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  • The Best of Sex and Violence (1982)

    The Best of Sex and Violence (1982)

    [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=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite founding one of the earliest independent home video companies, Charles Band wasn’t a part of it for long. After starting Meda Home Entertainment, he started taking on more and more partners, including producer Irwin Yablans. Eventually, Yablans and his associates owned more of the company, so Band forcibly sold off his shares. The company was rebranded to Media Home Entertainment and continued for the next decade until 1993. Meanwhile, Band still wanted in on the home video market, so he formed a new label called Wizard Video. Charles started acquiring the rights to all kinds of crazy exploitation films to release under his new brand. After getting the licenses for so many bizarre movies, Band created a compilation tape of the trailers. He hired Ken Dixon to put together the first Wizard Video release titled The Best of Sex and Violence.

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    Synopsis

    Veteran actor John Carradine hosts this cavalcade of cinematic oddities, delivering snide comments with a dry wit. The compilation begins with two violent exploitation films, Bury Me an Angel and The Doberman Gang. Things get steamy with trailers for The Sin of Adam and Eve and the adult version of Alice in Wonderland. Charles Band also sneaks in trailers for his movies, like Cinderella, Fairy Tales, and Tourist Trap. For more extreme thrills, we get trailers for video nasties like I Spit on Your Grave, The Boogeyman, and Zombie. There’s a bevy of buxom beauties, either being sacrificed to Satan or shooting their way out of prison. We end with some blaxploitation, including Ebony, Ivory, & Jade, Dr. Black & Mr. Hyde, and some Rudy Ray Moore. Also, look for an appearance by John’s sons, David “Bill” Carradine and Keith “Tom Frank” Carradine.

     

    Review

    The Best of Sex and Violence is a hard movie to review since it barely counts as one. In terms of being a movie, this has very little production value, essentially just one actor sitting in a room. That said, John Carradine does his best to deliver his comebacks, even if he looks confused about why he’s there. It’s funny hearing him talk about working on the classic Universal horror films and working with Cecil B. Demille. It’s also nice seeing him with his sons making family jokes about borrowing the car or asking for money. Ken Dixon, who later directed Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, put a lot of care into making this compilation. He makes the trailers flow together, dividing them into segments depending on genre and selecting the best trailers. They even sneak in clips from Last Foxtrot in Burbank and End of the World.

    Of course, the main reason to see this movie is the collection of trailers for all these obscure exploitation flicks. You get tons of action, horror, nudity, harmful stereotypes, dated humor, and exaggerated acting to make any B-movie fan happy. With many of these older movies, the trailers are far better than the movies, though there are some exceptions. For instance, Tourist Trap, I Spit on Your Grave, Zombie, and any of Rudy Ray Moore’s films are worth watching. It also gives you a glimpse of the kinds of movies coming out around that time. This movie would be great for putting on in the background during a party, especially for cult movie fans. Admittedly, some of the trailers go a little too long, and they’re poor quality, but it’s still a fun watch. Overall, The Best of Sex and Violence is a treat for fans of obscure exploitation movies.

     

    Buy The Best of Sex and Violence from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F5BXNG.

    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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  • Manborg (2011)

    Manborg (2011)

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    In my review of Father’s Day, I talked about the low-budget Canadian filmmaking group, Astron-6. The group included Adam Brooks, Jeremy Gillespie, Matt Kennedy, Conor Sweeney, and Steven Kostanski, all of whom had various skills. Steven Kostanski had loved movies since he was a kid, having seen Terminator 2: Judgement Day when he was six. After making a series of short films, the group decided to put together their first feature-length movie. Much of the filming took place on a shoestring budget in Kostanski’s parent’s garage, making costumes out of trash. Kostanski co-wrote the script with Jeremy Gillespie, while the other members acted, worked on visual effects, and choreographed fights. Production began in 2008, but due to extensive post-production work, the film’s release wasn’t until 2011. At Fantastic Fest that year in September, Manborg premiered to a ravenous audience.

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    Synopsis

    The forces of Hell, led by Count Draculon (Adam Brooks), are invading and laying waste on the Earth. During the invasion, a lone soldier (Matthew Kennedy) tries confronting Draculon but is killed by the firing squad. Draculon’s forces have conquered Earth years into the future, and the lone soldier has been brought back as Manborg. Part man and part machine, Manborg sets out on a revenge quest as he wanders the streets of Mega-Death City. Along the way, he meets resistance members Justice (Conor Sweeney), Mina (Meredith Sweeney), and #1 Man (Ludwig Lee). Unfortunately, they are captured and brought before The Baron (Jeremy Gillespie), who sentences them to death by combat. Thankfully, our heroes survive and join together to take on the forces of Hell and save Earth. Will Manborg get his revenge, or will Count Draculon stop him and his friends in their tracks?

     

    Review

    Considering the circumstances behind its making, it’s impressive that Manborg came together, especially on a minuscule budget. Say what you will about the movie, but you can’t deny that the Astron-6 team put in tons of creativity. Everything looks incredibly cheap, but it has a certain charm to it, like watching a movie made by friends. You can tell the filmmakers had a lot of fun making this, even if it was challenging to put together. The low-tech feel reminds me of how the effects artists for Star Wars cobbled together whatever random junk they found. There is some crude stop-motion animation, costumes made with wires and pieces of plastic, and copious amounts of fake blood. It shows how much imagination was put into this and how Astron-6 had great potential to do more. Despite everything else I will say in this review, I admire what the filmmakers tried.

    Unfortunately, despite the team’s creativity and passion put into this, the movie isn’t very good. Everyone in the cast plays their parts knowing that they’re in a cheesy movie, but not in an endearing way. It feels like a group of hipsters decided to make an intentionally bad movie that takes jabs at genre cinema. If they wanted to make a parody, that’s fine, but being self-aware doesn’t always work. For example, the cast of Blazing Saddles acted as if they were in an actual Western, making it funnier. Not only that, but even at 70 minutes in length, the film feels padded to reach feature length. A better showcase of what Astron-6 could do with a low budget was Father’s Day, which I highly recommend. Otherwise, Manborg has its moments, but it feels like one of several intentionally bad movies that end up being just bad.

     

    Buy Manborg from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3y9AxLm.

    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 Taint (2011)

    The Taint (2011)

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    Since 1978, Park City, Utah, has hosted the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the US. However, in 1999, Troma founder/president Lloyd Kaufman saw how mainstream Sundance became and decided to do something about it. So, he founded TromaDance, “the first and only film festival of the people, for the people, and by the people.” Unlike Sundance, filmmakers don’t have to pay submission fees, and screenings are open to the general public. In its 20+ year history, TromaDance has showcased numerous low-budget, independent movies from aspiring filmmakers across the country. Two such filmmakers were Drew Bolduc and Dan Nelson, who met while attending VCU to study moviemaking. Since some audiences have complained about horror films being misogynistic, Bolduc and Nelson decided to base their movie around that. So, at TromaDance 2011, their debut feature film, The Taint, was screened to a packed house.

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    Synopsis

    In a small, remote town, the water supply gets contaminated with toxic chemicals that affect the men who drink it. Any man who drinks the infected water becomes a savage brute who targets women to rape and kill. Thankfully, Phil O’Ginny (Drew Bolduc) hasn’t been affected, but he must bear witness to the horrors around him. While stumbling through the woods, he meets Misandra (Colleen Walsh), who killed her husband after he tried killing her. As they travel across town, they must contend with the mutated men, who sport massive, pulsating erections. Eventually, Phil and Misandra meet Ludas (Kenneth Hall), a loner with a strange mask who explains what caused the contamination. They learn that scientists were working to create a chemical to give men larger penises, but the experiments backfired. With society crumbling around them, it’s up to Phil and Misandra to put things right.

     

    Review

    On the surface, The Taint is a gross-out horror comedy with crass humor, cheap effects, and bad acting. However, if you look closely, you’ll find a reasonably intelligent film that pokes fun at misogyny. Often, people label horror as a genre about exploiting women, so Buldoc and Nelson decided to satirize this. The men are cartoonishly savage and brutal; even Phil isn’t exactly a squeaky clean hero. Misandra is the only halfway decent character in the movie, playing a role fit for Sigourney Weaver. Still, the film works because it never beats you with social commentary but instead wants to entertain. There are so many exploding penises in this movie you’d swear that Anita Sarkeesian had a hand in making this. Not only that, but in true Troma fashion, numerous bodily fluids spew out by the gallons. It’s hands down one of Troma’s grossest movies.

    Drew Buldoc plays Phil as a goofy, snarky prick that doesn’t seem to care about much, and he’s excellent. He comes off like a stereotypical hipster, and seeing his nonreactions to the carnage around him is hilarious. Colleen Walsh plays the part of Misandra completely straight, which contrasts wonderfully with the insanity around her. The movie injects some 80s nostalgia but also lovingly mocks it, adding in silly romances and homoerotic workout montages. Admittedly, the plot can be disjointed since there are times when the action stops for a flashback, seemingly at random. Still, at just an hour and 15 minutes, the movie gets in and out fairly quickly and doesn’t feel padded. Most audiences will hate this, but if you’re a fan of gross-out B-movies, this is for you. Overall, The Taint is a message movie disguised as an entertainingly cheesy splatter film.

     

    Buy The Taint from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fIWL0z.

    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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  • Smile (2022)

    Smile (2022)

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    In 2020, Parker Finn’s short film Laura Hasn’t Slept gained much attention after winning the Special Jury Award at SXSW. Paramount Pictures hired Finn to adapt the short film into a feature-length movie in June of that year. In September 2021, the studio announced the film titled Something’s Wrong with Rose, with Sosie Bacon in the lead. After the studio announced the rest of the main cast, principal photography lasted from October to November 2021. An extensive round of editing and post-production followed, lasting from December 2021 to May 2022. Initially, Paramount wanted to release the film to their streaming service but chose a theatrical release after positive test screenings. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 22, 2022, followed by screenings at Beyond Fest on September 27. Now retitled Smile, the film hit theaters worldwide on September 30, 2022.

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    Synopsis

    Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) is a psychiatrist working at a psych ward in New Jersey with a traumatic childhood. One day, she meets Laura Weaver (Caitlin Stasey), a Ph.D. student claiming to see an entity appearing as people smiling. Despite Rose’s best efforts, Laura ends up convulsing before standing up, smiling, and taking her own life. After witnessing Laura’s suicide, Rose starts seeing people smiling and shouting she will die, making people question her mental stability. Things don’t get much better after her boss, Dr. Morgan Desai (Kal Penn), orders her to take a week-long break. As her mental state continues crumbling, Rose’s fiance Trevor (Jessie T. Usher) and sister Holly (Gillian Zinser) start fearing her. Rose is determined to figure out what’s causing all this and stop the entity, even as her life falls apart. Will she break the curse, or will she succumb to the Smile?

     

    Review

    When I first saw the trailer for Smile, I thought it looked ridiculous and would be laughed off the screen. Thankfully, I’m happy to report that this is not the case with this movie, although it has some flaws. Firstly, I have to give props to Sosie Bacon in the lead role, who carries the entire film. She has to sell her character’s mental anguish in almost every scene, pulling it off incredibly well. The rest of the cast does a fantastic job, notably Kal Penn and Kyle Gallner, who genuinely care for her. Admittedly, Gillian Zinser comes off a bit cartoonishly passive-aggressive as the older sister, coming off as unrealistically hateful. The movie tries to explore themes of childhood trauma and mental issues, and it mostly succeeds, but it occasionally stumbles. Still, the way they tackle these issues is impressive and strangely relatable.

    Parker Finn shows a lot of promise, with this being his first feature-length film, utilizing some impressive camerawork. Tons of overhead views, upside shots, and sweeping camera movements help make the movie feel much more dynamic. While Finn does establish some suspense and tension, the film has a few too many jumpscares, especially false ones. Still, there are plenty of moments when something creepy pops up in the background without an intrusive music sting. The movie takes full advantage of its R-rating, spewing gallons of blood and going for the jugular. Admittedly, the film does borrow elements from other, much better horror movies like The Ring and It Follows. Still, considering initial expectations, this movie is surprisingly effective and a perfect way to start the Halloween season. Overall, Smile has problems, but its strong performances, terrifying scares, and impressive direction elevate the material.

     

    Buy Smile from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4i2ZFcn.

    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 Smile (2022)

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  • Five Star (2014)

    Five Star (2014)

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    Born and raised in Brooklyn, Keith Miller is a writer, director, artist, and curator known for tackling racial issues. After making some short films in the early 2000s, his first feature was The Visit in 2006. He followed this with two more short films, The Fire & The Wood in 2008 and Prince/William in 2010. In 2012, Miller got his first massive exposure with Welcome to Pine Hills, which won numerous festival awards. The film won Best Narrative Feature at Slamdance and the Grand Jury Prix at SIFF, to name a few. Sometime later, Miller met a local man named James “Primo” Grant, a longtime member of the Bloods. Miller was so captivated by his stories that he cast Primo and some other locals for his next project. That project was the 2014 pseudo-documentary/drama film Five Star, which similarly earned critical acclaim.

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    Synopsis

    After being released from prison, Bloods gang member Primo (James ‘Primo’ Grant) wants to return to everyday life. He regrets being away from his wife and children and wants to compensate for the lost time. Meanwhile, a young man named John (John Diaz) wants to be a member of the Bloods with Primo’s help. It turns out John’s late father was the one who got Primo involved in the gang in the first place. While this happens, John develops a relationship with a local girl named Jasmin (Jasmin Burgos), and they hit it off. Despite objections from his mother (Wanda Nobles Colon), John agrees to do a run for Primo to prove his worth. Primo warns John of how dangerous this route is, but John is insistent on proving himself. It’s a tough life on the streets of Brooklyn, whether you’re a wannabe gangster or a Five Star.

     

    Review

    To get this out of the way, Five Star is slow and not what you would call “exciting.” This movie is a “slice of life” film rather than a dramatic thriller or a pulse-pounding action film. It’s about the daily lives of people struggling to survive in an environment that doesn’t offer many chances. It also shows how living the gang lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as some people make it out to be. On the one hand, you have Primo, a longtime gang member who wants to get out of the business. But on the other hand, you have John, who wants to prove that he’s cool despite the risks involved. Seeing two different perspectives on a similar issue and how experience can shape things is an interesting dynamic. It’s a great take on issues that aren’t often discussed in movies anymore.

    Considering the cast consisted primarily of non-actors, everyone did a solid job, especially since they add to the realism. James ‘Primo’ Grant nails the part of an aging gangster wanting to get out of the life he once knew. John Diaz works as a young wannabe gang member who’s naive to the world’s ways and aims to be significant. He has decent chemistry with Jasmin Burgos, and you hope they make it as a couple. Wanda Nobles Colon also works as the voice of reason for John, who tries to warn him about what happened with his father. Keith Miller does a good job capturing the urban feel and making everything feel lived in. At slightly under 90 minutes, the movie feels padded and slow-moving, but it’s still a fascinating look at urban life. Overall, Five Star isn’t for everyone, but a particular audience will appreciate it.

     

    Rent Five Star on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3SIagMh.

    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 Five Star (2014)

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  • Shadowzone (1990)

    Shadowzone (1990)

    [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=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Aspiring filmmaker J.S. Cardone got a lot of attention for his controversial 1982 slasher film, The Slayer. One of the production managers was a young Peter Manoogian, who later worked with Charles Band on The Dungeonmaster. Cardone met with Band through this connection to discuss ideas and was signed to a two-picture deal. At the time, Charles Band had just made his deal with Paramount to distribute, and they demanded content. Cardone presented Band with a script he worked on after The Slayer, and Charles offered him $1 million to produce. As part of the deal, Cardone got to bring his producer wife Carol Kottenbrook and FX artist Mark Shostrom. With a twenty-four-day shooting schedule, Cardone had complete creative control to make the film he wanted to make. After a New York City premiere in January 1990, Shadowzone hit video store shelves that February.

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    Synopsis

    NASA Captain Hickock (David Beecroft) is sent to the Jackass Flats Proving Ground to investigate a recent death. At the proving grounds, a group of scientists is working on “Project Shadowzone,” an experiment to tap into people’s dreams. Dr. Erhardt (Louise Fletcher) and Dr. Van Fleet (James Hong) are heading the research team alongside Dr. Kidwell (Shawn Weatherly). The team believes that sleeping in a deep EDS state can allow a person to access a parallel dimension. Hickock wants them to recreate the experiments to ensure they’re not life-threatening, but something goes wrong. During the test, computer engineer Wiley (Miguel A. Núñez Jr.) notices a mysterious figure, known only as “John Doe,” lurking. According to Dr. Erhardt, “John Doe” is a creature from the parallel dimension who’s slipped into our world. Now trapped with no rescue coming, it’s up to the team to survive against this interdimensional terror.

     

    Review

    Like many early Full Moon movies, Shadowzone is incredibly ambitious, even if hampered by a low budget. The film borrows elements from movies like Alien, The Thing, and Galaxy of Terror, but not in the wrong way. Cardone takes some familiar features and crafts them into a uniquely terrifying sci-fi/horror film. For one, it’s established that the creature can take on the physical manifestation of one’s thoughts and dreams. This concept opens up many opportunities for some decent scares and creative kills, which they take advantage of. Everyone in the cast does a solid job, such as David Beecroft, who makes for a decent leading man. The biggest stand-out is Louise Fletcher, who plays the well-intentioned scientist driven to the breaking point. James Hong also stands out as a scientist driven to ensure his experiments work despite what’s happening around him.

    Everything is here to satisfy any gorehound’s thirst for blood, from the creature designs to the gruesome deaths. With credits including From Beyond, Evil Dead II, and The Beastmaster, Mark Shostrom continues to do excellent work here. The production design is also terrific, with the sets having a rustic, lived-in feel, adding to the sense of isolation. You feel like you’re with the characters stuck in this abandoned facility, separate from the rest of the world. Cardone’s direction is on-point, using minimal lighting, dynamic shadows, and plenty of darkness to create a suspenseful mood. Admittedly, there are a lot of slow scenes, and it takes a while for the plot to kick in. Among Full Moon’s non-franchise movies, this is one of the more underrated entries and is worth checking out. Overall, Shadowzone has its issues, but give it a watch if you’re a fan of claustrophobic sci-fi/horror films.

     

    Buy Shadowzone 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 Shadowzone (1990)

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    [/et_pb_code][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Louise Fletcher, 1934 – 2022″ image=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/994975886.webp” alt=”Louise Fletcher” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    This review is dedicated to the memory of legendary actress Louise Fletcher, who passed away on September 23, 2022, at the age of 88.

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  • Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

    Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

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    Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as “The Daniels,” are a filmmaking duo who met while attending Emerson College. After making some short films, the two worked on music videos for Foster The People, Tenacious D, and The Shins. In 2016, their feature film debut, Swiss Army Man starring Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano, hit theaters to critical acclaim. The film earned numerous nominations, and The Daniels won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival. For their next project, The Daniels decided to work on a concept they began researching in 2010. After being introduced to modal realism in the 1986 documentary Sherman’s March, they explored the multiverse theory. Initially, Jackie Chan was considered for the lead before the duo cast Michelle Yeoh in the role. After a three-month filming period in early 2020, Everything Everywhere All at Once hit theaters in early 2022.

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    Synopsis

    Evelyn Quan Wang (Michelle Yeoh) runs a laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), but things aren’t going well. The laundromat is getting audited, Waymond is serving Evelyn divorce papers, and her father, Gong Gong (James Hong), is visiting. While meeting with IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre (Jamie Lee Curtis), an alternate universe version of Waymond takes over his body. This “Alphaverse” version of Waymond explains to Evelyn that the multiverse is in trouble, and she has to save it. Using “verse-jumping” technology made by her “Alpha” version, Evelyn hops through the multiverse, learning about her different lives. As she explores more bizarre universes, Evelyn learns the threat she has to stop is her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu). Using the name Jobu Tupaki, she’s created a black hole-like “everything bagel,” which can destroy the multiverse. Will Evelyn save the multiverse, and what life lessons will she learn along the way?

     

    Review

    For people who complain there’s no originality left in Hollywood, Everything Everywhere All at Once is here to challenge that. Sure, we’ve seen movies about the multiverse before, but never one quite as absurd and heartfelt as this. The film mixes science-fiction, action, comedy, and drama in a way that works on many levels. Given the concept, the filmmakers opted to go as out there and wild as possible, and the result is dazzling. There is so much trippy and bizarre imagery that it almost works if you put it on mute. Admittedly, it can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when the characters explain how the multiverse and each universe work. Still, this wildly imaginative film asks you to expand your mind to many possibilities, complimented by a compelling story. It’s a viewing experience that you won’t soon forget long after the movie’s over.

    Michelle Yeoh is front and center in this film and gives one of the best performances in her career. Not only does she get to showcase her martial arts skills, but she’s able to show her more comedic and dramatic sides. She helps to keep everything grounded and works as an audience avatar as she tries to navigate the multiverse. Ke Huy Quan, who’s most well-known for The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, is another highlight. While he initially comes off as meek and timid, he gets his moments to shine amongst the chaos. Jamie Lee Curtis and James Hong also deliver great performances, and Stephanie Hsu is someone to look out for. For as chaotic as the film is, it explores plenty of themes most anyone can relate to. Overall, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a dazzling spectacle with plenty of heart.

     

    Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C9T90g.

    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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  • Beyond Evil (1980)

    Beyond Evil (1980)

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    In my review of Graduation Day, I talked about filmmaker Herb Freed’s history as a rabbi turned movie director. As previously mentioned, Freed met producer David Baughn and started a partnership making horror films in the early 1980s. Not only was horror the cheapest genre of film to make, but it was also the most profitable. After directing Haunts in 1976, Freed wanted to make a more spiritually driven horror film, given his religious background. Baughn managed to acquire a small budget, and the shooting began in the Philippines in August 1979. Freed worked with co-writer Paul Ross, whose credits included Kitty Can’t Help It and Journey Into The Beyond in 1975. While working on the film, Baughn told Freed, “You know, this isn’t just evil. This is beyond evil.” That comment stuck with Freed, so the film hit theaters as Beyond Evil in May 1980.

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    Synopsis

    Architect Larry Andrews (John Saxon) and his wife Barbara (Lynda Day George) are moving into a condominium in the Philippines. Upon arrival, they’re greeted by Larry’s business partner Del (Michael Dante), who Barbara suspects is using her husband. It turns out she’s not far off as Del has them staying at a supposedly haunted mansion. According to local legend, Alma Martin (Janice Lynde) and her husband Esteban (Zitto Kazann) killed themselves inside the estate. Strange things start happening as Barbara has visions of a woman and even stabs her hand uncontrollably. Some locals, including Dr. Solomon (David Opatoshu), warn Larry that Alma’s spirit is trying to possess Barbara’s body. Despite Larry’s insistence on leaving, Barbara refuses, and soon Del and Solomon’s daughter Leia (Anne Marisse) wind up dead. Will Larry be able to save his wife and marriage, or will Alma’s vengeful spirit consume Barbara?

     

    Review

    Compared to Graduation Day, Beyond Evil isn’t as memorable or entertaining, but plenty is going for it. For one, the cast does a great job, with Saxon and George as the highlights. Saxon offers the same cool and calculated demeanor he brings to every other role he’s played. Like in Pieces, George is pretty decent, but she has moments where she amps it up and chews up the scenery. Michael Dante is alright as Saxon’s colleague/friend, but he doesn’t do much until 2/3 of the way through. Freed manages to inject plenty of mood and atmosphere with his use of shadows, colored lighting, and fog. As always, Pino Donaggio’s score elevates the movie by adding a mix of orchestral and synth styles. Unfortunately, for all the film has going for it, the whole thing feels lackluster, though not without some merits.

    The biggest problem with the film is its sluggish pace, making it a chore to watch. Some creepy stuff happens here and there, but it’s primarily a marriage drama that does play into the movie. Considering the ghost that possessed Barbara was a woman who killed her husband, there are parallels between the two. As I said, the actors help make it enjoyable, but the script doesn’t give them much to work with. It’s not until about halfway through that things start to get interesting as tons of crazy stuff starts happening. Supposedly, part of the film’s incomprehensibility was due to a series of reshoots done because MGM ruined the original negative. This would explain some of the hokey optical effects, which add a bit of campy charm to the movie. Overall, Beyond Evil has plenty to offer, but it’s a case of the parts being greater than the sum.

     

    Buy Beyond Evil from Amazon: https://amzn.to/48HwKGA.

    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 Beyond Evil (1980)

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  • Auditions (1978)

    Auditions (1978)

    [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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After a successful reveal in Japan in 1976, the VHS (Video Home System) cassette came to the US in 1977. With its ability to record live TV and up to 4 hours of playtime, people could finally watch whatever, whenever. One of the first home video companies was Magnetic Video, which acquired the license for some 20th Century Fox titles. While many other major studios feared VHS, Charles Band saw the potential in the burgeoning video market. In 1978, Band founded Meda Home Entertainment, named after his then-wife, and released titles like Halloween, Slithis, and Flesh Gordon. He also recognized the demand for original content, so he devised an idea he could make quickly and cheaply. He remembered some of the bizarre people who auditioned for Cinderella and Fairy Tales and used that as a basis. In 1978, Band released the adult pseudo-documentary Auditions under his Meda Home Entertainment.

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    Synopsis

    Around March 15, 1978, the producers of Cinderella and Fairy Tales submitted an ad in the Hollywood Variety. The ad was a call for “the world’s sexiest man & woman” and “the world’s most unusual act or personality.” The producers built two sets: a medieval dungeon and a French boudoir, and received hundreds of potential actors. Tons of eccentric people arrive, including shy schoolteacher Tracy Matthews (Bonnie Werchan) and the stud Charlie White (Rick Cassidy). Each potential cast member is asked to strip naked, describe their most intimate moments, and even please themselves. One of the more problematic applicants is Sally Webster (Linnea Quigley), who they discover is 15 and has her removed. As the day goes on, more and more people try out, and only the best can move forward. Who will get the parts of Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, and the comic relief for Fairy Tales II?

     

    Review

    Unfortunately, there’s not much I can say about Auditions because it’s barely even a movie. Sure, there are characters and a story, but I don’t know if those qualify, considering what’s here. The film claims that the people on screen are real, except that the credits ruin it. Granted, they probably would’ve been hit with at least one lawsuit if they had used actual people. It doesn’t help that one of the “plot points” involves a girl auditioning despite being a minor. Interestingly, this led to the film being banned in some countries, even though Linnea Quigley was 19 then. Then again, they would’ve had to watch the movie all the way through, which I can’t blame them. As a sex film, it’s not very erotic, as everyone strips naked, fools around, and makes complete fools of themselves. As a comedy, it’s hardly funny, with most gags falling flat.

    As not good as this “movie” is, it’s an interesting relic from Charles Band’s catalog perfect for Full Moon completionists. There’s also some commentary about how some people are willing to do anything for fame, even if unintentional. Plus, the movie is just so bizarre and odd that, as boring as it is, there are little moments that will stick with you. It might be the closest Band has come to making something sleazy enough to feel at home on 42nd Street. That’s more than I can say for some of the other drek Charles Band made, like End of the World. Honestly, I almost half-heartedly recommend watching this at least once just for how bizarre the experience is. Just prepare for nearly 90 minutes of people stumbling, stripping, dancing, trying to be funny, and rolling around. Overall, Auditions would probably be better enjoyed with friends and liquor.

     

    Buy Auditions from Amazon: https://amzn.to/43elkYo.

    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 Auditions (1978)

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  • Cry Uncle! (1971)

    Cry Uncle! (1971)

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    Today, most people know John G. Avildsen for directing classics like Rocky, The Karate Kid, and Lean on Me. Like many great filmmakers, Avildsen came from humble beginnings, having been an assistant director for Arthur Penn and Otto Preminger. His directorial debut was 1969’s Turn on to Love, followed by Guess What We Learned in School Today? in 1970. That same year, his film Joe, starring Peter Boyle and a then-unknown Susan Sarandon, was a surprise hit. On a $106,000 budget, the film grossed over $19 million and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. While working on Joe, Avildsen became friends with a young college graduate named Lloyd Kaufman, who was getting his start. They decided to start working on a film based on Michael Brett’s novel Lie a Little, Die a Little. In August 1971, Avildsen’s Cry Uncle made its way onto the big screen.

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    Synopsis

    Private investigator Jake Masters (Allen Garfield) meets with Cora Merrill (Madeleine Le Roux), whose boss has a job for him. Her boss is eccentric billionaire Jason Dominic (David Kirk), who wants Jake to help him with someone who’s blackmailing him. A cocktail waitress named Lucille Reynolds died, and it’s believed Dominic killed her because she tried extorting him for $50,000. With Merrill and his nephew/assistant Keith (Devin Goldenberg), Masters has to figure out just what is going on. While Jake takes a more civil approach to getting information, Cora gets violent instead, making him nervous. Along the way, Masters tracks down various prostitutes connected to Reynolds and sleeps with them for information. Before long, Masters and Merrill start a relationship despite her previous marriage, but things seem out of place. Will Jake be able to crack the case, or will he end up having to cry uncle?

     

    Review

    Before going forward, I should mention that I had never heard of the book, let alone read it. Admittedly, if this film didn’t have the talent attached that it did, Cry Uncle would’ve been largely forgotten. However, because future Oscar winner John G. Avildsen directed it, this film is worth seeking out for curious viewers. On that note, it’s also worth watching to see an early appearance by the late Paul Sorvino as a cop. Aside from that, this film is pretty clunky, with many jokes not landing and a heavy reliance on nudity. To the film’s credit, the cast is filled with some decent performances, particularly from Garfield and Le Roux. Garfield sells the part of a snarky detective who is good in bed despite his appearance. Le Roux makes for a great femme fatale and works great off of Garfield and Goldenberg.

    The film tries to parody many tropes in noir and detective films but rarely does it land. For instance, there’s a running gag about correctly spelling someone’s name early on, and it gets old fast. Also, another running gag involves a character with the last name “Caulk” that everyone constantly brings up. It’s unfortunate because there is an engaging mystery going on that you want to follow along with. Sure, it can get convoluted with how so many people betray each other, but that’s par for the course. Granted, some jokes push some boundaries, but those end up being the funniest just for the shock value. Much like The Battle of Love’s Return, it’s a silly comedy made by a first-timer who went further. Overall, Cry Uncle may not be one of the best comedies, but it’s one of the more interesting.

     

    Buy Cry Uncle from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TQlShi.

    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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