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  • Savage Island (1985)

    Savage Island (1985)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]When Charles Band founded Wizard Video, he acquired the rights to foreign exploitation films for very little money. Through his label, Band released titles from directors like Ruggero Deodato, Jess Franco, Sergio Garrone, Sergio Martino, and Lucio Fulci. Charles also used Wizard Video to release some experimental titles, including compilation tapes like The Best of Sex and Violence. Another experiment Band attempted was something producers like Roger Corman would do: acquire foreign films and recut/redub them. For example, Corman bought the rights to the Lone Wolf and Cub films and re-edited them into 1981’s Shogun Assassin. Band similarly acquired the rights to Hotel Paradise and Escape from Hell, two Women In Prison films from Edoardo Mulargia. Under the pseudonym Nicholas Beardsley, Ted Nicolaou shot new segments featuring Linda Blair to tie everything together. The result was the 1985 direct-to-video cheapie Savage Island.

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    Synopsis

    Having freed herself from slave labor, Daly (Linda Blair) breaks into the corporation responsible for her imprisonment. She confronts the boss, Luker (Leon Askin), and explains how her sister is still captive. We cut to flashbacks showing female prisoners forced into jewel mining, focusing on Marla (Ajita Wilson) and Muriel (Cristina Lay). When the women aren’t looking for precious stones, they’re beaten, tortured, and molested by the guards while also catfighting. One day, Laredo (Anthony Steffen) arrives to drop off more prisoners but is secretly working on starting a revolution. He helps Marla stage a prison break, frees all the captive women, and gets back at the guards. Unfortunately, things go sour when members of Laredo’s gang turn on the women and lead the remaining guards to them. No one is safe, everything is at stake, and only the strongest will survive on Savage Island!

     

    Review

    If what I just described in that synopsis didn’t make much sense, there’s a good reason for that: it doesn’t. Savage Island is one of the most confusing and disjointed movies I’ve ever seen doing this series. As mentioned in the introduction, this movie is essentially two movies re-edited and stitched together with some new footage added. What doesn’t help is that both films have very similar plots and almost the same actors playing different characters. So, an initially good character would turn heel almost randomly, and people would die and come back inexplicably. Continuity is non-existent, with scenes going between day and night and certain moments feeling out of order. What helps make these scenes somewhat watchable are the poor dubbing and some genuinely bizarre moments. Where else will you see a transgender actress biting the head off a snake used to intimidate her?

    Despite being featured on the cover, Linda Blair is only in the movie for about ten minutes. It’s easy to rag on her performance, but then again, she’s barely given anything to work with. In her defense, she didn’t want her name featured prominently as she didn’t want to fool her fans. It is worth mentioning that future magician/comedian Penn Jillette has a small part as a security guard. Ted Nicolaou, who later directed Terrorvision, Subspecies, and Bad Channels, has said that this wasn’t one of his proudest moments. To his credit, he did the best he could given the circumstances and at least made better movies later. Even at roughly 80 minutes, the film is a tedious slog that might be worth watching as a curiosity. But overall, Savage Island is a narrative mess that barely even qualifies as a movie.

     

    Buy Savage Island from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Savage Island (1985)

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  • Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

    Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

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    After the disappointment of Godzilla vs. Hedorah, long-time producer Tomoyuki Tanaka wanted to take the series back to its roots. In the early 1970s, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster and Invasion of Astro-Monster were rereleased and drew a large audience. From this, Tanaka decided the best thing was not to try new things but bring back fan-favorite King Ghidorah. Shinichi Sekizawa and Kaoru Mabuchi were hired to write two different drafts, stipulating that Ghidorah and a new monster, Gigan, were included. Jun Fukuda, who previously helmed Ebirah, Horror of the Deep and Son of Godzilla, was hired to direct. The filmmakers used tons of stock footage and music from previous entries and other Toho productions to keep costs down. This ended up being Haruo Nakajima’s last time donning the Godzilla suit, a role he had played since 1954. Godzilla vs. Gigan hit Japanese theaters in 1972 and American theaters in 1977.

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    Synopsis

    Manga artist Gengo Kotaka (Hiroshi Ishikawa) has gotten a job as a concept artist for World Children’s Land. Unbeknownst to Gengo, the park is a front for a group of cockroach-like aliens from the M Space Hunter Nebula. Using the park’s centerpiece, a giant “Godzilla tower,” they take control of the monsters King Ghidorah and Gigan. When Gengo accidentally finds out about the plan, Godzilla and Anguirus hear the aliens’ signal and decide to investigate. Unfortunately, the Japanese Special Forces mistakenly attack Anguirus, but he reports back to Godzilla before it’s too late. Godzilla goes to fight King Ghidorah and Gigan while Gengo and his friends try to stop the aliens. Things go south for the King of the Monsters when the aliens use a laser in their tower against him. Will the cockroach-like aliens wipe out humanity, or will the monsters stop King Ghidorah and Gigan?

     

    Review

    Sadly, Godzilla vs. Gigan marks another low point for the franchise, though it’s at least better than All Monsters Attack. At least the monsters fight for real instead of being the dreams of a young boy getting bullied. Unfortunately, the monsters don’t even show up until the halfway mark, and even then, it’s incredibly underwhelming. You can tell the budgets got lower due to the overuse of stock footage and the monster suits falling apart. For instance, there’s a shot where King Ghidorah and Gigan fly around the Godzilla Tower, looking like parade floats. There are also moments where you can see the Godzilla suit falling apart, having been reused in three movies. Considering Tanaka decided to bring in King Ghidorah, it’s odd that Ghidorah ended up not even participating in the fight. This movie does a first in the series: it shows Godzilla bleeding.

    If there’s anything positive I can say about this movie, it’s the design of the titular monster: Gigan. Despite the overall quality, Gigan’s design is one of the more unique monster designs in the series. It’s a shame that Gigan’s first movie ended up being one of the worst in the series. The movie’s biggest flaw is that it’s dreadfully boring, even with cockroach aliens disguised as humans. The human actors do their best with the material they’re given, but they don’t have anything interesting to do. Usually, the human story is secondary in a Godzilla movie, but even then, this one is exceptionally forgettable. Even at 90 minutes, the film moves at a snail’s pace to get to anything exciting. Overall, Godzilla vs. Gigan is not the worst movie in the series, but it’s up there. Hopefully, things will improve from here.

     

    Buy Godzilla vs. Gigan on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zKqwoG.

    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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  • Blood Hook (1987)

    Blood Hook (1987)

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    Minnesota-born Jim Mallon is probably best known today as one of the creators of Mystery Science Theater 3000. However, back in the mid-1980s, he had just graduated from college when he got a job at WHA-TV in Madison. Since converting to video, the studio had access to tons of unused film equipment, which Mallon decided to use. He contacted his old friend David Herbert to write a script based on an early short film. With a budget of $200,000, filming lasted for 35 days in Hayward, Wisconsin, under the title Muskie Madness. While initially planned for a 1986 release, the film had to be trimmed to avoid an X rating for violence. At some point, Troma acquired the distribution rights to the film and decided to re-edit and re-title the picture. In April 1987, Troma released Mallon’s film in theaters as Blood Hook.

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    Synopsis

    Seventeen years after witnessing his grandfather’s death, Peter van Clease (Mark Jacobs) returns to his hometown for a fishing festival. There’s also his girlfriend Ann (Lisa Jane Todd) and friends Rodney (Patrick Danz), Kiersten (Sara Hauser), and Finner (Christopher Whiting). While everyone’s preparing for the Muskie Madness fishing contest, a psychopathic killer is on the loose. His method of choice involves using a large lure on a fishing line to reel in his victims. While the sheriff (Paul Heckman) tries to keep the peace, our heroes scramble to figure out who the killer is. Wayne Duerst (Paul Drake) instantly distrusts Peter and his friends, while his son Evelyn (Bill Lowrie) thinks there’s something more. While suffering from PTSD over his grandfather’s death, Peter has to rise to the occasion and stop the killer. But who is this psychotic fisherman, and why is he catching people with his blood hook?

     

    Review

    Blood Hook is a ridiculous movie, and the filmmakers are fully aware of that, but there’s plenty of sincerity. One aspect that works in the movie’s favor is the location, an actual small town in Wisconsin. It’s the sort of homegrown setting where you feel like you know everyone, and minor things are significant events. Jim Mallon does a great job of capturing the beauty of the lakeside locations while adding a moody atmosphere. It’s worth noting that the key grip was Kevin Murphy, who went on to voice Tom Servo in MST3K. In addition, the movie moves at a steady pace, offering enough time between kills to develop the characters further. Also, the way the killer dispatches his victims with a fishing hook is unique, and each kill is quite bloody. There are also some disturbing moments where the victims are dragged with ropes through their mouths.

    The acting is hit or miss, with some standing out or coming off as a wet blanket. For most of the runtime, Mark Jacobs is a bland lead that makes dumb decisions that hurt his character. Lisa Jane Todd is likable enough as the love interest, but the other would-be victims are pretty forgettable. Bill Lowrie is easily the biggest stand-out in the cast as a crazed Vietnam veteran who rants about conspiracy theories. Don Winters also does a great job playing a friendly fisherman/bait shop owner who might be hiding something sinister. Also worth noting is Sandy Meuwissen, who is irresistibly cute, and her bubbly personality makes her endearing. The movie clocks in at 111 minutes, which is long for this type of movie, but it never drags. Overall, Blood Hook isn’t one of the greatest Troma movies, but it’s an underrated gem.

     

    Buy Blood Hook from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UkWKit.

    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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  • Llamageddon (2015)

    Llamageddon (2015)

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    While attending the University of Miami, Robert Horn shot a student film about a killer llama run amok. After graduation, Horn felt he could expand the short film into a full-length feature, so he worked to acquire funds. Thanks to a university grant, he earned a budget of $3,000 to make his killer llama movie a reality. To keep costs down and help some aspiring filmmakers, Horn hired around 25-30 college students for the cast and crew. Horn specifically wanted to use llamas simply because he had access to one that he could use. Horn wanted his movie to be an intentionally campy B-movie, and almost everyone used pseudonyms as part of the joke. For example, Robert Horn became Howie Dewin, and the cinematographer became Chet Steadman. After a limited theatrical run in April 2015, Llamageddon made its way onto streaming services later that year.

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    Synopsis

    On a far-off planet full of killer llamas, one of them takes a rocket to invade Earth. During the journey, the ship gets damaged and crash-lands near a small farm, and the llama kills the farmers. Meanwhile, siblings Floyd (James Earl Cox III) and Mel (Pinki Brainweis) are coming back from their grandparents’ funeral. While their mother has to take care of the will, Floyd and Mel must watch over their grandparents’ house. Mel takes this opportunity to invite several friends, including her boyfriend Trent (Gooch Jesco III), over for a party. While everyone is either getting drunk or stoned, they’re unaware of the killer llama stalking outside looking for prey. Soon enough, the llama starts killing off the partygoers in ridiculous ways, including electrocution, heart removal, and toxic spit. Who will make it out alive, and will this killer llama be stopped?

     

    Review

    In my review of The VelociPastor, I mentioned how I’m generally not a fan of intentionally bad movies. To me, films that’re supposed to be terrible feel hollow and artificial, like the filmmakers use it as an excuse. I gave VelociPastor some credit because, even though it’s meant to be ridiculous, it felt like the filmmakers tried. With Llamageddon, it feels like the filmmakers put little to no effort into making this movie. Granted, they had a $30,000 budget to work with, but I’ve seen several low-budget films that look better than this. The directing is flat, the acting is bad all across the board, and the effects are laughably terrible. The only legitimately good thing is the animated segments, which are amateurish but are easily the best parts. However, I can criticize this movie all I want, but doing so is a pointless venture.

    Everything in this movie is supposed to be terrible: the story, the characters, the effects, the script, etc. You’re not supposed to go into a film about a llama with laser eyes that kills people expecting high art. This is meant to be a horror-comedy, and I could get behind that if it were funny, which it isn’t. Aside from the absurd premise, most of the jokes fall flat and have been done better in other movies. None of the characters are likable, which I’m sure was the point, but it’s a lazy writing trope. Even at 69 minutes in length (Get it?), there is so much filler that it feels like it drags on. However, if anything I’ve described sounds appealing to you, you’ll have more fun than I did. Overall, Llamageddon is precisely what you think it is, but don’t expect anything more.

     

    Watch Llamageddon on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3U9wiIj.

    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 Llamageddon (2015)

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  • Killjoy Goes to Hell (2012)

    Killjoy Goes to Hell (2012)

    [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=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While the first two movies came and went, Killjoy 3 was more successful than Full Moon expected. Despite the profits, the studio wasn’t pushing for another entry, primarily because of how outside their wheelhouse it was. According to writer/director John Lechago, they built sets in Full Moon’s offices since they had no studio access. Filming lasted seven days, but Lechago insisted on one additional filming day, which consisted of 10 hours of shooting. While most Full Moon movies aren’t necessarily connected, Lechago wanted this to be a direct sequel to the last one. Several of the previous film’s cast – Trent Haaga, Victoria De Mare, Al Burke, Tai Chan Ngo, and Jessica Whitaker – returned. With a reported budget of $85,000, Lechago went all out on this film and let his creativity run wild. On October 2012, Killjoy Goes to Hell made its way onto DVD shelves for a rabid audience.
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    Synopsis

    The demon clown Killjoy (Trent Haaga) is taken to Hell’s courtroom to stand trial with Beezlebub (Stephen F. Cardwell) overseeing. Jezabeth, the Devil’s Advocate (Aqueela Zoll), accuses Killjoy of going soft, especially after letting one of his victims go. The said victim is Sandie (Jessica Whitaker), who’s been committed to a psych ward after witnessing her friends’ murders. While in prison, Killjoy meets Skid Mark (John Karyus), an aspiring clown demon who wants to be Killjoy’s attorney. Using Skid’s human blood, Killjoy summons Punchy (Al Burke), Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo), and Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare). He has them act as his witnesses, but unfortunately, the trial goes south, and Killjoy’s existence is in jeopardy. In a last-ditch effort, Batty and Freakshow use a magic mirror to bring Sandie to Hell as a witness. Little do they know that Skid Mark, Killjoy’s attorney, has his own agenda.

     

    Review

    Killjoy Goes to Hell is more of the same as Killjoy 3, for better or for worse. Lechago injects the same manic energy, irreverent humor, and cost-effective filmmaking that made the last Killjoy movie work. Admittedly, the script isn’t the greatest, with most of the dialogue either being exposition dumps or overuse of expletives. Some moody lighting, decent makeup effects, and exciting production design make it stand out. While this movie had a low budget, Lechago managed to make effective use of that small budget. But the film’s biggest highlight is Trent Haaga’s performance in the title role as the demon clown. Like in the last movie, he has the time of his life in the part, making Killjoy demented and funny. It helps that Burke, Ngo, and De Mare work great opposite Haaga, each having their moments to shine.

    Sadly, much of the human cast isn’t the greatest, but they’re not the movie’s focus. When Jessica Whittaker tries to act crazy by laughing constantly, it comes off as restrained and flat-sounding. When she’s dragged to Hell to confront Killjoy, her performance picks up, and she has some great lines. John Karyus is OK as the comic relief, but he can get annoying, though it feels intentional. Even though she wasn’t hired for her acting talent, Aqueela Zoll is stunning as Jezabeth, and she has some moments. While the practical effects are decent, there is some questionable CGI that looks straight from a Sega CD game. Also, this is the most extended entry so far at an hour and thirty-three minutes, but it’s not too padded. Overall, Killjoy Goes to Hell is a mostly entertaining, somewhat messy entry in Full Moon’s catalog.

     

    Buy Killjoy Goes to Hell from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • The VelociPastor (2018)

    The VelociPastor (2018)

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    While attending the School of Visual Arts in 2010, aspiring filmmaker Brendan Steere got an idea from an unlikely source. At some point, his phone autocorrected “velociraptor” to “veloci pastor,” which gave him the inspiration for a short film. Steere made a short film consisting of fake grindhouse trailers, one of which was for a movie called The VelociPastor. The video got tons of attention on YouTube, which inspired Steere to adapt the trailer into a full-length feature film. Between 2011 to 2016, he tried to raise funds for the movie through Kickstarter and Seed&Spark, but neither proved successful. Luckily, a private investor who was friends with his mother provided $35,000 to get the film going. The movie premiered in Portland in 2017, and eventually, Wild Eye Releasing picked up the distribution rights in 2018. In 2019, The VelociPastor hit DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services across the country.

    [/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=”4.18.0″ _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=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    While traveling through China on a spiritual journey, pastor Doug Jones (Gregory James Cohan) stumbles across an ancient artifact. Jones accidentally gets infected by the relic, which allegedly turns people into the “Dragon Warrior.” After having a series of nightmares, Jones wanders into a forest, turns into a dinosaur, and attacks some thugs. He wakes up in the bed of local prostitute Carol (Alyssa Kempinski), who explains what happened the previous night. She suggests Doug can use his powers to eliminate crime, but Doug doesn’t want to be responsible for killing people. That changes when Carol’s pimp Frankie Mermaid (Fernando Pacheco de Castro) confesses to Doug he killed his parents. After eviscerating Mermaid, Doug decides to kill evildoers despite objections from Father Stewart (Daniel Steere). Soon, a group of ninjas led by Wei Chan (Yang Jiechang) kidnaps Carol, forcing Doug into velociraptor action.

     

    Review

    Depending on your reaction to the title and premise, The VelociPastor will be either fantastic or stupid. This film is nothing more than a cheesy B-movie, and it mostly succeeds at being an entertaining one. Much like the original fake trailer, Brendan Steere filmed this in an old 1970s grindhouse movie style. There are film scratches, the occasional cigarette burn, and title cards in place of missing footage. Something tells me the filmmakers didn’t shoot this movie on film, but these touches help make it stand out. Also, while the movie is meant to be more tongue-in-cheek, every actor plays their parts completely straight. Greg Cohan makes for a great leading man, his performance reminiscent of Lon Chaney Jr. from The Wolf Man. Alyssa Kempinski also stands out as the hooker with a heart of gold and has excellent chemistry with Cohan.

    The movie looks pretty good for a $30,000 budget, with some moody lighting and decent practical effects. While not the greatest, the gore effects are decent, with plenty of throat-slashing and blood sprays. As for the dinosaur itself, it helps that the filmmakers took the Jaws approach and didn’t show the suit much. When you get a complete look at the costume, it doesn’t look good, but it adds to the charm. Thankfully, you don’t see the dinosaur until the last 10 minutes, and you’re so engrossed that you don’t mind. Usually, I’m not a fan of intentionally bad movies because they typically feel hollow and artificial. In this case, it feels like the people behind the film cared and wanted to make a fun, dumb movie. Overall, The VelociPastor isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it’s enjoyable if you like cheesy movies.

     

    Buy The VelociPastor from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3f6W4y5.

    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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  • Black Adam (2022)

    Black Adam (2022)

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    Originally debuting in The Marvel Family #1 in 1945, Black Adam has gone from villain to corrupted anti-hero. While he first appeared in Fawcett comics as Captain Marvel/Shazam’s rival, DC resurrected the character in the early 1970s. In the early 2000s, New Line Cinema began developing a Shazam movie with Peter Segal slated to direct in 2006. The studio approached Dwayne Johnson to star, but he was also interested in playing Black Adam around 2007. Production stalled until 2014 when Warner Bros resurrected the project as part of their new shared DC universe. After the success of Shazam! in 2019, New Line Cinema prioritized Black Adam, with Jaume Collet-Serra as director. Principal photography began in April 2021 and wrapped in August, with a surprise cameo filmed in September 2022. After extensive post-production work, Black Adam premiered in Mexico City in October 2022 before reaching the US later that month.

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    Synopsis

    In 2600 BCE, the tyrannical king of Kahndaq had forged a powerful item called the Crown of Sabbac. Cut to the present day, where archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) searches for the crown to keep it hidden. Unfortunately, the Intergang crime syndicate, who’ve taken control of Kahndaq, ambush Adrianna and her colleagues searching for the artifact. During the attack, Adrianna recites a chant that awakens Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson), Kahndaq’s champion, who slaughters the Intergang troops. His presence catches the attention of Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), who dispatches the JSA (Justice Society of America) to intercept. Consisting of Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), they confront Adam. However, they soon discover that Adrianna’s cousin Ishmael (Marwan Kenzari) is Intergang’s leader and wants the crown’s power. Our heroes must put aside their differences to stop Ishmael from obtaining the powers of Sabbac.

     

    Review

    Black Adam is a bit of a mess, but it’s an entertaining mess, largely thanks to its lead actors. Dwayne Johnson carries this movie, delivering a commanding and charismatic performance that makes the viewing experience more enjoyable. The film’s best moments are when Johnson uses his godlike powers to wipe out mercenaries in surprisingly gruesome ways. For a PG-13-rated movie, the filmmakers pushed how far they could go with the violence while barely avoiding an R-rating. The supporting cast also does a good job, with Pierce Brosnan and Aldis Hodge almost stealing the show from Johnson. When the JSA shows up, the action ramps up as they battle with Teth-Adam across the city streets. It is also entertaining to watch them argue about how the JSA doesn’t kill while Adam has no qualms. Plus, at just slightly over two hours, it gets the job done relatively quickly.

    Unfortunately, for all its spectacle and action, the movie’s story is weak, and the villain is unremarkable. The film doesn’t do much to introduce audiences to characters like Dr. Fate, Hawkman, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher. There is so much exposition dumped on you that it’s hard to track just what is happening. Unless you’re a DC expert, you will feel lost on who these characters are and what their backstories are. The movie tries to throw in a few twists into the story, but many of them are easily predictable. In terms of its place in the DCEU, the film introduces a lot that later movies can expand upon. While the story isn’t all that original or compelling, the action and performances make it worth a watch. Overall, Black Adam may not be the most excellent superhero movie, but it provides some decent entertainment.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “Black Adam” playing in theaters starting October 21![/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _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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  • Halloween Ends (2022)

    Halloween Ends (2022)

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    On a $20 million budget, Halloween Kills grossed over $130 million worldwide, significantly less than Halloween in 2018. Critically, the movie wasn’t as well received, earning a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences were more favorable. Despite this, the studio decided to move ahead with a third installment, which would be the last in the series. While the studio expected filming to start in the summer of 2021, production didn’t begin until January 2022. Jamie Lee Curtis filmed her scenes between January 25 and February 22, and principal photography wrapped in March. In addition to Curtis, Andi Matichak, Kyle Richards, James Jude Courtney, and Will Patton returning, Rohan Campbell joined early on. Before the film’s release, Curtis said in interviews that the movie would be “shocking” and “make people very angry.” After premiering at Beyond Fest, Halloween Ends slashed theater screens in October 2022.

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    Synopsis

    It’s been four years since Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) last stalked and slashed the streets of Haddonfield. Since then, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) has bought a new house and lives with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak). One day, Laurie meets Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), a young man who accidentally got a child killed years ago. Seeing the goodness in him, Laurie introduces Corey to Allyson, and the two start forming a relationship. Unfortunately, the rest of the town views Corey as the town pariah and bullies constantly attack him. One night, Corey is dragged into a drain pipe by a mysterious figure, who turns out to be a burned Michael Myers. Under Michael’s influence, Corey kills anyone who wronged him, and Allyson wants to leave town with him despite Laurie’s objections. It all culminates in an ultimate showdown between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.

     

    Review

    It’s a shame that the 2018 sequel/reboot was so good, and then both follow-ups were huge disappointments. As much as I didn’t care for Kills, that film was at least a Halloween movie, albeit a bad one. With Ends, it feels like the filmmakers took a preexisting script and threw in some Halloween elements. Halloween III: Season of the Witch wasn’t a Michael Myers movie, but at least it wasn’t advertised as one. With this movie, the marketing sells you on the last act without even hinting at what else happens. Like Kills, this movie tries to say something about the nature of evil, but it barely explores those themes. Admittedly, the idea of following a central character accused of something terrible and seeing his struggles has potential. The issue is that this idea isn’t fleshed out enough to make us care.

    While the story is weak, the acting is solid from all players involved, especially Jamie Lee Curtis and Andi Matichak. Also, Rohan Campbell does a pretty good job playing a sympathetic yet flawed character, but his performance feels wasted. Kyle Richards returns, but she hardly has anything to do, and Will Patton is utterly forgettable. James Jude Courtney shines in his few scenes as Michael Myers, and the ending fight with Curtis is well done. Unlike the ridiculously over-the-top kills from the last movie, the kills here are more subdued and restrained. Also worth mentioning is that Nick “The Shape” Castle and Diana “Darcy the Mail Girl” Prince have small cameos. As a standalone slasher, this movie is dull and preachy, and as a “conclusion” to a long-running series, it’s disappointing. Overall, Halloween Ends is a case of missed opportunities and failure to deliver.

     

    Buy Halloween Ends from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X1r1Gj.

    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 Halloween Ends (2022)

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  • Eating Miss Campbell (2022)

    Eating Miss Campbell (2022)

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    From an early age, South Yorkshire native Liam Regan took influence in 1980s horror films, particularly Troma movies. After buying a copy of The Toxic Avenger Part II from his local Blockbuster, Liam decided filmmaking was his passion. He got to live out his dream by working with Lloyd Kaufman on Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1. After working on Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High Aka Vol. 2, Regan went off to found Refuse Films. He made the short film Confessions of Peltzer, which premiered at TromaDance 2012. Regan expanded the short into a feature film, My Bloody Banjo, winning Best Horror Comedy at the Weekend of Horrors. He returned to Troma to help write Lloyd’s latest film, #Shakespeare’s Shitstorm, before moving on to his next feature. In September 2022, Eating Miss Campbell premiered in the US at the GenreBlast Film Festival.

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    Synopsis

    Beth Connor (Lyndsey Craine) is a 17-year-old goth vegan attending Henelotter High who’s perpetually stuck in a horror film. She can only escape if she kills herself, but she wants to do it in a memorably gruesome way. Meanwhile, Tusk Everbone (Justin A. Martell) and Nancy Applegate (Annabella Rich) hire Mr. Sawyer (Vito Trigo) as the new headmaster. At an assembly, Sawyer announces the “All You Can Eat Massacre,” an eating competition where the winner gets a handgun. Whoever wins the gun can kill themselves or shoot up the school, so Beth enters, hoping to end it all. However, things go awry when she develops a craving for human flesh and a crush on Miss Campbell (Lala Barlow). To make matters worse, Campbell is a psychopathic killer picking off the students and staff. Will Beth’s suicide be successful, or will her appetites consume her?

     

    Review

    The opening minutes of Eating Miss Campbell, where Beth talks directly to the camera, tell you what to expect. This film will be a self-aware horror-comedy that pokes fun at the tropes and conventions of the genre. But rather than just being a horror comedy, this movie also tackles some issues of gun violence and gender equality. Specifically, the theme of almost glamorizing school shootings is an excellent satire of news stations constantly publicizing such tragic stories. This film should come with a warning as there isn’t a single thing some people won’t find offensive. It takes dark subject matter like teacher/student relations, gun violence, and misogyny and twists them on their heads. Writer/director Liam Regan adds references to everything from Heathers and Mean Girls to Child’s Play 3 and Scream. Even the Rugrats-inspired opening credits add to its live-action cartoon vibe.

    Tone-wise, this movie is like a combination of 90s Nickelodeon and the splatter films of Peter Jackson. With so much blood and viscera spewed everywhere, this will no doubt satisfy any gorehound’s lust for carnage. To help offset the chaos, Lyndsey Craine gives an outstanding performance as the straight person reacting to all the insanity. Her snarky attitude and dry wit help make her endearing when this character could’ve been annoying in someone else’s hands. Lala Barlow also shines as the outwardly bubbly yet internally vicious Miss Campbell, and her scenes with Craine are gold. This movie doesn’t look cheap for a low-budget horror comedy, with its moody lighting and solid practical effects. Admittedly, the occasional CGI blood splatter hurts it, and some of the gags don’t land, but it’s still wicked fun. Overall, Eating Miss Campbell won’t appeal to everyone, but genre fans will love it.

     

    Special thanks to Liam Regan for providing a screener link to the movie: https://twitter.com/refuseliam.

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  • Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

    Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

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    While the original Halloween was a critical and commercial success, Halloween II wasn’t as successful. Despite grossing over $25 million, reviews weren’t as kind, with Roger Ebert calling it “a fall from greatness.” Still, the producers thought the film earned enough money to warrant another sequel despite John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s reluctance. They only agreed to return if they could make a standalone film without Michael Myers returning as the focus. With a $2.5 million budget, Carpenter hired Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass series, to write the script. Unfortunately, producer Dino De Laurentiis wanted more gore added, so Carpenter and director Tommy Lee Wallace rewrote the script. The hope was that if this film were successful, it would spawn a new anthology series of Halloween-themed movies. On October 22, 1982, Halloween III: Season of the Witch was released to an unsuspecting audience.

    [/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=”4.18.0″ _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=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins), an alcoholic, divorced doctor, is called into the hospital when a delirious patient arrives. The patient, shop owner Harry Grimbridge (Al Berry), clutches a Jack-O-Lantern mask claiming that “they’re going to kill us all.” That night, a mysterious stranger (Dick Warlock) goes to the hospital, kills Harry, and immolates himself. The next day, Challis meets Harry’s daughter Ellie (Stacey Nelkin), who reveals she found some strange information regarding his death. Their investigation takes them to the Santa Mira headquarters of Silver Shamrock Novelties, a company known for its Halloween masks. Posing as potential buyers, Dan and Ellie tour the factory and meet the owner, Conal Cochran (Dan O’Herlihy). Things go south when Ellie gets kidnapped and Dan gets captured while breaking into the factory. What Dan soon learns about Silver Shamrock and their masks will shock him to his very core.

     

    Review

    Halloween III: Season of the Witch is criminally underrated, even if it’s the furthest apart from the other entries. Since its release 40 years ago, there are still fans who’ve dismissed this entry simply for not having Michael Myers. Even though the marketing clarified that Michael Myers wouldn’t return, this fact still annoyed fans. Thankfully, the film has recently gained a reevaluation from critics and audiences, which it rightfully deserves. As a standalone film, it works as a supernatural thriller with some clever satire toward the commercialization of Halloween. As a sequel, the movie is removed from the first two as much as possible, which is its biggest flaw. If it were called anything other than Halloween III, the film probably wouldn’t have been as hated by audiences. Still, it’s the only way the movie would’ve gotten the green light, so its downfall was inevitable.

    As always, Tom Atkins delivers a charismatic and commanding performance playing an unconventional leading man as an alcoholic divorcee. On top of looking adorable, Stacey Nelkin makes for a great leading lady and has excellent chemistry with Atkins. Dan O’Herlihy makes for a compelling villain, coming off as charming and sinister, best exemplified by his speech about Samhein. While there are some gruesome kills, the movie manages to make them disturbing without being needlessly graphic. Not to mention, this movie does something you rarely see either back then or nowadays: they kill a child. Admittedly, the plot doesn’t make much sense, and there are plenty of plotholes, but they don’t hurt the overall experience. If you view this as a standalone movie, you’ll get one of the best supernatural horror films of the decade. Overall, Halloween III: Season of the Witch deserves its status as a cult classic.

     

    Buy Halloween III: Season of the Witch from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fW5JI1.

    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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