L.A. Aids Jabber

Director - Drew Godderis

Starring - Justin Godderis (Road to Red), Marcy Lynn, and Justin Mack (Teen Perspective)

Release Date - 1994

Genre - Crime/Horror

Tagline - "Jeff has just contracted a fatal disease, but he is a very giving person... now all his friends have it"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Wild Eye Releasing is one of my favorite companies because they pride themselves on giving indie releases a voice.  A lot of these films would get looked over if it wasn't for Wild Eye and companies like them.  When I saw that Wild Eye was expanding into blu releases with their Visual Vengeance I knew it would be a continuation of what they were doing with DVD.  When I saw that they were bringing The Necro Files to blu I was excited to revisit this one along with the other film they announced which was 1994's L.A. Aids Jabber.  This was one I was not familiar with and was looking forward to checking it out.  The film was originally released on VHS as Jabber but from my knowledge it had never been released on disc.  I reached out to Wild Eye and MVD and they were kind enough to send a copy over to check out.  I'm glad they did because I absolutely enjoyed this one.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows a young man who receives word that he is H.I.V. positive.  He's rather unstable and the news excited him a little too much.  He decides to share his new burden with anyone that pisses him off.  He starts putting his blood in syringes and injecting it into those that have inconvenienced his life.  Soon the police catch on and try to stop him before the news breaks.  However, they fail to do so which creates a bit of a panic around the case making it a little more difficult for them to track down the jabber.  

     The L.A. Aids Jabber was a movie that looked interesting but deep down I wasn't convinced that I would enjoy it.  However, after about 15 minutes into the film I knew I would love it... and I did.  Sure, it was rough around the edges and a bit questionable but I absolutely adored it.  Visual Vengeance really did something special with this release and I'm glad they were able to bring it to genre fans.  The acting in this one is a bit hit or miss with me.  We have a lot of volume control issues where people yell as a way of showing emotions instead of relying on facial expressions and gestures.  Aside from the volume control issues in many of the scenes I found myself actually enjoying the cast for the most part especially those playing the detectives.  They were natural in front of the camera and really fit the part.  The story for this one is straight and to the point.  However, it does feel like a crime drama at times instead of a typical horror film.  We have the terrifying story of someone poking strangers with Aids in a more grounded and crude version of Agoni but most of the film is spent with the detective trying to track him down and stop him.  This aspect of the film felt like something you would find on day-time cable.  Don't get me wrong, it was still enjoyable but it wasn't what I was expecting.  Finally, the film has blood but don't expect a gory flick with a body count.  The title and story is meant to be shocking but it's not as shocking now as it would have been during its initial release during the height of the Aids scare.  Overall, L.A. Aids Jabber is another must own from Visual Vengeance.  It's a movie that went unnoticed until they were kind enough to give it the release it deserves.  Collectors and movie fans alike need to snag this one.  

Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell

Director - Shinichi Fukazawa (Violator)

Starring - Shinichi Fukazawa, Masaaki Kai, and Masahiro Kai 

Release Date - 1995

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "AKA The Japanese Evil Dead"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago the 1985 horror comedy Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell was released on DVD.  The film was supposedly lost or never released before and it made waves among the genre fans.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to check it out while it was fresh in the horror consciousness but I've had it on my watch list for some time.  A few months back Wild Eye announced the launch of their new label Visual Vengeance which was meant to be the home for S.O.V. horror on blu.  One of their biggest announcements was the blu release of Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell.  I was quick to reach out to my friends over at Wild Eye and MVD, who were handling to blu release, and they were kind enough to send a review copy my way.  After watching their release of The Necro Files I decided to have a Visual Vengeance marathon with this and another release.  Like always I want to thank MVD and Wild Eye for hooking me up!

     The film follows a Japanese body builder who visits an old home that once belonged to his father with his girlfriend and a friend.  The home was once the site of a gruesome murder and now the three find themselves in a house with a benevolent spirit that want's them dead and will stop at nothing to rip them apart.

     Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell, aka The Japanese Evil Dead, is a movie that should not be slept on.  It's a wild, no budget flick with some fun effects and plenty of funny moments.  Honestly, there are a handful of films that I often recommend to horror fans that don't steer away from pop horror and this is one that is added to that list.  I absolutely loved it and can see many more viewings in my future.  The acting in this one is surprisingly enjoyable considering that the cast had absolutely no experience before this film.  The characters are fun but it's not them that makes the film as fun as it is.  It's actually the scenario and what happens to them that is so entertaining.  I liked the cast but anyone could have been cast in these roles and the film would have still worked.  The story for this one is similar to The Evil Dead with a little bit of Haus tossed in.  Twenty-somethings trapped in a house with an evil spirit/entity is nothing new especially by 1995.  However, it's the effects and what happens to the three that makes this one so much fun.  The film is barely an hour and it's a lot of fun especially when you consider the budget and cliched story.  It's the deaths and torture that makes this one stand out from the rest.  Finally, the effects in this one are the highlight of the film.  We get some seriously underrated stop-motion segments that make this movie seriously enjoyable.  We also have some practical effects that look good enough to make the gag work along with some make-up effects that are hit or miss.  Overall, Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell is a must have for fans of campy 80s horror and S.O.V. flicks with some creative effects.  I highly recommend this release from Visual Vengeance.  Don't make the same mistakes I did and sleep on this film.  

The Black Phone

Director - Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, Hellraiser: Inferno)

Starring - Mason Thames (Walker, For All Mankind), Madeleine McGraw (Pacific Rim: Uprising, Ant-Man and the Wasp), and Ethan Hawke (The Purge, Daybreakers)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Survival is on the line"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I know Blumhouse releases are hit and miss with me but when I find one I like I really fucking love them.  However, if it's one I don't care for I find myself completely miserable while I struggle to finish it.  I was on the fence when news broke that a short from author Joe Hill was being turned into a film starring Ethan Hawke.  I was worried that it was going to be another dud from Blumhouse.  However, as the release date approached and the trailer started making it's rounds I was actually excited to check it out.  A few weeks ago I received an email regarding a press package for the physical release of the film.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to provide me with one.  It arrived with some black balloons, some missing persons posters, and the film which was locked.  I had to uncover the combination to unlock it which was easy after watching the trailer.  I then watched The Black Phone twice in just as many days.  It was an amazing film and I'm thankful I was able to check it out.  

     The film follows a young teenage boy names Finney (Thames) who finds himself abducted by a serial kidnapper and murderer known as The Grabber (Hawke).  He tries to escape but soon finds that his efforts are useless.  That is until a black phone on the wall starts ringing with the ghosts of The Grabber's former victims on the other end helping him so he doesn't become another phantom on the other side of the phone.

     The Black Phone has it's fans and those that love to hate it.  It's not as polarizing as Malignant and some other films that were released post-Covid but those that hate it sure do love to hate it.  With that being said, I fucking loved it.  It was a fantastic film that I could see myself watching several more times before I tire of it.  The acting in this one is fucking fantastic.  The entire cast delivers unforgettable and top notch performances.  The cast is young but they show talent well above their years.  I loved the casting and the energy we get in each scene.  Also, Hawke delivers my favorite performance of his to date.  I loved the personality and how his character didn't really follow other cliches like most horror films do.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting but it's extremely well written and holds your attention from scene to scene.  I loved how the story on paper sounds extremely corny and awkward but once it is transferred to the screen it becomes a serious horror film that keeps you glued to the screen regardless of how many times you've watched it.  I loved the dialogue, the character development, and how everything comes full circle within the film.  Finally, the film has some make-up effects and a few shots of visual effects but the deaths are not as memorable as the film is.  This is the only disappointing aspect of the entire film in my opinion.  Overall, The Black Phone may not topple X as my favorite horror film of the year but it's easily in my top 5 picks for the year.  I fucking loved it and I don't see why the film got the hate that it does.  I highly recommend checking this one out.  

Spookie Dookie

Director - Brian Papandrea (Feaster Sunday, The Big F)

Starring - Megan Beck (Her Name Was Christa, Beyond the Valley of Belief Volume 2), Patrick L. Dear (Chubbies, Fangboner), and Sadie Tate (Space Babes from Outer Space, Amityville Vibrator)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Rock Bottom Video and director Brian Papandrea has given genre fans hours of entertainment with his films Feaster Sunday, The Big F, Beyond the Valley of Belief Volume 1 and 2 along with the other films Brian has appeared in like Space Babes from Outer Space, Gay for Pray: The Erotic Adventures of Jesus Christ, Thrust, and The Bad Man just to name a few.  I'm a big fan of Brian's and always look forward to anything he is attached to.   When he announced Spookie Dookie, which was when he revealed the artwork and trailer, I was very excited to check it out.  A few days after this  I was messaged by the film's producer, Zach Schildwachter, who was kind enough to send over a link to check it out.  As soon as I could I quickly hit play. I want to thank Brian and Zach for hooking me up with a link to the film.  

     The film follows the lonely and talkative Gatekeeper (Papandrea) who wants nothing more than to spin some tales that will send chills down your spine.  When an unfortunate passerby wonders too close to his crypt he is subject to his stories...and ejaculation.

     Spookie Dookie is exactly what you would expect from Rock Bottom Video and director and actor Brian Papandra.  It has that sense of humor that fans enjoy along with the gross out effects that makes so many of their films unforgettable.  Honestly, I really enjoyed it and I can see this one becoming a staple in many genre fans' annual Halloween watch list.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  I loved the characters everyone brings to life.  You can tell the cast had a lot of fun working on this one and it shows in every scene.  Papandrea, his lovely wife Sadie Tate, Terence Cover, and Megan Schildwachter were all enjoyable.  I know I'm leaving out some names but the imdb page is not updated and I don't have access to the film while I type this so I do apologize if I did forget anyone.  Regardless if I mentioned their name or not, I liked the casting and the humor they are brought to the film.  The stories for this one is pretty funny.  It has a lot going on like slap stick, vintage commercials and infomercials, Dracula with stds, Coffee Joe, and a good bit of laughs.  I laughed a good bit at this one.  Probably more than any other Rock Bottom release.  However, I don't think this is one that I will be able to revisit as often as the others.  Once a year while Halloween is approaching will be enough.  Finally, the film has some blood, fake dicks, cumshots, and that's about the extent of the effects.  The film is obviously a no budget production and Rock Bottom used humor to make up for the lack of funds and effects.  Overall, Spookie Dookie is fucking stupid and I mean that.  It's so dumb but that is what makes it so brilliant.  It has a lot of laughs and it's one I hope I get to revisit with a group of friends and some beer.  I highly recommend checking this one out especially if you are looking for something different this October.  

     

Zero Budget Heroes: The Legend of Chris Seaver & Low Budget Pictures

Director - Zach Olivares

Starring - Chris Seaver (Troma's Edge TV, Taintlight), John Karyus (Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead, The Plague), and Josh Suire (Happy Helladays, Evil Night)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Cheap. Vile. Hilarious.  The littlest film company you never knew"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Many years ago, almost decades now, I snagged my first Chris Seaver film.  I purchased the Ghoul School four film collection from Brentwood Entertainment.  I saw Debbie Rochon on the cover and when I flipped it around I was sold on the titles and their synopsis.  This was my introduction into the wild world of Low Budget Pictures and the genius mind of Chris Seaver.  I soon found him on social media and took a deep dive into his Warlock Home Video releases.  Over the years I've collected most, if not all, of his films and constantly visit his page to make sure something wasn't announced that I had missed.  It was on one of these occasions that I saw a post from him talking about Zach Olivares' documentary Zero Budget Heroes.  I was quick to add Zach on Facebook and quickly messaged him about the film.  At the time it wasn't ready but once it was finished and was making it's rounds on the festival circuit he was kind enough to send a message my way so I could check it out.  I'm glad he did because it was one hell of a good time.  Thank you Zach for giving Chris the spotlight he truly deserves.

     The documentary explores the humble beginnings of indie filmmaker Chris Seaver that got his start when he took his grandparent's video camera to make his own films.  Soon he had friends involved before maturing to the point that he had his own team of passionate friends that continue to work with him from project to project.  

     Zero Budget Heroes is one of the few documentaries that I truly look forward to checking out.  I have been known to review cryptid docs from time to time but those are nothing like watching a doc centered around one of my favorite filmmakers.  I've been collecting Seaver's films for years and I couldn't wait to explore how he got the ideas behind the films and how he got a start to his film-making career.  This one doesn't disappoint and even offers up an emotional side to the filmmaker that I have admired for some time.  The interviews in this one consist of a wide range of former and current Low Budget Pictures' collaborators.  We do get a lot of insight into what it was like working with Seaver now, in the beginning, and in between.  It was a huge cast of interviews that really showed what it was like on set with Seaver and how quick, chaotic, and comical it was to film with him.  However, I would have loved to hear from some of the locals that deemed him a menace.  I think it would have been interesting to hear from some of the locals and what they thought of Seaver and the gang.  The topics discussed were approached in a chronological order as we moved from his childhood to the current.  We see what it was like to work with him prior to the founding of LBP up until now.  We also get a good look at how some of his most memorable characters and films came to be along with some regret for those that did not age well.  The film doesn't really hold much back and ends with a bit of an emotional ending.  Finally, the editing and transitioning is top notch.  This documentary is well put together, flows very well, but it's just a pinch too long.  I'd hate to say that the film should be trimmed down but I could see some editing could be done and some unused interviews could have been used for a sequel.  Overall, Zero Budget Heroes is a fantastic documentary about one of the most underrated indie filmmakers of our generation.  Fans of the silly side of cinema really need to check this one out and give director Chris Seaver the credit he fully deserves.  I loved this one and I can't wait to add it to my collection.  

Necro Files 2

Director(s) - Ron Carlo (Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams), Matt Jaissle (The Necro Files, Necro Files 3000), and Greg Lewis (Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams)

Starring - Isaac Cooper (Anti-Hero, Midnight Movie Madness), Steve Sheppard (The Necro Files, Anti-Hero), and Gary Browning (The Necro Files, Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Lust never dies"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I befriended director Matt Jaissle on Facebook when he was promoting his newest indie horror film Necro Files 3000.  I was unfamiliar with his previous work but he was kind enough to send over his films The Necro Files and Necro Files 3000 for review.  Both films, though polar opposites, were extremely fun for different reasons.  I soon realized that The Necro Files has a bit of a cult following.  Recently, my friends over at Wild Eye Releasing put out the original Necro Files on blu and was kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  I was looking forward to revisiting this one and when I was browsing imdb while watching the film I realized that Jaissle co-directed a sequel in 2003 simply titled Necro Files 2.  I was quick to find a copy to check it out after revisiting the first film on blu.

     The film picks up some years after the first with the two detectives still working together to stop crime.  One has obviously picked up some bad habits after stopping the undead rapist in the first film but he is still quick to act when a new series of murders and rapes grip the city.  They soon start tailing his brother who they suspect is filling his dead brother's shoes and soon discover what is really going on.  

     Necro Files 2 is not the film the original is and doesn't offer up the comical mayhem Necro Files 3000 does.  It's not a bad film but it's obvious that there was more going on behind the camera than in front of it.  It scratched an itch I didn't know I had but it's nowhere near as enjoyable as the original film.  Competitionists or hardcore fans of the original may be interested in it but if the original is something you are on the fence about then this one is not for you.  The acting in this one is more of the same as the original film.  The cast goes all in but inexperience is obvious.  I liked the characters and how the cast approached them but in some scenes they use volume as a way to show emotion which is a bit awkward.  I'm not much for films where the cast has an issue with volume control and that's what happens here.  The story for this one is a pick up from the first one but it doesn't really have anywhere to go.  I liked it for the most part but I was hoping for something a little more than a similar story to the original film.  It's a solid follow up to the first but the lack of progression makes it one that will be easily forgotten.  Finally, this one is just as wild when it comes to no budget effects as the first.  It's bloody and gory with plenty of imagination to overcome the film's lack of budget.  A lot of fun for those of you with a taste for blood.  Overall, Necro Files 2 is not the polished and entertaining film as its predecessor but there were moments to enjoy.  I liked it for the most part but I don't see myself checking it out again.

The Bushwhacker

Director - Byron Mabe (She Freak, Space Thing)

Starring - Dan Martin (The Lustfull Turk, The Head Mistress), Merci Montello (Erika's Hot Summer, The Single Girls), and Barbara Kline (Baby Vickie, Henry's Night In)

Release Date - 1968

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "An adult color spectacular"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When Mondo Macabro and CAV sent over this last set of releases I was extremely excited to dig into these films.  I was on the fence with Hotel Fear but after finally watching it I have to admit that I truly enjoy it and Strangler vs. Strangler.  However, the film that really caught my eye was the second film in their sister label's double feature consisting of The Ravager and The Bushwhacker.  The Bushwhacker really caught my eye and after reading the synopsis I was extremely curious.  As soon as I finished The Ravager I quickly hit play on The Bushwhacker in hopes that it would make up for the latter.  Like always, I want to thank MM and CAV for sending this release over.

     The film follows a wild bushwhacker who spots a small plane traveling above.  Aimed with a sure shot, he brings the plane down into the desert.  The survivors, three beautiful women and their male pilot, set out to make camp in hopes that someone comes looking for them.  Unbeknownst to them, the bushwhacker is near and looking for beautiful women to take back to his camp.

     The Bushwhacker has a wild story that completely failed to bring it all together into something memorable.  Instead, it's a skin flick with little skin and no story at all.  I was seriously looking forward to a corny flick with some boobs and a stupid story but what I was given with little skin and a story that was quickly written on a napkin a few minutes before filming.  The acting in this one is one of the few redeeming qualities.  I actually really enjoyed the cast and the cliched characters they brought to life.  They work very well together in front of the camera and, though they are generic, the characters are pretty fun to watch.  The story for this one is a huge mess.  Most of the movie is the group wandering aimlessly through the mountainous terrain looking for help while spitting out some of the worst dialogue I've heard in a while.  When not following the group as they have a dull conversation we are given scenes of the bushwhacker carrying a woman through the same landscape.  There is very little for the viewer to grasp on to.  Finally, the film has a limited amount of skin but don't expect a bloody horror flick.  It lacks blood and the boobs are far and few in between.  Overall, The Bushwhacker was not what I was expecting and it just didn't scratch the itch so to speak.  It was a difficult film to finish and I couldn't get into it.  Skip it.  

The Ravager

Director - Charles Nizet (Help Me... I'm Possessed, Voodoo Heartbeat)

Starring - Jo Long, Pierre Agostino (Red Heat, Las Vegas Serial Killer), and Lynn Hayes 

Release Date - 1970

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Just when you thought you've seen it all... You'll be shocked and excited when you see THE RAVAGER DOING HIS THING!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I look to Mondo Macabro for international titles that I would never see any other way.  However, they do handle some seriously underrated exploitation films from time to time.  Keep in mind, I've only been collecting Mondo Macabro releases for a few years but those few years I've been adding them to my collection was mostly international titles and the occasional exploitation flick.  The last batch of MM releases I received for review included two international titles and an exploitation double feature which is part of their sister label, American Arcana.  I had a lot of fun with Strangler vs. Strangler and Hotel Fear but I was really looking forward to The Ravager and The Bushwhacker double feature.  After watching both films I quickly tossed in The Ravager and hit play.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over.

     The film follows a Vietnam vet who becomes a serial rapist and murder after witnessing the brutal rape and murder of a Vietnamese woman.  Now, armed with patience and dynamite, he hunts down couples and has his way with the women.

     The Ravager is straight to the point and painfully repetitive.  I don't mind if a movie, especially a sleazy exploitation flick, uses the same gag once or twice but The Ravager is a one trick pony with most of the scenes being redundant.  I really wanted to like it but I was bored to fucking tears by the 20 minute mark.  The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect.  The cast is dedicated to their roles but inexperience does rear it's ugly head.  It's not horribly acted but there is a few awkward scenes where the cast struggles to find their footing.  The story for this one has a decent enough set up for an exploitation flick with a horror spin.  We get a demented veteran using the skills he learned in combat to kill those he stalks.  Toss in some explosions, blood, and boobs and you have the entire film in a nutshell.  However, once or twice of this would have been sufficient.  However, the film continues to throw that same set up down your throat until the very end with little to nothing new for the viewer to enjoy.  It's evident this was a rushed production with a half-written script.  Finally, the film has some blood splatter and explosions but that's the extent of it.  The boobs are nice to look at but the lack of practical effects was a big let down.  Overall, The Ravager may be a notorious exploitation film but that doesn't make it a good one.  I really wanted to write a positive review for this one but I just can't.  It wasn't for me at all.  

Prey

Director - Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane, The Boys)

Starring - Amber Midthunder (Longmire, Hell or High Water), Dakota Beavers (Burning Questions), and Dane DiLiegro (Sweet Home, American Horror Stories)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Sci-Fi/Action

Format - Streaming (Hulu)

Rating (out of 5):

     I grew up in the late 80s and early 90s and spent more time than I should have in my local video store.  I also convinced my dad to get the cable box so I could watch movies and shows on HBO, Cinemax, and The Movie Channel.  Sometime over the years I was able to watch Predator and Predator 2.  They weren't my favorite films but I did enjoy them.  Since then I've stayed on top of the Predator films with the exception of The Predator that was released in 2018.  I enjoyed them all, even both AVP films, but I have no idea why I took the time to find and watch The Predator.  However, when news of Prey was announced I knew this would be one film I couldn't pass up.  I had to see it and once it arrived on Hulu I made sure I had time to watch it the following weekend.  No one asked for this review but here it is.  

     The film takes place 300 years ago with a tribe of Native Americans who are dealing with the encroaching French fur traders and tribe politics.  We follow the young Naru (Midthunder) who wants more than to be a gathering like most females.  She longs to be a hunter like her brother and often sneaks out on her own hunts.  However, on one of her excursions she tracks something unusual and tries to warn her tribe.  They ignore her warnings and soon come face to face with an ancient Predator.  When the men in her tribe fall prey to the predator she steps up to stop it before it wipes out her tribe.

      Prey is a movie that was custom made for fans of the Predator films.  Most forget that the first two Predator films were action films with a horror element.  Most of the modern Predator films continue the horror inspired action which does draw hate from the genre fans but that's because they mostly expect a more horror based film after the title character often gets bunched together with the xenomorph and aliens.  Prey once again delivers on what Predator fans expect.  A lot of great action sequences and some horror elements that really made for a fun and enjoyable popcorn flick.  This is one I will be adding to my collection come hell or high water.  The acting in this one is great.  Midthunder is absolutely astounding as the young aspiring Comanche hunter.  Her dialogue and delivery is better than most seasons actors and her action scenes are very intense.  She does an amazing job with her performance and Trachtenberg knocked the casting out of the park with her and the remainder of the cast.  What is truly impressive is that a good portion of the Comanche's delivered some seriously unforgettable performances with very little experience.  The film has an amazing cast with some seriously amazing performances.  The story for this one is unique to the Predator series.  Most of the Predator films are set around modern day with AVP touching some on their decades-long arrival to our planet to hunt and mine DNA from predator animals.  However, none actually takes us back in time to those encounters.  It was a different approach and a bit of a gamble that actually worked.  It was a lot of fun, had a tremendous amount of character development, and molds a legacy for future Predator films in different historical periods.  I can't wait to see where we go next.  Finally, the film has some fun deaths with a lot of practical and visual effects.  Usually, the visual effects stand out in films like this but in Prey they compliment the practical effects.  I loved the gory deaths and how they were incorporated into the film.  It will not disappoint especially those of you with an eye for the red stuff.  Overall, Prey is not a movie that should be slept on.  This is the Predator film that fans have been asking for.  I highly recommend checking this one out.  It was a lot of fun.  

Hotel Fear

Director - Francesco Barilli (The Perfume of the Lady in Black, Especially on Sunday)

Starring - Luc Merenda (Hostel: Part II, Tough to Kill) Leonora Fani (Giallo in Venice, Born for Hell), and Francisco Rabal (Dagon, Nightmare City)

Release Date - 1978

Genre - Horror/Mystery

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been more open to international films in recent years but I'm still learning a lot and thanks to companies like Mondo Macabro I'm able to check out some seriously underrated and obscure films that I would have normally skipped over.  However, as fun as it is to check out an international film I had never heard of before I sometimes don't enjoy the film.  I can't like them all and I simply refuse to lie.  I'm always honest but respectful.  When Mondo's release of the 1978 murder mystery Hotel Fear arrived for review I figured I wouldn't care for it.  It just didn't look like something I would find interesting.  However, after I watched Strangler vs. Strangler I decided to go ahead and dig into it.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over.

     The film follows a young woman who finds herself in charge of a hotel during the tail end of World War II when her mother mysteriously dies.  Problems with her sexually aggressive tenants are the least of her problems when someone starts killing the guests when they cross the line.

     I was fully expecting to hate Hotel Fear.  It just didn't look like a film I would enjoy but I quickly found myself liking it.  It was entertaining and it's a movie I could see most genre fans, especially those that enjoy giallo and period pieces, getting behind.  I'm glad I took the chance and I'm even more grateful that Mondo Macabro was able to bring this one to us.  The acting in this one is very enjoyable.  I really liked the characters that the movie brings us and the cast is brilliant.  I really enjoyed how well the cast worked with one another and how far they went with their characters.  There were a few awkward scenes but I blame that on the language barrier instead of the actual acting.  The story for this one is a solid murder mystery but I did find it to be a bit of a dull ride at times.  I loved the story setting, the location, and the backstory.  However, the film spends too much time focusing on the tenants of the building and their overactive sex drives.  It would have been just as effective if half the time was spent on it.  Also, the dialogue is a bit dull at times.  The entertaining characters make up for it mostly but most of the dialogue is dull.  It doesn't take away from the entire film but you will catch yourself wanting to check social media as the film rolls on.  Finally, this is not a bloody flick.  The kills fit the themes of the film but it doesn't really offer up anything red or fun for horror fans.  Overall, Hotel Fear is a fun World War II entered horror film that focuses more on the murder mystery aspect than it does the war.  It's fun and the cast makes it enjoyable but if you are looking for a gruesome horror flick then this is not for you.  Honestly, I recommend this one and highly recommend snagging this Mondo Macabro release.    

Better Safe Than Sorry

Director - Dylan A. Young (Good Mourning, Veronica: Skeletons in the Closet)

Starring - Rae Hunt (Curse of the Nun, Another Apocalyptic Zombie Movie), Bella Martin (Ouija Craft, The Alpha Test, and Brad Belemijian (Blood Ranch, Painted in Blood)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (TromaNow)

Rating (out of 5):

     I don't get to review shorts as much as I used to.  Before the pandemic it felt like I was being asked to review a horror short every other day.  Now, however, the requests are few and far in between.  I dig horror shorts because they tend to be quick and to the point where most feature length films have so much wasted time with pointless dialogue and filler scenes.  A few months back I realized that a Facebook friend of mine, Dylan A. Young, was actually an indie filmmaker with several shorts under his belt.  I watched his short Veronica and was very impressed by it.  A few days back he hit me up to review his short Better Safe Than Sorry.  The film was just released on TromaNow and he was hitting me up to let me know.  I was curious about it and decided to log in and check it out. 

     The short follows a mother and daughter duo.  The daughter was on a date with a man when he gets a little too handsy.  Soon he is tossing her phone from the vehicle and starts forcing himself on her.  She uses a taser that was given to her by her mother but that doesn't stop him.  She continuously shocks him until he becomes unresponsive.  When she tells her mother of the incident her mother continues to protect her young and disposes of the body for her.

     I had no idea what Better Safe Than Sorry was about prior to my initial viewing.  I knew the artwork for the film looked fucking fantastic which made my mind race with the possibilities.  What we get was a film with a great story that works for the eight minute run time.  Its straight to the point and a lot of fun without over staying it's welcome.  The acting in this one is great.  The cast is small consisting of three members where everyone works great together on screen.  Rae Hunt and Bella Martin work so well together. We don't have a lot of time to enjoy their on screen chemistry but we still get a solid, yet short, performance.  The story for this one works very well and makes great use of it's short run time.  The film following a mother who has no boundaries when it comes to protecting her daughter could have went multiple ways.  It could have been a very effective drama as well but the choice of adding a dismemberment scene makes it feel right at home with the genre we love.  Finally, the film has some blood and some old school camera tricks with editing to pull off the gag but for those of you looking for buckets of blood and a great amount of gore will be very disappointed.  Overall, Better Safe Than Sorry is a well polished short with a solid story and great cast.  I highly recommend checking this one out if you have TromaNow.  It's well worth the eight minutes and you will not be disappointed.    

Strangler vs. Strangler

Director - Slobodan Sijan (Poor Little Hamsters, How I Was Systematically Destroyed by an Idiot)

Starring - Tasko Nacic (Tight Skin 4, Backbone), Nikola Simic (Hitler from Our Street, Obituary for Escobar), and Srdjan Saper (The Promising Boy, Rock and Revolution)

Release Date  - 1984

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "To be a true metropolis, a city needs it's own serial killer.  But what if it gets two of them?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love what Mondo Macabro is doing.  They are bringing rather obscure titles to cult cinema collectors.  What makes them stand out from others and that they seem to focus on international films that often go overlooked in American markets.  I don't always like the movies they release but they get some serious respect from myself and most of the horror and cult collectors.  A few months back MM announced the release of the 1984 horror comedy Strangler vs Strangler on blu.  This one looked very interesting to me and I knew this would be the release that started my next Mondo Macabro marathon.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows an overweight rose seller who finds his life turned upside down when he becomes overstimulated and strangles his first victim.  From then on he discovers he has a knack for it.  While he strangles those that are mean to him a punk band in town uses the murders to grow their fan base which draws suspicion from the lead detective.  

     Stranger vs Strangler is not as the title leads you to believe but it's still a fantastic international horror comedy.  I enjoyed it and could see myself watching it again with some friends.  A little bit of booze would make it even more enjoyable but it's not required.  The acting in this one is great.  There is always a bit of the acting that is missed when the viewer has to read the dialogue.  However, there is just as much missed when the viewer watches a film that is dubbed.  Not all the words being said are translated in the dubbing.  With that being said, I chose to watch the dubbed version and I really enjoyed the cast.  The characters were well written and they did a fantastic job at bringing them to life for us on screen.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting but I appreciated it.  I loved the character development, the set up for the film, and how the movie unfolded.  Honestly, I felt that the film was very clever in how it was written but a lot of the humor misses it's mark.  I don't know if it's from the year it was written or the fact that the film is from Yugoslavia.  With that being said, it still works as a horror film.  Finally, don't expect a bloody flick.  Most, if not all, of the deaths are from strangulation.  No need for effects here and if you are looking for a bloody flick then you will be disappointed.  Overall, Strangler vs. Strangler is a fantastic release and Mondo Macabro does the film justice.  I highly recommend snagging this one especially if you are in the mood for something from outside of the U.S.  Check it out.  

Dual

Director - Riley Stearns (The Art of Self-Defense, Faults)

Starring - Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Gunpowder Milkshake), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad, The Last House on the Left), and Beulah Koale (Shadow in the Cloud, The Panthers)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Sci-Fi/Thriller

Tagline - "Choose wisely"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several weeks ago I received the press release for the sci-fi thriller Dual.  The film starred Marvel's own Nebula, Karen Gillan and Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul.  I've been a fan of Karen Gillan for several years after her appearance in Doctor Who.  That is one of my favorite shows and her portrayal of Amy Pond is one of my favorite companions of the revival series.  I was very curious about the film especially after I saw the cast.  I reached out for a review copy and was granted one.  Sadly, it was sent to an old address and I couldn't get it in a timely manner.  I was able to snag a screening link and after dealing with crappy internet for several hours I was finally able to check it out.  

     The film follows Sarah (Gillan) who is given devastating news.  She is terminally ill and given a short time to prepare for her imminent demise.  To help her family and loved ones cope with her death, she agrees to pay for a clone so that they will continue to have her in their lives even though she has passed.  However, her terminal diagnosis was quickly retracted after her family has grown attached to the clone.  The clone is typically decommissioned in an instance like this but due to the time it took she is given rights.  The two are then entered into a combat for survival so only one can live the life of Sarah.  The original seeks help from a combat trainer in order to give herself a better chance in surviving but things don't go according to plan.

     I absolutely fucking loved the idea of Dual.  It is an absolutely fantastic idea that could have been something truly spectacular.  I know I often say this but I really love the idea behind this one but the way it was executed was very disappointing.  The movie could have been a bloody action horror film in the same vain as Battle Royale.  However, the way it was actually done feels like a dark drama with thriller elements.  It was very underwhelming.  The acting in this one is great.  I was expecting Gillan and Paul to cameo in the film with the movie focus on some other characters.  This is often a bait tactic by production companies to cash in on popularity of big names.  However, it was only Paul with the smaller role while the entire film was centered around Gillan.  She was absolutely fantastic but I would have loved to see her tackle a film where the dual roles has drastic personalities.  It was awesome watching her in this but the original and clone were so close together that it was impossible to tell them apart.  That does work with the twist at the end but it was a bit of a bummer see her portray essentially the same character twice.  The story for this one would have been something for the ages if they didn't tote the line between thriller and dark drama.  Having a film where an original clone battle for their name is something that could have been extremely bloody, violent, and have the impact to become a popular horror franchise.  However, the entire film focuses on Sarah in the most boring way possible.  We watch her mentally prepare for death, watch her get replaced by her clone, and continue to show as little emotion as possible.  Honestly, I have no idea why this angle was approached because it is easily the dullest use of this story.  Finally, the film has some blood and a dead dog but that is the extent of the effects that we get.  It's a bit of a shame considering the film centered around clones fighting to the death.  Overall, Dual had a solid set up but it wasn't something I could get into.  Honestly, Dual could have been titled Dull because it was just that.  

Shark Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon Vol. 2

Director - Addison Binek (Tromasterpiece Theatre, Psycho Ape!)

Starring - Addison Binek

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Here is the end of my Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon marathon.  A few weeks ago director and actor Addison Binek sent over three collections of his web series Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon.  The first was The Cannibals and Zombies Collection.  This was a lot of fun for me because I had seen almost all of the films that he riffed.  The other two collections were shark movies.  I'm not much on shark flicks but I was still open to checking them out.  The first volume was a decent watch and I paced myself before spinning the second volume.  I didn't want to binge on these because this is a show that I can't watch for hours on end.  However, I put a day in between my viewing of Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.  I want to thank Addison for sending this one over.

     This collection, once again, follows Addison as he watches and pokes fun at some seriously crappy shark films.  

     I wish I was as passionate about something as Addison is about horrible movies.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely fucking love watching cheesy, campy, and poor quality films but Addison has made it is life goal to watch, riff, and make these types of films.  Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon is a fun watch if you are in the mood for it and his films are some of my favorites in my collection.  Shark Movies Vol. 2 was a solid enough watch but I once again feel like I'm missing out on some of the jokes because I had not seen the films he is riffing.  The acting in this one is decent enough.  Addison delivers his jokes, has fun in front of the camera, and really gets into his episode.  He goes all in and does a fantastic job.  You can really see where his heart is in each episode.  The writing for this one is just like the others.  His sense of humor finds its mark and I always have a few laughs when he riffs a film.  However, like I said earlier, I think these jokes would have been a little more enjoyable if I was a little more familiar with the films.  Finally, the editing is rather crude and looks like it's done on the fly but it's still enjoyable.  It doesn't take away from the overall show and you still get the point.  Overall, Shark Movies Vol. 2 is another fun watch.  If you are into riffing horrible films then this is one I would recommend if you've never seen it before.  

Shark Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon Vol. 1

Director - Addison Binek (Psycho Ape!, Tromasterpiece Theatre: The Battle of Love's Run)

Starring - Addison Binek

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I watch a lot of shitty movies.  Some are by choice while others are not.  I love the weird side of cinema and the stranger the plot of a film the more I'm interested in it.  Several years ago I befriended Addison Binek and soon discovered that he had just a bad taste in film as I did.  In fact, his love of horrible movies inspired him to create his YouTube web series Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon.  Paying tribute to MST3K and Riff Tracks, Binek set out to riff no budget schlockers, mock busters, and late night guilty pleasures.  Since starting his web series many years ago he has released several compilation releases following various themes.  I've reviewed a few of them up to this point and when Addison asked me to check out a few more I couldn't tell him no.  After watching his Cannibals and Zombies Collection I decided to move on to Shark Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon Vol. 1.  Thanks Addison for sending this one over. 

     This collection features episodes of Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon that feature films of sharks and shark hybrids along with all the humor you expect from the show's host Addison Binek.

     Shark Movies Vol. 1 has some funny moments but I think I would have appreciated the humor and jokes if I had seen these films.  Most of the other collections that Binek has released over the years consist of films that I've seen.  I know how bad, cheesy, and horribly written they were so the jokes he made found their mark.  He does include clips from the films that go along with his skit but it's not the same if you've never seen the films.  I'm not much on shark films so all these movies are new to me.  The acting in this one is the same as all the other collections.  Addison is at home in front of the camera and is very natural there.  His sense of humor is similar to mine and I can find a lot of humor in this even though I've never seen these films.  However, some of the stuff did miss it's mark because I was unfamiliar with the films.  He still attacks the episode with the same energy that he always does.  The writing in this, if you are unfamiliar with the YouTube web series, follows shows like MST3K.  He jokes, pokes fun of, and sometimes parodies the films he discusses.  We get a lot of shark humor which does get old fairly early on.  I found it mostly funny but after three or four episodes I was ready to move on to something else.  Finally, the show is crudely out together which is part of it's charm.  It's clearly a no-budget production but you can see the passion Binek has for his show and he makes it work.  Overall, Shark Movies Vol. 1 is another fun collection from Binek and his YouTube channel that he has spent years culminating.  I recommend checking it out especially if you are fans of cheesy and campy horror flicks.  It's a lot of fun.  

Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon Presents The Cannibals and Zombies Collection

Director - Addison Binek (Psycho Ape!, Tromasterpiece Theatre: Poultrygeist)

Starring - Addison Binek

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I was introduced to actor, director, and web-series host Addison Binek when I was attending Cinema Wasteland.  It was around this time that he was working on his first Tromasterpiece Theatre film.  I was very interested in the film considering it was supported by Lloyd Kaufman and about Kaufman's first film The Battle of Love's Return.  I also learned of his long running web series Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon.  This YouTube series is centered around Addison as he riffs, or mocks, various horror and sci-fi films.  I've collected multiple releases of his collections and enjoy checking them out from time to time.  A few weeks ago Addison sent over a few of his collections to review.  I decided to start my marathon with his Cannibals and Zombies Collection.  Thanks Addison for sending this one over!

     In this collection we follow Addison as he watches some seriously heinous and barely watchable films like Zombie: The Beginning and Cannibal Terror.

     Movies to Watch on a Rainy Afternoon is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.  I don't watch it that often but when I do I find myself laughing at the riff's Addison has written and the no budget charm of his show.  Honestly, it's not something I can binge or watch repeatedly.  It's fun in small doses and something that I think other cult cinema fans would enjoy but I need time between each viewing to recharge my batteries.  The Cannibals and Zombies Collection is probably my favorite release of his so far because I've suffered through most of these films myself.  A lot of the things he said really does sum up what I thought about them during my initial viewing.  The acting in this one is decent.  Addison is himself in front of the camera while he picks apart movies that shouldn't have been released.  They are painfully bad and his observations, critiques, and humorous antidotes of the films are funny for the most part.  He is extremely comfortable in front of the screen and his delivery works for most of the time.  The writing in this is pretty funny.  A lot of the jokes are reminiscent of MST3K but there is a few instances where the joke just doesn't find its mark.  I can see fans of Angry Video Game Nerd, Riff Tracks, and Cinema Snob enjoy what Addison brings to the table here.  Finally, the editing is not the best.  It's a cheap YouTube webseries that focuses on the laughs and not the polish.  Overall, The Cannibals and Zombies Collection is probably my favorite release of Movies to Watch on a Rainy Day.  The movies he riffs are some of the worst genre films in history which gives him a lot of material to work with.  I highly recommend checking this out if it sounds like something you are interested in.  I enjoyed it.