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Category: Troma Tuesdays

  • LolliLove (2004)

    LolliLove (2004)

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    While she’s famous today as Pam from The Office, St. Louis native Jenna Fischer was unknown in the early 2000s. She moved to LA in 1998, mostly landing small parts in Spin City, Cold Case, and That 70’s Show. Shortly after moving, she attended a charity event for a low-income school, where she saw something that stuck with her. While everyone in attendance was formally dressed and eating fancy meals, the schoolchildren were forced to sing. Two years after moving, Fischer married aspiring filmmaker and fellow St. Louisan James Gunn, who had just done The Specials. With Gunn’s help, she took the charity event experience and started working on a mockumentary about wealthy people doing charity. With a budget of $2,000, filming was done mostly on weekends over four years with Jenna, James, and their friends. Upon completion, LolliLove premiered at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November 2004.

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    Synopsis

    Jenna (Jenna Fischer) and James (James Gunn) are a young, hip couple living in Southern California with a dream. Wanting to help others, as well as get name recognition, Jenna and James decide to start a charity program. Dubbed “LolliLove,” the program entails giving a lollipop with an inspirational drawing/message to a homeless person to brighten their day. They try getting help from their wealthy friends Jason (Jason Segel) and Linda (Linda Cardellini), but neither is interested. As the couple struggles to get the program off the ground, Jenna and James’ marriage gets rocky. They try talking with Father Lloyd (Lloyd Kaufman) to fix their marriage while working on bringing their charity to life. Thankfully, with help from her friends Sarah (Sarah Sido), Michelle (Michelle Gunn), and Judy (Judy Greer), things are a go. Will their charity program succeed or fail like so many others?

     

    Review

    LolliLove is a wicked satire that pokes fun at the hypocrisy of well-to-do trying to do charity for selfish reasons. The characters claim they want to help the poor, but it’s clear they’re only doing it for attention. While they talk of wanting to do good, they’re immediately put off once they meet the homeless. When James and Jenna do a presentation to try and get a sponsor, it’s so artificial that it’s hilarious. Fischer perfectly captures how ridiculous it is that certain people only do charity for self-love and recognition. Aside from them being married at the time, Fischer and Gunn play off each other well and have great chemistry. The film is worth watching to see future superstars like Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and Judy Greer. Along with Fischer and Gunn, the supporting cast gets the satire and plays along with it.

    The mockumentary style works for this film, and it weirdly predicts Jenna Fischer’s future success with The Office. Framing this like a documentary adds a sense of realism to where you believe the ridiculousness on screen. Admittedly, the movie’s not quite spot-on as similar mockumentaries like This Is Spinal Tap, but it still works. The film goes by quickly at a little over an hour, though there is some padding that drags it down. It doesn’t help that much of the dialogue was improvised, which makes the film feel unstructured. Also, the film’s satire might put off some audiences and make them think it discourages trying to be charitable. However, Fischer and company never intended to make that point, but rather that even the most well-intentioned can stumble. Overall, LolliLove is a brilliantly witty social satire that, while uneven, is still relevant today.

     

    Buy LolliLove from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m8cd9v.

    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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Fear Town, USA (2014)

    Fear Town, USA (2014)

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    In 1999, comedians Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) theater. The comedy troupe helped launch the careers of Aubrey Plaza, Andrew Daly, Nick Kroll, Ben Schwartz, and Donald Glover. In 2006, aspiring filmmaker Brandon Bassham joined UCB and directed several comedy shorts for them and College Humor. With a cast and crew consisting of UCB players, Bassham shot his horror spoof around New York. Around 2013, Bassham launched an IndieGogo campaign to fund his first full-length feature film and managed to raise $6,000. Through an actor friend, Amber Nelson, Bassham met with Troma founder/president Lloyd Kaufman and struck a deal. Troma provided extra funds for the film, about $4,000 for a total of $10,000, in exchange for distribution rights. In 2014, Troma released Brandon Bassham’s directorial debut, Fear Town, USA.

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    Synopsis

    It’s St. Blevin’s Day, and everyone who’s anybody will be partying it up, getting drunk, and crushing pussy. Everyone except for friends Mark (Mark Vigeant), Dan (Dan Kenkel), Myles (Jon Bershad), and Andrew (James McCarthy). While the guys play some D&D, bullies Brad (Dan Black) and Todd (Matt B. Mayer) boast about attending the party. Determined to lose their virginity, the boys set out to get to the party only to get lost. Meanwhile, friends Jen (Anna Callegari), Kelly (Cody Lindquist), and Rachel (Amber Nelson) also attend the party looking for fun. While 17-year-old Dana (Dana Clinkman) is looking for her online boyfriend, a group of uninvited guests decides to camp out. Little do our partygoers know that an escaped mental patient is killing anyone he comes in contact with. This St. Blevin’s Day will be remembered as our happy-go-lucky partiers try to survive Fear Town, USA.

     

    Review

    That synopsis only covers so much of Fear Town, USA, as so much more happens here. This movie feels like Brandon Bassham threw everything at the wall and saw what stuck to mixed results. There are vengeful spirits, demonic cults, nosy psychics, absent-minded cops, contemplative stoners, and even The Devil. With the many central characters, each plotline feels like its story could be a separate movie. Unfortunately, this approach makes it difficult to have a character to follow since there are so many to remember. In addition, not a single scene goes by without at least one or two gags or jokes happening. Plenty of these jokes land, and some don’t, but there are so many that it’s overwhelming. The movie also occasionally runs into the issue of dragging a joke out so long that it’s no longer funny. Thankfully, it’s not to Adult Swim levels of anti-humor.

    The acting is mostly decent, though plenty of the actors play their roles like they’re in a comedy. Thankfully, it’s not to the same degree as Llamageddon, where most of the acting was intentionally bad. Plus, unlike that movie, some jokes work, such as one with the killer having trouble with a bow and arrow. There’s plenty of crude humor involving bodily fluids, sexual references, and using slurs that refer to one’s orientation. While there aren’t many, some kills, including a knife going through a guy’s groin into a woman’s head, are gruesome. Also, so many odd moments, especially the ending, will leave you baffled and wondering what you’re watching. Still, even at 90 minutes, the movie feels padded to reach that length, and 20 minutes could’ve been trimmed. Overall, Fear Town, USA, is a bit disjointed, but it has some decent humor that you won’t soon forget.

     

    Buy Fear Town, USA, 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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  • Play Dead (1983)

    Play Dead (1983)

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    One of the most popular horror subgenres of the 1970s was the animal attack genre, which started with 1971’s Willard. The decade brought us Frogs, Killer Bees, Jaws, Grizzly, Kingdom of the Spiders, and Piranha, amongst others. An off-shoot of this subgenre was movies centered around domesticated animals running amok, most prominently dogs. After The Omen, a wave of killer dog movies filled movie theaters, including Dogs, The Pack, and Dracula’s Dog. The United Construction Company decided to produce its own film in Texas to capitalize on this trend. They hired Peter Wittman, whose only credit was co-writing and producing Skullduggery, to direct the movie. Filming began in 1981, with Yvonne De Carlo, best known for her role on The Munsters, as the lead. After premiering in Britain in 1983 and West Germany in 1985, Troma released Play Dead to the US in 1986.

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    Synopsis

    Audrey (Stephanie Dunnam) and her brother Stephen (David Ellzey) attend their mother’s funeral when Aunt Hesther (Yvonne De Carlo) arrives. While everyone’s mourning, Hesther is scornful because her sister stole her boyfriend, married him, and killed herself after he died. After the funeral, Stephen urges Hesther to make things right with Audrey, so she gifts her a rottweiler named Greta. However, it turns out that this dog is part of Hesther’s plan to get revenge on her late sister. Using some Satanic black magic, Hesther possesses the dog and commands her to kill anyone she feels has wronged her. Each of the murders is staged as an accident, which puzzles Detective Otis (Glenn Kezer) as he investigates the deaths. After her brother and her boyfriend Jeff (David Cullinane) wind up dead, Otis suspects that Audrey might be responsible. Little does he know that a demon dog is on the loose.

     

    Review

    Despite the ridiculous premise, Play Dead is one of the more competently made and decently acted films of its kind. While not all that scary or intense, the movie offers plenty of camp and bizarre moments. The biggest thing this has going for it is Yvonne De Carlo as Hester, the vindictive aunt seeking her revenge. De Carlo commits to the role even if this isn’t on par with something like The Ten Commandments. She comes off as menacing while adding some dark humor through her dry delivery and occasionally chews the scenery. Stephanie Dunnam makes for a sympathetic lead, and Glenn Kezer shines as the straight man trying to solve this case. Also, the dog who plays Greta is incredibly well-trained and comes off as both lovable and vicious. All-in-all, the acting ranges from pretty good to decent, though most of the supporting cast is forgettable.

    Considering this was Peter Wittman’s first time as director, he does a surprisingly good job behind the camera. At barely under 90 minutes, the film goes by reasonably quickly, though some slow moments drag the movie down. The kills are relatively tame, though they’re fun in a goofy way just for how absurd they are. There are a few sequences where Wittman uses slow motion to heighten the mood, and they do a decent job. Interestingly, the art director was Robert Burns, whose biggest claim to fame was The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. His other credits include serving as art director on The Hills Have Eyes, Tourist Trap, Disco Godfather, and Re-Animator. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a lost classic, but it’s worth checking out for cult fans. Overall, Play Dead has some decent performances and is reasonably well-made, but don’t expect something mindblowing.

     

    Buy Play Dead from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jex0qC.

    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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  • Mad Dog Morgan (1976)

    Mad Dog Morgan (1976)

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    In 1974, Australian author Margaret Carnegie wrote Morgan: The Bold Bushranger about the life of notorious outlaw Daniel Morgan. Around this time, documentary filmmaker Phillipe Mora wanted to move into narrative filmmaking and chose to adapt Carnegie’s book. After writing the screenplay, Mora acquired a budget of $400,000 from the Australian Film Commission and some private investors. Mora and producer Jeremy Thomas wanted to hire Stacey Keach, but they ultimately went with Dennis Hopper. Hopper had been blacklisted from Hollywood due to his drug and alcohol abuse, so he took whatever jobs he could. Despite a rough shoot, the film was finished and released in Australia and the US in 1976. Due to copyright technicalities, various low-budget companies were able to license the film for home video, including Troma. After releasing heavily edited versions on VHS and DVD, Troma released Mad Dog Morgan uncut in 2009.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In 1850s Australia, Irishman Daniel Morgan (Dennis Hopper) is looking to strike rich during a gold rush. Failing that, he turns to a life of crime, only to be arrested and sentenced to serve a six-year sentence. After being brutalized and raped in prison, Morgan emerges a broken man and becomes an outlaw looking to plunder. With his aboriginal accomplice Billy (David Gulpilil), Morgan tears through the Australian countryside and becomes a local legend. Meanwhile, Superintendent Cobham (Frank Thring) enlists Detective Manwaring (Jack Thompson) to track down Morgan and bring him to justice. As tensions mount, Morgan’s legendary status continues to grow as more and more people talk about his exploits. However, it’s only a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up to him. While his grip on reality continues to slip, Daniel “Mad Dog” Morgan continues his rampage in pursuit of fortune.

     

    Review

    Mad Dog Morgan is one of the most beautiful, brutal, and mind-bending movies I’ve ever seen in quite some time. For such a small budget, what Phillipe Mora and his crew accomplished is spectacular, especially given the filming conditions. Much of the film was shot in the eastern Riverina and northeast Victoria to give it some authenticity. With cinematographer Mike Molloy, Mora takes full advantage of the locations and stages some beautiful landscape shots. Contrasting with these gorgeous long shots are scenes of brutal violence that, while not overly graphic, are disturbing. From the Chinese camp early on being burned to the final standoff with Morgan, there are some memorable set pieces. It reminds me of how Heaven’s Gate had gruesome violence set against beautiful landscapes on a fraction of the budget. Thankfully, the shoot of this film was nowhere near as problematic as Michael Cimino’s infamous flop.

    While the rest of the cast does a great job, Dennis Hopper is on a whole other level. Hopper gives one of his best performances as Daniel Morgan, who goes from innocent everyman to a crazed outlaw. Granted, it’s not the most historically accurate depiction of Morgan, but his performance is impressive. His right-hand man, David Gulpilil, has excellent chemistry with Hopper and helps balance out the insanity. Jack Thompson also delivers as the stern police detective hellbent on either capturing or killing Morgan. It’s worth noting that a pre-Mad Max Hugh Keays-Byrne and a pre-Road Warrior Bruce Spence have minor roles. My only main gripe is that, despite its hour and 42-minute runtime, it can sometimes feel slow and disjointed. Despite that, Mad Dog Morgan is an underrated Australian Western that will stick with you long after the movie ends.

     

    Buy Mad Dog Morgan from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V3PMyk.

    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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  • Lust for Freedom (1987)

    Lust for Freedom (1987)

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    Following the closing of the Robinson Mine, the citizens of Ely, Nevada, formed The Bristlecone Film Committee in 1983. The committee advertised their town as an ideal filming location, which caught the attention of producer/director Eric Louzil. Louzil contacted the committee in 1984 to use Ely as the filming location for a women-in-prison movie, Georgia County Lock-up. Filming started in 1985 on a $1.5 million budget, with many locals serving as cast and crew. About 30% of the film was shot in Nevada, while the rest of the filming took place in California. In 1986, Louzil met with Lloyd Kaufman, who agreed to add $125,000 for sound, additional filming, and converting to 35mm. In exchange, Troma would get distribution rights to the film, which included theatrical and home video. After premiering at Cannes in 1987 as Lust For Freedom, the film hit theaters the following year.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”55″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    After an undercover drug bust went wrong, police detective Gillian Kaites (Melanie Coll) mourns the death of her partner/fiance. She goes on a road trip to try and forget what happened and is taken to the Georgia County police. Kaites meets with Sheriff Coale (William J. Kulzer), who spikes her drink and frames her for possessing illegal substances. She wakes up in prison with several other women who’ve been captured and thrown in jail for bogus reasons. Coale and his partner, Ms. Pusker (Judi Trevor), subject the prisoners to torture and abuse. In addition, Warden Maxwell (Howard Knight) sells the girls off to the highest bidder and makes snuff porn. Having witnessed all the abuse she and the other prisoners have suffered, Kaites decides to start a jailbreak. She’ll make sure her fellow prisoners have the same lust for freedom that she does.

     

    Review

    Lust For Freedom is as bare bones as you can get with a women-in-prison movie, and that’s not bad. This movie is exactly what you want if you’re looking for gratuitous nudity, massive explosions, and gun violence. Unfortunately, that’s about all this movie offers because the rest is pretty bland and not as bombastic as it promises. To his credit, it feels like Louzil wanted to make a legitimate exploitation film rather than an intentionally campy flick. Like Fortress of Amerikkka, which came out two years later, this movie plays it reasonably straight. All the actors play their parts like they’re in a legitimate drama, with no one going too over the top. This is Melanie Coll’s only acting credit to date, and it’s easy to see why since she’s not very memorable. It’s not that she’s terrible, but she doesn’t stand out from everyone else.

    William J. Kulzer, who gave a stand-out villainous performance in Louzil’s later film, is surprisingly subdued here. What’s more surprising is that he goes from being a bad guy to becoming one of the good guys later. Opposite Kulzer is Judi Trevor, who seems to be trying to stand apart from everyone else with her performance. She tries to be intimidating and over-the-top, but it doesn’t quite work when the rest of the movie is uninteresting. There’s plenty of T&A, but it feels less like a trashy exploitation flick and more like soft-core porn. The soundtrack keeps this movie mildly entertaining, especially the title track and “Rock You To Hell” by Grim Reaper. Combined with all the nudity and explosions, the music enhances this film’s cheesy B-movie quality. Overall, Lust For Freedom has some entertaining elements, but it’s mostly a forgettable watch.

     

    Buy Lust For Freedom from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jR7ink.

    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 Lust for Freedom (1987)

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  • Rabid Grannies (1988)

    Rabid Grannies (1988)

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    After making Lucker the Necrophagus in 1986, Belgian filmmaker Johan Vandewoestijne approached Emmauel Kervyn with a directing opportunity. Kervyn was a martial arts expert who had been developing a project called Talion to star Jean-Claude Van Damme. Unfortunately, the project fell apart when producer André Coppens, head of VDS Films, ran out of money. However, Keryn had a horror movie script called The Long Night that was ready to start shooting. The movie was shot in Kortrijk and Ingelmunster Castle in 1987, with an all-French cast speaking English for commercial appeal. While Stardust Pictures mainly produced the film, Troma contributed to the budget in exchange for international distribution rights. Unfortunately, when Troma released it, several more graphic scenes were cut without the director’s knowledge. While released in Belgium in 1988 as Les Mémés Cannibales, the film hit the US in 1989 as Rabid Grannies.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    In a remote Belgian castle, the Remington family celebrates the birthdays of Aunts Elizabeth (Danielle Daven) and Victoria (Anne-Marie Fox). Most everyone in the family is a terrible person just looking to inherit their aunts’ wealth when they die. During the party, one of the servants, Alice (Patricia Davia), sees a strange woman by the gate (Cindy Rimoe). She gives Alice a box and says it’s a gift for the aunts courtesy of their absent nephew Christopher. During the party, Elizabeth and Victoria open the box, which releases a strange mist that turns them into horrific demons. The two then rip and tear the family apart as the rest struggle to escape the aunts’ wrath. The survivors hide in other parts of the castle, but it won’t be long before the aunties come for them. Which family members will survive, and who will fall victim to the demonic aunties?

     

    Review

    Despite the title, there are no grannies, nor does anyone become rabid. Though, I guess Rabid Grannies is a more memorable title and fits the original, which translates to The Cannibal Grannies. Questionable title aside, this is a decent, if forgettable, monster/splatter film reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s early work. There are some decent effects in creature design and gore for a relatively low budget. The scene where the aunts first transform is particularly memorable for how gross and slimy it is. There are also some entertaining death scenes, including a greedy fat man getting his ass bitten. The movie even dares to kill a child character, something rarely seen in horror movies even today. There’s much to enjoy for gorehounds and fans of cheesy 80s horror films. Unfortunately, for all the decent stuff in this movie, there’s just as much wrong here.

    The film’s biggest problem is that there aren’t any likable characters you can root for. Aside from maybe the kids, everyone is terrible, selfish, and, in some cases, sexist and homophobic. The action takes a long time to pick up, with the first 30 minutes devoted to family drama. Granted, if the intent were to emulate what it’s like to attend a family gathering, I’d say they nailed it. Still, it’ll be a while before any family gets picked off, even when things pick up in the second act. It doesn’t help that, as inventive as some of the death scenes are, many are cut to where they’re incomprehensible. The movie is padded at slightly over 90 minutes, but there’s enough dark humor and creativity to keep it fresh. Overall, Rabid Grannies will be either fun or godawful, depending on your taste, but either is valid.

     

    Buy Rabid Grannies from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ONZzqp.

    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 Rabid Grannies (1988)

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  • Vegas in Space (1991)

    Vegas in Space (1991)

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    After making Super-8 films as a teenager, Phillip R. Ford enrolled in San Francisco State University’s film program. While attending class, Ford met Philip Mills, better known as Doris Fish, a drag queen originally from Sydney. One night, Ford showed Fish and her wife, Lori Naslund, Trouble in Paradise, a Super-8 short he had filmed back in 1981. Doris was so impressed with Ford’s short film that she agreed to star in his next project, Rollercoaster to Hell. The student movie got tons of attention and was shown on KTVU’s Creature Features, where Ford announced his next film. Doris had aspirations of making it big in Hollywood and pitched Ford an idea for an outer-space musical comedy. Filming lasted between 1983 and 1984, but post-production took an additional seven years due to a lack of funds. After everything was said and done, Vegas in Space finally premiered in October 1991.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”60″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In the 23rd century, Captain Dan Tracey (Doris Fish) and his Space Cadets receive a critical mission. Vel Croford, Empress of Earth (Miss X), instructs them to travel to the planet Kleetoeres to solve a jewel heist. However, only women are allowed on Kleetoeres, so Tracey and his men must take sex reassignment pills to blend in. Now, as women, Captain Tracy Daniels, Lt. Sheila Shadows (Ramona Fischer), and Lt. Debbie Dane (Lori Naslund) visit the Empress. According to Empress Nueva Gabor (Ginger Quest), her Girllinium gems, which maintain the planet’s orbit, have been stolen. The prime suspect is Veneer (Miss X), the planet’s queen of police, who agrees to work with Daniels. Helping out the ladies is Nueva’s Vice Empress, Princess Angel (Tippi), who secretly has an agenda. Who stole the Girllinium gems, will the ladies stop them, and what else will happen in Vegas in Space?

     

    Review

    Vegas in Space certainly earns its cult status just for how weird it is, especially with its intentionally tacky aesthetic. This movie was a labor of love, from the homemade sets and colorful costumes to the intentionally cheesy tone. Even if this was initially made as a vanity project for Doris Fish, you could tell the filmmakers cared. They spent the better part of a decade trying to get this film made, and that commitment is admirable. While made for a small budget, the filmmakers created a distinct, albeit tacky style that lends to the movie’s charm. The performances are over-the-top and campy, but that’s the vibe they were going for, and it works. The late Doris Fish shines as Dan Tracy/Tracey Daniels, the enigmatic leader who’s both strong and sassy. Her cohorts, Ramona Fisher and Lori Naslund, are appropriately ditzy and bubbly, which goes well with Fish’s attitude.

    However, as goofy as the movie is, and while the people involved had fun, it’s a bit of a mess. For a film that’s 85 minutes long, there’s a lot of padding to reach feature length. There are several scenes where nothing plot-related happens, and characters talk endlessly, dragging the pacing to a crawl. Some jokes land, but unless you’re familiar with drag culture, most of the humor will be lost on you. It’s also weird to call this a musical since there’s only one musical number toward the movie’s end. Plus, the film plays it a bit too safe, considering it’s made by drag queens for drag queens. If you’re a fan of campy sci-fi, you might get some enjoyment here, but there are better options. Overall, Vegas in Space might appeal more to drag fans, but it’s only watchable as a curiosity.

     

    Buy Vegas in Space from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UUvQPb.

    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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