Gross Movie Reviews #635

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MR-9: Do or Die (Vimeo) – An action film out of Bangladesh that bases the film on a series of novels about an agent called “MR-9” or  a version of an international bad ass spy! Anyhow the CIA comes a knocking (Michael Jai White) at the BCI to hopefully use agent MR-9 to gain access to R&R Robotics or the Ross Brothers legit enterprise to stop Frank Grillo aka Roman Ross from blowing up some of the world’s most famous dams. With the help of MR-9 the Vegas event goes well that it has Ross on the ropes giving room for the CIA to close in and stop the brothers from pulling off a huge criminal event. This Bangladesh film has the formula down: Big opening, secret agent, lots of action, and give action film fans a quick taste of Grillo and White fighting at the end. The film isn’t perfect but it is a fun international action flashback to the solid 90s direct-to-video action stuff Americans we use to see on a regular basis. The biggest flaw might have been tacking onto the ending to set up a second upcoming film of MR-9 but remember this isn’t the usual American action film fare. But no matter what you got me wanting to see the next entry as I give this solid film 2 ½ out of 4 stars.

Invasion of the Space Preachers (DVD) – Here is a 1990 Indy film that has two friends (a dentist and an account) heading to the woods for a week of fun. On their way to the cabin they rented of course they find a wounded alien and take it with them. Once the alien heals up it turns into a beautiful woman to hang out and blend in with the two fellows as something fishy is going on among the locals and their preacher? The alien/now beautiful woman has come to stop the creepy preacher and its plans to wreak havoc internationally! If you have never seen the film it will be entertaining as hell for the independent movie fans if you are casual movie watcher, you better just move on as I give this fun flick 2 ½ stars.

Monster Busters (DVD) – A 2009 film out of Denmark that comes off as a ‘Goosebumps’ clone where grandpa tells the grandkids stories of hunting monsters in his younger days. Things seem normal until grandpa gets sick and taken to the hospital allowing for one of the grandkids to accidentally let loose a “shadow monster”. Once grandpa gets better he helps coach the kids into Monster Busters so they can recapture the monster that cannot be killed and understand and respect Grandpa’s stuff. The cute monster movie is family fun from a different country that is worth the search if you are a ‘Goosebumps’ fan as I give it 3 stars.

Lycan Colony (DVD) – Again no budget filmmakers, “If you are going to make a werewolf film you better have one hell of a werewolf costume?” In this 2006 independent werewolf film a young lady Sarah bites the new neighbor boy Stew for no other reason other to taste him… I guess? This goes down while Stew’s father is busy fighting werewolf extras that couldn’t afford costumes in a bar and he happens to find out the whole town they moved too is full of werewolves. About ¾’s a way through the film there is some non-sense trying to explain why the werewolves exist in this little town. If that isn’t enough for this mess of a film you will question “WTF you are watching” when you get to its weird video game bullshit to close out the film. And yes I am still not sure WTF I watched as I give this movie 1 star.

Death Rider: In the House of Vampires (On Demand) – The second project written and directed by Glen Danzig which I have stayed away from the first project as too many people made sure I knew how bad that one was. But I may get to that first project sooner than later after watching this? Anyhow, this western has a man, I mean vamp in black knocking at the door of a safe place for vampires with his virgin for entry. Mainly this vampire named Rider is there for revenge is the best way to describe this weirdly filmed western. The movie isn’t terrible as Glen Danzig seem to splash together the legendary Eastwood 60s westerns with Carpenter’s “Vampires” that somehow became a bootleg of a bootleg of “From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter”… without much happening. But what stands out to me more than the star-studded cast might be how this vampire film was shot as it came off as a high tech editing error or totally on purpose for some reason only known to Mr. Danzig himself? There is a weird delay or something? It is one of those movies that has the cast, the budget, and a script but totally unprepared on what to do with it as I give this project 2 stars. P.S. thank you Mr. Danzig for allowing me to look like a better actor than you, please people go compare and enjoy the laugh.

XXX-Mas (Blu-ray) – Johnny Duckett just happens to be a filmmaker of porn with his latest adult film production supposed to be this epic holiday porno like no other with all the bells and whistles! Duckett wants this production to start off a Marvel-like porn universe of holiday porn? Meanwhile Santa has just sat down to eat some cookies and watch one of his favorite holiday films on VHS. Santa sees something naughty on said VHS tape and makes a point to go to the porn set to assault all who are taking part in the porn shoot. Drew Marvick was perfect as the killer Santa! And it is always great seeing the talented Felissa Rosa and Jessa Flux but in the end it just felt like this independent production lacked the memorable staying power of a holiday horror movie other than Drew Marvick being a great killer Santa as I give this project 2 stars.

Debbie Rochon Confidential My Years in Tromaville: Exposed (DVD) – I was expecting a documentary but got a clip show of Debbie Rochon’s work with Lloyd and Troma. It isn’t a bad thing if you are a fan but never did a deep dive into Debbie’s work with Troma TV and Troma promos? Or ever been exposed to her work with Troma? The real treat might be the “Fangoria Trailer Park” extra that is on the DVD? It is a Fango TV thing from the early 2000s that horror fans may have never known about but would enjoy to check out. This was way before Shudder was a thing and how there were several horror outlets or websites taking a stab at trying to really establish a horror network. So by some chance you never been introduce to this talented actress Debbie Rochon this will most likely be a good watch for you as I give it 3 stars.

Aftershock (YouTube/VHS) – A 1990 post-apocalyptic film I have never heard of happen to come to my attention so of course I made a point to check this out. And kids I was not disappointed with its casting of John Saxon, James Lew, Michael Berryman, Richard Lynch, and Matthias Hues! The film is set in a world ravaged by war but still being controlled by something called the “Central Control Information Bureau”. This organization’s goal is to keep humans in line in this post nuke new world. Elizabeth Kaitan of “Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood” fame is an alien that has happen to set down in this mess and spends most of her time on the run from these Central Control non-sense guys or mainly John Saxon. Great cast but not much to the plot other than stealing from “They Live” of telling citizens to wake up and throw in an alien and we got our post-apocalyptic movie that I give 2 ½ stars.

Darkness of Man (On Demand) – An aging JCVD was an Interpol agent that made a promise of protecting a teenager after his mother dies. Now two years later Russell and Jayden get caught up in a violent street war between the Russians trying to take over the neighborhood Korean town where the old Korean mob has been established for decades. Think of a slow burn “John Wick” that has subtle ways of using some solid familiar action stars to blend this story of the burned out former Interpol agent being used by the Korean mob. Might not be the best of the JCVD catalog but might be his most plots driven to date as I give it 3 stars.

The Third Saturday in October (Shudder) – I quite enjoyed this throwback to a 70s slasher film as this one has heart with the music, the look, and the cars. Set in 1979 Alabama where deranged killer Jack Harding is being put to death for his killing spree in 1968 but has refused to say a word since. When Harding is electrocuted there is a man (Ricky Dean Logan) and a woman (Vicki Newton) that is witnesses of the execution who also wanna see him buried in the ground to be sure he is dead. But don’t let a good electrocution keep this killer down as he rises from his coffin to kill again and heads to the town of Hackleburg to restart his bloody rampage. Ricky and Vicki soon believe Jack Harding isn’t human but some kind of unstoppable monster. This is one of the few nostalgic slasher films in the past several years that have gotten the formula right! When watching your 70s slasher film makes me think of “Halloween” and “Phantasm” but also finds a way to give me chills you know you have made this horror fan happy who is old enough to remember that time as I gotta give this wonderful nostalgic 70s movie 4 stars! Horror fans that enjoyed “Late Night with the Devil” will enjoy this also.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Blu-ray) – Everyone new and old is back for this fourth installment into the franchise. They continue the storyline that something has to be done with the old containment unit before it’s too late? This also sets up a new ghost villain or phantom from an ancient orb that has not been seen in centuries is about to use the containment unit to help send the world in chaos and darkness. Once again it is up to the Ghost Busters to stop “The Death Chill” in this family fun movie that may not be as good as “Afterlife” but let me remind you these movies should have been made thirty years ago. So shut up and just enjoy we are even getting these movies as I give it 3 stars.

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews .

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 you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

Gross Movie Reviews #619

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Zero Budget Heroes: The Legend of Chris Seaver and Low Budget Pictures (Tubi) – First off in case the collectors need to know there is physical copies of this out there available. Okay with that out of the way this documentary hits directly in my wheelhouse where I have met Chris a few times over the years and of course he may not remember me but I do remember our interaction. I bring this up because they do spend some time talking about fan interaction, reviews, etc. But mostly the doc focuses on a dude in his 40s now that had a dream of making bad movies as a kid and have fun doing it. This documentary does a superb job of chronicling all the films, events, Chris’ life and feelings about making the films he does. This was wonderful because it allowed an Indy filmmaker to be vulnerable and if anything made me have even more respect for him now than I did maybe a decade or so ago. He is a great example of someone who has done it for many years, kept with it, and talks the highs and lows of those who stick around. Again going back to our interaction I will always come out and say I wasn’t a fan of his ‘Teen Ape’ or a few others early 2000s stuff. ‘Ski Wolf’, ‘Terror at Blood Fart Lake’, ‘I Spit Chew on Your Grave’, ‘Sexsquatch’, these were titles that just sang to me or made me respect what Chris was going for? The other reason I enjoy the overall career Chris: a) he is still doing it, b) but most importantly there is filmmakers out that can’t smell their own shit that outright dislike him, for that I got made respect Chris Seaver and his group as I give this fun and relevant doc 4 stars.

A Night of Horror Nightmare Radio (DVD) – This was one of those anthologies: damn if you do, damn if you don’t kind of things. The wrap around is Rod a radio host who tells scary supernatural stories while also asking callers to chime in with their own stories on the air. There is eight stories overall but the highlights for me was the third story ‘The Disappearance of William Bingham’ about if an inmate’s crimes have affected a family they can chose to have limbs or body parts surgically removed instead of death? And the sixth story ‘Into the Mud’ where a hunter finds a female creature out in the woods. None of the stories are terrible but feel like the stories could have been rearranged for a better flow and the wrap around wasn’t popping off the screen. But by no means this anthology should be shunned as I give it 2 ½ stars.

Possessor (DVD) – Finally got around to checking out the younger Cronenberg’s creation since I already dove into ‘Infinity Pool’ not too long ago. I know I am weird and do not do things in order but imagine a secret agency has the capability to use an assassin by brain implant technology to commit high priced assassinations? Let that sink in for a minute because it doesn’t sound that freakin far off these days. The story follows a woman who is very good at her job but the latest person she has jumped into is having side effects as there is a whole process to enter someone’s mind and she might not be able to be separated. This film follows her madness as she tries to reclaim what she was… kind of? Or imagine this was a true sequel to his father’s work ‘Scanners’? It is in the same world but the Scanners aka Michael Ironside at the end of the original has died off or gone completely underground? Now forty years later and the government through many experiments have perfected the “Scanner” in sense of the word… Yeah think about that as I give this film 3 stars.

Nightmare Cinema (DVD) – A horror anthology that has made its rounds through a limited theater run, DVD, and even a staple on Shudder. Mick Garris, Joe Dante, and Alejandro Brugues go out of their way to give a wacky, over the top, gory and yet entertaining anthology. The film centers on a few characters that enter a theater with their name on the marquee and view themselves in their own movie. Now the two hour viewing time can wear down some viewers and the last segment feels very tacked on and maybe should have been the opener but overall another solid anthology for horror fans to enjoy as I give it 3 stars.

Lobster Man from Mars (DVD/YouTube) – A talented movie producer owes the government a lot of back taxes as he needs a bad movie to write off as a tax loss. In comes unknown filmmaker Stevie Horowitz with his just finished film ‘Lobster Man from Mars’. The producer agrees to view it because he needs something terrible to get the government off his back. Stevie’s film focuses on the king of Mars needing air so he sends in the killer lobster to steal Earth’s air and maybe have a snack or two along the way. A sweet unsuspecting couple sees the UFO crash land and they proceed to go check it out. The lobster man uses this couple to jump into the trunk of their car and hitch a ride into a small town where it begins a reign of terror! Between this out of this world creature, the Army, and their uncle they find themselves entangled in a mess that can be only solved with the killing of Lobster Man! This entertaining film has a few laughs and a cast (Deborah Foreman, Dr. Demento, Antony Hickox, and Tony Curtis) that will make you wanna seek this one out as I give it 2 ½ stars.     

Murdercise (Tubi) – A great casted 80s themed killer workout nostalgia going down here that opens up with a woman in the shower scene of course without smudging her make-up. But the real story revolves around Phoebe who is in a new workout video that happens to also star a bunch of horned up, drug addicted, fast food eating, self-important sort of actresses. Disappointed and just trying to be a professional Phoebe soon finds herself in a bit of trouble when she kills the lead Candy by accident sort of? As Phoebe gets help to hide Candy she continues to get upset when in charge she kills off other cast members of the workout video but there is a fun twist as Phoebe learns it isn’t easy running a quick sleazy production of a workout video. Again the cast was awesome and Drew Marvick’s quick workout scene for a chance to be in the video would have gone on any longer than it did it would have overshadowed how entertaining this project really is? Thank yinz for keeping this small but entertaining 80s killer workout genre alive as I give it 3 stars.

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews .

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 you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

One week till GROSSFEST 2023

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GROSSFEST 2023

Saturday, August 5th, JUST $10 AT THE DOOR for movies, vendors, guests, and just hanging with some very cool talented people!

Comfort Inn Conference Center Pittsburgh East
699 Rodi Rd., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235
412-244-1600
or www.comfortinnpittsburgh.com
Need reservations? https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/TP87S2

One day event with guests, movies, filmmakers, vendors from 11am to 7pm. (Guests as always subject to change)

All we ask of yinz is your support and come and have fun! You want this to keep happening help support our little growing event. So let’s keep it simple and enjoy that Grossfest is back and with your support this is a new beginning for our Independent Horror Convention… again! See yinz there!

Grossfest has sold out vendor spaces!

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Grossfest returns in a big way Saturday, August 5, 2023!!! We are going to party like Grossfest 2018 because unlike other conventions we are sticking with “PRE-COVID” PRICES!

$10 ticket to get in for movies, vendors, and just hanging with some very cool talented people

Start making plans…

Comfort Inn Conference Center Pittsburgh East
699 Rodi Rd., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235
412-244-1600
or www.comfortinnpittsburgh.com
Need reservations? https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/TP87S2

One day event with guests, movies, filmmakers, vendors from 11am to 7pm. (Guests as always subject to change)

All we ask of yinz, is your support! You want this to keep happening you have to get your asses there and plus to answer any questions of it: Yes, a two-day event is already in the plans for August 2024! (We need to take the first big step back) So let’s keep it simple and enjoy Grossfest is back and with your support this is a new beginning for our Independent Horror Convention… again!
See yinz there!

Movies that will play that day (times will be posted in the next few weeks along with the Grossfest Lifetime Achievement Award being given away once again, and yes we know who we are giving it to already)

Grossfest guests:
Drew Marvick
Madeline Deering
Jim Roberts
James L. Edwards
Steve Rudzinski
Adam Clevenger
The Mummy and the Monkey

Movies:
Hexercise
Then My Mind Walked Away
Shingles The Movie
Bathtub Shark Attack
Doomsday Stories
Night of the Axe

Check our Grossfest group page or www.grossfest.com for list of vendors. Plus any questions or comments please send to grossfest@gmail.com

Vendors:
Cluck, Cluck Productions
Glyphs & Glam
Dazed and Disorderly
Barry the Movie Demon
Wolf Hollow LLC
MMH Productions
Pgh Scrubs Guy
Minerva’s Trinkets
Nostalgic Nightmare Productions
Face Melt Productions
Broaden Torture Productions
Drunken Yinzers Productions
Video Nasty Productions
13 Occult
Shoggoth Suds
Midnight Magazine
Independent American Pictures
Addison Binek
Lou Ickes
48 Hour Film Project
Kiss of Death Productions
Cindy’s Creature Chaos
The Cinema Psychos Show
The Artwork of Travis Trium Perfectum
1331 Studios
Neens Soaps
Such Babz Customs
Sydneys Scrunchies
Spirit of Halloween
Magical Resin Shop

Grossfest guest list… so far

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This energetic, talented actor, director, overall cool human being has been one of my favorite and possibly most interesting people I have had the pleasure meeting over the years. You may know him from one of the best Indy “massacre” films ever made in “Pool Party Massacre”. But he also has parts in recent projects such as: The Barn 2, Amityville Hex, Scare Me, and Slashlorette Party as Grossfest is honored to have Drew Marvick as a guest.

This talented newcomer to the filmmaking community busted onto the scene with a film not only shot on video but prefers the process and has already carved a niche into the scene with their first big project “Spirit Animal”. Now they are about to rock the boat of Indy filmmaking again with their latest “Bathtub Shark Attack”! I dare you to say there is a bigger supporter of SOV films and shark films out there? So with great pleasure we will be having Madeline Deering as a guest.

This filmmaker is a quiet, talented fellow that I have known for many years and have had the pleasure watch him grow and learn with his films. I get super excited when this individual has a new release because I know it’s gonna be gory, fun, and possibly a little disturbing. He might be best known for such titles: Welcome to Deer Creek, Tonight You Die, What’s Wrong With Mom?, and Happy Hour Holocaust . But the I believe the Indy world is about to be blown away by this filmmaker’s most complete feature to date with “Then My Mind Walked Away” as we enjoy knowing Jim Roberts will be joining Grossfest as a guest.

Now this dude is excellent and his career has spanned a few decades where he started in a little role for a little film called “The Dead Next Door”. From there he was in such titles: Robot Ninja, The Sandman, Polymorph, Killer Campout, Frames of Fear 3, Deathboard, Hell Van  just to name a few. But recently has really made an impact as a director with titles: Her Name is Christa and Brimstone Incorporated! We believe Grossfest fans will enjoy his presence and we are happy to announce James L. Edwards as a guest.

Now yinz know we cannot have a Grossfest unless we have this individual as a guest? This director, actor, producer, has given Indy fans such fun titles as: Basic Slaughter, The Slasher Hunter, Everyone Must Die!, Super Task Force One, and then showed off his talent even more when he broke through with not just his “Meowy” series but his “CarousHell 1 and 2” breaking into the mainstream! This multi-talented star is on the edge of going global but always has time for us folks at Grossfest as usual we enjoy knowing we have Steve Rudzinski as a guest.

Over the past decade Mr. Clevenger has had a variety of roles through several Indy projects but also is a director, producer, etc. It isn’t often someone can make waves with one Indy film project and if I could point out a film that in our opinion is why we wanted him as a guest for Grossfest it is his first directed feature 2018’s “People to Kill” starring the very talented Erin Ryan. That film stands out big time when we discuss independent films over the years and take our word on it… It will stick with you as you get to meet this very cool individual who we are happy to have as a guest at Grossfest, Mr. Adam Scott Clevenger.

$10 ticket to get in/$50 for a vendors table

Comfort Inn Conference Center Pittsburgh East

699 Rodi Rd., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235

412-244-1600 or www.comfortinnpittsburgh.com

Need reservations? https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/TP87S2

One day event with guests, movies, filmmakers, vendors from 11am to 7pm. (Guests will be announced soon and as always subject to change)

Gross Movie Reviews #516

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Gross Movie Reviews #516

 

Island of Terror (DVD) – This mid-60s film has Peter Cushing as a doctor who takes an expedition crew to a remote island where a boneless body was found. Once there he and his crew must take on these blob-like creatures that suck bone out of humans and multiplying quickly. Cushing and crew must act quickly in finding a way to kill these odd creatures or they will take over the island. It seems very B-movieish for Peter Cushing if that is a thing? As I give the creature flick 2 stars.

 

Terminal Invasion (DVD) – The 2002 SyFy Channel or Sci-fi channel film that seems all to be lost (DVD has been out of print for years and I believe it played twice on SyFy then nothing since???) It stars Bruce Campbell as a death row prisoner named Jack who is being transported for some unknown reason by two officers through a snowstorm. The transport gets into an accident and forced to walk to the nearest shelter which happens to be a small charter plane service that is piloted by the smoking hot and talented actress Chase Masterson. Problem Jack and the officers encounter an alien in the restroom and when the alien dies it disappears and all is left is Jack and two dead officers. This of course spells disaster for our hero Jack but all that are waiting for the snow to let up because who is human and whose not? Yeah I know sounds a little like John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ but Sean Cunningham gets the best out of Campbell and Masterson in this little known but exciting feature about aliens in a small airport as I give it 3 ½ stars.

Space Ninjas (DVD) – Do not adjust your television as Dirk Benedict aka Jack Strange guides you through a low budget story of five students in detention. They become trapped by “Space Ninjas” as these interdimension beings appear inside the school and begin to slice all who make noise as they are blind. Stanlei the skater girl is the leader of the detention misfits and must try to keep her new friends together to survive the night of slicing and dicing. And if Stanlei is lucky they will solve the problem of killing the Space Ninjas. Think low budget, international, ‘Breakfast Club’… with cosplaying ninjas. A lot to swallow there folks but this international flick is truly entertaining and a bright spot in sometimes a bloated genre of wannabes as I give it 3 stars. Thank you to James Peter Cox for pointing out this 2019 gem exists.

Ghost Killers vs. Bloody Mary (DVD) – A small group of so-called internet influencers who just happen to be supernatural hunters are looking for credibility. So after a recent death of a student at a high school they take on the case and begin to investigate the supposedly “Bloody Mary” haunting in the school bathroom. The group believes they can solve the issue quickly but the spirit is vengeful and brutally slaughters one of the supernatural friends sending them and the investigation into chaos as they must really face the supernatural for real. Super bloody at times, there is a killer turd, cannibalism, a condom joke all point to the Brazilian film being influenced to Peter Jackson’s early work as they try for laughs throughout. Glad this flick was uncovered and passed on to me as I give it 2 ½ stars.

 

Vampires vs. The Bronx (Netflix) – A teenager known as “Little Mayor” is having a block party for Tony’s Bodega or a place he has grown up and the rent has been raised to force the Bodega to close. See the Bronx is changing and not for the good according to most of the community but some are taking the money from the real estate company “Murnau” to buy up all the property. Only thing no one sees them leave the Bronx just more Murnau property signs. One night the Little Mayor happens to see a vamp biting into a gang banger and spends most of his time trying to convince his two best friends that vampires are here in the Bronx feeding on the residents for their property. Once Miguel gets them on board it is up to the three to fight the vamps or be arrested and in trouble with their parents. It felt like a good mix of ‘Attack the Block’ and ‘The Lost Boys’ with enough comedy to keep the story light but moving along quick. I can easily see this as a family Halloween horror flick that people check in on every year around this time as I give it 3 ½ stars.

 

Voodoo Woman (DVD) – The 1957 B-flick has an expedition trekking through the Amazon looking for gold and just so happen to stumble upon a lost tribe that protects gold as part of  their religion. But a doctor has already beaten them to the punch of being there and uses the tribe for his experiments into voodoo. Marilyn who leads the expedition is willing to kill even it’s her own party to have the gold but the doctor has other plans for her. The black and white film isn’t too exciting but is interesting to watch as it was rare to see films with such a strong female lead. Marilyn character not only can hold her own but becomes the monster the tribe feared to begin with as I give the film 2 stars.

 

The Ghoul (DVD) – Boris Karloff in a non-Universal film is a dying professor/Egyptologist who has dedicated his life to his study of it and has arranged a certain way to be buried once dead. What is important is this jewel he has be buried in the tomb with him so he can hand it to the spirit of Anubis. But in death and burial his servant screws him over and steals the jewel setting in motion not only Karloff coming back to life and escaping the tomb looking for the jewel… But also several people there for the strange funeral are pointing the finger at each other of who has stolen the jewel. Karloff’s character will not rest until he is able to hand it off to Anubis! Not the best of Karloff’s work, but like any horror movie that has Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, or a Bruce Campbell I will watch it at least once as I give it 2 stars.

 

Scare Me (DVD) – So this week I learned there is two movies of the same name made in the same year. One is a Shudder exclusive the other is this feature I watched, a low budget Indy film from out west. Some young campers head out to a campsite to enjoy hanging with friends and tell ghost stories. They meet a nice forest ranger who helps them with tents and such. But as the night progresses the forest ranger becomes disgusted with the lack of good ghost stories as he awaits his turn to tell his story. There really weren’t any ghosts… There were stories of vampires, zombies, a killer babysitter, and S+M until of course forest ranger murders them all. The film isn’t bad but far from being any good as the characters seemed awkward at times and the flow of the anthology or playing with the rules of an anthology just seem to be something that has been covered one too many times. Again the film is not terrible but very forgettable as I give the film 1 ½ stars.

The Black Sleep (DVD) – All-star cast in this mid-50s horror film led by Basil Rathbone as a doctor that is looking into other means of furthering brain surgery. His methods are considered illegal but he claims he has made breakthroughs as he helps a fellow doctor out of prison before he hangs for a crime he did not commit. The good doctor has practice patients that he performs brain surgery on in hopes of discovering the cure for his wife’s brain tumor thanks to his gypsy friend. But the gypsy friend soon is being investigated by Scotland Yard as people are disappearing from London. A fun quick B-movie with an all-star cast that needs to be seen as I give the film 2 ½ stars.

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net 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 find all of my books at www.lulu.com just search for Gross Movie Reviews or Tim Gross there!

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 you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

You can now purchase copies of Jagoff Massacre and our new feature Blood Freak DVDs online that I co-directed with Dan Boyd at https://drunkenyinzersproductions.company.site/ !  

Gross Movie Reviews #510

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Gross Movie Reviews #510

 

Camp Killer (Blu-ray) – David Lightfoot is a small town masked serial killer who has supposedly been stalking the woods for years. After the last body count Tina Wilcox just happens to be the lone survivor of the latest slaughter in the woods. But what looks like the usual paint-by-numbers independent slasher flick changes in a heartbeat as minutes later we see the small town sheriff and the notorious killer meet up at the local bar to have a drink together. Their discussion involves how dumb humans can be over the past 30 years as they keep coming back to the woods to get killed. But here is the kicker there is a story behind why the brothers are making sure many people keep getting killed over and over. Thirty years ago they made a pact with the devil and they are almost at 666 kills, then its retirement for the brothers. But if Tina has it her way the brothers will get it in the end. This was an enjoyable, smart, very bloody slasher film that separates itself from the usual slashers as I like to give it 3 ½ out of 4 stars.

 

Maniac Farmer (Blu-ray) – A punk named “Blasphemous Rex” is about petty crime, he is all about the violence and how his little gang of punks needs to step it up in their country bumpkin town. Rex wants to kill people for no reason, no motive, just to keep the police guessing as they try to track down the mysterious killings of this country town. But next on Rex’s list is a quiet farmer who doesn’t bother with anyone and takes care of his mother. The farmer of course doesn’t take to kindly to the violence that is trying to be inflicted on him so he captures the punks himself and turns the tables on them. The film isn’t bad at all it just should never run longer than 30 minutes. It gets to the point quickly and just becomes a dull mess that you see the ending coming immediately as I give the film 2 out of 4 stars.

 

Ark of the Sun God (YouTube) – A mid-80s adventure film about a master thief that is set up by a former agent of Scotland Yard; to do an impossible job in Istanbul. Rick Spear (David Warbeck) is talked into searching for a mysterious scepter by this Lord Dean. Starts off kind of interesting but becomes full schlock by the halfway point and keeps going downhill from there. I give this mess 1 ½ stars.

Her Name Was Christa (DVD/Vimeo) – James L. Edwards an independent acting vet dips his toe into the writing and directing waters with this curious project. The plot involves a man named Steve who is in his 40s, single, and just quietly going through life. Then one day at work Steve meets a new co-worker who becomes quick friends with Steve and believes Steve needs to get back out in the dating scene. But Steve is looking for love not a quickie! The new best friend pressures Steve into trying a hooker and eventually explaining “The Girlfriend Experience”. First time out goes bad but by accident Steve strikes it rich when he is eating at a diner alone. When Steve sees a pretty young lady out front and strikes up a conversation, Candy soon becomes interested in the arrangement they make for Candy to be the fake girlfriend. After several dates and things going well for both Steve loses his job after a disagreement but Candy/Christa admit her love for Steve and wants to take it to the next level. I could see the plot twist coming but surprised how far it goes… Is Steve just broken or insane in this slow burn film that takes a creepy and uncomfortable turn in the third act that will have the sleaze hounds applauding for hours afterward? A very twisted love story with an insane payoff as I give the film 3 ½ out of 4 stars.

 

Blood Vessel (On Demand) – It is almost the end of World War II and there is survivors in a raft that got off their sinking ship but are in much bigger danger as they have no food or water. Hopeless and not sure what they can do a German ship comes near but no one is aboard. With no other alternative the survivors board the ghost ship. They find food but also see the ship is about to blow if they do not turn the engines off and let them cool? But the survivors soon find themselves in even a worse situation when they figure out they are not alone and the cargo on the German ship is alive… sort of. From there it turns into a wonderful creature filled bloodbath as I give it 3 stars.

 

Gehenna: Where Death Lives (DVD) – Paulina is heading to a resort in Saipan to see if it is ripe for a real estate transaction. The land is considered sacred by the natives but they also believe it is cursed. Paulina and her crew just need to make sure they get the whole layout before they go on with the sale but during the surveying they find an old bunker from WWII. The group goes exploring so there is no surprises during the construction of the new resort. But once in the group is locked into the bunker and things begin to change and they must face an unknown evil. Not a bad concept of a film but the upsetting part is once you have watched it you will say “there isn’t any point to it?” For that I can only give the film a ½ star for Lance Henriksen showing up for 30 seconds.

I Had a Bloody Good Time at House Harker (DVD) – It is present day and we meet the great grandchildren of Jonathan Harker. Yes, that Harker from the famous Dracula story. Well his great grandchildren are dysfunctional and they still own the skull of the last vampire killed in 1912. The Harker family is given one week to leave their home as they have no money to keep it. Now a serial necro-rapist invades their home to rob them of their riches they do not have and instead unleashes a vampire into the town when he bleeds on the skull before he dies accidentally. The Harker family and best friend don’t wannabe caught with a dead body so they dump it which when found rumors start about vampires and the Harkers have come with an idea to save their home. This lower budgeted horror comedy hits on all the right notes and is one big gore fest when needed as I give it 4 stars. And if that wasn’t enough they promise werewolves in the sequel.

 

Book of Monsters (On Demand) – Sophie when she was a kid always had her mom read her stories of these monsters in this weird book until one night a monster took her mom away. Now it’s her 18th birthday and her friends are doing it right for her until monsters that took her mom are now crashing Sophie’s party! As the monster bloodbath occurs Sophie must rally the friends and put a stop to the murdering monsters before they capture Sophie and use her for their spell! I really enjoyed the film for its monsters; the whole backstory of Sophie’s mom was “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, but my only complaint was it felt choppy in parts. But this horror film is still a must watch for monster fans as I give it 3 stars.

 

The Barge People (DVD) – Two couples head off to the countryside to hang out and party in a barge that slowly moves down the stream. Unbeknownst to them besides the weirdo couple they pissed off and now this country couple wants a piece of them, they are being stalked. This isn’t your ordinary stalker but some weirdo mutant creatures that seek outsiders and take them to their own barge for lunch. They are quick, strong, and ugly! If you just need a weirdo creature feature ‘The Barge People’ will give you your fix as I give it 2 ½ stars.

 

Glerbrot (DVD) – Or for most people the title is ‘Broken Glass’ a TV flick from Iceland in 1988. Bjork plays a young woman whose family commits her because she never listens or comes home on time. Once there is she is abused until she escapes and meets up with her boyfriend. Or all you need to know is an Iceland art film. I give it 0 stars because I was hoping for some crazy Icelandic monsters and shit!

 

Sinners (DVD) – A short film about a man who died during an accident for three minutes and has come back different. He goes to a church to bare his soul but is really there to kill him! Pretty cool concept I give 3 out of 4 stars too.

 

Lady in the Walls (DVD/YouTube) – A short film where the plot of the film about a boarding school in 1958 where two older girls take the younger new girl into a den with history and tell her the story of the “Lady in the Walls”. Of course they just try to scare her and shut off the lights only for her to disappear. Years later an old woman goes to see if the legend is still true. I give it 3 out of 4 stars.

 

Scared to Death (DVD/YouTube) – This short film involving the famous Drew Marvick who has a zombie knocking at his door. Next thing you know Drew is running for his life as he believes the zombie invasion is on! I give it 3 out of 4 stars.

 

Play Time (DVD/YouTube) – In this short film a woman is being haunted by a terrifying spirit in her home. This wasn’t horrible but there wasn’t much substance to it as I give it 1 out of 4 stars.

 

The Family that Prays (DVD) – A short film that has a group of young people going to their local haunted attraction. But this haunted attraction is looking for dinner and they have some help… I give the short film 3 out of 4 stars.

 

Vibes (DVD) – A hilarious film about two psychics (Cyndi Lauper and Jeff Goldblum) hired by Peter Faulk to help find his son in Ecuador. Once there they learn they are there actually to find the “City of Gold”. Along the way the two psychics start to fall for each other but must help to get to the “City of Gold” first as there are others looking for it for evil reasons including their doctor friend played by Julian Sands! There they find out it isn’t gold but the epicenter of psychic energy that could have someone rule the world. Yeah it is a super corny movie but Cyndi Lauper is hilarious, Goldblum is Goldblum, we got Julian Sands (Warlock himself), and fucking Colombo people! This will be a rewatch down the line for sure as I give it 3 stars.

 

Any comments please send to grossmoviereview@verizon.net 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 find all of my books at www.lulu.com just search for Gross Movie Reviews or Tim Gross there!

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 you should purchase your horror T-shirts: Go to www.fastcustomshirts.com and support!

Grossfest 3 is coming!

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Grossfest  3: Season of the Gross  

July 25th and 26th, 2020

Guest list:

Billy Pon

Justin Seamen

Zane Hershberger

Mike and Amy Watt

Erin R. Ryan

Steve Rudzinski

Bryan Hogue aka Jack Shadow from Chiller Night

Drew Marvick

Brooklyn and Jared

Anthony Colliano

Steelman

Rikki Raxxx

 

 

The George Washington Hotel

60 South Main Street
Washington, PA 15301

Front Desk: 724.225.3200

 

 

https://www.thegeorgewashington.com/

 

Grossfest 3

July 25th, 2020 Saturday Movie List

(Vendor areas open at 11am and close 7pm that day)

 

“So why not start your day with a quick Grossfest workout?”

Hexercise – 11:05 – 11:25am

 

“Then the movie room really gets going!”

Suck Fest – 11:30 – 12:25pm

Circus of the Dead – 12:30pm – 2:45pm (30 min Q and A afterward with Billy Pon)

Do Not Disturb – 2:50 – 4:20pm

Grossfest award for short film – 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Grossfest award for feature film

And Grossfest lifetime achievement award

A M3owy St. Patrick’s Day and A Meowy Christmas Vacation –

7:00 – 8:20pm (Steve Rudzinski intro)

Spirit Animal- 8:25- 9:45pm (Maddie Deering intro)

Blood Freak – 9:45 – 11:00 pm (Daniel Boyd intro)

We close the movie room at 11pm and of course movies are subject to change!

 

See Yinz There!

http://www.grossfest.com

#grossfest

Hey you! Vendors we are looking for you and people spread the word of Grossfest 2020!

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It is that time of the year again kids… Countdown to GROSSFEST! This year we listened to yinz ticket buyers and vendors and we are having TWO FREAKING DAYS this year, July 25-26, 2020. Great guest list… check. Movie room on Saturday with maybe a surprise or two again… check. Grossfest awards again… Of course. Having an awesome independent horror movie convention in a haunted hotel again… check. Tom, Terrence, Jen, Tammy working their ass off while Tim receives free beer and watches… check, it is Grossfest people!

TICKETS: $10 A DAY

VENDORS GET YOUR TABLES NOW!: $80 A SPACE. You can buy multiple tables. Please contact us soon as both Grossfest conventions have sold out of vendor spaces in the past. Contact us at grossfest@gmail.com or go to our webpage: http://www.grossfest.com or just track one of us Gross people or Bootleg Gross people down on Facebook and we will point you in the right direction.

Filmmakers yes we are taking submissions for short film and feature awards and the convention again but remember there is no guarantee it will play unless Tim Gross himself contacts you. And yes, for the love of Rutger Hauer we need a physical copy for it to be considered. We are weird that way! We are an independent convention with limited time so we do our best movie wise.

So please kids share with everyone on every social media platform even if it is Xhamster! Tell the world about Grossfest as we are an Independent horror movie convention trying to help support independent filmmakers, authors, and artists. Any profit goes back into the show for the next year.

That awesome guest list again:

Billy Pon

Justin Seamen

Zane Hershberger

Mike and Amy Watt

Erin R. Ryan

Steve Rudzinski

Bryan Hogue aka Jack Shadow from Chiller Night

Drew Marvick

Brooklyn Ewing and Jerry Larew

Anthony Colliano

Steelman

Rikki Raxxx

Bill Oberst Jr.

 

Websites and address for the hotel so you can make plans now!

Grossfest 3
July25-26, 2020
George Washington Hotel
60 South Main St
Washington, Pa 15301

www.grossfest.com

www.thegeorgewashington.com

 

First Grossfest 2020 announcement!

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A guest announcement I believe all independent horror fans will be delighted to see in person… You may have seen him in recent independent films such as “It Stains the Sands Red”, “Another Wolfcop”, or “Meathook Massacre 4”? His career has recently taken off and he will be seen in several upcoming horror projects. But like me most know him as the director, writer, and actor in the recent masterpiece “Pool Party Massacre”.  I am happy to introduce you to Drew Marvick!

P.S. Vendor table info coming soon!

 

Grossfest 3: Season of the Gross

July 25th-26th, 2020
The George Washington Hotel
60 South Main St.
Washington, Pa. 15317

www.thegeorgewashington.com

www.grossfest.com

Or find Grossfest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram