Category: Sci-Fi

[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=”{}”]Originally from Hawaii, Albert Pyun got his first taste of the film industry through an internship with Akira Kurosawa. Following his time in Japan, he moved to Los Angeles to become a director and started with a bang. Made on a budget of $4 million, his 1982 debut The Sword and the Sorcerer grossed almost $40 million domestically. With this success, Pyun was hired by Dino De Laurentius to helm 1985’s Radioactive Dreams, which made a decent profit. Unfortunately, his experience shooting for De Laurentius proved too overwhelming, so he decided his next film would be smaller scale. He decided to shoot his next film on a budget of roughly $100,000 in a week using very few locations. At some point, Empire Pictures got involved and acquired the film for release, only for it to be quickly forgotten. The result was the 1986 sci-fi punk rock film, Vicious Lips.

[/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=”65″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _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=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Synopsis

In an unspecified future, Matty Asher (Anthony Kentz) is looking for a new lead singer for his band, Vicious Lips. He lucks out when he finds Judy Jetson (Dru-Anne Perry) at a local talent show and immediately signs her on. She meets the other band members, Bree Syn (Gina Calabrese), Wynzi Krodo (Linda Kerridge), and Mandaa Uueu (Shayne Farris). While the other band members don’t take a liking to her, Judy does a good job at their first show. Matty manages to get them a gig with music mogul Maxine Mortogo (Mary-Anne Graves) at her club, the Radioactive Dream. They steal a ship to get to the show, only to hit an asteroid and crash onto a desert planet. While Matty goes to find help, the girls stay behind, unaware that a Venusian beast (Christian Andrews) is onboard. Will they escape the planet, or will the beast get them first?

Review

Vicious Lips is a film that has a lot going for it only to squander any potential it had. The opening 30 minutes start off really strong, but then the proceeding 40 minutes drag the pacing to a halt. While it’s clear the budget was low, the production design has a unique punk rock sci-fi style to it. It’s very grungy and rundown-looking, mixed in with some neon colors, reminiscent of night clubs you’d see in Los Angeles. Even the spaceship has a charming low-budget quality about it, though it slightly resembles the one from Galaxy of Terror. It certainly helps that the art director was Bob Ziembicki, who later worked on Dead Man and Boogie Nights. Also, there’s the solid creature effects from future Oscar winner Greg Cannom and the ever dependable John Carl Buechler. However, the best part of the film is the awesome soundtrack by Sue Saad.

Unfortunately, that’s where most of my positives for Vicious Lips stop since the majority of it doesn’t work. Even though I said the first 30 minutes were the best part, there’s some quick-cut editing that’s choppy and disorienting. However, once they’re on the desert planet, the next 40 minutes of the film grind to a screeching halt. Most of it consists of the girls sitting around the ship talking about inane stuff that doesn’t advance the plot. It doesn’t help that, with the exception of Anthony Kentz, Christian Andrews, and maybe Dru-Anne Perry, everyone comes off lifeless. Even Linda Kerridge, who was fantastic in Fade to Black, seems like she’d rather be anywhere else than here. It all culminates in an ending so abrupt and confusing, you’ll be left baffled as to what actually happened. Overall, Vicious Lips is a film that could’ve been fun but instead is just boring.

Buy Vicious Lips from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NPVcvl.

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]

[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=”{}”]At this point in Full Moon’s history, many of their productions were moving over to their new Romanian studios. After Subspecies and its sequels proved to be huge hits for them, more were being filmed at Castel Films. Speaking of the saga of Radu, Full Moon was filming sequels to their other franchises back-to-back around the same time. Originally one film, Puppet Master 4 and Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter were filmed a year apart. This approach seemed to work since, after Trancers III: Deth Lives, the next two sequels would be filmed back-to-back. However, by this point, Full Moon was starting to cut costs as their partnership with Paramount was soon ending. According to screenwriter Peter David, many sequences from his Trancers sequels were being cut left and right to save costs. With that in mind, let’s discuss Trancers 5: Sudden 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=”65″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _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

Picking up where the last film left off, Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson) is looking for a way back home. With some help from former trancer Prospero (Ty Miller), Jack learns of the “Tiamond”, an object capable of interdimensional travel. To retrieve it, Jack must venture to The Castle of Unrelenting Terror and pass its many difficult challenges. Meanwhile, Lord Caliban (Clabe Hartley) has been brought back and is after the Tiamond, which will give him unbridled power. As they venture towards the castle, Jack must learn to accept Prospero for who he is if he’s to succeed. Eventually, they find the Tiamond, only for Caliban to use it to launch an assault on the Tunnel Rats. As Shaleen (Terri Ivens) and Harson (Jeff Moldovan) defend the castle, Jack and Prospero race to stop Caliban. Will he be stopped, and will Jack be able to return to his own dimension?

Review

Much like its predecessor, Trancers 5: Sudden Deth doesn’t feel like it’s from the same franchise as the first three. Much like Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter, this film opens with an extended recap sequence to extend the runtime. After that, it’s the same DTV-esque sword & sorcery as the last film, which is still shockingly flat and dull. Tim Thomerson delivers the same wise-ass attitude we’ve come to expect, but you can tell he’s growing tired of this. That said, you can tell that he’s still a consummate professional and makes the most of the material he’s given. Like the last film, David Nutter’s direction adds to the flatness on screen, though that could be his TV background. While the film opens on a somewhat exciting action scene, it quickly dips into slow exposition and dialogue-heavy scenes. It’s a film struggling to reach feature-length.

Aside from Thomerson, the rest of the acting is pretty dull, though there are a few decent moments. Probably the best sequence is when Prospero is confronting Jack about how he hates him just because of his background. It’s a well-written and well-acted scene that questions Jack’s black-and-white morality and is better than this movie deserves. Most of the runtime is Jack and Prospero riding through the woods and walking through the Castle of Unrelenting Terror. Oddly, they work well together and have some decent chemistry, which makes this slightly better than the last film. But then you get to the other actors, notably Clabe Hartley and Terri Ivens, whose delivery is very stilted. It’s pretty easy to see why this was the last one Thomerson appeared in since this series pretty much died. Overall, Trancers 5: Sudden Deth isn’t nearly the swan song Jack Deth deserved.

Buy Trancers 5: Sudden Deth from

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/42R7JHl.
• Full Moon Horror: https://www.fullmoonhorror.com/products/trancers-5-sudden-deth-blu-ray?ref=filmnerd.

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]

[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=”{}”]Writers Steve Neill, Paul Gentry, and Wayne Schmidt came to producer Charles Band with an ambitious concept. Neill and Gentry had a working relationship with Band, having done effects work on End of the World and Laserblast. Their concept was, as Schmidt described, “an intergalactic Death Race 2000“, but Band turned it down, deeming it too expensive. However, Band offered to produce a film for them if it could be done cheaply using one or two locations. They quickly banged out a script called Vortex, and they hired director John “Bud” Cardos from Kingdom of the Spiders. The script was rewritten twice: once by David Schmoller and J. Larry Carroll and again by someone Cardos had hired. At some point, distributor Irwin Yablans insisted that the title be changed after receiving a cease-and-desist from Disney. Finally, in late 1980, the film was released as The Day Time Ended.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _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” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Synopsis

The Williams family has relocated to the Sonoran Desert to stay with grandparents Grant (Jim Davis) and Ana (Dorothy Malone). While there, the young Jenny (Natasha Ryan) finds a mysterious object glowing green behind the farm, but nobody believes her. That night, a UFO lands near their house, and mysterious aliens start making their way to the house. Turns out a triple supernova that exploded 200 years ago has opened a rift in time and space. Soon, giant alien monsters start invading the house, many of them with the intent to kill the family. Meanwhile, Richard (Christopher Mitchum) tries to make his way back to the house after hearing the reports of the supernova. Soon, Jenny is taken away by the extraterrestrial visitors, and the family must fight to survive against the strange monsters. What will become of the Willams family during this, the day time ended?

Review

It should come as no surprise that The Day Time Ended is near impossible to summarize given the synopsis. There’s hardly any kind of explanation given as to why anything is happening, who/what the aliens are, etc. Ordinarily, not having everything explained to you can work if what’s presented is interesting enough that you can follow along. Here, unfortunately, there is so much dead air and filler that makes it hard to really care what’s going on. Given this film was written by visual effects guys, it’s clearly meant to be more of an effects showcase. In their defense, the effects are the best part of the film, mixing stop-motion animation and optical effects. The stop-motion was done by the late great David Allen, who also did the stop-motion on Laserblast. His effects, as well as the many opticals, help carry the film despite the literal nothingness on screen.

The cast does the best they can given how little material and direction they’re given to work with. Jim Davis, who sadly passed away shortly after filming, is a consummate professional despite delivering some laughable dialogue. Dorothy Malone gives little to no reactions to all the crazy stuff going on around her, even the gigantic aliens. Natasha Ryan is ok as a precocious young child, but she can get aggravating at times with her high-pitched voice. Christopher Mitchum and Scott Kolden are alright if somewhat bland, though they have some decent scenes with Davis. Marcy Lafferty, who starred in Kingdom of the Spiders with then-husband William Shatner, is above average even with little material. In terms of Band’s 70s output, it’s somewhere between Laserblast and Tourist Trap, so take that for what it’s worth. Overall, The Day Time Ended has ambition but is otherwise a confusing mess.

Buy The Day Time Ended from

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YCRbAm.
• Full Moon Horror: https://www.fullmoonhorror.com/products/the-day-time-ended-blu-ray?ref=filmnerd.

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 Day Time Ended (1980)

Powered by

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

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

After Parasite 3D was a moderate success, Charles Band wanted to make another 3D movie, but in a different genre. At the time, post-apocalyptic movies set in the desert were popular following the success of The Road Warrior. Also, numerous sci-fi epics were released to capitalize on Star Wars, including Krull and Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone. With this in mind, Band decided to combine elements of both to create a new 3D sci-fi epic adventure. In true Charles Band fashion, he raised funding by preselling the film to investors based on a concept and poster. After getting a budget together, they started their three-week shoot at Vasquez Rocks, one of the most famous filming locations. Charles Band was able to get distribution through Universal, who wanted another 3D film to release after Jaws 3D. Finally, August of 1983 saw the release of Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Synopsis

On the desert planet Lemuria, ranger Dogen (Jeffrey Byron) is tracking down the intergalactic sorcerer Jared-Syn (Michael Preston). He meets local miner Dhyana (Kelly Preston), who witnessed her father be murdered by Jared-Syn’s son Baal (R. David Smith). She teams up with Dogen to hunt down Jared-Syn, but she gets kidnapped after Dogen is paralyzed by Baal. Soon, Dogen meets Rhodes (Tim Thomerson), a washed-up soldier who reluctantly agrees to help him in his quest. Turns out to defeat Jared-Syn, they must find a crystal mask used by an ancient race called the Cyclopians. They find the mask, only to be ambushed by nomads known as “One-Eyes” led by Hurok (Richard Moll). After challenging Dogen to a duel and losing, Hurok agrees to help him take on Jared-Syn and his forces. It’s high noon at the end of the universe as Dogen must rescue Dhyana and defeat Jared-Syn!

Review

Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn, on top of having a great title, is an enjoyable if somewhat derivative sci-fi adventure. While you can clearly tell what movies they’re taking elements from, they uniquely use them to create their own story. They essentially took the post-apocalyptic look of The Road Warrior and mixed it with elements of sci-fi fantasy films. You’ve got the leather-clad hero, the desert landscape, the vehicles made of recycled parts, and numerous car stunts. Said leather-clad hero is played by Jeffrey Byron, who brings plenty of charisma and likability to the role. Michael Preston makes for a great villain and is taking the otherwise ridiculous material seriously, giving a solid performance. Tim Thomerson, who later starred in the Empire classic Trancers, delivers the same wit and sarcastic attitude he’s known for. As soon as he arrives, the film picks up significantly and becomes much more entertaining.

Richard Moll gives a very stern and imposing performance as the one-eyed Hurok, though he doesn’t have much screentime. The late Kelly Preston works as the love interest Dhyana, though her and Byron’s romance comes almost out of nowhere. Admittedly, the pacing is a bit sluggish, as there are tons of scenes consisting of characters either driving or walking. Plus, the plot can be somewhat hard to follow at times, especially since not much of what’s happening is explained. The action picks up in the second half, and at slightly over 80 minutes, the film never overstays its welcome. For the budget they had, many of the creature designs are impressive, though some of the composites haven’t aged well. There are some fun 3D sequences and Richard Band’s score adds to the film’s sense of fun and adventure. Overall, Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn works as fun ’80s sci-fi cheese.

Buy Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pdq2iP

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

[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=”{}”]Much like Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge, Trancers III: Deth Lives was a highpoint in the series. Unfortunately, as good as his entry was, C. Courtney Joyner’s sequel saw diminishing returns despite it being reviewed fairly well. For the next installment, it was decided to take Jack Deth out of his element, more so than the original. Charles Band had started working with Castel Films, a burgeoning studio based in Romania formed after the fall of Communism. Many Full Moon films were produced at Castel Films, including Dark Angel: The Ascent, Mandroid, Oblivion, and the Subspecies sequels. They decided to film the next Trancers film in Bucharest, hiring comic book writer Peter David to pen the script. Additionally, David Nutter, known for TV shows like 21 Jump Street, Booker, and The Commish would be directing the film. In February of 1994, Trancers 4: Jack of Swords was released to video.

[/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=”65″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _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

Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson) has returned to the 23rd century and is working for the council on various missions. As he prepares for his next mission, a mysterious creature sneaks aboard the TCL Chamber and starts sabotaging it. He arrives in an alternate dimension, an ancient medieval kingdom, where he finds a new kind of Trancers called “Nobles”. Led by the nefarious Lord Caliban (Clabe Hartley), the Nobles suck the life-force out of their victims to sustain themselves. Deth soon encounters a rebel group fighting against Caliban, including Shaleen (Terri Ivens), Farr (Alan Oppenheimer), and Prospero (Ty Miller). He reluctantly agrees to help them fight this new group of Trancers, Farr prophecizing he’s the one to save them. Unfortunately, most of Deth’s weapons don’t work in this dimension, so he’s going to need some help in the fight. Will Caliban be defeated, and what other dangers await Jack Deth?

Review

Trancers 4: Jack of Swords is a massive drop in quality from the first three films, inconsistent as they are. It’s easy to see that by this point, Charles Band had milked this franchise for all its worth. While admirable that they tried mixing things up by placing Deth in a medieval setting, it doesn’t work here. It worked in Army of Darkness because it felt tonally consistent with the previous films and had a decent budget. This clearly didn’t have the budget needed, and it essentially took away the sci-fi noir of the first three films. In fact, aside from Jack Deth, the opening 10 minutes, and some references, this is a standard direct-to-video sword-and-sorcery movie. While Trancers II: The Return of Jack Deth might’ve been drastically different, it at least felt like a Trancers film. It’s disappointing to see such a cool franchise brought down to this level.

Tim Thomerson is trying his best given the material, but you can tell his heart’s not in it anymore. With that said, he still has the same smarmy attitude and smart-ass quips we’ve come to know and love. Aside from him, the rest of the acting comes off pretty wooden and stilted, especially from Hartley and Miller. Classic actor Alan Oppenheimer adds some class to the production, but he’s clearly just waiting for when his paycheck clears. David Nutter’s direction, while not terrible, comes across as flat, though that could just be because of his TV background. However, perhaps the film’s biggest flaw is simply that it’s boring, and its flat acting and direction don’t help. As with many Full Moon franchises, this was filmed back-to-back with the next installment, and things don’t get much better. Overall, Trancers 4: Jack of Swords is wasted potential in a cult-favorite series.

Buy Trancers 4: Jack of Swords from:

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/433UamQ.
• Full Moon Horror: https://www.fullmoonhorror.com/products/trancers-4-jack-of-swords-blu-ray?ref=filmnerd.

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]

[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=”{}”]In the mid-1980s, Charles Band scored a deal for his Empire Pictures by acquiring the old Dino De Laurentius studio. Based in Rome, this was where films like Barbarella and Danger: Diabolik were filmed, but it fell on hard times. After acquiring the studio, Band decided to relocate all of his productions to Rome, which continued until the company’s closing. Fresh off of making Trancers, the duo of Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo wanted to make a WWII picture. Specifically, they wanted to make an homage to the WWII-era B-movies made during and after the war. As part of their deal with Empire Pictures, Bilson was allowed to direct one film, so he chose this. Reuniting with some of the same cast as Trancers, they made what became Empire’s first Italian production. The result was the 1985 WWII sci-fi film, The Lost Patrol, which later changed to Zone Troopers.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Synopsis

Somewhere in Italy, in 1944, a group of American soldiers led by Sgt. Stone (Tim Thomerson) is behind enemy lines. Unfortunately, they get ambushed by German soldiers, Sarge, Joey (Timothy Van Patten), Mittens (Art LaFleur), and Dolan (Biff Manard) surviving. While exploring the German countryside, the group gets separated as Mittens and Dolan find a German encampment. Meanwhile, Sarge and Joey discover a crashed alien spacecraft with a dead pilot, the co-pilot captured by the Germans. Mittens and Dolan end up getting captured by the Germans, who believe they have some connection to the alien. Sarge and Joey manage to bust Mittens and Dolan out and escape along with the alien after it saves them. They meet up with the alien’s companions, but they don’t prove to be much help, even when the Germans attack. Sarge and his fellow troops must make a last stand if they’re to survive.

Review

Zone Troopers has a very unique concept that makes it stand out from other Empire Pictures films of the time. While combining WWII with some supernatural element is nothing new, the idea of adding aliens to the mix was solid. For a first-time director, Danny Bilson does a good job, staging some excellent action sequences and capturing some great angles. As always, Tim Thomerson is excellent playing a gruff, no-nonsense character who lets his gun do the talking. Art LaFleur and Biff Manard make for solid comic relief, having plenty of funny moments without throwing off the tone. Timothy Van Patten, in stark contrast to his character in Class of 1984, works as the plucky, wide-eyed young soldier. His New York accent greatly adds to his cocky attitude, though he can come off as a bit stubborn. Nonetheless, the four men have great chemistry together and feel like fellow soldiers.

The main creature, designed by the late John Carl Buechler, has an impressive design, even without having many expressions. The way it’s designed, the creature looks like something out of the Mos Eisley cantina in Star Wars. There are some more humanoid aliens that show up later on, and though their design is basic, it fits here. Plenty of sci-fi B-movies of the time had human-looking aliens cause of low budgets, and that’s what they went for. The music, composed by long-time composer Richard Band, mixes the standard sci-fi synth score with bombastic 40s era jazz. Admittedly, the mixing of the two genres sometimes doesn’t mix together, often leaning more towards WWII action than science fiction. Those expecting a non-stop barrage of aliens vs nazis will be disappointed, but there’s plenty of entertaining action. Overall, Zone Troopers is a uniquely original offering from the Empire Pictures catalog that’s worth discovering.

Buy Zone Troopers on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hxFcvJ.

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]

[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=”{}”]C. Courtney Joyner has had a long working relationship with Charles Band all the way back to Empire Pictures. In 1987, Joyner wrote the horror film Prison for Empire, which was directed by a then up-and-coming Renny Harlin. Unfortunately, Empire Pictures collapsed some years later, and Joyner went off to work on other projects, including Class of 1999. One day, a friend of Joyner’s went with him to the Full Moon offices, and Joyner reunited with Charles Band. While there, Band offered Joyner the chance to write three screenplays, including Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge and Doctor Mordrid. For the third screenplay, Joyner wrote a Trancers sequel, but since Band wouldn’t return to direct, Joyner wanted the opportunity. Luckily for Joyner, producer Albert Band and lead Tim Thomerson supported him, so he was given the chance to direct. So in 1992, Joyner’s directorial debut, Trancers III: Deth Lives, was released.

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

Synopsis

Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson), the cop from the future, has been working as a private detective in 1992 Los Angeles. While working a case, Deth is visited by an android named Shark (R. A. Mihailoff), who takes him to 2252. Jack meets up with wife Alice Stillwell (Megan Ward) and Cmdr Raines (Thelmas Hopkins), who tell him what’s happening. At some point, some new trancers emerge and start a war, so Jack must travel back to stop them. He’s sent to 2005, where he meets up with ex-wife Lena (Helen Hunt), who reported on a top-secret government operation. Turns out these trancers are the result of experiments performed by Col “Daddy” Muthuh (Andrew Robinson) to create super soldiers. Jack teams up with R.J. (Melanie Smith), who escaped the military compound where the trancers are bred, to stop them. Will Jack and R.J. be able to stop Col Muthuh’s trancer operation?

Review

While Trancers II was enjoyable, Trancers III: Deth Lives is a major improvement that feels more like a legitimate sequel. Whereas the last film felt like a disposable but fun sci-fi action film, this one has more of an edge. The scenes in 2252 have a dark and gritty tone reminiscent of the future scenes from The Terminator. Megan Ward even goes from waifish and demure last film to being like Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. However, this film remembers that humor was a big staple of the series, though it’s more subtle here than previously. As Jack Deth, Tim Thomerson is just as much a cocky smart-ass as before, and he’s still great at it. While Richard Lynch made for a decent villain last time, Andrew Robinson is a much more intimidating villain here. His performance is both intense yet subdued at the same time.

Of course, Helen Hunt had started becoming a big star, but it’s still nice she came back for this. Thankfully, she’s written out in a way that feels justified, and there are some great scenes between her and Thomerson. Relative newcomer Melanie Smith does a good job as R.J., and she has some fantastic chemistry with Thomerson. The production design is top-notch, the military compound being the highlight with a futuristic look that could possibly exist. With KNB doing the make-up effects, they look fantastic, possibly even being the best make-up effects in the whole series. My only complaints are that there are very few action scenes that stand out, and the film feels somewhat rushed. With a 74-minute runtime, not a whole lot of what’s happening is explored, so some may find that disappointing. Overall, Trancers III: Deth Lives is another high point in Full Moon’s history.

Buy Trancers III: Deth Lives from:

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kfIS64.
• Full Moon Horror: https://www.fullmoonhorror.com/products/trancers-iii-deth-lives-blu-ray?ref=filmnerd.

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]