I: Scream - A Minty Musical

Director - Aleen Isley (Curtains for Christmas, Head Case)

Starring - B. Barnabei (CarousHELL 3, Shingles: The Movie), Alex Hazen, and Marie Taylor 

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline -  "With 6 original songs"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love how horror is such a broad genre.  You can have something as light hearted as Ernest Scared Stupid or Halloweentown or you can go as extreme as August Underground and Let's Stop at the Morgue.  I love all horror but I do tend to gravitate toward the side of horror that focuses on humor and outlandish stories over gore with no plot.  That's something that I've said time and time again which has often drawn criticism from my peers.  Many believe that a movie with gorgeous gore and nudity is superior to a genre film that focuses more on story and character development.  Honestly, I would rather watch the Olsen Twin's movie Double Double Toil and Trouble over fake snuff flicks.  Sometime back I covered the upcoming horror comedy I:Scream - A Minty Musical from the extremely talented Aleen Isley.  This was her directorial debut and I was very interested in seeing the finish product.  A few weeks back she messaged me a link for the film and asked me to review.  I couldn't right away due to illness but as soon as I was able to, I jumped on it.  I want to thank Aleen for sending this one over!  

     The film follows a scientist who is trying to plan the perfect ice cream date for their friend.  However, things didn't go according to plan and she leaves for a game leaving the ice cream behind where a chemical is accidentally spilled into the delicious frozen treat.  The ice cream is transformed into a treat that begins terrorizing the small community.  As the bodies pile up, grizzled detective Barry Griswold (Steve Rudzinski) starts piecing together the pieces everything together while survivors band together with a former ice cream vendor to stop the mint chocolate menace.  

     I:Scream is a movie that I was not expecting to love as much as I did.  I don't mean any disrespect to Aleen and company but I'm not really a fan of musicals.  I know it's weird but I always feel awkward and embarrassed when I watch a musical.  My wife and kids love them and you can often hear them playing throughout the house but I have a hard time sitting through one.  However, that was not the case with I:Scream.  The songs didn't overstay their welcome, were actually catchy, and the story pulled me in.  The acting in this one is a bit uneven but not bad.  Director and actor Steve Rudzinski returns as a Griswold character from his highly successful Meowy series.  He brings a lot of energy to the film and the character he portrays is a lot of fun.  Also, we get some enjoyable performances from Alex Hazen, B. Barnabei, and David Dietz just to name a few.  The cast is fully dedicated to their roles but there was a few instances where inexperience rears it's ugly head.  These scenes are not what I would consider bad but the dialogue is a bit awkward.  The story for one is very enjoyable.  We have a loving nod to 50s sci-fi with the obvious being the classic genre mash-up of The Blob that blends in musicals, comedy, and the Meowy-verse into something truly unique especially in a time where a lot of the indie productions I've reviewed recently have been inspired by 80s horror.  The movie is funny, has great pacing, and the songs are not overused.  In fact, the songs are somewhat catchy and fit the film very well.  Finally, this isn't a bloody film.  The film doesn't try to give us memorable deaths and buckets of gore.  We have some clever props for the killer ice cream that works for the style of film but those looking for the red stuff may be a bit disappointed.  Overall, I:Scream - A Minty Musical is the most fun I've had with a movie in sometime.  It's not a movie that tries to redefine a genre or wants to be something it's not.  Instead, it's an entertaining film from a very talented filmmaker.  While I do enjoy watching Aleen in front of the camera, I'm looking forward to her next outing behind it.  I highly recommend checking this one out.  

     

Purana Mandir

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

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

Release Date - 1984

Genre - Horror/Musical

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

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

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

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

Veerana

Director(s) - Shyam Ramsay (Hotel, Purana Mandir) and Tulsi Ramsay (Saboot, Tahkhana)

Starring - Jasmin (Divorce, Sarkari Mehman), Hemant Birje (Adventures of Tarzan, Kabrastan), and Sahila Chaddha (Sau Saal Baad, Naaasamajh)

Release Date - 1988

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Sex, blood, and hairy monsters in a feast of Bollywood horror!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     A few years back I was introduced to Bollywood horror by Mondo Macabro and Massacre Video.  I've always been open to international titles but a lot of my time was spent on Italian giallo and Japanese splatter.  It wasn't until I watched Mahakaal, or the Bollywood Freddy Krueger, that I knew I had been missing out.  Since then I had snagged the Bollywood collection from Mondo Macabro and watched several of the ones I could find on streaming.  These are truly unique films that I can't put into words how amazing they truly are.  A few weeks back I was sent a few new releases from Mondo Macabro to review.  Among those films was the 1988 Bollywood horror film Verrana.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!

     The film follows a young woman who is possessed by the soul of an evil witch that was killed after draining the blood from several locals.  

     I knew nothing about Veerana before I tossed it in but I knew if it was half as fun as Mahakaal then it would be worth it.  This movie did not disappoint.  From the musical numbers, to the effects, and even the humor I was not expecting, delivers.  I really enjoyed this one and can see myself revisiting it a few more times before the year is over.  The acting in this one is inconsistent but not bad.  We have some serious performances that are extremely serious and make the horror aspects of the film feel really creepy.  On the other side, we have some extremely campy and comical acting that I was completely expecting.  It was performances like this that made me fall in love with Bollywood horror especially with the horror releases from the 80s.  The story for this one is a bit more bold than the other Bollywood horror films that I've previously seen.  It's not overly complicated but it does have a lot going on at times.  We have an evil witch, a cult, a possessed woman, a complex family subplot that I never fully understood, and some laughs that almost feel out of place but was still very enjoyable  I really like this mix, especially with the typical Bollywood musical numbers, but I would have liked to see a bit more of a straight forward story with a little more emphasis on the cult.  Finally, the film has some great make-up effects and some beautiful sets.  I loved the look of the witch and the scenes when the was possessed.  The make up effects are great and really stand out with the film.  I would have loved some memorable gore but I knew I wasn't getting that going into it.  Overall, Veerana is a must see for Bollywood horror fans.  I may not be adding this to my October rotation but I can see myself revisiting this one a few more times.  I highly recommend it.  

Cinderella

Director - Michael Pataki (Mansion of the Doomed, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries)

Starring - Cheryl Smith (Up in Smoke, The Incredible Melting Man), Yana Nirvana (Brewster's Millions, Another 48 Hours), and Marilyn Corwin (Mortuary, Doctor Detroit)

Release Date - 1976

Genre - Comedy/Musical

Tagline - "What the prince slipped Cinderella was not a slipper"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was originally brought on to review for Horror Society I was fully prepared to review movies that I had in my collection or movies that I picked up from store shelves. I never expected indie filmmakers, distribution companies, and PR firms would reach out to me to review their films. Every day I write for Horror Society is a day I never take for granted. This has been an opportunity of a life time and one that has opened the door to so many amazing films that I would have never seen on my own. Recently, Full Moon announced the release of the 1977 erotic musical Cinderella on blu. I was very familiar with Charles Band’s Fairy Tales and knew he has produced a few erotic films centered other fairy tales but had no idea there was one about Cinderella. As soon as I saw it was getting a blu release I quickly hit up Full Moon and MVD who was kind enough to send a copy my way for review. Like always, I want to thank them for supporting myself and Horror Society. 

      The film follows a beautiful peasant who finds herself blessed by her “fairy” godmother with great sex appeal and prowess. She attends the prince’s sex party and when she puts it on him she becomes his newest obsession. He begins a quest to fuck every woman in the village until he can find her and fuck her again. 

      I had no idea what to expect from Cinderella but I was not prepared to laugh like I did with this movie. Is this what getting old is like? Just sitting around watching erotic musicals and laughing like an idiot. I was laughing until I couldn’t breathe. It has been a long fucking time since I’ve seen a movie that had me light headed with laughter. The acting in this one is not the best I’ve seen but it was easily one of the most enjoyable. The cast is really having a blast in their roles which does reflect on camera. We get a lot of energy and positivity in the film. However, the dialogue delivery at time is extremely flat and at times it’s unintentionally funny. I had a few laughs at the expense of the cast and their stiffness delivering their lines. It doesn’t ruin the film but does bring a certain sense of humor to it that they were not expecting. The story for this one is the basic premise around the popular fairy tale Cinderella with sex smeared all over it. Honestly, it’s impressive how they were able to turn the iconic story into something so filthy and funny. I love the sense of humor the film has but the musical numbers did wear me thin at times. Finally, the film has a lot of skin and solid wardrobes but those of you looking for blood or gore will be very disappointed. Overall, Cinderella is a fucking must see especially for exploitation and sleaze fans. This release from Full Moon is a must have.

Earth Girls Are Easy

Director - Julien Temple (Absolute Beginners, The Comic Strip)

Starring - Geena Davis (The Fly, A League of Their Own), Jeff Goldblum (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Transylvania 6-5000) and Julie Brown (Clueless, Six Feet Under)

Release Date - 1988

Genre - Sci-Fi/Comedy/Musical

Tagline - "An out-of-this-world, down-to- Earth, romantic comedy"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was younger, I’m talking high school years, I was snagging each and every DVD horror and sci-fi set I could find. I loved seeing the random collection of films I had never seen or heard of before. The quality of these films were shit due to so many films being crammed onto one disc but it was still a cool experience to marathon them in their VHS like quality. One of those films was the 1989 sci-fi musical Earth Girls are Easy starring Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans. I liked it but I would be lying if I said it was among my favorite films. I liked the look, style, and writing of the film but it’s one I can’t bring myself to watch over and over again. When Vestron Video announced that the film was getting a blu release I decided it was the perfect excuse to revisit this film that I had not seen for damn near twenty years especially for the price of their releases. 

      The film follows a woman who finds herself engaged to a man who can’t get it up for her. Sexually frustrated and questioning her marriage, she tries to surprise him at his home with a make-over but catches him cheating. She kicks him out and the next day finds three fur covered aliens that has crashed in her pool. While she struggles with the emotions of discovering the man you love is cheating on your, she also comes to the realization that she may love these strangers from another world more than her former fiancé. 

      Earth Girls are Easy is not a movie that is story rich or unique. It is a lot of fun and the visual style is something that makes it stand out from the crowd, but the lack of interesting story does hold it back from what it could have been. It’s one of those films that is a lot of fun for a first time watch or a revisit every couple of years, but it doesn’t really have that much of a replay value which would explain why you never really hear people talk about the film. Sure, fans mention it when it’s brought up but it’s never the center of attention from movie goers. The acting in this one is a lot of fun. The cast is amazing, and the characters make the film what it is to me. I couldn’t imagine this film if just one character was cast differently. The story for this one blends musical, sci-fi, comedy, and romance into something that is fully submerged in it’s decade. I could live without the musical aspect and the random dancing scene, but the remainder of the story is pretty fun if you like late 80s comedies. The scenes do tend to drag on at times and the romance angle does feel forced, but the sci-fi and comedy aspect of the film really works in my opinion. Finally, I love the look and style of the film. We don’t get any blood or anything of the sort but we get some fun locations and sets along with some corny yet fun make-up effects. Overall, Earth Girls are Easy is a classic late 90s comedy but it’s not making anyone’s top ten lists. Fans and collectors alike should snag this release from Vestron.

Stunt Rock

Director - Brian Trenchard-Smith (The Man from Hong Kong, Night of the Demons 2)

Starring - Grant Page (Deathcheaters, Mad Dog Morgan), Monique van de Ven (Paint it Black, Wizards and Warriors), and Margaret Gerard (Out of the Body, Dawn!)

Release Date - 1978

Genre - Musical/Action

Tagline - "Death wish at 120 decibels"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     

     My ozploitation journey, thanks to Umbrella Entertainment, has been very entertaining for the most part.  There has been a lot of wild movies ranging from romantic comedies, to horror, and sci-fi but very few are as weird and unique as 1978's Stunt Rock.  The film is a medley of musicals, mockumentary, highlight reel, and action all wrapped together.  It's a different film for sure but one I really enjoyed.  This one was recently released by Umbrella as part of their Ozploitation Classics line and they were kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows Australian stunt legend Grant Page who travels the U.S. to help a fantasy inspired band grow their stage show to include magic tricks and explosions.  While helping the band the film showcases some of his wildest and memorable stunts and a bevy of interviews from those that know and work with him.

     I had no idea what this movie was going to be about but the poster and tagline sold me on it.  The movie what not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it.  It doesn't have much of a replay value but it's fantastic for a first time watch.  The cast consists of the band members of the U.S. band Sorcery, Page, and several others that has worked with him in other films and projects.  They don't really have characters and the film doesn't really have in depth interviews with people so it's really hard to judge this aspect of the film.  I will say that it did open me up to the band and I know have some of their songs on my iTunes so that was a plus.  The story for this one pretty much just follows inserts of Page working with Sorcery, Page performing stunts, and Sorcery performing on stage.  It doesn't really deliver much more aside from that.  However, I will say that I would have loved this even more if it was about Sorcery instead of Page.  I know how much he has contributed to film and Australian cinema but Sorcery was the real star of the show here.  Finally, the film doesn't have any blood and gore for those of you interested.  Instead, we get some cool as stunts and some concert footage from Sorcery.  It's an odd film but really enjoyable.  Overall, Stunt Rock was not what I was expecting when this one showed up for review but I would be lying if I said I didn't like it.  It was a lot of fun and I walked away with a new band to enjoy.  I highly recommend snagging this release from Umbrella Entertainment.  

Sons of Steel

Director - Gary L. Keady (Knightmare, PMax)

Starring - Rob Hartley (Knightmare), Roz Wason, and Jeff Duff (The Great Gatsby, Polymorphia)

Release Date - 1988

Genre - Comedy/Sci-Fi/Comedy

Tagline - "An out of control world needs an old fashioned hero"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Over the last year I've found myself visiting the website makeflix.com often to see if they have any new releases.  For those of you that are unaware, makeflix.com is a distribution website from Tempe Video found and The Dead Next Door director J.R. Bookwalter where he has been releasing films from Sterling Entertainment, Retromedia Entertainment, Warlock Home Video, Future Video, and his own label.  A few months back I picked up the Future Video blu release of The Zombie Army and was a little disappointed.  I fucking love no budget zombie movies and was really looking forward to it but it just didn't work for me.  That didn't turn me off from the label.  In fact, when Future Video announced the release of their newest acquisition, Sons of Steel, I quickly rushed to makeflix to see if it was available.  It wasn't at the time so I ordered from Future Video directly but it has since been released on the site.  I wanted to watch it as soon as it arrived but I was in the middle of my Halloween horror binge and put it off until November.  Now, November is here and I couldn't wait any longer.  

     The film takes place in the future where the vocalist in a metal band awakens to discover that the world was forever changed when a nuclear submarine crash lands resulting in the near obliteration of mankind.  He is then sent back in time to stop it and rescue the people that he loves from the nuclear holocaust. 

      I heard that this film was fucking wild but I was not prepared for this fucking bat shit crazy film that is equal parts musical, comedy, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic film that only the Australians could deliver.  This is unlike any ozploitation flick I had seen before and I really wish others could witness this mild melting madness like I did.  The acting in this one is a little uneven and unintentionally funny at times but I really admire their dedication to the wild ass characters.  I've watched a lot of different ozploiation horror flicks over the years and they are all overflowing with memorable characters that are completely off the wall yet they don't hold a candle to Sons of Steel.  Black Alice, portrayed by Rob Hartley, took a minute to grow on me but once he did I was really enjoying his performance.  The supporting cast is just as odd and fun but the character of Black Alice carries the film and for obvious reasons.  The story for this one is extremely strange especially from a western film perspective.  It's not often you find a movie that's so gritty and raw yet so goofy with musical numbers.  I absolutely fucking loved it but there was a few scenes where the dialogue was horribly written.  I know, I know.  I'm the worst writer in history and my reviews are horribly written but I said what I said.  Some of the scenes suffered from cringy dialogue that just made it awkward to watch.  Aside from this, it was a lot of fun to watch the insanity unfold.  Finally, the film is not a horror film.  However, it is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi musical with some seriously underrated set designs and some fun costumes.  I was surprised by how great the sets and locations looked along with costumes most of the cast sports.  There is no blood and gore in this one but there is still other aspects that deserve our admiration and respect.  Overall, Sons of Steel was a life changing experience.  It's not perfect and I seriously hope my review did not paint the movie that way.  It's far from perfect but it's a film you experience and not watch.  I highly recommend this one.  

Mahakaal

Director(s) - Shyam Ramsay (Saboot, Hotel) and Tulsi Ramsay (Telephone, Guest House)

Starring - Karan Shah (No Problem, Inspector Dhanush), Archana Puran Singh (Love Story 2050, The Perfect Murder), and Johnny Lever (Bad Boy, Coolie No. 1)

Release Date - 1994

Genre - Horror/Musical

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When you spend most of your time in horror chats, groups, and message boards you discover a lot of strange and weird movies out there that you would never hear about on your own.  During my college years I was turned on to the Turkish and Bollywood parodies of classic films.  The most notorious of these is the Turkish Star Wars.  However, I was always interested in the Nightmare on Elm St. rip-off Mahakaal, aka The Monster.  This Bollywood parody was the topic of many chats in the Upcoming Horror Movies forums and every time it would spring up in conversation I would be there to talk about.  I never did get around to checking it out but I've always wanted to.  A few months ago Massacre Video announced a blu release of this one and I jumped on it as soon as I could.  I know Mondo Macabro had released the DVD sometime ago but I was unable to snag it at the time.  I'm glad my first viewing of this one was on blu.  

     The film follows the beautiful Anita (Singh) who is having nightmares that she is being stalked by a burned man weilding a glove of knives.  Her friend has nightmares of him as well and soon dies in her sleep pinning the murder on her boyfriend.  Anita's parents act strange when she tells them about her nightmares and soon a horrible secret is revealed by her father and the monster in her dreams that puts everyone's lives in danger.

     Holy fuck.  When I hit play on this I was not expecting this type of movie.  It was such a different pace than the films I'm accustomed to but I fucking loved it.  It was like nothing I had seen before but you better believe I'm going to be looking into other Bollywood horror titles.  The acting in this one is very different than what we would see in western films.  The film goes through musical numbers, comedic scenes, standard horror scenes, and a lot of times they blend genres.  This cast has to be very versatile and dynamic in order to make the scene work.  I really enjoyed the characters for the most part but I was not a fan of The Monster.  He was very underwhelming and not menacing at all.  The inspiration for this film has one of the most iconic performances in slasher history.  However, this one has an extremely dull killer that does nothing for the film.  The story for this one is fucking wild to say the least.  We have a lot of romance, some catchy musical numbers that I was not expecting, and some seriously moody and atmospheric scenes that makes the horror really pop.  The pacing is very inconsistent but there is always something going on to hold your attention.  Hell, the movie even has some cheap laughs that I really enjoyed.  Finally, the film has some amazing set pieces that really adds to the film's look at atmosphere.  The scene with the snakes specifically really adds to the ambiance of the film.  With that being said, the practical effects are hit and miss.  Some scenes have amazing practical effects that catch you off guard while others have what looks like rushed make-up effects that are laughable at best.  Overall, Mahakaal is one of the strangest films I have ever seen but I fucking loved it.  It was funny, comical, and suspenseful at times.  The blu looks amazing from Massacre as well.  Regardless, if this is your first time watching or a collector you will want this release for your collection.  

     

#Shakespeare's Shitstorm

Director - Lloyd Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead)
Starring - Lloyd Kaufman, Erin Patrick Miller (The Jungle of Accounting, Cash Only), and Abraham Sparrow (I Am Legend, My Super Ex Girlfriend)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Vinegar Syndrome, Wild Eye Releasing, Full Moon Pictures, Blue Underground and so are just a few of the companies that I love.  I want to own all their releases and spend most of my time watching their films.  However, as much as I love these companies they are nothing compared to Troma.  Troma was my first movie love and I can credit Lloyd Kaufman for shaping my tastes in movies.  When Kaufman and Troma announced filming for #Shakespeare's Shitstorm I couldn't wait.  Troma could do no wrong with me and I waited patiently until recently.  I was speaking with director Brandan Brassham about his upcoming Slashening sequel when he sent over a link to check out SS.  Thanks Brandon and Troma for allowing me the opportunity to check out this unforgettable film.  

     The film follows a brilliant but oblivious scientist that has spent his life dedicated to helping those in need.  However, his greedy sister and business partner cut him out of their business when he finds a cure for addiction.  Now, many years later, he has built a secret lab in New Jersey and plans on seeking revenge on those that shunned him.

     

     Lloyd doesn't make movies for everyone.  He makes movies for people that enjoy to have fun and laugh at the movie, as well as, with it.  He views all movies as art and understands that sometimes movie goers wants to have fun.  SS is a testament that Uncle Lloyd knows how to give weirdo movie fans what they want.  #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is messy, funny, and just when you think you've seen it all he throws something else at you.  This is a movie unlike anything you have seen before.  The acting in this one is far from perfect but that's what makes a Troma production so much fun.  The characters are energetic, exciting, and so much fun to watch.  They are unforgettable and, even though Lloyd can be demanding on set, it looks like the cast really had fun with their roles.  We get some great performances from some fresh faces, as well as, some returning Troma alumni.  From my understanding this one is loosely inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest.  I elected out of Shakespeare's work in high school so I don't know shit about his stories or plays.  However, I do know that Troma delivered one of the most outlandish and oddball stories I've seen in recent years.  The film is overflowing with Troma's crude and offensive humor while being a satirical comedy that holds nothing back.  No topic is off limits and some will find the film offensive.  If you are one of these people then you clearly missed the point of the film.  The musical portions of the film is evenly spaced out as to not over do it and the story itself unfolds very smoothly.  Finally, the film has plenty of practical effects for classic horror fans and fans of Troma alike.  We get some great blood and gore effects along with so many amazing looking puppets that, once again, brand the Troma humor.  The make-up effects look great and are in the running for best of the year.  Overall, #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is like no other.  The film is everything a Troma fan could ask for.  Lloyd once again shows why Troma has a dedicated following and #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is the best film of 2020.  DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS FILM.  Every second is entertaining.  

Let My Puppets Come

Director - Gerard Damiano (Dirty Movies, Night Hunger)
Starring - Luis De Jesus (Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Bloodsucking Freaks), David W. Beames, and Bradford Craig (Greased Lightning, Honky)
Release Date - 1976
Genre - Comedy/Musical
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I get some pretty weird movies in to review and I fucking love it.  I hate throwing in some unoriginal gorefest with the same fucking story I've seen a few hundred times.  I wanna see something knew, weird, and completely strange. Several months back Vinegar Syndrome released the 1976 pornographic porn film Let My Puppets Go.  I've reviewed several puppet horror films over the years but never a pornographic puppet film.  I had to fucking see this strange stain on cinema history and reached out to them for a review copy.  Once again I want to thank Vin Syn for sending this one my way.
     The film follows three executives who find themselves in hot water when their last business venture tanks and their loan shark comes barking for his payment.  With just 24 hours to make the money back they set out to make a porn in order to make some quick cash.  After brainstorming a few scenarios that would be easy for them to film they start casting and handling crew but soon find themselves the center of some of their sexual fantasies as well.
     Well, it was a puppet porn but it wasn't as crazy as I was expecting.  Hell, I don't know what I was expecting but this wasn't as crazy as it sounds or I'm so desensitized by the shit I watch that the impact of this one did not hit as hard as it should.  Either way I had fun with it but I don't see myself revisiting this one anytime soon.  The voice acting in this one is funny at times and works with the characters.  I could totally see these characters taking on other films.  The voice acting is great which adds a great comedic aspect.  The story for this one is simple, repetitive, and often funny.  I liked what the film offered and puppet centered films are always fun but this one just took the joke a little too far.  I liked what the brought to the table but, in all honest, the film should have been a short instead of a feature.  Finally, no blood and gore in this one.  However, if felt and humor is your thing you will find your happiness here.  Overall, Let My Puppets Come is a fun gimmick for a sexploitation flick but does run out of gas about halfway through.  It's fun but don't expect a movie you will be dedication all your attention to.  Check it out now on blu from Vin Syn.  

Gutboy: A Badtime Story



Director - Nick Grant
Starring - Charly Bivona (Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption, My Brother's Keep), Coco Conroy (The Letter), and Will Cooper (Chasing Banksy, Most Evil)
Release Date - 2017
Genre - Fantasy
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

 

     There is so much to love about Troma.  Not only have they released some of the most iconic horror and exploitation films but they never shy away from an independent filmmaker regardless of the style of film.  Sometime ago I got the press release for Nick Grant's Gutboy: A Badtime Story.  I loved the artwork on the blu and I couldn't wait to check it out.  I reached out and was lucky enough to get a review copy on blu.  Sadly, I misplaced it and didn't find it until I was packing up my collection after the fire.  Thank you Troma for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check out the film! 

     The film follows a young man who is tricked into trading his skin to a wealthy business man.   His skin is removed and he is left in the woods alone when a skinless woman rises from the pond he was fishing in.  She has magical powers and falls in love with the newly skinned boy who now goes by the name Gutboy.  She offers him one wish and he chooses to marry the daughter of the muscle bound sheriff instead of her.  She promises to grant his wish but she has plans of her own to become that woman he marries even if she has to skin her and wear it.   Along the way he promises to get his revenge on the businessman who wronged him but finds love in an unexpected place.
     I honestly didn't know what to expect from Gutboy but I have to say that I was impressed.  I absolutely loved the film and I can see myself revisiting this one often which is something I rarely say about indie films.  The voice acting in this one is hit and miss.  Some of the characters, like Gutboy and Besto, have great character voices that really brings their personalities to life but some of the other characters fall a little flat or stale.  The story for this one is not as gruesome as I was expecting but it was still fun.  The movie is almost predictable but just when you think you have a grasp of where the story is going it throws something else new and fun at you.  I found myself glued to the screen the entire time.  The pacing is smooth and the movie moves right along.  Finally, the puppets are far from perfect but they are fun and work for the grittiness of the film.  This is a film centered around puppets so don't expect blood and gore.  Overall, Gutboy: A Badtime Story is a fun watch.  It is the most Troma film I have seen in a few years but I absolutely loved it.  Check it out. 



Fairy Tales

Director - Harry Hurwitz (Fleshtone, That's Adequate)
Starring - Don Sparks (Quantum Leap, Freddy's Nightmares), Sy Richardson (Repo Man, Sid and Nancy), and Robert Staats (Putney Swope, Night Call Nurses)
Release Date - 1978
Genre - Comedy/Musical
Tagline - "Some day your prince will come"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Full Moon is one of my favorite companies.  I can remember watching Full Moon movies for years before I became a horror nut and movie collector.  There was something so appealing about grabbing their films at the local video store based just on the VHS artwork.  Full Moon also has a sister company called Moonbeam and these films were some of my favorite flicks to watch as a child especially Prehysteria.  I watched the tape so much that it stopped playing.  The sad part is that I didn't own it.  It was the tape I rented and rented it several dozen times.  I fucking loved that movie which opened the door to Full Moon and all they had to offer.  As much as I love Full Moon I never knew they had the rights to the 1978 erotic musical Fairy Tales until it showed up to my house for review.  Thank you Full Moon for sending this magical comedy my way.

     The film follows a prince who is tasked with proving he is a man before his 21st birthday.  He tries to sleep with several very attractive women but is unable to do so because he is in love with a portrait of sleeping beauty.  He goes through the forest where he meets several fictional characters like Little Bow Peep, Mother Goose, the prince who's genitals are turned into a frog, and so on while on his quest for true love.

  

     I had no idea what type of film Fairy Tales was going to be.  I thought the film was going to play out like a sexploitation flick that I often review from Vinegar Syndrome but I was wrong.  This musical comedy actually had me laughing at time and at other trying to figure out where the story was going to take me next.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The acting in this one is enjoyable but it is far from award winning.  The cast offers up some fun performances and comical characters and that is all we can hope for.  The story for this one has some laughs and are full of puns and erotica.  As I stated earlier I seriously laughed several times when I watched this.  Most of which were during Robert Staats scenes.  It was very funny and definitely written with some wit.  However, the film does suffer from pacing problems.  Finally, this film is void of all blood and gore.  The point of this film is to give the viewer large amounts of nudity, musical numbers, and humor which it excels.  Overall, Fairy Tales is a sleeper hit from the depths of Full Moon's catalogue.  The film is funny, sexy, and has a solid story that most can enjoy.  Check it out.