Category Archives: conventions

Underground Wisconsin filmmaker releases entire catalog for streaming and rent online.

0
Posted on by

Crew

 

IDS Rising

 

ids_rising_amber_movie_poster_by_joypadmaster-d5dlgj3

MADISON, WI- Writer/Director Cory J. Udler, most known for his “Incest Death Squad” trilogy and his work with legendary grindhouse icon Ted V. Mikels, has released all of his films, including 2011’s “MEDIATRIX” in online format for rent and download at the official ShaLenn Productions, LLC website, INCESTDEATHSQUAD.com.

Udler, who has not gone with an established distributor for any of his films, wanted to embrace the new opportunities for rent and download capabilities for his movies on the hosting site VIMEO for a variety of reasons.

“First and foremost”, Udler said, “this is the way people are watching movies.  Everyone’s busy, on the run, and instead of having to order a DVD and wait for it to arrive and then have to watch it in front of the TV, people want to snag a movie any way they can when it’s convenient for them.  In addition, I have a great bunch of fans of the movies overseas and the shipping costs as of the first of the year have made me have to ask those folks for more money for shipping.  The shipping costs more than the movies!  So this is a very exciting way for me to reach more people at a lowered price and a more convenient viewing option for them as well.”

Udler’s first feature in 2009, “Incest Death Squad”, was celebrated by underground film fans and panned by critics making it a “cult film”, a title that Udler denies.

“I don’t decide if the movies are “cult” or not.  An audience decides that.  But I’ve had everything from people tattooing “IDS” on their bodies, to people telling me that my movies are a sort of “test” for their friends, to see if they are worthy of hanging out with.  It’s pretty wild for a no budget movie that, as I look back on it, seems disjoined and strange, but yeah, people love it, so if they say it’s a “cult” movie, then great.  I just think it’s a weird no budget movie”.

The movie stars Lloyd Kaufman in a cameo role along with “Night Of The Living Dead” sheriff George Kosana, Elske McCain, Tom Lodewyck, Greg Johnson, Melissa Murphy and Carmela Wiese.

Udler followed in 2010 with a direct sequel and calls that film his “favorite of any films” he’s made.

2011 saw the release of “Mediatrix”, a departure from the horror genre to a “Christsploitation” movie.

“Mediatrix was based off a true story.  There was a woman in Wisconsin in the 40’s and 50’s who claimed to have been visited by The Virgin Mary.  She said she suffered stigmata, all kinds of wild unsubstantiated claims.  Paula Duerksen (star and writer of “Mediatrix”) and I took a trip up there when we were filming her scenes for Incest Death Squad 2 and on the way back we basically decided to make an amped up rock n roll version of that story”.

The movie stars Viscera Film Festival founder and horror luminary Shannon Lark as the Virgin Mary.  It also stars Kaylee Williams and Joe Hollow, along with Lodewyck, Johnson, Ukena, Katzenberger and Heather Renkin.

2012 saw him return to the “IDS” series and complete the trilogy with “IDS Rising”.

“Honestly, I just wanted to really slam the book shut on the “IDS” movies with that one.  I wanted to give the people who supported me and the cast and crew one more look inside this bizarre little no budget horror world we all created.  Some fans said it was the best of the series, and I’ll take that”.

Udler says there is “no chance in hell” of a 4th movie saying, “I have no idea how I’d dig these characters up again for a 4th movie.  After the first one I said no sequel.  After the sequel I said no third movie.  So, basically I’m a horrible liar.  But honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I have no desire to do a 4th movie in that series.  It’s over!”

All four movies are available for rent ($3.00 for 2 nights) or purchase ($6.00 for direct download) at INCESTDEATHSQUAD.com now.

Currently, Udler is a producer and contributor to Rabid Child Films’ “HOLE IN THE WALL”, an all Wisconsin based horror anthology featuring films from Derrick Carey, Greg Johnson, Rob Michaels and Carolyn Baker and other Badger State directors to be named later.  Udler’s entry stars “Night of the Living Dead” star Judith O’Dea and is titled “Ed Gein: D.D.S.”.

“It’s the goofiest thing you’ve ever seen.  Completely ridiculous, but a ton of fun.  And to get to work with and meet Judith was a dream come true.”

The film is scheduled for release in 2014.

In the meantime, Udler has completed his third script for legendary director Ted V. Mikels titled “Paranormal Extremes: Text Messages From The Dead”.  Udler has written “Demon Haunt” and “Astro Zombies M3: Cloned” for Mikels and considers that work his greatest achievement.

“I have idolized Ted since I was about 12 years old.  He is the embodiment of true independent filmmaking spirit.  I love him so much and respect him like no other.  It’s absolutely mind blowing to have written three films for Ted.  He’s the greatest of all time”.

“Paranormal Extremes” is currently filming, with Mikels at the helm, in Las Vegas.  A 2014 release is planned.  The other films are available through Alpha New Line Cinema at OLDIES.com.

Udler’s latest film “IDS RISING” is also available on Roku on Get Scared TV for free now.  The film includes an extended trailer for “Hole In The Wall” including a quick scene from “Ed Gein: D.D.S”

What’s next for Udler and ShaLenn Productions?

“I am working on a story and script with Derrick Carey now.  We’re taking it slow, not rushing it.  It’s completely insane.  I will say it has to do with heavy metal and Satan, but that’s about as far as I’ll go right now”.

Udler says the plan is to shoot in 2014 with a 2015 release.

To keep up on everything Udler and ShaLenn Productions has planned you can visit INCESTDEATHSQUAD.com or find Udler on Facebook.

Have you purchased your copies of “Jagoff Massacre” to give out to the family? If not, you understand the old you would have already!

0
Posted on by

Buy it at http://www.jagoffmassacre.com

jagoff

On a cold winter night in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, two local drunks by the name of Chosky and Stutch run afoul of a group of inept satanists. As a chase ensues through Pittsburgh, blood will be shed! It’s time to Red up Pittsburgh!
Jagoff Massacre
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl-poWn4E2E

Arthouse Horror Flick Coyote Releases Clip and Wins Awards

0
Posted on by

Here is a clip from an arthouse horror film that has been banned at several festivals and which has won awards at others, in its first public screenings: controversial director Trevor Juenger’s Coyote. The film stars Bill Oberst Jr. as an insomniac writer whose sleep-deprived hallucinations distort reality as paranoia drives him to extreme violence. The surreal shocker, which mixes arthouse and horror, is shopping for distribution and its first public screenings have elicited strong reactions.

Coyote

Director Trevor Juenger tweeted last week from a festival: “someone in the audience keeps yelling What Is This? and What Does It Mean? We’re going to give him an aneurysm by film’s end.” Juenger says a college screening of Coyote was shut down in mid-film by an administrator citing “extreme violence,” while another public screening in the director’s hometown of St. Louis had to be cancelled when the theater owner refused to run the film due to “extreme content.”

 

Coyote‘s IMDb page:

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2385041 shows 27 reviews, all positive. The film’s wins include “Best Feature” at the 2013 Unreal Film Festival in Memphis and three Feature Film Awards at Pollygrind Underground Film Festival 2013 in Las Vegas, including a Best Actor Award for Oberst.

 

Fans of the surreal and the extreme can decide for themselves once Coyote gets distribution. In the meantime, here is a clip that director Juenger says “may be my favorite sequence in the film.” It is the moment before Oberst’s character snaps completely.

 

The downloadable clip is available here:  http://vimeo.com/78862331

 

And for embed here:

 

Embed Code:   <p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/78862331“>Coyote</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/juenger“>Trevor Juenger</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com“>Vimeo</a>.</p>< p>This is an except from the film &quot;Coyote.&quot;<br /> <br />http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2385041/<br /> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coyote/207299646022159</p>

 

The clip on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWK7yrHTVGs

 

For download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vqt38l2tvxkkmbb/coyote_1280x720.mp4

 

Director/writer: Trevor Juenger.

 

Cast: Bill Oberst Jr., Joe Hammerstone, Victoria Mullen and Bill Finkbinder.

 

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coyote/207299646022159

Dealer table for Horror Realm 2014 is up!

0
Posted on by

Horror Realm, Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention, is pleased to announce that the Spring Break Massacre returns for a full weekend in 2014.

 

The show will be March 7 to 9 at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South.  Discounted room rates will be available; details will be released soon.

 

We are now accepting dealer registrations for the spring show.  The registration form with table rates and payment options is attached.  All tables are $125 (with a discount for multiples).  Wall space is limited and will be placed on a first paid, first placed basis.

 

This is our second year of a full weekend in the spring and while we are growing, we do not expect the same level of attendance as our fall show.  As a result, we are limiting the number of tables available to 50 to ensure fair sales competition and variety.  Our tables have consistently sold out so if you want a space, please complete the agreement and return with payment as soon as possible.

 

We can also offer sponsorship packages at various levels and costs to provide additional exposure for your business both on-site at the convention and through our pre-show promotional efforts using our proprietary horror fan mailing list, social media subscriber contacts, media press releases and collateral materials.  Benefits provided to sponsors can include naming rights, complimentary exhibit space and admissions, web site promotion, etc.  Please contact Sandy Stuhlfire at info@horrorrealmcon.com to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

 

If you can’t attend but would like to promote your business at Horror Realm, please contact us to discuss options such as donating prizes or giveaways, web advertising, etc.

 

Horror Realm is a small but growing convention with a reputation for being a fun, fan-friendly event with a relaxed and welcoming vibe.  Attendance has grown with the favorable word of mouth of our patrons, dealers and guests who have enjoyed our shows.  We offer some different and unusual programming, events, contests and parties to attract attendees.   The show will feature the dealer room, VHS viewing room, film festival, panels, events, entertainment and the return of our Zombie Gras party.

 

We are working on guest contracts and will have announcements soon.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy at info@horrorrealmcon.com.   Thank you!

I AM NO ONE will World Premiere at Days of the Dead- Chicago

0
Posted on by

Thanks to Jason Hoover and Jabb Pictures

 

I AM NO ONE poster copy

 

There were 506 murders committed in Chicago, IL last year.

Only 129 were solved.

Welcome to the horrifying world of Charles Lake.

Synopsis

This Documentary film takes viewers inside the chaotic world of Charles Lake. A normal enough man by day, Lake opens up to the camera at night to reveal his darker side. I AM NO ONE puts you up close and personal with a killer. Walk with Lake as he stalks his prey, stand over his victims as they lay dying, listen as Lake describes in detail how and why he is a monster. This film is an unflinching view into the mind of a serial killer.

Official Trailer

 http://youtu.be/WoGKTSZFkRQ 

I AM NO ONE will World Premiere at

Days of the Dead- Chicago

November 17th at 1:00pm

For more information about JABB pictures

Visit:

http://www.jabbpictures.com/ 

If you would like to arrange a screening or to request a screener copy of the film for review please contact:

Jason Hoover

JABB pictures

jabbpictures@gmail.com

Boom Promo 1

Gross Movie Reviews #301

0
Posted on by

Gross Movie Reviews #301

 

By Tim Gross

 

Invasion Roswell (SyFy Channel/DVD) – That damn government fucked up again and Area 51 was built for a reason as aging band of troops are retired after training all their lives for aliens. Seven years after being retired it’s a generic version of ‘Independence Day’ and makes you question why I still watch some of these flicks? I give it 0 stars.

 

Runaway (DVD) – Oh age may not be kind to Gene Simmons and this movie but Tom Selleck in his mustache prime and a pre-Cheers Kristie Alley gets 80s early teenager going inside yourself as Tom Selleck tracks “Runaways”. Or in the not so distant future for 1984… computers or robots that have gone fucking nutzoid! Tom Selleck is Sgt. Ramsey, a cop who takes care of Runaways and Stan Shaw helps him along the way to break in a new partner and explain to her why he is needed. Meanwhile Gene Simmons plays himself aka an asshole aka Dr. Luther who makes exploding missile bullets and has just stolen templates to make rogue computer chips. If you were always looking for that warm up film to ‘Robocop’ this fun 1984 film is it as I give the dated flick 2 ½ stars.

 

Ghost Shark (SyFy Channel/DVD) – It stars mother fucking Richard Moll and has a scene where a shark kills a dude from being in a cup of water and splits him a part. I am all in with ridiculously awesome bad shark flick. I give it 3 stars.

RaceWarPoster2-331x500

Race War: The Remake (DVD) – Only hearing about this film recently on our podcast show Bloodbaths and Boomsticks from T-shirt Joe Garcia, words could not describe what this crazy, off the wall independent film is. This film is either the greatest current film to explain tensions between race and cultural differences or one of the best independent films of 2013 that doesn’t give a fuck who it offends as it throws all the races of mankind under the bus and had me laughing all the way! Tom Martino of DWN Productions (www.dwnproductions.net) expanded his award winning short film into a feature like no other as the plot revolves around a character named “Soda” who sells the best crack in town and has the help of his best friend “G.E.D”… And do not even ask about “Black Kreecha” aka a dude in a Creature from Black Lagoon mask with a Hawaiian shirt or it will ruin the ending for you. But for the most part the rest of plot revolves around Soda fighting off white demons who are trying to take over his territory. This of course leads to the best scene of an independent film in 2013 where Soda fights a white dude in Mortal Kombat montage game scene and when Soda wins it says, “HATE CRIME”! This strange but very entertaining film will have you questioning your own reality, as I give this flick 3 ½ out of 4 stars! You can purchase the DVD at www.wildeyereleasing.com and for more on Tom Martino go check out www.dwnproductions.net as you will find the greatest horror icon mask available there ever… Jack Frost the Killer Snowman!

 

Cheeseballs (DVD) – Tom Martino and friends are back together for an anthology that I declare wasn’t made for anybody to watch sober. With Lloyd Kaufman introducing all six segments your will be reduced to mush as it features a man-eating pizza that butt fucks dudes, hooker ghosts, Black Aquaman, a Klansman played by T-shirt Joe Garcia, a fake T-shirt Joe commercial, A weird character named Sweet Hole Brown, and Black Spider-man who shoots web from his penis of course. This doesn’t come off by any means to be taken seriously as much as Mr. Martino is entertaining himself and others that can last through this project drunk or high? If you like early Low Budget Pictures films you may like this also as I give it an entertaining 2 out of 4 stars. You can find out more about it at www.dwnproductions.net .

Robocroc

Robocroc (SyFy Channel/DVD) – Parker Lewis aka Corin Nemac has thrown the gauntlet down to be the supreme end all of end all actors for SyFy Channel flicks as he faces off with Dee Wallace who just happens to be a top scientist whose experiment has crash landed into a zoo and has bonded with a big salt water croc. Parker Lewis is the zookeeper who caught the croc, “Stella” and is worried that the military doesn’t understand what they are dealing with until they all don’t understand exception being Dee Wallace as nanobots have taken over Stella and making her into ‘Robocroc’! Imagine a killer croc version of ‘Jason X’ or they just decided fuck it we are remaking ‘Project: Metalbeast’ with a crocodile? Either way first half of the film is awesome and second half is boring and lacks any excitement until Dee Wallace goes all Superstar Billy Graham on a supporting character. Give the film 2 stars.

 

Any comments or questions please send to: GrossMovieReview@verizon.net, GrossMovieReview@aol.com or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews . Remember folks always support your local independent movie theater, independent video store, and independent filmmakers! It will keep horror alive………

You can always visit and see some past reviews at: www.grossmoviereviews.com !!!

You can purchase my latest book from Library of the Living Dead Press called, “The Big Ass Book of Gross Movie Reviews” at www.amazon.com .

Don’t forget you can also hear Kyle Poling and I talking about horror flicks on a weekly basis on the Bloodbaths and Boomsticks podcast at http://bloodbathsandboomsticks.blogspot.com/

Plus you can always go to the greatest T-shirt place online or if you are in Texas visit the store of “Fast Custom Shirts” where T-shirt Joe is the only place that you can purchase a Gross Movie Reviews t-shirt but also Cannibal Campout, Woodchipper Massacre, and Spookies T-shirts also!!!! Go towww.fastcustomshirts.com for details.

One more thing… Don’t forget Jagoff Massacre is coming September 20th, 2013 at Horror Realm. Stay tuned for details at https://www.facebook.com/JagoffMassacre !!!

Gross Movie Reviews #300

0
Posted on by

Gross Movie Reviews #300

 

By Tim Gross

 Bleed

Bleed (DVD) – A film that was released in 2002 under the Shadow Films label aka Full Moon Pictures that stars the beyond talented Debbie Rochon as a woman named Maddy who is the new girl in the office after a tragic murder of one its members recently happened. Soon Maddy becomes a suspect of other office workers being murdered after she is told a fake story of “The Murder Club” where each member works its way up to murder in order to be part of this exclusive club. The film seems like a cut and dry modern slasher but has enough twists and turns to keep even the most hardcore horror fan interested in this low budget fare. What also makes the film fun to watch are cameos by Brinke Stevens and Lloyd Kaufman playing Maddy’s parents when they were younger! Awesome shit! It is very rare to see Mr. Kaufman in a straight role, as many times you catch him in a very low budget independent film, “insert title here” being himself and pumping up the film and Troma for 30 seconds. Plus, it’s cool to see most likely the office used is the Full Moon offices as you can clearly see ‘Curse of Puppet Master’ and a ‘Parasite’ poster in the hallway among many others. I give the flick 3 stars.

 

Witchouse (DVD) – Directed by David Decoteau in 1999 is not a mere ‘Night of the Demons’ throw away but more of a fun horror romp that may have taken a cue or two from Tinney’s masterpiece on a much smaller budget. The supposedly creepy college girl Elizabeth has invited friends to a party that just happens to be a ritual she is performing to bring back an evil witch named Lilith. The friends soon learned they are not just there to get drunk and bang like bunny rabbits. They are all decedents of those who burned Lilith at the stake. A cool alternate horror film pick when looking for films to watch on a rainy weekend. I give the flick 2 ½ stars.

 

Witchouse 2: Blood Coven (DVD) – A year after the first film, J.R. Bookwalter directed this sequel that was hugely influenced by ‘Blair Witch Project’ that was white hot at the time. An old house is being destroyed to make room for a new shopping mall and some remains have been found on the property. Some college students and their professor are invited to the site to investigate and soon find out that remains may belong to a famous witch named Lilith and her friends or coven. When trying to get a DNA sample the professor cuts herself and almost instantly becomes possessed by the spirit of the evil witch and begins her killing spree. Not a great follow up but has a couple highlights: Jeff Burr appearance as a man on the street asked about witches and Andrew Prine as a man who is a witch hunter. Prine’s character explains the town made a pact with Lilith and her coven hundreds of years ago when a plague hit. And now they are back to start their coven again. I give the flick 1 ½ stars.

 

Witchouse 3: Demon Fire (DVD) – This film was again filmed a year later and by J.R. Bookwalter also where this time Bookwalter and crew take a totally different approach to the Lilith witch legend and throws in a good cast in Debbie Rochon, Tina Krause, Brinke Stevens, and Tanya Dempsey for good measure. This may the best of the three films as Debbie Rochon and best friend played by Tina Krause are making a documentary about witches and witch related things and to see if witchcraft is real? Debbie’s sister played by Tanya Dempsey has a falling out with her boyfriend and they all decide to do a séance, coven circle, whatever you wanna call it as Debbie’s character wants it for her documentary. She reads from a fake book of spells and says a few lines but a pissed off Lilith played by Brinke Stevens shows up and has plans of her own. Weird shit continues to happen to the three women after the weird event and keeps you the viewer on your toes of whether Lilith actually exists or not. Great low budget flick worth rewatching again as I give 3 stars.

Goobers

Goobers! (DVD) – The film was originally released in 1997 as ‘Mystery Monsters’ where Charles Band began a line of kid’s films in the 90s when things at Full Moon was going great. The film was recently rereleased under a new name ‘Goobers!’ Apparently, the drunk Happ Abby from the ‘Trancers’ films plays an asshole Cap’n Mike in a kid’s puppet show where the three puppets move around like they have a life of its own? Cap’n Mike went to a different dimension which is not explained and steals these monsters, goobers, puppets… whatever you wanna call them off of an evil woman that will stop at nothing to imprison them again. The evil woman is known as Executive Producer Mara. It’s a kid’s film so keep that in mind when watching it. A new kid is on set and has yet to hit puberty because when they do Cap’n Mike gets rid of them. But this new kid is very curious about the supernatural monsters and learns they are being kept against their will and vows to help them. A great flick for hardcore Full Moon fans to seek out. I give it 3 stars.

 

Shandar the Shrunken City (DVD) – Another Full Moon film that is now under Charles Band’s Moonbeam Films label and was released under a different title in 1998 “The Shrunken City”. Two kids named George and Lori go searching around a construction site where George believes he found something cool there. When they go searching they just happen to find a shrunken city in a globe that just so happens to have live people in it that have been sleeping for the last 26,000 years and on the run from some assassins called the OOD! But years ago the bootleg ‘Krull’ creatures aka robot extras from ‘Dollman’ aka used monster masks from Full Moon’s ‘Oblivion’ found the peaceful city of Shandar and tried to destroy it. In hopes of a better future the inhabitants decided to shrink the city and were not able to be found until now. With the power source lost and the OOD hot the trail of Shandar it is up to George and Lori to save them from the OOD and find the power source so the city expands to its original size and destroy their small town. I give the kid’s flick 2 ½ stars.

 

Night at the Magic Museum (DVD) – Another Full Moon film that has been rereleased recently that was originally called, ‘Mystery Museum’ in 1999. The story begins in 1632 where a sorcerer imprisons some evil dudes in a painting as they were about to destroy a village for the “Jewel of Polaris”. Hundreds of years later the painting just happens to be in a museum where a young lady named Kim works at and she just happens to have her younger brother Ben with her and during a stormy night at the museum lightning opens a portal between the painting and our world sending them to 1632. Ben and Kim need the help of their little sister back in present time and some help from the villagers to make sure the evil dudes don’t kill them before they find the “Jewel of Polaris”. Not as good as the other Moonbeam Film releases but if you are going to have a Full Moon film weekend you got to include the ones most people don’t know about as I give this film 1 ½ stars.

 

Decadent Evil (DVD) – A disappointing horror film starring Phil Fondacaro as Ivan the vampire hunter who tracks down a lady head vamp named Morella to a strip club called, “Visions”. The strippers are all vamps and use the club to feed and help Morella get 10000 souls. If she accomplishes this goal she can become immortal. The film is 65 minutes long and between the flashbacks of the film ‘Vampire Journals’ and random footage of strippers, and credits you may have 30 minutes of an actual horror movie. Not even the cool puppet named Marvin that just so happens to be the father of Ivan the vampire hunter will keep you interested in this mess! I give the film 1 star.

 

Decadent Evil 2 (DVD) – The sequel to very disappointing vampire flick of the same name picks up a year or so later where the vamp stripper Sugar and her boyfriend are searching for a way to change Marvin back to normal. What makes the film insulting is Mr. Band gets a bootleg Phil Fondacaro aka Ricardo Gill to play an undead Ivan the vampire hunter who just happens to be carried around in a suitcase. Apparently, Sugar and her boyfriend find another strip club that just happens to have another head vamp going for 10000 souls. Honestly, this film is crap and that is the best way to say it. I give it 1 star.

dangerous-worry-dolls

Dangerous Worry Dolls (DVD) – A Full Moon film that is about a woman named Eva who is in a women’s detention center and just trying to do her time and get out and starting over. Of course the long term inmates have taken a liking to Eva and trying to force her to be their drug mule, plus she has been harassed by a coked up security officer. But Eva’s daughter during visiting day gives her a present: Worry Dolls. Supposedly the legend is you put the small figures under your pillow at night and they take all your worries away. Eva does this that night and feels 100% better the next day. But Eva doesn’t understand she is becoming possessed by the Worry Dolls that make her break a woman’s arm in three places and wants to start trouble for those who made her life miserable inside the detention center. Or as I like to describe this film: Charles Band remakes ‘Reform School Girls’! I give the film 2 ½ stars.

 

Gangsters, Guns, and Zombies (DVD) – A UK zombie film that revolves five thugs who just happen to rob a bank when a zombie apocalypse breaks out and we have running zombies everywhere. Most of the film is spent with the thugs mostly driving a countryside looking for a safe house and getting attacked by zombies every time they make a stop. Nothing new happens in the film but have a feeling zombie fans will be more than happy to add another sub-par zombie film to their collections as I give it 1 ½ stars.

World Gone Wild

World Gone Wild (VHS) – Another little known late 80s film that is set in 2087 and apparently Bruce Dern and Catherine Mary (Night of the Comet fame) Stewart help a small village called “Lost Wells” go 75 years after the major war started and almost wiped out humanity. With a new threat of a man who brainwashes young men into his religion and tries to seek more in the wastelands, Dern decides it is time to go the ruins called the city in order to find an old friend in Michael Pare to help him save his peaceful village. Another film that makes you wonder who in Hollywood actually knows what they are doing as another cool film with a little help would most likely have found its audience in 1988. I give the apocalyptic flick 3 stars.

 

Any comments or questions please send to: GrossMovieReview@verizon.net, GrossMovieReview@aol.com or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews . Remember folks always support your local independent movie theater, independent video store, and independent filmmakers! It will keep horror alive………

You can always visit and see some past reviews at: www.grossmoviereviews.com !!!

You can purchase my latest book from Library of the Living Dead Press called, “The Big Ass Book of Gross Movie Reviews” at www.amazon.com .

Don’t forget you can also hear Kyle Poling and I talking about horror flicks on a weekly basis on the Bloodbaths and Boomsticks podcast at http://bloodbathsandboomsticks.blogspot.com/

Plus you can always go to the greatest T-shirt place online or if you are in Texas visit the store of “Fast Custom Shirts” where T-shirt Joe is the only place that you can purchase a Gross Movie Reviews t-shirt but also Cannibal Campout, Woodchipper Massacre, and Spookies T-shirts also!!!! Go towww.fastcustomshirts.com for details.

One more thing… Don’t forget Jagoff Massacre is coming September 20th, 2013 at Horror Realm. Stay tuned for details at https://www.facebook.com/JagoffMassacre !!!

Gross Movie Reviews #299

0
Posted on by

Gross Movie Reviews #299

 

By Tim Gross

 

The Island of Dr. Moreau (DVD/Remake) – This is the film adaption from 1977 starring Burt Lancaster as Dr. Moreau. Now, it’s not exactly the best film but it is better than that abomination that starred Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer in the 90s. Plus, I always had a soft spot in my heart for this one just because I liked the creatures in it. You know the story a man (Michael York) is shipwrecked on an island where its dwellers or neither exactly man or beast except for Dr. Moreau, his bodyguard, and a beautiful woman played by Barbara Carrera who you are not entirely sure if she is completely human? The half beast half human creatures which look awesome for 1977 have rules that have been taught by Dr. Moreau who isolated himself from the world since no one understands his genetic research. The film is a little dated but still carries the message of “if you play god, you are bound to get fucking lynched by your creations”… Like I said cool creatures, story never gets old, and Val Kilmer is nowhere to be seen. I give the film 2 ½ stars.

 

The Vagrant (DVD) – A little known film from the late 80s that stars Bill Paxton as up and coming preppie guy who buys a house and has big plans. Problem is Paxton’s character doesn’t know about the disfigured hobo that breaks into his house to eat shit out of his sink. Paxton’s character starts to get so freaked out by the experience not only does he begin to sleep walk, he dreams of the bum played by genre vet Marshall Bell fucking with him And eventually trying to kill him. While Paxton’s girlfriend leaves him, Michael Ironside head detective doesn’t believe his story of the psychotic bum, and his best friend starting to believe his friend is crazy, Paxton gets a shitload of security installed to his home and becomes super obsessed with the hobo! A great “WTF” film that was mostly overlooked at the time for the mere reason that  you can’t really put in a category of what it is except for its weird and has a somewhat of a somber and unexciting ending. But do not let that stop you from seeking this hidden gem out and enjoying it for what it is… entertaining. I give it 2 ½ stars.

 

The Warriors (DVD) – A film that became famous and influence quite a few films over the years about summit for all the gangs in New York to meet in the Bronx. The Warriors got to travel a long way as they are from Coney Island. Once there the man that has brought all the gangs together is killed and The Warriors are wrongly blamed for the murder. Now it’s up to The Warriors to protect themselves not only from police but up to 20,000 other gang members out for their heads and might be their last fight if they don’t make it back to Coney Island. With their leader killed during the commotion, it’s up to Swan to get his gang back home. Along the way you have a radio DJ that narrates the film without narrating as she keeps score as The Warriors blow up cars, bust heads, and knock down some police officers to make their way home. A fun film that sums up late 70s New York and still hasn’t lost its edge when watching it over 30 years later. I give the film 4 stars.

Vengeance

Vengeance is a 44. Magnum (DVD) – As always the hardest working independent filmmaker Robert Elkins never rests as he releases his latest feature film that goes away from the horror genre where he seemed so comfortable with. This time around he gives us more of a grindhouse independent revenge flick. The film follows a character named Christi, a prostitute who owes money to a wannabe thug mobster who sends his underlings after her and threatening her life. Christi of course tries to make a run for it and along the way runs into a young woman from Farmville who was duped by a fake talent agency and was mugged shortly after. Once the underlings catch up with Christi and kill the girl from Farmville they torture Christi and cut out her tongue (which looked awesome). But before they can finish off Christi, a wheelchair bound war vet saves her and eventually trains her for her revenge against the thugs. I have loved Robert Elkins films over the years and feel he is a great independent filmmaker. But I feel this film has just been done one too many times and feel he decided to do this project a little too late. After last year’s “Revenge is Her Middle Name”, it seemed like the independent filmmaking world was changing again and leaving the grindhouse-style flick behind. But what else didn’t help was I felt the film ran too long and the girl from Farmville angle took up too much time to only have her killed off. It felt random and did not fit into the plot? I did enjoy the tongue cutting scene and enjoyed seeing the camera in the reflection of the hair dryer of the bus stop bathroom intentional or not. I don’t deny the passion of Robert Elkins I just feel his better work is in horror not grindhouse/exploitation. I give the film 2 out of 4 stars. You can find out more at https://www.facebook.com/VengeanceIsA44Magnum and   https://www.facebook.com/robert.elkins.5?fref=ts .

 

Evil Dead (DVD/Remake) – Yes folks, I did finally convince myself to sit down and watch this film. Being a big fan of the original three films it took me awhile to convince myself to watch it. Hell, I honestly thought it would never be remade! But when it became reality I watched the trailers and really thought the film looked creepy as hell. But once finished with watching the film I wasn’t so much disappointed as much as ‘ok’… Don’t get me wrong it is one of the gorier mainstream horror films in recent years but there was no creepiness in the film that I felt with the trailers. And we are talking I was gonna act like the movie never exist but I gave it a chance. The twitchy possessed people just didn’t give it that familiar feel of the original and felt at times the filmmaker tried to do too much like Raimi-style camerawork when there is only one person that can do that and that is Sam Raimi himself. For the most part it is like the original film but just felt like the soul of the original can never be recaptured. The film itself didn’t anger me at all. The film is ok, I was glad I got to watch it but my only problem with the film as I have said many times from the outset is I do not believe it will be memorable like the original but also gave me this horrible feeling like Mr. Raimi and his two henchmen collected a paycheck and do not care what happens next? Now, that can be petty on my part, I will admit, but I am at the point that I may not want to see a part four any longer… If you liked it, more power to you. Only thing I ask of you is come find me in five or six years and let’s see if you still like as much as when you first seen it. I doubt you will. There is something about the original that just can’t be duplicated. I give the film 2 stars.

 

Blue Collar (YouTube) – A very much underrated film that concerns union relations and the common man working at a taxi plant in Detroit in 1977.  The film has an all-star cast in: Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto, Cliff De Young, and Ed Begley Jr. And there is a lot drinking of Stroh’s throughout the film. Three men who seem to be best friends get an idea in their head that they can rob the union office for cash since all three seem to be broke and in need of money. They get the plan together and go one night and rob their union office only to find $600 and some change and a notebook. The notebook contains loans to Las Vegas at high interest rates. Things escalate from there as the three try to figure how to use this to their advantage. This film is brilliant as it starts off first as a comedy and then becomes a serious drama as it takes you inside of what it was like between unions, their members, and the big car making industry. This film shows Richard Pryor wasn’t this just one of the greatest comedians of all time but proved he could be a great actor if he wanted to be? I was surprised how cool and brilliant this film was as I have to give four stars.

 

2020: An American Nightmare (DVD) – I was warned this Travis Bowen directed independent film was bad but of course I didn’t listen and had to witness it for myself. Now, it helps even Mr. Bowen himself says, “it is bad” and knows his first feature in 2005 was filled many pitfalls and mistakes that he has learned from and continues to learn from in order to make better films as he has over the past several years since. The independent film has a great cast in Joe Estevez, Conrad Brooks, Lloyd Kaufman, Denise Duff, Dean Haglund, Amy Lynn Best, and Tom Tully. But the big mistake was blending these celebs from the convention scene and trying to blend it in with the film plot at hand and the plot is a strange infection has hit America and the president wants to move to Canada in order to lay waste to his own land in order to rid the world of the deadly virus. Aka a nuclear wave is coming… Like many independent films that use celebs at the conventions to pump up their cast and film, “sounds good on paper, but doesn’t translate well on the big screen or the straight-to-DVD” in this case. I give Mr. Bowen credit for thinking big and being passionate enough to make it, but also still having the balls to sell a bad film. Travis you earned my respect. And believe me your first film may be bad as many others are but remember I have seen a lot worse… “The Christmas Season Massacre” just to name one! I give the film a ½ star out of four just for having the balls to sell the film knowing you have done better with recent projects. If interested check out Mr. Bowen and company at www.eeriefrequency.com and https://www.facebook.com/travis.bowen.522?fref=ts .

220px-The_Wild_Hunt_VideoCover

The Wild Hunt (DVD) – The film begins with this elaborate sequence of fantasy and mythology as a woman is brought into a village where many men scream and shriek with delight as she has been brought to their leader Murlagh, so he may ravage her. Great opening scene that makes it even that much better when it cuts to another sequence where a character named Magnus questions his king and challenges him to a duel for the crown and there you learn its “LARPERS” or “Larping”. People who enjoy what is called, “live-action-role-play”. You perhaps have a brother, a cousin; someone you know most likely has done this? Well filmmaker Alexandre Franchi for his first feature-length film takes you head first into the larping world. The film was mostly shot on location at a role-playing village built in Quebec. The story revolves around a young man named Erik who has just been left by his girlfriend Lyn to go larping and Erik is left in limbo trying to take care of his sick father. Once Lyn is off on her own adventure we learn Erik has an older brother named Magnus who hasn’t been around since their sick father has come home and is huge into larping. Erik keeps having nightmares of his ex-girlfriend Lyn and decides to run to the mountains and save her from the larping scene. The drama plays out as Erik struggles with Magus’s world he firmly believes in and finds a common goal of rescuing the princess aka Lyn and surprise attack the evil larpers aka Murlagh and friends. The brothers begin to find each other again and Magnus agrees to even visit dad but that is all over quick when Murlagh goes nutzoid and others decide they want their world to become all too real as they go on “The Wild Hunt”. Franchi brilliantly blends together the real world and larping and shows respect to those who enjoy it. He crafts a must see drama of when someone’s jealously goes a little too far. Not to mention the great subplots of Erik and Magnus’s father and Lyn: is she bi-polar, a whore, just a plain cunt? This film has some great layers to it that has an ending that many horror fans would applaud! I give the film 4 stars.

 

Any comments or questions please send to: GrossMovieReview@verizon.net, GrossMovieReview@aol.com or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews . Remember folks always support your local independent movie theater, independent video store, and independent filmmakers! It will keep horror alive………

You can always visit and see some past reviews at: www.grossmoviereviews.com !!!

You can purchase my latest book from Library of the Living Dead Press called, “The Big Ass Book of Gross Movie Reviews” at www.amazon.com .

Don’t forget you can also hear Kyle Poling and I talking about horror flicks on a weekly basis on the Bloodbaths and Boomsticks podcast at http://bloodbathsandboomsticks.blogspot.com/

Plus you can always go to the greatest T-shirt place online or if you are in Texas visit the store of “Fast Custom Shirts” where T-shirt Joe is the only place that you can purchase a Gross Movie Reviews t-shirt but also Cannibal Campout, Woodchipper Massacre, and Spookies T-shirts also!!!! Go towww.fastcustomshirts.com for details.

One more thing… Don’t forget Jagoff Massacre is coming September 20th, 2013 at Horror Realm. Stay tuned for details at https://www.facebook.com/JagoffMassacre !!!