Facebook

FilmNerd

Category: Reviews

  • Igor and the Lunatics (1985)

    Igor and the Lunatics (1985)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    In addition to producing their brand of schlock, Troma Entertainment has picked up several titles to distribute. Admittedly, most of them can be complete dreck, but every so often, you’ll find something like Cannibal! The Musical. For every classic like The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke ‘Em High, you’ll get trash like Deadly Daphne’s Revenge. Quality aside, Troma wants to encourage young, independent filmmakers to get their movies out there for the world to see. While you may not be financially successful right away, your film will eventually find its audience, which is more important. That said, Troma will sometimes pick up a movie for distribution to have a product to push out. Often, this can lead to Troma putting out just pure garbage that even they come to regret later on. Such is the case with the forgotten 1985 film Igor and the Lunatics.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”40″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In the 1960s, Paul Byron (T.J. Glenn) led a hippie cult that worshiped him among men. However, one of its members, Jimmy (Christopher Chandley), wants out because he witnessed them committing terrible acts of murder. While Paul is locked away in prison for several murders, he’s freed after 16 years and is looking for revenge. He reunites with his old lackey Igor (Joe Niola) to search for a child Paul believes is his. Said child is found by Jimmy’s wife, Mary-Ann (Mary Ann Schacht), making it more personal for Paul. Meanwhile, a Native American man named Hawk (Peter Dain) is trying to protect the child since he helped raise him. Soon, all the groups come together to fight to the death to either reclaim or protect the child. It’s an all-out rampage headlined by Igor and the Lunatics!

     

    Review

    As of writing this review, I’ve done the Troma Tuesdays series for almost a year now. In that time, I’ve reviewed some genuinely Troma-rific classics, but I’ve also seen my fair share of dreck. Unfortunately, Igor and the Lunatics is probably the worst Troma movie I’ve reviewed so far, and that’s saying something. I had to look up several other reviews to remember what exactly happened because I forgot just about everything. I could go on about the shoddy production value, the questionable acting, and the weird pacing issues. However, despite all of that, this film commits the ultimate sin a film could commit: it’s boring. The opening scene offers some nudity and blood, and there are a few other scenes like that. Unfortunately, for those ten minutes, you have to sit through an hour and twelve minutes of nothing!

    When you look up the cast for this, you’ll find that most of them never worked on anything else. In fact, the film’s director didn’t make another film for almost twenty years and hasn’t made one since 2011. Considering how little information there is on the production, I almost wonder what happened to these people. Its production history would probably be much more interesting than the film itself, but we may never know. If there are any positives, I will say that some of the gore effects are actually pretty good. Some highlights include a girl getting sawed in half and a guy getting a machete to the face. Also, while I panned this movie for its shoddy production values, some scenes have a nice gritty quality. This one might be good for a few drunken laughs, but overall, Igor and the Lunatics is not worth watching.

     

    Buy Igor and the Lunatics from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AluZw7.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Don’t Go in the Woods (1981)

    Don’t Go in the Woods (1981)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    As mentioned in previous reviews, numerous studios were trying to capitalize on the slasher boom of 1981. For every polished effort from a major like Paramount or MGM, you also had a low-budget quickie. Enter James Bryan, a Texas-born filmmaker who started making soft-core films like Escape to Passion and The Dirtiest Game. After filming 1977’s Boogie Vision, Bryan decided to make a horror film set in the Rocky Mountains for his next project. With a budget of $150,000, they shot the movie in the summer of 1980 in the Sierra Mountains. While they filmed most of the death scenes on the weekends, the scenes with the main cast took ten days. Though the original script was titled Sierra, the distributor Seymour Borde & Associates wanted to change the title. The film was given a limited release in November 1981 as Don’t Go in the Woods!

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Friends Peter (Jack McClelland), Joanne (Angie Brown), Ingrid (Mary Gail Artz), and Craig (James P. Hayden) decide to go camping. As they’re trekking through the woods, they’re unaware that there’s a maniac (Tom Drury) running around killing random people. His victims include honeymooners Dick (Frank Millen) and Cherry (Carolyn Braza), an artist, some campers, and a fisherman. Unfortunately, Peter witnesses the fisherman getting killed, so the maniac chases him, killing Craig in the process. Joanne gets killed as well, though Peter and Ingrid barely manage to escape from the maniac. They make their way to a nearby town and alert the Sheriff (Ken Carter) about the situation. While Ingrid recovers in the hospital, a grief-stricken Peter decides to return to the woods and go after the maniac. There’s a good reason why people try telling you don’t go in the woods….alone!

     

    Review

    Honestly, it’s challenging to review Don’t Go in the Woods, as it’s objectively terrible, but the filmmaker might’ve intended it. Given the movie’s box cover, you would think this will be some sort of blood-drenched forest slasher. While there’s plenty of blood to be had, the film has a weirdly goofy tone throughout, exemplified by the music. James Bryan was trying to go for a horror-comedy, but it has more unintentional laughs than intentional ones. Most of the cast would later work behind the scenes, and you can see why since they’re all terrible. Everyone’s delivery is flat, no one has any natural chemistry with each other, and they come off as bland. I’d say the only actor who does a halfway decent job is Tom Drury, whose dialogue mainly consists of grunts. At least he has a unique look as a sort of forest-dwelling hobo with a jingle stick.

    It’s hard to judge the filmmaking on display considering how low the budget was, but even still, it’s not good. The editing feels choppy; characters are randomly thrown in and killed almost immediately, and nothing makes sense. We’re not told who the killer is, their motivation, or how the main characters know each other. While Halloween didn’t give Michael Myers any motivation, we at least knew his history and understood why he’s dangerous. Though giving too much backstory can lessen a killer’s impact, no information makes it hard to care about them. One positive I can give this movie is that there are some pretty bloody death sequences. Even with its 82-minute runtime, there are tons of dead spots that makes this a rough sit. Overall, hardcore slasher fans might find something worthwhile, but Don’t Go in the Woods is a trip not worth taking.

     

    Buy Don’t Go in the Woods from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WyvDrl.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • The Suicide Squad (2021)

    The Suicide Squad (2021)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][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_video src=”https://youtu.be/afiZvP9fYzE” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][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=”{}”]

    Upon its release back in 2016, Suicide Squad received generally mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. Regardless, the film grossed nearly $750 million versus a $175 million budget and was the 10th highest-grossing film of 2016. Warner Bros. wanted to fast-track a sequel with David Ayer set to return to direct given its financial success. However, Ayer left to work on a Gotham City Sirens spin-off, so the studio searched for a new director. Mel Gibson, Jaume Collet-Serra, and Gavin O’Connor were set to direct but left for one reason or another. Around this time, Marvel/Disney had fired James Gunn following some old tweets uncovered by conservative trolls. Seizing the opportunity, Warner Bros. hired Gunn initially for a Superman movie, but he chose a Suicide Squad movie instead. They agreed, and The Suicide Squad hit both theaters and HBO Max in August 2021.

    [/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=”90″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    Intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles a new team to infiltrate the South American nation of Corto Maltese. There’s Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior). Accompanied by returning members Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), the team must destroy something extraterrestrial. Their mission is to kidnap The Thinker (Peter Capaldi), a scientist working on “Project Starfish,” which involves the extraterrestrial creature. Unfortunately, the mission goes south when most team members get killed, and Flag and Harley get kidnapped. Thankfully, Flag hooked up with some freedom fighters looking to take down the corrupt government and agree to help him. While heroes make their way to Jötunheim, where the government keeps the creature stored, they get more than expected. Will they save the world, and who in this suicide squad will survive?

     

    Review

    Unlike the 2016 film, which had potential but was a massive letdown, this one rights all the wrongs. It makes sense James Gunn directed this, given they were trying to emulate Guardians of the Galaxy in the original. Like he did with that film, he manages to take several D-list characters and make them fully three-dimensional. Who would’ve thought a character called “Polkadot Man” would be as memorable as he was? On that note, the entire cast does a phenomenal job, each one getting their moment to shine. Idris Elba is a solid replacement for Will Smith, and his back-and-forths with John Cena are hilarious. Daniela Melchior is surprisingly sweet as Ratcatcher 2 and has some cute moments with the loveable King Shark. Also, this is probably the best Margot Robbie has ever done as Harley Quinn, showing real humanity in her performance. Even Joel Kinnaman is better in this!

    Like before, Viola Davis continues to be the best part of the movie, giving a solid and commanding performance. Even the way the film handles its cannon fodder is better than the original, but that’s getting into spoilers. The action is stylish and frenetic, and the editing feels fluid and dynamic rather than the choppy mess from before. If I had any complaints about the film, I’d say the biggest is its villain, The Thinker. Granted, Peter Capaldi does a good job, but he’s not given much to do or is all that interesting. He’s not quite as bland as Ronan the Accuser, but it’s still a blemish on an otherwise fantastic movie. The film goes by quickly at just over two hours but slows down just enough to flesh out the characters. Overall, The Suicide Squad is a massive improvement over its predecessor and works as its own thing.

     

    Buy The Suicide Squad from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tbjRkV.

    FTC 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.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Where to watch The Suicide Squad (2021)

    data-api-key=”LMVDLdLSH5ZJnQ4FMGMgyJCB8cmGbfCV” data-object-type=”Movie” data-title=”The Suicide Squad” data-year=”2021″ data-theme=”light”>

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Walking the Edge (1985)

    Walking the Edge (1985)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]

    While producing their own genre films, Empire Pictures also distributed various films that weren’t in-house or within their wheelhouse. The thought process was that of all the films they’d pick up for distribution, hopefully, one would be a hit. Enter Norbert Meisel, a character actor who starred in TV shows like Combat!, The Rat Patrol, and Mission: Impossible. In the ’70s, Meisel transitioned to directing adult films including The Adulteress, Mafia Girls, and Dreams of Desire. In 1976, Meisel married Asian actress Nancy Kwan, who was one of the most iconic Asian actresses in the ’60s. The two collaborated on 1981’s Dreams of Desire before moving onto an action-thriller with Kwan in a starring role. While the film was produced in 1982, it wasn’t released until it was sold to Empire Pictures in 1985. On January 11, 1985, Walking the Edge was finally released to theaters.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]

    Synopsis

    After her family is killed by crime boss Brusstar (Joe Spinell), Christine Holloway (Nancy Kwan) manages to escape. Meanwhile, things aren’t going well for Jason Walk (Robert Forster), a taxi driver and numbers runner, who’s been screwed over. His so-called friends belittle him, he gets cheated out of his money, and he catches his girlfriend cheating on him. While on the job, Jason picks up Christine, who uses him to find the gang responsible for killing her family. After surviving a gunfight with Brusstar and his gang, Jason ends up getting roped into Christine’s revenge quest. Jason decides to have Christine stay at his place as he sets out to finish the job. Having been pushed around and stepped on, Jason finally has the opportunity to strike back and rise to the occasion. It’s a fight for survival as our hero is walking the edge!

     

    Review

    Walking the Edge is an oddity compared to many other films from Empire Pictures like Re-Animator, TerrorVision, and Troll. While their usual output had some fantastical elements, this one is more of a gritty, realistic revenge thriller. Much like The Caller, this is another film from the Empire library that deserves more attention than it gets. Though it’s set in Los Angeles, it has the grit and grime of New York sleaze flicks like The Exterminator. Robert Forster makes for a solid lead, perfectly playing an unlikely hero with many flaws that he has to overcome. He feels like a precursor to Bruce Willis in Die Hard, only a little more broken in some ways. With his disheveled hair, sweat pants, and frumpy build, Forster’s transformation in the second half feels all the more satisfying. He also has one of the film’s best and most quotable lines.

    Nancy Kwan does a great job as the housewife turned vigilante, and she has solid chemistry with Forster. As always, Joe Spinell makes for a menacing villain, having a very cool demeanor while having some outbursting moments. The score by Jay Chattaway (Star Trek: The Next Generation) is instantly catchy with that ’80s synth style. Admittedly, one problem with the film is how it starts as a female Death Wish before Forster takes over. The way it starts, you think the focus is going to be on Nancy Kwan, but that’s not quite true. About halfway through, Forster takes the reigns and it becomes his movie, Kwan being absent for much of the runtime. Even if its plot is somewhat disjointed, this is still an underrated revenge thriller that more people should check out. Overall, Walking the Edge is a solidly entertaining hidden gem in the Empire Pictures library.

     

    Buy Walking the Edge from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jeNPxQ

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Absurd (1981)

    Absurd (1981)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Following the release of Antropophagus, director Joe D’Amato wanted to make a sequel, but writer/star George Eastman opposed it. He felt that given how the film ended, it wouldn’t make sense to do a sequel, but D’Amato wanted it. Eastman agreed to star and write after the original treatment was considered lackluster, taking some inspiration from Halloween. D’Amato shot the film in English and set it in the States to try and appeal to the US market. In addition to Eastman, English actor Edmund Purdom, best known for starring in 1954’s The Egyptian, was cast opposite him. The film was shot quickly in May 1981 and rushed out to meet a theatrical release that year. Like many Italian exploitation films, this one had numerous alternate titles, including Horrible, Antropophagus 2, and Zombie 6: Monster Hunter. However, its most widely known title is simply Absurd.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    After being subjected to church-sanctioned experiments that drove him insane, Mikos Tanoupoulos (George Eastman) is on the run. A Vatican priest (Edmund Purdom) who oversaw the experiments is tracking him down fearful of what he’ll do. Mikos gets impaled and disemboweled, but he’s taken to a hospital and revived before he kills a nurse and escapes. The priest informs Sgt. Engleman (Charles Borromel) that the only way to kill Mikos is to ‘destroy the cerebral mass’. Meanwhile, Ian Bennett (Ian Danby) and his wife Carol (Hanja Kochansky) leave their kids with their babysitter Emily (Annie Belle). Soon enough, Mikos makes his way to the Bennetts’ house and kills their family friend Peggy (Cindy Leadbetter). To make matters worse, their daughter Katya (Katya Berger) is bedridden due to a spinal injury. Will the authorities make it in time, or will Mikos make these children his next victims?

     

    Review

    While clearly an imitation of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, Absurd is still a solid Italian-made slasher film. The real highlight of the film is George Eastman, who is a beast of a man with some wicked faces. Much like in Antropophagus, Eastman fully embraces the character and makes for a truly terrifying killer, especially with no lines. Even though he’s filling in the Donald Pleasence role, Edmund Purdom brings plenty of class to the production. There are some pretty gruesome kills here, including a drill to the temple and a bandsaw to the crown. Granted, these don’t quite compare to the fetus-eating scene from the previous film, but they’re certainly up there. Also, the filmmakers take full advantage of the nighttime shooting to create a real sense of dread in the proceedings. For as much flack as he gets, D’Amato can be a decent director.

    Admittedly, it’s hard to ignore the similarities between this and Halloween, such as mentioning the Boogeyman and even the music. That said, there are a few differences to help it stand out, so it’s not a complete rip-off. For instance, both the babysitter and the main authority figure are killed, and one of the kids dispatches the killer. Given how quickly this was rushed out, it’s impressive they were able to get a full movie this decent made. While it moves at a decent pace at 96 minutes, there are several dead spots of characters sitting around talking. It doesn’t help that there are some really annoying kid characters, most especially Willy, who acts like an obnoxious brat. Even if it’s not as slickly made as its American counterparts, this is still a decent watch for horror fans. Overall, Absurd is a good alternative to more conventional early 80s shockers.

     

    Buy Absurd from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xhEsmb

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Bloody Moon (1981)

    Bloody Moon (1981)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Jesús “Jess” Franco was a prolific Spanish filmmaker known for making tons of exploitation films up until his 2013 death. While he had been working in the industry since the 50s, his career soared with 1961’s The Awful Dr. Orloff. He’s probably most well known for 1969’s The Castle of Fu Manchu, which was featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. The film starred Christopher Lee, who starred in several of Franco’s movies including Count Dracula released the same year. Much like Joe D’Amato, his movies were a mixture of erotic and horror, and they were pretty shameless. With the rise of slasher films in the early 80s, production manager Erich Tomek hired Franco to direct his script. It was basically work-for-hire for Franco, who was upset that he was promised a lot that wasn’t delivered. Franco’s Bloody Moon, also known as The Saw of Death, was released in March 1981.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    After killing a young woman, the disfigured Miguel (Alexander Waechter) is institutionalized in a mental asylum for five years. He’s released to the care of his sister Manuela (Nadja Gerganoff), with who he has an incestuous relationship. Manuela runs a boarding school with their Aunt Maria (María Rubio), who believes that she is plotting to kill her. Meanwhile, Angela (Olivia Pascal) arrives to attend classes but is being stalked by Miguel and is scared for her life. Before too long, girls at the school are being killed off one by one by an unknown killer. As the bodies start piling up, Angela wants to leave the school before she’s the next victim. A foreign language teacher, Alvaro (Christoph Moosbrugger), tries consoling Angela, but it turns out there’s something sinister going on. Just who is killing the girls at the school, and what could their motivation be?

     

    Review

    Compared to most other slasher films released around the same time, Bloody Moon stands out in some ways. For one, there are some fantastically gruesome kill scenes, most infamously a decapitation-by-saw scene prominently featured on the poster. There’s also a sequence where a woman is stabbed through her breast, as well as a woman strangled with thongs. While the effects aren’t quite on par with Savini’s work on The Prowler or The Burning, they’re still effective. Also, for a work-for-hire project, Franco manages to inject some style here, using various lighting techniques and camera positioning. The plot mixes in themes of incest, betrayal, secret affairs, and blackmail that add an extra layer of sleaziness. It’s also interesting that they use Miguel as an obvious red herring given that he did kill someone early on. Still, you’d have to be dumb if you didn’t realize that he’s not the main killer.

    Given that this film is entirely dubbed, it’s somewhat difficult to judge the acting without hearing their real voices. Granted, the acting doesn’t really matter in this type of film, suffice it to say the actors do their job. On top of being gorgeous, Olivia Pascal is decent as final girl Angela, even if we don’t really know her. Even if the makeup appliance used for his disfigurement is laughably cheap-looking, Alexander Waechter is pretty creepy as Miguel. Aside from them, most everyone else is just cannon fodder to get picked off by the unseen killer

     

    Buy Bloody Moon from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C2lGCL

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2001)

    Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2001)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Following The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, Toxie was made into the Toxic Crusaders 1991 animated series. Over the years, Troma president and filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman was not happy with how the sequels turned out. While Parts II and III had their moments, they weren’t able to catch the same energy as the original. After the making of Terror Firmer, Troma felt it was now time for New Jersey’s first superhero to return. Having proved himself, Trent Haaga not only was an actor in this but also a writer, producer, and casting director. With a $500,000 budget, this would prove to be the most ambitious yet most grueling-to-film entry in the series. This had the largest cast, the most special effects, and the most stunts of any film since Troma’s War. Though premiering in 2000, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV wasn’t released until 2001.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.9″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    The Diaper Mafia, led by Tex Diaper (Trent Haaga), is shooting up the Tromaville School for the Very Special. Thankfully, our favorite hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength The Toxic Avenger (David Mattey) is here for us. Though Toxie and his overweight by loveable sidekick Lardass (Joe Fleishaker) stop them, an explosion causes a dimensional rift. Toxie is transported to the mirror dimension, Amortville, while his evil self The Noxious Offender (David Mattey) is in Tromaville. While Toxie is trying to find a way back home, Noxie is causing chaos and eventually becomes the mayor. At the same time, Toxie’s wife Sarah (Heidi Sjursen) is pregnant with two babies: Toxie’s child and Noxie’s child. Will Toxie be able to return home and stop his evil doppelganger, or will he be stuck in Amortville? Also, how is Sarah pregnant with two kids from two different fathers?

     

    Review

    While The Toxic Avenger is a beloved cult classic, Parts 2 and 3 aren’t quite as fondly remembered. Thankfully, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV writes the wrongs of its predecessors and is the true sequel. You know you’re watching something special when comic book legend and master of cameos Stan Lee does the opening narration. In addition, there are tons of celebrity cameos to look for, including Eli Roth, James Gunn, and even Corey Feldman! Troma fans will also notice appearances from Bill Weeden, Lisa Gaye, Rick Collins, Debbie Rochon, Ron Jeremy, and Lemmy. Truth be told, there are so many cameos that it’s impossible to list them all in this one review. Needless to say, Tromaholics and genre fans alike will get a kick out of the many appearances here. Even a few actors from the original film make an appearance save for Marisa Tomei.

    If Terror Firmer was Lloyd Kaufman’s way of venting, then Citizen Toxie is him giving back to the fans. This film has all the blood, boobs, bodily functions, and bad taste in humor you’d expect in a Troma film. Some scenes tackle the Columbine shooting, abortion, AIDS, racism, and the mentally challenged, all injected with that distinct Troma flavor. David Mattey makes for a solid Toxie/Noxie, and the makeup effects used are some of Troma’s best. The late great Joe Fleishaker shines in his dual role of Lardass/Chester, showing more humanity than you’d expect. However, Lisa Terezakis, Barry Brisco, and especially Michael Budinger steal the show as Toxie’s friends, each offering some memorable lines. Admittedly, some moments feel like they’re stretching to reach two hours, but the pure insanity makes up for those moments. Overall, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV earns its “true sequel” status.

     

    Buy Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eCMDmv

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Trancers 6: Life After Deth (2002)

    Trancers 6: Life After Deth (2002)

    [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 the release of Trancers 5: Sudden Deth, things were not getting much better for Full Moon Features. In 1995, the company ended its deal with Paramount and turned to fellow independent studio Kushner & Locke for financing. While they were able to stay afloat, the budgets they had weren’t nearly the amount they had in the past. To make matters worse, Kushner & Locke were having their own financial problems and filed for bankruptcy in 2000. Around this time, low-budget filmmaker J.R. Bookwalter moved from Ohio to California to further advance his career. Thanks to his connection with David DeCoteau, he entered a partnership with Charles Band to produce more economical films. C. Courtney Joyner, writer/director of Trancers III: Deth Lives, wrote a script for a potential TV series. When that didn’t happen, the script was reworked and made into 2002’s Trancers 6: Life After Deth.

    [/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=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In Old Los Angeles 2022, Josephine Forrest (Zette Sullivan) has her body taken over by her time-traveling father Jack Deth. Turns out a member of the council saw footage of her being killed, which would erase Jack from existence. Now in his daughter’s body, Jack/Jo has to investigate what leads to her almost getting killed. Josephine’s boss Mr. Castle (Ben Bar) and his assistant Shauna Wilder (Jennifer Capo) have found a powerful meteorite. Using the meteorite, they’re taking junkies and runaways off the streets and turning them into Trancers to assassinate high-level targets. Jo decides to infiltrate the group taken by Shauna to take down their Trancer operation and save the future. With help from their superior Jennings (Jennifer Cantrell), Jo gears up to hunt down some new Trancers. It’s up to our favorite time-traveling future cop to stop the Trancers and save his daughter while in her body!

     

    Review

    Since the original 1984 film, the series has had its peaks and valleys but has remained relatively consistent. The first was a solid sci-fi/action film, and the second relied more on comedy but was still fun. The third film was easily the best since the first film, while 4 and 5 were massive letdowns. That being said, I think it’s safe to say that Trancers 6: Life After Deth is the worst one. While it’s admirable they were able to make it for only $60,000, maybe they shouldn’t have made this. This series has generally been mid to low budget, but they’ve usually had enough to fully realize their ideas. I usually champion films that try to make the most of their budgets, but this film needed more money. Even by Full Moon standards, this film is shockingly cheap, though it’s more depressing than charming.

    It doesn’t help either that the acting is about on par with a SciFi Channel original movie. Zette Sullivan is clearly trying to emulate Tim Thomerson’s performance, but no one can do Tim Thomerson like Tim Thomerson. We only see him in stock footage from the previous films, and it makes you wish he had come back. Jennifer Capo might as well have been eating drywall given all the scenery-chewing she’s doing here she’s so over-the-top. Jennifer Cantrell is supposed to fill in the McNulty role from the first two films, but it falls flat. Full Moon has always been known for having cheesy-looking effects, but the low-tier CGI used here is embarrassing. On top of all that, this film commits the biggest sin that a film can commit: it’s boring. Overall, Trancers 6: Life After Deth is a disappointing conclusion to such a promising series.

     

    Buy Trancers 6: Life After Deth from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F0dCZO.

    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.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Old (2021)

    Old (2021)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_video _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” src=”https://youtu.be/sC3fEDeFgJ0″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    In 2010, the graphic novel Sandcastle, written by Pierre Oscar Lévy and illustrated by Frederik Peeters, was published. The book told the story of a group of people going to a seemingly idyllic beach with a dark secret. Director M. Night Shyamalan received a copy of the book as a Father’s Day gift from his daughter. After reading the book, he loved it and optioned the right to adapt it into a feature film. Due to The Visit, Split, and Glass, Shyamalan was able to convince Universal to greenlight the project. The film was shot in the Dominican Republic between September through November 2020, the first time Shyamalan worked outside Philadelphia. While initially scheduled for a February 26, 2021 release, the film saw delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now under the title Old, Shyamalan’s latest film was released on July 23, 2021.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”75″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Guy (Gael García Bernal), his wife Prisca (Vicky Krieps), and kids Trent (Nolan River) and Maddox (Alexa Swinton) are vacationing. They’re staying at a tropical resort when the manager (Gustaf Hammarsten) tells them about a nearby beach one day. Said beach is isolated from the hotel and is only accessible through a secret tunnel off the beaten path. Surgeon Charles (Rufus Sewell), his trophy wife Chrystal (Abbey Lee), and their daughter Kara (Kyle Bailey) arrive shortly after that. Another couple, Jarin (Ken Leung) and Patricia (Nikki Amuka-Bird), also arrive at the beach as things seem peaceful at first. Unfortunately, there’s trouble in paradise when a dead body turns up, and the group finds themselves stuck at the beach. Things get worse when Trent (Alex Wolff), Maddox (Thomasin McKenzie), and Kara (Eliza Scanlen) have aged several years very quickly. Time is quickly running out as they try to survive this nightmare.

     

    Review

    In terms of quality, Shyamalan’s movies have had their peaks and valleys, going from incredibly phenomenal to hilariously awful. Old sits somewhere in the middle, not being quite as good as Unbreakable but not as bad as The Happening. While the concept of rapid aging is nothing new, this film tackles it uniquely. It takes ordinary parts of growing up, namely how our bodies age, and twists them in some horrific ways. One minute, a 6-year-old girl is playing in the sand, and the next, she’s ten years older and giving birth. The film uses low-tech ways to show the passage of time, namely sweeping camera movements and enhanced sound design. Unfortunately, the writing isn’t the greatest, as much of the dialogue comes off sounding stilted and unnatural at times. It comes across as more unintentionally hilarious than how people talk.

    Even if the dialogue isn’t the greatest, the cast all deliver stellar performances and make up for the material. Gael García Bernal and Vicky Krieps work off each other well as a couple struggling with their marriage. The child actors are surprisingly good, primarily because they act like actual children instead of miniature adults. Their aged-up counterparts are also great; Wolff and McKenzie especially shine as aged-up siblings trying to make sense of this. At slightly under two hours, the film does drag in spots, but the slow moments help to build up tension. The trademark Shyamalan twist somewhat derails the movie without getting into spoilers as it overexplains what’s been going on. This film is a case of the journey being better than the destination, though the ending might ruin it for others. Overall, Old has plenty going for it, but it’s a mixed bag.

     

    Old is currently in theaters: https://fandan.co/3rmC7F2.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Destroy All Monsters (1968)

    Destroy All Monsters (1968)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Following the release of Son of Godzilla, the decision was made to end the franchise due to its waning popularity. Ishiro Honda, who was absent from the series following Invasion of Astro-Monster, returned to direct this intended finale. Given that this was meant to be the last film, Toho decided to go all out and include several monsters. In addition to past Godzilla monsters, they also brought in monsters from King Kong Escapes, Atragon, and Varan the Unbelievable. Unfortunately, due to rights issues and budgetary limits, certain monsters couldn’t be used, including King Kong, Gaira, and Sanda. Speaking of, Honda wanted to explore concepts such as undersea farming and hybrid monsters but couldn’t because of the budget. This film also used stock footage from Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, a trend that would continue in future installments. Destroy All Monsters was released to Japanese theaters in August of 1968.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating ” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In the far future of 1999, the United Nations Science Committee has confined all of Earth’s monsters to one location. Said location, an island known as “Monsterland”, is monitored by a team of researchers working to keep the monsters contained. Unfortunately, the island is attacked, and both the research team and the monsters have been kidnapped by a mysterious group. Dr. Yoshido (Jun Tazaki) tasks Captain Katsuo Yamabe (Akira Kubo) with leading a team to investigate the island. Once at the island, they discover that the researchers and monsters are under the control of aliens called the Kilaaks. The Kilaaks send the monsters to attack major cities: Rodan attacks Moscow, Mothra invades Beijing, and Gorosaurus decimates Paris. Eventually, the UNSC regains control of the monsters, but the Kilaaks have another ace up their sleeve: King Ghidorah. It’s an all-out brawl with Earth’s monsters versus the three-headed space dragon.

     

    Review

    Given that this was originally meant to be the last film in the series, Destroy All Monsters is pretty disappointing. While it’s a step up from Son of Godzilla, it doesn’t quite give fans the send-off they were promising. Aside from some brief appearances and quick cameos, there’s hardly any monster footage for a majority of the runtime. Most of it is spent focusing on the human characters, and the monsters take a back seat for their story. Of course, the other films have had side stories focused on the human characters, but those were usually B-plots. Here, almost the first hour of the film is devoted to the humans up until the last 20 minutes. After a while, the human plot starts to get boring as you’re waiting for the monsters to show up. It’s odd considering the film literally has the word “monsters” in the title.

    In fairness, the last 20 minutes are the highlight of the film as the monsters go up against King Ghidorah. Just seeing some of Japan’s most famous monsters duke it out is a treat for any Kaiju fans. Unfortunately, it comes a little too late as you have to sit through an hour of boring human stuff. It wouldn’t be as bad if more monster footage was sprinkled in, but even then, it’s only a few seconds. Granted, the lack of monster footage could be attributed to a lower budget given the dwindling returns. For what it’s worth, the monsters still look good, there are some fun destruction scenes, and the score is great. The movie is fairly brief at 88 minutes, and the last 20 minutes almost make it worth watching. Overall, Destroy All Monsters isn’t the worst, but it had plenty of potential for a solid monster movie.

     

    Buy Destroy All Monsters from Amazon: https://amzn.to/36R6day

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]