Pancake Man

Director - Bron Theron (Half Dead Fred, The Crude Crypt Volume One)

Starring - Michael Della Pia (Robot Dracula, Arena Wars), Seth Hart (Cocaine Stepdad, Insomnia), and Sparkle Soojian (Sharks N Da Hood, Among the Willows)

Release Date - 2026

Genre - Thriller/Crime

Tagline - "Revenge is served all day"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I get a lot of press releases in from various marketing firms, producers, indie directors, and production companies wanting me to share any news they may have on the site.  I cover horror but over the years I've shared stuff on exploitation, sci-fi, dark thrillers, crime dramas, true crime, and so on just because of who was attached to it or because it was a good fit for the site.  Sometime back I received a press release for the film Pancake Man.  I didn't ready it but I shared it on the site thinking it was something like a horror comedy slasher.  Over time I completely forgot about it until I received another press release announcing that it was going to be available on Tubi very soon in the future.  Not long after that email I received a message on Instagram requesting me to review it.  I wasn't able to right away but I added it to my list to check out as soon as I could.  The film was not what I was expecting and I'll leave it at that for now.

     The film follows a man who enters a diner in hopes of scoring some pancakes.  However, the kitchen has stopped serving breakfast 10 minutes early resulting in him becoming extremely hostile.  When another patron to the diner tries to interfere with his order, he is sent over the edge.  Soon the bodies start piling up and his rampage steps on the toes of a gang and a crime boss igniting a war in the streets.

     I went into Pancake Man knowing absolutely nothing about the film and was very surprised by what I saw.  I had high hopes that it was going to be a comedic spin on the slasher sub-genre and was not expecting to see a crime drama with strange deaths. Honestly, the film felt like it was stretched too thin and struggled with identity issues.  I wanted to like it but I couldn't get into it.  The acting in this one is not bad but it is very inconsistent as the film progresses.  The film's lead, Michael Della Pia, does a great job in the opening scenes of the film but as the movie moves along he becomes less and less as intense.  He does dial it back up during a few random scenes later on but it's not as consistent.  The same can be said about the supporting cast.  It seems like everyone came out of the gate firing on all cylinders but the later scenes just don't have the same burning.  I don't know if filming had burned them all out by that point or what but it's evident that they are not attacking their roles like they did earlier in the film.  The story for this one is is listed as horror but it's not what I would consider horror.  It reminded me a lot of Beyond Fury meets Zed's Dead.  It's a crime drama with a small body count that doesn't feel horror at all.  Also, the story itself feels like it was stretched too far.  The movie didn't need to be as long as it is and a lot of the scenes are extremely dull.  The pacing, which is already thrown off, would benefit if it was trimmed down drastically.  Finally, the film has several death scenes but they are not something genre fans are going to really enjoy.  The effects are minimal or not existent but they do look good for what they are.  Overall, Pancake Man is not what I expected and while I wanted to like it, it just wasn't for me.  It is billed as a horror movie but it's more of a crime drama with an unhinged guy going around starting shit that doesn't really make sense.  Sadly, this is one I would recommend skipping.  

The Power of Darkness

Director - Mario Sabato (To the Heart, India Pravile)

Starring - Carlos Anton (Breve Cielo, Alta Comedia), Cristina Banegas (The Two Popes, Dr. Lazarus), and Aldo Barbero (The Curious Dr. Humpp, Socias)

Release Date - 1979

Genre - Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love it when a boutique labels focus on international titles.  For many of us it's the first or only time that some of these titles are brought to our attention.  I guess I could be more proactive and spend more time looking for obscure films but so many amazing companies like Mondo Macabro have done the work for me.  A few weeks ago I received the Argentinian thriller The Power of Darkness from Mondo Macabro with two other films from Spain.  I seriously love checking out films from decades ago from other countries and couldn't wait to dig into The Power of Darkness.  Like always, I want to take a moment to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a man who used to have it all but has found himself falling on hard times recently.  Struggling to to keep a roof over his head and food on the table, he is reintroduced to a childhood friend who tells him about a group of blind people who have entered a cabal to bring down those that can see.  He immediately starts thinking about the strange things that has happened to him recently and suspect that what he was told is actually true.  

     The Power of Darkness was nothing like I expected and was easily my favorite of the three films Mondo Macabro sent over for review.  It's a strange story with a solid cast and some great atmosphere that works as a late night watch or if you just want something different during the day.  The acting in this one is solid and very consistent.  While some of the performances were better than others, I still found myself really impressed by the cast.  Hell, even the supporting cast that only appears on screen for a brief moment delivers great performances.  The story for this one is very interesting for a late 70s film but feels right at home with our current political climate.  Here we have a film following a man that lost everything and is grasping at anything he can to get ahead when he is told about a group of blind individuals that are punishing those that are successful and not blind.  I'm sure it was a wild idea for the late 70s but in the world of Q, Trump as president, and the wild conspiracy theories we hear daily, it's something that feels not so wild.  Finally, the film is not a bloody one.  It has some great atmosphere and the location at the end of the film looks amazing but that is about the extent of it.  The film is a character piece and relies heavily on the protagonist.  Overall, The Power of Darkness is a fun watch with a story that is very unusual.  I really liked it but I know this one is not going to be for everybody.  I highly recommend it especially if you like movies that are unique.  

Forbidden Game of Love

Director - Eloy de la Iglesia (The Priest, Confessions of a Congressman)

Starring - Javier Escriva (Brigada Central, Obscene Desire), John Moulder-Brown (The Devil in the Fog, Miss Marple: Sleeping Murder), and Inma de Santis (Sonatas, Estudio 1)

Release Date - 1975

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm going to have my hands full with Spanish cinema the next few weeks thanks to some of my favorite boutique labels and I'm really excited for the opportunity to check these out!  Not only has my friends over at Severin Films released a fantastic box set of late 60s and early 70s cinema from Spain but my friends over at Mondo Macabro has released a trio of Spanish horror and thrillers from area and era.  I just watched and reviewed Mondo Macabro's release of I Hate My Body and decided to follow it up with their second release of the the three which is the 1975 dramatic thriller Forbidden Game of Love.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!

     The film follows a young couple who are hitchhiking after classes when their wealthy professor picks them up.  He takes them back to his home where he puts them up for the night.  The following day they try to leave and he refuses to let them go.  He then offers them a proposal.  He will provide them with everything they need or want if they promise never to leave.  They refuse at first but he has his servant force them to stay.  Overtime, the two start to succumb to his torture and brainwashing.

     I'm not well versed on the history of Spain but from what I can gather was that Spain was under fascist rule until the mid-70s.  This time, known as Francoist Spain, saw heavy censorship with a lot of the more bold and boundary pushing films getting censored.  That is one of the many reasons I'm excited to see these films from the time.  Forbidden Game of Love is not the wildest or craziest film I've seen but I can only imagine how a conservative government would lose their mind over it.  The acting in this one is very well done.  The cast works very well together and bring to life some fantastic characters with their performances.  Honestly, I really enjoyed the cast and how each character interacted with one another.  It made the film for me.  The story for this one is not as wild as I was expecting but that be due to years of sexploitation has desensitized me.  We follow a wealthy man and his rather timid associate/servant as they "torture" and brainwash a young couple.  It's nothing that brutal or extreme by any standards but it's a solid watch especially with the acting we have.  Finally, the film has some skin but don't expect it to be a bloody affair like you would expect from most of the films I review.  The film is very story rich and character driven.  Overall, Forbidden Game of Love is the kind of film that I would never have the chance to enjoy if it wasn't for companies like Mondo Macabro.  It's a wild film that may seem tame by today's standards but did get some knickers in a twist at the time, so to speak.  I highly recommend checking this one out.  

The Man Who Wouldn't Die

Director - Lamberto Bava (Body Puzzle, Ghost Son)

Starring - Martine Brochard (Eyeball, The Violent Professionals), Keith Van Hoven (Warhead, Black Demons), and Gino Concari (Massacre, Jealous Eyes)

Release Date - 1989/2007

Genre - Crime/Thriller

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When Severin announced the release of the High Tension: Four Film by Lamberto Bava, I knew I had to have it.  I didn't care if they sent me one for review or I had to pay for it.  This was a must own set for me.  Bava is easily one of the most underrated filmmakers in the genre and this set was four films of his that I had never seen before.  The first film in the set, The Prince of Terror, was a great start to my Bava marathon and I quickly tossed in the second film in the set which was The Man Who Wouldn't Die.  While not a horror film in a traditional sense, this crime thriller was still very much enjoyable.  Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a gang of thieves who pull off a job of rare art and priceless antiques.  However, one of them is a real piece of shit who tries to rape a woman they have bound and gagged.  The man with her, who is also bound and gagged, drops a double boot stomp to the back of his head leaving him unable to move.  His gang find him and decide to dispose of his body deep in the woods.  However, he's not dead and is rescued sometime later where he makes a full recovery.  Members of his gang start getting murdered one by one where they suspect it's him because they dumped his body.

     The Man Who Wouldn't Die is not a horror film.  I went into it expecting a horror title but was greeted with a crime thriller that I actually enjoyed for the most part.  I am a bit disappointed that it wasn't the horror title I was expected especially from looking at the artwork for the film the accompanied the set.  The acting in this one is solid.  We have some overacting in a few scenes and a lot of flat dialogue but the overall film has decent acting.  With that being said, this is one of the few films recently where I found myself disliking every character in the film.  This is not the acting but how the characters are written which goes to show how solid the acting truly was.  The story for this one is a fantastic crime film with some thriller aspects that borrows heavily from the traditional slasher formula.  An art heist resulting in the injury of a man who finds his gang turning on him and leaving him for dead.  They then start dying one by one and suspect it's him seeking revenge.  This almost feels like a slasher but at heart is a crime film and very much so plays out like one.  I did enjoy it though.  It has great pacing and enough action to hold your attention from beginning to end.  Finally, the film has several deaths with some blood and kills that fit the film.  They are not as memorable as I would have liked but they do work with the film itself.  Overall, The Man Who Wouldn't Die is another fantastic film from Bava but it's not the horror title I was really looking forward to.  Honestly, check it out.  You will not be disappointed.  

Sexomania

Director - Marios Retsilas (Guilty Relationships, I Ora Tou Lykou)

Starring - Maria Ioannidou (The Brightest Star, King of Liars), Vasilis Mitsakis (The Asphalt Fever, The Daughter of the Sun), Stavros Farmakis (Guilty Relationships, The Terrorists) 

Release Date - 1974

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I started writing reviews, over 15 years ago now, I never expected that I would be reviewing films from different regions of the world.  I've been fortunate enough to reviews movies from the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Russia, Italy, Spain, and so on.  I've also been fortunate enough to review several titles from Greece thanks to my friends over at Mondo Macabro.  A few months back I was sent the erotic dramatic thriller Sexomania for review.  I had never heard of this 1974 flick before and was really looking forward to checking it out.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review!

     The film follows a rich and successful man who has overlooked his wife's carnal needs resulting in her secret infidelity.  He takes her to a doctor to see why she is suffering mentally and everything about her secret life starts to unravel.  

     Sexomania was nothing like I expected but I did enjoy it.  It's not the sexiest film I had seen but it had a solid story, some beautiful cinematography, and the story wasn't that bad.  Sure, it's not a movie that I would normally review for the site but there will be some out there that dig sexploitation and international dramas.  The acting in this one is inconsistent but it's not bad.  In fact, I actually liked it for the most part.  There was a few scenes where the cast was a bit stiff an lacked any emotional range but the overall film was very well acted.  The story for this one is a bit all over the place but I still enjoyed it for what it was.  I liked the idea of the neglectful husband trying to save his wife's mental state with a professional only for her to spill her guts about being unfaithful.  The movie could have used a decent trim and some better editing to make the story a bit more cohesive but sometimes things are lost when you are forced to read the movie.  Finally, don't expect a bloody flick.  We get some skin and a lot of story rich scenes but that is about the extent of it.  Fans wanting some blood and gore should have been more diligent with what they were choosing.  Overall, Sexomania may not be one of those sexploitation films that sticks with you for days after watching but it is a solid first time watch.  Collectors and fans of sexploitation should really check out this release from Mondo Macabro.  

The Punishment

Director - Pierre-Alain Jolivet (Black Mirror, Le Grand Ceremonial)

Starring - Karin Schubert (The Panther Squad, Black Venus), Georges Geret (Little Roma, Stranger in the House), and Amidou (Victory, Ronin)

Release Date - 1973

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I just spent the entire month binging as many horror movies as I could while sneaking in several of the action flicks from the Bloody Legend boxset sent over from Severin/Intervision.  I love horror and have built a career out of reviewing horror titles for over 15 years but sometimes I do need a break.  That's why I love these boutique labels that not only release horror but other cult and often overlooked films.  A few weeks back I received a couple of the new releases from Mondo Macabro which featured a Bollywood horror classic and a few sexploitation films.  After my month long horror binge I decided to check out the French erotic thriller The Punishment from director Peirre-Alain Jolivet.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review.  

     The film follows a young woman who finds herself bound in a prostitution ring.  She is then taken to a homemade dungeon in the basement of a mansion to be disciplined for not doing what was told to her by one of her Johns.  She is then subjected to various punishments and sex acts in order to discipline her for not performing.  

     I kind of knew what I was getting myself into by the name and artwork that was present on the Mondo Macabro release.  The film's original title. La Punition, and artwork paints a very straight forward picture which lets you know that the film does focus on the S&M side of sexploitation and have inspired the more popular The Story of O.  The acting in this one is surprisingly well done.  The characters and their writing is not consistent but it doesn't take away from the film.  Some of the characters are rather flat and cliched while others are more developed.  This gives the cast a little more to work with and it shows.  I liked the acting for the most part but some of the more "graphic" scenes are a bit overacted.  The story for this one is pretty straight forward but it is still a fun journey.  Honestly, this is one of those films where you know where it is headed but the ride there is still enjoyable.  Honestly, it's a nudie flick for those into spankings with some blood.  Finally, the film has some blood and minimal effects.  This isn't something that really stands out or is memorable.  In fact, it does move the story along but it's not something that would need to be in the film.  Overall, The Punishment is a surprisingly entertaining early 70s French sexploitation flick.  It does try to be a roughie for the most part but fans of these types of films would have seen worse especially from this time.  I highly recommend checking out this one on blu from Mondo Macabro.  

Grievous Bodily Harm

Director - Mark Joffe (Nightmaster, Shadow of the Cobra)

Starring - Colin Friels (Darkman, Dark City), John Waters (Weekend of Shadows, Future-Worm!), and Bruno Lawrence (Death Warmed Up, Battletruck)

Release Date - 1988

Genre - Crime/Thriller

Tagline - "Where does passion end and obsession begin?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I had no fucking idea who Cliff Twemlow was before I received this box set from Severin.  However, after watching the documentary Mancunian Man, I was committed one hundred percent to anything he was apart of.  I wasn't expecting films that defined genres but I was looking forward to the campy films that I knew he was behind.  With that being said, I was not prepared for any genre flicks in the set and was surprised when I saw that the third film was a crime thriller from 1988.  The film, Grievous Bodily Harm, looked fun and I couldn't wait to check it out.  Like always, I want to thank Severin Films for sending this one my way.  

     The film follows three individuals with interconnecting stories.  The first is a radical author and journalist who is trying to find his next big hit who teams up with a cop on the lookout for a killer.  Also in the mix is a teacher looking for his wife who many believe is dead.  What connects them all is the search for $40,000 that is missing. 

     Trying to explain the story for this film may have induced a seizure or a stroke.  However, I actually enjoyed the film even though it was a bit rough to follow at times.  It has a great cast and is just interesting enough to hold your attention from beginning to end.  The acting in this one is very well done.  While the dialogue is very heavy and, at a lot of times, overdramatic, the cast does a fantastic job at delivering it.  The interactions and conversations feel genuine and so does the emotions for the most part.  As I stated earlier, there is a few scenes that feel overdramatic but most of the film is great.  The story for this one is a all over the place at times which is a bit difficult to follow at times.  I loved how the characters are connected but that aspect of the story could have been handled a little better.  The way the film was edited together made it difficult to follow at times.  While I do enjoy the movie as it is, I think it would be an unforgettable classic if the story was told in a traditional linear perspective with more focus on the murders.  Finally, the film isn't a bloody one regardless as to what the title may suggest.  The film is a crime thriller in the truest sense of the sub-genre with no room for blood and gore.  The film's focus is on the story and the character rather than the red stuff.  Overall, Grievous Bodily Harm is not as violent as you would think but it is a solid late 80s crime thriller.  The story is a bit confusing but the acting more than makes up for it.  This film is the first in the set, besides the documentary, that deserves a watch.  Check it out.  

Contamination

Director(s) - Neil Chase (Where Did I Go, Spin the Wheel) and David Heacock (Boneyard Racers, Babageddon)

Starring - Neil Chase, Brandon Horth (Spin the Wheel), and S-Raj Kumar (The Zombie Apocalypse in Room 14F, Smile: It's Only the End of the World)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Action/Thriller

Tagline - "The danger is within"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My October horror binge is in full swing.  I've seen some awesome horror titles so far this month and I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon.  As I was looking at my planned list of movies to watch this month I realized that I had an action thriller I needed to review.  While it was not a horror film in a traditional sense, it still looked enjoyable with just enough suspense to get me in the holiday spirit.  The film, Containment, was directed by Neil Chase and David Heacock.  I want to thank Neil for reaching out and allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.

     The film follows a group of soldiers who are tasked with recovering sensitive information from a secret lab thought to be compromised.  What they don't know is that the facility is ground zero for a virus from out of this world that can infect those that come in contact with it.  

     I went into this one knowing very little about it besides some of the info Neil sent over when he asked me to check it out.  While I wish it was a bit more horror-centric, I still enjoyed it for the most part.  It's a military centered thriller with some sci-fi elements that works.  It may not be making it's way to everyone's October watchlist but it still needs to be seen some other time during the year.  The acting in this one is pretty well done.  The characters are very generic and exactly what you would expect from a film centered around career soldiers sent on a special forces operation.  The cast does a decent enough job portraying them in front of the camera.  I would have liked them to have a bit more personality about them but it fits the film and they do a solid job.  The story for this one is I had seen a few times before but with some minor changes.  The basic premise is a group of soldiers go to a secret facility, in Alaska I believe, to retrieve the data from their research.  The people there are infected by an extraterrestrial virus that can jump from host to host just by contact.  I've seen similar stories like this, especially from the SyFy original age, that followed parasites, alien spores, zombie virus, and even a vampire like disease.  Hell, I think the plot is almost identical to a Dean Cain flick about zombies.  With that being said, it is enjoyable but way too long for the story we do have.  A good 20 minutes or so could be trimmed while keeping the story intact.  Finally, the film has way more visual effects than I was expecting.  These do stand out and are not necessary for the progression of the story.  Also, the film doesn't really showcase on screen deaths like I would have liked.  We get a lot of gun shots and deaths associated with that but the effects are minimal or non-existent for most of them.  Overall, Contamination is a enjoyable action thriller that works for the most part.  I would like to several things changed to improve the quality but it's fun as is.  Check it out.  

Fatal Desires

Director - Sean Donohue (Naked Cannibal Campers, Swamp Woman)

Starring - D'Andre Noire (Psycho Science, The Legend of Skunk Ape), Alyss Winkler (Space Babes from Outer Space, Curse of the Weredeer), and Jessa Jupiter Flux (Murdercise, Debbie Does Demons)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Thriller

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love the time in which I grew up.  While the late 60s and early 70s exploitation and drive-in era is my favorite time for cinema, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the films from when I was growing up.  Being boring in the 80s and raised in the 90s really gave me a chance to see some outstanding films.  I was lucky enough to live through the VHS age along with the 90s cable "box" boom that many of us have lovingly called Skinemax.  Premium channels would often get movies after their theatrical run but before they hit home video.  This was an awesome way to quickly see a movie without having to run to theaters.  However, on some of these channels, especially late at night, they would air erotic flicks and shows aimed toward their adult audiences.  Erotic thrillers and women in prison flicks were extremely popular at this time.  I know many of us that knew absolutely nothing about the ways of the world because due to our age would sneak into the living room late at night to get a peak of some skin.  A few months back Sean Donohue announced that he was working on an erotic thriller, similar to those that ran late at night on Skinemax, starring Erin Brown, Jessa Jupiter Flux, and Alyss Winkler.  This was the kind of film I knew GatorBlade would knock out of the park so I quickly said yes when he asked me to check it out!

     The film follows a young couple, Todd (Noire) and Hannah (Winkler), who is struggling with their marriage.  Todd is a professional photographer with a knack for sleeping with his clients.  This has put a strain on their marriage.  Hannah's friend Denice (Brown) suggests that they try a sex therapist in hopes of saving what is left of their marriage.  This is when things start to take a weird turn.  The therapist they hire is a woman that Todd recently hooked up with at his favorite bar and continues to sleep with during their sessions.  As they dive deep into their sessions, Todd finds himself at the center of a murder investigation when he finds one of his clients murdered.  As he tries to figure out what is going on  around him, he soon learns that his therapist has other plans for the two and it doesn't include saving their marriage.

     Fatal Desires was exactly like I thought it would be and I loved it.  It's the perfect tribute to the late night Skinemax flicks I grew up watching while keeping the GatorBlade identity alive.  The film really does feel like the erotic thrillers you could catch late at night during the late 90s and has the hottest cast in the indie scene.  It may not be my favorite GatorBlade flick but it's easily one of Sean's best films to date.  The acting in this one is great with many of my favorite actresses appearing in the film.  Being born in the late 80s and raised in the 90s means I hit my teenage years in the late 90s and early 2000s which was when Misty Mundae was making a name for herself with films like The Infamous Bondage Murders, Duck! The Carbine High Massacre, Satan's School for Lust, and Screaming Dead just to name a few.  I've been a fan of hers for over 20 years and I love seeing her continue to appear in genre titles.  She does a great job in Fatal Desires but I am a bit disappointed in how little she was used.  I would have loved to see her get more screen time.  I'm also a huge fan of Alyss Winkler and Jessa Jupiter Flux.  Both are phenomenal actresses that never disappoint.  They are just as gorgeous as they are talented.  With all that being said, the star of the show is D'Andre Noire who delivers a phenomenal performance.  His character is very grounded and he does a hell of a job bringing him to life.  The story for this one is simple and predictable but you don't watch films like this for a compelling story.  It is a fun story when you mix in the nudity and the great performances from the cast.  Finally, the film does have a little blood and some make-up effects but those wanting some great gore will be very disappointed.  However, if beautiful women showing it all is something you are interested in then this film is for you.  Overall, Fatal Desires is another great flick from indie heavyweight GatorBlade Films.  It's a fantastic flick that has plenty of thrills and skin.  I highly recommend it

Motorpsycho!

Director - Russ Meyer (Faster Pussycat Kill! Kill!, Up!)

Starring - Haji (Bigfoot, Killer Drag Queen on Dope), Alex Rocco (Blood Mania, Detroit 9000), and Steve Oliver (Werewolves on Wheels, Angels from Hell)

Release Date - 1965

Genre - Thriller/Drama

Tagline - "Bike riding hoodlums flat-out on their murder cycles"

Format - Blu (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      Russ Meyer is one of those filmmakers that many movie fans either love or hate but his stamp on cinema history cannot be overlooked.  Often credited for the creation of the "nudie cutie" films that became popular in the mid-50s but it wasn't until the 60s when he created his "gothic" trilogy that became popular among exploitation fans.  Among those three films is the 1965 action flick Motorpsycho!.  This is a film I've seen several times over the years after acquiring a VHS copy of it when I was in high school before finding a DVD release sometime later.  A few weeks back my friends over at Severin released the film on UHD and blu.  I want to take a moment thank Severin for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a young man who is hunting three bikers who violently raped his wife.  On his hunt for the three men he finds a young woman who survived an attack from the three but her elderly husband was murdered.  She joins him on his hunt for the bikers before they can hurt anyone else.

     Motorpsycho! is nothing special when you compare it to similar exploitation films that followed.  However, for 1965 it was something unique.  Also, it's the first film to depict a Vietnam vet as mentally unstable and homicidal.  While the film does feel a bit underwhelming, it is still enjoyable for a first time watch.  The acting in this one is decent for the most part but there is a few scenes where the cast rushes through dialogue.  These tend to be the scenes with a bit more action but it's not that bad in the long run.  It doesn't really take away from the movie but it is very noticeable especially when you compare them to the more slower scenes.  The story for this one is straight to the point but for a mid-60s exploitation flick, it does offer up some rather unique ideas especially for the time.  A Vietnam vet returning home with a mental disorder was never mentioned in film before but it was something the U.S. was seeing at the time.  Inadequate mental health resources of the time mixed with the atrocities witnessed during deployment caused many that returned to suffer.  Sometimes this did turn deadly and would become more prevalent in films of the 70s.  You mix this with Meyer's eye and experience with the nudie-cutie films he was known for and you have something that is a bit different for the time.  Sadly, it doesn't hold up too well over all the years but it's still enjoyable for a first time view.  Finally, don't expect to see blood and gore in this one.  There is several deaths but they don't have any effects for the viewer to enjoy.  Overall, Motorpsycho! isn't a film that will be sticking with you like so many other films but it's fun if you are looking for something you had never seen before.  I've watched it a few times now and I do enjoy it but I know it's fairly mild and tame compared to the film I usually watch.  It's still a fun flick and this release from Severin looks fantastic.  Check it out.  

                

Gush

Director - Scott Schirmer (The Bad Man, Found) and Brian K. Williams (Time to Kill, Space Babes from Outer Space)

Starring - Ellie Church (Amazon Hot Box, Hunters), Alyss Winkler (The Barn Part II, Slaughterhouse Slumber Party), and Jason Crowe (Mr. Buzzkill, Don't Fuck in the Woods 2)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Thriller

Tagline - "Inspiration comes at a price"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been reviewing for Horror Society for over a decade now and during that time I've seen some wild flicks.  I have a soft spot for films that are unique and weird.  Movies that follow trends or intended to be quick cash grabs are not for me.  Instead, I want a movie with a story that I had never seen before with memorable moments.  That is exactly what I can count on when I see a film with Scott Schirmer and Brian K. Williams attached.  Some of the wildest and strangest films have these two attached to them.  Last week I was contacted by Williams to check out their newest film Gush.  I had seen some images from the film and was really looking forward to it so I quickly agreed to check it out.  I'm glad I did because I absolutely fucking loved this movie.  Like always, I want to thank Brian for sending this one my way!

     The film follows a horror author who is struggling after the loss of her pregnancy.  She has become distant from her husband because of the loss which is impacting her writing.  Her agent sends her to a home deep in the woods in order work on her new book.  Still mourning the loss of her child and suspicion that her husband is not faithful, she reluctantly goes to start on her new book.  Things start out innocently enough but a nightly visit from a beautiful woman has her forgetting her troubles and highly motivated to finish her new novel.  She soon learns that the woman that has served as a distraction from her life and serves as inspiration may be a muse who has motives of her own.  

    I went into Gush knowing very little about it.  All I knew was that it featured Jason Crowe, Ellie Church, and Alyss Winkler but I knew nothing about the story or what the general plot of the film was.  I'm glad I went into this one completely blind because the mystery is part of what makes this film so damn good.  The acting in this one is top notch.  Ellie Church is easily one of the best actresses in the genre and has always stole every scene she was in.  I didn't realize that Schirmer and Williams were attached to the film when I first became interested in the project.  It was Church's involvement that sold me on the project.  Also in the film is Jason Crowe who is one of my favorite actors in the indie horror world.  I've been a huge fan of his for years and he never disappoints.  Gush is no exception.  He once again delivers a great performance.  It would also be a crime if I didn't mention how amazing Alyss Winkler is this one.  I've mentioned in previous reviews how Winkler is easily the most attractive actress I've seen in film and it seems I am not the only one that thinks that.  Her character here says so much without saying a word.  Her body and mannerisms, mixed with her raw sex appeal, makes her performance here unforgettable.  The story for this one is one I was not expecting.  The movie has a lot going on without making it complicated to follow.  We have a struggling author dealing with the loss of her unborn child and the suspicion that her husband is sleeping around on her.  She is then forced to complete a novel she is not mentally ready to write by an agent seeking a payday.  It's here that she meets a muse that helps her get her life on track before something sinister is revealed.  It's a very well written story that is told perfectly on screen with great pacing and dialogue.  Finally, this is not a bloody or violent flick.  Sure, there is some blood and minimal practical effects but it's not something a lot of gorehounds will appreciate.  The film relies heavily on the story and the character development instead of pointless gore.  Overall, Gush is my favorite genre title of the year so far.  It has a phenomenal cast and one hell of a story.  I highly recommend checking this one out.  You will not be disappointed.    

Ed Kemper

Director - Chad Ferrin (The Deep Ones, Pig Killer)

Starring - Brandon Kirk (H.P. Lovecraft's The Old Ones, Night Caller), Cassandra Gava (Conan the Barbarian, Night Shift), and Brinke Stevens (Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, The Slumber Party Massacre)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Horror/Thriller

Tagline - "The true story of an American psycho"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     This looks to be the year of true crime for Horror Society and myself.  I've reviewed dozens, if not hundreds, of films about serial killers and madmen but I rarely get in true crime flicks to review.  Yet, here I am just four months into the year and I'm reviewing my second true crime flick.  Several weeks back Unearthed Films sent over Evilenko for review.  The film is based on the heinous crimes committed by Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo.  It had been a very long time since my last true crime flick so I was really looking forward to it.  It was a solid enough film which made me turn to Tubi to watch a few more true crime flicks before I got back into reviewing.  A few days back I was sent the press release for the new Chad Ferrin film Ed Kemper.  I was really interested in this one so I reached out to Epic Pictures and they were kind enough to send over a link for me to check out.  I want to thank Epic for sending this one my way!

     The film follows Ed (Kirk) who is released from state care after spending years locked away for the murder of his grandparents when he was only 15 years old.  His mother blames him for his father leaving her and takes it out on her.  Ed gets a job and tries to get acclimated into society but finds himself drawn to female hitchhikers.  It doesn't take long before he is killing and then raping them before posing their corpses in different positions to photograph.  Eventually, his mother goes too far and he kills her before he is brought in by police.

     Ed Kemper is one very interesting guy.  Those that have met him in real life, especially those that have interviewed him for magazines and so forth, have stated that he is a very nice and well spoken individual even though he committed those horrible crimes.  What makes his story even more interesting is the fact that he narrates audiobooks for the blind and has over 5000 hours recorded on titles like Star Wars, Flowers in the Attic, and The Rosery Murders, and so much more.  This doesn't overshadow the atrocities he committed but it's not something you would expect from a gruesome killer.  This true crime thriller from Chad Ferrin really does capture the intelligent side along with how he used his charm to lure female hitchhikers into his car.  It's not my favorite true crime film but it's up near the top for sure.  The acting in this one is great.  Brandon Kirk steals the show with his portrayal of Kemper.  I had seen and watched videos of Kemper for years and while he does have some resemblance to the infamous killer, he doesn't really look like him.  With that being said, his demeanor and tone of voice does resemble Kemper.  I thoroughly enjoyed him here and look forward to seeing him appear in other genre efforts.  We also get a small performance from legendary scream queen Brinke Stevens along with a powerhouse performance from Cassandra Gava.  Gava and Kirk's chemistry on camera made the film for me.  The story for this one focuses on the relationship between the the deranged Kemper and his verbally abusive mother.  It makes this a huge part of the story without over doing it.  We then follow Kemper as he branches out to his murders, rapes, and photographing the corpses before his eventual arrest.  It has solid pacing, the scenes don't over stay their welcome, and the story is very easy to follow.  Kudos to the writers on this one.  Finally, the film does use some computer generated images to enhance a few of the scenes.  It's very noticeable but not bad.  We also get some great practical effects that are rather gruesome.  We don't get a lot of gory deaths but the prosthetics and props look absolutely amazing.  Overall, Ed Kemper is a top tier true crime flick.  I've been of a fan of the Ed Gein film starring Steve Railsback for years now and this one is up there with it.  It's got a great cast and does play close to the real story of Ed Kemper and his crimes.  Check it out.  

Death Squad

Director - Max Pecas (The Fashioned in Saint-Tropez, Hot Dogs in Ibiza

Starring - Thierry de Carbonnieres (Highlander, How I Killed My Father), Jean-Marc Maurel (China Blues, Blue Helmet), and Lillemour Jonsson (Dog Day, Hello Beatrice)

Release Date - 1985

Genre - Crime/Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love these odd and obscure titles that so many of these boutique labels bring us.  I'm always open to a lost early 80s slasher, a never released S.O.V. horror titles, a giallo that never made the jump the the U.S., or an unreleased title from the 90s that found itself in distribution hell.  That brings me to Mondo Macabro.  I've been reviewing their releases for years now and I've thoroughly enjoyed them for the most part.  A few weeks back I was sent a review copy of the 1985 crime thriller Death Squad.  The film is a French flick released under the title Brigade of Death and is one I had never heard of until Mondo released it.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a cop investigating the murder of three prostitutes and a fellow female officer.  The deeper into the seedy side of France he goes, he uncovers that these murders are connected and something much bigger is at play.

     I was not expecting to like Death Squad as much as I did but I did.  It's not the film I was expecting and I think that added to my enjoyment to some extent.  I was expecting a street vigilante film similar to the film Vigilante.  Instead, I was greeted with a sleazy crime thriller that had so much nudity that I often thought I was watching a softcore flick.  The acting in this one is extremely campy.  The cast really does ham it up in front of the camera but it adds to the fun of the film.  In fact, it's the acting in this film that I now suspect a lot of directors and actors model their performances from in the direct to video action flicks of the 90s and early 00s.  The story for this one is fairly predictable but it's one of those films that you still enjoy even if you know how it will end.  The character's interactions, the action, nudity, and so on comes together to hold the viewer's attention even if the last act of the film doesn't have that much of an impact.  Finally, the film has several gun wounds with minor effects and lots of nudity from both sexes.  The nudity doesn't really make up for the lack of blood for us genre fans but it's still fun to look at.  Overall, Death Squad is another must own release from Mondo Macabro.  It's a raunchy crime film that doesn't disappoint.  Check it out.  

Fata Morgana

Director - Vincente Aranda (The Blood Splattered Bride, If They Tell You I Fell)

Starring - Teresa Gimpera (The Tunnel, The Long Winter), Marianne Benet (The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, Out of the Unknown), and Marcos Marti (BiBiCi Story, Sol de Verano)

Release Date - 1966

Genre - Drama/Thriller

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I absolutely adore all the boutique labels that are currently releasing films on blu and UHD, especially if they are working on titles that not a lot of us have seen before.  While I love the films, I'm tired of double and triple dipping on the same titles like Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead, and so on.  Mondo Macabro is one of the few boutique labels right now that is constantly releasing obscure and not so well known titles on blu for the first time ever.  Not too long ago they released the 1966 Spanish drama/thriller Left-Handed Fate under it's alternate title Fata Morgana.  I was lucky enough to get a copy for review and I would like to thank my friends over at MM for sending this one my way!

     The film follows a famous model who longs for a man she can never have and a professor who is infatuated with serial killers are tossed in the mix when a real serial killer targets the model.

     I went into Fata Morgana with an open mind and very curious as to how this one would play out.  Sadly, it was one that I struggled to finish.  I really did give this one a chance but it wasn't for me.  The acting for this one is solid by the entire cast.  There was a few scenes that was a bit awkward but I would only assume it was due to the language barrier.  The story for this one had some interesting ideas but it failed to pull them all together into a coherent and solidly paced film.  A professor studying serial killers helping a model who is being hunted by a serial killer should be everything a horror and true crime fan would love.  However, the editing and pacing made the film extremely dull and difficult to follow.  Some serious editing would have made this one so much more enjoyable.  Finally, those looking for some blood and guts will be very disappointed.  However, if a slow paced drama is more your speed then you are in luck.  Overall, Fata Morgana is one that I seriously wanted to like but I couldn't bring myself to enjoying any aspect of the film.  This one was not for me.  

     

Five Minutes to Live

Director - Bill Karn (Gang Busters, Ma Barker's Killer Brood)

Starring - Johnny Cash (The Johnny Cash Show, The Pride of Jesse Hallam), Donald Woods (The Felony Squad, True Grit), and Cay Forester (Queen of the Amazons, Mike Hammer)

Release Date - 1961

Genre - Crime/Thriller

Tagline - "A woman's price drops fast as the time limit ticks away!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school Johnny Cash releases his American IV: The Man Comes Around album and that was the first time that I actually listened to his music on my own.  My dad was an avid country fan so I was very familiar with his earlier songs but that album was the turning point for me.  It's been sometime since then but it wasn't long after the release of that album that he passed away.  Over the years I learned that he had not only appeared in several television shows and hosted his own, but he had starred in several films over the years.  A friend of mine actually picked up the soundtrack and DVD for The Pride of Jesse Hallam not long after his death and we checked it out.  My knowledge of Cash's films is very limited but I've always been open to checking them out.  A few weeks back Film Masters sent over a review copy of 1961's Five Minutes to Live under it's alternate title Door to Door Maniac.  I was looking forward to checking out this crime thriller and I want to take a moment to thank Film Masters for sending this one my way!

   The film follows a career criminal who partners with another like minded criminal to rob a bank.  Their plan is for one of them to hold a bank employee's wife hostage and use that as leverage so the bank employee will happily hand over the money without calling the police right away.  However, their plan has a few flaws.  The first is that the man responsible for taking care of the wife is a bit unhinged.  He forces her to listen to his songs and is sexually forceful with her.  Also, the bank employee informs them that he wants to leave his wife for his mistress and killing her would be doing him a favor.  Now, the partner is arrested at the bank and the man with a hostage is forced to fight for his life when the police arrive at the home.

     I went into this one thinking it was going to be a crime thriller but what I actually watched was a an odd crime drama that was more enjoyable than it would have been if it was as advertised.  The movie takes an odd approach and actually uses Cash for his talents which is awkward at times but purely enjoyable.  The acting in this one is pure entertainment.  This was clearly when Cash was popping pills as his attention in some of the scenes is very short lived.  His eyes are frantically darting around the scene as if he's bored or forgot what he was doing.  However, during the scenes that rely on his performance, he absolutely kills it.  The supporting cast delivers fantastic performances but be honest with yourself.  When you see a movie starring the legendary Man in Black you don't pick it up for anyone else.  The story for this one is a pretty solid crime flick that fumbles on the thriller aspect.  The crime aspect with the bank employee with his mistress, the wife at home living the cookie cutter life, the criminal who randomly plays songs to his hostage, and the foiled bank robbery actually works.  It's not predictable for the most part and the character dynamic is very well written.  While the musical numbers are a bit out of place, they are still fun and makes great use of Cash's talents.  Finally, this is not a bloody film.  Hell, it's not even a thrilling film.  However, it is different and doesn't require a body count to hold your attention.  Overall, Door to Door Maniac is much more enjoyable than I was expecting.  Cash is absolutely amazing in this especially when you know his history and how he was during this time.  I highly recommend snagging this one on blu from Film Masters.  You will not be disappointed.  

Abacus

Director - J.M. Stelly (They Are Watching, The Demonologist)

Starring - Jared Bankens (Twisted Metal, Walker), Matt Story (Blood Country, Her Calling), and Jerry Katz (Men Too, The Exile)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Thriller

Tagline - "Beware the call of his name"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've spent a good portion of my adult life writing reviews for indie releases.  I love the originality and imagination you find in indie releases from passionate filmmakers with a love for the genre.  I've seen some wild films over and years and every day I'm finding new films that surprise the hell out of me.  A few weeks ago filmmaker J. M. Stelly contacted me about an upcoming thriller of his titled Abacus.  Honestly, the title didn't excited me that much but I was still curious about the film.  I agreed to check it out and I'm glad I did because absolutely loved it.  I want to thank Stelly for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.  

     The film follows three strangers who find themselves locked in a cement room with no escape.  They soon discover one of them is holding a gun and a phone laying nearby.  After the discovery of the phone it begins ringing and an ominous voice tells them that they are brought together because of their connections.  Over time it is revealed that they may not know each other directly but their random dealings and seedy history has them connected.

     I'll be honest, I was interested in Abacus for the synopsis only.  The title and poster for it didn't really peak my interest.  However, after just a few minutes into the film I was immediately hooked.  It was a brooding and atmospheric film that did remind me a lot of Saw but with a crime thriller touch.  The acting in this one is very well done.  The cast is extremely small and everyone carries their own weight.  We have some pretty intense performances that works very well against the dark and bleak setting of the film.  The story for this one is a bit predictable but it's still a very enjoyable ride regardless.  I love the characters backstories and how well it integrates into the story.  I also love how it felt like a mix of Saw meets organized crime.  Some of the scenes are a bit drawn out but it still works.  Finally, the film is not one with a body count.  We do have a scene that is particularly bloody but it's not something that will stick with the gorehounds.  Overall, Abacus is a gritty thriller that may not be for all genre fans but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I highly recommend checking this one out when you can.