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  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]On an estimated budget of $162 million, Ant-Man and the Wasp grossed over $622 million worldwide in 2018. Following its critical and commercial success, Peyton Reed agreed to return for a third installment around November 2019. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, and Michelle Pfeiffer announced their return alongside newcomers Jonathan Majors and Kathryn Newton. Jeff Loveness, who previously wrote for The Office and Rick and Morty, was hired to write in early 2020. Initial filming started in February 2021 in the Turkish region of Cappadocia, along with additional filming in San Francisco. Principal photography was done at Pinewood Studios between July and November 2021, followed by an extensive post-production period in 2022. The film was supposed to be released in February 2023, then was pushed to July before returning to February. After premiering at the Regency Village Theater, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hit theaters worldwide on February 17th.

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    Synopsis

    Having helped save humanity, Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) lives with his girlfriend Hope van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly). While visiting her parents Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer), Scott’s daughter Cassie (Kathyrn Newton) has some exciting news. She’s developed a machine that can send a signal down to the Quantum Realm, which makes Janet panic. While they shut it off, the message is received, and the gang is sucked into the Quantum Realm. Scott and Cassie run into a group of rebels while Hope, Hank, and Janet try to find answers. After trying to find help from Janet’s old friend Lord Krylar (Bill Murray), she reveals a horrible secret. She says she met Kang (Jonathan Majors), who she helped, before learning that he’s a megalomaniacal maniac bent on conquest. Now, it’s up to our heroes to help the rebels stop Kang from escaping the Quantum Realm.

     

    Review

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is, by far, one of the most ambitious films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While undoubtedly commendable, maybe this film is a bit too ambitious for its own good. Before going into my issues, the movie has qualities that work, namely some of the performances. Undoubtedly, Jonathan Majors is the highlight as Kang the Conqueror, playing a cold and calculating villain with occasional outbursts. He’s easily one of the best villains in the MCU, alongside Tom Hiddelston’s Loki and Josh Brolin’s Thanos. Also, Michelle Pfeiffer is given more to do and an opportunity to remind us why she’s such an accomplished actress. Paul Rudd is likable as always, Evangeline Lilly works well off him, and newcomer Kathryn Newton is a welcome addition. While Michael Douglas and Bill Murray are decent, they both feel wasted in this. Plus, Corey Stoll’s inclusion feels pointless.

    From a visual standpoint, the effects are otherworldly and weird, like a cross between Star Wars and Heavy Metal magazine. The creatures and people of The Quantum Realm have a distinct style, each looking more bizarre than the last. Unfortunately, all this ambition and flair is a disservice to the first two movies, which felt more down to earth. Part of the appeal of the Ant-Man movies was how the titular character was more of a blue-collar hero. Sure, they’re about a man with size-changing abilities who commands an army of ants, but they felt grounded. This film is so out there and wild that it doesn’t even feel like it’s in the same universe. While the movie has some great performances and unique visuals, the whole film is a very underwhelming experience. Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is mid-tier at best, which might be worse than terrible.

     

    Buy Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UzWJtA.

    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 Slashening (2015)

    The Slashening (2015)

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    After the release of Fear Town, USA, in 2014, aspiring filmmaker Brandon Bassham wanted to try and top himself. Bassham wanted to make a horror-comedy that poked fun at slasher movie tropes like his last film. However, for this film, he wanted to amp up the humor and the violence to further extremes. Since he had such a good working relationship with Troma, Bassham’s second feature would be distributed by them. He brought back many of the cast and crew members he had worked with and some new faces. Bassham launched an IndieGoGo campaign for the film, which raised $3,000 of the final $6,000 budget they’d be using. The movie was shot over three weeks in August 2014 in Bassham’s parent’s house in Long Island, New York. After a limited theatrical release in 2015, The Slashening debuted on Troma NOW in 2019.

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    Synopsis

    Lucy (Anna Callegari) is still reeling from her boyfriend breaking up, so her friends have an idea. Eva (Lily Du) has the house to herself while her parents are away, so she throws a sleepover. She invites Lucy and her best friend Margot (Samantha Reece Schecter), along with Beth (Dana Clinkman) and Ashley (Elyse Brandau). Ashley’s boyfriend Billy (Billy Bob Thompson) and his friend Pat (Patrick Foy) show up for some action during the party. Little do they know that a deranged killer in a burlap sack is waiting to break in and slaughter them. As numerous pizza delivery drivers are slashed, the partygoers learn more about each other than they ever expected. Soon enough, the killer makes their way inside and starts picking off our horny youngsters one by one. Friendships will be tested as our would-be victims try to survive The Slashening!

     

    Review

    Slasher parodies have existed for many years, from cult classics like The Slumber Party Massacre to blockbusters like Scream. In that regard, The Slashening doesn’t redefine the slasher parody, but it doesn’t have to. The film works as a standalone horror comedy thanks to some decent gore effects and surprisingly endearing performances. Each of the five girls fits a slasher archetype, and they play their parts well without coming off as obnoxious. Elyse Brandau is having fun playing the stereotypical slut, and Dana Clinkman is hilarious as a foul-mouthed coke addict. Anna Callegari and Samantha Reece Schecter have great chemistry and feel like genuine friends, which makes the revelations much funnier. Lily Du doesn’t have much to her character, but she has one of the funniest death scenes in the film. Also, Billy Bob Thompson and Patrick Foy fit their roles of cocky douche and timid nice guy, respectively.

    While there isn’t any gore or nudity, the writing helps elevate it beyond being a tame slasher film. That’s not to say there isn’t any blood, as some decent kills are sprinkled throughout. One of the best sequences involves the girls trying to order pizza, only for every delivery driver to get slashed. The scene goes on for so long that it just gets funnier and funnier because of how absurd it is. Absurd is the best way to describe this film, as it’s utterly ridiculous to the point where logic is gone. Admittedly, the killer is pretty generic, a guy wearing a jumpsuit and a burlap sack over his head. Thankfully, the twist makes up for it, and the finale needs to be seen to be believed. Overall, The Slashening may be nothing new, but it works in its simplicity and makes for a decent watch.

     

    Buy The Slashening from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZptVoj.

    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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  • Hideous! (1997)

    Hideous! (1997)

    [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=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After their partnership with Paramount Pictures ended, Full Moon Features was financially precarious, solely relying on Kushner-Locke. It was in the late 90s that Full Moon took advantage of the burgeoning internet to announce their future titles. Some of the titles featured that got made included The Creeps, Shrieker, Subspecies 4, Puppet Master 6, and Blood Dolls. One of the other features mentioned wouldn’t be funded by Kushner-Locke but by producers David DeFalco and Michael Fiechtner. Shot on location in Bucharest over two weeks in February 1997, Charles Band directed while Benjamin Carr wrote the script. Carr previously wrote Head of the Family, starring Jacqueline Lovell and Michael Citriniti, a.k.a. J. W. Perra, who returned here. Another notable cast member was Mel Johnson Jr., who later partnered with Charles Band to form Alchemy/Big City Pictures. After a brief filming period, Charles Band’s Hideous! was released in August 1997.

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    Synopsis

    A group of sewage workers finds a strange embryo and sell it to the International Medical Specimens corporation. Headed by Ms. Belinda Yost (Tracie May-Wagner), she sells it to eccentric collector Napoleon Lazar (Mel Johnson Jr.) for $650,000. Word gets out to rival collector Dr. Lorca (Michael Citriniti), who has his assistant Sheila (Jacqueline Lovell) steal it. After the embryo is stolen, Lazar hires Detective Leonard Kantor (Jerry O’Donnell) to help him return it from Lorca. Along with Yost and her secretary, Elvina Shaw (Rhonda Griffin), Lazar and Kantor go to Lorca’s castle to confront him. While there, they see Lorca’s four other strange creatures, who break free and wander the castle. Soon, our hapless victims are picked off individually as Lorca and Lazar fight over ownership of the medical oddities. Who will survive against these deformed, depraved, and devious creatures and escape the castle?

     

    Review

    In some ways, Hideous! is almost a throwback to the Empire Pictures classic Ghoulies, both in story and visuals. Both are about people going to an isolated area and are systematically picked off by tiny creatures. Also, both movies have a similar lo-tech feel to the effects, which makes sense, given who handled the effects. Mark Rappaport, the film’s special effects supervisor, previously worked under John Carl Buechler on Demonic Toys. Admittedly, there is some questionable CGI, and the puppets aren’t the most complex, but they work for this movie. They’re not in the film very much, but the creatures are fun to watch when they are. Filming in a Bucharest castle adds much production value to the movie and helps it stand out. Say what you will about Full Moon using Romania, but it helped make their films look more expensive.

    For the most part, the cast plays their roles as campy as possible without going too overboard. Mel Johnson Jr. is one of the biggest highlights, and his back-and-forths with the rest of the cast are entertaining. Michael Citriniti is an excellent rival for Johnson, and Tracie May-Wagner is fun as the stuck-up rich bitch. Jacqueline Lovell is another highlight as Dr. Lorca’s sexy and devious assistant, spending her screen time with her cleavage exposed. She and Johnson easily have the movie’s most memorable scene, where she robs him while topless in a gorilla mask. Even in context, the sequence comes out of nowhere and is never brought up again, which makes it more bizarre. At under 90 minutes, the movie goes by pretty quickly and doesn’t have too many slow scenes. Overall, Hideous! isn’t one of Full Moon’s best, but it’s a decent creature feature.

     

    Buy Hideous! 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 Hideous! (1997)

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  • Honky Holocaust (2014)

    Honky Holocaust (2014)

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    In 2010, Melrose locals Greg LaVoie, Paul McAlarney, and Nick Viau created a comedic web series called Super-Townie. While working on the series, cinematographer Nick Norrman introduced McAlarney to the controversial 1971 mockumentary Goodbye Uncle Tom. This gave McAlarney the idea to make a feature film that addressed racial issues mixed with a 70s exploitation style. Rather than sugarcoating the message, McAlarney and Norrman decided to showcase the message where it couldn’t be ignored. About a month later, McAlarney formed Blood Hammer Films, wrote a script, and assembled his cast and crew. Filming took place mainly around Boston in 2014, with some additional funds through Kickstarter totaling over $1700. After filming was completed, the film went on the festival circuit in 2015 until it caught the attention of Troma. Troma picked up the distribution rights and released Honky Holocaust in 2016.

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    Synopsis

    In 1969, notorious cult leader Charles Manson (Thomas Delcarpio) and his followers went underground to await a prophecized race war. When Manson died, he assigned his second-in-command Dan Masucci (Lucas Fleming), to take over and raise his daughter Kendra. After years of living underground, Masucci leads the Manson family outside to see what the world has become. Much to their shock, the world is not what they expected: whites are the minority while blacks are in charge. While Masucci retreats after several of his men are killed, the now-adult Kendra (Maria Natapov) wanders the streets. She’s mocked, drugged, assaulted, and possibly raped because of her skin color until she’s taken in by Lucius (Constantine Taylor). Having seen what African Americans have experienced, she decides to stand against bigotry and hunt down her surrogate father. Alongside the newly reformed Fiona (Krisoula Varoudakis), Kendra must stop Dan from assassinating the mayor.

     

    Review

    Honky Holocaust is a movie I have conflicted feelings about: it has a strong message, but its tone is off. Having the tables turned and showing how it would feel to be treated as a minority is still relevant today. Then again, this film features people getting shot through the anus, strangled with intestines, or shot and urinated on. It’s as if McAlarney couldn’t decide if he wanted to make a message movie or a sleazy exploitation flick. While it’s admirable that he tried to do both, the result is all over the place with its tone. While the message isn’t delivered with any hint of subtlety, it feels intentional, like the filmmakers demand you face it. Also, while out of place, the exploitation elements provide what gorehounds expect, especially with the Troma branding. There are copious amounts of fake gore, nudity, and politically-incorrect humor to entertain Troma fans.

    Given its meager budget, McAlarney and his crew manage to put together a decent-looking film. Sure, the effects aren’t the greatest, and the sets look cheap, but these add to the film’s charm. On top of that, the performances are surprisingly good, mainly because almost everyone plays their roles seriously. Maria Natapov does a great job, and seeing her transform from scared and defenseless to a gun-toting badass is incredible. Lucas Fleming is a great villain, acting just over the top enough while still being intimidating. Constantine Taylor is another stand-out as the sympathetic Lucius, who takes Kendra under her wing when no one else will. This film will offend plenty of people and has problems, but I think curious onlookers should give it a watch. Overall, Honky Holocaust is a bit disjointed, but the performances and message help the film stand out from similar schlock.

     

    Buy Honky Holocaust from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Yyt5oh.

    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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  • Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

    Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

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    While working on All Monsters Attack, the original idea for the antagonist monster was a giant bug called Gebara. Eventually, Gebara became a giant cockroach named Megalon for a treatment called Godzilla vs. the Space Monsters: Earth Defense Directive. The proposal would have Megalon pair with Gigan and King Ghidorah to fight against Godzilla, Anguirus, and newcomer Majin Tuol. While Gigan made the final cut, Ghidorah, Anguirus, and Majin Tuol were replaced by a robot superhero, Jet Jaguar. Jet Jaguar resulted from a contest that Toho held for kids to design superheroes for future projects. By this point, the series was on its last legs, so the studio had to cut costs and rush production. After a three-week shoot, Godzilla vs. Megalon premiered in Japan in 1973, followed by a US release in 1976. Over the years, this became one of the most well-known kaiju films in the US.

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    Synopsis

    Due to several nuclear tests near the Aleutians, Monster Island is severely damaged, but Godzilla escapes before it collapses. In addition, the citizens of an underground civilization called Seatopia aren’t too happy about the above-ground tests. In retaliation, the Seatopians send out their guardian monster Megalon to wreak havoc on Japan. Meanwhile, inventor Goro (Katsuhiko Sasaki), his friend Hiroshi (Yutaka Hayashi), and his little brother Rokuro (Hiroyuki Kawase) are ambushed. Goro and Hiroshi have been working on Jet Jaguar, a humanoid robot that the Seatopians want to guide Megalon. The Seatopians capture the three main characters, but they manage to escape and regain control of Jet Jaguar. They send out Jet Jaguar to get Godzilla’s help to fight Megalon, who is now fighting alongside Gigan. A massive kaiju tag-team rumble follows as Godzilla and Jet Jaguar fight against Megalon and Gigan.

     

    Review

    Godzilla vs. Megalon is often cited as one of the worst entries in the franchise, which isn’t entirely true. I’d argue that All Monsters Attack is the worst, but there is an argument to be made for this one. As the series progressed, you could see all the cost-saving measures Toho took to keep it going. There’s the overuse of stock footage, the flimsy suits, and the final battle being staged in an open field. Like the other late 60s/early 70s Showa era movies, this one once again was catered more toward kids. It’s especially apparent with the use of Jet Jaguar, obviously influenced by the likes of Ultraman and Kamen Rider. What’s even worse is that, for a Godzilla movie, Godzilla disappears for most of the film. It’s mainly about the humans evading the Seatopians and trying to reclaim Jet Jaguar.

    To give some credit, Megalon is one of the more interesting monsters in the series, with unique abilities. He can shoot lightning from his horn and spit bombs, which makes him one of Godzilla’s oddest but unique opponents. While most of the film’s effects-heavy scenes are stock footage, the sequence where Megalon destroys a dam is impressive. Of course, the film’s most infamous moment is when Godzilla performs a dropkick while sliding on his tail. It’s right up there with Godzilla using his atomic breath to fly in Godzilla vs. Hedorah for its ridiculousness. Unfortunately, these scenes can’t save the film’s otherwise mediocre quality in terms of the effects and the story. What’s worse is that this film cemented the West’s perception of Godzilla in general, so thanks for that. Overall, Godzilla vs. Megalon isn’t the worst, but it’s still another low point for the series.

     

    Buy Godzilla vs. Megalon on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RDWY47.

    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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  • Zombiethon (1986)

    Zombiethon (1986)

    [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=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After making three back-to-back compilation tapes, Charles Band and Ken Dixon made one more to end it all. As mentioned before, Band acquired the rights to numerous low-budget horror films for his label, Wizard Video. Many of these were European and directed by exploitation filmmakers like Lucio Fulci, Jess Franco, and Pierre Chevalier. Also, by the mid-1980s, zombie movies were popular thanks to Return of the Living Dead and Day of the Dead. Luckily for Band, plenty of European zombie movies came out after the success of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Band and Dixon would use clips from various zombie movies using a wraparound story instead of hosts for this compilation. This was their last compilation tape, as Ken Dixon later directed 1987’s Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity. But before then, Charles Band released their zombie compilation Zombiethon to a ravenous fanbase.

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    Synopsis

    A zombie chases a young woman (Karrene Janyl Caudle) into The Historic El Rey Theater, occupied by various zombies. The young woman takes a seat as she and the other undead patrons watch clips from multiple zombie movies. We start with Lucio Fulci’s 1979 classic Zombie, most infamous for a brutal eye-gouging and zombie vs. shark death match. Unfortunately, the quality goes downhill as we move onto the notoriously bad 1981 schlockfest Zombie Lake. Things only get worse when we go to Jess Franco’s Oasis of the Zombies, followed by Murder Syndrome, aka Fear. Then, we get two 1970s offerings: 1970’s The Invisible Dead and 1973’s A Virgin Among the Living Dead. To cap off this compilation, we end with Ted V. Mikel’s The Astro-Zombies from 1968, previously featured in Filmgore. Stay away from any graveyards, as the liveliest Festival of the Dead is about to begin!

     

    Review

    Of all four of the compilation tapes made for Wizard Video, Zombiethon is undoubtedly one of them. It’s not as fun as The Best of Sex and Violence, but it’s a step above Famous T & A. This one tries to be unique by having a wraparound story instead of the usual host segments. These wraparound segments add charm due to their cheesiness but are disjointed, confusing, and repetitive. Each sequence boils down to a pretty girl getting chased by a zombie, running into a theater, rinse and repeat. In place of makeup, all the zombies wear masks, which come off as cheap but add to the campiness. Unfortunately, the wraparound has no resolution, as it ends with the zombies sitting in the theater. We never find out what happened to the various women who were chased inside, so I guess they’re dead.

    As for the clips shown, there’s a decent variety, but the compilation somewhat blows its load a little early. They start with a truncated version of Lucio Fulci’s classic, only to transition into progressively worse movies. Also, according to the book Empire of the B’s, the compilation features Dawn of the Dead, Burial Ground, etc. Unless they watched a different version than me, none of the other movies they mention are featured. Either way, this compilation does succeed in helping you avoid sitting through some utter garbage. Why sit through all 82 minutes of Oasis of the Zombies when you can watch the highlights shown here? Considering that Empire folded a few years later, it’s unfortunate we didn’t get more of these compilations until years later. Overall, Zombiethon isn’t the worst of the Wizard Video comp tapes, and it’ll make for some good background noise.

     

    Buy Zombiethon from:

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  • Groundhog Day (1993)

    Groundhog Day (1993)

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    In the early 1990s, writer Danny Rubin got an idea for a film after reading Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat. He wondered what someone would do if they had unlimited time and how boring that would get after a while. With the script finished, Rubin tried shopping it around until it caught the attention of talent agent Richard Lovett. Lovett passed the screenplay along to Harold Ramis, who immediately signed on to direct because it spoke to him spiritually. Ramis worked with Rubin to add more comedic elements to the script, which interested Bill Murray in starring. For the rest of the cast, they hired Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliot, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Brian Doyle-Murray, amongst others. With a $14.6 and $30 million budget, filming lasted from April to June 1992 despite tensions between Ramis and Murray. Groundhog Day finally hit theaters on February 12, 1993.

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    Synopsis

    Phil Conners (Bill Murray), an egotistical, cynical TV weatherman, goes to Punxsutawney for his annual Groundhog Day coverage. He’s accompanied by producer Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowall) and cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) and makes no qualms about hating it. After covering the festivities, Conners wants to leave but is stuck due to a blizzard that he predicted wouldn’t happen. The following day, he wakes up to find that yesterday’s events are happening again, but no one else notices. Realizing that he’s stuck in a time loop, Phil tries explaining his situation to Rita, but she doesn’t believe him. At first, Phil decides to use this to hook up with random women, commit robberies, and generally manipulate everyone. However, when he tries the same tactics on Rita and fails, Phil realizes he needs to change his ways. Will Phil become a better person or be stuck in Groundhog Day forever?

     

    Review

    It’s a shame this film ended Bill Murray and Harold Ramis’ decades-long relationship, but at least it was another classic. Groundhog Day is a goofy comedy and an emotional character drama about love and redemption. While he has the same trademark dry wit and sarcastic attitude, Murray shows his more dramatic side here. You see him go from arrogant and mean-spirited to depressed and suicidal before he redeems himself. It’s a typical “bad guy changes their ways” story we’ve seen several times before, but it’s done so well here. Andie MacDowell is excellent as the adorably cheerful and optimistic Rita, contrasting perfectly with Murray’s cynicism. Chris Elliot doesn’t have much to do as Larry, but he gets a few moments to shine. Stephen Tobolowsky is a scene stealer as Ned Ryerson, an obnoxious insurance salesman who Conners constantly runs into. Seeing how Conners responds to Ryerson is a riot.

    Since the film revolves around the same day, happening repeatedly, scenes can get repetitive quickly. Also, parts of the movie feel episodic, like a new subplot starts up, only to be resolved in five minutes. The tone can sometimes be inconsistent, going from funny to severe to comedic again without a rhyme or reason. Still, some of these flaws don’t seem like flaws; instead, they’re meant to make you feel how Murray’s character feels. The movie is a metaphor for living the same life day in and day out and feeling stuck. It also shows how the fact that we only have a limited amount of time makes our lives more memorable. While previous Ramis/Murray comedies like Caddyshack, Stripes, and Ghostbusters are classics, this stands in a league of its own. Overall, Groundhog Day is among the best 90s comedies that continue to stand the test of time.

     

    Buy Groundhog Day from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RqigSD.

    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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  • M3GAN (2023)

    M3GAN (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2014, Australian filmmaker James Wan founded the production company Atomic Monster Productions, which specializes in budget films. While brainstorming some ideas, Wan devised one involving a killer doll that satirized people’s dependence on technology. Wan would produce alongside Jason Blum of Blumhouse Pictures and share a writing credit with Akela Cooper. For the director, Wan chose relative newcomer Gerard Johnstone, whose 2014 film Housebound won several festival awards. With a $12 million budget, principal photography started in 2021 around Los Angeles and New Zealand. Morot FX Studio created numerous radio-controlled animatronic puppets, while child actress Amie Donald performed the more physically demanding roles. While filming wrapped in August, the studio decided to do reshoots so the film would get a PG-13 rating. Boosted by a viral clip on TikTok, M3GAN opened on January 6 to tons of hype.

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    Synopsis

    Gemma (Allison Williams) adopts her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) after her parents die in a car crash. She works for a toy company and is developing an advanced humanoid robot with AI to be the ultimate companion. Unfortunately, they have a strained relationship as Gemma spends more time on her work than with Cady. Gemma pairs the robot, M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), with Cady, now with her boss David (Ronny Chieng) on board. Initially, things seem to be going well as Cady is happier than ever, but things soon go awry. Soon, M3GAN becomes self-aware and starts attacking anyone she deems a threat to Cady, including a dog and a bully. Knowing the truth, Gemma and her coworkers Tess (Jen Van Epps) and Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) try shutting her down. Unfortunately, M3GAN breaks free and goes on a rampage, determined to be Cady’s only companion.

     

    Review

    Going into M3GAN, the film has several strikes against it: a January release and a re-edit to be PG-13. Despite these setbacks, the movie is way better than one would expect, but that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. While the film has some kills and moments of genuine horror, most are shown in the trailer. The movie we get is more of a drama about a woman trying to be her niece’s surrogate mother. Those expecting an all-out gorefest featuring a creepy puppet killing people will be disappointed. Still, the kills we get are more graphic than you’d expect from a PG-13 horror film. The doll looks incredible, combining impressive animatronics and Amie Donald’s almost perfect movements to make something natural yet artificial. It’s no surprise considering the effects artists recently got an Oscar nomination for their work on The Whale. Hopefully, an extended cut can improve the lack of bloodshed.

    Allison Williams is instantly likable as the well-meaning Gemma who wants to succeed while caring for Cady. You can tell she’s overwhelmed by this new responsibility, and she goes through a great character arc. Violet McGraw is also impressive as the emotionally distraught Cady, trying to make sense of the horrible things she’s experienced. Jen Van Epps and Brian Jordan Alvarez aren’t given much to do, but they each have moments to shine. Ronny Chieng can come off as a stereotypical CEO solely motivated by money, but that feels intentional, given the tone. Considering this is his second feature, Gerard Johnstone does an excellent directing job, and I’m curious about his future works. At slightly over 90 minutes, some parts do drag, but they’re never enough to pull you out of the movie. Overall, M3GAN may not be groundbreaking, but it’s still an engaging, flawed sci-fi horror film.

     

    Buy M3GAN from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VXGNBA.

    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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  • B.C. Butcher (2016)

    B.C. Butcher (2016)

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    From a very young age, Kansas Bowling was interested in films and wanted to make movies more than anything. While her dad introduced her to plenty of 90s movies, she became interested in films from the 60s and 70s. Kansas and her friend were big John Waters fans, and she discovered Troma around age 12 with Cannibal! The Musical. When she was 13, Kansas got a Super 8 camera as a gift and made short films with her sister. She was also a fan of Barbara Bach, who starred in the 1981 comedy Caveman, which gave Kansas an idea. For her feature film debut, Kansas would make a silly slasher film set in prehistoric times. At only 17, Kansas wrote, produced, and directed her first film, and Troma distributed it when she was 19. In January 2016, B.C. Butcher finally hit the scene and made history.

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    Synopsis

    When tribe leader Neandra (Leilani Fideler) learns that Dina (Miranda Robin) is sleeping with her man, she executes her. Afterward, Neandra has her fellow cavewomen dump the body, where it’s discovered by The Butcher (Dwayne Marion Johnson). The Butcher falls in love with Dina, and her spirit commands him to avenge her death by killing the tribeswomen. While Neandra thinks her man Rex (Kato Kaelin) is pure, he’s cheating with another cavewoman named Poppy (Molly Elizabeth Ring). The blind Bamba (Devyn Kawata) warns the others of The Butcher, but none believe her premonitions until it’s too late. Soon, The Butcher arrives and starts killing everyone in the tribe one by one, beginning with Rex and Poppy. Neandra and her friend Anaconda (Natasha Halevi) try to survive, but it’s only a matter before The Butcher gets them. They’re ancient history in this stone age slasher!

     

    Review

    Given that the director was still a minor then, it’s surprising how good B.C. Butcher turned out. Sure, the film has its problems, but it’s impressive for something made by a 17-year-old. First, given the low budget, the prehistoric setting helps set it apart from other slashers and is a cost-saving measure. Also, while most modern filmmakers would’ve shot digitally, Kansas decided to shoot on 16mm film, which looks incredible. The film helps bring out many colors and makes the visuals pop more than digital can. She even got help from Daniel Pearl, Tobe Hooper’s cinematographer on The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Invaders from Mars. Also, you can tell there’s a John Waters influence, with the intentionally silly gore juxtaposed with 50s doo-wop music. Just get used to hearing “Alley Oop” by The Hollywood Argyles because it’s played quite a lot throughout.

    The acting is intentionally hokey but never in a way where the cast is in on the joke. Leilani Fideler is funny as the overconfident yet incompetent tribe leader who is unintentionally responsible for her people’s deaths. Though he has no dialogue, Dwayne Marion Johnson makes for an excellent prehistoric monster, using body language to convey emotion. Kato Kaelin is a particular stand-out as he chews up every bit of scenery he can on screen. Admittedly, the kills are lame, there’s not a lot of gore, and it’s relatively tame for a Troma movie. Plus, at slightly over 50 minutes, this barely qualifies as a feature film, though it’s better than adding needless padding. Even with its flaws, it’s still impressive that a 17-year-old could get an entire movie made and released. Overall, B.C. Butcher is a silly horror comedy that shows potential for a future filmmaker.

     

    Buy B.C. Butcher from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jgOL9h.

    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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  • Evil Bong 2: King Bong (2009)

    Evil Bong 2: King Bong (2009)

    [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=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Released in 2006, Evil Bong was a surprise hit for Full Moon Features, so a sequel was to follow. Charles Band announced the sequel in 2008, along with Killjoy 3, GingerDead Man 3, and Puppet Master: Axis of Evil. Band returned to direct alongside the late writer Dominic Muir, using the pseudonym August White, for the stoner sequel. Much of the original cast returned, though they could no longer afford Tommy Chong, and Brett Chukerman replaced David Weidoff. Since prolific cinematographer Mac Ahlberg retired, Charlie hired Terrance Ryker, who also shot The Haunted Casino and Dangerous Worry Dolls. They hired Jeffrey S. Farley for the makeup effects, who earned an Emmy nomination for his work on Babylon 5. While the last film was a mix of horror and weed humor, this sequel would lean further into stoner comedy. In July 2009, Evil Bong 2: King Bong hit DVD shelves worldwide.

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    Synopsis

    Months after the last film, Allistair (Brett Chukerman) visits Larnell (John Patrick Jordan) at his apartment to catch up. The Evil Bong’s effects are lingering as Bachman (Mitch Eakins) has narcolepsy and Brett (Brian Lloyd) is obese. Additionally, Larnell has lost all sexual inhibitions and humps anything near him, including Brett’s girlfriend Luann (Robin Sydney). The guys get the delivery guy Rabbit (Sonny Carl Davis) to accompany them to the Amazon to find answers. They run into Velicity (Amy Paffrath), who’s working with Larnell’s grandpa Cyril (Jacob Witkin) to study some potent marijuana. She believes the weed could be used for medicinal purposes, while Cyril wants to sell it to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, Cyril and Rabbit use the weed to resurrect Eebee (Michelle Mais), only to be taken by the Poontang Tribe. Our heroes must battle with Eebee’s former mate, King Bong (Michael Shepperd).

     

    Review

    If you’ve seen the first one, you should know what to expect from Evil Bong 2: King Bong. This sequel is more of the same, but some slight improvements made here make this more tolerable. Moving the action out of the apartment and into the jungle adds variety and makes it stand out. Also, Brett Chukerman is a welcome replacement for the nerdy Allistair, making the character more of a snob. Amy Paffrath’s Velicity is an excellent addition to the series, offering plenty of charm and high energy. Sonny Carl Davis always looks like he’s having a good time, and Jacob Witkin has some of the best lines. The new villain, King Bong, has an excellent design, and Michael Shepperd gives him tons of personality. His performance reminds me of Michael Sonye as Uncle Impie from Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama.

    Before you go rushing to pick up the DVD, don’t expect the quality of 90’s Full Moon. The sets still look cheap, there’s an abundance of CGI, and most of the acting is pretty shaky. Anyone hoping for blood and more horror like the first film will be disappointed with this sequel. This movie is like an extended R-rated sitcom without the studio audience or the pauses for laughter. Most of the humor relies on marijuana, penises, obesity, and sex, and it’s pretty juvenile and outstays its welcome. Still, this movie moves much faster than the first film at roughly the same runtime. Plus, with this film opening on a recap of the original, you could skip to this one. Overall, Evil Bong 2: King Bong is more of the same as the first but is slightly better.

     

    Buy Evil Bong 2: King Bong 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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