Peninsula

Director - Sang-ho Yeon (Train to Busan, Seoul Station)
Starring - Dong-Won Gang (Haunters, The Priests), Jung-hyun Lee (Alice in Earnestland, Route 7), and John D. Michaels (Steel Rain, Vagabond)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "4 years later..."
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I recently found myself with a little time to kill so I decided to finally spin 2016's Train to Busan.  I was afraid it was over-hyped but I fucking loved it.  It was insanely fun and I found myself wanting to spin it again immediately after checking it out.  One of the reasons I decided to give it a go was because I was asked to review the new sequel Peninsula.  I had doubts that the follow up would be as fun as the first film but I was wrong.  It has been sometime when a film and it's sequel left me feeling incomplete until I watched it again.  Honestly, the last time I felt this high on a movie was the day I watched Pacific Rim three time.  I know the sequel was not as fun but Train to Busan and Peninsula were great movie experiences.  I'm so glad I was asked to review it.
     The film takes place four years after the first film.  The Peninsula of South Korea is now a warzone cut off from the rest of the world.  Those left behind are forced to fight for survival against the thousands of zombies still roaming the streets.  We follow a former soldier, his brother in law, and two others who are tasked with going back to the Peninsula and retrieving a van holding several million dollars.  This is no easy task as the undead are still roaming the streets and the survivors don't take too kindly to intruders.
     Peninsula is a fantastic movie.  This post-apocalyptic zombie movie is parts Land of the Dead meets Mad Max.  It's an absolute blast and so much fun that the flaws you will find do not take away from the film.  The acting in this one is just as good as the first film.  The characters are a little more dark and sinister when compared to the first film but the cast does a fantastic job.  Some of the emotions miss their marks due to the fact that the viewer has to read subtitles and misses some things in the scene.  It does take away some from the experience but not enough to ruin the film.  The story for this one is a solid continuation of the first film.  It does take place 4 years later but I liked where they went with it.  It reminded me a lot of Land of the Dead and some of the obvious scenes was very Mad Max inspired.  The pacing is great and even when the scene is slower it still holds your attention with what is going on.  Finally, this is not a gory one but we do get plenty of blood and kills you would associate with a zombie flick.  The practical and make-up effects are great but the visual effects are very goofy.  Honestly, that is my only real complaint with this film.  The visuals are so bad.  Overall, Peninsula is a must watch for any fans of the first film.  It is a worthy sequel and I pray we get more installments.  There is so much story left for this one and we need to see them!  Check this one out as soon as you can!

Train to Busan

Director - Sang-ho Yeon (Seoul Station, Peninsula)
Starring - Yoo Gong (The Suspect, Like a Dragon), Yu-mi Jung (Visitors, Psychokinesis), and Dong-seok Ma (The Eternals, The Outlaws)
Release Date - 2016
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Life-or death survival begins"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm always late to hit movies.  I love and respect my horror brothers and sisters but I know my tastes in movies are always different than theirs.  I tend to like bad movies which often draws me criticism.  Regardless, I like what I like which is why I often disregard films that the all praise.  I know my taste clashes with them and most of these so called "must see" movies usually let me down.  A few years ago the South Korean zombie flick Train to Busan made waves through the horror community.  I figured it was worth the hype but I was still skeptical so I put off checking it out.  Sometime last year, or the year before, I found the blu at Big Lots for a few dollars and figured I would snag it to add to my collection.  With the sequel's release just around the corner I was asked to review it.  So, before I gave it a spin I needed to watch the original.  I didn't NEED to review the first one but I thought that if I took the time to watch it then I might as well talk about it.

     The film follows a father and daughter as they make a train ride from Seoul to Busan but encounter a horde of zombies that turns this casual day trip into a living nightmare.

     It's not often that a horror movie lives up to the hype but Train to Busan did.  I couldn't take my eyes off the damn thing and I still can't stop thinking about it.  I would be lying if I said it was the best zombie film I've seen but I'll be damned if it's not in the top 5.  The acting in this one works for the film.  It's a little difficult to really pay attention to the acting if you are forced to read subtitles but the cast does a great job.  The story for this one is simple enough but the characters are so well written and developed that you can't help but feel pulled in.  The writing is very well done and and as a father I found myself very invested in this one.  I love when a movie exploits a parent's love for their child.  It really makes it personal and have a harder impact on the viewer.  Finally, the film has plenty of blood.  I wouldn't call this a gory flick but there is plenty of blood along with the wounds you associate with a zombie film.  The practical effects looks great and the make-up effects are awesome.  There is some visual effects that look rather silly but this does not drag the film down at all.  Overall, Train to Busan is a god damn masterpiece.  I know this review is too late and most of you have seen it but if just one of you decides to check it out for the first after reading this then I did my job.  Check it out.  

The Wizard

Director - Todd Holland (Max Headroom, Tales from the Crypt)
Starring - Luke Edwards (Jeepers Creepers 2, American Pie 2), Fred Savage (Little Monsters, The Twilight Zone), and Jenny Lewis (Plkeasantville, Bolt)
Release Date - 1989
Genre - Adventure/Drama
Tagline - "They're on a cross-country to the world's greatest video championship.  But for these three, it's more than a game...it's the chance of a lifetime."
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Many of you that are not new to my reviews know about my love for movies.  I grew up in the local video store.  I studied the shelves and knew almost every movie on them.  Horror took hold of me in elementary school but until then I rented every genre.  I remember renting The Wizard once when I was a kid.  I don't remember a lot about the movie but I do remember only renting it once.  I was notorious for finding a movie I love and renting it several times before moving on to the next so it was safe to say that I didn't love it.  I never revisited this one but when Shout Factory announced a blu release as part of their Shout Select line I decided to give it another spin.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows the kids of divorced parents forced to live in different homes.  Jimmy (Edwards) is unlike his brothers.  He is a twin that is showing signs of mental disability after the death of his sister.  He runs away from home to head to California because his mom and step-dad are unable to properly care for him and are discussing putting him in a home.  When his brother Corey (Savage) hears he runs away from his dad's to get Jimmy and they make their way to California.  Along the way they meet Haley (Lewis) who is more street wise than the two and agrees to help them.  However, they soon discover that he is very talented with a video game paddle and decide to enroll him in an upcoming video game tournament.  It's a race against the clock to get to the tournament before the bounty hunter paid for by the boy's mother stops them so he can return them home for the money.  

     I don't remember a lot about my first viewing of The Wizard but as an adult I appreciate what it brought to the table but I can see why I never gave it a second viewing when I was younger.  It does reach a dry spell but the story is still pretty solid.  The acting in this one is pretty solid and definitely fits the decade.  Savage was very well known by this point and would go on to appear in several more iconic films and television shows of the early 90s.  With that being said, his character is painfully annoying and, honestly, the story would have still worked if his character was cut out completely.  Luke Edwards is the unsung star of the film and his non-verbal performance is great.  He does a phenomenal job in his role.  Sometimes not talking while conveying emotions is a tremendous strain and he pull it off.  The supporting cast is great as well but these two carry the most weight in the film.  The story for this one is a cross country adventure meets the underdog sports movie. In fact, I can even see little pieces of Rad in there with the underdog versus the pro which was nothing new when Rad was released but almost comical considering I had just watched Rad before spinning this one.  The story works for what it is but there is several dry scenes where the film tries to establish some character development with the secondary characters.  Finally, no blood and guts in this one.  Instead, we get a character driven adventure film that centers itself around Nintendo pop culture.  Overall, The Wizard is another time capsule of a movie.  It is definitely a product of the time but it still holds great value for those of us with a fondness for 80s cinema.  I didn't appreciate this that much as a kid but I had fun with it now.  The blu looks fantastic and I highly suggest you grab a copy from Shout Factory.  

Rad

Director - Hal Needham (Smokey and the Bandit, Body Slam)
Starring - Bill Allen (Amazing Stories, Alien Nation), Lori Loughlin (The New Kids, The Night Before), and Talia Shire (Faerie Tale Theatre, Rocky)
Release Date - 1986
Genre - Drama
Tagline - "A hometown kid on his BMX against the best in the world.  At Helltrack...the heat is on"
Format - 4K Ultra HD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm a huge fan of the 80s. I love the styles, movies, music, television shows, and so on.  I can't get enough of it.  It's not an obsession but I'm always on the look out for something from this decade that I had never seen or heard before.  Through the years I had heard friends recommend the 1986 sports drama Rad to check out.  When I turned to eBay I found myself often getting outbid on tapes.  A few years ago I found myself face to face with a stack of bootleg DVDs but the guy selling them said they were horrible quality so I decided to hold off and wait for an official release.  Thank god I waited because Vinegar Syndrome fucking knocked it out of the park with their 4K/blu release of the film.  I want to thank them for sending this release my way for review.

     The film follows Cru (Allen) who is an aspiring BMX racer.  When his hometown builds the world's largest race track, Helltrack, he defies his mother's wishes and joins the race that stacks the odds against him.

     I know it's not a horror flick but I can still see the comments rolling it.  You mouth-breathers really love commenting on the obvious.  I'm sorry that your mom and dad had other things to do and didn't give you the attention you crave but if comments like "this isn't horror" makes you feel better then have at it.  Rad is one I've heard so much about for years and I have to admit that it did live up to my expectations.  I really enjoyed it and it was gloriously 80s.  The acting in this one is cheesy as hell but I loved it.  Bill Allen is an actor I'm not familiar with which is surprising considering how great he was in this.  He does ham it up a great deal but so does the rest of the cast.  His character really sold the movie and I couldn't imagine this with anyone else in the role.  The supporting cast is great as well.  Lori Loughlin was a huge part of most of our childhoods but this is my favorite performance of hers by far.  Her character was great and she brought a lot to the film.  The story for this one is pretty simple but does remind you of other films from the past.  My dad was a lot older than other fathers with kids my age.  He was 45 when I was born and had lived a wild life before he had children.  I grew up watching those older films with him and the story for Rad could be found in so many other sports and racing movies.  What makes this one stand out is that it wasn't afraid to date itself and it doing so it cemented itself as a nostalgic classic.  It doesn't bring something new or inventive to cinema but it's BMX spin really makes it work for someone in the mood for an 80s flick.  Finally, no blood and guts in this one.  It does have some laughs, a little romance, and tons of racing action but no carnage.  Overall, Rad is an 80s experience.  The soundtrack, clothes, story, and sets are all a trip back in time.  The movie is highly enjoyable and Vin Syn did a fantastic job on this release.  Honestly, this release needs to be in every movie collector's collection.  Check it out now if it's not sold out on 4K/blu combo pack!  

Butt Boy

Director - Tyler Cornack (Jonah, The Pocketeers)
Starring - Tyler Rice (American Backwoods: Slew Hampshire, Tiny Cinema), Tyler Cornack, and Shelby Dash (Bamboo Shark, My Dating Life Sucks)
Release Date - 2019
Genre - Comedy/Thriller
Tagline - "Assume the position"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     This has been an extremely frustrating and depressing year.  I can't recall any other year that I was alive that has seen so many major changes take place.  Some, like the Black Lives Matter movement, are changes for the better but others have brought out the bad side of people.  Regardless, 2020 is a year for the record books.  This year has saw some pretty inventive movies get released as well.  A few weeks back I got the press release for the comedy thriller Butt Boy.  You know damn well that I had to see a movie titled Butt Boy so I reached out to Epic Pictures and they were kind enough to send me a review copy on blu.
     The film follows an alcohol abusing detective who is assigned a missing kid case.  However, his AA mentor becomes the prime suspect in the case and he suspects that he is hiding the kid up his ass.
     I didn't want to ruin my movie experience by watching the trailer beforehand but my mind raced with possibilities.  What the fuck was I about to get myself into and was it going to be as good as the title.  The answer is simple...no it's not.  It's still an enjoyable flick but it's nowhere near as awesome as the title.  The acting in this one is pretty damn good.  Tyler Rice and Tyler Cornack are fantastic together.  They both perfectly embody the character they are portraying to the point I find it difficult that they are actually acting and not the character themselves.  Rice is a fantastic seedy cop with a passion for justice.  He looks boozy but still has his head on straight.  Cornack is that typical 9 to 5'er that reeks of suburban life.   They did a fantastic job and they work so well together.  The supporting cast is just as solid.  The story for this one is fun but does have some hang ups.  I was so excited to check this one out but after 15 or 20 minutes I was ready to type up my negative review.  The film was painfully dull but once we hit the halfway mark the movie changed gears.  It became way more entertaining.  What we get is a story that is very inconsistent and takes sometime to gain some traction.  Finally, the film is not a violent one.  We do get one death scene as the film comes to a close with some blood but those of you looking for a gory mess of a film will be disappointed.  Overall, Butt Boy does not live up to the title.  It's funny and has it's moments but this is oddly uneven and doesn't make use of the extraordinary story that it conjured up.  It still deserves a watch but don't expect a life changing experience.  

Famine

Director - Ryan Nicholson (Gutterballs, Live Feed)
Starring - Beth Cantor (A Safe Place, The Switch), Christopher Patrick Donoghue (Wave, It's Confidential), and Nathan Durec (Star Vehicle, Hitman 101)
Release Date - 2011
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "20 students. 20 hours. 20 horrible ways to die"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (Out of 5):

     After taking some time to watch a few movies from Wild Eye Releasing I decided it was time to have an Unearthed Films/Plotdigger Films double header.  I've been wanting to check out Gutterballs for several years now and Unearthed's release on blu presented the perfect opportunity to check it out.  After I gave that one a go I wanted to follow it up with another slasher from the late Ryan Nicholson, Famine.  This 2011 horror comedy is another one of his films that many horror fans had been requesting me to review.  I want to thank MVD and Unearthed for sending this one over for me to check out.
     The film begins with a prank on a teacher going horrible wrong and he is maimed with acid.  Those responsible think they got away with it but after a few years they decide to rekindle their old tradition of hosting a 24 hour famine at the school.  That's when things take a grisly turn when faculty and students alike start dying one by one at the hands of someone maniac wearing the school's mascot uniform.
     The hardcore fans of Nicholson that I know always talk about Famine being his best work.  Many proclaim Gutterballs their favorite but admit Famine is a far greater film.  Within the first five minutes it was evident that they were correct.  Famine was such a better movie in almost every aspect.  The acting in this one is leagues better than the previous film.  The cast is more comfortable in front of the camera and their chemistry works on screen.  The dialogue is a vast improvement over the other film as well.  You could actually listen to the interactions and not feel embarrassed for the cast.  Gutterballs is known for it's excessive use of "fuck."  Don't get me wrong, I say it multiple times a day and my employees are probably sick of it but I don't string out sentences with it to the point they absolutely don't make sense.  Here, we get dialogue that actually fits the story and doesn't make you want turn the film off.  The story for this one is classic slasher.  We follow a group as they are stalked and killed one by one by a masked slasher after they wronged someone.  You can't go wrong with this traditional formula and it works.  I really liked how the story unfolded and the humor worked very well.  I actually found myself laughing at this one.  Finally, this film has some very impressive and bloody kills.  Nicholson was known for his amazing kills and practical effects and this one only confirms what most of us already know.  The kills are highly entertaining and the practical effects are damn near flawless.  You truly have to see them to appreciate them.  Overall, Famine was more my speed.  It's a traditional slasher with Nicholson's flair and it works very well.  The blu looks great as well and will need to be added to your collection.  

Gutterballs

Director - Ryan Nicholson (Live Feed, Torched)
Starring - Alastair Gamble (Hanger, Mind's Eye), Mihola Terzic (Collar, Sanctuary), and Nathan White (Charmed, Supernatural)
Release Date - 2008
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "I warned you not to bowl tonight"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     There is a lot of horror movies that I'm always get asked to check out.  The most common movie friends and fans of the site ask me to review is the August Underground trilogy.  I've seen the trailer for these films but I never thought they looked appealing enough to review.  Another movie many of you have requested is the Ryan Nicholson slasher Gutterballs.  I had seen a few of Nicholson's other films and thought Gutterballs looked fun.  I bought the DVD sometime back and a few years later I bought a bootleg blu that Nicholson had allowed a fan make.  Sadly. I never took the time to watch either of those.  When Unearthed Films announced their release of the film I decided that I would use this as an excuse to finally check them out.  I want to thank Unearthed and MVD for sending the two disc release my way to review.

      The film follows a group of bowlers who are part of a local bowling league.  Animosity between the two causes tension and one of the teams decides to rape one of the women on the opposing team.  The next night they return to the bowling alley as if nothing happened but soon patrons start dying one by one at the hands of the Bowling Bag Killer (BBK).  

     Nicholson, who passed away in October of 2019, was a phenomenal effects artist that had worked on several big budget productions.  The movies that he directed went on to gain a rather large following.  Up to this I had seen Live Feed and Collar with both being relatively enjoyable films.  I had high hopes for Gutterballs.  It was entertaining but nowhere near as amazing as most of my horror loving friends made it out to be.  The acting in this one is very hit and miss.  Some of the characters are funny and bring a lot of personality and fun to the film while others were there purely as background noise.  With that being said, this movie has some of the worst dialogue I had heard in a long ass time.  Indie productions always has awkward scenes to some degree but the dialogue here had me rolling my eyes often.  The story for this one is pretty clever.  Having a slasher stalk bowlers while wearing a bowling ball bag is pretty fucking funny if you ask me.  The theme really works which is something a lot of slasher fans love.  With that being said, the dialogue in this one is clearly improvised.  I'm extremely foul mouthed but hearing fuck every other word really shows how little dialogue really matters in this one.  Finally, the kills in this one are unforgettable. They fit the theme of the film and the practical effects are fucking amazing.  Honestly, I haven't watched a horror movie that bloody and impressive in a long time.  Overall, Gutterballs gets a lot of love.  I can see why but there was several things that stopped me from loving it.  Regardless, its a damn fine horror movie that indie horror fans really need to check out.  The blu is a great addition to any Plotdigger and Unearthed fan's collection.  Check it out if you haven't and be sure to snag this blu release from Unearthed Films.  

Night Howl

Director - Michael Taylor Pritt (Fun Time, Are We the Waiting)
Starring - Michael Taylor Pritt, Alana Mullins, and Rob Pemberton (Miles Before Sleep, Are We the Waiting)
Release Date - 2017
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "The darkness has bite"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's not often that I get to review a no budget werewolf flick.  Wild Eye has released a few over the years but they are few and far in between.  Sometime back I received the werewolf flick Night Howl from director Michael Taylor Pritt.  Pritt has worked with several filmmakers and artists from within West Virginia but I'm uncertain if he is a West Virginia native or not.  Regardless, I couldn't wait to check it out.  Thanks Wild Eye for sending this one my way! 

     The film follows a photographer who is struggling with his mental health.  As a child he watched his mother's death at the hands of a wolf-like creature.  Now, several decades later, he finds himself haunted by those images.  When those around him are found mauled he starts to suspect that the creature responsible for his mother's death is back.

     Indie filmmakers face a lot of obstacles but many are able to overcome them to deliver a memorable no budget horror film.  Werewolf flicks are tough to tackle on their own but many have been able to pull it off.  Werewolf Fever, The Snarling, Wolfcop, and so on are all indie horror productions that were able to pull of a werewolf flick.  I was very excited to see what Pritt contributed to the sub-genre.  The film was far from perfect but did have it's moments.  The acting in this one has room for improvement.  I've watched movies made with a zero dollar budget by teenagers so I'm not comparing the acting in this one to a big budget production.  I've seen indie productions with some of the best acting I've ever seen.  Night Howl has a cast that really believes in what they are trying to achieve but their inexperience in front of the camera does come off as awkward.  The story for this one has me sold until the final stretch of the film.  I'm trying not to spoil too much but I really wanted to love this one.  I know several people that Pritt had worked with in the past and we even share a connection through Steve: Death Collector.  I was grip and did set design for a few scenes and he voiced a character.  I really wanted to like the story but the ending "twist" was obvious and the entire tone of the film is washed away with the reveal.  The build up really works like a straight forward werewolf film but the little nods to the real twist is obvious and definitely makes it obvious.  Finally, the film has several deaths.  Most of the kills takes place off screen but the make-up and practical effects we do get looks great.  Sadly, I can't say the same about the werewolf.  Budget restrictions are one thing but the werewolf is just silly looking.  Overall, Night Howl is a very tough sit but there is several redeeming moments scattered throughout.  It may not be something you revisit but it should at least be seen one time.  

Dark Sister

Director - Sam Barrett (No Through Road, Trapped)
Starring - Nicola Bartlett (Wormwood, The Reckoning), Austin Castiglione (City Homicide, Sororal), and Liam Graham (Into the Dark, 100% Wolf)
Release Date - 2018
Genre - Horror
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (Out of 5):

     When I don't like a movie I still have fun with it.  I just finished watching Erotic Nights of the Blind Dead and, though I didn't like it, I still like watching movies I've never seen before.  I wanted to keep the no budget indie horror films coming so I went with another Wild Eye film.  This time I tossed in the 2018 flick Dark Sister.  The artwork really peaked my interest but I was worried it would be a Re-Animator clone.  I want to thank Wild Eye for sending this one over!

     The film follows a young artist who is struggling mentally.  She has been suffering from nightmarish dreams which depicts horrible murders.  Soon her dreams find their way onto her canvas and those around her start dying.  She is forced to look up her passed for a solution to her nightmares.  

     I was a little nervous when I tossed this one in.  I had a bad taste in my mouth after watching Erotics Night of the Blind Dead but this one really surprised me and for many different reasons.  Dark Sister is not the most enthralling story but I really enjoyed it.  The film was visually pleasing and the story really worked regardless of the film's budget. The acting in this one is decent but very inconsistent.  Some of the cast does a fantastic job in their roles.  They go to great lengths to create a memorable character but some of the cast does fall a little flat.  I respect anyone that can swallow their fear and act in front of the camera. It takes a great deal of dedication to pull it off so don't take it wrong way.  However, some of the characters feel underdeveloped and the cast is somewhat awkward to watch.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting at all.  The artwork made me thing I was getting into a story similar to Re-Animator.  The artwork actually does fit the story but the green syringe is so iconic and well known for Re-Animator that it does paint the wrong picture.  Regardless, I like the story we were given and I like how it unfolded.  There is a few dry spells where the scenes were a little difficult to sit through but if you stick with it you will enjoy the final product.  Finally, the film does have some blood and kills that are very reminiscent of classic giallo films.  No gore for you sick fucks but if you want some blood with minimal practical effects then you will enjoy this.  Overall, Dark Sister is a surprisingly gorgeous and entertaining film that I highly suggest you check out.  This story driven piece is well worth your time.       

Erotic Nights of the Blind Dead

Director - Vick Campbell (Black Roses Symphony, Withering Rose Twice)
Starring - Thais Buforn  (13mil, El Sepulturero), Anarka de Ossorio (2 De Noviebre Dia de los Difuntos), and Albert Gammond (Violencia Gore)
Release Date - 2007
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "For mature audiences only"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

   Now I'm back to some blood, gore, and occasional boob.  After taking a quick break from horror I wanted to watch a few no budget indie horror flicks.  I looked through my review stack and decided that another Wild Eye marathon was in order.  I put together a few movies I had been very curious about ranging from torture porn to possession and even a Spanish tribute to some classic Templar horror.  The first one on the chopping block is the 2007 film Graveyard of the Dead which was re-titled to Erotic Night of the Blind Dead.  Thanks Wild Eye for sending this one over!

     The film begins with Templars roaming the countryside looking for witches.  However, when they only find beautiful and attractive women they torture them in the name of riding the world of evil.  Eventually, the townsfolk has enough of their bullshit and stops them.  Fast forward to 1976 and the Templars are rising up from their grave and hungry for virgin flesh.
     The Blind Dead series from director from director Amando de Ossorio is iconic.  Horror fans love these films and so do I.  A few years back I remember that an unofficial sequel was successfully crowd funded.  That's the last I had heard of it but apparently in 2007 Spanish filmmaker Vick Campbell made another unofficial sequel/inspired by/loosely based on Blind Dead film.   Sadly, this film does not offer the same level of entertainment as the original series.  In fact, there was very little I actually enjoyed in way of this.  The acting in this one is very inexperienced.  The cast is really trying but it looks as if they did not have proper guidance.  The scenes feel rushed and their dialogue, though dubbed, is still somewhat sloppy.  The Templar scenes are a little better acted and fun to watch but once the film moves later on the film is a little hard to sit through.  The story for this one is very much in tune with the classic Blind Dead but the unlikable characters and unoriginal take makes this one a little hard to sit through.  The bloodthirsty and perverted Templars torturing and killing people only to be murdered and rise again is the basis for the films.  However, with this one, the film gives us characters we don't like and scenes that are painful to sit through.  The film could be edited together a little more coherently instead of jumping around like it does.  Finally, the film has some blood and no budget effects but if you are looking for a gory masterpiece you will be very disappointed.  Overall, Erotic Nights of the Blind Dead could have been a fantastic unofficial sequel for horror fans to enjoy.  Sadly, it's not able to pull it all together into something memorable or entertaining.  This is one I would skip unless you need it for your Blind Dead collection.  

Carnal Olympics

Director - Carlos Tobalina (Lady Dynamite, Infrasexum)
Starring - Gail Sterling (Grind!, She Wolves of the SS), Lynx Canon (China Bitch, The Dark Angel), and Herschel Savage (Droid, Fallen II: Angels and Demons)
Release Date - 1983
Genre - Erotic
Tagline - "The unrivaled indoor sport!"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Sexploitation is not my go to sub-genre but I've found myself getting more and more excited for these releases from Vinegar Syndrome than I do with their horror releases.  They are usually simple, sexy, and sleazy as fuck.  I recently decided to watch a Peekarama double header with the first film being Carnal Highways.  The next film in the double feature is the 1983 film Carnal Olympics.  I once again want to thank Vinegar Syndrome for sending this one my way.

     The film follows a pervert who tricks two adult film actresses into competing in a faux competition to see who is the better porn star.  After fulfilling several of his fantasies he comes clean about scamming them and finds himself covered in semen.  

     I really enjoyed myself watching these two sleazy, yet, highly entertaining sexploitation flicks.  The first one was a little more comical than this one but this one really dialed up the sleaze.  The acting in this one is a little less in quality as Carnal Highways but they still have fun with it.  The film takes no time to develop characters and the sex scenes are the main focus, obviously.  The story for this one has the potential to be funny but doesn't.  The light hearted aspect of the movie get's lost in the sex scenes.  Finally, no blood or gore as you suspected but this one does have way more sex scenes than you can handle.  Most of the other sexploitation flicks I watch has a little more story than sex but this one is dialed all the way up.  Sex, orgies, and more sex.  Overall, Carnal Olympics is a sleazy good time and I would recommend it for any of you with a raunchy taste.  Check it out.  

Carnal Highways

Director - C.H. Howard
Starring - Fernando Fortes (Come Under My Spell, Lusty Princess), John Seeman (The House of Strange Desires, Forbidden Desire), and Seka (Lesbian Bra Busters of the 1970s, Dracula Sucks)
Release Date - 1980
Genre - Erotic
Tagline - "Your road to total sexual satisfaction"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Horror is always my go to genre but sometimes I need something different.  No one will question my dedication to the genre but sometimes I need something to break it up or I will find myself becoming tired with it.  After watching a few no budget productions a supernatural cop flick I decided that it was time to have a sleazy double header.  I went with one of the more recent Peekarama Vinegar Syndrome releases.  The first one on the chopping block is the 1980 film Carnal Highways.  

     The film follows two men who purchase a semi in hopes of finding sexual adventures.

     You never toss in a sexploitation flick looking for an enlightening story and acting that tugs on your heart strings.  You toss these movies in for some nudity and a half ass story that is unintentionally funny but ties the nudity together.  When I was younger I found myself not caring for these films so much but as I get older I really like them for what they are.  Cheap, sleazy, and sometimes funny.  Carnal Highways is far from perfect but it was highly entertaining.  The acting in this one is what you would expect for a sexploitation flick from the early 80s.  The film's leads are funny and over enthusiastic when it comes to the possibility of getting laid.  I really liked the energy they brought to their character even when it wasn't a sex scene.  The supporting cast is clearly there just for the sex scenes but their performances was not that bad.  The story for this one is simple.  Two dudes thinks driving a truck gets you laid.  They go and buy a truck and soon find themselves swimming in it.  Silly but still works for a sexploitation flick.  Finally, no blood and gore for this one but there is plenty of beautiful women and lots and lots of skin.  Overall, Carnal Highways doesn't deliver an unforgettable sexploitation but it does deliver entertainment.  If you want something sleazy this one will not disappoint.  

Body Cam

Director - Malik Vitthal (Imperial Dreams, Leela)
Starring - Mary J. Blige (Rock of Ages, The Help), Nat Wolff (The Naked Brothers Band, Paper Towns), and David Zayas (Dexter, The Expendables)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Protect. Serve. Survive."
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm the worst for judging a book by it's cover.  Most of the time when I get a movie in I have a pre-conceived notion about if I will like it or not.  I'm not always right but the right far outweighs the wrong.  A few days ago I received the movie Body Cam in for review.  The artwork was generic and I was under the impression it was a cop drama.  I was not looking forward to checking it out but I put on my big boy pants and tossed it in.  I'm glad I did because it really impressed me.  

     The film follows officer Renee Lomito-Smith (Blige) who responds to a call and finds the mangled body of another officer.  Shocked, she scrambles to his patrol car to view the body cam footage.  No one else can see the footage which lands her in some hot water and soon even more darker situations occur and she uncovers a murder that other officers and her superior covered up and the supernatural presence killing those responsible.  

     I avoided this one for a few days but now I feel fucking stupid.  The movie was nothing like the artwork lead me to believe and I can see myself revisiting this one sometime in the near future.  Sure, it is a little goofy at times but when it was all said and done I really enjoyed what it delivered.  The acting in this one is solid.  The cast does what is asked of them but the characters do not make the film.  In fact, anyone could be cast in the film and it would make no difference.  The characters are all flat and not entertaining.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting at all.  I was expecting a cop drama or thriller but was greeted with a surprised supernatural angle.  It works but it also rings loudly at current events in the U.S. where police shoot first and ask questions later.  I really liked the supernatural touch but I loved the political message as well.  It's not often that a movie tackles police corruption much less a horror film but I really liked that.  Finally, the film has some visual effects that were surprisingly well done.  The film has some blood but those of you looking for a bloodbath will be very disappointed.  Overall, Body Cam is not the movie you think it is.  It does have it's short comings but is still a very entertaining film at the end of the day.  I highly suggest you check it out.    

Cannibal Hookers

Director(s) - Donald Farmer (Shark Exorcist, Chainsaw Cheerleaders) and Caroline Kopko (Hooker with a Hacksaw)
Starring - Jessa Flux (Space Babes from Outer Space, Bloody Hooker Massacre), James Balsamo (Cool as Hell, Killer Wave), and Steve Guynn (The Zombie Movie, 6 Feet Below Hell)
Release Date - 2019
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

    I love goofy off the wall horror movies but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a huge fan of exploitation.  I love movies like Tucker & Dale Vs Evil, Class of Nuke 'Em High, Thankskilling, Amityville Vibrator and so on but I could never turn away a sleazy exploitation flick.  Several months ago director Donald Farmer shared a post about his newest film, Cannibal Hookers, was available on blu.  This is a remake of his 1987 film of the same name.  I was curious and meant to order a copy and forgot.  It wasn't until several months later that he made another post about the blu.  I went ahead and grabbed a copy and when I found the time I tossed it in.  Thanks Donald for sending that one over!
     The film follows a young woman who is fleeing the hands of a religious zealot.  He hides behind his religion as a way to abuse her.  During her escape she crosses paths with a group of hookers hiding a dark secret.
     Sometimes I need a bloody and sleazy movie.  I like to laugh and I love horror comedies but sometimes I just was mindless violence and nudity.  That was one of the many reasons I was interested in Farmer's remake of Cannibal Hookers.  After watching Amityville Vibrator last month I needed more sleazy horror and I was hoping CH would do the trick.  It did for the most part.  The acting in this one has it's moments.  The cast has some very demanding roles and they are fully dedicated to their roles but the characters are very generic and lackluster.  The story for this one is actually pretty solid but not as sleazy as I was expecting.  I really liked the simple story involving hookers that are cannibals.  It's fun, sleazy, and I'm sure it's just as fun in the original film that I admit I have not seen yet.  However, it does have a few slower moving scenes and the editing feels a little choppy at times.  It does feel like it's all over the place but the overall film is enjoyable.  Finally, if you want blood, you got it.  The film has several kills with plenty of blood and some gore.  The practical effects work for the film but everyone knows that the viewer is focused on the beauties in the film and not the blood.  Overall, Cannibal Hookers is a sleazy goodtime.  I was expecting something a little more raunchier but it's fun for what it is.  I would definitely recommend checking this out with some cold ones and a few friends.  

Livescream

Director - Michelle Iannantuono (Detroit Evolution, Psychoacoustics)
Starring - Gunner Willis (Vice Principals, Ozark), Tiffani Brown (Devil's Advocate), and Austin Butts
Release Date - 2018
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Play or die"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I get a lot of movies in to review but I rarely have time to watch movies that I want to watch.  In fact, I started making time to watch movies sporadically that I've wanted to for sometime.  I do feel like I'm wasting time that I could be using to watch movies sent to me for review but there are movies I've wanted to see for some time that I spent money for.  One of those movies is the 2018 gaming horror film Livescream.  I heard about this one sometime back and it really peaked my curiosity.  I'm an avid gamer so this one was right up my alley.  I bought a copy of it sometime back but never could find the time to check it out until recently.
     The film follows an up and coming streamer who is marathoning a live stream and playing user recommended game.  He is checking out the game Livescream as it was suggested and finds himself at the whim of the game and his failure could result in the death of this fans.
     Honestly, Livescream was not what I was expecting.  It's not a found footage film in a traditional sense but it can easily be classified as one.  Personally, I'm not a fan of found footage flicks but I did enjoy what this one did.  The live streaming aspect meets horror works very well in this.  The acting in this one is pretty solid.  The film is pretty much a one man show with Gunner Willis carrying the entire thing on his shoulders.  He does a fantastic job in the role.  I know nothing about this young man aside from this film but he could naturally be a streamer.  His small talk and working with the fans was very genuine and authentic.  The story for this one is simple but works especially with today.  I spend a good bit of time watching streamers and playthroughs.  Horror is my life but video games are a real passion of mine.  I really liked the Stay Alive angle with the game killing people but the film does slow down sporadically.  Some of the scenes are rather dry and the viewer may find themselves becoming bored with it.  However, if you stick with it you will enjoy it.  Finally, this one is not a bloody mess like most of you horror fans prefer.  The film is nicely edited and looks like your typical streamer channel when they start out.  I liked that look and authenticity but if you want blood you will be disappointed.  Overall, Livescream is a unique horror film for the modern age.  It's not a bloody mess or uses classic horror tropes but it still delivers.  I highly suggest checking this one out and support indie horror!

Undercover Vice: Strapped for Danger Part II

Director - Richard Griffin (Before the Night is Over, The Disco Exorcist)
Starring - Chris Fisher (Paragods, Dark Roast), Sean Brown (Gray Matter, Psychotica), and Johnny Sederquist (Future Justice, Seven Dorms of Death)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Action/Comedy
Tagline - "This time they're going in deep"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (Out of 5):

     I get a lot of off the wall movies in to review.  Movies involving living placentas, musicals about incest, buttholes that are the gateway to other universes, haunted vibrators.  There is always something exciting coming in for me to check out.  Over the years director Richard Griffin has sent me some of the most memorable horror, sci-fi, comedies, and musicals to check out.  His films are always creative but still have that throwback angle to films that most of us grew up renting from the video store.  Sometime ago Griffin released the comedy Strapped for Danger.  It was an instant hit and one that I watched a few times before writing my review.  Recently, Griffin announced a follow up.  If it was half as funny as the first film I knew I would have to see it.  A few nights back he contacted me to review Undercover Vice: Strapped for Danger Part II.  I had planned on waiting until I was caught up to check it out but I couldn't wait.  The next night I had to watch it.  Thank you Richard for all you do for Horror Society.

     The film follows two detectives that are tasked with going undercover.  Several Republican politicians have been blackmailed by male escorts and the police has tracked them down to a porn production in town.  The two must go undercover at porn stars in order to catch them red handed.  

     I'll be completely honest...this is the funniest film Griffin has made to date.  Everything about this movie was entertaining from the cast, characters, story, wardrobe, dialogue, and so on.  I could totally see myself revisiting this one again and never becoming tired of it.  It was absolutely entertaining.  The acting in this one is fantastic.  I fucking loved all the characters and the cast does a phenomenal job at bringing them to life.  I find myself often saying this about a Griffin film but if I wanted to take the time to acknowledge all the great performances I would be here all day listing the cast.  I don't know how he does it but he brings the best our of people and their performances are always memorable.  The story for this one is funny.  It's a buddy cop comedy for the LGBTQ community.  I absolutely loved it and what it brought to the viewer.  The characters and dialogue are very well written.  The story is fully developed and flows very well.  Honestly, Griffin has never let me down before but I have to say this is his best storytelling to date.  Finally, no blood and gore for you sick fucks.  However, if you want some laughs and a solid story then this one is for you.  Overall, Undercover Vice: Strapped for Danger Part II is a movie I highly recommend to indie film lovers.  Everything about this one is brilliant.  I laughed, cried, and saw penis.  If you ever get the chance to check this one out I suggest you do so.  You will not be disappointed.  

Remnants

Director - Mark Byrne (Bigfoot!, Mismatch)

Starring - Jim Krut (Dawn of the Dead, Return of the Slasher Nurse), Gus Zucco (Nightmare Next Door, Evil Twins), and Hillary Styer (V/H/S 2, My Boring Zombie Apocalypse)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The past...ever lasting"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've made a lot of friends over the years because of Horror Society.  Writing for the site has really opened the door to meet some really awesome people doing great things in the indie horror community.  Many years ago I became friends with Matt Burns.  Matt is dedicated to the genre and has his hand in so many projects that I would be here all day mentioning.  His love for the genre knows no bounds.  Sometime back he contacted me to check out a new paranormal horror film starring Dawn of the Dead's Jim Krut.  Remnants, directed by Mark Byrne, looked like a fun one and I agreed to check it out.  Thanks Matt for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.  

     The film follows businessman Snap Nimzer (Krut) who has amassed a fortune from clearing out paranormal remnants.  What he doesn't know is that near him a portal to the other side has opened and something evil has escaped placing everyone in more danger than they already were.  

     I was really looking forward to Remnants.  I was really excited to see Jim Krut in another horror film but I had no idea what the film had in store for me.  As soon as I could I tossed it in but soon found myself not digging it which I hate.  I feel like shit when someone sends me a movie to review and I end up not liking it.  I really wanted to but there was some things that just didn't work for me.  Reviews, like many things in life, are subjective.  Just because I didn't like the movie doesn't mean it's bad.  I don't like oranges but most find them delicious so take this review with a grain of salt.  The acting in this one is very entertaining.  Kim Krut's character has some layers to him and Krut does a great job bringing those to life.  The supporting cast does a great job as well.  The characters are very likable and fun to watch regardless of the scene.  You can tell the cast really had fun on set and they were very dedicated to their roles.  The story for this one is my biggest hang up with the film.  I really like that the town the film takes place in is known for it's paranormal activity.  That works very well with the film's protagonist, Snap, making a name for himself clearing out the remnants.  Also, the family drama with his son and ex-wife trying to stop him from leaving his wealth to his niece also fits the film.  However, the segments following the other characters and they mingle with the remnants does feel out of place.  They could have been edited in a little better to give the film better pacing.  The way it was edited does make the story feel a little confusing at times.  Finally, the film is not the bloody mess some of you are always looking for.  The film itself relies heavily on story telling and character interactions to get the point across to the viewer but it does have some fairly decent practical effects scattered throughout.  With that being said, there is some visual effects that stand out.  Overall, Remnants is not for everyone.  If you have an eye for the paranormal and looking for a character driven horror story then this one is for you.  The story could use a little fine touches but it deserves at least one watch.  Check it out.