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Category: Horror

  • Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (1994)

    Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]As mentioned in my review of Puppet Master 4, Charles Band originally wanted to produce Puppet Master: The Movie. It would’ve been a huge theatrical release, but for whatever reason, the project fell through, though the script stayed. They decided that the one script would be divided into two movies, and Jeff Burr was hired to direct both. Both films were heavily padded to be feature-length, Burr saying that you could trim them into one 90-minute film. The films had a combined budget of under $1 million and were shot back-to-back, though there was a delay. The fourth film was released in November 1993, but the fifth film sat on the shelf for eight months. Finally, the film was quickly edited together and released direct-to-video in September of 1994, as was dictated by Paramount. So, with the backstory covered, let’s discuss Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter.

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    Synopsis

    After the events of the last film, Rick Myers (Gordon Currie) has been arrested and convicted of murder. Thankfully, he’s released on bail thanks to Dr. Jennings (Ian Ogilvy), a scientist working for the same company as Rick. Blade is confiscated by the police, but he escapes and makes his way back to Rick to ask for help. Meanwhile, the demon Sutekh (Jake McKinnon) sends a Totem puppet infused with his power to Earth and confront the puppets. Jennings takes thugs Tom Hendy (Nicholas Guest), Jason (Willard E. Pugh), and Scott (Duane Whitaker) to the Bodega Bay Hotel. Turns out Jennings is interested in finding Toulon’s secrets, so he wants to find the puppets and the life-giving formula. Rick, Blade, and Susie (Chandra West) get to the hotel and are instructed by Toulon (Guy Rolfe) to resurrect Decapitron. This leads to a fight between the puppets and Sutekh’s evil forces!

     

    Review

    Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter, despite the padding, is another solidly entertaining entry in the long-running franchise. Admittedly, this entry is clearly padded to reach feature-length like the last film, but it’s not enough to ruin it. Jeff Burr does what he can to make the film more dynamic, using titled angles and dynamic lighting/shadows. Like the other films, the puppet work is the highlight of the film, using a combination of puppetry and stop-motion. Sadly, there’s not as much stop-motion as the others, but it still looks great thanks to the late David Allen. Like the last film, Sutekh is an imposing villain, though his voice isn’t nearly as intimidating as the last film. However, unlike the last film, Torch is actually in the movie, though Tunneler only has one scene. Still, it’s great seeing the puppets have more human characteristics, making them more characters than props.

    Once again, Gordon Currie makes a likable hero, and Chandra West works as his girlfriend who’s given more to do. As the human villain, Ian Ogilvy is fun as the cartoonishly pompous Dr. Jennings, almost like a dime-store Tim Curry. Again, while not given much screentime or lines, Guy Rolfe makes the most of it and gives a solid delivery. There are also some notable appearances from actors like Ron O’Neal (Superfly) and Clu Gulager (Return of the Living Dead). Also, Guest, Pugh, and Whitaker have some fun moments between each other, clearly improvising their dialogue and having solid chemistry. Admittedly, it’s kinda funny that this is called “The Final Chapter” when there’s clearly more movies to come. Granted, this could be considered “The Final Chapter” for many reasons, but that’s a story for another time. Overall, Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter is another solidly entertaining entry.

     

    Buy Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter 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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  • Pigs (1973)

    Pigs (1973)

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    Marc Lawrence was a very prolific character actor who had been working in the industry since the 1930s. Unfortunately, his career was hit during the McCarthy era, when he was forced to give the names of supposed Communists. During this time, he moved to Europe where he continued getting work until the McCarthy era ended in the 1970s. Upon his return, he decided that he would try being a filmmaker, having studied the many directors he worked with. He settled on making a horror film since it’s the cheapest to produce and the easiest to make money on. On a relatively low budget, he cast his daughter, actress Toni Lawrence, in the lead role for a 10-day shoot. Originally released in 1973, the film was re-released with various titles, including Daddy’s Deadly Darling and The Strange Love Exorcist. With that backstory covered, let’s talk about Marc Lawrence’s Pigs.

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    Synopsis

    A mysterious woman named Lynn Hart (Toni Lawrence) is driving through the desert when stumbles upon a ramshackle motel/diner. There, she meets the owner Zambrini (Marc Lawrence), a former circus performer, and he decides to offer her a job. She works as a waitress at his diner while also staying at the motel rent-free. One night, she ends up killing a lecherous local, and after finding out, Zambrini feeds the body to his pigs. Turns out Zambrini’s pigs have acquired a taste for human flesh, so he has to keep feeding them dead bodies. The sudden disappearance catches the attention of Sheriff Dan Cole (Jesse Vint), who starts wondering where Lynn came from. Jess Winter (Jim Antonio), a private investigator, arrives to look into Lynn’s history, but they find more than initially thought. Just who is this mystery woman, and who will be the next meal for the pigs?

     

    Review

    Like many low-budget 1970s drive-in flicks, Pigs is very rough around the edges and not the most professionally made. However, its low-budget nature adds to the homegrown charm of the production, especially given that this was a family affair. Directing-wise, Marc Lawrence won’t be considered a “master of horror”, but his direction is competent and adds some tension. There are tons of harsh zooms and uncomfortable close-ups that add a general sense of unease to the film. Acting-wise, Marc Lawrence gives a solid performance as a man who clearly has his own personal demons to deal with. Though he’s feeding corpses to his pigs, it comes across that he doesn’t like doing it and feels somewhat ashamed. Lawrence was always known for playing a background heavy, so this was a chance for him to branch out. In that sense, he mostly succeeds at portraying a somewhat sympathetic character.

    Toni Lawrence, though cast because her father was the director, really shines as the beautiful yet deadly Lynn Hart. Like her father, she does a good job playing a character struggling with her demons and a troubled past. It helps that you don’t know what her story is, what her motives are, and what led her to this. Admittedly, the title’s a bit of a misnomer in that while there are pigs, it’s not a killer pig movie. It’s more of a character study that explores mental illness if left unchecked, and how past traumas can affect us. The rest of the cast is serviceable if forgettable, although Jesse Vint and Jim Antonio stand out in their roles. Also, Charles Bernstein’s minimalist score adds to the tension, and his theme song gives a sense of despair. Overall, Pigs isn’t what you think it is, but it’s worth a watch.

     

    Buy Pigs from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eJJOkC

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  • Intruder (1989)

    Intruder (1989)

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    Growing up in Michigan, Scott Spiegel was good friends with Sam Raimi, his brother Ted, and Bruce Campbell. They worked together on various Super-8 shorts, most notably Within the Woods, which was the precursor to The Evil Dead. Seeing how they were able to raise some money for their film, Spiegel decided to follow in their footsteps. He had filmed a short called Night Crew about the late-night crew of a grocery store being killed off one-by-one. Spiegel wanted to expand it to feature-length, but unfortunately, he struggled with securing financing for the project and it languished. He went onto co-write Evil Dead II, and his work caught the attention of up-and-coming producer Lawrence Bender. Bender agreed to work with Spiegel to co-write and produce the feature, having secured funding from Charles Band’s Empire Pictures. Finally, in 1989, Spiegel’s directorial debut Intruder was released, albeit in a heavily-edited version.

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    Synopsis

    It’s closing time at Walnut Supermarket, and the night crew is working to get everything ready for tomorrow. However, they receive some bad news from owners Danny (Eugene Glazer) and Bill (Danny Hicks), announcing they’re selling the store. Everyone’s understandably upset about losing their jobs, but they’re instructed to mark down the prices to prepare for the close. Meanwhile, cashier Jennifer (Elizabeth Cox) has been getting stalked and receiving calls from her ex-boyfriend Craig (David Byrnes). As time goes by, the night crew starts getting picked off one-by-one by an unknown killer in gruesome ways. There’s death by a trash compactor, death by meathook, death by bandsaw, and plenty more as the bodies pile up. Eventually, Jennifer is the only one left as she stumbles across her co-workers’ and faces off with the killer. She soon learns that the killer is just crazy about this store!

     

    Review

    While not as much of a classic as Halloween or Friday the 13th, Intruder is an underrated slasher film. Having a slasher set in a grocery store is very unique, instead of the usual summer camp or dormitory. What also makes this stand out is Spiegel’s use of POV shots and unconventional camera angles that add some uneasiness. There are POV shots of a shopping cart, a phone, and even a broom, plus the tried-and-true killer POV shots. Admittedly, the film is very light on the story, but then again, most slashers films aren’t concerned with the story. They’re more concerned about delivering over-the-top and creative kills, which this film has in spades and then some. Designed by the newly formed KNB Effects, the kill scenes are nothing short of spectacularly brutal and vicious. The bandsaw death scene is worth the price of admission alone.

    Acting-wise, everyone does a fine job, Elizabeth Cox and Danny Hicks especially being the standouts. Cox makes for a solid final girl, delivering a wide variety of screams and showing plenty of emotion. Hicks, however, steals the show as Bill, the obsessive co-owner who will stop at nothing to protect his store. What makes his performance so great is how he starts as a nice, very unassuming, and pretty funny guy. This makes the big reveal all the more shocking, especially with how intense and creepy he plays the part. Admittedly, this is somewhat ruined when you can clearly tell that he’s doing the killings even when hidden in shadows. Also, without giving too much away, the film ends on a somewhat dour note, which helps make it stand out. Overall, Intruder is an underrated gem that’s sure to please gorehounds and general horror fans alike.

     

    Buy Intruder on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qFymsE

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  • Dollman vs. Demonic Toys (1993)

    Dollman vs. Demonic Toys (1993)

    [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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]As mentioned before, Charles Band grew up reading Marvel comics during the 50s and 60s while living in Italy. One aspect of Marvel comics he loved was the crossover, where characters from one storyline would meet up with another. When he got older and started producing his own movies, Band wanted to incorporate crossovers between his own franchises. He tried doing this with 1986’s Eliminators and the anthology Pulse Pounders, but Empire collapsed before he had the opportunity. Once he founded Full Moon, he started up several franchises in the hopes of them crossing over at some point. Originally, Puppet Master 4 was to be a crossover with Demonic Toys, but they decided to go in another direction. Instead, Charles Band decided to crossover Demonic Toys with the earlier hit Dollman, along with adding elements from Bad Channels. The result was the 1993 crossover film, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys.

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    Synopsis

    Intergalactic cop Brick Bardo (Tim Thomerson) is traveling to the small town of Pahoota looking for a recently shrunken-down woman. Said shrunken-down woman is Nurse Ginger (Melissa Behr), who was left 11″ tall after the events of Bad Channels. Meanwhile, Judith Grey (Tracy Scoggins) has been staking out the Toyland Warehouse despite being suspended from the force. After being forced out of the warehouse by the police, Judith seeks out Brick and Ginger to help her out. Though skeptical, the two decide to tagalong and find security guard Ray Vernon (Phil Fondacaro) working with the demonic toys. A firefight ensues, where Ray’s shot, Judith’s shot by the robot Mr. Static, and Brick shoots Mr. Static in response. After Judith dies, Brick makes it his personal mission to take on the remaining demonic toys and stop their plans. Will the demonic toys succeed, or will Brick be able to stop them?

     

    Review

    Dollman vs. Demonic Toys promises a lot from its title, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. Having the Dollman squaring up against the Demonic Toys makes sense and should be awesome, and it kind of is. As per usual, Tim Thomerson shines as the wise-cracking Brick Bardo, spouting off one-liners while blasting toys with his gun. Tracy Scoggins also does a good job, clearly having fun with her role and giving it her all. Melissa Behr, on top of being drop-dead gorgeous, has a fun, snarky, and fierce personality as the shrunken-down nurse. The puppet effects are pretty solid, the design of the new Zombietoid standing out as an exaggerated GI Joe. They even use some suits and inflatables for the scenes where the toys share the screen with Dollman. While there’s a clearly noticeable difference, it works for this kind of movie.

    Unfortunately, the film has plenty of flaws that drag it down, preventing it from being a Full Moon classic. For one, about half of the film is comprised of stock footage from the earlier films framed as flashbacks. With only 30 minutes of original footage, the film clocks in at roughly an hour and some change in length. Even by Full Moon standards, that length is pretty anemic considering the material they had to work with. They could’ve expanded upon the lore from the previous films, but they don’t do much of anything with it. Not only that, but they screw around with the continuity of the previous films, most especially Bad Channels. Given the period in Full Moon’s history that this was made, this is quite the sore spot in that era. Overall, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys is ok, but there are better Full Moon movies you could watch.

     

    Buy Dollman vs. Demonic Toys 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 Dollman vs. Demonic Toys (1993)

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  • The Children (1980)

    The Children (1980)

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    Carlton J. Albright and Edward Terry were working on ideas for a horror film and they found some unusual inspiration. Being parents themselves, they saw children as being smothering and suffocating, so they thought that would work as something terrifying. Around the same time, the Three Mile Island incident happened, so they decided to incorporate that into the story. Originally, Terry was set to direct, but he had issues with alcohol, and Albright didn’t feel he would work. Instead, he hired Max Kalmanowicz to direct, though much of the cast and crew found him difficult to worth with. Much of the cast was comprised of relatively unknown actors, the biggest star being Martin Shakar from Saturday Night Fever. Around the same time, Sean Cunningham was filming Friday the 13th using the same crew, including composer Harry Manfredini. In June of 1980, The Children was released to drive-ins.

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    Synopsis

    In the New England town of Ravensback, a school bus of kids drives through a cloud of toxic gas. Local sheriff Billy Hart (Gil Rogers) finds the bus abandoned and orders that the town be locked down. The sheriff goes around town trying to find the kids and asking their parents if they’ve seen them. Soon enough, the kids are found, but it turns out they’ve become zombies who are deadly to the touch. As Sheriff Hart and John Freemont (Martin Shakar) are driving around town, the children make quick work of the adults. Their victims include the local shopkeeper Molly (Shannon Bolin), Deputy Harry Timmons (Tracy Griswold), and his girlfriend Suzie (Joy Glaccum). Eventually, the children start closing in on John’s pregnant wife Cathy (Gale Garnett), so he and Hart defend the house. Will they stop the children, or will they become their next victims?

     

    Review

    The Children had the potential to be a fun, trashy exploitation film, but it sadly squanders that potential. The idea of killer radioactive kids is a novel concept, and their pale-faced look is pretty creepy. Also, for a low-budget film, the melting effects are fairly decent, offering some fun cheese to the proceedings. Some shots here and there make the kids especially creepy, such as a shot of their reflection in a window. Plus, this is one of those rare films that isn’t afraid of killing kids, though perhaps a little too much. The plot is pretty straightforward and simple, almost playing like a slight knock-off of Night of the Living Dead. Given the message they went for, parents will probably relate to feeling like their kids are smothering them to death. I’m sure young parents will especially feel the sentiment, like their lives are consumed by their kids.

    Unfortunately, other than the concept and a decent score from Harry Manfredini, the film doesn’t have much else to offer. Even at roughly 90 minutes, the film has very slow pacing, much of it amounting to exploring empty houses. Aside from the occasional scene of kids killing people with radioactive hugs, the film is littered with boring filler scenes. It doesn’t help either that much of the acting is very middle-of-the-road, neither particularly good nor bad, just unmemorable. Plus, there aren’t really any characters to get attached to, aside from probably the Sheriff and John. While they have a creepy look, the kids don’t do much other than stumbling around with their arms out. Like I said before, this could’ve been a fun trashy exploitation film, but it doesn’t deliver on what it had. Overall, The Children isn’t terrible, but it’s hardly what I’d call a horror classic.

     

    Buy The Children from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZhwD1e

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  • My Bloody Valentine (1981)

    My Bloody Valentine (1981)

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    After the success of Halloween and Friday the 13th, numerous studios were wanting their own piece of the slasher pie. Cinepix Productions, which was headed by Happy Birthday to Me producers André Link and John Dunning, wanted in on this. They hired George Mihalka, who previously directed the 1980 teen sex comedy Pick-Up Summer, to helm the project. For the cast, they mostly hired local Canadian actors, as well as hiring classic television actor Don Francks. With a budget of $2.3 million, they went to film at the Princess Colliery Mine in Nova Scotia. Filming in the mines proved to be difficult due to the limited space and the high levels of methane underground. After filming was completed in November 1980, the film was distributed by Paramount Pictures, who ironically released Friday the 13th. Originally titled The Secret, the film was released as My Bloody Valentine.

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    Synopsis

    The town of Valentine Bluffs is reinstating its annual Valentine’s Day dance after being suspended for twenty years. Way back when, a group of miners was trapped and left for dead while their supervisors went to the dance. The only survivor was Harry Warden (Peter Cowper), who resorted to eating his fellow miners to stay alive. The following year, he killed the two supervisors responsible and vowed to kill again if the dance was reopened. Mayor Hanniger (Larry Reynolds) and Chief Jake Newby (Don Francks) receive an anonymous Valentine chocolate box with a human heart. After resident Mabel (Patricia Hamilton) is murdered, the Mayor and the Chief decide to cancel the dance outright. Meanwhile, the young mine workers, including the mayor’s son T.J. (Paul Kelman) decide to hold a party in the mines. But soon, they’ll be on the end of a pickaxe when Harry Warden shows up.

     

    Review

    My Bloody Valentine is a very underrated slasher film amongst the glut of slashers that were released in 1981. Setting in a coal mine was a nice change of pace from the usual summer camp or sorority house. Not only is it in pure darkness, but the enclosed spaces add a sense of claustrophobia to heighten the tension. Also, the look of the killer is very unique, the sounds of his breathing through the gas mask extra creepy. Admittedly, it does follow the typical plot of a bad thing that happened years ago is happening again years later. Still, it works for this film, and the backstory established makes you almost sympathize with Harry Warden, but not entirely. There’s also a love triangle subplot, which ordinarily brings a film down, but here it adds to the plot. It adds tension and further develops the characters.

    Speaking of the characters, while the acting is pretty solid, many of the characters are largely forgettable. Then again, most slasher films of the time weren’t interested in deep characterization, but rather having several characters to kill. On that note, the kills are fairly gruesome, and the effects by Tom Burman are impressive given the small budget. Admittedly, many of these sequences were cut for the theatrical release, though you can see some small hints of them. Thankfully, the unrated version features all the kills in their uncut glory, and there are some standout kill scenes. At slightly over 90 minutes, the film doesn’t take up much of your time, though the pace drags slightly. Even still, this is a solid slasher film that horror completionists will enjoy, though casual fans might find it dull. Overall, My Bloody Valentine is a bloody good time, especially for those without a Valentine.

     

    Buy My Bloody Valentine from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jMQTB8

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  • Happy Birthday to Me (1981)

    Happy Birthday to Me (1981)

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    After John Carpenter’s Halloween was a massive hit in 1978, Sean Cunningham’s Friday the 13th was released in 1980. That film was also a major hit, and soon other studios were wanting to make their own slasher film. Producers John Dunning and André Link wanted to capitalize on this with their own slasher film with a unique gimmick. They decided to base it around birthdays to achieve universal appeal, as well as incorporating a brain injury subplot. J. Lee Thompson, best known for The Guns of Navarone and the original Cape Fear, was hired to direct. For the lead, they hired actress Melissa Sue Anderson, famous for the hit TV series Little House on the Prarie. Classic actor Glenn Ford, who had earlier played Pa Kent in 1978’s Superman, was cast in an important supporting role. Despite some production problems, Happy Birthday to Me was released in May of 1981.

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    Synopsis

    At Crawford Academy, Virginia “Ginny” Wainwright (Melissa Sue Anderson) is part of the school’s “Top Ten” popular and privileged students. After their friend Bernadette (Lesleh Donaldson) goes missing, the rest of the group soon start getting picked off. Meanwhile, Ginny is dealing with repressed memories brought on by experimental brain surgery following a horrific trauma she suffered. She confides in her psychiatrist Dr. Faraday (Glenn Ford), who was one of the doctors behind the surgery. Soon, her friends are getting killed in various ways, such as by motorcycle, by weights, and by shish kebab. As more and more of her fellow Top Ten are being murdered, Ginny starts seeing visions suggesting that she’s responsible. Through her repressed memories, we learn about how she survived a car accident where her mother (Sharon Acker) drowned. It all culminates in a truly horrific birthday party that you’ll never soon forget.

     

    Review

    Compared to other slashes, Happy Birthday to Me is pretty standard, though it has some things going for it. Given the director’s background, it’s a good-looking film, using plenty of harsh, moody lighting and dynamic camera angles. Also, the acting is pretty good, Melissa Sue Anderson giving the strongest performance, coming off as both sympathetic and menacing. While he clearly looks like he’s slumming it, Glenn Ford does the best he can with the material. The subplot involving Ginny’s brain surgery and her having vivid hallucinations adds an extra layer of depth to the story. Some of the kills are pretty unique, especially the shish kebab kill, and the effects work done is fairly solid. The finale where all the victims are seated at a table is a haunting image, definitely one of the highlights. Even still, there’s plenty that’s working against the film.

    While there are some unique kill scenes, they’re pretty standard and not nearly as bizarre as the marketing says. Granted, that’s common with many slashers of the time trying to oversell themselves and not living up to expectations. Also, at slightly under two hours in length, the film feels padded with content that isn’t entirely necessary. Without giving any spoilers, the ending twist comes out of nowhere, though it was added at the last minute. It’s not even a case where you can watch the movie again and see little hints along the way. Honestly, the original motivations, though convoluted, would’ve been more satisfying than what the twist suggests, which comes off as ridiculous. Even still, this is an interesting entry in the horror genre that completionists might enjoy at least for the kills. Overall, Happy Birthday to Me is a decent if somewhat forgettable slasher.

     

    Buy Happy Birthday to Me from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cBiwM7

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  • Fade to Black (1980)

    Fade to Black (1980)

    [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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After working for Paramount and Warner Bros., Irwin Yablans decided to get into producing and distributing his own films. In 1976, he founded Compass International Pictures with Joseph Wolf, and they scored big with the release of 1978’s Halloween. While thinking of his next project, he thought of the idea of a movie nerd being pushed over the limits. Yablans hired writer/director Vernon Zimmerman, who was invested in the project, though he and Yablans butted heads at times. For the lead role, they hired Dennis Christopher, who recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for 1979’s Breaking Away. Australian actress Linda Kerridge was also cast for the female lead due to her resemblance to Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, the film was plagued with production issues from a grueling schedule to clashing ideologies between Zimmerman and Yablans. Finally, in October of 1980, Fade to Black was given a limited theatrical release.

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    Synopsis

    Eric Binford (Dennis Christopher) is a shy, awkward guy who’s obsessed with movies and works for a film distribution warehouse. He lives with his overbearing Aunt Stella (Eve Brent Ashe), who chastises him for his obsession and poor health. He’s bullied by coworkers Bart (Hennen Chambers) and Richie (Mickey Rourke) and hassled by his boss Mr. Berger (Norman Burton). One day, he meets Australian model Marilyn O’Connor (Linda Kerridge) and becomes infatuated with her since she resembles Marilyn Monroe. They agree to go out one night, but after she accidentally stands him up, Eric starts going crazy. He dresses up as his favorite movie characters – Dracula, The Mummy, Hopalong Cassidy, and Cody Jarrett – and starts killing people. Meanwhile, criminal psychologist Dr. Jerry Moriarty (Tim Thomerson) is trying to find Eric and hopefully help him with his psychosis. Unfortunately, Eric might be too far gone to be saved.

     

    Review

    Fade to Black works as both a horror film and a deep character study of a man tormented by obsession. Dennis Christopher is outstanding as Eric Binford, expertly making the character creepy and terrifying, yet oddly sympathetic and likable. While the film doesn’t glorify the things he does, it shows how a man plagued with obsession can grow insane. It helps that Christopher was dedicated to the material, wanting to expand his character and committing fully to the role. Tim Thomerson is hilarious as Dr. Moriarty, though he’s able to get serious when needed and has plenty of charisma. Linda Kerridge, on top of her good looks and resemblance to Marilyn Monroe, does a great job acting opposite Christopher. You get the feeling that she genuinely cared for Eric and wanted to help him, which makes their romance tragic. Also, a then relatively unknown Mickey Rourke gives a solid performance.

    Regardless of the behind-the-scenes issues, Vernon Zimmerman does a great job behind the camera, giving scenes a dark, dreamlike quality. When Eric dons his costumes and kills those who’ve wronged him, it’s shot like a movie the character came from. There are also times where they use clips from films like Horror of Dracula and White Heat to great effect. Craig Safan’s score adds a somewhat chaotic yet beautiful feel to the film that goes along with the material. Admittedly, the film can get somewhat predictable, since you know what’ll happen once Eric sports a certain costume. Also, certain plot points either go nowhere, seem thrown in at the last minute, or aren’t fully fleshed out. Regardless, this is still an effective horror-thriller and a fascinating character study that acts as a send-up of old Hollywood. Overall, Fade to Black is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered.

     

    Buy Fade to Black from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4elMQ9W.

    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 Fade to Black (1980)

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  • The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)

    The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)

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    Around 1989, Empire Pictures went into bankruptcy and collapsed after many of its assets had been sold off. Thankfully, founder Charles Band was able to bounce back and form a new production company, Full Moon Features. He managed to find success early on with Puppet Master, Meridian: Kiss of the Beast, Shadowzone, and Crash and Burn. Meanwhile, director Stuart Gordon was planning on filming an adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum. He originally conceived of it as a $6 million film starring Peter O’Toole, Billy Dee Williams, and Sherilyn Fenn. Unfortunately, plans for this fell through, but fortunately, Full Moon picked up the project, though for a reduced budget. This lower budget meant some changes, such as filming in Italy and casting Lance Henriksen in place of Peter O’Toole. Finally, in mid-1991, Stuart Gordon’s The Pit and the Pendulum was released.

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    Synopsis

    In 1492 Spain, the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada (Lance Henriksen) sadistically tortures those he believes are heretics, sinners, and witches. During a public execution, Maria (Rona De Ricci) speaks out against it despite her husband Antonio’s (Jonathan Fuller) pleas. Torquemada is immediately smitten with her, but fears it’s witchcraft, so he has her arrested, leaving her husband behind. With his assistants Francisco (Jeffrey Combs), Mendoza (Mark Margolis), and Dr. Huesos (William Morris), Torquemada tortures Maria until she confesses. During this, Torquemada starts lusting over Maria, which he views as sinful, so he subjects himself to torture. While imprisoned, Maria befriends Esmerelda (Frances Bay), a confessed witch who helps her stay strong against the wicked Torquemada. Meanwhile, Antonio tries breaking into the castle to save Maria, but he ends up getting caught and taken prisoner. What horrors await when our heroes must come face to face with The Pit and the Pendulum?

     

    Review

    Much like their other earlier films, The Pit and the Pendulum is another excellent entry in Full Moon’s catalog. The use of a real Italian castle adds production value and makes the film look more expensive than it was. As with his earlier films, Stuart Gordon’s direction is on-point, using tons of dynamic lighting and shadows to establish mood. Lance Henriksen gives a phenomenal performance as Torquemada, playing the part with such intensity that you’re genuinely frightened of him. Rona De Ricci, who sadly never appeared in a film after this, does a wonderful job giving an emotional performance. The dynamic between her and Henriksen is the film’s highlight, her pure innocence clashing with his harsh religious nature. There’s a brief appearance by Oliver Reed, who gives a great performance as a Cardinal visiting from The Vatican. Also, Frances Bay is great as Esmerelda, slightly hamming it up.

    Jonathan Fuller, though not bad and having decent chemistry with Ricci, comes off a little bland and uninteresting. The biggest problem with the film is that the tone is slightly off at times, flip-flopping between serious and humorous. Ordinarily, Gordon is good at balancing horror with comedy, but here, it doesn’t quite work and it comes off distracting. For instance, Jeffrey Combs, who does a good job, is clearly meant for somewhat comedic relief, albeit slightly dry. William Morris and Stephen Lee definitely add to the comedy, which clashes with the more serious tone going on. Also, the titular “Pit and the Pendulum” doesn’t appear until the last act, and even then it’s not used much. There are some fun swashbuckling action and impressive effects to be had, but the tone clashes hinder the film’s quality. Overall, The Pit and the Pendulum isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely worth a watch.

     

    Buy The Pit and The Pendulum 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 The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)

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  • Luther the Geek (1989)

    Luther the Geek (1989)

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    While at the dinner table, writer/producer Carlton J. Albright was talking with his children about geeks, specifically circus geeks. In the early 1900s, geeks were circus performers who would bite the heads of chickens to get some cheap booze. The idea intrigued Albright, so he teamed up with producing partner David Platt and wrote a screenplay as “Whitey Styles”. Albright decided to film in Illinois and hiring students from the University of Iowa’s film department for the crew. For the title role, Albright hired Edward Terry, who he had previously worked with on The Children in 1980. The special effects were handled by William Purcell (RoboCop) and Mike Tristano (Evil Dead II), who chose to go uncredited. Following a limited release in 1989, the film got a VHS release in the early 90s before Troma released it. Originally titled The Freak, let’s take a look at Luther the Geek.

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    Synopsis

    In rural Illinois in 1938, young Luther (Carlton Williams) is taken to see the local geek show and becomes obsessed. After losing his teeth as a child, he gets a set of metal teeth and becomes a geek himself. Years later, an adult Luther (Edward Terry) is released from prison on parole after serving time for murder. Soon after, he makes his way to a grocery store, where he attacks and kills an old woman. While trying to escape the authorities, he hops in the back of a car driven by local Hilary (Joan Roth). Once at her house, Luther ties her up and holds her hostage when her daughter Beth (Stacy Haiduk) arrives. With her boyfriend Rob (Thomas Mills), she and her mother become Luther’s next would-be victims along with their chickens. A local trooper (J. Joseph Clarke) arrives, but will he save them from Luther the Geek?

     

    Review

    By splatter film standards, Luther the Geek doesn’t do much to differentiate itself from the rest of them. What makes this one stand out is its central character of a circus geek who clucks about like a chicken. Edward Terry easily gives the best performance in the film as Luther as he’s clearly fully committed to the role. With dialogue mostly consisting of chicken noises, he comes off as terrifying and sadistic, yet strangely sympathetic in a way. While the film never endorses what he’s doing, you can’t help but feel bad given his obvious mental condition. Then again, this film isn’t interested in the character’s psychology, but rather going for the jugular both literally and figuratively. For splatter fans, there’s plenty of blood spilling and flesh ripping to please fans looking for something messy. It helps that the gore effects are, mostly, really good considering the low budget.

    Aside from Terry, the rest of the acting is about what you’d expect from a low budget B-movie. None of the performances are downright awful, but many of them are somewhat bland and forgettable, though they’re clearly trying. Joan Roth is alright as the captive mother, and future TV actress Stacy Haiduk enhances the film with her “assets”. At roughly 80 minutes, the film goes by pretty quickly and there are never any dull moments dragging it down. Even if the script is super thin, Albright manages to at least make the film visually interesting and well-paced. This is what I’d call a “party movie”, the kind that’s best enjoyed with friends and plenty of booze. While there’s nothing remarkable about the film, it’s definitely an interesting entry in Troma’s catalog, even if it’s a pickup. Overall, Luther the Geek is a gory shocker worth at least a one-time watch.

     

    Buy Luther the Geek on Amazon: https://amzn.to/38TVrlC

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