Jungle Raiders

Director - Antonio Margheriti (Yor: The Hunter from the Future, Cannibal Apocalypse)

Starring - Christopher Connelly (1990: Bronx Warriors, Night of the Sharks), Marina Costa (The Final Executioner, Greggio e Pericoloso), and Lee Van Cleef (Escape from New York, For a Few Dollars More)

Release Date - 1985

Genre - Action/Adventure

Tagline - "In the heart of the tropical rain forest lies a world of endless danger, mysterious romance, and wild adventure"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The 1980s was a wild ass time and I hate that I was born halfway through the decade.  I would have loved to have lived through the entire 80s as an adult so I could truly appreciate everything as it was being released.  The first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, was released in 1981 and immedately became a hit.  So much so that it inspired a series of copy cat films which really took hold in Italy.  Director Antonio Margheriti helmed several of these films and my friends over at Severin released three of them in a box set.  They were kind enough to end it over for me to review and when I could I tossed in the first film that I pulled out which was Jungle Raiders from 1985.  I want to thank Severin for sending this one over.

     The film follows Captrain Yankee (Connelly) who scams rich adventurers into thinking they are exploring uncharted jungle for undiscovered treasure.  His easy meal ticket is thwarted when a real adventure presents itself and he is forced to uncover an ancient ruby for someone else. 

     I watched a few of these action adventure films growing up but I never realized that they were Jonesploitation.  However, now I can totally see that these films are and kind of appreciate them more than I originally did.  Jungle Raiders was a new one to me and I was excited to see it but it was a film that lost it's steam fairly early on.  The acting in this one is fairly inconsistent and unintentionally funny at times.  Connelly and Van Cleef deliver solid performances but the remainder of the cast is comical for the most part.  I went into this one sober and still found myself laughing during a few of the scenes due to the acting.  The story for this one borrows all the fun stuff from movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark but forgets to add a protagonist that the viewer can get behind along with something new for the viewer to enjoy.  The film starts out strong enough with the fake tours scamming the rich but soon loses it's gas as the film progresses.  The unlikable characters and predictable story makes this one difficult to finish.  Finally, the film is not one that memorable deaths or fun effects.  We have some cheap effects here and there but nothing that really stands out.  Overall, Jungle Raiders is a alright if you want something to watch but don't have access to Indiana Jones.  I wanted to like this one but it wasn't for me.  

Jacker 3: Road to Hell

Director - James Panetta (Doomsday Stories, I Slay on Christmas)

Starring - Phil Herman (Amityville Zombies, Psycho Night), Debbie D (Phil Herman's Unearthed, Return to Bloody Creek), and Christopher Kahler (Sundown on Black Waters, Return of the Corn Zombies)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Horror/Crime

Tagline - "The end is coming"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been reviewing movies here at Horror Society for almost 15 years now and I still find it funny when something I reviewed all those years ago comes back to me.  In March of 2016 I reviewed the Jacker double feature from my friends over at The Sleaze Box.  These S.O.V. crime thrillers looked like a lot of fun so I snagged a copy from them and added them to my watch list along with another Phil Herman S.O.V. film, Burglar from Hell.  It's almost ten years later and I was recently asked by filmmaker Phil Herman to review a couple of his newest films with one of them being a sequel to his S.O.V. classics.  I want to thank Phil for sending over Jacker 3: Road to Hell for review.  

     The film takes place 30 years after the notorious carjacker turned serial killer Jacker (Herman) went missing with no leads as to where he could be.  However, after a body is discovered murdered in a similar fashion to the way Jacker did his victims, the police start to suspect that the notorious killer was back.  Things take an even more unusual turn when former lover turned victim Gloria (Debbie D) reveals that she is alive and well before turning to news and podcasts to discuss her terrifying encounter with the Jacker.  

     When I originally watched these films from Phil Herman, I really liked Burglar from Hell but the two Jacker films were not for me.  I can see why S.O.V. fans would enjoy it but it was a little underdeveloped in the story department in my opinion.  I went into the third film with an open mind and a hope that this one would be a bit more enjoyable.  Sadly, this is probably the weakest of the three.  The acting in this one is very uneven. The cast in some of the scenes spit out their dialogue with absolutely no conviction.  It's almost as if they are reading their lines instead of acting.  Other scenes may feature a little better acting but it is awkward with unnatural body movement and delivery.  I've seen a lot of no budget genre films over the years and this one features some of the most awkward scenes I've had to review.  The story for this one is a rehashing of the first two films after a 30 year break.  The first two Jacker films were released in 1993 and 1996 before going dormant for 30 years with the Jacker randomly picking up where he left off.  By this point the Jacker has reached an almost cult like status with people cowering at the mere mention of him but the character himself is not that menacing.  There is nothing about him that makes him stand out or sends chills down the viewer's spine.  He looks like everyone's uncle that only shows up around the holidays with a buzz offering up unsolicited life advice.  We then add Debbie D as Gloria where she retells her story before we get back into a story almost identical to the first two films.  Finally, there is several deaths in the film but most of them are gunshots with very little effects.  The kills are not that imaginative and get lost in the shuffle of things.  Overall, Jacker 3 is not what I was expecting.  I was hoping the film would turn the killer into something a bit more terrifying instead of looking like the dude that hangs out at gas stations revving up his truck.  Sadly, I can't recommend this one.  

Jack the Ripper

Director(s) - Robert S. Baker (Black Out, The Hellfire Club) and Monty Berman (Melody Club, The Siege of Sidney Street)

Starring - Lee Patterson (Death Wish 3, The A-Team), Eddie Byrne (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Island of Terror), and Betty McDowall (The Omen, Shades of Greene)

Release Date - 1959

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Why were his victims always ladies of the night?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      True crime is extremely popular right now.  There is no short supply of podcasts, YouTube channels, documentaries, books, and so on.  People have always had an interest in the macabre with serial killers, unsolved murders, and mass shootings always drawing fascination from those who secretly find death fascinating.  One of the most popular unsolved true crime stories that has baffled investigators and left arm chair sleuths guessing is the Whitechapel Murders that was believed to be connected to the mysterious Jack the Ripper.  To this day this murder spree has not been solved but many believe it to be the work of a failed surgeon, a demented drunk, and even a rich businessman from the U.S.  There has been several films based on the murders and a few weeks back I was sent one for review from Severin Films.  Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one my way!

     The film follows Scotland Yard as they work every clue and angle they have  find the maniac that is mutilating working women on the streets of Whitechapel.  They get some help from a detective visiting from New York City but he finds himself sidetracked by a beautiful young woman who happens to be the daughter of a doctor who just happens to be absent during the murders.  

     Jack the Ripper isn't a memorable film or anything that changed cinema history.  The Whitechapel Murders are part of pop culture and was already infamous by the time this film was released.  Viewers knew how depraved the murders were and the film doesn't do them justice.   It's  rather tame even by late 50s standards but I still found myself enjoying it especially for a first time watch.  The acting in this one is a bit over dramatic at times but very well done.  Some of the scenes does a bit campy but nothing like you can find in more popular titles of the time.  I liked the characters and well the cast  found their footing in their roles.  The story for this one is a crime drama for the most part.  We do get a little romance and some character development that was unexpected but it does lack the horror and gruesome details that made the murders so infamous.  Finally, the film doesn't have the memorable deaths or terrifying moments that I was looking for.  Instead, the film focuses heavily on the characters and their interactions to get the story across.  Overall, Jack the Ripper is a solid late 50s crime drama that does not offer up anything new but is still enjoyable.  While I would have loved a bit more atmosphere and horror elements, it is still great as it is.  I highly recommend checking out this release from Severin.  

The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman

Director - Dasri Jacob (Angling Dharma, Rosita)

Starring - Barry Prima (Jaka Sembung, Hello Ghost), Advent Bangun (Without Mercy, Revenge of the Ninja), and Gudi Sintara (Escape from Hellhole, Golok Setan)

Release Date - 1983

Genre - Action/Comedy
Tagline - "The Warrior, the man with supernatural strength is back"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I spend the entire month of October binging horror movies sent to me for review from various filmmakers, distributors, producers, and so on.  A lot of times these spill over into November where I spent most of the month playing catch up.  I love horror and I could never turn my back on my beloved genre but sometimes I do need a little break.  Mondo Macabro's Warrior trilogy couldn't have came at a better time.  I needed something fun and a bit different to watch so I could recharge my batteries before diving into the Christmas themed horror that is quickly approaching.  After watching 1981's The Warrior, I quickly moved on to the sequel which was 1983's The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman.

     The Dutch army is unable to defeat Jaka Sembung (Prima) so they hold a tournament to find a champion capable of beating him.  A blind swordsman comes out as victor and using magic he is able to trick the Dutch army into thinking he actually defeated Jaka Sembung.  However, when they find out they try to kill him.  He inadvertently teams up with Jaka Sembung and the pair terrorize the army together.  

     I had no idea how a film could be a follow up to Jaka Sembung but The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman fucking did.  It was bigger, bolder, and the humor was still able to find it's mark.  Honestly, this sequel was more enjoyable than the first film which is really saying something.  The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect in a follow up film to Jaka Sembung.  The acting is very cheesy with even more colorful characters added to this follow up.  We get some fun performances from the cast as they bring some of the most animated characters in movie history to life.  The story for this one is a solid continuation from the first film with the addition of new characters.  We continue to have the inclusion of magic and the martial arts is still the main focus of the film.  Also, the film doesn't shy away from the humor.  In fact, this installment seems to include more humor than the first film which is one of the reasons I enjoy it more than the first.  Finally, we don't get a lot of the blood and gore that some of us likes but we do get some great old school camera tricks and amazing choreography.  The fight scenes are a lot of fun and the main reason to watch any of the films from this trilogy.  Overall, The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman is a must see for martial arts fans especially if you like The Warrior.  I couldn't look away from this one and I know you will too.  Check it out.  

The Warrior

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

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

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Action/Fantasy

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

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

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

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

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

Jacob's Little Helper

Director - Richard Russell (A Family Matter, Dinner Guest)

Starring - Heather Bayless (Workplace Romance, Powerball), Anna Dutilly (Virus, Scavengers), and James L. Edwards (Bloodletting, Hell Van)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's not often that I get to review horror parodies, but I will jump at the opportunity each and every time it presents itself. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to review the 80s slasher parody Student Bodies when it was released on blu. It was a beautiful parody of the slasher films of the late 70s and 1980. Not too long after that I was sent over several steelbook releases for the unforgettable Shaun of the Dead to review. This parody/love letter to Romero's Dead films is one of my favorite zombie flicks and probably the only romantic movie that I can watch on repeat. Just recently I was lucky enough to review the horror parody of Caddyshack appropriately titles Caddy Hack. I love parodies and frankly, I believe that we don't have enough horror parodies to enjoy. That is why I jumped at the opportunity to review Richard Russell's short Jacob's Little Helper. Like always, I want to thank Richard for sending this one over. 

      The film follows a young woman who is appearing on a talk show with declining numbers to discuss her relationship with a masked slasher that she has befriended. She has been with him for some time helping him become one of the best slashers in the business, but things became complicated between the two when she started dating his rival who kills teens in their sleep. Things go from being a friendly interview to deadly when the interviewer dons a mask and attempts to kill her in order to improve his declining ratings. 

      Jacob's Little Helper is a clever parody of Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm St., and Nightbreed to a lesser extent. It makes great use of its short run time while not being short on imagination and creativity. I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this one. The acting in this one is very well done. James L. Edwards never disappoints. I've reviewed at least a dozen or so films that feature him and every one of them was very enjoyable. He's so natural in front of the camera and always gives it his all. I also enjoyed Heather Bayles' performance. Her character was very playful, and she did a fantastic job as well in front of the camera. The story for this one is a lot of fun with so much potential for other shorts with the groundwork already been laid before them. Having a female companion to a Jason like character who helps him become one of the top slashers is pretty clever. I loved the nod to Freddy with her dating the dream slasher and having the interviewer switch it up and become a masked slasher out of nowhere, similar to the doctor portrayed by Kronenberg in Nightbreed. You can tell Russell is a fan of these films and I seriously hope he can work in more parodies like this one in the future. Finally, the film has several deaths with some blood but don't expect large amounts of gore or a high body count. The short was clearly made on a very small budget and did the best they could with what they had. Overall, Jacob's Little Helper is not going to be the slasher you are expecting but it's a must see if you are fans of the sub-genre. I highly recommend checking this one out

Justice League: Warworld

Director - Jeff Wamester (Legion of Super-Heroes, Green Lantern: Beware My Power)

Starring - Jensen Ackles (The Boys, Supernatural), Ike Amadi (Primal, Trollhunters: Defenders of Acadia), and Troy Baker (Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Last of Us)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Sci-Fi/Action

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

While most of the movie world is busy arguing over the DC cinematic universe and the future that James Gunn has in store for us, I have been waiting on the DC animated movies to hit store shelves. While a few the last year or so were a but underwhelming, I still thoroughly enjoy them. A few weeks ago I was sent Justice League: Warworld for review. This was a title I was very unfamiliar with but a quick google opened me up to a world of characters and storylines I was oblivious about. Like always I want to thank WB and DC for sending this one over for review. 

    The film follows Diana Prince, Bruce Wayne, and Clark Kent who find themselves in various tales without their memories or how they got there. However, their quick wit and seeing familiar faces awakens some memories. Bruce Wayne, the world’s greatest detective, starts putting all the pieces together when he discovers he is on Warworld and Martian Manhunter is being imprisoned. Mongul is using his psychotic ability to control the entire plant but Lobo betrays him wanting control of the planet himself. While Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman is unconscious, they are saved by Harbinger who warns them of the impending Crisis. 

      Warworld is easily one of the best DC animated films I’ve reviewed in the last year or two. There is a few others that I enjoyed more than this one but it’s near the top in my honest opinion. It’s a story that we will never seen get a live action adaptation and I’m ok with that because this animated adaptation works. I know this review is going to catch hell in the comment sections of various social media platforms once this goes live because it’s not horror and so on but I don’t care. It was enjoyable and I look forward to any other DC animated film that is brought our way. The voice acting in this is fantastic. Jensen Ackles is the voice of Bruce Wayne and once again makes fan wish someone would hire him to don the cowl. He does a phenomenal job as the caped crusader and I look forward to other animated adventures with him cast. The rest of the voice casting is fantastic as well but Ackles is the star of the show in my opinion. The story for this one makes you think this is a series of shorts or an anthology but as each segments end we start to see the characters begin to remember each other. It’s the slow progression with each segment that starts to build the overall story. It was very effective and seeing a sci-fi noir, a sword and sandal fantasy film, and a classic western in the in the DC universe was very enjoyable. Finally, I loved the animation style. This is the type of animation that I truly enjoy. It’s more of a traditional approach that brought me into the DC animated universe to begin with. I don’t mind when they take on other styles of animation but this one is more my speed. Overall, Warworld is not the best of the animated DC films but it is one of the better ones. I loved the story and voice acting along with the return to the traditional animation style. I highly recommend this one.

Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes and Huntsmen Part One

Director - Kerry Shawcross (RWBY Volume 1, RWBY Chibi)

Starring - Ozioma Akagha (Runaways, Rugrats), Jen Brown (Scare Package, Death Battle), and Tiana Camacho (My Inner Demons, Beefcake Boys)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Action/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "A new era of adventure"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I’ve been digging these animated DC films for several years now. I know Horror Society and my readers are not the target audience for these films but I absolutely love them. I do often catch hell from readers for writing reviews for these films but I genuinely enjoy them and know that there is several of our followers out there that dig them as well. I’m always open to these releases and when I get a new one in I tend to try to make time for them as soon as possible. A few weeks back I received Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes and Huntsmen Part One. This was a strange one to me as I have no idea what RWBY is but the artwork really peaked my interest. I want to thank WB for sending this one over. 

      The film follows Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Cyborg, and Vixen who find themselves transported to the planet Remnant. They partner with heroes of this planet to stop evil creatures called Grimms from taking over while investigating the cause as to why they were transported to this planet. 

      I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about RWBY. I was recently introduced to anime after watching My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan but that is about the extent of my knowledge. I had hoped that my lack of knowledge of RWBY wouldn’t prevent me from enjoying the film but I found myself questioning everything and a lot of the stuff, especially pertaining to RWBY, was never fully explained or explored. I wanted to like it but I couldn’t find anything to grab onto as a fan of DC. The voice acting in this probably the best part of the film. I loved the energy and range of emotions that we get in this animated film which is seriously impressive when you consider that this is all done with just their voice. The story for this one needed a lot of work. The film just tossed in two franchises in hopes that it would stick but it relies heavily on the viewer knowing both properties. I get that most viewers will not be tossing this in like I did only knowing the DC side of the film but a little bit of backstory and development would have made this one so much better. Finally, the artwork and style really worked for the film especially considering it was the JL in an anime setting. I really liked the look of the film but wish I was more invested in the story. Overall, Justice League x RWBY Part One just wasn’t for me. I really wanted to like it but seeing I was blind to most of the source material meant I didn’t appreciate it like a fan would. If you are a fan of RWBY and JL then you may like it but if you are going into it clueless like I did then you will not enjoy yourself.

L.A. Aids Jabber

Director - Drew Godderis

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

Release Date - 1994

Genre - Crime/Horror

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

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

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

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

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

Julia

Director - Sigi Rothemund (Summer Night Fever, The Old Fox)

Starring - Jean-Claude Bouillon (A Family Secret, The Hitchhiker), Sylvia Kristel (Dracula's Widow, Emmanuelle), and Teri Tordai (Caligula, House of Pleasure)

Release Date - 1974

Genre - Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My knowledge of 70s cinema is very limited but in recent years I've found myself becoming more and more open to them after falling in love with boutique labels like Vinegar Syndrome, Impulse Pictures, and Severin Films just to name a few.  Since then I've found myself more open to 70s cinema especially exploitation films.  Sometime back Cult Epics announced the release of Sylvia Kristel 1970's Collection on blu.  The four films in the set are all films I had never seen before so I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  I decided to start with the 1974 sexploitation film Julia.  Like always, I want to thank Cult Epics for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this set out.  

     The film follows a young man who is boarding a train when he spots a beautiful young woman.  He tries his luck with her but goes nowhere when she leaves him to have sex with someone else.  Later, he is picked up by his father at the train station and his father also picks up the beautiful young woman.  They go to his home and more sexual tension and adventures follow.

     I've been a fan of sexploitation for a few years now but my knowledge of them is very limited.  However, it is something that I want to continue to watch and enjoy and I have companies like Cult Epics, Vinegar Syndrome, and Impulse Pictures to help me along on this journey.  Julia is not one I had heard about prior to CE's announcement but it was one of two films in the set that caught my eye.  I was looking forward to another sexploitation film starring Kristel and it did not disappoint.  The acting in this one is solid and among the top tier in regards to sexploitation films.  The characters are fairly generic but the cast delivers some decent performances.  Some of the cast, Kristel include, delivers great performances while the rest of the cast delivers a decent enough performance.  The lack of character development does make it a bit disappointing but nothing that takes away from the overall film.  The story for this one is pretty straight forward and simple.  It's fun for a first time watch with no over thinking or complicated plot devices.  It's sexy and entertaining but has no replay value.  Finally, no blood in this one.  However, if you are in the market for some skin then this film will not disappoint.  Overall, Julia is not going to be for everyone but if you like sexy exploitation films then I highly recommend it.  Check it out.  

Mako: The Jaws of Death

Director - William Grefe (Whiskey Mountain, The Psychedelic Priest)

Starring - Richard Jaeckel (Starman, Killing Machine), Jennifer Bishop (Bigfoot, House of Terror), and Buffy Dee (Nightmare Beach, Super Fuzz)

Release Date - 1976

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Sheer terror!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I took a month or so to review some sharksploitation flicks.  Most of them were Asylum and Sy-Fy releases but I was able to find some films that were released in the months after Jaws which was a lot of fun.  One of the films that I had snagged on DVD with the intent of watching but never made the time was The Jaws of Death which was released under the title Mako or Mako: The Jaws of Death.  Obviously, this was a William Grefe film that I was very familiar with but never really had the time to watch until I received the He Came from the Swamp to review.  This wasn't one of the two films I was looking forward to the most out of the set but I was still interested in finally checking it out nonetheless.  

     The film follows an ocean diver who shares a link with sharks after a shaman gives him an ancient charm.  This connection with sharks alienates him from other people and when spear hunters encroach on his waters he turns to murder to protect the sharks from the humans he has distanced himself from.  

     I wasn't expecting a shark flick that would forever change the way I see shark movies but I was looking for a camp shark flick with plenty of fake blood and cheesy acting.  Mako wasn't the cheesy late night shark movie I was looking for but it wasn't a bad film.  Honestly, I enjoyed it but it is forgettable.  The acting in this one is solid throughout with several great performances shining through in each scene.  A few of the scenes did lack energy and enthusiasm but the overall acting in the film was pleasantly surprising.  The story for this one is not what I was expecting at all.  We have a mystical power that helps a lonely man communicate with sharks while others exploit and murder them in the choppy waters of the sea.  It's a different spin on sharksploitation but it's not as wild as some of the newer shark films I'm accustomed to watching.  I would have loved a little more insight into the shaman and the mystical side of the story instead of the man feeding people to the shark but that's just my opinion.  Finally, the film has a lot of blood and frenzied sharks but don't expect fun shark deaths and great practical effects.  The deaths are very lackluster and not a lot of fun in the grand scheme of things.  Overall, Mako is not the film that will fill any void you have for shark films but if you are looking for something different to watch late at night it will not disappoint.  It's not the best film in the He Came from the Swamp set but it's not one you should skip either.  Check it out.  

Jakob's Wife

Director - Travis Stevens (Girl on the Third Floor, Exquisite Shorts)

Starring - Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond), Larry Fessenden (Stakeland, The House of the Devil), and Bonnie Aarons (The Nun, The Conjuring 2)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Who's your master?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I first received the first word about Shudder I was not interested.  There has been several streaming services focused on horror so I assumed Shudder would be like all the others and come up short.  The last year or so I've been sent a few Shudder exclusives and originals for review and I enjoyed most of them.  This made me a little curious so I took the dive into Shudder and I'm very impressed with it.  I've had it almost six months and don't see myself cancelling anytime soon.  A few weeks ago I started seeing posts from legendary horror actress Barbara Crampton about her new film Jakob's Wife.  I was really excited to see this and when I saw that it was a Shudder production and starred Larry Fessenden I was hooked.  I reached out to RLJE Films and they were kind enough to send a review copy of the film on blu my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows Anne (Crampton) who is married to the small town minister Jakob (Fessenden) who longs for more than her simple life of playing housewife for the town pastor.  However, after a meeting with an old flame she soon finds herself face to face with a creature of the night.  She returns home with a bite on her neck and the life that she knew is soon tossed on it's head when she begins craving fresh blood and a sensitivity to sunlight.  When her husband discovers what had happen he sets out to kill the master so he can get his old life back.  

     Crampton is such a huge part of my love for the genre after appearing in films like Re-Animator, From Beyond, Chopping Mall, Castle Freak, and so many more.  So when I saw that she was starring the extremely talented and underrated Larry Fessenden for a vampire flick I had to see it.  Jakob's Wife was an absolute blast and one of the better vampire films I've seen in recent years.  The acting in this one is great.  Crampton is the center point of the film and does a fantastic job carrying the film.  Her character goes through a change that you would expect from a vampire flick which she does a fantastic job making those changes feel believable.  She's absolutely stunning even when her character is supposed to be changing.  Fessenden is great as the small town pastor who wants to return his life back to the submissive church mouse that he is accustomed to.  He was fantastic and I actually found his performance to be funny at times.  The supporting cast is just as fun but Crampton and Fessenden are the stars.  The story for this one is a typical vampire film but it adds another layer to it with a woman who has bigger dreams than being a housewife for a preacher.  She wants to have something more to live for and sees vampirism as that escape from the mundane.  When you combine that with the classic vampire tales like Nosferatu and Salem's Lot you get something simple but entertaining.  It's just different enough to make it fun.  Finally, this one really surprised me with the effects.  We get some insanely brutal and fun kills that truly needs to be seen.  When a vampire attacks you expect to see some bite marks and a lot of blood but Jakob's Wife dials it up to 11 and we get some memorable deaths with some awesome practical effects and a lot of blood.  Also, I loved the look of the master vampire.  It did a fantastic job paying tribute to the classic vampire look.  Overall, Jakob's Wife is one of the most entertaining vampire films of recent years.  It has that classic vampire tale with a little more modern spin to it.  I highly recommend snagging this one.  

Justice Society: World War II

Director - Jeff Wamester (Guardians of the Galaxy)

Starring - Stana Katic (The Possession of Hannah Grace, The Spirit), Matt Bomer (Doom Patrol, American Horror Story), and Omid Abtahi (The Mandalorian, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - War/Action

Tagline - "The fight for justice is the biggest battle of all time"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     DC has been absolutely killing it with their animated movies.  Their live action installments are fun for the most part but their animated films have yet to disappoint.  Sure, some of better than others but the weakest link is still a damn good movie.  A few weeks ago I started receiving promo images for the newest DC animated adventure Justice Society: World War II.  The hype train worked because I was really excited to give this one a spin.  I reached out and was lucky enough to get the UHD release of it for review.  

     The film is set during World War II when the U.S. puts together a team of meta-humans and called it the Justice Society.  Lead by Wonder Woman, the team comes together to stop the Nazi forces from taking over the globe.  However, when The Flash accidentally time travels he finds himself in the middle of World War II helping the Justice Society stop the Nazi menace.

     I'm not the most well versed fan of DC but I do know enough to get by.  However, when it comes to Justice Society I'm in the dark.  The movie does a fairly decent job establishing the superhero collective with some backstory but I was still left with more questions than answers.  Regardless, I enjoyed it and could probably watch it again.  The voice acting in this one is great.  We get some amazing performances from some seriously talented actors and actresses.  Matt Bomer, who is known for his portrayal of Negative Man in Doom Patrol, is great along with Katic and the other.  They really bring a wide range of emotions out while only using their voices.  The story for this one is fun for what it is but I really wish we would have been given more of an origins story for Justice Society over the monologue during the opening sequence.  With that being said, I like where the story went but the meat of this one should have been the sequel.  I'm also confused about the Clark Kent/Shakespear portion of the film.  A little more clarity would have went a long way here.  Finally, the animation looks exactly as you think it would.  The DC films has a style all their own and this is no exception.  The artwork looks like standard animation with a little comic flair.  I enjoyed it even more with the early Americana flair we get thrown throughout to give it that World War look.  Overall, Justice Society: World War II is a fantastic installment in the already impressive DC animated films.  It's a fun and action packed film that delivers a new look at some familiar faces.  With that being said, I would have loved to see a little more backstory for some of these characters.  All in all it was a fun experience that I highly recommend.  

Josie and the Pussy Cats in Outer Space

Starring - Sherry Alberoni (Sisters of Death, Super Friends), Jerry Dexter (DuckTales, Sealab 2020), and Jackie Joseph (Small Soldiers, Gremlins)

Release Date - 1972

Genre - Sci-Fi

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Warner Archive has been releasing some pretty solid releases over the last few years and it seems like they are only going to get better.  A couple weeks ago I received the press release for their newest batch of releases coming up and one title really caught my eye.  It's not a horror title but I was still extremely curious about it.  I was born in the mid-80s and grew up in the 90s.  I was part of the Orange Years at Nickelodeon and Goosebumps was my introduction to the genre.  However, I was still a heavy VHS collector.  I had accrued several older shows on tapes that I had picked up in random places.  One of these tapes was episodes of the original Josie and the Pussy Cats.  So when I saw the blu release of Josie and the Pussy Cats in Outer Space I had to check it out.  I want to thank Warner for sending this one over.  

      The series follows Josie and the gang who find themselves accidentally tossed in a space ship and sent out to space.  Each episode follows the crew as they find themselves on a different planet battling a different cosmic foe.

     I remember watching the few tapes of Josie and the Pussy Cats when I was in elementary school and liking it but I never had a chance to see in Outer Space.  Hell, I didn't know it was a thing until I received the press release for it.  It was a fun short lived series that takes the same Scooby-Doo like antics of Josie and the Pussy Cats and puts a sci-fi spin on it.  I enjoyed it but it's not a show I would recommend binging.  The voice acting in this one works for the show but fans of the original show and Scooby-Doo will recognize these voices fairly quickly.  With that being said, I absolutely loved the off world voice acting of the new characters that were introduced.  The stories for these episodes mostly follow the same formula.  We follow the crew as they land, or crash land in some instances, on a planet where they encounter an alien race in some sort of turmoil.  It's really fun for a few episodes but after three or four you find yourself waiting to watch something else.  It makes sense this series only lasted one season.  Finally, the animation is exactly what you would expect from an early 70s Hanna Barbara production.  It's fun for a children's show but as an adult you can appreciate it for what it is.  Overall, Josie and the Pussy Cats in Outer Space is a fun spin off of a popular Hanna Barbara property that is fun for a first time watch but I wouldn't recommend binging the entire series.  It's very repetitive.  The blu release from this one looks great but the lack of supplimental material is a big disappointing.  

     

Jungle Trap

Director - James Bryan (Hell Riders, Don't Go in the Woods)

Starring - Renee Harmon (Lady Street Fighter, Frozen Scream), Frank Neuhaus (Night of Terror, Run Coyote Run), and Heidi Ahn (Out All Night, Cousin Skeeter)

Release Date - 1990/2016

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago, before I was into the American Genre Film Archive blu releases, I found the Bleeding Skull website.  I appreciated their love of obscure and odd films and checked out some of thier reviews and write ups.  I also noticed that at one time they released a movie or two.  The one that really caught my eye was Jungle Trap from director James Bryan.  Bryan is a filmmaker that has had several films on my chopping block from Vinegar Syndrome.  Sadly, they were no longer making copies of this release.  Fast forward a few years and AGFA and Bleeding Skull has once again teamed up for a blu release and this time it was a Bryan double feature with Jungle Trap and Run Coyote Run.  I quickly snagged a copy and as soon as I could I tossed in Jungle Trap.  

     The film follows a team of explorers who venture deep in the jungle to a hotel that was once the site of a tribe war between the hotel staff and a local tribe.  Things start out innocently enough but soon turn strange when members of their party go missing and then the hotel staff disappears.  Thats when the survivors learn that the hotel staff were ghosts and the tribe will be attacking them as soon as the sun sets.

     Jungle Trap is the unfinished 1990 film from James Bryan and Renee Harmon.  The film went unfinished for sometime before Bleeding Skull would find it, finish it, and release it.  It's a far out there story and film with an even more entertaining backstory but the overall film is a dud.  I wanted to like this one but I couldn't bring myself to it.  The acting in this one had me laughing my ass off.  This is the kind of acting that you love to see when you are downing cheap beer with cheaper friends at Cinema Wasteland.  The cast overreacts through most of the scenes and their dialogue delivery is absolutely atrocious.  Bryan is capable of creating some fun genre efforts but he was very disconnected with the cast on this one.  The story for this one is a wild idea with a very interesting plot but the execution is rough.  I know it took the film a couple decades to be completed but the production value and lack of direction really makes this one a tough one to finish.  I love a good bad movie but this one lacks the good.  With that being said, a haunted jungle hotel with an angry tribe really is a good premise for a horror flick.  We just need the execution.  Finally,  the film has a cheap decapitation gag that I really enjoyed and a few cheap gags here and there but for the most part it's rather dry.  No blood or chaos that I was expecting considering the story.  Overall, Jungle Trap was not what I was expecting.  I know it took a long time to be completed but it's a tough one to finish.  I've seen some bad movies in my life and this is among them.  Collectors will want to snag it but don't expect something enjoyable.  

Jeremy

Director - Arthur Barron (ABC's Afterschool Specials, Crimes of Violence)

Starring - Robby Benson (Beauty and the Beast, Friends), Glynnis O'Connor (The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, Law & Order), and Len Bari (Skatetown USA, Fish)

Release Date - 1973

Genre - Romance/Drama

Tagline - "It's about the first time you fall in love"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I like to review weird movies.  The weirder the movie the more interested in it I am.  However, I sometimes review movies that I never expected to watch much less review.  Back in January Vinegar Syndrome posted their partner label pre-orders and several of them caught my eye.  One was Fun City Edition's 1973 romantic drama Jeremy.  Fun City has released some pretty fun films over the last few months so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the pre-order only to discover that the release date was delayed several months.  I didn't cancel it and decided to wait it out.  When I finally got it in I decided to toss it into rotation to be watched and reviewed.  This is probably my favorite Fun City release to date and I can't wait to see what they deliver next.

     The film follows sophomore Jeremy (Benson) who falls in love with upperclassman Susan (O'Connor).  He eventually finds enough curouge to call her to ask her out and she accepts.  Over time a relationship blooms.  The two become madly in love but their world comes shattering down when Susan's father gets a new job opportunity which forces her to move.

     I started writing reviews to cover old action and exploitation flicks before my love of horror took over.  I never expected to be sitting here writing a review for a romantic drama from 1973 but here I am.  Honestly, the movie was a lot of fun but I know many of my friends and followers on social media would skip this release and it would be their loss.  The acting in this one is great.  The two stars and extremely young here but deliver some seriously amazing performances.  The characters of Jeremy and Susan are unforgettable and we have Benson and O'Connor's performances to thank for you.  Their chemistry on screen is absolutely amazing.  The supporting cast is great but their screen time is nothing like these two.  The story for this one is a straight forward teenage romance film that ends in heartache.  We watch two teenagers fall in love, spend all their time with each other or talking about each other, and then it all ends with them being forced apart.  It is a bit of a slow start but this story really is an emotional rollercoaster if you fully invest in the film.  Older generations (born in the mid 80's here) will really connect with Jeremy especially if you grew up during a time when landline phones were a thing.  There was nothing more anxiety inducing then calling a girl for the first time especially if her dad answered the phone.  Finally, no blood and gore in this one.  Hell, if you tossed this one in expecting that then you are clearly more fucked in the head that I give you credit for.  Overall, Jeremy is a movie I didn't expect to love but here I am.  Fun City really is shedding light on films that would often go over looked.  I highly recommend snagging this one whenever you can.  

Jiu Jitsu

Director - Dimitri Logothetis (Dark Realm, The Lost Angel)

Starring - Alain Moussi (V-Wars, Titans), Nicolas Cage (Mandy, Between Worlds), and Eddie Steeples (My Name is Earl, American Nightmares)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Sci-Fi/Action

Tagline - "Out of darkness, the ultimate warrior rises"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     A few years ago Nic Cage took on a role in the movie Mandy.  Many people saw the posters for the film before it's release and the hype train started.  However, once it was released even the non-genre fans were praising it.  I was sent a copy of the movie for review and I fucking fell in love with it.  In fact, that week I watched it several times before I actually wrote my review.  I was almost obsessed.  Since then I've grabbed up every new Nic Cage movie in hopes it will be just mildly as entertaining as Mandy.  When  I heard about him joining the cast of Jiu Jitsu I was excited.  A sci-fi based martial arts film with Cage?  Fucking sign me up!  With covid and the uncertainty of everything I never thought the film would get a release.  That is until I was walking through Wal-Mart and saw the DVD release on an end cap.  I snagged it up and as soon as I had an opening to check it out I tossed it in.

     The film follows a jiu jitsu expert who finds himself injured and suffering from amnesia.  A military outpost takes responsibility of him and while trying to uncover who he is they discover that every 6 years a comet passes which opens a portal.  Through that portal comes a being who expects a fight.  If it loses he leaves but if he wins then a lot of lives will be lost.

     I went into this one really excited but it was evident fairly early on that this one wasn't for me.  The movie had some highly entertaining moments but they were spaced so far out that the build up to it was painful.  So many cool and interesting ideas were lost with a half-written film.  The acting in this one is extremely campy and reminded me a lot of those Sy-Fy movies from the mid-00s.  The action stars have the cheesy dialogue while flexing while the women show that they can be just as bad ass while looking beautiful.  The characters fit the film but they don't stand out when you compare it to other films like it.  The story for this one is Mortal Kombat meets pretty much in superhero movie.  There was a lot of interesting ideas and concepts that plays on pop culture alien conspiracies while blending it with a sci-fi martial arts film.  With that being said, it borrows a lot from Predator and Mortal Kombat without adding more to it.  Movies can be influenced by others but fans expect something new to be adding to it.  A kind of "you can copy my homework just change it up a bit."  The pacing is all wrong and a lot of the action heavy sequences are high energy but repetitive.  Finally, the film makes use of visual effects which really impressed me.  The film has an alien creature that looks pretty cool but reminded me a lot of the character from Dead Space.  With that being said, the visuals were great. There is a few death scenes but only one really counted.  It had some great practical effects which made it really enjoyable.  Overall, Jiu Jitsu was a missed opportunity.  There was some things I liked but not enough to recommend the entire movie.  If you have nothing else to watch then it might be an option but there is always something else you can watch.