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Category: Full Moon Fridays

  • Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012)

    Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Following the release of Puppet Master: Axis of Evil, Charles Band announced a direct follow-up in October 2011. Originally titled Puppet Master Forever, Band decided this would be the first film in the series he’d be directing. He hired newcomer Shane Bitterling to co-write after meeting him following the death of Axis’ screenwriter Dominic Muir. With this new writing assignment, Bitterling made it a personal goal to write the best Puppet Master movie to date. Charles Band hired Tom Devlin’s 1313 FX to recreate the original puppets using molds of the originals from decades ago. In addition, Christopher Bergschneider would be designing four new Nazi-themed puppets that Band slowly revealed on the Full Moon website. Unlike the last film, this one would be shot in the United States on a twelve-day shooting schedule. In 2012, the retitled Puppet Master X: Axis Rising made its way onto DVD shelves.

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    Synopsis

    Following the last film, Lady Ozu (Terumi Shimazu) is betrayed and shot by Nazi commandant Heinrich Moebius (Scott King). Meanwhile, Danny (Kip Canyon) and Beth (Jean Louise O’Sullivan) return home with the remaining puppets, except for Tunneler. Just as they’re figuring out what to do, Danny and Beth are taken to meet with Major Collins (Kurt Sinclair). Given what happened last time, he puts them under the protection of Sgt. Stone (Brad Potts). Meanwhile, Moebius and his right-hand woman Uschi (Stephanie Sanditz) are working on creating the perfect, undead soldier. They’ve kidnapped a scientist named Freuhoffer (Oto Brezina), who discovers Toulon’s life-giving serum inside Tunneler. With this discovery, he creates four new puppets for the Third Reich – Blitzkrieg, Bombshell, Kamikazee, and Weremacht. With Sgt. Stone’s aid, it’s up to Danny, Beth, and their puppets to save the world from tyranny once again.

     

    Review

    Like the last installment, Puppet Master X: Axis Rising isn’t on par with the earliest installments, but it isn’t terrible. Sure, the film suffers from a lack of budget, but you can tell the filmmakers put their hearts into it. As the director, Charles Band does a good job trying to give this film a 1940s war movie feel. Also, for a relatively new screenwriter, Bitterling works some well-needed humor into the script to give it some charm. Everyone in the cast delivers an appropriately over-the-top performance, with King and Sanditz standing out as the villains. Also, Brad Potts, a former marine turned actor, shines as the gruff and scraggly yet reluctant Sgt. Stone. Tom Devlin and his team have done a great job recreating several of the original puppets from scratch. The four new puppets added to the mix are a nice touch, even if slightly non-PC.

    Unfortunately, some of the recasting drags the film down, particularly Kip Canyon, who has the charisma of a wooden block. Jean Louise O’Sullivan, for her part, tries her best as Beth and even has some badass moments. You can tell they didn’t have quite the budget they needed when you look at some of the action sequences. For instance, there’s a big scene where the good puppets battle with the evil puppets during the climax. Sadly, the fight is in a small room with just a podium, a few actors, and some WWII-era posters. Still, compared to Puppet Master: The Legacy, this is one of the series’ better entries. At slightly under 90 minutes, parts of the movie drag, but it gets the job done. Overall, Puppet Master X: Axis Rising is a promising improvement over the last entry in a long-running franchise.

     

    Buy Puppet Master X: Axis Rising 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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  • The 12 Slays of Christmas (2022)

    The 12 Slays of Christmas (2022)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]For decades, Charles Band bought numerous properties for his studios to produce some of the strangest movies imaginable. During the Empire Pictures days, he purchased the old Dino De Laurentiis studio outside Rome for filming space. Then, in the early days of Full Moon Features, Band started Castel Film Studios in Romania with Vlad Paunescu. There was even a period in the early 2010s where Full Moon shot some movies in China. In June 2021, Charles Band opened a new studio in the most unlikely of places – Cleaveland, Ohio. As the Akron Beacon Journal reported, Charles Band purchased a Fairmount Avenue home in Cleaveland Heights for filming purposes. Some films made there included Baby Oopsie, The Resonator: Miskatonic U, and Sorority Babes in the Slimebal Bowl-O-Rama 2. Just in time for the holidays, Full Moon put together The 12 Slays of Christmas in the Full Moon Manor.

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    Synopsis

    Friends Britany (Cody Renee Cameron), Mandy (Dare Taylor), and Christine (Lauren Nicole Smith) get stuck while driving through a snowstorm. They take refuge in a nearby manor filled with Christmas gifts, decorations, and a bountiful feast that’s fully prepared. The girls make themselves home when they meet the manor’s lone occupant and caretaker, Ignatius (Tom Fitzpatrick). Delighted to have guests over, he lets them open whatever gifts they want and dine on his feast. One of the girls finds an old book called The 12 Slays of Christmas, which Ignatius happily reads to them. The book contains twelve poems, each about a specific character from Full Moon’s back catalog. Each present the girls open is a miniature figure based on whatever character is being read about. But will the girls’ tow truck arrive on time, and what else does Ignatius have planned for them?

     

    Review

    Honestly, I’m not sure if I can call this a movie since it’s short and primarily a clip show. Out of its 45-minute runtime, I’d say about 30 minutes is original footage, and the rest is stock footage. Admittedly, the wraparound segments are well-made and have excellent production value, adding a Christmas-like feel to the experience. The film has a cozy feel with the Christmas tree, colorful lights, and other assorted decorations. As far as the cast goes, the four players do a decent job, though Tom Fitzpatrick is the standout. With a look inspired by Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, he’s having fun with the role. The three central actresses are easy on the eyes and have some fun banter with each other. As a whole, the main story is at least well put together and decently acted.

    As for the rest of the movie, there’s not much more to say since it’s mostly stock footage. We get footage from the Puppet Master series, the Demonic Toys movies, the Subspecies franchise, and many more. Admittedly, seeing all this footage made me want to watch those movies instead, but that might’ve been intentional. This feels like a celebration/advertisement of Full Moon’s properties while promoting a new line of merch. The miniature figures the girls unbox seem like figurines that Full Moon could be selling online soon. I should probably be more upset that this is a glorified clip show/advertisement, but I can’t be mad. At 45 minutes, it didn’t take too much of my time, it didn’t look cheap, and the acting was fine. Overall, The 12 Slays of Christmas isn’t terrible, but if you want a Full Moon movie for Christmas, watch Trancers.

     

    Watch The 12 Slays of Christmas on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dbKKKx.

    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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  • Psychos in Love (1987)

    Psychos in Love (1987)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Growing up in Waterbury, Connecticut, Gorman Bechard became interested in writing after reading Breakfast of Champions and In Watermelon Sugar. After attending a college class on Alfred Hitchcock, Bechard started learning how to shoot using 16mm film. In 1983, he made his first feature film, Disconnected, on a $40,000 budget, which received mixed reviews. He raised the money with fellow Waterbury resident Carmine Capobianco, who had a small part in the film. For their next film, Bechard and Capobianco decided to make a horror-comedy inspired by Woody Allen and The Marx Brothers. On a $75,000 budget, Capobianco co-wrote, starred, and made the music for the film, while Bechard co-wrote, produced, and directed. The film gained much attention when it was screened at the Bleecker Street Cinema, including Charles Band. After acquiring the rights, Band released Psychos in Love under his Wizard Video label in 1987.

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    Synopsis

    Joe (Carmine Capobianco) is a strip-club owner who happens to kill women in between serving drinks at the club. While working the bar, Joe meets Kate (Debi Thibeault), a manicurist who also kills men at random. The two fall madly in love as they each continue their murderous ways, though they’re usually separated when they’re killing. Joe tries bringing women back so he and Kate can kill them together, but it doesn’t quite work. After killing many people, the two start to wonder if they should continue being psycho-killers or retire. Realizing they enjoy each other more, Joe and Kate decide to end their murderous ways and be a happy couple. Unfortunately, a plumber named Herman (Frank Stewart), a killer who eats his victims, tries to blackmail the couple. Will they cave in and work with Herman, or will these psychos in love stand up to him?

     

    Review

    Even by Charles Band’s standards, Psychos in Love is one of the oddest movies from his library. It’s a gory, violent slasher film that’s also a screwball comedy with romantic elements similar to Annie Hall. As bizarre as the movie is, its weird nature almost makes it work despite how disjointed it is. You can tell this was made for very little money, from the reused locations to the cheap effects. Also, the acting isn’t the greatest, with many actors making stuff up on the fly with no rhyme or reason. Plus, the film has an odd Casio keyboard soundtrack that starts to grate on you after a while. Yet, these technical shortcomings give the film a charming, homebrew quality, like you’re watching something some friends made. There’s a lot of heart that was put into this movie, unlike most big-budget Hollywood pictures.

    While not the best actors, Carmine Capobianco and Debi Thibeault work well together and have great chemistry. They genuinely feel like they love each other, and you start rooting for them despite them being serial killers. Also, Frank Stewart is odd as the murderous plumber who randomly shows up only to become relevant near the end. Even with a low budget, the gore effects are decent, and Bechard manages to inject some style into the production. Admittedly, the film doesn’t have much plot and is more of a series of random events. The movie mainly relies on slapstick, but a few gags work, especially whenever grapes are mentioned. At 83 minutes, the film drags slightly, and the ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but it’s worth seeing at least once. Overall, Psychos in Love isn’t the most excellent horror comedy, but it’s one of the strangest.

     

    Buy Psychos in Love from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4khlIfA.

    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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  • Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 (2022)

    Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 (2022)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Since its release in 1988, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama has become a huge cult favorite. Director David DeCoteau continued working with Charles Band into the Full Moon era, directing almost 30 movies for the studio. Some of the more notable films DeCoteau made included Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge, Beach Babes From Beyond, and Shrieker. After directing Puppet Master: Axis of Evil, Decoteau made the 1313 series and family films like A Talking Cat!?! In 2019, Charles Band announced The Deadly 10, a series of 10 movies linked to the studio’s past. Chief among them was a sequel to the 1988 cult classic with DeCoteau returning to the director’s chair. Unfortunately, plans were put on hold due to the pandemic, but the project resumed in 2022. With Brinke Stevens directing, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 premiered on Full Moon’s streaming service in December 2022.

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    Synopsis

    At the Pi-Epsilon sorority, sisters Sarah (Jessie Gill) and Tiffany (Katie O’Neill) are desperate to recruit new pledges. Luckily for them, Ginger (Audrey Neal) and Devon (Hannah Tullett) are looking to join alongside the rebellious Bitsy (Glory Rodriguez). Their housemother, Auntie Snake (Kelli Maroney), warns them about the initiation ritual, given what happened in 1988. However, Sarah wants to maintain tradition, so she sends Ginger, Devon, and Bitsy to the ill-fated bowling alley. Along with Bart (Luka Parente), Turkey (Nathan Blair), and Dinger (Justin Lupo), the girls have to steal a trophy. While throwing a little bowling party, Bitsy and Turkey stumble across the trophy, only for Turkey to accidentally break it. This brings out The Imp (Derek Jeremiah Reid), who grants their wishes but with disastrous consequences. It’s happening all over again as this new batch of would-be victims contends with the mischievous imp.

     

    Review

    The original Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama isn’t what I’d call a good movie, but it was enjoyably trashy. Sure, the story was nonsensical, the acting was mediocre, and the effects were shoddy, but it had charm. On the other hand, the sequel has none of the low-budget charms that made the original enjoyable to watch. Before going into my criticisms, there are some nice things I can say about this unfortunate sequel. For starters, Kelli Maroney is easily the movie’s high point, giving an entertainingly snarky and cynical performance. Also, while Michael Sonye is missed, Derek Jeremiah Reid does a decent job doing a similar voice as The Imp. He offers the same corny jokes and off-color remarks you’d expect from the character and does it reasonably well. Also, Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer have fun cameos as ghosts watching the film play out.

    Unfortunately, that’s where any of the positives end because the movie, as a whole, really does not work. For one, it’s more or less a remake of the original, with almost nothing new added aside from different characters. Also, it says a lot when the puppet from the 1988 original looks better than the puppet here. With this, everything feels flat and generic, with no dynamic look, no interesting camerawork, and shoddy CGI. Say what you will about David DeCoteau’s directing, but he at least gave the first film some style. While the cast looks like they’re having fun, none of the characters are likable or stand out. Plus, the fact that this is barely over an hour while the original was 80 minutes exemplifies its disappointing nature. Despite its best intentions, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 is a huge letdown from the first film.

     

    Buy Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 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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  • Famous T & A (1982)

    Famous T & A (1982)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]With the advent of home video in the 1980s, numerous studios started making compilation tapes using obscure movie footage. Some notable examples include Terror in the Aisles, Coming Soon, and It Came from Hollywood. There was Film House Fever, Mad Ron’s Prevues from Hell, and the Wizard Video comp tapes on the low-budget side. In 1982, Charles Band and Ken Dixon created The Best of Sex and Violence, a compilation of obscure movie trailers. The appeal of these comp tapes was that they were relatively easy to make, cost very little, and provided content. With the first comp tape being such a hit, Band and Dixon put together a more titillating tape. They hired B-movie queen Sybil Danning to host this collection of clips featuring name actresses getting nude. Released in 1982, Famous T & A tried to recapture the magic that Band and Dixon struck before.

    [/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=”40″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _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” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    After strapping on her outfit for one of her big projects, Sybil Danning introduces these scintillating scenes. First up, we have revealing moments of actress Phyllis Davis on the set of the survival film Terminal Island. Next, Ornella Muti, best known as Princess Aura from Flash Gordon, bears all in the obscure 70s film Summer Affair. We also get the original Bond girl, Ursula Andress, paraded around in the cannibal film Slave of the Cannibal God. There’s also international superstar Jacqueline Bisset, fresh off of her roles in Bullitt and Airport, in 1971’s Secrets. We even get scenes from Charles Band’s earlier works, featuring Idy Tripodi from Auditions and Angela Aames from Fairy Tales. A pre-Elvira Cassandra Peterson shakes it in The Working Girls, and Vanity hooks up with a gorilla on Tanya’s Island. This and more can be found in the bizarre 74-minute collection Famous T & A.

     

    Review

    Despite my criticisms of its non-existent production values, I thought The Best of Sex and Violence was a fun treat. It had a good selection of trailers, each divided into individual segments, with a fun host delivering snappy comebacks. With Famous T&A, not even Sybil Danning’s presence can save this poor excuse for a compilation. Unlike Sex and Violence, this movie has no structure, going from one clip to another with no rhyme or reason. It doesn’t help that many clips are of inferior quality and choppily edited, making them nearly impossible to watch. Plus, for a movie claiming to feature now-famous actresses baring it all, only a few are what I’d consider “stars.” Besides Ursula Andress and Jacqueline Bissett, anyone unfamiliar with cult films won’t know Phyllis Davis, Laura Gemser, or Ornella Muti. Also, despite being listed on the poster, Nastassja Kinski is nowhere to be seen.

    Granted, in a pre-internet age, this movie certainly had its place for those looking for gratuitous sex and nudity. Back in the day, it was harder for people to find this stuff outside scuzzy movie theaters on 42nd Street. Comp tapes like this were an excellent way for people to access instant content years before the internet. This movie has its place in obscure film history, even if the final product isn’t great. After this, Ken Dixon would make two more compilation movies for Wizard Video: Filmgore and Zombiethon. His last credit was the cheesy space movie Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, starring Elizabeth Kaitan, who makes everything better. As for this compilation, unless you want to see grainy footage of actresses stripping and screwing, there are better choices. Overall, Famous T&A isn’t awful, but you could spend 74 minutes doing something better.

     

    Buy Famous T&A on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43ddDRY.

    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 Famous T&A (1982)

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  • Oblivion (1994)

    Oblivion (1994)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1986, Charles Band had a concept for a film called Shoot to Kill, a science-fiction/western mix. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t made after Empire Pictures went bankrupt years later, but Band carried it over to Full Moon. In the early 90s, Band shot several movies in Romania, including Subspecies, Mandroid, Trancers 4 and 5, and Lurking Fear. Seeing the potential, Band and cinematographer turned producer Vlad Paunescu established Castel Film Productions due to the inexpensive costs. For their first project, Band decided to resurrect the Shoot to Kill idea and hired comic book writer Peter David. Initially, Jeff Burr was set to direct before being replaced by Sam Irvin, who previously worked as Brian DePalma’s assistant. With a reported budget of $2.5 million, this was going to be one of Full Moon’s most ambitious films. While intended for a theatrical release, Oblivion hit video store shelves in late 1994.

    [/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=”4.19.1″ _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

    In 3031, on a remote planet, the alien outlaw Red Eye (Andrew Divoff) invades the Old West-style town of Oblivion. He challenges the town marshal, Zed Stone (Mike Genovese), to a duel, only to cheat and kill Stone. Red Eye and his goons – Lash (Musetta Vander), Bork (Irwin Keyes), and Wormhole (Frank Roman) – take over the town. Elsewhere, the marshal’s son Zack (Richard Joseph Paul) rescues a native named Buteo (Jimmie F. Skaggs) from a giant scorpion. Unfortunately, Zack learns of his father’s death from the local undertaker, Mr. Gaunt (Carel Struycken), and attends the funeral. Despite the outcries from the townsfolk, Zack abhors violence due to being an empath and refuses to confront Red Eye. However, when Red Eye and his gang kidnap Buteo, Zack decides to face his fears and rescue him. It’s high noon in outer space as cowboys and aliens go toe-to-toe in Oblivion!

     

    Review

    Oblivion is a fun genre mash-up showing what Full Moon could do with a sizable budget. For one, the cast is to die for, with names like Andrew Divoff, Meg Foster, Isaac Hayes, and Julie Newmar. Divoff, in particular, is having the time of his life playing the notorious reptilian outlaw Red Eye. Another highlight is George Takei as a drunken inventor who spouts off Star Trek quotes and is quite belligerent. There’s also Musetta Vander, who steals the show as Red Eye’s right-hand lady, Lash, who chews through the scenery. Admittedly, Richard Joseph Paul is a bit weak as the hero, but he does come through toward the end. Additionally, Jackie Swanson and Jimmie F. Skaggs come off as somewhat bland, though Skaggs at least has more to do. This is a movie where the villains are far more interesting than the heroes.

    Many of the costumes and sets may look cheap, but by Full Moon standards, this is a big-budget blockbuster. The blending of Old West and modern-day technology is a nice melding that helps it stand out from other westerns. Sam Irvin manages to stage some exciting action sequences, and Peter David’s script is filled with great gags. One joke that stands out is when Zack gives an emotional speech at his father’s funeral during bingo night. There’s also some excellent stop-motion animation from the late David Allen, which is always a treat. It’s a shame this movie didn’t get a theatrical release because I could’ve seen it doing relatively well. Sure, it doesn’t stack up to 1994’s The Lion King or Forrest Gump, but it’s better than The Flintstones. Overall, Oblivion is a flawed but entertaining genre mash-up from Full Moon’s heyday.

     

    Buy Oblivion from:

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  • Savage Island (1985)

    Savage Island (1985)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]When Charles Band founded Wizard Video, he acquired the rights to foreign exploitation films for very little money. Through his label, Band released titles from directors like Ruggero Deodato, Jess Franco, Sergio Garrone, Sergio Martino, and Lucio Fulci. Charles also used Wizard Video to release some experimental titles, including compilation tapes like The Best of Sex and Violence. Another experiment Band attempted was something producers like Roger Corman would do: acquire foreign films and recut/redub them. For example, Corman bought the rights to the Lone Wolf and Cub films and re-edited them into 1981’s Shogun Assassin. Band similarly acquired the rights to Hotel Paradise and Escape from Hell, two Women In Prison films from Edoardo Mulargia. Under the pseudonym Nicholas Beardsley, Ted Nicolaou shot new segments featuring Linda Blair to tie everything together. The result was the 1985 direct-to-video cheapie Savage Island.

    [/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=”30″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _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” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    Having freed herself from slave labor, Daly (Linda Blair) breaks into the corporation responsible for her imprisonment. She confronts the boss, Luker (Leon Askin), and explains how her sister is still captive. We cut to flashbacks showing female prisoners forced into jewel mining, focusing on Marla (Ajita Wilson) and Muriel (Cristina Lay). When the women aren’t looking for precious stones, they’re beaten, tortured, and molested by the guards while also catfighting. One day, Laredo (Anthony Steffen) arrives to drop off more prisoners but is secretly working on starting a revolution. He helps Marla stage a prison break, frees all the captive women, and gets back at the guards. Unfortunately, things go sour when members of Laredo’s gang turn on the women and lead the remaining guards to them. No one is safe, everything is at stake, and only the strongest will survive on Savage Island!

     

    Review

    If what I just described in that synopsis didn’t make much sense, there’s a good reason for that: it doesn’t. Savage Island is one of the most confusing and disjointed movies I’ve ever seen doing this series. As mentioned in the introduction, this movie is essentially two movies re-edited and stitched together with some new footage added. What doesn’t help is that both films have very similar plots and almost the same actors playing different characters. So, an initially good character would turn heel almost randomly, and people would die and come back inexplicably. Continuity is non-existent, with scenes going between day and night and certain moments feeling out of order. What helps make these scenes somewhat watchable are the poor dubbing and some genuinely bizarre moments. Where else will you see a transgender actress biting the head off a snake used to intimidate her?

    Despite being featured on the cover, Linda Blair is only in the movie for about ten minutes. It’s easy to rag on her performance, but then again, she’s barely given anything to work with. In her defense, she didn’t want her name featured prominently as she didn’t want to fool her fans. It is worth mentioning that future magician/comedian Penn Jillette has a small part as a security guard. Ted Nicolaou, who later directed Terrorvision, Subspecies, and Bad Channels, has said that this wasn’t one of his proudest moments. To his credit, he did the best he could given the circumstances and at least made better movies later. Even at roughly 80 minutes, the film is a tedious slog that might be worth watching as a curiosity. But overall, Savage Island is a narrative mess that barely even qualifies as a movie.

     

    Buy Savage Island 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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    Where to watch Savage Island (1985)

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  • Killjoy Goes to Hell (2012)

    Killjoy Goes to Hell (2012)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While the first two movies came and went, Killjoy 3 was more successful than Full Moon expected. Despite the profits, the studio wasn’t pushing for another entry, primarily because of how outside their wheelhouse it was. According to writer/director John Lechago, they built sets in Full Moon’s offices since they had no studio access. Filming lasted seven days, but Lechago insisted on one additional filming day, which consisted of 10 hours of shooting. While most Full Moon movies aren’t necessarily connected, Lechago wanted this to be a direct sequel to the last one. Several of the previous film’s cast – Trent Haaga, Victoria De Mare, Al Burke, Tai Chan Ngo, and Jessica Whitaker – returned. With a reported budget of $85,000, Lechago went all out on this film and let his creativity run wild. On October 2012, Killjoy Goes to Hell made its way onto DVD shelves for a rabid audience.
    [/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=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _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

    The demon clown Killjoy (Trent Haaga) is taken to Hell’s courtroom to stand trial with Beezlebub (Stephen F. Cardwell) overseeing. Jezabeth, the Devil’s Advocate (Aqueela Zoll), accuses Killjoy of going soft, especially after letting one of his victims go. The said victim is Sandie (Jessica Whitaker), who’s been committed to a psych ward after witnessing her friends’ murders. While in prison, Killjoy meets Skid Mark (John Karyus), an aspiring clown demon who wants to be Killjoy’s attorney. Using Skid’s human blood, Killjoy summons Punchy (Al Burke), Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo), and Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare). He has them act as his witnesses, but unfortunately, the trial goes south, and Killjoy’s existence is in jeopardy. In a last-ditch effort, Batty and Freakshow use a magic mirror to bring Sandie to Hell as a witness. Little do they know that Skid Mark, Killjoy’s attorney, has his own agenda.

     

    Review

    Killjoy Goes to Hell is more of the same as Killjoy 3, for better or for worse. Lechago injects the same manic energy, irreverent humor, and cost-effective filmmaking that made the last Killjoy movie work. Admittedly, the script isn’t the greatest, with most of the dialogue either being exposition dumps or overuse of expletives. Some moody lighting, decent makeup effects, and exciting production design make it stand out. While this movie had a low budget, Lechago managed to make effective use of that small budget. But the film’s biggest highlight is Trent Haaga’s performance in the title role as the demon clown. Like in the last movie, he has the time of his life in the part, making Killjoy demented and funny. It helps that Burke, Ngo, and De Mare work great opposite Haaga, each having their moments to shine.

    Sadly, much of the human cast isn’t the greatest, but they’re not the movie’s focus. When Jessica Whittaker tries to act crazy by laughing constantly, it comes off as restrained and flat-sounding. When she’s dragged to Hell to confront Killjoy, her performance picks up, and she has some great lines. John Karyus is OK as the comic relief, but he can get annoying, though it feels intentional. Even though she wasn’t hired for her acting talent, Aqueela Zoll is stunning as Jezabeth, and she has some moments. While the practical effects are decent, there is some questionable CGI that looks straight from a Sega CD game. Also, this is the most extended entry so far at an hour and thirty-three minutes, but it’s not too padded. Overall, Killjoy Goes to Hell is a mostly entertaining, somewhat messy entry in Full Moon’s catalog.

     

    Buy Killjoy Goes to Hell 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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  • The Best of Sex and Violence (1982)

    The Best of Sex and Violence (1982)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite founding one of the earliest independent home video companies, Charles Band wasn’t a part of it for long. After starting Meda Home Entertainment, he started taking on more and more partners, including producer Irwin Yablans. Eventually, Yablans and his associates owned more of the company, so Band forcibly sold off his shares. The company was rebranded to Media Home Entertainment and continued for the next decade until 1993. Meanwhile, Band still wanted in on the home video market, so he formed a new label called Wizard Video. Charles started acquiring the rights to all kinds of crazy exploitation films to release under his new brand. After getting the licenses for so many bizarre movies, Band created a compilation tape of the trailers. He hired Ken Dixon to put together the first Wizard Video release titled The Best of Sex and Violence.

    [/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=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _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

    Veteran actor John Carradine hosts this cavalcade of cinematic oddities, delivering snide comments with a dry wit. The compilation begins with two violent exploitation films, Bury Me an Angel and The Doberman Gang. Things get steamy with trailers for The Sin of Adam and Eve and the adult version of Alice in Wonderland. Charles Band also sneaks in trailers for his movies, like Cinderella, Fairy Tales, and Tourist Trap. For more extreme thrills, we get trailers for video nasties like I Spit on Your Grave, The Boogeyman, and Zombie. There’s a bevy of buxom beauties, either being sacrificed to Satan or shooting their way out of prison. We end with some blaxploitation, including Ebony, Ivory, & Jade, Dr. Black & Mr. Hyde, and some Rudy Ray Moore. Also, look for an appearance by John’s sons, David “Bill” Carradine and Keith “Tom Frank” Carradine.

     

    Review

    The Best of Sex and Violence is a hard movie to review since it barely counts as one. In terms of being a movie, this has very little production value, essentially just one actor sitting in a room. That said, John Carradine does his best to deliver his comebacks, even if he looks confused about why he’s there. It’s funny hearing him talk about working on the classic Universal horror films and working with Cecil B. Demille. It’s also nice seeing him with his sons making family jokes about borrowing the car or asking for money. Ken Dixon, who later directed Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, put a lot of care into making this compilation. He makes the trailers flow together, dividing them into segments depending on genre and selecting the best trailers. They even sneak in clips from Last Foxtrot in Burbank and End of the World.

    Of course, the main reason to see this movie is the collection of trailers for all these obscure exploitation flicks. You get tons of action, horror, nudity, harmful stereotypes, dated humor, and exaggerated acting to make any B-movie fan happy. With many of these older movies, the trailers are far better than the movies, though there are some exceptions. For instance, Tourist Trap, I Spit on Your Grave, Zombie, and any of Rudy Ray Moore’s films are worth watching. It also gives you a glimpse of the kinds of movies coming out around that time. This movie would be great for putting on in the background during a party, especially for cult movie fans. Admittedly, some of the trailers go a little too long, and they’re poor quality, but it’s still a fun watch. Overall, The Best of Sex and Violence is a treat for fans of obscure exploitation movies.

     

    Buy The Best of Sex and Violence from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F5BXNG.

    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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  • Shadowzone (1990)

    Shadowzone (1990)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Aspiring filmmaker J.S. Cardone got a lot of attention for his controversial 1982 slasher film, The Slayer. One of the production managers was a young Peter Manoogian, who later worked with Charles Band on The Dungeonmaster. Cardone met with Band through this connection to discuss ideas and was signed to a two-picture deal. At the time, Charles Band had just made his deal with Paramount to distribute, and they demanded content. Cardone presented Band with a script he worked on after The Slayer, and Charles offered him $1 million to produce. As part of the deal, Cardone got to bring his producer wife Carol Kottenbrook and FX artist Mark Shostrom. With a twenty-four-day shooting schedule, Cardone had complete creative control to make the film he wanted to make. After a New York City premiere in January 1990, Shadowzone hit video store shelves that February.

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    Synopsis

    NASA Captain Hickock (David Beecroft) is sent to the Jackass Flats Proving Ground to investigate a recent death. At the proving grounds, a group of scientists is working on “Project Shadowzone,” an experiment to tap into people’s dreams. Dr. Erhardt (Louise Fletcher) and Dr. Van Fleet (James Hong) are heading the research team alongside Dr. Kidwell (Shawn Weatherly). The team believes that sleeping in a deep EDS state can allow a person to access a parallel dimension. Hickock wants them to recreate the experiments to ensure they’re not life-threatening, but something goes wrong. During the test, computer engineer Wiley (Miguel A. Núñez Jr.) notices a mysterious figure, known only as “John Doe,” lurking. According to Dr. Erhardt, “John Doe” is a creature from the parallel dimension who’s slipped into our world. Now trapped with no rescue coming, it’s up to the team to survive against this interdimensional terror.

     

    Review

    Like many early Full Moon movies, Shadowzone is incredibly ambitious, even if hampered by a low budget. The film borrows elements from movies like Alien, The Thing, and Galaxy of Terror, but not in the wrong way. Cardone takes some familiar features and crafts them into a uniquely terrifying sci-fi/horror film. For one, it’s established that the creature can take on the physical manifestation of one’s thoughts and dreams. This concept opens up many opportunities for some decent scares and creative kills, which they take advantage of. Everyone in the cast does a solid job, such as David Beecroft, who makes for a decent leading man. The biggest stand-out is Louise Fletcher, who plays the well-intentioned scientist driven to the breaking point. James Hong also stands out as a scientist driven to ensure his experiments work despite what’s happening around him.

    Everything is here to satisfy any gorehound’s thirst for blood, from the creature designs to the gruesome deaths. With credits including From Beyond, Evil Dead II, and The Beastmaster, Mark Shostrom continues to do excellent work here. The production design is also terrific, with the sets having a rustic, lived-in feel, adding to the sense of isolation. You feel like you’re with the characters stuck in this abandoned facility, separate from the rest of the world. Cardone’s direction is on-point, using minimal lighting, dynamic shadows, and plenty of darkness to create a suspenseful mood. Admittedly, there are a lot of slow scenes, and it takes a while for the plot to kick in. Among Full Moon’s non-franchise movies, this is one of the more underrated entries and is worth checking out. Overall, Shadowzone has its issues, but give it a watch if you’re a fan of claustrophobic sci-fi/horror films.

     

    Buy Shadowzone 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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    Where to watch Shadowzone (1990)

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    This review is dedicated to the memory of legendary actress Louise Fletcher, who passed away on September 23, 2022, at the age of 88.

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