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  • Decampitated (1998)

    Decampitated (1998)

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    After getting a book about legendary special effects artist Dick Smith, budding filmmaker Matt Cunningham’s path was set. In his own words, the book “set his hair on fire” as he started working on creating homemade make-up. By this time, it was the early 90s, and horror was expanding a mini-boom as self-aware slashers became popular. In 1995, Cunningham and his friends Ryan Lowery, Carolyn C. Miller, and Brian Walters started working on their slasher parody. Filming occurred in Colorado Springs on a minimal budget with a cast primarily of no-name actors. Unfortunately, they didn’t have enough money to market the film, and that’s when Troma stepped in. Lloyd Kaufman helped get the movie in front of audiences by taking it to the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. A few months later, Matt Cunningham’s Decampitated hit video store shelves in November 1998.

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    Synopsis

    Garret (Mike Hart) and April (Christine Patterson) are organizing a camping trip with their friends to DeCamp Acres. There’s Candace (Amy Gordon), Toby (Steve Ladden), Paige (Bethany La Voo), Roger (Thomas Martwick), and Vince (Deus Xavier Scott). Unfortunately, they get into a car accident on their way there and have to hike the rest of the way. Once they get to the campsite, things don’t get much better as there’s a killer on the loose. Throats are sliced, arms are hacked off, ears get cut off, and people get stabbed with tree taps. Also, the group runs into an old friend of Garrret’s, Jake (Ryan Lowery), who’s become a transvestite. As the group scatters across the woods, the mysterious backwoods killer stalks them, waiting for his moment to strike. Who is this mysterious slasher, and who will survive this camping trip from hell?

     

    Review

    Decampitated is one of those movies you’ll love or hate depending on your sense of humor. There’s no hope if a camper trying to escape a killer by hacking her limbs off doesn’t make you giggle. The film is littered with these gags, like a woman beating up the killer with her severed arm. Almost every scene of this movie has some joke or funny moment that comes one after the other. Admittedly, plenty of them miss their mark and often get repeated too much, but there are some real hitters. With a few exceptions, almost everyone plays their parts as silly as possible without mugging for the camera. One of the few exceptions is Amy Gordon, who acts annoyed around these people and always makes passive-aggressive comments. That said, she does have some of the film’s best lines, especially when dealing with Garrett.

    It doesn’t look half bad for a film that most likely only had a few thousand dollars in the budget. There are some decent gore effects, and Cunningham keeps the action moving with some fluid camera movements. Unfortunately, this movie is a product of its time, so get used to tight zooms and choppy editing. The soundtrack has a few nu-metal bands, including H2O, Strife, Coalesce, and Hatebreed, as well as some kitschy 40’s music. The vintage music is mainly used when the killer’s about to strike, which adds to the cartoony vibe. That’s probably the best way to describe this film: a live-action cartoon with gore and some poorly aged stereotypes. At slightly over 90 minutes, this movie is a good time waster you and your friends can enjoy laughing at. Overall, Decampitated is rough around the edges, but it makes for a decent bad movie night.

     

    Buy Decampitated from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iPOG6Q.

    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 Decampitated (1998)

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  • John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

    John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

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    During a Reddit AMA, Chad Stahelski said if John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum was successful, he’d direct a fourth film. Thankfully, the sequel grossed over $327 million worldwide against a $75 million budget, becoming the highest-grossing entry in the series. While it wasn’t initially confirmed, Keanu Reeves announced he’d return after finishing his commitment to The Matrix Resurrections. Lionsgate officially announced plans for a 4th and 5th film in August 2020, the first scheduled for a 2022 release. The studio also decided to replace long-time writer Derek Kolstad with Shay Hatten and Predators screenwriter Michael Finch. Filming started in June 2021 and took place around France, Germany, New York, and Japan with a $100 million budget. While Lionsgate announced a Memorial Day 2022 release, the film was pushed back to avoid competition with Top Gun: Maverick. Following a London premiere, John Wick: Chapter 4 hit theaters in March 2023.

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    Synopsis

    After years of hiding, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is prepared to exact his revenge on The High Table. In response, a senior High Table member called the Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) destroys the New York Continental. He also strips former manager Winston (Ian McShane) of his power and sends blind hitman Caine (Donnie Yen) after Wick. At the same time, someone known as the “Tracker” (Shamier Anderson) is keeping track of Wick and his bounty. Following an attack in Osaka, Wick learns of the Continental’s demise and reunites with Winston, who offers him a solution. Winston suggests Wick challenge Gramont to a duel, but he has to be associated with a family. Wick returns to his Ruska Roma family and challenges Gramont to a duel overseen by The Harbinger (Clancy Brown). Despite agreeing to the terms, Gramont will stop at nothing to prevent John Wick from showing up.

     

    Review

    Given how long we had to wait for this sequel, it’s incredible how great John Wick: Chapter 4 turned out. By the fourth entry in a franchise, it typically starts to lose some steam and fall into sequelitis. Thankfully, that’s not the case here, as Chad Stahelski and team managed to make an entry that exceeds the original. Like before, Keanu Reeves is a force to be reckoned with as the nearly indestructible John Wick. Though a man of few words, Reeves again expresses more through his actions than he could by dialogue. Bill Skarsgård is excellent as the Marquis, playing the best kind of villain, where you love to hate him. Donnie Yen is also fantastic as the blind hitman Caine, who’s more than a match for Wick. Interestingly, this is the second movie where Donnie Yen plays a skilled fighter who’s blind, the first being Rogue One.

    Though his scenes are few, Clancy Brown brings a quiet intensity as the Harbinger that permeates throughout the movie. The always dependable Hiroyuki Sanada does a great job, and Scott Adkins is hilarious as an overweight crime boss. Singer/model Rina Sawayama is excellent, considering this is her feature film debut, and she shows great potential. Special mention goes to Shamier Anderson, who shares some great scenes with Reeves and does well in the fight scenes. Like the earlier films, the action sequences are well-shot, incredibly fluid, well-edited, and more exciting than the last. For example, there’s a shootout where it goes from ground level to a bird’s eye view, like a top-down shooter. My only real complaint is the runtime, which could’ve been trimmed slightly, but that’s it. Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 will go down as one of the best movies of 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “John Wick: Chapter 4” playing in theaters starting March 24th[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    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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  • Galactic Gigolo (1987)

    Galactic Gigolo (1987)

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    Released in 1987, Psychos in Love was a minor hit for Charles Band’s Wizard Video. After this, Band offered director Gorman Bechard a multi-picture deal to produce more direct-to-video titles for Empire Pictures. With his previous film, Bechard had complete creative control since Band was merely distributing the movie. However, Bechard would grow to hate his time working with Empire Pictures, starting with a sci-fi sex comedy. Originally titled Club Earth, Bechard intended the film to be a “non-animated adult cartoon” with bright, flashy colors. In an interview with Cinefantastique, Bechard said Empire chopped the movie in editing and removed all the colors. To this day, Gorman Bechard has disowned the film and is thankful that Empire Pictures went bankrupt soon after. With all that in mind, let’s look at 1987’s Galactic Gigolo and see how bad it is.

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    Synopsis

    After winning a game show, the intergalactic alien Eoj (Carmine Capobianco) wins a trip to Earth. Specifically, he’s sent to Prospect, CT, “The Horniest Town in the Galaxy,” to sleep with as many women as possible. His arrival catches the attention of two groups of people, a family of Jewish rednecks and some mobsters. Billy Joe Bob (Barry Finkel), Big Peter Dick (Todd Kimsey), and Sammy Harry Bill (J.E.L. Gitter) want him captured. Meanwhile, Sonny (Michael Citriniti), Carmine (Tony Kruk), and Tony (David Coughlin) want Eoj to help them commit robberies. Tagging along with Eoj on his sexcapades are reporter Hildy (Debi Thibeault) and her photographer Waldo (Frank Stewart). During one of his more prominent sexcapades with Dr. Pepper (Ruth Collins), Eoj is intercepted by the rednecks and mobsters. Will Eoj escape them and finish his vacation, or is this Galactic Gigolo done for?

     

    Review

    Despite its flaws, I found Psychos in Love a fun, strangely heartfelt horror-comedy romance with a home-grown feel. Because of that, it hurts to say that Galactic Gigolo is one of the most unfunny comedies I’ve ever seen. Granted, I don’t go into a movie like Galactic Gigolo expecting something similar to The Marx Brothers or Mel Brooks. The humor is pretty low-brow, relying either on stereotypes, innuendos, or slapstick, complete with cartoon sound effects. It doesn’t help that the film doesn’t have much of a narrative, just going from one scene to another. It goes like this: sex scene, rednecks acting goofy, sex scene, mobsters doing whatever, rinse and repeat. Even at 80 minutes, the movie feels like it’s slowly plodding along, trying to get to the ending. Honestly, this movie was a slog for me, so be warned if you’re curious to watch it.

    Everyone in the cast plays their parts as exaggeratedly as possible, which can get irritating after a while. The worst is with the rednecks, who stretch their lines so long that you’ll scream, “Cut!” Like Bechard’s last movie, Carmine Capobianco and Debi Thibeault are easily the movie’s highlights and get the biggest laughs. They have a few scenes together where you can see the same chemistry they had in Psychos. Speaking in Bechard’s defense, I can see how he intended this to be like a live-action cartoon. I’m unsure how much Charles Band did to this movie, but I’d be curious to see Bechard’s original vision. Regardless, as unfunny as this movie is, I’d still watch this over It’s Pat or Freddy Got Fingered. Overall, Galactic Gigolo isn’t the worst comedy, but I still wouldn’t give it a glowing recommendation.

     

    Buy Galactic Gigolo on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40m5BUw.

    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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  • Hectic Knife (2016)

    Hectic Knife (2016)

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    Born in 1986 in Detroit, Greg DeLiso moved to New York to attend the NYFA’s one-year directing program in 2004. After graduation, DeLiso got his first job shooting a music video for PBK’s song “Tout Va Bien.” Around 2010, he and his high school friend Peter Litvin worked on a series called Short Films for Nobody. In 2011, DeLiso directed his first feature-length film, the documentary Canada’s Best Kept Secret, which Litvin did the score for. Around this time, the two started brainstorming ideas for a parody of the recent dark, brooding superhero movie trend. Filming began in 2010 and took roughly four to five years to complete as they had a minimal budget. Once filming finished, they called Troma to make a deal for distribution, and a contract was drafted in a week. Greg DeLiso’s Hectic Knife was released to the world in July 2016.

    [/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=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _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=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    The city streets are riddled with crime, and the only one standing up is the vigilante Hectic Knife (Peter Litvin). Armed with knives, Hectic kills drug dealers and thieves while practicing his knife-wielding skills in his shabby apartment. He gets a roommate, Link (John Munnelly), and a girlfriend, Frannie Glooper (Georgia Kate Haege), who constantly annoys him. Meanwhile, the evil villain, Piggly Doctor (J.J. Brine), plans to rule the world with his sidekick Porch (Traci Ann Wolfe). Piggly’s ultimate plan is to make the heads of children spontaneously explode, and only Hectic Knife can stop him. Along the way, he’ll contend with bagel-obsessed thugs, reunite with his estranged father (Randy Hutch), and find his true self. Unbeknownst to him, his girlfriend has been stealing his money, and Link gets kidnapped by Piggly. It’s up to Hectic Knife to defeat Piggly Doctor and save children from having their heads explode.

     

    Review

    If how I described Hectic Knife makes it sound like one of the dumbest movies ever, that’s because it is. The movie is intentionally bad, but not in a way that feels like they didn’t try, like with Llamageddon. It feels like Greg DeLiso and Peter Litvin set out to make the stupidest film they could come up with. Hectic Knife is constantly brooding and insults everyone he encounters, even his girlfriend, to the point that it becomes funny. Much of the humor is predictable, and some of the jokes drag in a way similar to Adult Swim. As a parody, it does an excellent job satirizing the tropes of many superhero movies around the mid-2000s to 2010s. While a product of its low budget, the black-and-white look could be a parody of Sin City and The Spirit. That said, the cheap aesthetic adds to the film’s campy charm.

    The acting is all over the place, with almost everyone overacting for the camera, showing that this is a comedy. I wouldn’t call the acting bad, as everyone intentionally acts terribly, but your enjoyment will vary depending on your tolerance. While lacking in nudity, there’s plenty of blood and gore to satiate exploitation fans as everyone spews blood all over. The effects aren’t the greatest, but there’s the ambition behind them, especially when they add stop-motion and computer effects. Like the acting, the action sequences are intentionally bad, but it adds to the film’s humor. At slightly under 90 minutes, the film drags considerably at points, and plenty of scenes could’ve been cut. Still, this is a fairly impressive, occasionally funny parody of overly broody and self-serious superhero movies. Overall, Hectic Knife isn’t for anyone, but if thugs arguing over bagels for near eternity sounds funny, check it out.

     

    Buy Hectic Knife from Amazon: https://amzn.to/42y2UAs.

    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 Hectic Knife (2016)

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  • Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

    Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

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    With an estimated $100 million budget, 2019’s Shazam! was a financial success, grossing nearly $366 million worldwide. In addition, the film garnered positive reviews, earning a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its performances and lighter tone. A sequel was to follow, and much of the original cast and crew announced their return in December 2019. While initially scheduled for an April 2022 release, the sequel was pushed back to November due to COVID-19. New cast members included Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler, who debuted in the 2021 West Side Story remake. The movie was shot in Atlanta from May 26 to August 31, 2021, with a budget of $125 million. Following WarnerMedia’s merger with Discovery Inc, the studio decided to replace the upcoming Aquaman sequel with this film. Finally, the long-awaited Shazam! Fury of the Gods hit worldwide theaters on March 17, 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”40″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Billy Batson (Angel Asher), as his alter ego Shazam (Zachary Levi), is having difficulty maintaining his adoptive family. The other siblings want to do their own thing, while Billy worries about being thrown out once he’s 18. On top of that, Billy gets a message from The Wizard (Djimon Hounsou), warning him about the Daughters of Atlas. Said daughters, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), possess the broken staff that gave Billy his powers. Meanwhile, Billy’s brother Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) meets a girl named Anne (Rachel Zegler), who is Atlas’s youngest daughter, Anthea. Hespera and Kalypso trap Philadelphia in a dome and steal the Golden Apple, the seed of the Tree of Life. When the sisters grow the tree, several monsters sprout throughout the city and attack the citizens. Billy and his “Shazamily” must band together to stop the sisters from plunging the world into darkness.

     

    Review

    What made the original film great was its mix of superhero action and a story about finding one’s family. With the sequel, that spark is missing, as it drags more into a generic by-the-numbers superhero spectacle. It doesn’t help that the “Shazamily” spends most of their time in their superhero form, which creates a weird disconnect. While the alter ego actors are reasonable, it doesn’t feel like we’re watching grown-up versions of the same characters. The exception is Jack Dylan Grazer, who gets the most character development and is easily the movie’s highlight. He has fantastic chemistry with Rachel Zegler, and his scenes with Djimon Honsou are funny. Meanwhile, Asher Angel only shows up two or three times, giving the majority of screen time to Zachary Levi. This disconnect and lack of balance ultimately hurt the film’s chances of matching the quality of the original.

    Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu do a decent job as the new villains but ultimately feel wasted. Djimon Hounsou’s return is welcome as he does a great job, but it makes his sacrifice in the original hollow. While there is some fun spectacle, especially seeing Shazam fight a giant dragon, it’s hard to care about what’s happening. Again, it goes back to the original, how the hero and villain have a similar backstory but different outcomes. While I’m not saying the sequel needed something similar, it lacked the depth and heart it had. This viewing experience is more fulfilling than Black Adam, which was even more generic, but that’s not saying much. Ultimately, this sequel disappoints, leaving one wondering what the future holds, given the eventual DC Universe reboot. Overall, Shazam! Fury of the Gods has some entertaining moments but at the cost of the original’s charm.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch ” Shazam! Fury of the Gods” playing in theaters starting March 17th[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    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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  • Unlucky Charms (2013)

    Unlucky Charms (2013)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]During a meeting with Charles Band, editor Don Adams mentioned 1993’s Leprechaun, a sore spot for Band. For decades, Band had been known for making tiny terror movies, including Dolls, Puppet Master, and Demonic Toys. So, to have another low-budget company make a similar movie and have it be successful stung him. In 2011, Charles Band announced he would make his take on a horror-comedy about an evil leprechaun. After seeing America’s Next Top Model, Band injected a subplot around models competing on a reality TV show. According to effects designer Tom Devlin, Band cast the actresses for the models based on their Twitter followers. For instance, lead actress Tiffany Thornton had over 1 million followers when she switched from Disney to Full Moon’s camp. In 2013, Charles Band’s Unlucky Charms was released on DVD in a mock cereal box for promotional purposes.

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    Synopsis

    Five girls compete in a reality TV show to get a modeling contract and become company spokespeople. There’s Darla (Alex Rose Wiesel), Sheila (Nikki Leigh), Mika (Masuimi Max), Erin (Anna Sophia Berglund), and Audrey (Tiffany Thornton). Leading the competition is DeeDee Deville (Jeryl Prescott), and she’s accompanied by judges Pirl (Seth Peterson) and Baxter (Charlie O’Connell). Unbeknownst to the girls, DeeDee is using four magical charms to steal their souls so she’ll stay young. Meanwhile, Farr Darrig (Nathan Phillips), Bloody Bones (Peter Donald Badalamenti II), Pookah (Ben Woolf), and Banshee (Katrina Kemp) are hunting. It turns out DeeDee stole the magic she’s been using, and Farr and his cohorts are looking to reclaim it. However, they are under her control as they’re forced to kill off the competing models individually. Will DeeDee be stopped, and will the Irish terrors reclaim their Unlucky Charms?

     

    Review

    Say what you will about Leprechaun, but it was at least well-made and had a clear idea. With Unlucky Charms, it feels like Band had a lot of ideas but didn’t know how to execute them fully. The whole “modeling reality show” concept has much potential for parody, but they don’t do much with it. Also, for a Full Moon movie, the kills are minimal, with only two in total, and both are uninspired. Aside from the cycloptic Bloody Bones, the makeup effects look remarkably cheap, especially with Farr Darrig’s design. Unlike Warwick Davis’ iconic look, all Nathan Phillips gets are red splotches on his face and a wig. Even the version of Farr Darrig on the DVD cover looks more terrifying than in the actual movie. The film’s biggest problem is it’s boring and moves at a snail’s pace, even at under 90 minutes long.

    As much as this movie doesn’t work, a few bright spots make this at least tolerable to watch. For one, Nathan Phillips does a decent job playing the diminutive terror Farr Darrig, actually playing the part seriously. Jeryl Prescott, for her part, does an outstanding job as the villain, and the Dorian Gray-inspired plotline is handled well. Also, the five main actresses aren’t terrible, even if they were hired because of their Twitter followers. While many of the digital effects look shoddy, a few sequences aren’t half bad, namely the opening scene. Also, some of the film’s practical effects are alright, namely the Bloody Bones and Pookah designs. While I wouldn’t call this one of Full Moon’s worst movies, the fact that it’s unremarkable is almost worse. Overall, Unlucky Charms won’t ruin your day, but there are far better movies about evil leprechauns you could be watching.

     

    Buy Unlucky Charms on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CkFPZk.

    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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  • Leprechaun (1993)

    Leprechaun (1993)

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    Since the 1970s, Mark Jones has worked in television primarily as a writer for animation and live-action. His credits include Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, Heathcliff, The Fall Guy, The A-Team, Misfits of Science, and The Highwayman. While he had some success, Jones wanted to be a filmmaker, so he decided to make a low-budget horror movie. He made the central figure an evil leprechaun, taking inspiration from Lucky Charms commercials and films like Critters. Jones brought the idea to Trimark Pictures, and they agreed to finance what would become their first in-house production. Jones hired Warwick Davis, who was in a dry spell after making 1988’s Willow, for the lead role. With a roughly $1 million budget, the movie was shot in Valencia Studios and Big Sky Ranch between October-December 1991. After an aggressive marketing campaign from Trimark, Leprechaun hit the silver screen in January 1993.

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    Synopsis

    Dan O’Grady (Shay Duffin) returns home from Ireland after stealing gold from an evil leprechaun (Warwick Davis). Unfortunately for him, the leprechaun managed to follow him home, and he wants his gold back. O’Grady overpowers the leprechaun with a four-leaf clover and locks him in a crate, only to suffer a stroke afterward. Ten years later, J.D. Redding (John Sanderford) and his daughter Tory (Jennifer Aniston) rent O’Grady’s house for the summer. J.D. hires contractors Nathan (Ken Olandt), 10-year-old Alex (Robert Hy Gorman), and dimwitted Ozzie (Mark Holton) to re-paint the house. While exploring the place, Ozzie finds the leprechaun’s crate and accidentally brushes off the four-leaf clover, freeing him. Soon, Ozzie and Alex discover the leprechaun’s gold at the end of a rainbow and stash it away. Determined to reclaim his gold, the leprechaun goes on a rampage as our heroes fight to survive the tiny terror.

     

    Review

    Leprechaun is a ridiculously silly horror-comedy with a laughable monster and a nonsensical plot, and that’s perfectly fine. Sure, this movie is no masterpiece like The Exorcist or Rosemary’s Baby, but it doesn’t have to be. Mark Jones and his crew wanted to make a comedic fantasy slasher, and they mostly succeeded at it. With such a low budget, the filmmakers do a decent job of making the film look dynamic. There are colored lighting, tilted angles, low-angle shots, and running POV shots to help keep the pacing going. Admittedly, the film’s first half drags as we’re introduced to the main cast and their plotlines, which aren’t that exciting. Aside from the five-minute opening, the leprechaun doesn’t show up until roughly 30-40 minutes in. But when he does, the movie gets more ridiculous and fun as the leprechaun wreaks havoc.

    The film’s real highlight is Warwick Davis as the evil Leprechaun, and he’s having the time of his life here. He delivers ridiculous lines with such devilish glee that it almost feels like he improvised most of his dialogue. What helps are the makeup effects by Gabe Bartalos, which look impressive given their limited budget. Of course, the most noteworthy cast member aside from Davis is a then-unknown Jennifer Aniston, who’s decent, if unmemorable. Ken Olandt is ok as Jennifer’s love interest Nathan, even if he looks like a knock-off version of Kevin Bacon. Mark Holton has some funny moments as the dim-witted Ozzie, and Robert Hy Gorman has the movie’s best line. At over 90 minutes, the film goes by quickly, despite a few dead spots. Overall, Leprechaun is hardly the next great horror classic, but it doesn’t have to be, and that’s perfectly fine.

     

    Buy Leprechaun from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TggpRj.

    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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  • VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media (2016)

    VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media (2016)

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    People have wanted to watch their favorite movies at home and share them with others for generations. In the late 1970s, the VHS (Video Home System) tape was introduced as a new way to watch content. In the 80s and 90s, VHS became the dominant video format, and numerous video stores popped up worldwide. Unfortunately, as time progressed and technology advanced, the need for physical media diminished in favor of digital content. While DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K UHD are still around, most consumers are happy using their favorite streaming service. However, in the early 2010s, there was a sudden resurgence in the popularity of the VHS format. In 2012, Tom Seymour and Ken Powell began working on a documentary detailing the rise and fall of home video. After years of work, VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media was released by Troma in 2016.

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    Synopsis

    New York City film fans Tom Seymour and Ken Powell started a podcast about cult cinema and B-movies. During their show, they decided to create a series called VHS Massacre, where they find random tapes and riff them. Along the way, they conducted a series of interviews with cult film figures about home video’s impact and its decline. Subjects include genre journalist John Bloom, aka Joe Bob Briggs, Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman, and cult actress Debbie Rochon. They also chat with B-movie figures like Troll 2‘s Deborah Reed, Samurai Cop‘s Mark Frazer, and The Room‘s Greg Sestero. Sadly, almost every video store the documentarians visit closes shortly after, showing the decline in physical media. They discuss how streaming and the internet killed home media in some ways and the benefits of streaming. But the question remains: is there still life in VHS, or will physical media be phased out entirely?

     

    Review

    VHS Massacre has a lot going for it, first and foremost being the genuine passion and love for the subject. These guys have a love not just of movies but of VHS that shines throughout the documentary. You feel their excitement when they find an obscure tape in a small New York East Village store. Also, the interviews they get are highly entertaining and informative, detailing how the VHS boom helped independent filmmakers. We hear Lloyd Kaufman talk about how the conglomerates and media corporations ruined it for the independents. We also hear from fans of VHS, who show off their collections and talk about their appeal amongst collectors. A brief history of home video formats is discussed, from the VHS and Betamax rivalry to the rise of DVD. Interestingly, the documentary isn’t entirely one-sided since people like Joe Bob Briggs talk about the benefits of streaming.

    As well-intentioned as the documentary is, parts of it come off as somewhat scatterbrained, namely some of the subjects. One minute, they’re talking about VHS tapes they found, followed by an interview with Deborah Reed from Troll 2. As entertaining as the discussion is, it has nothing to do with the subject, which happens quite a bit. Someone will talk about physical media, then another random interview with cult film figures will be interjected. If they discussed the VHS release of Troll 2 or Samurai Cop, that would’ve been relevant, but it’s not mentioned. At 72 minutes, it’s quick, but you’ll wish they had discussed the rise and fall of physical media more. Still, this documentary does an excellent job of highlighting how physical media should be preserved and remembered. Overall, VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media is a solid, if unfocused, documentary perfect for cinephiles.

     

    Buy VHS Massacre from Amazon: https://amzn.to/401TyuO.

    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 VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media (2016)

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  • Enemy Territory (1987)

    Enemy Territory (1987)

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    1986’s Eliminators had one of Empire Pictures’ biggest openings, grossing over $4 million at the box office. Following its relative success, Peter Manoogian was working on Deadly Weapon, which was meant to be a sequel to Laserblast. Charles Band’s then-wife, Debra Dion, gave Manoogian a script to read from Stuart Kaminsky, a writer known for pulp novels. The screenplay was initially set in Chicago, but because of Band’s deal with Tim Kincaid, the setting became New York. While Kincaid and his wife Cynthia De Paula were used to $100,000 shoots, Manoogian’s budget went up to $850,000. For the cast, Manoogian hired TV actor Gary Frank, Ray Parker Jr. of Ghostbusters fame, and former star Jan-Michael Vincent. The original DOP, Arthur D. Marks, was replaced by Ernest Dickerson, who had just worked on She’s Gotta Have It. In the end, Enemy Territory got a limited theatrical release in May 1987.

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    Synopsis

    Due to his alcoholism, Barry Rapchick (Gary Frank) has fallen on hard times as an insurance salesman. Down on his luck, his boss sends him to a rundown apartment complex to sign over a significant insurance policy. He meets with the elderly Elva (Frances Foster), who signs for the insurance and wishes Barry luck as he tries to leave the building. Unfortunately, Barry runs into The Vampires, the gang that controls the building, along with their leader, The Count (Tony Todd). He orders his goons to kill Barry, but he’s rescued by telephone worker Will Jackson (Ray Parker Jr). They run into Elva’s granddaughter Toni (Stacey Dash), who suggests they meet Vietnam veteran Mr. Parker (Jan-Michael Vincent). Meanwhile, The Count puts a hit out on Barry and Will for the gang members they’ve killed trying to escape. Barry’s job isn’t the only thing in danger when he enters Enemy Territory!

     

    Review

    Enemy Territory is as far removed as possible from other movies from Empire Pictures, like Re-Animator, Trancers, and Ghoulies. In a way, that works to help makes this film stand out from the rest of Charles Band’s library. Director Peter Manoogian and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson do a great job capturing the raw grit of 1980s New York. Even before Barry enters the apartment complex, the movie has this grimy, gritty, lived-in feel but with some 80s flair. This would make a great double feature with urban crime films like Exterminator 2 and Tenement. As simple as the story is, it touches on some relevant themes, such as redemption, racial tensions, and class warfare. A white businessman enters a rundown complex ruled by a gang leader who uses their struggles to take control. The themes practically write themselves with that kind of synopsis.

    What also makes this film work is a cast of memorable character actors giving it their all. Gary Chalk is great as the meager insurance salesman trying to reclaim his status at any cost. However, the real star is Ray Parker Jr., who shows he can be a capable lead and a skilled musician. It’s a shame this didn’t lead to more starring roles for Parker, but at least he has those Ghostbusters residuals. The always great Tony Todd shines as the ruthless gang leader, The Count, chewing tons of scenery while remaining intimidating. Jan-Michael Vincent has a few moments as a Vietnam veteran who uses a wheelchair, but he’s strung out on something. While not high art, it’s still an entertaining thrill ride that proves Empire Pictures was willing to branch out. Overall, Enemy Territory is a highly underrated action thriller in desperate need of a Blu-ray release.

     

    Watch Enemy Territory on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fGzI9sNG0lY.

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  • Blood Junkie (2010)

    Blood Junkie (2010)

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    In 1899, the U.S. Glue Company factory in Carrollville was founded to make glue from animal hide remnants. The factory was sold to the Peter Cooper Corporation in the 1930s before being sold in 1976 to Rousselot. During all this time, the factory continued to produce glue until it was ultimately shut down in 1985. Fast forward to 2004, when aspiring filmmaker Drew Rosas stumbled across the glue factory with his friends. Rosas always wanted to make a horror film similar to 1980s slashers, so he picked the factory as his setting. After putting together a 50-page script and an additional month of preproduction, the three months of shooting commenced. On a $7,000 budget, the movie titled initially Rocky Trails was shot mainly around Wisconsin with some LA pick-up shots. Now retitled Blood Junkie, the film premiered in Milwaukee in 2010 before Troma released it on DVD in 2011.

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    Synopsis

    It’s Summer 1989, and friends Craig Wilson (Nick Sommer) and Teddy Bender (Mike Johnson) are looking to score. Meanwhile, Laura (Sarah Luther) has to babysit her little brother Andy (Brady Cohen) while their parents are away. She uses her mom’s emergency money to buy booze with her friend Rachel (Emily Treolo) to party all weekend. Laura and Rachel run into Craig and Teddy at the liquor store, who invites them on a camping trip. The girls agree, but Laura has to bring Andy along since she still has to look after him. After a night of booze, drugs, and sex, Laura and Rachel check out the old chemical factory nearby. Little do they know that a mysterious figure in a jumpsuit and gas mask lurks throughout the factory. But this isn’t just your average junkie, as this maniac is a Blood Junkie!

     

    Review

    Given how low of a budget they had to work with, it’s impressive that Blood Junkie was even finished. Drew Rosas’ love of 80s horror is on display, from the fashions to the music and even the killer’s look. Admittedly, the killer is a knock-off of the one from My Blood Valentine, but it’s nonetheless creepy. Sadly, the kills are few and far between, and they don’t happen until the movie’s last third. What helps make up for it are the inventive camera angles and the fitting synth wave music. Not only is the score catchy, but the use of synthesizers helps this feel like something out of the 1980s. Not all of the jokes land as a comedy, but a few gags get a hearty chuckle. The movie is a bit of a mess, but you can tell there’s an effort put into this.

    Unfortunately, what ultimately hurts this film are the characters, who are unlikable and annoying to the point of frustration. Everyone plays their parts with a very hipstery self-aware attitude, making them less quirky and more obnoxious. Sure, these characters will die, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t want to see at least one of them survive. Granted, that could’ve been the filmmakers’ intent to make the characters obnoxious 80s stereotypes, similar to those in TerrorVision. The only difference is that Nicolaou made them endearing, whereas no one in this movie has that quality. Supposedly, this was originally a 30-40 minute short film, and I think it would’ve worked better that way. At 72 minutes, the movie goes by fast, giving off a vibe of trying to rush to the end. Overall, Blood Junkie has some glaring flaws, but the effort put into it almost makes the experience worth it.

     

    Buy Blood Junkie from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SYOuox.

    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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