and the charm we’ve come to expect, but it feels more natural. Craig gives it 110% and delivers another excellent performance, with No Time to Die being his swan song. Rami Malek does an excellent job as the Bond villain, even though he’s not given much material. He lacks the intensity and nuance of Mads Mikkelsen from Casino Royale and Javier Bardem from Skyfall. Christoph Waltz returns to play Blofeld from Spectre, and his scene is excellent, but his screen time is limited. Also, Ana de Armas has a very memorable action scene, but she disappears soon after.

    Admittedly, David Dencik started to drag the movie down as the comic relief, basically playing the Yakov Smirnoff role. While he’s only in the film sporadically, he’ll ruin otherwise heavy scenes with a dumb one-liner. There’s been some talk about Lashana Lynch playing the new 007, but thankfully, it doesn’t feel like she’s replacing Craig. Instead, it feels more like they’re working together, even if they compete with one another early on. As is tradition with Bond movies, the action sequences are impressive, from the opening chase to a jungle assault. The filmmakers also incorporate some one-take shots that amp up the tension and make it more thrilling. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime might put viewers off, but thankfully, there’s never a dull moment in this action-packed spectacular. Overall, No Time to Die might not be the best Bond movie, but it’s a fitting end to Craig’s run.

     

    See No Time to Die in theaters now: https://fandan.co/3iIc9ZD.

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  • Weedjies: Halloweed Night (2019)

    Weedjies: Halloweed Night (2019)

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    In 2019, Full Moon Features announced a new project called “The Deadly Ten,” a series of ten brand new films. Each would be either a sequel or related in some way to a pre-existing Full Moon movie. The titles announced included sequels to Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, Subspecies, and Head of the Family. For the first film in this series, filmmaker Danny Draven decided to work on a spiritual successor to 1985’s Ghoulies. In 2006, Full Moon released the stoner comedy Evil Bong, which started a top-rated franchise spanning eight films by 2018. Draven has a history of working with Charles Band, having directed Horrorvision, Hell Asylum, Cryptz, and Reel Evil. His contribution for The Deadly Ten would combine the stoner humor of Evil Bong with the mischievous monsters of Ghoulies. The resulting film saw its release in late 2019 as Weedjies: Halloweed Night.

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    Synopsis

    Friends Madison (Brett Hargrave), Dallas (Victoria Strange), and Frankie (Yo Ying) are planning on throwing the biggest Halloween party ever. Their socially awkward male friend Claude (Johnny Jay Lee), clearly infatuated with Dallas, joins to help them out. Once the party starts, it becomes a huge success, with many people showing up for a good time. The guests are also there for a scavenger hunt to win The Golden Nug, a very special nugget of marijuana. Our heroes meet a mysterious woman known as The Baroness (Denise Milfort), who has something special for our heroes. She breaks out a “Weed-G-Board,” which ends up summoning diminutive creatures known as “Weedjies” to attack the guests. According to the Ganja Ghost (James Adam Tucker), the group only has until midnight to recapture the Weedjies. Will they be able to stop them, or will the Weedjies party our heroes to death?

     

    Review

    Honestly, Weedjies: Halloweed Night is more or less what I expected from a modern-day Full Moon movie. You’ve got a ridiculous plot, questionable acting, and cheesy puppets mixed with some not-so-good CGI effects. It would be best if you didn’t go into a film like this expecting high-quality cinema else you’ll be disappointed. I watched this film cold sober, so I don’t know if getting high beforehand will make watching this better. That said, while I would hardly call this a classic within Full Moon’s library, it’s still fun in a way. The actors know what type of movie they’re in and have fun with their roles, as standard as they are. Denise Milfort and James Adam Tucker are entertainingly hammy with their fake Jamaican accents and larger-than-life personas. None of the four main heroes particularly stand out, but they have decent chemistry with each other.

    Of course, the real stars of this movie are the Weedjie puppets, all creations of Tom Devlin’s 1313fx studio. Compared to the puppet work of the late great John Carl Buechler, they’re about on par with those from Ghoulies. While they don’t show up until halfway into the movie, their appearance does make the film more fun to watch. Each of them has a distinct look and personality, similar to the creatures from Gremlins 2: The New Batch. As decent as the puppets look, what took me out of the movie was the cheap-looking CGI. It does add to its campy charm, but once they start using CG blood, that’s when I draw the line. It helps that the movie’s only 75 minutes in length, which means you’ll be in and out before too long. Overall, Weedjies: Halloweed Night would be perfect for a Halloween stoner party or something similar.

     

    Buy Weedjies: Halloweed Night from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

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    On a budget of $100 million, Venom grossed over $200 million domestically and over $850 million worldwide. Though financially successful, the movie mostly received mixed to negative reviews, with many criticizing its inconsistent tone and poor narrative. Despite this, Sony had a bonafide hit on their hands, and pre-production on a sequel started in 2019. Unfortunately, Ruben Fleischer couldn’t direct the sequel since he was busy working on Zombieland: Double Tap. While considering Travis Knight, Rupert Wyatt, and Rupert Sanders, Sony hired Andy Serkis due to his experience with motion-capture technology. Most of the original cast returned, with Tom Hardy co-producing and co-writing the story with writer Kelly Marcel. Principal photography wrapped in early 2020, but the film saw numerous delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Following the success of Shang-Chi, the studio decided to release Venom: Let There Be Carnage in October 2021.

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    Synopsis

    The police have contacted Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) to interview notorious serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson). For whatever reason, Kasady chooses to only speak with Brock, much to the chagrin of officer Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham). However, during one visit, the alien parasite living within Eddie, Venom, attacks Kasady, but Kasady accidentally ingests some of Venom. At his execution, the parasite within Kasady transforms him into the red symbiote Carnage, and he escapes from prison. Now free, Casady frees his lover Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris), held captive due to her mighty sonic shriek. Meanwhile, Venom has chosen to leave Eddie due to feeling confined to listening to what Eddie told him to do. Also, due to his connection with Kasady, Mulligan believes Eddie might’ve assisted in his escape. Soon, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), Eddie’s ex, gets involved, so he and Venom must settle their differences and stop Carnage.

     

    Review

    While Venom: Let There Be Carnage is an improvement over the original, it has some of the same issues. For one, the filmmakers use the same quick-cut editing to ensure the film gets a PG-13 rating. It’s somewhat frustrating how the comics are far more violent and R-rated than either of the movies. Also, while the Eddie and Venom bickering scenes were fun in the first, they’re drawn out here. It sometimes gets to the point where the movie will go for long stretches without an action sequence. As much as Michelle Williams was just there in the original, she had some stake in the plot. Yet here, she’s just thrown in so that Eddie and Venom have the motivation to get back together. That said, this still improves over many of the original’s flaws, making this the superior film by comparison.

    Whereas the original took itself way too seriously, this one embraces its silliness and swings for the fences. Like the first one, Tom Hardy gives an outstanding performance, and his back-and-forths with Venom are entertaining at times. Woody Harrelson makes for a much better villain than the previous film, though Harrelson always delivers in every role. He and Naomie Harris have solid chemistry with each other, and they both embrace the craziness of their characters. Even Michelle Williams seems to be having more fun here, even if she’s just there for convenience sake. Another way this improves over the original is the climax, where Venom and Carnage go one-on-one in a church. At barely over 90 minutes, the film gets in and out, and you’ll leave the theater primarily satisfied. Overall, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a flawed but vastly superior film to its predecessor for what it’s worth.

     

    Buy Venom: Let There Be Carnage from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oMMHlR.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

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  • Summer Wars (2009)

    Summer Wars (2009)

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    Japanese filmmaker and animator Mamoru Hosoda was inspired to pursue animation after seeing The Castle of Cagliostro from Hayao Miyazaki. After graduating from the Kanazawa College of Art, he got a job for Toei Animation and worked his way up. His work on Digimon: The Movie caught Studio Ghibli’s attention, so they hired him to direct Howl’s Moving Castle. Unfortunately, production stalled when Ghibli demanded something similar to Miyazaki while Hosoda wanted to make it his own. Hosoda left in 2002 and returned to work at Toei before getting hired by Madhouse in 2005. His first film at Madhouse was 2006’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, which received critical acclaim. Almost immediately, Madhouse decided to work on an original story since the last was a novel adaptation. With Hosoda returning to direct, the result was the 2009 animated movie, Summer Wars.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    High school students Kenji Koiso (Michael Sinterniklaas) and Takashi Sakuma (Todd Haberkorn) are moderators for the VR game OZ. One day, fellow student Natsuki Shinohara (Brina Palencia) asks one of them for a particular job, which Kenji accepts. However, it turns out Natsuki needs Kenji to pretend to be her fiance for her great-grandmother Sakae Jinnouchi (Pam Dougherty). Meanwhile, a rogue AI known as “Love Machine” invades OZ and uses Kenji’s avatar to corrupt the system. The AI can access the public infrastructure, leading to massive traffic congestion and an immediate shutdown of emergency services. Kenji receives the blame, but it turns out Natsuki’s uncle, Wabisuke Jinnouchi (J. Michael Tatum), created the AI. With the help of Natsuki’s extended family, Kenji works to try and find a way to stop Love Machine. Will they be able to stop Love Machine and reclaim the system, or is their society doomed?

     

    Review

    Going into Summer Wars, I didn’t know what to expect since I had never heard of it before this review. That’s probably the best way to go into this because I found myself being thoroughly entertained and even touched. Admittedly, the film uses many familiar tropes in anime, including a nerdy hero, convenient plot twists, and overt melodrama. Still, the filmmakers use those elements to craft an engaging and heartfelt story with some memorable characters. Kenji makes for a decently likable lead who plays the straight man against Natsuki’s very eclectic family. While he’s in over his head at first, he grows closer to Natsuki’s family and helps pull them together. There’s a particularly heartwarming scene between Kenji and Sakae, which might be the best scene from the entire movie. It’s a tranquil and soft moment that makes the film all the more worth watching.

    In terms of animation, it’s a beautiful-looking film, with tons of fluid motion and expressive faces rivaling even Miyazaki’s work. It’s especially prevalent in the OZ scenes, where the animators get to stretch their creative muscles and design something unique. The film does have a similar issue as Thor, where more time is devoted to the real world. However, the real-world scenes are just as engaging, if not more so, than the virtual world scenes. It helps that there are so many memorable characters to get attached to, who never come off as obnoxious. Plus, there’s a great message about the importance of family and how technology only creates the illusion of togetherness. There are some spots where the pacing drags slightly, but it’s still an excellent time for under two hours. Overall, Summer Wars is a beautifully made and engaging animated adventure that any audience can enjoy.

     

    Buy Summer Wars from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39AXOtd.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Summer Wars (2009)

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  • Screamplay (1985)

    Screamplay (1985)

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    Rufus Butler Seder had an affinity for films from an early age, thanks in part to his father. He studied at the American Film Institute and received tons of acclaim for his experimental short films. At some point, Seder wanted to make a biopic about Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, but that never happened. With no projects lined up, Seder dug up an old script he had written in the late 1970s. The screenplay took inspiration from his experiences in Hollywood, especially some odd neighbors he had in his apartment complex. On a budget of roughly $50,000, Seder set up the Boston Black and White Movie Company to work on this. He and his team did almost all of the in-camera effects, including front projection and forced perspective. Though New Line Cinema showed interest, Troma ultimately acquired the rights and released the film in 1985 as Screamplay.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Struggling writer Edgar Allen (Rufus Butler Seder) moves to Hollywood with dreams to make a name for himself. Unfortunately, Edgar gets mugged on his first day in Tinseltown, and a stranger kills the mugger right after. The killer is Martin (George Kuchar), a sleazy landlord who hires Edgar as a custodian if he keeps silent. Edgar spends his nights writing murder stories in his spare time, many inspired by what happens around him. His neighbors include aging actress Nina Ray (Linda Robinson), prophet/rocker Lot (Bob White), and aspiring actress Holly (Katy Bolger). Before long, people start dying in ways that are eerily similar to the scenarios Edgar writes, which raises suspicion. Officers Tony Cassano (Basil J. Bova) and Joe Blatz (George Cordeiro) are investigating, and all signs point to Edgar. Has the struggling writer finally lost it, or is there someone else responsible?

     

    Review

    Screamplay is one of those films where the people behind it are wearing their influences on their sleeves. They drive this further by showing clips from Nosferatu, The Golem, and Cabinet of Dr. Caligari so that you know. Thankfully, the filmmakers use their influences to tell a creative and unique story rather than just recycling something similar. Rufus Butler Seder gives a wonderfully exaggerated performance as struggling screenwriter Edgar Allen, who can be both likable and creepy. Whenever we see him going mad, his manic expressions remind me of silent actors like Lon Chaney and Conrad Veidt. The film was shot entirely in black and white that both pays tribute and adds a sense of dread. The film sometimes feels like a nightmare come to life with all the twisted shadows and warped perspective. For such a small budget, they were able to pull off quite a bit.

    What also helps this stand out are all the side characters, each just as memorable and weird as Edgar. You’ve got the washed-up B-movie actress trying to cling onto whatever youth she has left by constantly making herself up. Then there’s Lot, a stoned-out rockstar who prophesies about the evils of Hollywood and partakes in some holistic remedies. Even the seemingly pure and innocent Holly has her quirks, namely that she’ll do anything to be an actress. Of course, there’s plenty of over-the-top deaths and even some nudity, but it’s all reasonably tame even by Troma standards. This movie is more psychological, so people expecting an all-out gore and tit fest might be disappointed. However, if you consider yourself a Troma fan, you really should give this sadly forgotten shocker a chance. Overall, Screamplay is both a loving homage to Old Hollywood but also a wonderfully grim and dark thriller.

     

    Buy Screamplay from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XW0DCf.

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  • Transmutations (1985)

    Transmutations (1985)

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    After making a name for himself in theatre, Clive Barker wanted to shift his focus towards becoming a writer. While writing the short stories that would make up Books of Blood, Barker met up-and-coming filmmaker George Pavlou. The two met at a dinner party, where they discussed their shared interest and passion for the film industry. Pavlou wanted to direct, and Barker wanted to write, so the two decided to collaborate on a project together. Barker wrote a screenplay of mobsters versus monsters that included science-fiction, film noir, and horror elements. Unfortunately, the studio had promised their financiers more of a pop-rock-infused tale and was uncomfortable with the horror themes. The studio demanded rewrites that essentially stripped the film of anything horror-related, which led to Barker disowning the project. Initially released in the UK as Underworld in 1985, Empire Pictures released it in the US as Transmutations in 1986.

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    Synopsis

    After underground mutants kidnap high-class prostitute Nicole (Nicola Cowper), the Docklands Mafia hires their best man to find her. Said man is Roy Bain (Larry Lamb), a private investigator who has since retired. He’s convinced by mob boss Hugo Motherskille (Steven Berkoff) to rescue her, given Bain’s past relationship with her. Meanwhile, the mutants abducted Nicole uses her as a bargaining chip for an antidote to the drug “Whiteman.” Created by Dr. Savary (Denholm Elliot), the drug is known to expand the mind and cause deformities. However, Nicole is a rare case in that she’s remained physically normal despite having taken Whiteman consistently. As Bain continues his search, he eventually finds the mutants and Nicole, and he helps them take on Savary. Unfortunately, Motherskille is working with Savary, so Bain betrays his former employer to protect the mutants and Nicole. It’s mobsters versus monsters in the London underworld!

     

    Review

    Whether you call it Underworld or Transmutations, this film had the potential to be good only to waste it all. The concept of mobsters versus monsters offers many creative ideas, but this movie has almost none on display. Given Barker’s future work, it makes me wonder what his original script was like compared to the mess we got. The cast has huge names like Denholm Elliot, Steven Berkoff, Miranda Richardson, and Ingrid Pitt, but the film wastes them. Elliot and Berkoff, in particular, give off that sense of “I’m only doing this just for the extra money.” Larry Lamb tries to come off as a relaxed and rugged detective, but he lacks the charisma of Tim Thomerson. Then again, Trancers knew what it wanted to be and stuck with it instead of missing any of its personality. Honestly, this film is almost as bad as the later Trancers sequels.

    If there are any positives here, I will say that the production design has a decent 80s punk look. It probably helps that their art director was Len Huntingford, who worked on the Oscar-winning 1981 film, Chariots of Fire. The makeup effects, while certainly cheap-looking, help the movie stand out with all the different mutant designs shown. Also, the score by the band Freur has some solid tracks, though much of it is instantly forgettable. George Pavlou doesn’t inject anything special in his direction and shoots the film with a bland style. Though the widely available version is 88 minutes long, the version released in the US is 15 minutes longer. Honestly, I can’t imagine if those extra 15 minutes would’ve improved the overall quality of this forgettable mess. Overall, Transmutations is what happens when a good idea is compromised and stripped of what made it special.

     

    Buy Transmutations from Amazon: https://amzn.to/40wUaMu.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Transmutations (1985)

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  • Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

    Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

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    Around 2002, aspiring filmmaker Daniel Bova submitted a spec script to Troma Entertainment for consideration, which saw various re-writes. Gabriel Friedman, a long-time editor for Troma, completed a final draft in 2004 under Poultrygeist: Attack of the Chicken Zombies. After failing to acquire funding, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz had to pay out of pocket for the film’s budget. With a budget of roughly $500,000, Troma managed to acquire hundreds of volunteer crew over the internet. Filming primarily took place at an abandoned McDonald’s in Buffalo, NY, with additional filming in a local church. Unfortunately, like any Troma film, this one was plagued with production problems, including pay disputes and malfunctioning special effects. Despite all the issues, filming wrapped in August of 2005, and the film premiered in New York the following year. It wouldn’t be until 2007 that Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead would see a limited release.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    While Arbie (Jason Yachanin) has to stay behind for his family, his girlfriend Wendy (Kate Graham) is bound for college. They’re reunited one college semester later, except it turns out Wendy is now dating Micki (Allyson Sereboff). The two of them are protesting against the American Chicken Bunker, a fast food restaurant built on an Indian graveyard. To get back at Wendy, Arbie decides to get a job at ACB and meets the manager Denny (Joshua Olatunde). Unbeknownst to the staff, the spirits of the chickens and Native Americans are seeking revenge against their oppressors. General Lee Roy (Robin L. Watkins) tries quelling the protestors, but Native American chicken zombies soon invade the restaurant. As our heroes scramble for survival, Arbie and Wendy manage to rekindle their romance and grow as people. But will they survive, or will they be the next meal for these flesh-eating fowl fiends?

     

    Review

    Troma is known for making wildly crazy movies, but Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead might be their craziest yet. Honestly, even just describing some of the insanity packed into this film would be doing it a disservice. While many films have at least one memorable moment, they pack tons of special moments into their runtime. Every scene stands out, from an overweight man coating a bathroom in diarrhea to a guy becoming a sandwich. There is an overabundance of bodily fluids everywhere in typical Troma fashion, including blood, shit, slime, and everything in between. Also, in the spirit of Troma, there’s some great social commentary about the fast-food industry and corporate greed. Admittedly, there’s some dated humor straight out of the mid-2000s, but those moments are few and far between. If nothing else, this movie will make you think twice about going out to order some fast food.

    The cast all play their parts in an exaggerated way that’s funny and genuine without being obnoxious. Jason Yachanin is loveable as the dopey-eyed guy working to win his girl back while trying to survive this situation. Kate Graham has terrific chemistry with Jason, and she’s also sweet as the naive girl wanting to make a difference. Each ACB staff member stands out, including the flamboyant Paco Bell, the Islamic stereotype Hummus, and the hillbilly Carl Jr. Even though he’s pretty much the stereotypical corporate villain, Robin L. Watkins is charming as the enigmatic General. Plus, there are some appearances from Troma veterans Joe Fleishaker, Ron Jeremy, and Debbie Rochon. The film has musical numbers, and while some are better than others, they add to the film’s campy charm. Overall, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead may not be for everyone, but it’s a must for horror-comedy fans.

    One final note: if you decide to watch this, consider also watching the documentary Poultry in Motion. It’s easily one of the best behind-the-scenes documentaries you’ll ever see, and it’s worth a watch all on its own.

     

    Buy Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E7YAvI.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

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  • Head of the Family (1996)

    Head of the Family (1996)

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    After leaving Marvel Comics in 1986, legendary artist Jack Kirby worked on concept art for potential films at Empire Pictures. The films were a Doctor Strange-inspired story called Doctor Mortalis and Mindmaster, about a paraplegic kid controlling a robot. Unfortunately, neither movie got made since Empire Pictures couldn’t secure financing from Vestron, and they eventually went bankrupt. Charles Band would eventually rework the Doctor Mortalis concept into 1992’s Doctor Mordrid starring Jeffrey Combs and Brian Thompson. Two years after Jack Kirby’s death in 1994, Band went to frequent collaborator Benjamin Carr about a new concept. By pure coincidence, Band’s idea was similar to a Kirby story from 1954 in Black Magic Volume 4 #6. Whether coincidental or not, Carr and Band set to work on what would become one of Full Moon’s weirdest movies. In November of 1996, Head of the Family hit the video store shelves nationwide.

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    Synopsis

    Loretta (Jacqueline Lovell) is cheating on her biker husband Howard (Gordon Jennison Noice) with local conman Lance (Blake Adams). While driving after a nightly fling, they witness the Stackpools, a family of misfits, dragging a man into their home. Suspecting foul play, Lance decides to investigate further and learns the horrible truth about the family. Siblings Wheeler (James Jones), Otis (Bob Schott), and Ernestina (Dianne Colazzo) are mind-controlled by brother Myron (J. W. Perra). Also, Myron has a giant head, is confined to a wheelchair, and experiments on his victims for a new body. Seeing an opportunity, Lance hires the Stackpools to dispose of Howard in exchange for him keeping quiet about their exploits. They succeed, but Lance decides to extort them for the prominent fortune they’re sitting on, threatening them with legal action. Unbeknownst to Lance, Myron has something grand in store for him and Loretta.

     

    Review

    Compared to the rest of Full Moon’s library, Head of the Family is by far one of their weirdest movies. Admittedly, its story is pretty basic, but the strange characters and odd mix of campy and creepy elevate it. Right from the opening themes conducted by Richard Band, you know this will be both wacky and weird. In the middle of this tale of extortion and blackmail, you’ve got all these strange beings lurking around. J. W. Perra sells it as the maniacal Myron, acting like a cross between Orson Welles and The Brain. What also helps are the makeup effects and camera tricks used to make him look convincing as this character. While they don’t have many lines, Jones, Scott, and Colazzo stand out in their roles just for their sheer weirdness. Seeing them stand around with their blank expressions is pretty frightening.

    Blake Adams and Jacqueline Lovell work well as the straight players against the strange things around them. Blake is very charismatic and entertaining as the sleazy conman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. On top of being more than willing to get naked, Lovell is charming and funny in her sardonic role. The effects are surprisingly decent for such a low-budget film, although a few look pretty cheap by comparison. It doesn’t help either that there are times where they have to add fire to some scenes digitally. Directing-wise, Charles Band does a decent job using shadows and lighting to create a compellingly spooky mood. At times, the movie does stretch things out to hit its 82-minute mark, but it gets the job done. Overall, Head of the Family is an oddity, but it’s an oddity worth seeking out for Full Moon fans.

     

    Buy Head of the Family from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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