The Ark of the Sun God

Director - Antonio Margheriti (The Last Blood, Treasure Island in Outer Space)

Starring - David Warbeck (The Beyond, Razor Blade Smile), John Steiner (Tenebre, Sinbad of the Seven Seas), and Susie Sudlow 

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Action/Adventure

Tagline - "He is looking for action..."

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I didn't know what I was getting into when I tossed in the first film in the Antonio Marghertiti - The Jungles of Doom: His 80's Adventure Films.  Jungle Raiders was a decent watch but didn't offer up anything original.  Honestly, all it did was give us stuff we had seen already in Indiana Jones and the copycat films that followed.  That didn't stop me from wanting to dive deeper into this set where I tossed in 1984's The Ark of the Sun God.  Once again, I want to thank Severin for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a professional thief working a big score when he realizes that he has been set up.  Someone far more influential knows about him and his talents and plan on using him to get an ancient relic with unlimited power.  He is then forced to steal the Ark of the Sun God which is the sceptre believed to have belonged to Gilgamesh.  

     I went into this expecting to find a painfully generic Indiana Jones clone but found myself really interested in the story even though it did fizzle out.  With that being said, it was still a little fun fora first time watch.  The acting in this one is just as uneven as Jungle Raiders but the unintentionally funny moments are not there.  Honestly, I was looking forward to some of the laughs that I enjoyed in Jungle Raiders and was a bit disappointed that they were not here.  The main cast does a decent enough job with their roles while the supporting cast and extras were clearly locals plucked to be in the film.  The story for this one was surprisingly intriguing for the first half of the film but it does run out of gas before we hit the hour mark.  When you toss in the unlikable characters and bland action you are left with a film that just doesn't go the distance.  Finally, don't go into this one expecting a lot of action and memorable deaths.  We have some quick deaths with no effects and low budget action scenes but that is the extent of it.  Overall, The Ark of the Sun God is an easily forgettable film but it does have it's moments.  Stick with it and enjoy it.  

Purana Mandir

Director(s) - Shyam Ramsay (Veerana, Inspector Dhanush) and Tulsi Ramsay (Tahkhana, Mahakaal)

Starring - Mohnish (Itihaas, Henna), Arti Gupta (Saamri, Tajurba), and Puneet Issar (Superman, Haar Jeet)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Horror/Musical

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      When I started writing reviews back around 2010 I never expected to find myself watching the movies that I do.  I've always loved horror but when I started writing I wanted to cover long forgotten action and exploitation flicks.  My original blog and the idea behind it was to chase down any direct to video action flicks from the late 80s and early 90s along with any dime a dozen exploitation film I could find.  However, my love of horror quickly took over and before long I was diving deep into my beloved genre.  Over the years I've learned that Bollywood, or Hindi horror, is a sub-genre that I really like.  I had seen these films pop up in random message boards and horror groups over the years but never took the time to check them out until just a few years ago.  Now, I fucking love them and will go out of my way to check them out.  A few weeks back my friends over at Mondo Macabro sent me the 1984 Hindi horror film Purana Mandir on blu for review.  Like always, I want to take a moment to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over.  

     The film follows a wealthy family who has a curse placed on them by a devil worshipper.  Every woman in the line will die during childbirth.  We pick up sometime after the original curse with a man who lost his wife during childbirth and his daughter has grown up.  She is now a college student and is dating someone that is not of nobility.  Her father eventually tells her of the curse but she brushes it off and starts looking into the lineage of her father and the evil devil worshipper.  Through her research she finds his head but mistakes it for a valued solider unleashing his evil spirit.

      I've only reviewed a handful of these Hindi horror films so far but I have yet to find one I didn't like.  They are all so much fun but that doesn't make them all equal.  Some of these are much better than others with this one being the weakest of the others that I had seen.  It's a great movie but it does have it's faults.  The acting in this one is exactly like I expected.  The cast has a lot of energy and brings a lot of charisma to the front of the camera.  With that being said, a lot of the characters, even though they were fun to watch, are rather one dimensional.  This isn't so much the cast's fault but it doesn't really give them a lot to work with.  The story for this one is great but does have similarities to other Bollywood horror films that I've reviewed recently.  We have a family cursed by a supernatural presence and we follow a demon of sorts as it kills people.  It's not the most original story regardless of where it was made but once you dress it up with the Bollywood musical numbers and colorful characters then you get something you will never forget.  Finally, the film isn't a bloody and gory one.  We do have some blood and some rather forgettable make-up effects but that is about the extent of it.  Bollywood isn't really known for their memorable deaths and this one fits into that one as well.  Overall, Purana Mandir is not the most memorable Bollywood horror flick but it's not a bad one either.  It's a lot of fun and one you can rewatch several times without getting sick of it.  I highly recommend checking it out from Mondo Macabro.  

The Ibiza Connection

Director - Howard Arundel (Gunpowder, Dangerous Lady)

Starring - Cliff Twemlow (G.B.H., Tuxedo Warrior), Fiona Fullerton (A View to Kill, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), and Brett Sinclair (Target Eve Island, Into the Darkness)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Action

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm starting to think that maybe I'm not a fan of Cliff Twemlow and his films.  I've watched a few of his films by now and the only one that I enjoyed was G.B.H.  I took a little break from the Bloody Legend: The Complete Cliff Twemlow Collection to check out a few indie horror flicks before making way back to this set.  The next film in the set was 1983 action flick The Ibiza Connection.  This was one I could find very little info on and the only artwork I could find was incomplete.  

     The film follows a film crew making an action film centered around a special car.  The director of the film is a woman abusing piece of shit who is sleeping with his best friend's woman.  Coincidentally, that same best friend is funding the film and plans on using the production as a way to snuff him out and his adulterous wife.  

     I went into The Ibiza Connection knowing absolutely nothing about it just like the rest of the set and this was probably the worst one in my opinion.  I try not to bash movies because I know it's no easy task to make a movie but this thing was clearly never finished and rushed through editing.  The acting in this one is extremely stiff even for direct to video and S.O.V. standards.  The cast spits out their dialogue as if they have no idea who their characters are or why they are saying it.  When you combine that with the dubbed dialogue due to audio issues you are left with some performances that are not easily forgettable but not for the right reasons.  The story for this one is a bit out there.  We follow a shitty human being who just happens to be the protagonist and not the film's antagonist.  We follow this shitbag as he attempts to make an action film while making homophobic remarks, beating women, and sleeping with his friend's wife.  That is literally the extent of it.  If you are looking for action then you will be disappointed.  Instead, it's a no budget drama with "action" as a thought.   Finally, don't expect a lot of action or fun 80s explosions, gun fights, or blood.  It is completely void of the stuff and does very little to satisfy those of us looking for 80s carnage.  Overall, The Ibiza Connection is a huge missed opportunity.  The other films in the set feel like complete films that just don't find their mark while this one feels like a patchwork quilt missing the middle.  It's all over the place and doesn't make any sense.  I would skip this one.  

Furious

Director(s) - Tim Everitt (The Evil Inside Me, Rats in the Wall) and Tom Sartori

Starring - Simon Rhee (Double Impact, Bad Blood), Arlene Montano (L.A. Streetfighters), and Phillip Rhee (The Kentucky Fried Movie, Bruce Lee Fights Back from the Grave)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Actio/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "Karate heroes fights aliens for control of the astral plane!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been lucky enough to review several martial arts movies over the years.  Most of them were a lot of fun while others were clearly quick cash grabs.  Over the years I've found that I enjoy the more outlandish and absurd kung fu flicks over the ones that are grounded and centered around crime.  Several weeks back Visual Vengeance announced the blu release of the 1984 martial arts sci-fi flick Furious.  The artwork didn't strike my interest but the synopsis sold me on the film.  I went ahead and preordered it along with Dinosaur Valley Girls and when they arrived I quickly made time for them.

     The film follows Simon (Rhee) who is investigating the death of his sister.  His journey takes him to the city where he uncovers that she was murdered because of an amulet that was split into two pieces and given to them.  If the two halves of the amulet is put together it could mean certain doom for this plane of existence.

     Furious is said to be a cult classic at this point and I can see how it could have been traded around on VHS back in the day.  It had a few funny moments and the story is truly out there but it wasn't one I enjoyed.  Aside from the few laughs, I found myself waiting for it it end.  The acting in this one is consistent but it's laughably bad at times.  I've seen horror movies made with no budget in a teenager's back yard with no acting experience.  I've also seen horror flicks with a budget consisting of millions of dollars.  Both have offered up solid acting.  However, this one was not the best.  In fact, this one features some of the weakest acting I've seen.  The characters are pretty generic especially for a kung fu flick and their personalities are extremely bland.  Also, the sounds they play over the acting during the fight scenes had me cracking up.  I don't know what the thought process was for this decision but it's fucking hilarious when it shouldn't be.  The story for this one really is at home for the early 80s.  It is a solid adventure story with a martial arts twist.  I could see myself really getting into this if it was a straight forward narrative and not a film solely focused on kung fu.  I would have loved the film if it follows the man searching for answers while meeting characters with more depth than the almost dialogue-less film that we have full of fight scenes with funny sound effects.  Finally, the film doesn't really offer up anything in regards to a body count or gore.  Instead, it focuses heavily on the martial arts action which is not as impactful as they intended.  It was funny at first but does run it's course fairly early.  Overall, Furious is a film that I can see why so many people enjoy but was one I didn't enjoy.  It was dull and the laughs it delivered were clearly unintentional.  I seriously wanted to like this one but I couldn't.  Skip it.  

The Toxic Avenger

Director(s) - Michael Herz (Waitress!, Stuck on You!) and Lloyd Kaufman (Troma's War, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead)

Starring - Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen (Chiller Cinema, Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko), and Jennifer Babtist (Alien Sex Phone Psycho, Class of Nuke 'Em High)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Action/Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The first superhuman-hero... from New Jersey"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I find it funny how certain movies stick with you and can shape you in a way that you would never expect. When I was in high school, I watched Troma's The Toxic Avenger for the first time and immediately fell in love with it. Not only did this introduce me to the world of indie filmmaking and no budget cinema, but The Toxic Avenger instantly became one of my favorite films. I had seen the Toxic Crusaders as a child but had no idea it was based on a film. To date I can confidently say that I've seen the film well over 100 times and I love it so much that I have it forever tattooed on my arm. I've owned the film on DVD, VHS, and blu so when MVD and Troma announced the UHD release of the film I knew I had to review it. I want to thank MVD and Troma for sending over this release for me to check out. 

       The film follows the nerdy custodian Melvin who finds himself in the middle of a prank gone wrong when he falls from the upper floors of a fitness center and into a barrel of toxic waste. He is then transformed into a mutated fighter of crime. 

      The Toxic Avenger is one of the films that you absolutely love or hate. I've met people with Toxie tattoos as well along with extensive collections and signed memorabilia. I've also met people who have turned hating Toxie and Troma into their entire personality. However, I've never met someone that was on the middle ground, which really speaks volumes to the film. Sure, my review is a bit biased, but I'd be more impressed if someone has read this review and had never seen the film before. The acting in this one is fun with a lot of energy but you can tell who has no experience and who has just a little. It doesn't stop them for going all out in their roles but the dialogue is loud and awkward through most of the film. Don't get me wrong, this is part of the charm that the movie has but fans of big budget cinema and award-winning acting will truly be miserable during this one. The story for this one is so much fun and pretty ambitious for a small budget film. A scrawny nerd falling into toxic waste and becoming a mutated hero is clearly a parody of superhero movies, comics, and shows. What makes this one stand out from other films is the horror elements and shock value. Several scenes in this film could not be done today but that is why so many people love it. It pushed the boundaries of what was funny while delivering some blood and gore to potential renters that picked the movie at a video store. Finally, the film has a lot of practical and make-up effects that still draw viewers in after all these years. The scene when Melvin is transforming into Toxie looks so good, especially in 4K. The fight scenes with the random bloody moments fit the film but if you are focused too much on them then you will see the budget's limits. Overall, The Toxic Avenger is a cult classic that deserves this release. Fans of the film and collectors of UHD will want to add this one to their collection. It's a must own!

Broken Mirrors

Director - Marleen Gorris (A Question of Silence, The Last Island)

Starring - Lineke Rijxman (Accused, Speech), Henriette Tol (Happy Single, Flying Kicks), and Edda Barends (The Assault, The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Tagline - "Brutally honest... shockingly controversial"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      Several months back I was lucky enough to review the dark drama/thriller A Question of Silence. Cult Epics released this Marleen Gorris directed film on blu and I as lucky enough to get a copy for review. While it may not be a film that I could see myself revisiting, I still enjoyed it and could see the historical impact this feminist film from the Netherlands not only had in it’s home country but the world over. A few weeks back Cult Epics was kind enough to send over another Marleen Gorris release. This time it’s another dark drama/thriller from 1984 titled Broken Mirrors. This was another first time watch that I was really looking forward to. I want to thank Cult Epics and MVD for sending this one over! 

      The film follows two working girls who are employed in an Amsterdam brothel. They are tired of the work and how low women are treated. While thinking about a much different and better life they could have. In the basement of the brothel is an old cot where a patron chains and starves women and records their demise for his own sadistic pleasure. 

      Broken Mirrors is another fantastic piece of feminist cinema that almost plays out like two stories that cross paths to become one coherent film. It’s beautifully written and still have that dark and bleak atmosphere that horror fans can truly appreciate. I did enjoy this one more than A Question of Silence and can see myself revisiting this one again especially if I’m in the mood for bleak serial killer films like Zodiac and Se7en. The acting in this one is great. The cast is consistent with no one overshadowing the other along with no weak links. The cast works very well together and their interactions do feel long winded but they are convincing. I really liked the casting and I would have loved to see a follow up of sorts with the same cast. The story for this one has so many layers but in essence we have a film that shows how women are used for men’s pleasure. They are degraded, abused, and tortured all for the satisfaction of men. While this speaks volumes on the social aspect of how women have been treated for centuries, and still has been, it still creates an effective thriller. It’s unnerving how both aspects of this film are still part of our society. Finally, the film is not a bloody or violent film. It’s a character piece that focuses more on story and locations than effects and blood. Overall, Broken Mirrors is a film that sticks with you. Not only is a gritty and bleak thriller but it has so much to say about society as a whole. This is another important release from Cult Epics that you need to add to your collection.

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.  

Final Justice

Director - Greydon Clark (Black Shampoo, Dark Future)

Starring - Joe Don Baker (Mars Attacks, Cape Fear), Rossano Brazzi (Fear City, Elvira's Movie Macabre), and Venantino Venantini (Aladdin, The King's Whore)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Action/Crime

Tagline - "Joe Don Baker is looking for trouble"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm a sucker for 80s action flicks.  I love the campy characters, predictable stories, and the poorly coordinated action sequences are a thing of beauty.  These 70s and 80s gems were the reason I started writing reviews.  I wanted to watch this cheesy and often forgotten films while writing about how I felt revisiting or watching for the first time.  Sometime ago I watched a Rifftrack or Mystery Science Theatre 3000 episode where they riffed the 1984 action flick Final Justice starring Joe Don Baker.  I remember enjoying the episode but I don't remember shit from the movie.  When MVD announced that the film would be part of their MVD Rewind collection I was all about it.  I quickly reached out for a review copy and they were kind enough to send one over.  I want to thank MVD for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.  

     A small town sheriff from Texas finds himself in the middle of an international game of cat and mouse when two murders shoot and kill his partner forcing him to shoot one of them.  When an extradition to Italy goes wrong it's up to the sheriff to hunt for his partners killer in a foreign land.  

      Final Justice isn't a bad movie.  It's campy, corny, and sleazier than expect but I had fun with it.  The Riff Track or MST3k episode was more enjoyable but it's still fun on it's own.  Fans of those early 80 western inspired action films will have a blast but someone wanting a bigger story and memorable characters will be a bit disappointed.  The acting in this one is unintentionally funny but I still had fun with it.  This is not Joe Don Baker's proudest moment.  The movie seems like a burden to him which is where a lot of the unintentional humor comes from.  His character reminded me a lot of how my father acted when my brother would visit us with his kids.  He was happy to be there but he would clearly rather be some where else.  His character is generic and he does very little to give the viewer someone with a fun personality.  The supporting cast is much of the same.  The cast only does the bare minimum which is funny at times and dull at others.  The story for this one is more or less the same as so many other films from the same time.  An office of some sort is on the hunt for a killer who may have ties closer to home.  However, this one take a stereotypical Texas officer out of his element and in a different country.  It's predictable, goofy, and surprisingly sleazy.  We do get a bit of nudity which was not expected.  Finally, we get some blood and some nice gun shot wounds but that's the extent of it. It's not a gory flick for you sick fucks.  Overall, Final Justice is not as enjoyable as it could be but if you want a cheesy as fuck flick with boobs and actors who doesn't want to be there then this film is for you.  I had fun but it's not for everyone.  

El Pico 2

Director - Eloy de la Iglesia (The Cannibal Man, No One Heard the Scream)

Starring - Jose Luis Manzano (El Pico, Navajeros), Fernando Guillen (Don Juan in Hell, Brain Drain), Andrea Albani (Sexual Desires, Mad Foxes)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Crime/Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     A few weeks ago I received the Eloy de la Iglesia Quinqui Collection from my friends over at Severin Films.  MVD sent it my way for review and I was really curious about the release.  Iglesia is one filmmaker I was not familiar with but Severin's release of The Cannibal Man made me a fan.  I knew the three films in the set were not horror titles but after watching The Cannibal Man I couldn't wait to see what sort of films he was bringing us.  I started the set with El Pico and it was one hell of a film that in seriously one of my top 10 favorite films now.  It's nothing short but phenomenal.  After spinning that it only made sense to check out the sequel El Pico 2.  

     The film follows Paco (Manzano) finds himself in jail after the murder of the drug dealer and the overdose of his friend.  His father is actively appealing his sentence.  While in prison Paco has made friends with a drug dealer who gets him addicted to heroin again.  However, when he leaves prison Paco finds himself doing things he normally wouldn't do for his fix.  Eventually his father gets him released from jail but is still addicted and finds himself robbing and stealing to support his habit.  His lifestyle eventually catches up with him resulting in the death of his father which proves to be the turning point of his life.

     El Pico was not what I was expecting and it's one that I can't stop thinking about even after I was done watching it.  However, El Pico 2 turns it up a notch and delivers another punch to the gut that I was not expecting.  The acting in this one is another example of perfect casting.  Manzano once again absolutely nails it as Paco.  His performance carries the film and I couldn't imagine it being as riveting if someone else took over the mantle.  The supporting cast is just as fantastic with everyone delivering a fantastic performance.  The story for this one picks up where the first film left off but dials it up to 11.  Each scenes takes you into the next while taking it a step higher.  Iglesia is one hell of a story teller and this is the story he should be remembered for.  Finally, we do get a little blood but if you are looking for a gory flick then you will be disappointed.  This one is focused on the characters and it delivers.  Overall, El Pico 2 is a fabulous film that shows you actions have consequences and just how far someone's life can spiral.  It's an amazing film that I can't recommend enough.  

Alley Cat

Director - Victor M. Ordonez, Ed Palmos (Campus Beat, Claudia), and Al Valletta

Starring - Karin Mani (Avenging Angel, The Next Step Beyond), Robert Torti (Quantum Leap, She-Wolf of London), Britt Helfer (Raw Force, Street Hawk)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Crime/Action

Tagline - "This lady owns the night"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Vinegar Syndrome has been bring exciting releases to us month after month for years now.  They quickly became one of my favorite companies and I've been a dedicated fan for sometime now.  Their horror releases are what brought them to my attention but their exploitation and action flicks are the releases that  really pull me in.  When Vin Syn announced their VSA line I was all about it.  I couldn't wait to get some of these forgotten action flicks in their special edition big box inspired sleeves.  Last month Vin Syn announced the release of the 1984 crime flick Alley Cat along with Champagne and Bullets as the newest additions to their VSA line.  CaB was weird but enjoyable but I put Alley Cat off to check out some other releases.  However, after spinning the first volume of Televised Terror I decided now was the time to check it out.

     The film follows a female martial artist (Mani) who is being terrorized by a group of gangsters.  After she fights them off from stealing her car, they attack and kill her grandmother.  The judge in the case places her in jail after an outburst during their trial and when she is freed she decides to server out her own form of street justice.  

     Alley Cat has a lot going on and I liked it for the most part but I will be quick to say that I will never watch this one again.  It was entertaining for the most part but it's a one and done scenario for me.  I wanted to love it but the film was missing a lot of the elements that made 80s action flicks memorable.  The acting in this one is alright but it's not as fun and cheesy as most of the action films from this time is.  Mani delivers the best performance of the film and absolutely nailed her performance.  I liked her fight scenes and the way she delivers dialogue is great.  With that being said, her character was not that well written or memorable.  Her character's only personality trait was that she could kick anyone's ass.  Aside from that she was very generic and fell into the background of the story.  The supporting cast is similar.  The characters are not that well written and fall into generics.  The story for this one is just cheesy enough to make it fun but so unoriginal that you will not be able to watch it over and over again like you can so many action flicks of the time.  We have a woman who is the target of a group of thugs and must fight to protect herself and her grandfather.  You can switch up the characters but the story is still the same as so many others from the late 70s to the 90s.  The lack of memorable characters and action sequences makes this one a little below mediocre.  Finally, we get some blood and a lot of fight scenes but this one doesn't have any memorable deaths.  We do get a shower scene with Mani and a few other female prisoners that stands out but nothing for you sick horror fans.  Overall, Alley Cat is a fun generic action flick that doesn't have that bang we are looking for but it does have it's own charm.  This release from Vin Syn looks absolutely fantastic and so does the artwork to accompany the blu.  

Calendar Girl Murders

Director - William A. Graham (The X-Files, Death of a Cheerleader)

Starring - Tom Skerritt (Alien, Contact), Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct, The Quick and the Dead), and Barbara Bosson (The Last Starfighter, Murder One)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Mystery/Horror

Tagline - "The fantasy girls of the month.  Knocked off, one by one... January, February, March.  Poor miss April"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When Vinegar Syndrome announced their first Televised Terrors box set I was extremely interested in it.  Made for television horror films tend to be more tame than most other genre titles but their stories typically pull you in better than theatrical and straight to video releases.  I was really interested in Are You in the House Alone? and Child in the Night but Calendar Girl Murders didn't look like one I wouldn't like.  However, I went into this one with an open mind and really enjoyed it.\

     The film follows an adult entertainment business owner who is celebrating the success of his new calendar girls with a huge party when one of the models jumps to her death from atop the building.  However, it was soon revealed that she was pushed.  Not long after this more models turn up dead.  The detective assigned to the case quickly gets to work and partners up with a former model to uncover who is responsible for the murders but the real killer was under his nose the whole time.

     Honestly, Calendar Girl Murders may have been my favorite film in the set.  I loved how it was more of a mystery set against the backdrop of beautiful women in swimsuits.  It's as sleazy as television can get for the mid-80s and I enjoyed it.   The acting in this one is surprisingly well done.  Tom Skerritt does an amazing job at an overworked detective who is hard on crime but easy on beautiful women.  I loved his character and how well be brought him to life.  The supporting cast is just as entertaining which made for a very fun and enjoyable experience.  The story for this one is not really horror but it is a fun murder mystery that has that mid-80s slasher like killer reveal.  In fact, this one plays out like a paint by numbers slasher minus the masked killer and memorable kills.  We follow people as they are killed off by an unknown killer all with connections through the calendar models.  If the film would have included bloody and gory deaths along with a memorable killer it would have been a fantastic slasher.  However, the way it is it's still an entertaining film.  Finally, we get some blood and very generic death scenes that fit the story but are very forgettable.  The film focuses more on who is killing than the killings themselves.  Overall, Calendar Girl Murders is a surprisingly fun mid-80s made for television movie that doesn't bring the gore but is still entertaining enough.  I highly recommend it.  

The Game

Director - Bill Rebane (Monster a Go-Go, The Alpha Incident)

Starring - Tom Blair (The Fury, Sure Fire), Jim Iaquinta (Rana: The Legend of Shadow Lake, The LEgend Trip), and Carol Perry (The Demons of Ludlow)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "In this hotel they check you out in a box"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was only familiar with Rebane's film Blood Harvest and Rana prior to going into the Weird Wisconsin box set.  In fact, I had no idea he helmed Rana until I was on his imdb page working on my reviews for the previous films.  Though I only knew so little about him prior to this I still had heard about bad most of his films were.  His reputation aside, I actually had fun with The Alpha Incident, Invasion from Inner Earth, and The Demons of Ludlow.  Monster a Go-Go wasn't entirely bad but it's one I probably will never watch again.  The turning point in this set is 1984's The Game.  This movie was just a mess and, much like The Demons of Ludlow, feels like a made for television movie.  

     The film follows three wealthy people who run an annual competition inviting over a random assortment of people to stay in the mansion and see if they can last while the three scare the wits out of them.  The game has went smoothly for several years but this time around someone is killing the guests behind their backs.  

     The Game started out with the similar look of The Demons of Ludlow so I was really excited about that.  However, the film quickly went south with laughable acting, a chaotic story, and no pay off.  I feel like this may have been two stories that were quickly written together and rushed into development to get a movie out there.  Regardless, I don't see Twister's Revenge being this bad so this has to be the low point of the set.  The acting in this one is bad.  The fake southern draw, the laughable dialogue, the overreacting.  The cast has no direction and the scenes suffer from it.  I try to find something positive when I review a movie but there is nothing positive when it comes to the acting in this one.  The story for this one could have been an extremely fun one if the film would have went all in.  Instead, it's extremely messy and difficult to follow.  There is too many character arcs and the editing makes the movie jump around to the point it feels like you are watching episodes of a television show edited together.  Finally, the film has some creature effects that I enjoyed but if you want a bloody flick this is not for you.  The made for television look strikes again when it comes to the red stuff.  Overall, The Game is the bottom of the barrel so to speak.  It was a tough one to finish and by far the worst film in the set.  Skip it.  

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

Director - Joseph Zito (The Prowler, Bloodrage)

Starring - Erich Anderson (Dallas, Quantum Leap), Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys, Gremlins), and Kimberly Beck (The Munsters, Nightmare at Noon)

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Friday, April 13th, is Jason's unlucky day"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When you talk to other horror fans they always seem to have their favorite Friday the 13th film and they often look down at you if you don't agree with them.  Over the years I've realized that Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter is one of the fan favorites among horror fans.  It is the beginning of the Tommy Jarvis chronicles and features Savini once again on effects.  Chronologically, it is another first, like previous Friday the 13th films, where we feature Jason dying for the final time.  Honestly, I like it but it is far from my favorite of the series.  It gets my respect but I can't proclaim my love for it like others do.

     The film follows the Jarvis family who lives in a cabin at the lake.  A group of teens rent the adjoining cabin for a weekend of partying and sex.  Young Tommy Jarvis and his sister are happy to have people their age near them but soon find themselves face to face with the hockey masked Jason and his favorite machete.  

     Most people love this film because it introduces the Tommy Jarvis character and has Tom Savini returning on effects.  The Tommy Jarvis character is very important in the Friday the 13th mythos but I can't justify that enough to say this is my favorite film in the series.  Honestly, I don't know if it would even make my top five.  However, it is still a very enjoyable film.  The acting in this one is very consistent with the other films.  However, the characters are not as memorable as some of the others from previous installments.  The shopkeeper and Shelly from the third film, Ted from Part 2, and Crazy Ralph all stand out when you speak about these films and every movie has a stand out character up to this point.  However, none really "stand out" aside from Crispin Glover's dance.  Even the Tommy Jarvis character blends into the story here.  Important as he is he just doesn't stand out like the previous films.  The acting in solid but the characters are so cliched that they just blend into the background.  The story for this one takes the standard and true Friday the 13th slasher story and finally gives the character of Jason an ending...for a limited time.  The movie once again delivers on the teens going to the lake that Jason calls home where he kills them one by one.  With that being said, the film tries to give a sense of closure with Jason's death.  In 1984 this ending was a big deal but those that watched these films after that date knows this was very short lived.  Finally, this film takes us back to some great practical effects and iconic deaths.  This film features some of the series most unforgettable deaths including Jason's unfortunate demise.  The effects are fantastic and this really set the standard for slashers from this point on.  Overall, The Final Chapter Is another important installment in an legendary film series but I don't like it as much as other fans do.  It introduces the character of Tommy Jarvis and features Jason's real death making it another important film up to this point but I couldn't watch this one over and over like I can the first three films.  

Alphabet City

Director - Amos Poe (Happiness is a Warm Gun, Poker Buddies)
Starring - Vincent Spano (Tales from the Crypt, Prophecy 3: The Ascent), Michael Winslow (Spaceballs, Police Academy), and Kate Vernon (Pretty in Pink, Battlestar Galactica)
Release Date - 1984
Genre - Crime
Tagline - "At 19 they gave him the streets.  Tonight, they're going to take them back"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Vinegar Syndrome works with several companies to release some top notch releases.  Their legendary partnership with American Genre Films Archive has brought us some amazing releases that I absolutely adore.  They recently started working with the new company Fun City Editions to release their first film Alphabet City.  This is the first time I've heard of this 1984 crime drama but seeing Michael Winslow listed among the cast really had me interested.  I didn't want to sleep on this release so I quickly ordered it when it was announced and I'm glad I did.  I now have high expectations for future Fun City releases.

     The film follows Johnny who runs drugs and money for the local crime boss.  He has a beautiful woman, baby, and ride.  His job has treated him well but when his sister starts escorting he has to get them out of the city before she finds herself murdered.  As he makes plans to get out his boss figures it out and he gets a target painted on his back.

     I love 80s cinema but Alphabet City is one of the many titles associated with Vin Syn that I had never heard of before prior to the release announcements which is a shame because I would have loved this one growing up.  The acting, cinematography, scenery, and story really worked for me.  Hell, this is the movie Perfect Strangers wanted to be.  The acting in this one is great.  The supporting cast, Winslow included, bring some great characters to life but Vincent Spano is brilliant as Johnny.  I absolutely loved his street hardened character and his machismo portrayal.  It's a shame there wasn't a follow up film starring him.  The story for this one is a great city crime film.  It's very grounded, stylish, and realistic while bringing in a few unintentional laughs.  I really enjoyed it but I'm a bit disappointed that I had never heard of this one before now.  Finally, the film may have some blood but this is not one I would recommend to the gorehounds and avid horror fans.  The film is very story driven and doesn't bring much to the table in terms of practical effects.  Overall, Alphabet City is a new favorite of mine.  I can't recommend this film enough and fans of cult cinema will need to check out this amazing looking blu from Fun City Editions.  It needs to be added to your collection.  

Perfect Strangers

Director - Larry Cohen (It's Alive, The Stuff)
Starring - Anne Carlisle (Crocodile Dundee, Liquid Sky), Brad Rijn (A Return to Salem's Lot, Special Effects), and John Woehrle (Deadly Illusion, The Dead Pool)
Release Date - 1984
Genre - Crime/Thriller
Tagline - "When they get you where they want you they can lead you...anywhere!"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I bought Larry Cohen's It's Alive on VHS at the local video store when it was going out of business.  I loved the film.  So much so that a friend of mine bought me the DVD set with all three for my birthday a few years later.  These movies opened me up to other films from Larry Cohen like Q, The Stuff, and so on.  He's a phenomenal filmmaker but one movie of his I never really had an interest in was his 1984 crime thriller Perfect Strangers.  I actually owned this movie on DVD for some years but never brought myself to watch it.  That changed when Vin Syn sent over the film on blu to review.  I still wasn't expecting much but I went into it open minded.  Thanks Vin Syn for sending this one my way.

     The film follows hit man Johnny (Rijn) who took out a man in a dark alley way.  No one saw him commit the crime except a two year old little boy.  He tells his boss and he is instructed to take out the kid before he is able to talk.  He reluctantly agrees and starts a relationship with the boy's mother.  He plans on getting close to her and then when she least expects it an "accident" will befall the youth.  When he get's his chance he kidnaps the kid but can't bring himself to go through it.  He takes him back to his mother who is waiting for him...with a knife.  

     I really wanted to like this one but after 20 minutes I found myself watching the clock tick down rather than the film.  The movie does pick up in the last quarter but the first three quarters of film was painfully dull.  The acting in this one is difficult to discuss. Some scenes I really liked but other scenes were awkward to watch.  Rijn was a great pick to play the hitman with a soft spot.  However, Anne Carlisle just wasn't selling me on her character.  Her scenes were very underwhelming and her dialogue just doesn't sit well with me.  The supporting cast has it's moments but most of the scenes are hammed up by the cast.  The story for this one could have been a solid crime thriller in the same vain as The Godfather but the romantic angle really brings the story down.  It doesn't have the impact Cohen is looking for.  In fact, the slow burning romantic scenes really pulls the tone of the film down.  The last 20 minutes or so of the film was really entertaining but not enough to redeem the rest of the film.  Finally, the film has some blood but nothing most horror fans are looking for.  We get some stab wounds with plenty of blood but they are nothing memorable.  Overall, Perfect Strangers is a lackluster crime thriller that just doesn't flow well.  The romantic scenes does not flow well with the crime elements in the film.  The blu looks great and deserves to be on any collector's shelf but I can't recommend this one to people looking for something different to watch.