Director - Jean-Louis van Belle (The Lady Kills, Made in Sex)
Starring - Maelle Pertuzo (Wife Swapping: French Style, Forbidden Paris), Albert Simono (Triple Cross, Cheech and Chong's the Corsican Brothers), and Charles Buhr (Forbidden Paris)
Release Date - 1972
Genre - Thriller
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I wanted to keep the sleazy movie fun going after watching and reviewing The Lady Kills. It only made sense to toss in the second film in the set which is 1972's Pervertissima. This film was also directed by van Belle and featured on the same blu release. I once again want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!
The film follows a journalist who is tasked with going around to different hot spots to see what really turns people on. After several sexual experiences, like a lesbian sauna and swingers club, she soon finds herself at the hands of a mad scientist looking for specimen to turn into his mindless sex drones.
I was really looking forward to this one after watching The Lady Kills but I found myself very underwhelmed with it. In fact, the movie felt like it was stretched way too thin for what it was. The acting in this one is cheesy but fun. The characters are just like the ones in the previous film. They are fun to watch but very one dimensional. They lack personalities and are easily forgettable. The story for this one doesn't have enough meat on the bone so to speak. It would be fun if the film was only around 30 or 40 minutes but at feature length time it is a bit of a strain to finish. Editing out some of the filler would greatly benefit this one. Finally, if you want blood and gore you should look elsewhere. However, women and masks are a plenty here. Overall, Pervertissima is not as fun as The Lady Kills but it does have some redeeming qualities. It deserves at least one viewing but it is not the rose of this release.
Director - Jean-Louis van Belle (Made in Sex, Forbidden Paris)
Starring - Carole Lebel (The Golden Claws of the Cat Girl, The Hand), Claude Beautheac (One Two Two, The Bear and the Doll), and Paul Descombes (Fernand, Hamlet)
Release Date - 1971
Genre - Thriller
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I've been working hard on horror reviews over the last few weeks. I recently wrapped up reviews for two indie slashers from Tennessee and decided to review the newest blu release from Mondo Macabro for Shin'ya Tsukamoto's Gemini. When I was done I wanted something a little more sleazy than horror. Lucky for me I had also received The Lady Kills from Mondo Macabro as well for review. This was not going to be the typical sexploitation flick that I'm accustomed to but I didn't mind. Thanks Mondo for sending this one over!
I knew The Lady Killer was not going to be the normal sexploitation flick that I usually review for companies like Vinegar Syndrome. I knew it was going to be sleazy to an extent but I, honestly, had no idea that it was going to be like it actually was. The acting in this one is extremely cheesy but what would you expect from an early 70s film that has so much nudity? The characters work for the film but the characters don't really stand out from other films like it. The story for this one is a little uneven and is a bit too long but it's fun. The thriller aspect of the film is not as thrilling as I would have liked but the nudity portion is very entertaining. Finally, there is a little blood but if you are looking for tons of gore you will be very disappointed. However, if beautiful women and men writhing is pain is more your speed then you will enjoy this. Overall, The Lady Kills is a fun late night watch. The story is not that compelling and the acting is far from perfect but it's still a fun watch for what it is. The image quality on this blu from Mondo Macabro is gorgeous. I highly suggest checking this one out.
Director - Shin'ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Vital)
Starring - Masahiro Motoki (The Big Bee, The Bird People in China), Ryo (Enter the Void, Alive), and Yasutaka Tsutsui (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Paprika)
Release Date - 1999
Genre - Fantasy/Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Several weeks back I spent about two weeks running through the Solid Metal Nightmares. This film collection from Arrow Video consists of ten films from acclaimed director Shin'ya Tsukamoto. The films, for the most part, were pretty damn fun and very unique. A few days back Mondo Macabro sent over the 1999 Shin'ya Tsukamoto film Gemini on blu. Like the previous Tsukamoto films, this is one I had never seen before so I was pretty fucking excited to check it out. Thanks Mondo Macabro for sending sending this one my way. The film follows a wealthy and respectable doctor who falls in love with a woman suffering from amnesia. His parents resent her but his love for her quickly cuts them out. He tries to live his life with his new love but his home is soon overtaken with a foul odor that drives his father mad. Then both his parents are murdered. When life looks bleak for the man that had it all he discovers that he is actually a twin. His brother was tossed in the river and saved by a peasant. Once he found out his brother was a renowned doctor he set out to get his revenge and the woman he loved...who just happens to be the woman with amnesia. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from Gemini. After spending almost 2 weeks going through 10 of his other films I've realized that he is a very versatile filmmaker capable of throwing anything at the viewer. Gemini, though billed as a fantasy horror film, did not feel like a horror film. In fact, it was a dark fantasy film with more drama than horror elements. Regardless, I really enjoyed what was given to us. The acting in this one is probably the best of any Tsukamoto film I've seen yet. Masahiro Motoki taking on dual roles is exciting and highly entertaining. The characters paralleled personalities and intensities makes his performance a marvel to look at. He literally carried the film on his shoulders. The supporting cast is nothing short of amazing as well but Motoki was legendary here. The story for this one, as I stated earlier, is a period piece that feels more like a dark fantasy with macabre elements. With that being said, I absolutely loved the story and Tsukamoto's approach to the story. The brothers coming from different backgrounds having their roles reversed is a fascinating story and the dark surreal look at both sides really works. The dialogue is a little too heavy at times especially with the subtitles but nothing unbearable. Finally, the film does have some blood but the best part of the film is the make-up effects and the look of some of the characters. Gorehounds will be disappointed but those looking for a story will appreciate the film. Overall, Gemini is another great Tsukamoto flick with amazing atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The blu from Mondo Macabro looks absolutely gorgeous as well. Don't let the stills from the trailer fool you. Fans will want this one for your collection.
Director - Korey Jordan
Starring - Chuck Conry (Door 1 of the 5 Doors to Hell, Screwdriver), Blaine Gilliam (Door 1 of the 5 Doors to Hell, Screwdriver), and Kelly Carver (Morbid, Room 101)
Release Date - 2019
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "What happens when you give insanity direction..."
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
Last year the film Chickens Blood was making rounds in several horror groups. Korey Jordan, who frequently collaborates with Chuck Conry, had directed his debut film and was selling copies. The artwork really peaked my curiosity but I had just binged on the Vin Syn site a few days prior and was holding off. Sadly, he sold out. I had to wait but over time I forgot about it. That was until recently when Conry was selling copies of his newest slasher Screwdriver. That reminded me to hit up Jordan to see if he had re-released the film. Luck was on my side and he had a new batch ready to roll so I was quick to jump on it.
The film follows a group of small time drug runners who killed the county's best meth cooker sometime back... at leas they thought so. They thought they killed him when they burned him but he's very much alive and hellbent on seeking revenge on the ones that attempt to kill him.
Chickens Blood is not your typical slasher. It does use the standard slasher formula that follows someone that was fucked over seeking revenge. With that being said, it feels like a southern fried crime flick mixed with horror elements. The acting in this one is fairly similar to the quality of acting from the films of Grundy Nation and for good reason. The two production companies share several actors and actresses. They are very much dedicated to their roles and have a lot of fun in front of the camera but they are very inexperienced. That doesn't mean they delivered terrible performances because they didn't. However, there is times the dialogue and reactions are awkward which makes for an awkward scene. The story for this one is a bit of a drug based rural crime flick with slasher elements scattered throughout. It worked for the most part but a lot of the characters are painfully unlikable. The film would have been a little more fun if the characters were a little more likable. The film has smooth pacing and flows very well. Finally, the film has several deaths. Some make good use of the practical effects they have access to while others are part of camera tricks. The film does have one scene featuring make-up effects on the burnt happy but it was a little lacking. Overall, Chickens Blood is a different spin on the slasher sub-genre and it works. It is rough around the edges but still an entertaining slice of indie horror. Check it out.
Director - Chuck Conry (Morbid, Door 1 of the 5 Doors to Hell)
Starring - Ethan Bouldin (Chickens Blood, Morbid), Ryan Grooms (Door 1 of the 5 Doors to Hell), and Chuck Conry
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "11 - 1 ways to die"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
It seems like this time last year I was seeing so many indie slashers pop up which was a welcomed change to the influx of post Walking Dead clones that flooded the horror scene for years now. However, it looks like the slasher fad has once again faded with less and less news of new slashers hitting the horror community. Sometime ago horror critic and filmmaker Chuck Conry announced a new film. I'm a fan of his slasher Morbid and his horror anthology Door 1 of the 5 Doors to Hell so I couldn't wait to see what he had in store for us. It looks like his newest venture just happens to be a slasher comedy simply titled Screwdriver. I followed this one closely and when he had copies available he was kind enough to send me one. Thanks Chuck!
The film follows a rural Tennessee handyman who is struggling with work once a local hardware store opens giving locals an opportunity to do home repairs on their own. He decides to go on a killing spree the night some of the locals decide to get together and party. One by one he starts picking off the party goers using items found in his toolbox until just one stands in his way.
Screwdriver doesn't try to change the slasher sub-genre or deliver the slasher film of the ages. It's goal is simple. Conry and company want to deliver some bloodshed and laughs which I feel they succeed with this one. It reminded me a lot of the slashers I was watching in high school and college during the early 2000s from Pendulum Pictures and Brain Damage. The acting in this one is consistent of Conry's other films. The cast is fully dedicated to their roles but inexperience does rear it's ugly head. The film's slasher, Ryan Grooms, approached the role in a comical way but his Sling Blade impersonation does wear thin after 15 or so minutes. It was funny as the film began but quickly ran it's course. Ethan Bouldin has a great camera presence but his volume needs dialed down a lot. His scenes sometimes felt like a wrestling promo rather than a slasher. The supporting cast is solid as well but the same can be said about them as well. Inexperience but very dedicated. The story for this one is, at it's core, a traditional slasher. Slashers from the late 70s and early 80s were known for a masked killer murdering those that wronged them. Screwdriver scraps the mask but keeps the remainder in tacked with a comical twist. It flows very well and works for what it is but it would have been so much more entertaining if the dialogue was written for the cast. It's painfully evident that the cast was allowed to improve their lines. Finally, the film has several kills fitting the handyman theme. The kills use classic slasher tricks with plenty of blood and minimal effects. It works and takes the viewer back to slashers of the late 70s with camera tricks and gags. Overall, Screwdriver is not the next big name in slashers but it never set out to be. Instead, it's a slasher you can toss in with a few friends and some beer. It has some blood, a few chuckles, and plenty variations of the word "fuck." I highly suggest giving this no budget flick a chance.
Director - Gerald Cormier
Starring - Eric Weathersbee and Shawn West
Release Date - 1991
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
As a collector I often see announcements for movies that I want to add to my collection. They either have a title that draws me in or the artwork sells me on the film. It happens a lot and as a collector I feel the need to add every horror movie I can find to my collection. However, it's not often that I see a movie announcement and have to react immediately to get it. Sometime back Severin announced the DVD release of the 1991 S.O.V. comedy Franky and His Pals as part of their InterVision Pictures line. The second after I saw the trailer for this odd flick I had to have it. I ordered it whenever I could and waited for it to arrive. It showed a few weeks ago and I couldn't make the time to see it until now. The wait was well worth it because I absolutely had a blast with it.
The film follows Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Wolfman, and their hunchback who are trapped in a cave. That is until Franky gets a bit of indigestion and farts. His ass ripper blows a hole out of the cave and they are able to descend upon the small town down the mountain as they celebrate Halloween. With everyone in costumes they soon find themselves embraced by the locals and the Wolfman even finds love.
I knew this movie was going to be extremely rough but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. In fact, since my first viewing I've watched the film three times. I may be addicted. If you go into this one thinking The Monster Squad you will be very disappointed. However, if you open yourself up to this no budget nonsense then you will really enjoy yourself. The acting in this one is fun but questionable at times. Most of the cast, at least the ones I could find on imdb, have no other credits to their names. They have fun in their roles but several scenes were a little awkward. Funny and entertaining but awkward none the less. The story for this one would turn most horror fans off but for a fan of Halloween films aimed for children I have to say that I fell in love with it. Sure, it does have some humor intended for adults but I could see myself watching this on Halloween with Mr. Boogedy and Ernest Scared Stupid. I really loved the story, the characters personality, and the situation they found themselves in. My biggest complaint about the film is the ending and the fact that no sequel was ever produced. I need some of my indie filmmaker friends to make me a sequel! Finally, this is not a bloody flick. However, it is a funny movie featuring very cheap looking monsters. I really did like Wolfie's mask but the rest of the monsters were dressed for the film's budget. Overall, Franky and His Pals is a movie that most of you will dislike. However, if you like cheap, no budget movies with a fun story and plenty of laughs then this one is for you. No, no one paid me off for this review. I genuinely enjoyed this movie and you will too if you give it a chance.
Director - Seth Breedlove (The Mothman of Point Pleasant, Terror in the Skies)
Starring - Shannon Legro (On the Trail of Bigfoot), Greg Bishop (The Edge of Jonesy, Unidentified: Inside America's UFO Investigation), and Aleksander Petakov (Momo: The Missouri Monster)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Documentary/Sci-Fi
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
I've been a fan of cryptids and cryptozoology for sometime now. The interest sprung up in elementary school when my visits to the library for Goosebumps books took me down the road of bigfoot and other cryptids. I've watched and review several cryptid films and documentaries over the years but I've never found interest in UFOs. Sure, I was raised on The X-Files but my interest in UFO conspiracies ends with that show. However, when Small Town Monsters released On the Trail of UFOs I knew I would have to pick it up and eventually review it...and here I am.
This mini-series follows Seth Breedlove, the Small Town Monsters crew, and podcaster Shannon Legro as they travel through alleged UFO sightings, speaking with witnesses, and attempting to seek answers for questions that many have asked. The documentary series doesn't just regurgitate famous sightings but gives us a historical look at time of the most famous sightings along with newer sightings and why some witnesses never come forward.
I went into this one with an open mind knowing Small Town Monsters has yet to let me down. I typically avoid stuff with this subject matter but I was also curious about the series and I have to say that it was very entertaining. It didn't change my views on the matter but I still had some fun with it. The interviews in this one span different backgrounds. We have interviews from eye witnesses, people that study unidentified sightings, ufologists, and avid believers. The wide array of interviews really shows how deep and widespread sightings are but, much like my opinion mentioned on On the Trail of Bigfoot, I would have loved to hear from skeptics. It would add another layer to the series. The series does jump around from topic to topic and it's not necessarily in chronological order but it fits the theme of each episode which works. If it jumped around from topic to topic with no rhyme or reason it would have created a confusing episode but it doesn't here. Finally, the film is edited smoothly and each episode transitions nicely between each other. The topic is handled well in each episode which makes for an entertaining experience. Overall, On the Trail of UFOs is a fascinating watch but one of the hardest reviews I've had to write. My lack of knowledge on the subject mixed with the uninterest in UFOs made me almost skip the review. However, I did enjoy the series and wanted to share my thoughts on it. Check it out even if you are a skeptic. You will still enjoy it.
Director - Seth Breedlove (The Mothman of Point Pleasant, Beast of Whitehall)
Starring - Seth Breedlove, Loren Coleman (Unsolved Mysteries, Terror in the Skies), and Kathy Moskowitz Strain (Monsterquest)
Release Date - 2019
Genre - Documentary
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
Several years ago I was invited to the premier of Seth Breedlove's The Mothman of Point Pleasant. It was premiering at a historic hotel in Point Pleasant which is just a few hours drive from me. I was speechless. As a West Virginia native and a fan of cryptozoology I was beside myself. I watched the film and spoke with Breedlove a moment after the viewing and became friends with him. I've spoke with him several times since then and reviewed most of his releases for Horror Society. I respect what he has done with his production company Small Town Monsters and the attention he gives each topic of his films. Earlier in the year I purchased his On the Trail of Bigfoot mini-series on DVD with hopes of reviewing it but time got away from me. After watching Slash Dance I wanted to step away from horror for a moment so I decided now was the perfect time to spin it.
The documentary is six episodes long. The series starts with the first recorded sightings of a "wild man" to Native American lore. We move through this to sightings, dangerous encounters, and even scientific studies on their possible migration patterns to better predict exactly where they are going.
It's not often that I get to review a cryptozoology documentary but when I do I really enjoy myself. Especially if it's a topic I don't know that much about. I've been a fan of cryptids for a few decades now and I love the way Small Town Monsters tackles their documentaries. I've been lucky enough to review a few other documentaries on bigfoot but I really enjoy the education aspect that On the Trail of Bigfoot delivers. The interviews in this one is very widespread which really gives you a depth on how far this subject has come over the last few decades. We get interviews from scientists who are attempting to find a pattern of sightings along with their knowledge of predator trails to determine where the creature could possibly be seen next. We also have interviews from historians and experts on bigfoot. We get a run down on some of the most popular sightings and stories along with a little bit of a history lesson about the Native Americans and legends that could be interputed as bigfoot. With that being said, I would love to see an interview from a skeptic just to hear their side of the topic. The film does a great deal to establish the history of sightings so it would have been interesting to hear the thoughts from someone who doesn't believe in it. The film moves in a chronological order. We move from the history of the sightings and the Native mythology to more recent sightings and the studies to find patterns before moving it's way into hunting and tracking. It's a smooth and rational transition between each topic. Finally, the editing and transitions are smooth. I've reviewed a few documentaries in the past for various horror and sci-fi releases where the editing and transitions were rough. The topics jumped sporadically and the films had no real flow. STM has perfected the art of documentary filmmaking and this one flows very well. Overall, On the Trail of Bigfoot is a very informative and interesting look at America's favorite cryptid. Small Town Monsters gives this creature the love and care is rightfully deserves. Fans of cryptozoology will want to check this one out.
Director - James Shyman (Hollywood's New Blood)
Starring - Cindy Ferda (Kenan & Kel, GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling), James Carroll Jordan (Tales of the Unexpected, Are You Afraid of the Dark?), and J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner (Robot Holocaust, Necropolis)
Release Date - 1989
Genre - Comedy/Thriller/Mystery
Tagline - "Save the last dance...for hell"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
A few months ago I was browsing through social media when I spotted a post from Verboden Video about their release of the 1989 film Slash Dance. Some of you may recall Verboden several years back when I reviewed their release of the S.O.V. horror flick Holy Moly. I was curious about the film and went ahead and ordered a copy for my collection. I wasn't going to watch it right away but I was too curious about the film to wait. As soon as I had a second to check it out I had to toss it in to see if it was as fun as the cover lead me to believe.
The film follows an undercover cop who joins a theatrical production in order to catch a murderer who is killing dancers at the theater. She falls in love with the director and starts to suspect that the odd stage hand is the culprit. However, the stage hand dies from the accident and she soon uncovers the real killer is closer to her than she thought.
I went into this one very fucking excited. I love coming across slashers that I had never heard of and the fact that it was one from the late 80s made me even more excited to see it. Sadly, the movie was nothing like I thought it was. In fact, if vaguely even a slasher. I was very disappointed in this one. The acting in this one was surprisingly well done. Cindy Ferda is absolutely fantastic in her role. She acts circles around MOST of the cast in the film. I'm absolutely shocked that that her imdb career is so small. I was also blown away by James Carroll Jordan who is the only cast member to stand toe to toe with Ferda. The supporting cast deliver some fun and oddball characters but their performances are definitely lacking when compared to these two. The story for this one is not what I was expecting. The title is perfect for an 80s slasher but the film itself plays out like a made for television murder mystery with humor scattered throughout. Sadly, the painfully dull scenes and the tedious dialogue makes it a tough one to sit through. Finally, the film does have a few deaths with a little blood and light practical effects. Sadly, the kills we do get are easily forgettable and can be compared to the stuff you could see on shows like Murder, She Wrote. Overall, Slash Dance was a bit of a disappointment. It could have been fun with some friends and beer but it was a rough watch sober.
I wanted to keep the sleazy movie fun going after watching and reviewing The Lady Kills. It only made sense to toss in the second film in the set which is 1972's Pervertissima. This film was also directed by van Belle and featured on the same blu release. I once again want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!
