Starring - Duilio Del Prete (Dagger Eyes, About That Strange Girl), Karina Huff (Time for Loving, The Gamble), and Pascal Persiano (Demons 2, Paganini Horror)
Release Date - 1991
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "In the tradition of H.P. Lovecraft"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I spent a lot of my time in high school watching the horror films of Lucio Fulci. It started with his biggest hit stateside, Zombie. This Italian sequel to Dawn of the Dead started it all for me. My friend was absolutely obsessed with his work and over the next couple of years we would watch some seriously amazing movies like The Beyond, City of the Living Dead, House by the Cemetery, and The New York Ripper to name a few. When I was in college I found the DVD for Voices from Beyond for a reasonable price. I watched it and enjoyed it but it wasn't as memorable as some of the previous films I had seen from Fulci. Regardless, it was a decent watch and when Severin announced their new release of the film on UHD I quickly jumped at the chance to revisit it. I want to thank Severin for sending this one over for review.
The film follows Rosie (Huff) who visits her late father's estate after his unexpected death. Her estranged family is bickering over who will inherit what but after the reading of the will they discover that Rosie inherited it all. Things go strange as Rosie starts hearing her late father from the grave as he tries to help his daughter find his killer.
Voices from Beyond is a lot of fun but it's nothing like the heavy hitters Fulci released before this one. It's atmospheric and eerie for those wanting a late night fright but it doesn't stand out for those familiar with Fulci and his horror hits. The acting in this one is very well done and probably the best acted horror title in Fulci's filmography. The characters are not that well written and it's hard to like many of them but the cast does a phenomenal job in their roles. The story for this one is a supernatural forward tale that focuses more on the mystery aspect of the murder than the murder itself. It moves slowly and takes it's time to build tension and atmosphere which I do appreciate. With that being said, it does feel more like a supernatural murder mystery than a horror tale which may be one of the reasons this one doesn't get the love that other Fulci films get. Finally, we get some great make-up effects and some props that look great but those looking for the memorable deaths and amazing gore will be very disappointed. The movie focuses more on the father/daughter relationship and the mystery around his mother more than the effects. Overall, Voices from Beyond is an often overlooked Lucio Fulci film but it is a solid film. It's not the bloodiest or goriest film but the effects look great and the story works. Check it out now on UHD from Severin.
Director - Cesare Canevari (Killing of the Flesh, The Nude Princess)
Starring - Erika Blanc (Kill Baby... Kill!, A Dragonfly for Each Corpse), Adolfo Celi (The Phantom of Liberty, Madly in Love), and Paolo Ferrari (Nero Wolfe, Married to a Cop)
Release Date - Drama/Erotic
Tagline - "The queer... the erotic... the hippie... all turned her on!"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
When I went into the Saga Erotica: The Emmanuelle Collection, I thought it was four films featuring Sylvia Kristel as the title character. However, that was not the case at all. The first three films in the set did feature Kristel in her iconic role but the fourth film really caught me off guard. The final Emmanuelle film was actually the 1969 Italian drama A Man for Emmanuelle starring Erika Blanc as Emmanuelle. I became very interested in the film especially when I realized that it was not one of the films starring Kristel. Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one over!
The film follows Emmanuelle (Blanc) who has her eye on someone. Instead of approaching them like a rational human being, she starts sleeping with everyone she crosses paths with regardless of gender.
I went into this one not knowing what to expect. Was this a film that would later inspire the Emmanuelle series that I know or would it just be a film that shares a common name? I don't know the back story behind this one but I did like it as a film but it wasn't near as sleazy and enjoyable as the Sylvia Kristel films. The acting in this one is solid for the most part and pretty consistent which is something you can't really say about the previous three films I reviewed. Blanc doesn't really carry the scene like Kristel can but she is a hell of a lot better actress. The supporting cast does a solid job as well but it's Blanc that's the focus of the film. The story for this one is nowhere near as sleazy as the first film but does have some sexy moments. With that being said, it does lack in the story department with what feels like an anti-sex message. We have a woman bouncing from sexual partner to sexual partner as she explores her sexual freedom. The further she goes into these encounters, the more her life is turned upside down. The film seems to have a completely different message than the subsequent Emmanuelle films. Finally, the film doesn't have the amount of skin as I was expecting but there is some. Those of you wanting a sleazy watch may be disappointed just like those of you wanting some blood and gore. Overall, A Man for Emmanuelle is nothing like I expected but it was still an enjoyable film. While it doesn't live up to the Emmanuelle name, I can only assume that it inspired the now legendary franchise. Check it out especially if you dig the other films.
Director(s) - Zacarias Urbiola (A Dragonfly for Each Corpse, House of Psychotic Women) and Antonio D'Agostino (Eva Man, The Ceremony of the Senses)
Starring - Eva Robin's (Hercules, Tenebrae), Ajita Wilson (Hell Behind the Bars, Passionate Lovers), and Ramon Centenero (The Night of the Werewolf, The Dracula Saga)
Release Date - 1982
Genre - Sci-Fi/Comedy
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I was not expecting the wild ride that Mondo Macabro was going to send me on when they sent over the Eva Man double feature. These two films were new to me and I had no idea how important they were in the world of cinema and exploitation at the time. However, after finishing the first film and working on the review I quickly learned that this film was very important to movie history which only made me even more excited for the sequel. Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review!
The film once again follows Eva (Robbin's), the professor, and her friend as they fight and evade a group of criminals who are after them. The professor used the technology from the first film to create a ray gun that when fired at someone awakens intense sexual desire.
Return of Eva Man, or El Regreso de Eva Man, is another wild film that does a decent enough job at furthering the already crazy story from the film film. While it does take the same formula from the first film and makes small changes, those changes are just enough to make it work. It's not going to win people over like the first film but it is still a lot of fun. The acting in this one is consistent with the first film. Robbin's and Wilson make the film. Their charisma and personality makes every scene they are in. The supporting cast is solid for the most part but it's these two ladies that makes these two films as fun as they are. The story for this one is essentially the same as the first film with a few minor changes. Both films follows a group of bad guys chasing Eva for different sexual reasons. It's obvious they took what made the first film work and rush it into production while the iron was still hot so to speak. It doesn't give us something new but it's still a solid sequel with some laughs. Finally, no blood or guns in this one. We get some skin, some laughs, and that's about the extent of it. Overall, Return of Eva Man is no as historic as the original but it still deserves a watch. It's not that original but still entertaining. Check it out.
Director - Antonio D'Agostino (The Ceremony of the Senses, Fashion Movie)
Starring - Eva Robins (Tenebrae, Hercules), Ajita Wilson (Macumba Sexual, Hotel Paradise), and Ramon Centenero (Chocolate, Confessions of a Congressman)
Release Date - 1980
Genre - Action/Comedy
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I'm no stranger to sexploitation especially the sexploitation and erotica from Italy. While I've only been reviewing these type of films for about a decade, there is still plenty of them that I've never seen. A few weeks back I was sent over the Eva Man double feature from my friends over at Mondo Macabro. Eva Man is an erotic action comedy from 1980 Italy starring trailblazer Eva Robin's (that is how it's really spelled). I had never seen this one before and couldn't wait to see what kind of batshit crazy fun I was about to get into. I want to take a moment to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for me to check out.
The film follows Eva (Robin's) who is a hermaphrodite with a scientific device planted inside her to make her more potent sexually. Eva's sexual conquests eventually reaches the ears of an impotent crime boss who wishes to kidnap Eva so he cant obtain her magical genitalia for his own needs.
Eva Man and it's sequel were completely knew to me. I recalled getting the press release for these films previously but didn't really remember a lot about them. However, after I watched the film and started working on my review I quickly realized that these films, along with Eva Robin's and Ajita Wilson, were revolutionary especially for their time. Boutique labels are important for many reasons especially in regards to preserving physical media but one of their biggest reasons in existing is to bring obscure films to the masses. This is a huge release from Mondo Macabro and I'm glad they took it on. The film is absolutely wild and a lot of fun especially for what it is. The acting in this one is inconsistent with some high and lows. Eva steals the show. She is so charismatic in front of the camera. Ajita is is great in front of the camera as well but some of the scenes doesn't have the same energy as the others. The supporting cast is nowhere near as fun as these two and don't bring the charisma like these two ladies. The scenes need one of these two to work which is a bit of a shame. The story for this one is a sexploitation gold mine that still blows my mind. I've lived in the U.S. my entire life and never traveled abroad but I have enough sense to know that the outside world is more open than most of those in America. I can only assume the said can be said about the world during the late 1970s and early 80s or this film would have never found footing. Here we are, 40 some years later, and many here in the states would never be open to check this one out now. That's a bummer because this story is raw sexploitation that is a lot of fun. While I would have loved a little more of Eva and Ajita outside of the sex scenes but I'm not stupid enough to forget what I was watching. It's sexy, funny, and chaotic but all in a good way. Like most sexploitation films, the sex scenes are not my main focus and usually throw the pacing of the film off for me. The film is an even mix of sex scenes and story so fans of sexploitation cinema who really enjoy the sex will really love this one. Finally, no real effects for genre fans to marvel at. The film is all wild story and skin. If you want blood, gore, or visual effects then you will be very disappointed. Overall, Eva Man is not for those that are closed minded or not open to films that are a bit different. I'm comfortable enough in my sexuality to enjoy this one. From that aside, it's an important piece of queer cinema that really needs to be in any movie lover's collection. Check out the release from Mondo Macabro now!
Director - Lamberto Bava (Body Puzzle, Devil Fish)
Starring - Barbara Cupisti (Cemetery Man, Mothers), Stefano Davanzati (Dagger Eyes, The Final Executioner), Alessio Orano (Lisa and the Devil, Summer Affair)
Release Date - 1993
Genre - Horror/Crime
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I've been fortunate to review several box sets and collections over the years but this High Tension: Four Films by Lamberto Bava from my friends over at Severin Films has really impressed. It's not often that you find a set of films where every movie in the set is enjoyable but this one has done it. You can say that I'm being a bit biased because I am a fan of Bava's but these films really are entertaining but I wouldn't call them all horror. In fact, some of the films may have some horror aspects scattered throughout, but they are mostly crime thrillers or dark drama. I just finished the fourth and final film in the set, Eye Witness. This one, much like the first film, feels a lot like a classic slasher meets a crime thriller. It was a great movie but not necessarily a horror tale. Regardless, it was worth it!
The film follows a pair trying to steal from a department store before closing time. However, as one of them leaves, the other is left behind to wait for them to fetch the car when one of the employees is murdered. She is there for the horrible crime but doesn't see it because she is blind. However, she did hear and smell the killer which is the best the detectives can get for the crime. The killer tries to cover up their lose ends and suspects that the blind witness can sense them resulting in a game of cat and mouse between the two.
These four made for television films from Lamberto Bava were really strange to me. I know every country has different rules and regulations but I can't see how Bava thought any of these films would be able to air on television. This is not the most gruesome of the four films but it is one with a little more focus on sex. Regardless, it makes sense why not all of these films aired on television and this one was another fun one to watch. The acting in this one is very consistent. I've seen movies and television shows where the cast is visually impaired and it was evident that was not the case here. It was a bit campy at times watching react while pretending to be blind. Also, a few of the scenes at the beginning of the film is a bit stiff. I can only assume that the film was shot in order and the cast slowly became more comfortable in their roles. The story for this one has some horror elements but it it's base is a crime thriller. The movie gives you the killer fairly early on with the tension and buildup taking place as this woman who is visually impaired is stalked by the known killer. It's predictable and while it was enjoyable for a first time watch, it doesn't really have replay value like the other films in the set. Finally, this film does have a few deaths but they are not as gruesome as I was expecting. The first film in the set really set the tone for what Bava could do with practical effects but the three films since have not really followed in it's footsteps. This one has some skin, some blood, and that is about the extent of it. Overall, Eye Witness feels like it wants to be a giallo of sorts but doesn't fully commit to it. It's a solid film but it is predictable and doesn't really have any replay value. Check it out but don't expect it to be your new favorite film.
Starring - Alessandra Acciai (The Big Dream, The Youngest Son), Jean Hebert (Brivido Giallo, La Piovra), and Viola Simoncioni (The Betrothed, Club Vacanze)
Release Date - 1993
Genre - Horror
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
This High Tension: Four Films by Lamberto Bava has been a lot of fun so far. I was afraid that this set would be like the Cliff Twemlow and Danza Macabra Volume Four where some of the films would be unforgettable and the rest would be a tough watch. However, that has not been the case up to this point. I may be a bit biased because I am a huge fan of Bava's but these four films were brand new to me. The first two in the set were great with one not being a horror film like I was expecting. Regardless, it was a lot of fun and I couldn't wait for the third film which the 1993 film School of Fear.
The film follows a teacher with a sorted past sent to an elite school where the former teacher fell to her death. She starts to worry about her students the more she gets to know them before becoming alarmed by a secret game they refuse to let adults know about. She becomes obsessed when one of her students doesn't return to class and she suspects the other students are behind it. She becomes linked with a local detective but he doesn't believe her either. However, that changes when she goes missing on a school trip and he suspects the students are behind it.
Calling School of Fear a horror title is a bit of a stretch. It has a lot of horror elements but at the end of the day it's no more the day it was nothing more than a dark thriller. Don't get me wrong. This was a solid film, especially from Bava, but it was a lot like The Man Who Wouldn't Die. It had it's dark moments but just wasn't a horror film when it was all said and done. The acting in this one was my favorite in the set by far. The characters in this one are more natural and well grounded. The children, while young, have better acting chops than most of the veterans with years, or even decades, of experience in front of the camera. This is where talent, direction, and solid writing collide to create an entertaining experience for the viewer. The story for this one is exactly what I would expect from a made for television movie. It's not really horror, as I stated earlier, but it does borrow some horror elements. With that being said, the film is a very dark thriller where the children are mysterious and menacing. Well, as menacing as rich children with no conscience can be. I do like the story and how well it played out but it is predictable with very little replay value. Finally, don't expect a bloody or violent film like the previous two. This one has just a little blood and a lot of character development. Overall, School of Fear is nowhere near the top of my favorite Lamberto Bava films but it is enjoyable. It's worth a watch especially if you are taking the time to watch the other films in this set.
Starring - Martine Brochard (Eyeball, The Violent Professionals), Keith Van Hoven (Warhead, Black Demons), and Gino Concari (Massacre, Jealous Eyes)
Release Date - 1989/2007
Genre - Crime/Thriller
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
When Severin announced the release of the High Tension: Four Film by Lamberto Bava, I knew I had to have it. I didn't care if they sent me one for review or I had to pay for it. This was a must own set for me. Bava is easily one of the most underrated filmmakers in the genre and this set was four films of his that I had never seen before. The first film in the set, The Prince of Terror, was a great start to my Bava marathon and I quickly tossed in the second film in the set which was The Man Who Wouldn't Die. While not a horror film in a traditional sense, this crime thriller was still very much enjoyable. Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one over for review.
The film follows a gang of thieves who pull off a job of rare art and priceless antiques. However, one of them is a real piece of shit who tries to rape a woman they have bound and gagged. The man with her, who is also bound and gagged, drops a double boot stomp to the back of his head leaving him unable to move. His gang find him and decide to dispose of his body deep in the woods. However, he's not dead and is rescued sometime later where he makes a full recovery. Members of his gang start getting murdered one by one where they suspect it's him because they dumped his body.
The Man Who Wouldn't Die is not a horror film. I went into it expecting a horror title but was greeted with a crime thriller that I actually enjoyed for the most part. I am a bit disappointed that it wasn't the horror title I was expected especially from looking at the artwork for the film the accompanied the set. The acting in this one is solid. We have some overacting in a few scenes and a lot of flat dialogue but the overall film has decent acting. With that being said, this is one of the few films recently where I found myself disliking every character in the film. This is not the acting but how the characters are written which goes to show how solid the acting truly was. The story for this one is a fantastic crime film with some thriller aspects that borrows heavily from the traditional slasher formula. An art heist resulting in the injury of a man who finds his gang turning on him and leaving him for dead. They then start dying one by one and suspect it's him seeking revenge. This almost feels like a slasher but at heart is a crime film and very much so plays out like one. I did enjoy it though. It has great pacing and enough action to hold your attention from beginning to end. Finally, the film has several deaths with some blood and kills that fit the film. They are not as memorable as I would have liked but they do work with the film itself. Overall, The Man Who Wouldn't Die is another fantastic film from Bava but it's not the horror title I was really looking forward to. Honestly, check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Director - Corrado Farina (They Have Changed Their Face, Fumettophobia)
Starring - Carroll Baker (Baby Doll, Kindergarten Cop), George Eastman (Antropophagus, Erotic Nights of the Living Dead), and Isabelle De Funes (Pont Dormant, Esprits de Famille)
Release Date - 1973
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "The psychedelic shocker based on the erotic comics of Guido Crepax"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (Out of 5):
I was really looking forward to this set when I received it for review. Not only was Terror-Creatures from the Grave a movie, at the time, I had always wanted to watch but never had the chance but because it featured the 1973 film Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga is one that I had seen pop up in so many horror groups and message boards but I never had the chance to check it out. This just happened to be the last film in the set and I had high hopes that I would be ending it with a bang.
The film follows a photographer who is almost hit by a car driven by a strange woman named Baba Yaga. She soon finds herself in the middle of strange occurrences. Her camera seems to be cursed anytime she tries to take pictures of a living subject, a weird doll given to her by Baba Yaga is doing strange things, and everyone around her seems to be pushed further and further away. She starts to suspect that Baba is a witch and is using her powers to alienate the young photographer so she can seduce or possess her.
I went into this one only knowing that it starred Carroll Baker and had very little to do with the Baba Yaga folklore. With that being said, this slow burn film didn't really give me that Italian gothic vibe nor did it feel like I was watching a horror title. I seriously wanted to like it but this was one that had me absolutely bored to tears. The acting in this one is great even from a cheesy mid-70s campy aspect. The entire cast, aside from Baker, delivers what I would consider a reasonably grounded performance that works very well for a more modern horror title. With that being said, Baker is extremely theatrical in her performance and stands out in every scene she is in. I loved her performance but I feel that she was underutilized. The story for this one is not enough to hold the viewer's attention over the full runtime of the film. A photographer finding the most important aspect of her job becoming cursed and her entire life being pushed away as a witch forces her way into her life is a pretty solid story but the way it was shot leaves a lot of room for pointless scenes and a lot of dull dialogue. This is one of those films that I find myself watching the clock more than I do the film. We don't have enough going on to hold your attention. Finally, if you want a bloody flick then you will be disappointed. The movie is character driven instead of blood, gore, and atmosphere. Overall, Baba Yaga is nothing like I expected. It feels more like a supernatural drama rather than a horror tale. I seriously wanted to like this one but it bored me to tears. Skip it.
Director(s) - Irene Baruffetti (Vore Gore), Corey DeAn Cowly (Patient 4, XXX Darknet: Red Lips), Domiziano Cristopharo (Scorecard Killer, Unburied Tales), Joseph Russio (Beyond Dark Dreams, Devil's Lettuce) Slade Wilson (XXX Darknet: Red Lips), and Peter Lankston
Starring - Cory DeAn Cowley, Madeline Deering (Spirit Animal, Gore Orphanage), and Carley Sonafelt (Bathtub Shark Attack, Air Fryer Slaughter)
Release Date - 2024
Genre - Horror
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
By this point it should be no surprise as to how much I love anthology films. I grew up with classics like Creepshow, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, From a Whisper to a Scream, and so on. So it's safe to say that when I'm approached to review an anthology that I will gladly say yes to the request. Several weeks back I was asked by filmmaker Joseph Russio to review the extreme horror anthology 6 Songs. Russio surprised me a few years ago with his film Beyond Dark Dreams so I was already interested in it but once I heard it was an anthology I quickly agreed to it. I want to take a moment to thank Joseph for sending this one my way for review!
The film begins with a sinister priest telling the viewer several graphic tales that involves a song.
I knew absolutely nothing about 6 Songs prior to watching it and I have to say that it was easily the most visually appealing film I have ever seen. While some of the segments are better than others, the overall film was absolutely beautiful through and through. The acting in this one is a bit uneven which makes sense considering each segment was made by a different filmmaker. I'm not saying that the acting is bad, because it wasn't, but some segments are a bit more grounded in regards to characters and acting. The stories for this one vary, as to be expected, in quality but they work for the most part. Without giving too much away, the film focuses on the grotesque and extreme violence while focusing on the music aspect. While I found it to be interesting at times, I did struggle to finish a few of the segments. These focused more on the beautiful cinematography and the music itself over the story. Finally, the film doesn't shy away from the blood and has some fantastic make-up effects but it's not as gory as I was expecting. The effects we get work for the story and looks fairly well done but I was honestly expecting a lot more gore than we did get. Overall, 6 Songs is a beautiful film but I don't see myself revisiting it anytime soon. The wrap around segment needed it's own film but is still fun as is. It's well worth a watch so check it out.
Director - Michele Soavi (The Church, StageFright)
Starring - Rupert Everett (Dead on Time, Shrek 2), Francois Hadji-Lazaro (Brotherhood of the Wolf, The City of Lost Children), and Anna Falchi (Kin Novak is on the Phone, The Tracker)
Release Date - 1994
Genre - Horror/Comedy/Romance
Tagline - "Zombies, gun and sex, oh my!"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
Every movie buff, especially genre fans, have that one film they have tried to watch for years but never had the opportunity. The movie is either hard to find or various obstacles get in their way. I call these movies unicorns because they take on an almost mythical tone. My unicorn is the 1994 Italian horror/romance film Dellamorte Dellamore. When I was in high school I was an active member of the Upcoming Horror Movies message board. One of the other members had an image of what looked like a grim reaper in his signature. I was fascinated with that image for a few days and finally asked them what it was from. He told me about the film Cemetery Man from director Michele Soavi. I rushed to eBay with a friend where we pooled out money together to buy a copy of the film on VHS. It took a few weeks but the day it arrived we prepared to give it a watch. After about 20 or so minutes into our first viewing the VCR started to make a loud whining sound before it ate the tape. It would be several more years before the film would get a DVD from Anchor Bay but I was quick to pre-order it. When it finally arrived the post office was kind enough to customize the package and it’s contents for me resulting in a dislodged disc that wouldn’t play in my PS2 or my friends DVD player. Anchor Bay was kind enough to send over a replacement disc but that took several more weeks. When I was able to finally watch the film I feel in love with it. It was unlike anything else I had seen at that point. The DVD quickly became one of my prized possessions that I still appreciate all those years later. That changed recently when Severin released the film on UHD. While the DVD held some fond memories, I could not wait to add this release to my collection.
The film follows a caretaker at a small Italian town. He lives in a little shack on the property with his nearly mute assistant and they are tasked with keeping the dead…dead. Those buried in this particular cemetery return after 7 days to feast on the living. He puts them down with a quick bullet to the head so the town doesn’t get overrun by the undead and for fear he would lose his job. He eventually falls in love with a beautiful widow but when her husband breaks free of his coffin and bites her, the caretaker is forced to shoot her. Heartbroken, and struggling with his own mortality, he befriends a group of college women. One of them shares a striking resemblance to his now dead loved one so he goes with them back to their house. He spends the night with her and the following morning he learns that they are prostitutes that are paying their way through college by selling their bodies. He panics and burns the home down with them trapped inside. Once again heartbroken, he meets a young woman working as the mayor’s assistant. She too is identical to the woman he once loved. She mentions that she has commitment issues and does not want to be with a man sexually. Succumbing to rumors that his impotent, he seeks medical help to take away his manhood so he can be with her only to discover that she was raped and she liked it. Now, he’s heartbroken for the third time and without the use of his penis which forces him to go on a killing spree before trying to skip town.
I don’t say this a lot but Dellamorte Dellamore, aka Cemetery Man, is easily the most beautiful horror film I’ve seen in my short life. We have a not so typical horror story that blends comedy and romance in a way I had never seen before or since along with several gruesome scenes that reminds the viewer that they are in fact watching an Italian horror film. I might be a bit biased here but Cemetery Man is one of my favorite horror films and this Severin release is a must own for horror fans and collectors alike. The acting in this one is great. Rupert Everette is absolutely amazing as the romantic cemetery caretaker (he’s not an engineer). His character is what makes the film and his performance is nothing short of brilliant. When you add the fantastic performances from model Anna Falchi and the “Gna” from Francois Hadji-Lazaro you have performances that are truly unforgettable. The characters are so enjoyable and the cast truly gives it their all. The story for this one is a mix of comedy and romance with a lot of horror thrown in. The romance is a huge part of the story and while it does take the front seat, it doesn’t make the horror take the back seat. Both coexist in the film in a way that is rarely seen and never as successful as it is here. You then have the humor to break up some of the more drawn out scenes a little bit. They all work together very well without making the horror feel out of place which became normal after the success of Shaun of the Dead. While I do love SotD I will be the first to admit that the horror is second to the humor and romance. This film keeps it in the front. The film also has great pacing and doesn’t over stay it’s welcome. Finally, this film has some seriously great effects with a lot of gore and beautiful sets. I love the sets and locations used in the film. Movies don’t really look like this anymore and these locations and sets give this film the perfect gothic look and feel. This really works with the film’s atmosphere and tone making it even more effective. You add that with the fantastic make-up and practical effects and you have a film that can only be seen to be appreciated. Overall, Cemetery Man, or Dellamorte Dellamore, is one of the most underrated Italian horror films in cinema history. The film is absolutely amazing and this release Severin is essential for horror fans or fans of this film. Check it out.
Director - Mario Landi (Super Sexy Market, Patrick Still Lives)
Starring - Leonora Fani (Hotel Fear, The House by the Edge of the Lake), Jeff Blynn (Weapons of Death, Blue Tornado), and Gianni Dei (Sex of the Witch, The Angels from 2000)
Release Date - 1979
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Full Moon is known for their little creature films like Puppet Master, Demonic Toys, Gingerdead Man, Weedjies, and Evil Bong along with monster movies like Subspecies, Castle Freak, and Killjoy. Aside from the occasional sci-fi flick and softcore porn, Full Moon is known the world over for their puppets and haunting horror tales that began with Charles Band and his Empire label. However, Full Moon has released the occasional giallo from time to time. These are fairly middle of the road films that are easily forgettable, but they are still enjoyable for first time watches. A few months back they released Giallo in Venice on blu under the title Gore in Venice. I had never seen this one before, so I reached out to my friends at Full Moon who were kind enough to send a copy my way.
The film follows a police detective investigating the murder of a young couple. The woman appears to have drowned while the man was violently stabbed. As they look for possible leads and speculate why they two were murdered, a deranged killer is going around town killing people after they have sex.
Gore in Venice is not what I would call a textbook giallo or even one I would consider a classic but the sleazy story and murders are enjoyable if you are looking for something for your late night viewing. I don’t see myself watching this one anytime soon but if some friends wanted to check it out I could sit through it without suffering. The acting in this one is extremely uneven. The film’s leads and supporting cast is done very well. In fact, I really liked Jeff Blynn as the egg eating inspector. With that being said, the performances from the smaller roles are horrible. Their eyes are bouncing all around the scene like they don’t know where to look while remaining emotionless and robotic. I think it would have been cheaper to cast cardboard cutouts instead of the talent they went with for these roles. The story for this one is sleazy and violent at times but the story feels almost like two films playing out simultaneously. The detective investigating the murder of the couple as who runs down leads, drug connections and so one was very giallo like. The mystery aspect is exactly what I would expect from a giallo. We then move over to what feels like a second story following the killer who murders those after they screw. It adds some skin and violence to the film but they never fully mesh until the end. Crossing paths throughout the film would have made it flow so much better. It’s still fun for what it is but the story just doesn’t flow like it should. Finally, the film has some skin and violent deaths. The effects are minimal, yet they find a way to work. They make your mind follow through with the acts while using classic camera tricks and angles. It’s not a gory film but it’s enough to hold your attention. Overall, Gore in Venice is not a gory flick but giallo fans will appreciate it. I liked it and those of you looking for something different would appreciate it as well. Check it out.
Director - Sergio Bergonzelli (Apocalipsis Sexual, School of Erotic Enjoyment)
Starring - Eleonora Rossi Drago (The Angels from 2000, Uncle Tom's Cabin), Pier Angeli (Shadow of Evil, Octaman), and Fernando Sancho (Black Commando, Cross of the Devil)
Release Date - 1970
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Certain boutique labels don’t get the respect they deserve. While most people, myself included, often praise labels like Vinegar Syndrome and Arrow Video while labels like Severin and Mondo Macabro often go overlooked. Honestly, I really enjoy MM and their releases even though I may not always enjoy the films. I appreciate their eye for international titles and bringing those to American markets. A few weeks back I received their blu release of In the Folds of the Flesh. This was a new one to me and I couldn’t wait to dig into it. Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for their support!
The film follows a group living in a villa who have a dark secret. Murder is not foreign to the three living there and when an escaped criminal arrives there attempting to black mail them he bites off more than he can chew when they get the upper hand. Soon the police is involved due to the amount of disappearances in the area bringing all their heinous crimes to light.
When I was getting info together for my review, I saw that some call this film a trashy giallo. While I don’t see the giallo part I can confirm that it is trashy. Giallo is a popular Italian sub-genre of horror that focuses on the mystery aspect of the story. In the Folds of the Flesh is not so much a mystery but a story about how far the crazy family will go before getting caught. It was enjoyable but way too complicated when it had no need to be. The acting in this one is very enjoyable. The cast was a lot of fun to watch but their reactions in a lot of the scenes was a bit too overdramatic. It didn’t take away from the film but it did give me a few unintentional laughs when you mixed it with the English dub. The story for this one is very enjoyable, especially from an exploitation stand point, but there was a lot going on. In fact, some of the twists and turns could have been removed while keeping the overall story intact. I fucking loved the idea of the three psychopaths living in the same villa together when a criminal arrives and tries to black mail them. We then get some questionable turns like the rape scene that doesn’t really make sense in context of the film along with introduction of the police. It just feels like there is too many ideas being thrown in a pot hoping something sticks. It would have been a hell of a lot more enjoyable if it was more straight forward with the story. Finally, the film has a few death scenes that were surprisingly humorous but if you are looking for some serious blood and gore then you will be very disappointed. We have a beheaded corpse and an acid bath but that is really the extent of the carnage. They were funny in my opinion but nothing that will stick with you. Overall, In the Folds of the Flesh is not what you expect. If you snagged this one expecting a classic giallo then you will be very disappointed. However, if you want a trashy exploitation flick with a convoluted story then this one is for you. I highly recommend snagging the Mondo Macabro release if this one seems like it is up your alley.
Starring - Ilenia Pastorelli (Four to Dinner, All You Need is Crime), Asia Argento (Mother of Tears, Land of the Dead), and Andrea Gherpelli (Hidden Away, Black Arrow)
Release Date - 2022
Genre - Horror
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Dario Argento is a filmmaker that I would absolutely call a master of horror. His career is legendary with many of his films being essential viewing for genre fans. My first Dario film, like many other horror fans, was Suspiria which is still one of my favorite films. He has released several amazing films in his career but some of his most recent efforts have been a bit underwhelming. While his Dracula 3D had some entertaining moments, it fell flat, and The Card Player is one that I’ve been unable to finish after several attempts. When I received the press release for his newest getting an exclusive Shudder release, I was skeptical. I was looking forward to a moody and stylish Argento film but was afraid that it would follow in his most recent flick’s footsteps. Regardless, the idea of watching a new Argento flick during my October horror binge really excited me so I decided to check it out.
The film follows a professional escort who has made a name for herself with her trade and good looks. However, after someone rams her car forcing her to crash head first into another vehicle blinding her and killing the two adults in the other vehicle. She learns to be sufficient on her own with the help of a coach and becomes friends with the little boy orphaned after his parents died in the crash that blinded her. He runs away from the orphanage and once the police start investigating her we learn that the man behind her horrific accident is still stalking her and killing anyone that gets near her before we learn who is doing the killing and why.
Dark Glasses is not a return to Argento’s full glory but god damn was it a great film. It was a violent and character driven film that does take us back to some of his work but it lacks the style and visuals that made so many of us fall in love with him to begin with. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a fantastic film but is clearly not firing on all cylinders here like we would have hoped. The acting in this one is amazing. In fact, I believe this may be one of his best acted films to date which is really saying something when you take a look at all the amazing performances in his previous films including the one’s that didn’t go over well with fans. The casting is damn near perfect, the characters are written very well, and the cast knocks their performances out of the park. Argento’s cast really impressed me with this one. The story for this one feels like a return to the cliched giallo murder mystery style, but it doesn’t surprise the viewer. The film has a great pacing and the scenes were not bloated with unnecessary dialogue. I was expecting a little something more intriguing in regard to the killer and his reveal so I was a little disappointed with that but it’s not something that ruins the film for me. Finally, the film has several scenes with amazing and bloody practical effects that seriously caught me off guard. As the film first opened, I was under the impression all the time and focus was spent on the characters but I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic effects and decent gore. Overall, Dark Glasses is the Argento we have been waiting for. It has an amazing cast, some great effects, and a story that is perfect for him. I did miss his trademark style and lighting but it was still fantastic as is. I highly suggest checking this one out.
Director - Stefano Lodovichi (Christian, The Trail)
Starring - Guido Caprino (That Dirty Black Bag, My Body Will Bury You), Camilla Filippi (Deep in the Wood, Thou Shalt Kill), and Edoardo Pesce (Dogman, Ghost Night)
Release Date - 2021
Genre - Horror/Thriller
Tagline - "One room. One night"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
We are a little over halfway through October and I’ve seen some amazing horror flicks so far during my month long binge. Most of the films I’ve reviewed were new to me but a handful were actually new releases that really hit the spot as I prepared for Halloween. Several weeks back a friend of mine that runs a PR firm sent over a press release for the Italian horror/thriller The Guest Room. The film’s artwork didn’t do much for me but the trailer painted a much different picture. After I posted the press release to the site I was gifted a screener link. I figured it would make a welcomed addition to my October horror binge.
The film follows a young woman who is at the end of her will to live when she answers the door. She is greeted by a complete stranger who asks to be invited in. After several attempts to dissuade him she finally grants him access to her home. Soon a strange series of events with him leads to her having lunch with him that he had cooked for her. Soon her husband, who is no longer in love with her, arrives to check on her and her child after he received a text from her. Now the two are trying to figure out who he is they soon find themselves bound by him and forced to reveal hidden secrets to each other.
The Guest Room is not at all what I was expecting but I fucking loved it. It does get a bit absurd nearing the film’s final leg, but it is still a very enjoyable thriller with a lot of character development and a story that is not predictable. It’s not really the type of movie I’m looking for during the month of Halloween but it didn’t disappoint either. The acting in this one is great. The cast is very small but they all work fantastically well together. I loved how the characters had such contrasting personalities and how far the cast went to bring those traits to life. I don’t think this movie would have stood out like it does if someone else was to take over these roles. The story for this one doesn’t really feel like a traditional home invasion film but it does borrow some of the elements. Instead, it’s a character driven story with a lot of backstory than most films. It does get a bit weird and out there during the last portion of the film that I could have lived without but the overall story is very well written and adapted. Finally, the film has some blood but nothing that impressive. We get some make-up effects and a little blood splatter but that is the extent of it. Overall, The Guest Room is not the horror treat you are looking for this Halloween season but it is a well crafted thriller that I highly recommend. This one is well worth your time.
Starring - Barbara Bach (Black Belly of the Tarantula, The Legend of Sea Wolf), Claudio Cassinelli (The Scorpion with Two Tails, Slave of the Cannibal Gods), and Richard Johnson (Zombie, The Haunting)
Release Date - 1979
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Killers from the deep guard the forbidden treasure on... "
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Most people remember a movie and can be quick to pick out little details from the most random scenes. Though, I have been known to do that with specific films, I often remember movies from a different perspective. I remember what I was doing or the environment from when I first watched a film. As a nostalgic person I like to reminisce about these memories. The reason I'm talking about this is because I remember a friend of mine buying a VHS lot from someone. I can't remember the specifics on where he got it from but I remember the movies that he got and we watched, or at least attempted to, one weekend. He snagged Dawn of the Dead, Human Target, Die Hard, a Fu Man Chu flick, and Screamers. Sadly, Screamers and the Fu Man Chu flick didn't work. That movie stood out to me because the tagline didn't match the synopsis on the back. Anyway, some time passed and I completely forgot about the film until Full Moon announced that it was getting a blu release under the title The Island of the Fishmen which is the film's original title. The movie was also released under Something Waits in the Dark, however, Full Moon went with the more fitting original title. I reached out to my friends over at MVD, who was handling the physical release, and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.
The film follows a prison lieutenant and a handful of prisoners who find themselves stranded and an unknown island when their prison freight sinks. The island is home to an eccentric man and a woman he longs to turn into his own. He has turned the local population of primitives into his workers and they are secretly using a professor, her father, to trick a race of underwater creatures to bring them their valuables in exchange for a drug. However, greed and lust gets the best of him and soon the lieutenant is forced to fight for his life as things come to a boil.
I know, I know. My break down of the synopsis is a bit confusing but the film is fucking wild. I would be here all day picking it apart if I wanted to do it justice. I loved it, so don't get me wrong, but the story is so fucking absurd and wild. You truly have to see this film to appreciate how ambitious the story truly is. I commend Full Moon for giving genre fans this underrated classic. The acting in this one is a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the wide array of characters and how the cast portrayed them. What I enjoyed most about the film is that no one out stages the other. Everyone is on the same level and which makes the scenes even more entertaining. The story for this one is not what you would consider a straight forward horror tale. We have elements of crime, sci-fi, drama, and a light dose of romance. It really works together giving the viewer something a little different. It doesn't really live up to the tagline for the Screamers release but we've all seen films that had false marketing. With that aside, I really enjoyed the horror and adventure aspect of the film and how we have a nautical terror that wasn't a shark. Finally, the film has a lot of campy deaths that have bright red blood and minimal effects. The creatures were a lot of fun in a late night drive-in kind of way but don't expect a blood bath. Overall, The Island of the Fishmen is a film I never hear genre fans talk about which is a damn shame. I had a lot of fun with it and I hope other do themselves a favor and snag a copy of this from Full Moon. It's worth every penny.
Director - Francesco Barilli (The Perfume of the Lady in Black, Especially on Sunday)
Starring - Luc Merenda (Hostel: Part II, Tough to Kill) Leonora Fani (Giallo in Venice, Born for Hell), and Francisco Rabal (Dagon, Nightmare City)
Release Date - 1978
Genre - Horror/Mystery
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I've been more open to international films in recent years but I'm still learning a lot and thanks to companies like Mondo Macabro I'm able to check out some seriously underrated and obscure films that I would have normally skipped over. However, as fun as it is to check out an international film I had never heard of before I sometimes don't enjoy the film. I can't like them all and I simply refuse to lie. I'm always honest but respectful. When Mondo's release of the 1978 murder mystery Hotel Fear arrived for review I figured I wouldn't care for it. It just didn't look like something I would find interesting. However, after I watched Strangler vs. Strangler I decided to go ahead and dig into it. Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro and CAV for sending this one over.
The film follows a young woman who finds herself in charge of a hotel during the tail end of World War II when her mother mysteriously dies. Problems with her sexually aggressive tenants are the least of her problems when someone starts killing the guests when they cross the line.
I was fully expecting to hate Hotel Fear. It just didn't look like a film I would enjoy but I quickly found myself liking it. It was entertaining and it's a movie I could see most genre fans, especially those that enjoy giallo and period pieces, getting behind. I'm glad I took the chance and I'm even more grateful that Mondo Macabro was able to bring this one to us. The acting in this one is very enjoyable. I really liked the characters that the movie brings us and the cast is brilliant. I really enjoyed how well the cast worked with one another and how far they went with their characters. There were a few awkward scenes but I blame that on the language barrier instead of the actual acting. The story for this one is a solid murder mystery but I did find it to be a bit of a dull ride at times. I loved the story setting, the location, and the backstory. However, the film spends too much time focusing on the tenants of the building and their overactive sex drives. It would have been just as effective if half the time was spent on it. Also, the dialogue is a bit dull at times. The entertaining characters make up for it mostly but most of the dialogue is dull. It doesn't take away from the entire film but you will catch yourself wanting to check social media as the film rolls on. Finally, this is not a bloody flick. The kills fit the themes of the film but it doesn't really offer up anything red or fun for horror fans. Overall, Hotel Fear is a fun World War II entered horror film that focuses more on the murder mystery aspect than it does the war. It's fun and the cast makes it enjoyable but if you are looking for a gruesome horror flick then this is not for you. Honestly, I recommend this one and highly recommend snagging this Mondo Macabro release.
