Mystics in Bali

Director - H. Tjut Djalil (LAdy Terminator, White Crocodile Queen)

Starring - Ilona Agathe Bastian, Yos Santo (The Devil's Sword, The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman), and Sofia W.D. (Teen Idol, Fatima)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The last few weeks have truly been eye opening to me.  I've had an eye for foreign and international horror for several years now after discovering Japanese splatter but I never really ventured into the world of Indonesian horror.  Severin opened the door with their Suzzanna box set but Mondo Macabro took me further with their releases of The Queen of Black Magic and Mystics of Bali.  Mystics of Bali is one that I had heard about for many years but never actually had the chance to see it.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over for review.  I'm glad I was finally able to check this one off my watch list!

     The film follows a woman writing a book on black magic with the help of a local.  He takes her to the cemetery late at night and they find an old woman with long nails laughing.  She offers to help her with her book and give her some of her black magic power.  However, she is tricked and turned into a penanggalan at night.  The penanggalan is a disembodied head with the organs still attached that feeds on the blood of the living.  She begins terrorizing the locals who are then forced to stop her.

     I went into this one assuming it was about a penanggalan from seeing some of the artwork for the film.  I was only familiar with this creature due to Dead by Daylight and I'm not going to pretend like I'm an expert on the creature.  However, I knew enough about the basics to appreciate the film for what it was.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  Sofia W.D. made the film for me as the old witch.  Her performance stole every scene she was in and really stood out from the rest of the cast.  It was on the campy side but I enjoy the theatrics in horror films with great atmosphere and tension.  The supporting cast does a decent enough job but no one else in the film delivers a performance like Sofia W.D.  The story for this one is a lot of fun.  It doesn't really offer up anything we haven't seen before but it does give it a unique spin.  Black magic as the center focus in an Indonesian horror film is nothing new and was already done several times in 1981 alone.  However, adding the penanggalan angle made it stand out from the crowd.  It does get a bit dull and repetitive as the film moves on but it still finds a way to work.  Finally, the film has some fun effects.  We get some classic camera tricks and some fun make-up effects.  While the kills are not that imaginative and gruesome, they do fit the film.  Overall, Mystics in Bali is a fantastic film with a creature that many genre fans have never seen before.  I highly recommend this one and this release from Mondo Macabro looks fantastic.  Check it out.  

The Queen of Black Magic

Director - Liliek Sudjio (Jaka Swara, Dendam Jumat Kliwon)

Starring - Suzzanna (The Earth Gets Hotter, Pact with the Forces of Darkness), W.D. Mochtar (Revenge of the Ninja, Hell Raiders), and Teddy Purba (Ratu Buaya, Sengatan Kobra)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "A chilling tale of magic battles and terrifying demons"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several weeks ago I was introduced to several films that featured Indonesian horror queen Suzzanna when my friends over at Severin Films sent me a box set featuring several of her films.  I was impressed by most of the films and could see myself actually revisiting a couple of them in the near future.  Not too long after I got them for review, I received a few films from my friends over at Mondo Macabro one of those films just happened to be another film featuring Suzzanna.  The film, 1981's The Queen of Black Magic, was the movie that continuously popped up while I was researching movies for her which really made me excited to check out this release.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over.  

     The film follows a woman who is suspected of being a witch when her ex and his soon to be bride suffer several inconveniences on their wedding day.  They toss her off a cliff where she is left for dead when she is rescued by a stranger.  He nurses her back to health and teaches her in the way of black magic so she can get her revenge on those that accused her of being a witch in the first place.  

     Honestly, I don't have a lot to say about Suzzanna that I haven't already said in the previous reviews of her films.  She was an extremely talented actress that is severely underrated when it comes to the horror genre and cinema in general.  The Queen of Black Magic is easily my favorite film starring the Indonesian treasure.  It may not be her best performance, which it's not, but it's easily her most enjoyable film.  The acting in this one is solid enough to make the film work.  The characters are very bold which gives the cast a lot to work with.  However, they are not as campy or exaggerated as a lot of the other films I've seen of hers with the Bollywood inspiration.  I very much enjoyed the story but I would have appreciated it a lot more if it was the first Suzzanna film I had reviewed.  Instead, it was very similar to several other films of hers where someone was wronged and came back with the help of demons, the supernatural, or magic.  It's not that original by today's standards but I'm sure it was a lot of fun for early 80s Indonesia.  Finally, we have some blood and make-up effects but the deaths are not as memorable as I was hoping for.  I did like the look of them and how they fit the film but they just did not stand out as I would have liked.  The potential was there but not capitalized on.  Overall, The Queen of Black Magic is the film that made Suzzanna a household name in Indonesia and an underrated horror star.  While the film was underwhelming after binging half a dozen of her films weeks prior, I still enjoyed it and highly recommend adding this release to your collection.  Check it out.

     

Supernatural

Director - Eugenio Martin (Bad Man's River, Order to Assassinate)

Starring - Cristina Galbo (Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, Elvira's Movie Macabre), Maximo Valverde (Holet Fear, Cave of the Sharks), and Ramon Lillo (The Naked Target, El Crack)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I have three films let in this set and coincidentally this one, along with the previous film, happened to be an Eugenio Martin double feature.  After I watch his That House in the Outskirts, it was time to watch the 1981 supernatural fantasy thriller Supernatural or Sobrenatural as it was originally released.  While most of the films in this set are new to me, this was one I had heard about prior to the set getting released.  I think I stumbled across it when I was looking up something for the CW show Supernatural when I found the poster for the film.  Regardless, I was excited to finally see it and want to thank Severin for sending this set over.

     The film follows a young woman who married a man a lot older than her.  She started seeing someone closer to her age around the time he takes a terrible fall.  After spending some time bedridden from his injuries, he eventually passes.  The young couple think they have everything to look forward to until the young woman becomes haunted by her former husband.

     I had seen the poster before and I'm sure I had looked up the synopsis when I found it but I didn't remember what it was about.  Honestly, it's a bit of a dull story that is similar to a lot of the mid to late 60s gothic horror tales but it has enough of the late 70s Spanish vibe to make it stand out.  The acting in this one is decent enough but no one really stands out.  The cast works well with each other and they do enough to move the scenes along but it's nothing memorable.  With a story that rivals several films starring Barbara Steele, I was expecting performances that would be on her level.  The story for this one is not that original but it was done in such a different style that it stands out in a way.  I can name three films that follows a woman, her lover, and a haunted or fake haunting that drives one of them and most of them would star Barbara Steele.  The pacing is pretty consistent and the story is rather predictable for what it is but what I loved here was the atmosphere and location.  It helped the story along so much and I really enjoyed it.  Finally, this is another one that isn't bloody or that violent which will be a turn off for many genre fans.  However, it is character driven and works if you are looking for something late at night with an eerie feel.  Overall, Supernatural is not going to be listed as anyone's favorite film but it's a solid watch especially if you find yourself wanting something atmospheric late at night.  Check it out.  

Bloody Sex

Director - Manuel Esteba (Trampa Sexual, You Are a Traitor and I'll Kill You)

Starring - Ovidi Montllor (El Pico, 13 x 13), Mirta Miller (Santo vs Doctor Death, Ninja in the Claws of the CIA), and Diana Conca (Bloody Sect, Madame Olga's Pupils)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I opened up the Exorcismo set from Severin Films one title caught my eye.  As I stated in a previous review, I knew that some of these titles would be horror but I also assumed that several would be other genres.  One of the film had a title that summed up everything that I loved about horror when I was a teen.  The film, Bloody Sex, was a new one for me but the title had me sold on it.  An early 80s Spanish horror film with a title that brash had to be fun.  I've been keeping an eye on it as I progressed through the set and the second I could finally check it out I quickly hit play on it.

     The film follows a weird woman and her son who live in an old building many assume have been vacant since the world war.  They find unexpected guests with a lesbian couple and their friend arrive thinking the place empty.  A fun getaway then turns deadly when the mother and son starts picking them off one by one.  

     Bloody Sex is not the highlight of the set which I knew it wouldn't be.  It's one that is rough around the edges and struggles with it's own identity but I really enjoyed it.  It's a movie I could see myself tossing in again with an edible or a few drinks.  The acting in this one is very even and consistent.  It's not the best acting I've seen but it works for the film itself.  The characters are not that well written but the cast does the best with what they have along with what I can only assume is lack of direction.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting.  I assumed it was going to be a lot of sex and a lot of blood but that wasn't really the case.  We have a weird family dynamic, a lesbian couple and their odd third wheel, and the weird way people are murdered.  The film does have an issue with pacing and does not have to be as long as it is.  A lot of the more slower scenes could have been trimmed down a lot.  Finally, the film has some bloody sex as the title suggests but it's not as gruesome or as memorable as I had hoped.  We have some skin, some blood, and minimal effects but nothing that is noteworthy or enjoyable.  Overall, Bloody Sex could have given us a lot more blood and sex as the title suggested but it's still an enjoyable film.  I really enjoyed it but I don't see myself revisiting it anytime soon.  

School in the Crosshairs

Director - Nobuhiko Obayashi (House, Turning Point)

Starring - Hiroko Yakushimaru (G.I. Samurai, Sailor Suit and Machine Girl), Ryoichi Takayanagi (The High School Girl With a Machine Gun, Let Him Rest in Piece), and Masami Hasegawa (Curse of the God Dog, The Tragedy in the Devil-Mask Village)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Sci-Fi

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Cult Epics has really took care of me lately by sending over several of their releases on blu for review.  I've found myself somewhat burnt out on horror after spending the entire month of October binging as many horror movies as I could.  These releases from Cult Epics have come in handy as I watch some non-horror flicks to reset my horror battery so to speak.  After watching His Motorbike, Her Island and Dakota, it was time to toss in the Japanese sci-fi flick from 1981, School in the Crosshairs.  I want to thank Cult Epics for sending this one over!

     The film follows a young girl who uses psychic powers to make herself popular which helps her in her school's student election.  Things become a bit difficult for her when a new student arrives and starts gaining popularity as well putting her sure win in jeopardy.  Things take then take an unexpected turn when she learns that she is psychic as well.

     I knew absolutely nothing about School in the Crosshairs besides the fact that it was directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi who directed His Motorbike, Her Island and the title makes me uncomfortable as an American.  I had no idea that this one would have a supernatural aspect to it but I did find myself really enjoying it.  The acting in this one is very well done.  A lot of the characters are very well written with a lot of depth for the cast to work with.  The cast does a great job in their roles but some of the emotional range is lost when the viewer is reading the subtitles.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting from the title but I can see why the film was given that title.  While it does cause a sense of dread among American fans, it is a title that does reflect certain aspects of the film.  A teenage girl with psychic powers dueling it out with another student with psychic powers could have went in so many directions.  Fans of Carrie will immediately think wish it went the horror path.  However, it goes the more logical route, in my opinion, with the girls using their gifts as a way to win a class election.  It's fun and works for the run time without overstaying it's welcome.  Finally, the film is not a bloody flick so those of you looking for a bloodbath will be very disappointed.  Hell, if you thought the title was something else completely like I did then I would suggest checking out Duck!.  Overall, School in the Crosshairs is a fun Japanese sci-fi flick that may not be for the average Horror Society reader but fans of sci-fi and fantasy will dig it.  Check it out!

The Warrior

Director - Sisworo Gautama Putra (Satan's Slave, Wolf)

Starring - Barry Prima (Hell Raiders, Revenge of the Ninja), W.D. Mochtar (Special Silencers, Mystics in Bali), and Dana Christina (Deadly Angels Strike Back, Five Deadly Angels)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Action/Fantasy

Tagline - "No power on Earth - or in Hell - could stop him"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I started my writing career, over a decade ago now, I went into it with the goal of finding and reviewing long forgotten exploitation and action flicks.  While I had always loved horror, I grew up watching direct to video action flicks with my dad and cheap kung fu films and sci-fi fantasy movies with my grandma.  While my love for horror eventually took over, I still like to review old action and kung fu flicks from time to time.  A few weeks back my friends over at Mondo Macabro sent over the Indonesian Warrior trilogy.  I had never seen these films before and I couldn't wait to dig into them.  The first film in the trilogy, directed by Satan's Slave filmmaker Sisworo Gutama Putra, was released in 1981 as Jaka Sembung and retitled The Warrior.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!

     Jaka Sembung (Prima) is an unstoppable fighter and leader of a rebel resistance fighting the Dutch government that has taken over his homeland.  When the armed forces are unable to stop him they turn to black magic to resurrect a former fighter to kill him.

     I had not seen this one prior to getting it in for review but I was familiar with the work the cast and the crew had done prior to or after filming this one.  Satan's Slave is one of my favorite horror films after my first time watching it a few years ago and I recently reviewed Special Silencers which featured W.D. Mochtar.  While I was familiar with some of their work, nothing could prepare me for this absurd mix of comedy, martial arts, and supernatural.  The acting in this one is extremely cheesy in the best way possible.  The cast, especially Barry Prima, ham up each and every scene and I absolutely dig it.  The characters are very cartoonish and their emotions are overdramatic but it works.  The story for this one is a lot of fun for a martial arts film.  While the martial arts aspect is at the front of the film, it combines a lot of different elements into something truly unique.  It has a lot of comedy scattered throughout it along with some horror elements.  It's not the first martial arts film to use horror but it is the first that I've seen that combines horror and comedy.  It works and doesn't overstay it's welcome.  Finally, the film has a lot of great choreographed fight scenes and the use of classic camera tricks but those looking for a lot of blood and gore will be disappointed.  Overall, The Warrior is a must see for fans of martial arts films and Indonesian cinema.  It's one of the wildest films I've seen and I couldn't imagine checking something like this out in the 80s when it was originally released.  I highly recommend it.  

The Funhouse

Director - Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist)

Starring - Elizabeth Berridge (Montana, Miami Vice), Shawn Carson (Something Wicked This Way Comes, Cry for the Strangers), and Jeanne Austin (Stuckey's Last Stand)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Pay to get in.  Pray to get out"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I hate the term master of horror.  So many filmmakers and producers receive this moniker just because they were attached to a horror project.  To me that doesn't make you a master of horror.  Your body of work makes you the master of horror.  Filmmakers like George Romero, Wes Craven, and Lucio Fulci are but a few that deserve that title.  The late Tobe Hooper is another filmmaker that truly deserves the title.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Poltergeist, Lifeforce, Invaders From Mars, and so many more are favorites of mine.  His career spanned decades and there are very few weak links in it.  One of the few films I haven't seen was 1981's The Funhouse.  I snagged the blu release some years back but never found the time to watch it.  That changed when Scream Factory sent over the UHD release of the film for review.  With October in full swing I figured now was the best time to check it out.  I want to thank Scream Factory for sending this one over.  

     The film follows four youths that decide to stay at a traveling carnival after it closes when they hear that others did it in another town.  However, their night of thrills turn to chills when they witness a murder at the hands of a disfigured man.  They are then hunted by him and his "father" who want to snuff them out before they can tell anyone about the murder.  

     The Funhouse is one of the many films from Hooper that doesn't get the credit it deserves.  Everyone's go to film for Hooper is Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist but there are so many other films of his that I personally believe are better.  The Funhouse is one of those films.  It's an atmospheric horror film that really does hold it's own against the slasher films of the day.  The acting in this one is very well done.  Most of the characters are painfully generic but the cast does an amazing job with what they were given.  However, we do get some break out performances that make the film even more enjoyable.  The story for this one blends slasher and creature feature.  We get the cat and mouse hunt that reminds fans of slashers of the period with the fantastic disfigured carnival employee that has a knack for killing.  It doesn't follow the standard slasher formula of the time which is what makes it stand out from the dozens of slashers released in 81.  The film does have a few dry spells but once you stick with it you will find it like a roller coaster with a huge peak at the end.  Finally, the make-up effects on the monster looks great and his big reveal makes the film for me.  I loved the look and I'm shocked it's not a bigger part of the horror community than it is.  The kills are a little underwhelming but I enjoyed them for what they were.  Overall, The Funhouse is not one of Hooper's popular titles but I fucking loved it.  It's leagues above some of his popular films.  Scream Factory did an amazing job with this release.  I highly recommend snagging this UHD release for your Halloween season.  

X-Ray

Director - Boaz Davidson (American Cyborg: Steel Warriors, Blood Run)

Starring - Barbi Benton (Deathstalker, Riptide), Charles Lucia (Tank Girl, Society), and Jon Van Ness (Tourist Trap, Supernatural)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The movie that will scare the life out of you"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     X-Ray is one of those films that you either like or hate.  I remember watching it all those years ago and remember liking it but it was a movie that was soon erased from memory.  It doesn't have any memorable qualities but it's enjoyable for a late night horror fix especially if you had never seen it before.  I can see why some genre fans may not like it but I did enjoy it I just couldn't remember anything about it.  When Vinegar Syndrome announced it as the second film on their UHD release I was really looking forward to revisiting both films that I had watched all those years before.  

     The film follows the beautiful Susan (Benton) who stops by the hospital for a routine check up and soon finds herself the center of a horrible game as someone starts tampering with her medical file.  Soon hospital staff starts to go missing as someone dressed as a doctor is stalking and killing with a grudge for Susan.

     X-Ray is a slasher-esque horror flick with a medical theme that struggles with pacing and character development but makes up for it with atmosphere and tension.  The predictable story and corny dialogue makes this a slasher that you may not love but you can enjoy.  The acting in this one is pretty rough at times but still far from the worst I've seen.  The cast is dedicated to their roles and go all in but they still struggle to feel comfortable in front of the camera.  Benton is the only performance that doesn't leave you rolling your eyes as the film progresses.  The story for this one is rather predictable but knowing who the killer is adds a bit of fun to the film.  A lot of the dialogue is awkward and rough to sit through but seeing who dies next is what makes this one so much fun.  Finally, the film has several deaths that fit the medical theme with some solid effects but the lack of gore or imagination in the way the deaths were shot is a bit disappointing.  Overall, X-Ray is not a fantastic film but it is fun especially if you are looking for a late flick to watch while you drink.  I highly recommend checking it out especially if you like the cheesy side of horror.  

Liar's Moon

Director - David Fisher (Toy Soldiers)

Starring - Matt Dillon (The House that Jack Built, The Flamingo Kid), Cindy Fisher (The Blues Brothers, Bad Ronald), and Hoyt Axton (Gremlins, Encino Man)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Drama/Romance

Tagline - "They chose the most forbidden love a boy and girl could know!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When MVD announced their MVD Rewind Collection line I was pretty fucking excited for it.  MVD has handled distribution for a bunch of great indie labels and their Marquee line was great as well for some of those not so popular theatrical films that a lot of us were renting on release day from the local video store.  However, that MVD Rewind Collection was said to focus on films during the beginning of the VHS era that never gained traction on disc.  For the most part, the releases in the Rewind Collection have been phenomenal with only one or two that wasn't for me.  I'm a sucker for 80s cinema so when MVD announced the release of 1981's romantic drama Liar's Moon starring Matt Dillon I quickly jumped on it.  I want to thank MVD for sending this one over because it was a lot of fun.

     The film follows the lower working class Jack Duncan (Dillon) and wealthy Ginny Peterson (Fisher) who is the daughter of a wealthy banker.  Their parents want's them to date within their economic class but the two refuse to listen.  They let their hearts lead the way and they elope.  After some time their wedded bliss is struck down when a lie Jack's bother told comes back to put Jack's wife in danger.

     Liar's Moon was not what I was expecting at all but I really fucking enjoyed it.  It's a romantic drama that doesn't feel as corny as you would expect from an early 80s period piece.  I loved the characters, the predictable story, and the overall look of the film.  It was a lot of fun and another fantastic film from my favorite decade.  The acting in this one is great.  Matt Dillon and Cindy Fisher are fantastic as young lovers breaking their family's wishes is fantastic.  They do an amazing job at pulling the viewer in with their emotional range.  I loved them and their on screen chemistry.  The film also has an amazing performance from the supporting cast.  We have a small performance from Lilly Munster herself Yvonne De Carlo along with a memorable performance from Jim Greenleaf.  I fucking loved his character and personality.  The story for this one is predictable.  The romance is clearly there but it's not as mushy and corny as you would expect.  The drama is the star of the show.  I loved the characters and how they were written which made the story even more enjoyable.  However, once you discover one piece of the story the ending becomes predictable.  It's still great but you know where it is going.  Finally, the film has a little blood but that is it.  Don't expect a bloodbath in this one.  Overall, Lair's Moon is a great early 80s drama with romance mixed throughout.  Honestly, I kind of loved it and I can see other 80s movie fans enjoying it as well.  Check it out.  The MVD blu is the best way to see it.  

Heavy Metal

Director(s) - Gerald Potterton (Cool McCool, Ghost Ship), John Bruno (Star Trek: Voyager, Virus), and John Halas (Midsummer Nightmare, Tales from Hoffnung)

Starring - Richard Romanus (Wizards, The Sopranos), John Candy (Blues Brothers, Uncle Buck), and Joe Flaherty (Back to the Future Part II, Happy Gilmore)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Adventure/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "Louder and nastier than ever"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was born several years after 1981's Heavy Metal was released.  I was born in 86 and grew up through the 90s.  Heavy Metal was before my time but for some reason I remember it becoming a topic of conversation among some of my friends in elementary school.  I think it was because someone had seen it on HBO or Cinemax one day and seeing animated tits made them want to tell their friends.  I can't remember how we were watching it but I remember telling my uncle, who was only a few years older than me, about the film and he showed it to me for the first time.  It was a fun watch but I struggle to see why it would have the following that it does.  Anyway, it has been several decades since my last viewing and when I saw that Umbrella Entertainment was releasing it on blu I decided now was the perfect time to revisit this one.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys.

     The film follows an extraterrestrial orb that is brought to Earth by an astronaut.  However, the orb kills him and then terrorizes his daughter with tales of it's evil exploits and the death and devastation it has left in it's wake.  

     Heavy Metal is a fun animate sci-fi bases anthology but it's one of those films that I just don 't see how someone could be obsessed with it.  It has a large following and the dedicated fanbase will protect the film at all costs.  I enjoyed it just fine but it's a movie that I can't re-watch without many years between each viewing.  The voice acting in this one features one hell of a cast with some names you would not expect to find in a sci-fi based anthology series with an early 80s metal soundtrack but we have some seriously heavy hitters like John Candy in this one.  Sadly, the voice acting lacks emotion for the most part and just feels like a quick table read was recorded and laid over the animation.  There is no real acting with the voice acting which makes most of the scenes feel a little awkward and cheap.  The stories for this one are so much fun.  They blend sci-fi with fantasy, adventure, horror, and so many other genres.  Most of the stories work and fit the theme of the film but the later segments do feel a bit rushed and uneven.  I don't know if they were missing their deadline or tossed in at the last minutes but they do lack the charm that the earlier segments have.  Finally, the film blends several different types of animation to create something visually beautiful.  There is some instances where I didn't care for the animation but most of the film does a fantastic job blending the different styles together.  Also, there is some animated gore and nudity for those of you in the mood for that.  Overall, Heavy Metal is enjoyable for a first time watch or if you are in the mood for something you haven't seen in awhile.  The Umbrella release, which is part of their Beyond Genres line, is great for collectors looking for something new to add to their shelves.  Check it out.  

Sailor Suit and Machine Gun

Director - Shinji Somai (Typhoon Club, Tokyo Heaven)

Starring - Hiroko Yakushimaru (Unnatural, Legend of the Eight Samurai), Tsunehiko Watase (Death Shadow, The Wicked), and Rentaro Mikuni (The Possessed, Escape from Hell)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Action/Crime

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I decided to step out of my comfort zone and binged several Japanese splatter flicks that were on Netflix.  I found myself hooked on Asian cinema and was often searching for any and every release I could find regardless of the genre.  I grew up on Hong Kong kung fu flicks so it made sense that I would be drawn to other genres.  Over the years I've been lucky enough to review some great Asian horror, Cat III, punku, and comedies but I've never had the chance to review an action flick.  When Arrow Video announced the blu release of the 1981 crime action film Sailor Suit and Machine Gun I was extremely interested in it.  It looked like a fun flick with a wild story.  I reached out to MVD who was handling the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  I want to once again thank them for always supporting Horror Society and myself!

     The film follows the juvenile Izumi (Yakushimaru) who inherits her father's business.  He is the head of a yakuza family and as his health fails he leaves control of it to her.  Torn between her adolescence and an organized crime family that doesn't respect her, Izumi must pick up a gun and fight for her family's honor.

     Honestly, I was expecting Sailor Suit and Machine Gun to be more comical than it was.  The Arrow release artwork paints a silly, whimsical crime film with a lot of humor and ridiculous moments.  It wasn't.  In fact, it was a pretty serious film with some seriously underrated, at least in the western hemisphere, crime moments.  I liked it but it was not the film I was expecting.  The acting in this one is great.  The cast makes the film as fun as it is.  I enjoyed their personalities and how everyone was their own characters.  No confusion or lazy writing can be seen here and the cast did a fantastic job with what they were given.  The story for this one could have went two different directions.  It could have easily went the comical route with a lot of laughs, humorous characters, and a much more lighter story.  However, it went the serious route which was unexpected considering the releases artwork.  I did enjoy and the fact that it was nothing like I had expected made it surprisingly fun.  I liked this approach to a yakuza film.  It's not predictable, it has unusual characters, but still delivers that gritty and often bloody storyline that we can associate with these types of films.  I liked the writing of the film but it could be trimmed down some.  The movie runs over two hours but 30ish minutes could be cut.  Finally, the film has a few bloody moments that fits the style of the film but they are nothing that would stick with you after your initial viewing.  These scenes fit the yakuza storyline and are mostly bullet wounds but that's the extent of it.  Overall, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun was a pleasant surprise.  It was not the film I was expecting but god damn did I have fun with it.  Like always, Arrow Video handled this release perfectly and I highly recommend snagging it for your collection.  

Possession

Director - Andrzej Zulawski (The Devil, Theatre Macabre)

Starring - Isabelle Adjani (Nosferatu the Vampyre, The Last Horror Film), Sam Neill (In the Mouth of Madness, Jurassic Park), and Margit Carstensen Satan's Brew, Fear of Fear)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror/Romance

Tagline - "Is it desire? or violation? Devotion? or bondage? You hidden fears will be aroused"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     There is hundreds of movies that have a fantastically large followings.  Some of them I believe deserve the praise they receive but others look dull or boring with something with shock value tossed in to get that certain crowd of horror hipsters to fall in love with it.  I've seen horror fans gush over Andrzej Zulawski's Possession for years but the artwork and trailer did not look like something I would enjoy.  The only thing that made me interested in the film was that it starred Sam Neill.  I know Criterion released the film previously and horror fans went rabid over the release.  I couldn't justify spending the Criterion prices on a film I had never seen before.  A few weeks ago Umbrella Entertainment announced that they would be releasing the film on blu as part of their Beyond Genres line.  Umbrella is a company that I actually like so I was curious about the release.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows business man Mark (Neill) who learns that his wife is no longer interested in being in a relationship with him and has moved on.  He is heartbroken and becomes obsessive with her resulting in him turning his back on his job and devoting his time to getting her back.  They have a son who is stuck in the middle of the horrible situation and just wants his parents to be there like they were before.  Over time Mark is able to move passed his wife and finds a new lover but is still concerned for her safety.  He contacts a private investigator and soon discovers that there is something dark and sinister lurking inside his ex-wife.

      I went into this one with an open mind but I quickly found myself not having fun.  The film was dull and lacking which I hate to say.  The movie had an interesting story that could have worked but it was stretched too thin for it's own good.  If some of the fat was trimmed from the overall film it would have been far more enjoyable but as it is it's a difficult one to finish.  I can see the appeal during certain parts of the film but the overall movie was painfully dull.  The acting in this one is flat in some scenes and exceptionally well done in others.  I really like Sam Neill especially in films from this era in his career but there is times where he is one dimensional and at other moments he is super intense.  During these scenes he does not disappoint.  The remainder of the cast is solid and, much like Neill, they have great scenes and not so great scenes. The story for this one has so much potential.  It could have been one hell of a dark and twisted film that was more of a metaphor of love and obsession at heart but a sadistic sexually depraved film.  Instead, it's mostly a dark drama during most of the film with some twisted elements scattered throughout the last leg of the running time.  The more interesting parts, which I'm trying to refrain from spoiling it too bad, involved the abduction and sexually ravished men but these scenes are quickly pushed through.  They are not fully explored and the viewers are left to use their imagination instead of being shown.  Honestly, I liked the idea but the finished product misses it's mark with me.  Finally, the film doesn't have a high body count but there is several scenes with some seriously impressive practical effects and prosthetics.  These few scenes are a little too fast for my taste.  I really wanted the scene to slow down so we could fully enjoy it.  They are truly an impressive moment in the film and one of the few redeeming qualities I could find.  Overall, Possession just didn't do it for me.  The cast is enjoyable and the story had some entertaining moments but it really missed it's mark.  It could have been something truly dark and unsettling but most of the film flows like a romantic drama with thriller elements before the film takes the horror twist we were looking for.  I'm not knocking you for liking it.  In fact, I wish I could but I don't.  Fans will want to check out this Umbrella release but if you are looking for something new to watch then I would suggest some other Umbrella release.  

Debbie Does Dallas Part II

Director - Jim Buckley (Debbie Does Dallas, The Girls of Godiva High)

Starring - Bambi Woods (Debbie Does Dallas, Debbie Does Dallas III: The Final Chapter), Robert Kerman (Cannibal Ferox, Eaten Alive!), and Ashley Welles (Sexcapades, Slit Skirts)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "She's scoring again!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     It seems like it has been awhile since I've reviewed a sexploitation flick but it's awesome that the first sexploitation film of the new year was a double feature with the classic Debbie Does Dallas and the sequel Debbie Does Dallas Part II.  When Vinegar Syndrome announced that they would be releasing the sequel on blu as part of their Peekarama line I knew I would be adding it to my collection.  It's not often that the Peekarama lets me down so it was a day one purchase for me.  I decided to spin the first film before diving into this one and I couldn't wait!

      The film once again follows Debbie (Woods) was unable to try out for the Texas Cowboy's Cheerleaders because she was too young.  She returns home heartbroken but soon finds herself in trouble with the law.  On the border between one town and another she is apprehended by two cops who is a little too touchy with her before she is rescued by the town cop who actually has authority in that jurisdiction.  He takes her to a local brothel to lay low where she is showed the ins and outs of the business but waiting to bust her is the two shady cops.

     The first Debbie Does Dallas film was a lot of fun and it's simplicity and characters makes it one that stands out when compared to other films like it.  When you mix that with the sports angle you find yourself with a film that will reach a much wider audience than a normal sexploitation flick.  Debbie Does Dallas Part II doesn't really follow the same story as the first film but it's still a lot of fun.  The acting in this one is very much the same as the first film.  Woods was struggling with her new found fame after appearing in the first Debbie Does Dallas film but is still extremely stiff and awkward here.  Honestly, I have no idea why she would become such a hot commodity in the adult scene when most of the other female cast members were more attractive and more natural in front of the camera.  Anyway, I actually enjoyed the acting outside of Woods and it was the supporting cast that made the film for me.  The story for this one does take a departure from the first film with the only connection being Woods portraying Debbie.  Here we have her clumsily being shown the inner workings of a whore house while horny cops try to arrest them.  It's obvious that they cast Woods and cashed in on the Debbie Does Dallas name instead of doing something creative.  I get it and respect the hustle but was expecting something a little more akin to the first film than this.  It's fun, however, but not a true sequel.  Finally, the film has several sex scenes.  These scenes are just like the first film.  They feel rushed, lazy, and not as fun as the other sexploitation flicks previously released by Vin Syn under their Peekarama banner.  Overall, Debbie Does Dallas Part II is nothing like the first film but if you like sleazy exploitation and beautiful women then this one is perfect for you.  This release from Vin Syn looks absolutely fantastic and must have for collectors.  I highly recommend it.  

Freedom

Director - Joseph Sargent (Jaws: The Revenge, Nightmares)

Starring - Mare Winningham (Torchwood, Six Feet Under), Jennifer Warren (Slap Shot, Mutant), and Peter Horton (Children of the Corn, Children of the Dark)

Release Date -  1981

Genre - Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Earlier last year, If I'm remembering correctly, Vinegar Syndrome announced the partnership with a new label.  The label, Fun City Editions, started with a bang and since then has released some seriously underrated and almost forgotten films ranging the romantic drama Jeremy about underage love, to an early 80s gangster film, and even a western comedy starring Jeff Bridges.  They may not focus on the genre that brings all of us together but they are still a label that I look forward to.  When Vin Syn announced the release of FCE's Primetime Panic I was fucking hooked.  Sometime back Vin Syn announced a made for television box set and it was one hell of a good time so I couldn't wait to see what FCE had in store for us.  As soon as I could pre-order it I did and decided that now was the best time to check it out.  The first film in the set in the 1981 drama Freedom starring Mare Winningham and Peter Horton.  

     The film follows the teenaged Libby (Winningham) who resents her wealthy upbringing.  She wants to explore life while her parents, long since divorced, struggle with how to raise her.  Her mother, who is about to remarry, wants her to remain in her home and be a model daughter and teenager while her father has nothing to do with her until she is in trouble wants her to live life as he did during his teenage years.  Eventually, she is emancipated and hits the road before joining a traveling carnival.  Life seems fine for a short time but she soon learns that free love is not for her and begins to regret leaving her mother and little sister.  

     Freedom is the kind of film I would have never went out of my way to see.  That's why I'm really digging these Vinegar Syndrome partner labels so much.  They are bringing films that I would normally skip over to my attention and I'm really digging these non-horror titles.  I had a lot of fun with Freedom and I think that many of you horror fans would like it as well.  The acting in this one is great.  Winningham was brilliant in the film and carried the entire production on her shoulders.  That doesn't mean the supporting cast wasn't great, because they are, but Winningham is the star of the show and for good reason.  I also enjoyed seeing Horton in a non-genre flick.  I grew up on Children of the Corn but Horton appeared in several made for television movies in the 80s and 90s that I enjoyed growing up.  The story for this one is a coming of age tale from the standpoint of a young and privileged girl who is often rebellious and ungrateful before going out into the world to learn some life lessons.  The romantic drama, broken family, and life on the road aspects delivers a lot of character development and works very well.  I found myself fully invested in the story and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Finally, the film doesn't have any blood or gore which should be obvious at this point.  It has awesome locations that fit the story and focuses more on character and story progression over effects.  Overall, Freedom was a very enjoyable experience and one that would have slipped under my radar had Vin Syn's partner label Fun City Editions had not released it.  I loved this release and this is a great addition to the Primetime Panic set.   

A Day of Judgement

Director - Charles Reynolds

Starring - William T. Hicks (Death Screams, The Order of the Black Eagle), Harris Bloodworth, Deborah Bloodworth (Curse of the Jackalope, Return of the Jackalope)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror/Drama

Tagline - "The night HE came to collect his own"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     A few months back Severin Films released several horror titles that I was really interested in checking out.  The one that caught my eye was John Russo's Midnight.  I actually have a copy of this one on DVD that I picked up at a used movie store several years ago but I never got around to actually watching it.  With Midnight being the movie I was the most interested in, there was still others that peaked my curiosity.  One that I was curious about was the 1981 dramatic horror film A Day of Judgement.  I fucking loved the artwork to accompany the Severin release so I reached out to MVD who was handling the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Tanks Severin and MVD for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this one out!

     The film takes place in a small town set during the 1920's when the town's preacher quits due to the dwindling number of parishioners.  After announcing his departure we then travel through the town where we meet the different citizens ranging from an alcoholic, adulterers, greedy bankers, an evil son, and a man that commits suicide.

     A Day of Judgement is not what I was expecting.  In fact, I would have never guessed that this film would have been like this.  I was under the impression that the movie was a slasher but it was quick disprove that while delivering something unexpected but enjoyable.  I can see genre fans quick to bash this one but in my opinion this is one of the most underrated Severin releases of the year.  The acting in this one is solid.  The cast is inexperienced for the most part but their performances are pretty great and the characters they bring to life makes the film what it is.  The director did a great job with a fairly new cast and I really enjoyed them and how they fit into the story.  The story for this one is not really horror.  It's a big stretch calling it horror but it is a dark drama with religious overtones but I find it very compelling.  I loved the anthology like feel with each character's story intertwining with the others while coating itself in a religious tone.  I did like this approach but it is a bit disappointing expecting an obscure horror flick and given this drama.  Finally, don't expect a blood bath or a film with a high body count.  Instead, the film is a character piece that focuses more on the character's and their importance to the overall story than blood and gore.  Overall, A Day of Judgement was a fantastic film that really caught me off guard.  It's not a horror film in a traditional sense but as a period piece I highly recommend checking it out.  The release from Severin is one of 2021's must own of the year.  Do yourself a favor and check it out.  

Dead and Buried

Director - Gary Sherman (Raw Meat, Poltergeist III)

Starring - James Farentino (The Final Countdown, The Possessed), Melody Anderson (Flash Gordon, Firewalker), Jack Albertson (The Fox and the Hound, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "It will take your breath away...all of it"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     May years ago, when bluray was in it's infancy, I went on a buying spree on Amazon where I snagged some fairly new releases from Blue Underground.  I had to have Zombie along with Uncle Sam and few others.  I've always been a fan of Uncle Sam and my DVD copy of Zombie was starting to age from the repetitive viewing in college.  Another one of the blus I bought was 1981's Dead and Buried.  I watched it a few weeks after it arrived and remembered really enjoying it.  Sadly, it's been some years since that viewing but I was lucky enough to revisit it when Blue Underground sent over the brand new UHD release to review.  I have to admit that this one still holds up and I want to thank both MVD and BU for letting me check this one out.

     The film follows the small town sheriff of Potter's Bluff who is investigating a string of murders involving tourists.  The further he looks into the murders he starts to uncover that those that were slain are now getting up and walking around.  His investigations leads him to the town mortician and his wife.

     Dead and Buried is one of those films that has a solid following and it's clear why.  The film has some of the best atmosphere I have seen and when you mix that with the story and characters you find yourself in the middle of a fantastic horror tale that still has it's punch all these years later.  The acting in this one is absolutely fantastic.  Farentino, who also starred in another Blue Underground UHD release The Final Countdown, and is absolutely amazing in the role of small town sheriff.  He carries the film on his shoulders and his performance here is extremely underrated.  We also get a chilling performance from Jack Albertson.  I would have loved to see his character have a much bigger part in the film especially when the ending twist is revealed.  The supporting cast is great but it's these two that deliver the memorable performances.  The story for this one starts out interestingly enough and continuously builds up on itself.  I really enjoyed it especially during the film's climax.  The pacing is great while taking it's time to build atmosphere.  The tension and atmosphere works in the story's favor as well which is why this film is so enjoyable even after all these years.  Finally, the film has some make-up effects and a few impressive stunts but the film doesn't have the gore I was expecting.  We do get some gags here and there with some great practical effects that works.  Overall, Dead and Buried is a must see for genre fans and this release from Blue Underground is the best way to see it.  I've reviewed several UHD releases in recent years and this is by far my favorite.  The film is essential and this gorgeous edition is a must own for collectors.  Check it out because you will not be disappointed.