Dimorfo

Director - Rodjara (El Pequeno Vagabundo, Sabado Sabadete)

Starring - Rodjara, J. Caracuel (Pepe Carbalho, El Fin de la Inocencia), and Alex Fontsa 

Release Date - 1980

Genre - Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Honestly, I have no idea what I'm going to watch as I move from movie to movie in this Exorcismo set from Severin Films.  I knew many of them are going to take full advantage of the removal of the strict laws that were enforced during Franco's reign.  I was expecting a few horror titles due to the releases artwork and I knew that a couple sexploitation flicks would find their way onto the release but I was not expecting a film like Dimorfo, or Dimorphic, to be on there.  It makes sense that it was included but this story was one I was not expecting at all.  

     The film follows a Jewish recluse who flees his home after Nazi's occupy his small village.  He flees into the mountain and eventually comes across a small farm.  He seeks refuge there and they welcome him in, however, things take an unexpected turn.  The mother and son pair start to reveal their sexual tensions to him forcing him into some unexpected situations with them.  

     I went into Dimorfo completely blind but nothing would have prepared me for this crazy ass movie.  It reminded me a lot of the farmer's daughter sexploitation films that I've reviewed in the past with a few twists tossed in for shock value.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but it is similar to other films from the mid-to late 70s.  The acting in this one is very uneven but not bad.  The main cast is fairly small but the characters have a lot of personality.  The cast does a great job at bringing them to life and work very well with one another.  Sadly, there is a few scenes where the dialogue feels forced and not genuine.  The story for this one is a bit wild but it's not really that original.  I've seen sexploitation, comedies, and even horror movies following a man who trespasses onto a farmer's land and is forced to wed, sleep with, and make pregnant the daughter of the farmer.  Dimorfo switches this up some with the stranger being a fleeing jew seeking refuge in the mountains and the farmer being a mother with a secretly gay son.  Honestly, it's a wild story that works.  It has great pacing and works for what it is.  Finally, the film is not one with memorable deaths and great gore.  It's a character piece with some skin and a story that is not expected.  Overall, Dimorfo deserves to be in this set.  It's sexploitation and naziploitation with a story that may not be original but has a unique spin to it.  I highly recommend it.  

Village of Doom

Director - Noboru Tanaka (Tuesday Suspense Theater, Hard Scandal: Sex Drifter)

Starring - Masato Furuoya (Stairway to Heaven, Tales of the Bizarre), Misako Tanaka (Gonza the Spearman, The Horizon), and Kumiko Oba (Secret Detective, House)

Release Date - 1983

Genre - Horror/War

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My October horror binge is in full swing as we reach the middle of the month.  So far this month I've seen some childhood favorites, a Mike Mendez double feature, a fun cabin in the woods flick, a few slashers, a fun UK anthology, a pornstar fighting the whoring undead and robotic skanks, and a disrespectful remake of Spider Baby.  It's been a wild ride so far and it was only about to get wilder.  I was recently sent a screening link for Unearthed Films upcoming horror thriller Village of Doom.  This 1983 Japanese horror film is one I had never heard of before but I was really interested in it so I added it to my October binge.  Like always, I want to thank Unearthed for sending this one over!

     The film follows Tsugio (Furuoya) who is too young to join the army like the other men in his village but desperately wants to when he is old enough.  However, with the men absent from their wives, he has found himself at their every need.  He soon starts an adulterous relationship with a woman in town and shortly after becomes ill.  The doctor diagnoses him with tuberculosis and the military doctor declines to enlist him in the army when he is old enough.  To make matters worse, the woman he loves has been promised to someone else and he can no longer see the woman he was sleeping with because her husband has returned from the war.  He soon finds himself alienated by his people and no longer considered a man because of his illness.  Tsugio cannot take it any longer and sets out to kill everyone in the village that has criticized him.

     Village of Doom may not be a straight forward horror title but god damn does it fucking rule.  Honestly, it was a highlight of my October binge and easily one of my favorite Unearthed releases behind their Guyver release.  The acting in this one is fantastic.  Furuoya is unforgettable as the films protagonist.  He embodies his role and makes the character his own creation.  I absolutely loved his emotional range and how he goes from an awkward teenager fumbling through sexual advances and other teenage issues to a murderous mass shooter.  The supporting cast is no joke either.  The village is full of amazing and colorful characters and the cast does one hell of a job bringing them to life.  The story for this one is a straight forward but is still an enjoyable ride.  We have a lot of time spent on character development and it doesn't destroy the film's pacing.  We then transition from a war thriller to the film's last leg which is a mass shooting that features many horror elements.  It's a fantastically shot film that holds your attention from beginning to end.  The editing is smooth as well and the film holds the viewer's attention from beginning to end.  Finally, the film has a lot of nudity and blood but those of you wanting a lot of gore will be very disappointed.  The kills are in style to the film but they are the most unimaginative part of the film.  Don't get me wrong, they look fantastic but not as gruesome of gory as I would have liked.  Overall, Village of Doom is a fantastic film and one of my favorite Unearthed properties.  I highly recommend this one so check it out.  

        

Deathdream

Director - Bob Clark (Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things, Black Christmas)

Starring - John Marley (The Godfather, Kolchak: The Night Stalker), Lynn Carlin (Terror on the 40th Floor, The Bionic Woman), and Richard Backus (Another World, The First Deadly Sin)

Release Date - 1974

Genre - Horror/War

Tagline - "Something unspeakable has come home"

Format - Streaming UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Bob Clark is a filmmaker that I hold in high regard.  He is up there, at least for me, with the likes of George A. Romero and John Cherry.  His films Porky's A Christmas Story, Black Christmas, Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things, and Dead of Night are absolute classics and I would argue that almost all the films I mentioned have earned their place in cinema history.  Many years ago a friend of mine purchased the Dead of Night DVD release from Blue Underground.  This was one of my favorite releases of the DVD era and one that I have a hard time parting with as I've upgraded from DVD to blu.  A few weeks back Blue Underground once again re-released the film and this time on UHD.  They were kind enough to send over a copy for me to review and this gave me the perfect chance to revisit one of my favorite films.  Like always, I want to thank Blue Underground and MVD for sending this over!

     The film follows a family who just received word that their son had died while fighting in Vietnam. However, their son makes a miraculous late-night arrival to their home much to their surprise. However, he's not the Andy that they remember. Now, he just sits in a rocking chair with a lifeless expression on his face. After a strange encounter with Andy's father and the town's coroner at the local bar, the coroner is convinced that Andy is responsible for the murder of a truck driver that was brutally murdered the night he arrived in town. When the coroner is gone missing and found dead, Andy's father realizes that Andy really did die in the conflict and a monster has came in his place. 

      Deathdream is one of the many films of Bob Clark's that I truly enjoy. However, unlike the films Black Christmas and Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things, Deathdream is one of those films that I can't watch over and over again without getting tired of it. It's one of the films that I really enjoy but I can only watch it once or twice a year. I also prefer the original Dead of Night title over Deathdream but I can see the appeal of wanting to use that title over the original. The acting in this one is great and features a lot of familiar faces from previous films from Clark. Most of the Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things cast has roles in the film and they all do a fantastic job. While the cast is well rounded, John Marley and Richard Backus carry the film. Backus does a great job as the shell of a man that returned home from Vietnam. I love how patient and calm his character is before becoming rabid when he attacks his victims. Marley is fantastic as the father struggling with his son and the fact that something is different about him. He shows a lot of emotion with this role and makes the film for me. The story for this one feels like a slasher meets pseudo-vampire in the way it unfolds. The random deaths have that same pacing and tone as the late-70s and early 80s slashers. While we actively know who the killer is we are given the deaths like a slasher of the time. That makes it rather enjoyable even though some of the scenes do tend to drag on. I also love the vampire-like spin they gave Andy. I always appreciated how they incorporated his bloodlust into his aging and night-time stalks. It's a lot of fun if you are open to it. Finally, the film has a lot of bright blood and decent effects. While I would have loved to see more gore and imaginative deaths, I still enjoy what the film does deliver. Overall, Deathdream is a classic horror title that has finally received the UHD treatment. I highly recommend snagging this release especially if you've never seen the film before.

Unicorn Wars

Director - Alberto Vazquez (Homeless Home, Birdboy: The Forgotten Children)

Starring - Jon Goiri (Birdboy: The Forgotten Children, Decisiones), Jaione Insausti (Betizu Izar Artean, Nola Egin Zen: Euskal Bikoizketa), and Ramon Barea (Stories to Stay Awake, Lullaby)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Action/War

Tagline - "Bear witness"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I’ve reviewed a lot of wild and weird movies over the years ranging from claymation films following people in a post-apocalyptic world where milk is dangerous to a movie where a living placenta is forced to go to school. I love the odd and unusual so when I heard that Shout Factory was releasing the animated film Unicorn Wars I knew I had to see it. I had never heard of this Spanish film before I received the press release but once I saw the trailer I knew I had to see this. I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy over for review. I seriously want to thank Shout and Scream Factory for supporting Horror Society. 

      The film follows a group of teddy bears who are in base camp preparing to be deployed in a war between bears and unicorns. The unicorns turned on the bears many years ago when they began destroying the forests for their own greedy endeavors. The bears are not a uniform group as some aspire to topple the military leaders and take control of the bear army while others just want to end the fighting. 

      Unicorn Wars looks like a cute and cuddly movie made by that never out grew their Lisa Frank phase. However, the film is anything but. It’s bloody, violent, and has a deeper social commentary for those of you that actually pay attention to the story. It has a lot to unpack but it’s one hell of a film with a lot to say. The voice acting in this one is very well done. It’s hard to judge the acting in a film when you have to read subtitles but seeing an animated film with subtitles is not so difficult. The voices really worked for the characters they portrayed and I found myself digging through the film’s imdb page to check out the cast’s other work. The story for this one is more than just teddy bears versus unicorns. It has a whole social commentary about deforestation, religious fanaticism, vanity, and greed. It does incorporate a lot from various genres like war, drama, comedy, and horror but doesn’t fully commit to any. I was also impressed by the amount of memorable characters with contrasting personalities that don’t blend together. A lot of animated films are guilty of creating the same characters over and over with different designs because it’s easier and cheaper. Unicorn Wars does not do that. Instead, they took the time to give almost all of the characters different personalities and backstories which adds a lot to the film. Finally, I love the animation in this one and when you mix that with the trippy scenes and gore you get something that looks great and really gets the point across. We have some great animation and the gore just pops against the beautiful backdrops and colorful characters. Overall, Unicorn Wars will not be for the average horror fan but if you dig animation and odd films then this one is for you. It has a fantastic story and so much blood. I highly recommend it.

The Lighthorsemen

Director - Simon Wincer (The Phantom, Harlequin)

Starring - Peter Phelps (Baywatch, Point Break), Nick Waters (Fortress, The Flying Doctors), and John Larking (E.A.R.T.H. Force, A Cry in the Dark)

Release Date - 1987

Genre - War/Action

Tagline - "They did what they were told... they didn't know it was impossible"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     With each release that I get from Umbrella Entertainment I find myself becoming more and more impressed with ozploitation cinema.  While a few were not something I enjoyed I did find several films that truly impressed me.  Hell, some of these films quickly became some of my favorite flicks.  A few weeks back I was sent the war drama The Lighthorsemen from Umbrella and was slightly curious as to why the film was available for me to review. This is not your typical ozploitation flick.  In fact, it's not really a traditional ozploitation film as we know them.  It is an Australian film but it was part of a much bigger production.  It looked like something I would have enjoyed as a kid when I was on a drama kick.  Regardless, when I was starting my Umbrella marathon I decided it would fit in perfectly after Child's Play and Harlequin.  I want to thank Umbrella for sending this one over.  It's an amazing film that truly deserves your time.

     The film follows the Australian Light Horse regime and their involvement in the first World War andthe battle between the British and Turkish forces over the control of Gaza.

     The Lighthorsemen is a fantastic film that I've never heard anyone speak of.  I know a lot of my regular readers will bitch and moan about this one not being a horror flick but I don't give a rat's ass.  It's one of the best war dramas I have ever seen and its easily one of the best written films I've laid my eyes on.  The acting in this is absolutely amazing from each and every cast member.  Like most movies, some of the cast has bigger roles than others but this one has absolutely no weak links.  The characters are so well written and the cast does an amazing job bringing them to life.  The story for this one is drama filled and action oriented but I can't vouch for it's authenticity.  As an American, we are never taught other countries history.  However, from a film standpoint, it's a fantastic film that kept me glued to the screen from beginning to end.  You find yourself completely enthralled with the story.  Finally, the film has a few bloody moments but the body count is not the focus of the film.  It's a story rich movie with great characters that holds the viewer's attention.  Overall, The Lighthorsemen is not going to be for everyone and not for some of you looking for a horror flick to relax to.  However, if you want a period piece with a war flare then this one is for you.  I highly recommend this release from Umbrella.  

Pan's Labyrinth

Director - Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim, Blade II)

Starring - Ivana Baquero (Black Friday, High Seas), Ariadna Gil (Gods of Medicine, Here on Earth), and Sergi Lopez (Black Bread, Happy End)

Release Date - 2006

Genre - Fantasy/War/Adventure

Tagline - "What happens when make-believe believes it's real?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The year after I graduated high school I bought a stack of DVDs from my local video store.  Dewey's Video was recently sold a year or so prior and the new owners were big on rentals and sells.  Living in the middle of no where, this was the best place to snag movies without turning to eBay, Amazon, and other online retailers.  It was here that I first caught a glimpse of Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth.  I was big in the Upcoming Horror Movies' message boards and was pretty knowledgeable of new films but this one had got by me some how.  I snagged a copy on DVD with a few other films and that weekend I watched it for the first time.  I've watched it several times since then and I love it just as much with each viewing as I did when I first saw it.  A few weeks ago Umbrella Entertainment announced the release of the film as part of their Beyond Genres line.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy of their release my way for review.  I want to thank Umbrella Entertainment for sending this one over and allowing myself and Horror Society the opportunity to review this fantastic film.  Thank you.

     The film takes place in the early 40s in Spain with young Ofelia (Baquero) as she is being escorted with her mother who is expecting to her new step-father's home.  He is a ruthless general in the army who is fighting a war against a group of resistant fighters in the country side.  She's a fanatic of fairy tales and finds herself pulled from the horrors of her real life in to the fantasy realm of a faun who convinces her that she is the princess that he has been waiting for.  She has to complete three tasks in order to prove her royalty while her step-father wages war on the locals and he pregnant yet ailing mother prepares to give birth.

     Pan's Labyrinth is one of the most interesting and intriguing fantasy films to exist.  It's an adult oriented tale that brings blood, a compelling story, and wonderful written characters that cinema rarely sees anymore.  I have yet to meet someone that has seen this movie that didn't like it but the number of people that haven't seen it is staggering.  Del Toro is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time and this is one of his best films and what I would consider to be a timeless classic.  The acting in this one is phenomenal.  The Spanish speaking cast delivers some of the best performances I've witnessed and the fact that you are still appreciating their performances while reading the subtitles really shows how wonderful the cast is.  Baquero is great as the film's star.  She shows some serious skill in front of the camera for such a young age.  She has went on to star in several other films including a horror comedy opposite Bruce Campbell.  We have another fantastic performance from Doug Jones who brings the faun Fauno to life. His career is overflowing with fantastic creatures and beings with him donning heaving make-up and this is among one of his most memorable.  The rest of the cast is just as brilliant but the characters don't hold the screen like these two.  The story for this one pulls so many different themes and angles together into something truly enjoyable without over doing it.  The film is a fairy tale centered story at it's heart.  We then have a war torn Spain on top of it with a rebellion taking place.  We then have a mother trying to find a father figure for her daughter since the death of her husband while an evil military general is looking for any woman who will sire him a boy even if it kills her.  At the center of it all is a young girl who spends more time in her books than the real world.  It's beautifully written and the pacing is great.  The film is around two hours long yet it doesn't feel it.  We have great pacing, great character development, and a story that will pull you in.  Finally, the film has some great practical effects, amazing costumes, sets that will leave you mesmerized, and noticeable visual effects.  We have some blood and a few graphic moments but the visual effects take away from the fun.  However, the costumes and sets are fucking brilliant.  I can't praise them enough.  Overall, Pan's Labyrinth is one of the few films that truly deserves the Beyond Genres label and fits perfectly in Umbrella Entertainment's series.  It's got elements of horror, fantasy, adventure, war, and drama.  It's a brilliant film that I truly believe you should see it regardless of what type of films you enjoy.  It's a masterpiece.  

Pastorale 1943

Director - Wim Verstappen (Black Rider, Blue Movie)

Starring - Frederik de Groot (The Little Riders, Star Cops), Leen Jongewaard (My Blue Heaven, Looking for Eileen), and Coen Flink (The Bluffers, Flanagan)

Release Date - 1978

Genre - War/Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Back when I received the press release for this release I wasn't too keen on Pastorale 1943.  The artwork was boring and the synopsis just didn't sound that entertaining.  Hell, the only reason I even requested this set for review was for Julia and Mysteries.  However, when I finished both those films and tossed in Pastorale 1943 I was surprised by how great the film was.  It is one of the better films in the set and another prime example of why a movie fan should never judge a book by it's cover.

     The film follows a small Dutch village that is occupied by German forces in 1943.  We follow a group of unorganized resistance fighters who plan on assassinating one of their own because they are a Nazi sympathizer.  

     Pastorale 1943 is easily my favorite film in the set but it's far from perfect.  It suffers from timing issues and the movie is far too long for the type of story we are given.  I really did enjoy it but at over two hours long I found myself truly struggling to finish it.  It's a great period piece about Nazi occupation that many history buffs can appreciate.  The acting in this one is fantastic.  I loved the characters and how far the cast went to bring them to life.  Some of the scenes have light humor which they pull off perfectly but I was really impressed by how great the casting was here.  It is a bit of a shame how little Sylvia Kristel was in the film considering how the film is part of her box set from Cult Epics.  The story for this one is great. It's a war time drama with a lot of characters and a story that is easy to follow but worth the pay off.  The story could be condensed to fix the lengthy run time due to it's ridiculous length.  However, if it was around an hour and a half it would be more manageable.  I love the set up and premise but the pacing and timing is a little off for my tastes.  Finally, don't expect a bloody film or one with lots of skin.  It's focused on the story which has no room for blood or boobs.  Overall, Pastorale 1943 is another odd one that I was sent for review but I fucking loved.  I highly recommend this one especially if you are looking for something outside of horror.  It's a lot of fun.  

Apocalypse Now

Director - Francis Ford Coppola (Dracula, The Godfather)

Starring - Martin Sheen (Spawn, Tales from the Crypt), Marlon Brando (Superman, The Island of Dr. Moreau), and Robert Duvall (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, THX 1138)

Release Date - 1979

Genre - War/Action

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I went through a war movie phase.  It started with Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket and before long I found myself snagging up any war movie I could find.  When the local video store closed I was able to snag a super cheap copy of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now on DVD.  I had never seen it before but I figured for $3 I wouldn't be disappointed.  That weekend I stayed over at a friends house and we decided to watch it.  We both did not expect the movie to be as amazing as it was and to this day whenever I get a chance to revisit it I greatly accept the opportunity.  A few weeks back I received the press release that the film was getting a brand new UHD steelbook release as a Best Buy exclusive.  I reached out to the PR firm handling the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  I'm glad they did because it had been a few years since I last viewed it.

      The film follows an Army Captain (Sheen) who is recruited on a special assignment to travel through Vietnam, during the height of the Vietnam conflict, to kill a rogue commander.  The commander has went awol and garnered a following of believers after proclaiming himself a god.  The mission takes him and his squad through the jungles of Vietnam where they suffer several casualties before reaching their destination on the edge of Cambodia.  Here he meets the eccentric and mesmerizing commander and his followers of natives and soldiers alike who will lay their lives on the line.  The captain becomes enthralled with him but refuses to give up on the mission that he is tasked with.

     I can already hear the attention seekers on social media bashing this one for not being horror but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to revisit this one.  It's such an amazing film with some of the best story and character development I have ever seen.  Every shot is a masterpiece and the movie is ridiculously long but doesn't feel that way.  It's absolutely brilliant.  The acting in this one is gives me chills.  This is my favorite performance of Martin Sheen.  He has appeared in other remarkable genre efforts like the first live action adaptation of Spawn but he will always be remembered as the army captain from Apocalypse Now.  The remainder of the cast is just as memorable.  Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando, and so many more deliver unforgettable performances that are unlike anything you have seen.  The story for this one is very layered but it's not overwhelming.  The movie flows almost as if it's told in chapters with one over arching storyline with mini-episodes spaced throughout it.  It has a long running time but the way the story is told it makes great use of time without overdoing it.  We move right along with situation to situation before finally reaching our final destination.  It works extremely well and once the film is over you are surprised to discover exactly how much time you have spent with the film.  Finally, this is not a horror flick but it is one with a body count.  We get lots of blood, some explosions, and gnarly practical effects that work for the gag.  Overall, Apocalypse Now is an amazing film that truly needs to be seen.  Collectors and fans of the film should really check out this Best Buy exclusive before it's too late.  

Strike Commando

Director - Bruno Mattei (The Other Hell, Hell of the Living Dead)

Starring - Reb Brown (Howling II, Captain America), Christopher Connelly (Night of the Sharks, Airwolf), and Louise Kamsteeg (Bloody Psycho, Fashion Crimes)

Release Date - 1986

Genre - Action/War

Tagline - "A one man war machine"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I absolutely love 80s action movies.  They are just as fun and campy as any horror movie from the decade.  I originally set out to review 80s action flicks but my love for horror and exploitation quickly took over what I was reviewing.  With that being said, anytime I get the chance to review an 80s action flick you can bet your sweet ass and half a tit that I'm going to try like hell to review it.  When Severin announced the release of Bruno Mattei's 86 action flick Strike Commando I knew I had to review it.  I reached out to MVD who was handling this release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film begins with a mission during the Vietnam war when an entire squad of commandos is sacrificed for a mission...except one, Michael Ransom (Brown).  He survives and finds himself behind enemy lines with a price on his head.  As he fights to get to the rendezvous he soon realizes that the man calling the shots for the U.S. army is actually a Russian spy and Ransom must die in order to keep his secret.  

     There was so many Rambo clones to come out of the 80s.  Strike Commando was released just four years after First Blood and where First Blood offers a gritty look at post-Vietnam vets returning back to civilian life where Strike Commando takes us deeper into the Vietnam action.  The acting in this one is extremely cheesy but so much fun.  Reb Brown is not one to win awards for his performances but he does deliver fun performances.  He goes all in with Strike Commando and delivers an unintentionally funny but entertaining performance I've seen from him yet.  The supporting cast is nothing compared to Brown's characters.  They were either added during filming or poorly written but the overall focus is on Ransom with very little character development beyond that point.  The story for this one is like 100s of other action films to follow in Rambo's wake.  We get a Vietnam soldier who is a one man army and can't be stopped as he fights his way through the rice fields and jungles of Vietnam only to discover that he was betrayed.  Honestly, it's nothing we haven't seen before but we get plenty of explosions, gunfire, fighting, and goofy characters.  It's great fun for a first time watch but I don't see much of a replay value.  Finally, we get plenty of explosions and some gunfights but don't expect to see a bloodbath here.  Not a lot of blood to be found aside from some make-up effects.  Overall, Strike Commando is exploitation filmmaker Bruno Mattei's contribution to the mid-80s action film that is surprisingly fun.  Mattei may be known for his sleazy and sometimes lackluster exploitation flicks but Strike Commando is a must see.  This release from Severin looks absolutely fantastic and one I would highly recommend to collectors.    

Night of the Eagles

Director - Jess Franco (Revenge in the House of Usher, Night of Open Sex)

Starring - Christopher Lee (The Wicker Man, Taste the Blood of Dracula), Ramon Estevez (Alligator II: The Mutation, The Dead Zone), and Mark Hamill (The Guyver, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope)

Release Date - 1989

Genre - War/Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's been a few months but here I am back reviewing another Jess Franco flick.  Franco is one of the most prolific cult filmmaker at all time with over 200 films under his belt.  It's safe to say that with that many films in his catalogue that it would be impossible to like them all.  Franco and I have a strained relationship.  I like some of his films and I dislike just as many.  He's a very inconsistent filmmaker but you can't deny his passion for cinema.  When I saw that Full Moon was releasing two more Franco films on blu I was quick to reach out to MVD for review copies. 

     The film follows two German men who are fighting for the affection of a wealthy banker's daughter. One is already a ranking officer in the Nazi army while the other enlists to impress her.  However, she has higher ambitions and enlists in the Nazi army as well in hopes of entertaining the soldiers as a singer.  Things take a dark turn when her train is attacked and she finds herself in the middle of the war.

     Most of the Franco films I've reviewed in the past were sexploitation flicks with very little story and a lot of skin...and bush.  Franco loves his ladies young and energetic which is reflected in his films.  However, I've never seen a World War II film from Franco so I was very interested in that.  The fact that the film had Mark Hamill and Christopher Lee in starring roles made it even more appealing to me.  The film did not disappoint but I do believe Franco left a lot on the table with this one.  It could have been so much more especially if he would have added his own spin to the story.  The acting in this one is pretty solid but I do feel that it was a little underwhelming at time.  Mark Hamill is world famous for his role in Star Wars but he will always be Max Reed from The Guyver and the Joker.  With that being said, he doesn't really deliver a memorable performance here.  He gets into character and goes through the motions.  Hell, the same can even be said about the legend that is Christopher Lee.  They are committed to their roles but there is no energy and it's strange watching a film with Lee in it and not see his iconic intensity.  The story for this one is a bit unusual in many ways but still entertaining.  When it comes to World War II films, especially those coming out of America, we always see the movie from the point of view of the Allied powers.  It's rare to get a film from the Nazi's point of view.  It does allow certain opportunities with the story that you would not expect to see from an Allied centered film.  However, Franco's Night of the Eagles focuses on a love triangle in a war epic that is void of his sleaziness.  It's clear he was a hired gun in this one and had little to say in the writing process but it's still a fun war drama.  However, if you go into this expecting the bush and artistic visions Franco is known for you will be very disappointed.  Finally, the film is not a bloody one.  We have some gun fights here and there but don't expect to see amazing practical effects and bloodshed.  Overall, Night of the Eagles is a solid film if you are into war drama but if you are going into this one expecting the standard Franco fair then you are barking up the wrong tree.  Honestly, I enjoyed it but it did catch me by surprise.  The blu from Full Moon looks great but I do wish they would add some special features to these releases.  

The Final Countdown

Director - Don Taylor (Damien: Omen II, Escape from the Planet of the Apes)

Starring - Kirk Douglas (Tales from the Crypt, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Martin Sheen (Firestarter, The Dead Zone), and Katharine Ross (Donnie Darko, ABC's Afterschool Special)

Release Date - 1980

Genre - War/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "Trapped outside the boundaries of time and space - 102 Aircraft... 6,000 men... all missing"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I first started collecting DVDs seriously I found myself drawn to Blue Underground.  They were the company that brought movies like Zombie, Two Evil Eyes, and Deathdream to my attention during my teenage years.  As I got older I've watched this company grow and release some of the best releases I've seen.  They were quick to jump over to blu while most companies were hesitant and now have made the plunge into UHD.  When they announced the UHD release of The Final Countdown I found myself torn.  I love Blue Underground and most of their releases are fantastic films.  However, The Final Countdown doesn't look like a movie I would enjoy.  Regardless, I love the company and let curiosity take over.  I reached out to MVD and they were kind enough to send a review copy of the release my way.  I'm glad they did because I absolutely loved this film.  Thank you MVD and BU for sending this one over!

     The film follows the crew of the USS Nimitz who find themselves traveling through a weird storm while performing drills at sea.  When the storm passes they find themselves isolated and unable to radio back to the mainland.  To make matters even more strange, they start receiving strange signals reminiscent of those from the early 40s.  Soon they realize that the storm had taken them back to the day before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor giving the crew the incredibly difficult choice of allowing history to run it's course or intervening and saving all those American lives.

     When I think of Blue Underground I usually think of movies like Maniac, Zombie, and Two Evil Eyes.  These fun, late night horror staples that many of us can watch over and over without getting tired of.  The Final Countdown does seem like an odd title for BU to release but I fucking loved it.  It was a first time watch and I can't stop thinking about it.  I've seen a lot of historical war films but I don't think I've seen one with a sci-fi spin like this one.  It was a very entertaining film that I would recommend to any movie fan.  The acting in this one is amazing.  This one features one hell of a cast.  We have the legendary Kirk Douglas as the aging captain of the vessel trying to get a grip on everything going on while Martin Sheen delivers one of his better performances.  The supporting cast is just as great and everyone brought something to the table.  The characters are all enjoyable and memorable creating a great movie experience.  They really don't write characters in movies like this anymore.  The story for this one is a military drama at it's base with a lot of character development with just a dash of sci-fi to mix it up.  I really enjoyed it and I loved how a movie with this many characters didn't fee like a mess.  The story has a steady progression that uses it's time wisely and doesn't drag.  The pacing is steady with no downtime.  This is the kind of story you can watch several times and never tire of it.  Finally, the film has a few deaths scenes that are all gun wounds.  The effects are basic but they work for the gag.  The film also uses dated visual effects that didn't age very well but they didn't look that bad.  Overall, The Final Countdown is one hell of a film and this release from BU is a must have for movie fans.  It may not be a horror film but it's still a phenomenal flick.  Hell, it was even produced by Troma's Lloyd Kaufman!  Be sure to snag this release from Blue Underground.  You will not regret it!

Justice Society: World War II

Director - Jeff Wamester (Guardians of the Galaxy)

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

Release Date - 2021

Genre - War/Action

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

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

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

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

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

Black Brigade

Director - George McCowan (Frogs, The Manhunter)
Starring - Stephen Boyd (Fantastic Voyage, Lady Dracula), Robert Hooks (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, The Flash), Susan Oliver (Star Trek, Freddy's Nightmares)
Release Date - War
Tagline - "In war, sometimes the enemy comes from within"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Blaxploitation can go so many different ways but the most popular follows a black protagonist who is fighting an evil white person or group due to a number of various reasons.  However, that is not the only type of blaxploitation.  Sometimes you get a really powerful drama that focuses on the struggles that the African American citizens face on a daily basis in the 70s that can still be seen to this day.  Case in point is the 1970 war drama Black Brigade which was a made for TV film released under the name Carter's Army.  This unusual blaxploitation flick stars a very young Richard Pryor, Bill Dee Williams, and Stephen Boyd.  

     The film follows Captain Carter (Boyd) who is tasked with securing a dam in Germany in World War II.  He is assigned to an all black unit and is ordered to take 6 men with him to secure the dam.  He enlists the lieutenant and 5 of his men.  The captain is racist and believes this group is going to get him killed but through their journey he countlessly puts their lives in danger and they save him on more than one occasion with minimal casualties.  By the end of their mission he has a new found respect for the black soldier and witnesses first hand how they are disrespected by white soldiers who are putting their lives on the line for their country just like they are.

      I honestly didn't know what to expect when I tossed this one in.  I can't recall any blaxploitation flick taking place in World War II but Black Brigade became my favorite in this set. The film is nothing like the typical blaxploitation flick that I love but it was still easily the best film in the set.  The acting in this one is fucking top notch.  The film was made for TV and not your typical exploitation flick so the cast is a step above most.  Stephen Boyd and Robert Hooks deliver unforgettable performances as the racist captain and lieutenant of an all black unit.  The supporting cast is just as fantastic.  It was cool seeing Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams deliver a more serious performance.  I loved the casting in this film.  The story for this one is a powerful story set against the backdrop of World War II.  The movie's main focus is how black soldiers were treated by white soldiers fighting the same war as them.  The war action really brings this rich story to a boil and the viewer will not be able to look away.  Finally, this one does have several on screen deaths.  They are not bloody and those looking for gore will miss out.  The kills fit with the war theme of the film but they are easily forgettable.  Overall, Black Brigade is a must watch for any movie fan regardless of the genre that you prefer.  Check this one out whenever you get the chance.  

Weresquito: Nazi Hunter (2016)

(out of 5)

 Weresquito:  Nazi Hunter (2016)
directed by:  Christopher Mihm
starring:  Douglas Sydney, Rachel Grubb, James Norgard, Michael G. Kaiser, Michael Cook, Marcus Cutting, Daniel Sjerve
format:  NTSC:  Region 1 - Personal Collection

     "Do not attempt to adjust the picture...." the famous line introducing the old tv show, "The Outer Limits" back in the 60's.  Christopher Mihm has created the same sort of feel with his film Weresquito:  Nazi Hunter.  Right down to the style of humanoid creature, outlandish masks and prosthetics, and simple set designs.  For me there really wasn't much not to like here I love the old sci-fi films in the 50's and 60's most especially Outer Limits and I really can't think of another movie that hit the nail on the head for a throwback film of this type.  Even the dialogue of the script and the way the actors acted were perfect. 

     Douglas Sydney did an excellent job playing the protagonist John Baker a colonel in the United States military who has suffered experimentation at the hands of the Nazi government after being captured. His body shape shifts into a weresquito, half man and half mosquito every time he sees blood.  The movie follows John years later as he searches for Schramm the mad Nazi scientist who created him.  John goes from person to person of everyone involved in the experiments that changed him even a fellow victim searching for information on Schramm.  He dispatches everyone of them continuing his quest and ending up in a small town made up of German immigrants.  There he meets Leisl who takes him and gives him a place to stay for the night after John beats up her abusive ex-boyfriend at the local diner.  I won't go into spoiling much more but I will say the movie was a breath of fresh air for me.  I see the old sci-fi films like this and it was even shot in back and white which really was just icing on the cake for the feel and tone of the film over all.  Even the sounds in the film were perfect for the nostalgia this movie created.  Highly recommended.

Blue Ice

Director - Phillip Marshak (Dracula Sucks)
Starring - Herschel Savage (Corruption), Jacqueline Lorians (Black Widow), and Paul Thomas (Pervert)
Release Date - 1985
Genre - War/Drama
Tagline - "A sex adventure that'll melt the screen"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The last three days has been full of Nazi surprises for me.  A few weeks back I was asked to review the short Wolves which centered around an Allied fighter pilot who was shot down in Axis controlled land where he had to fight for his life and the life of a little girl he found after crash landing.  After watching that well made period piece I moved on to a recent Vinegar Syndrome release.  Much like Wolves, I was under the impression it was a horror film.  The film, Blue Ice, had new bluray artwork that looked dark, brooding, and mysterious much like the artwork of the movies of the 70s.  I was surprised to find that this was an erotic drama centered around a detective searching for an ancient book while on the run from Nazis.  I want to thank Vin Syn for once again hooking me up with another film to review.

     The film begins with the Nazi party searching for an ancient book of untold power.  After hunting for centuries they are finally close to grabbing it only to be cut short by a detective hired by a wealthy man to find the same book.  Their paths intertwine and soon a supernatural element is exposed and threatens everyone's life.

    



Blue Ice just happened to be the third film I watched about Nazis in just as many days.  The film just happened to be the more entertaining of the three films as well.  Though it was shocking to discover it was not a horror film but an erotic drama it still delivered an entertaining film.  The acting in this one is pretty solid.  In fact, it is one of the better acted sexploitation flicks that I have seen the 5 or so years that I have been writing reviews.  Granted I focus mostly on horror but I have seen and reviewed several dozen sexploitation flicks.  The story for this one is a mash up of any detective noir film and any modern Naziploitation flick.  We have a detective tasked with finding something for a wealthy client, similar to Kill Me Again, Dixie Ray Hollywood Star and hundreds more, but sets itself apart from the others with the addition of Nazis and the supernatural element.  It was fun and definitely held my attention.  Finally, those of you looking for gore and blood will be disappointed.  However, if you are looking for a story driven sexual romp then this one is up your alley.  Overall, Blue Ice was not the horror film I was expecting. However, what I got was a pretty fun sexploitation full of sex, Nazis, and interesting characters.  This one needs to be in any exploitation fan's collection.  Check it out.