|
 
August 2009 ~ October 2009
2009 ~ Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto
I fucking love the Japanese film market! They have been becoming more and more bizarre with every year that passes by us. And the best part about it is that none of it ever has to make sense. Japan is known for more than just radioactive monsters trashing Tokyo. Films like Battle Royale and The Seven Samurai are heavy in storyline and more than exceptional performances. Nowadays, the outrageous set pieces, FX, and just plain lunacy run rampant in Asian cinema. And Magnet's release of Big Man Japan directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto.
Masaru Daisato (Hitoshi Matsumoto) is Big Man Japan. A middle aged man who inherited the job of defending Japan against dastardly foes like The Stink Monster! Occasionally growing to a 40 ft. behemoth, Big Man Japan either overpowers his enemies or finds a weakness to defeat them. Masaru sometimes wonders about whether his purpose is a curse or not as he is sometimes reluctant to fight.
Definitely for acquired tastes, Big Man Japan is truly an original. Never mind all the American superhero films of late as none of them could hold a candle to the outrageousness of BMJ. It does hold very true to the typical 'monsters smashing buildings' while wearing rubber suits, so in that aspect its fun. But also there is some surprising CGI effects that go beyond the conventional that pop right off the screen. But what else would you expect from Japan? What is normal in Japan should be considered surreal and weird in the states. But that is a major part of its appeal. Its certainly not a horror film though. And don't let the ending think it was all for nothing.
Presented in widescreen 1.85:1 with Dolby Digital sound. Picture appears soft but acceptable. Extras include making of and deleted scenes.
Big Man Japan is truly a bizarre film. Maybe a bit too bizarre. I like weird, but this clears allot of levels. While not a horror film, horror fans should get the biggest kick from the monsters. I know I did. Check it out.
B -Rabid Rich
2007 ~ Director: Jonathan Lewis
There are two kinds of blaxsploitation films out there. One totally degrades the black race with no feeling of guilt or remorse (Goodbye Uncle Tom). Others utilize the humorous aspect, many times unintentionally (Dolemite, The Human Tornado). Now a third can be created for the list---the kind that does both at the same time. Back in 1984, Black Devil Doll from Hell, spilled out on VHS with its shoddy production, lame acting, boring and ugly characters, and terrible scoring and editing. It made it mark on the black market and became somewhat of a cult film. Now director Jonathan Lewis has updated this piece of schlock filmmaking with Black Devil Doll released by Lowest Common Denominator Films.
Young, busty, sexy, and baby-faced Heather (Heather Murphy) lives along in her house with a Ouija board and her ventriloquist dummy. When watching about the execution of a black militant who killed white girls, his soul enters her ventriloquist dummy and transforms himself into the Black Devil Doll. Now armed with an afro and a knife, he "befriends" Heather and her young, sexy, buxom friends (Natasha, Candi, Buffy, and Bambi) gets fucked, then killed (at times visa versa). Heather, who dumps her boyfriend White-T (Martin Boone) for the Black Devil Doll, then fights for her own life, topless and brandishing a gun!
This is exploitation, pure and simple. Its simplistically clever and just in your face funny. Never meant to be taken seriously at all. The acting is something to be desired. But films like this were never known for its acting. But Black Devil Doll is the centerpiece of the film and if you're not into nice, big, round, firm, luscious, mouth watering, big, bouncy, sexy, nubile, fake tits, then your eyes will be placed firmly on BDD. I imagine that the actresses tried their best. But when you're main reasoning to be in the film is being nude, I guess acting is on the back burner. But it took 3 viewings to realize they were even saying anything. The blood is definitely there too. Chunks and squirt-on-the-wall variety, this film was obviously made on the cheap. What does stand out among the rest is the opening credit sequence. Very James Bond-ish, sexy and funny. And the score has that soul funky flavor that is too syrupy to hate.
The DVD is presented widescreen with 5.1 Dolby. Extras include 5(!) commentaries (including one from BDD himself), theatrical openings, photos, and trailers. The picture suffers from some slight softness. Hard to tell if this was a purposeful move or not, but maybe they should've gone a little sharper.
No matter what you like, its here. Toilet humor, racist humor, sexy, busty, young girls constantly naked or in a state of sexual positioning, Black Devil Doll has it all. So go ahead and have a Black Devil Doll Day!
A -Rabid Rich
1986 ~ Director: Buddy Giovinazzo
Films can trigger a hardcore reality on the unsuspecting public. Films that just bore a hole right in the middle of your gut like sulfuric acid. In 1984, aspiring director Buddy Giovinazzo let loose a film in which there are no winners, happiness, or even good intentions. American Nightmare, bought and distributed by Troma, was unleashed to the movie going public as what we now know as Combat Shock in 1986. Mistakenly viewed as a war film (thanks to the misleading poster art), many audiences left due to the bleak reality of life in the 1980's. Depraved and mean-spirited, Combat Shock continues to this day as a brutal metaphor for today's world. And now its been re-released in a 2 DVD set by Troma.
Vietnam war vet Frankie Dunlan (Rick Giovinazzo), along with an agonizingly nagging wife Cathy (Veronica Stork) and their Agent Orange baby live in a veritable pisshole of an apartment. With no food, money, or any means of survival, Frankie walks the streets of Staten Island for any job he can get his hands on. Meeting with his job counselor is proven pointless. His wealthy father, who thought Frankie died in the war, cannot make amends with his son (claiming he's lost all his money along with failing health). On top of it all, loan sharks and pitiful heroin addicts complicate his day. Jobless, homeless, and penniless, Frankie takes matters in his own hands of an almost biblical level.
Make no mistake about the Troma label-Combat Shock pulls no punches as it is the most extreme parallel film compared to what Troma is best known for. Its gritty, ugly, at times nihilistic, and very real. Shot in Staten Island with no permits, this film was condemned by the New York Tourist Committee as showing the bad side of Staten Island with filth and graffiti everywhere. Non-actor Giovinazzo brings Frankie to pathetic, disgusting life with the overall greasy appearance of a bum. In fact, all the performances are amplified by the locations.
The DVD is presented 1.37:1 in mono sound. The picture, despite being its ever been, is still soft overall. But that just adds to the guerilla style filmmaking placed in Combat Shock. Extras include the 100 minute version of American Nightmare, audio commentary, documentaries and featurettes, interviews (quite disturbing is Buddy G's 2006 interview), locations revisited, and trailers.
Lloyd Kaufman should be hailed as a genius for seeing this brilliance of an all to real America. Buddy Giovinazzo should also be hailed as a genius for bravery, as most film fans shun at the sight of such a stark realism. This is a horror film in the truest manner. And the state of affairs today, it could happen to you.
A+ -Rabid Rich
2009 ~ Director: Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi has finally returned to the realm of horror! Thank Christ! If we want to talk straight horror, we are talking since 1983! Over 25 years! Naturally, Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn can be considered an exception, but that was more comedic with horror components involved. And while some may think its better than the original Evil Dead, that film was far scarier, plus proving many wrong that an independent horror film can make a director into A list popularity. Raimi bounced through many genres from thrillers to dramas, to the now extremely popular comics book adaptation of the Spider-Man trilogy. Now Raimi has come back with his own Ghosthouse label to release Drag Me to Hell.
Up and coming hungry young banker Christine Brown (wonderfully played the sexy Alison Lohman) is desperately working hard, yet has difficulty developing a backbone for the more arduous decisions, to become assistant manager in her branch. Boss Mr. Jacks (David Paymer) has the difficult choice between her and another up and comer who has been there mere months, yet has the chutzpah to get the job done. When Christine regretfully declines an extension on a house payment to old country woman Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver), the poor woman is left to live on the streets. But not before placing an evil curse on her, haunting her, and physically attacking her. Her boyfriend Clay Dalton (Justin Long), a promising doctor whose mother feels that he should be seeing a higher class of woman, is adamant at first, but then helps her- along with the help of a psychic Rham Jas (Dileep Rao-in the film's best performance). After sequences with insects, outrageous nose bleeds, and utter terror, Christine needs to find a way to break the curse in 72 hours, or spend eternity in hell.
Drag Me to Hell is quite a shocker-on many levels. One is that Raimi is finally back in the area that started his career. Two: This was a flat out horror film with almost no levity involved. Three: No Bruce Campbell. Four: An acceptable amount of blood. Five: Horrid CGI. Six: When you look at Raimi's body of work, you'll notice something that he hasn't done since the original ending to Army of Darkness. But the film is paced very nicely and we are actually given enough time to know the characters to actually care about them. And don't forget to look for the 1973 Delta 88!!! Lorna Raver as Mrs. Ganush can be quite terrifying and the make up for her "old country" appearance is as good as it gets. Solid storytelling by Sam and brother Ivan, giving a sense of the old EC Comics. Now the only drawback would be the absolutely bad CGI-the gore in. Though Raimi does treat us to a nosebleed that is savory in that Japanese Yakuza style.
The DVD is unrated with a widescreen 2.35:1 ratio and Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Extras include a commentary, featurettes, and trailers. Colors are sharp (maybe too sharp as it does tend to show the CGI in a bad light) and crank the woofers! This film sounds great!
Originally, I avoided this film when it hit the theaters. Thinking that Sam Raimi forgot how to make a roller coaster ride of a horror film was a big mistake on my part. Excellent production values and performances by everyone involved, Drag Me to Hell is a welcome fun time in a world over saturated with needless remakes.
A- -Rabid Rich
2009 ~ Director: Chris Conlee
Are zombie films getting out of hand? Sure. For what seems like forever, the zombie sub genre has established itself as the predominant horror taste of horror fans (and non fans) alike. Its the simplicity of these blue collar killers that has made them such an easy mark for any filmmaker. Infected person bites another, and the disease spreads. And while some have made this their mantra as a career, others find the easiness of making such a film to be very attractive. Such is the case of director Chris Conlee's Evilution, distributed by BrinkDVD.
Ex-Iraqi vet Darren Hall (Eric Peter-Kaiser) lives alone in what could only be called a basement for an apartment. In said apartment, he holds a biological secret that resides from another world. A secret that kills and brings the dead back to life, hungry for human flesh. Add three gangbangers Random, Killah-B, and Asia Mark (Noel Gugliemi, Guillermo Diaz, and James Duval) along the with token hottie Madeline (Sandra Ramirez) and much-o flesh-o could be eaten.
Outside of the opening 10 minute sequence, this film is just playing by the numbers. They try to create something "new" with the Iraqi involvement, but anyone could see through such a thinly veiled guise. The zombies don't know whether to be fast or slow as well as sounding like ravaged animal zombies in the Dawn of the Dead redux, the sound effects sound like they came from a standard track, and if you listen closely to the score, you could swear that some of The Shining could be heard. the acting is two dimensional at best. And token hottie Madeline (who is one of the sexiest girls to saunter through a horror film this year), makes love with clothes on. So you kinda know that if you can't get any decent boobage in here, the filmmakers are sort of reluctant to push any kind of envelope.
The DVD is presented in anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1 with 5.1 Surround Sound. Extras include a commentary, behind the scenes, and trailer.
There is no evolution in Evilution. And that fact got frustrating really fast. Nothing big will happen to give this film a slight push. Expect 90 minutes of your life wasted.
D+ -Rabid Rich
2009 ~ Director: JJ Connelly
Here's the great thing about gothic chicks: No matter what you look like, you're hot. It might be the only personality that makes any girl look sexy. Thin, fat, short, or tall, the gothic look is drop dead gorgeous to me. Gothism has made itself known with the internet (and other avenues) of the Suicide Girls. Fishnets, pale skin, and black eyeliner knows how to find its way into this man's little black heart. And this film called Gothkill, directed by J.J. Connelly and distributed by Wild Eye Releasing.
Gothic priest Nick Dread (Flambeaux) is sent up the river for killing many of his loyal followers during a black prayer's circle and destined to die by hanging. Dread feels when he does die, he will have thousands of followers, only to find out he's alone in his own "kingdom". Annie (Erica Giovinazzo), new to New York, moves in with her best friend Kate (Eve Blackwater) and is fascinated by her new gothy appearance. Annie takes in the ambience of a party at a Goth nightclub and both become victim to Nick Dread's attempt to resurrect himself in the body of Annie.
Needless to say, this plot is pretty flimsy. There would have more meat on its bones if the characters were more fleshed out. Seeing real Suicide Girls in the film does give it a sexy realism as they aren't afraid to do what needed to be done onscreen. That said, the Suicide Gils give the best performances. The FX are gag store variety and really not given much of a chance to be used to its full effect. The soundtrack does pump the film some life, but the poor performances and thinly veiled plot drown everything else out.
The DVD presented here is letterboxed. Extras include a video commentary, Q&A, live Gothkill performance, stills, and trailers.
A brief running time of 75 minutes doesn't necessarily hurt the film. Keep in mind this is an independent film (made in 2006), so some credit must be given to director Connelly. But if you want Suicide Girls in action, there's nowhere else to go but Gothkill.
B -Rabid Rich
2009 ~ Director: Rob Zombie
Rob "Kiss My Ass If You Don't Like My Movies" Zombie has gone back and forth lately with his output. First, there was House of 1000 Corpses. A decent effort from first time director Zombie. But after looking at The Devil's Rejects a few years later, its easy to rip apart his freshman effort as it just comes across as goofy, riddled with one-liners as a desperate need to have an audience remember the film. The Devils Rejects is an outstanding road trip film that is 100's times tougher than its predecessor. Zombie came back with his "reimagining" (bullshit phrase if there ever was one) of Halloween. With an incredible depiction of the evil that lies within young murderer Michael Myers, Halloween shouldn't be dispensed so quickly as it is a thorough and violent film with plenty of replay value. Halloween 2 is a tour de force of inane images and dialogue that made the audience uncomfortable with embarrassment. But now Zombie has his animated feature The Haunted World of El SuperBeasto unleashed to the world with help from Anchor Bay.
Washed up Mexican wrestler El SuperBeasto (Tom Papa) and his sexy siren sidekick Suzie-X (Sherri Moon Zombie) have to stop the treacherous and evil Dr. Satan (Paul Giamatti) from forcing marriage to the sultry, yet foul-mouthed stripper Velvet Von Black (Rosario Dawson).
May not seem like much of a plot. But in a Rob Zombie universe, you always get more than you bargain for. And in the case of El SuperBeasto, I'm not complaining. Full of fire, bad jokes, cameos so far up the ass that Hal Needham (of Cannonball Run fame) would get dizzy. Tura Satana, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, Dee Wallace, Danny Trejo, Geoffrey Lewis, Brian Posehn, Clint Howard, Cassandra Petersen, and Ken Foree all attribute to this adaptation of the Zombie comics series. Oh yeah, I cannot forget the nudity! More hand drawn tits you could shake a stick of dynamite at. No shortage of blood either and the severed tongue is firmly in its own cheek.
The DVD is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen with Dolby surround sound. Extras include deleted scenes and shots and alternative scenes. The colors pops nicely off the screen and the sound is very clear.
Coming what looks like from the mind of Ralph Bakshi, Zombie's work here is a damn fine effort. Its corny fun, but its a cartoon. What more do you want? Check it out!
A -Rabid Rich
2008 ~ Director: Jamie Blanks
What can I say about this movie? It wasn’t scary and only mildly interesting.
I did take pleasure in seeing these two assholes get just what they deserved.
The story revolves around a couple (Jim Caviezel and Claudia Karvan) who are obviously having marital problems. The film doesn’t expand on what kinds of problems, but it’s clear that these two are a lot like the characters Jason Sudeikis and Kristin Wiig play in that Two A—holes skit from SNL. For some reason these two are on some sort of weekend away from it all with plans to meet up with another couple, but Caviezel takes a wrong turn and the couple winds up lost in the woods. Instead of moving on and trying to find their way back or trying to find their friends, the couple decides to stay where they are and the two slowly lose their grip on reality. Caviezel is the complete antithesis of his character in The Passion, drinking heavily for no reason whatsoever and just being a complete douche.
A remake of a 1978 film entitled Lost Weekend, this film fails to deliver anything more than simply waiting for the two characters to die. The entire film would have made a better short movie than trying to drag it out to a full length release. It would make a good MST3K film or just something to watch on a Saturday afternoon on Syfy.
C -Choppy
1965 ~ Director: Roman Polanski
Being famous is a double-edged sword. The fame is nice, but when you fuck up, fame could be your worst enemy. And despite all the news that has hit Roman Polanski over the past few weeks, the fact that the man is a talented director is undeniable. The Tenant, Rosemary's Baby, Pirates, and Chinatown are all incredible examples of this man's passion for filmmaking. But psychological terror is grasped firmly in his hand with his 1965 effort Repulsion, redistributed by Criterion.
Carole (Catherine Deneuve) is a shy, timid, and sexually repressed young woman who lives with her outgoing and loud sister Helen (Yvonne Ferneaux). Outgoing Helen, who found herself a new beau, decides to leave Carole alone for the weekend as she gallivants around the big cities. Carole then begins a downward spiral in insanity fearing rape from men who simply approach her, hands coming from walls, and finally boarding herself into her own personal hell. Distrusting everyone who comes her way with a fury of violence and paranoia. When Helen and her boyfriend return, the reasoning behind Carole's actions are finally revealed.
Repulsion is a true journey into insanity where the mind is the victim and the victor. Creating her own personal demons is like waking up from a bad dream. You can't escape them and it only gets worse until someone interjects. Deneuve is incredible with a performance that ranks past Anthony Perkins in Psycho. Perkins' character's insanity is caused by outside influence. Deneuve's character's insanity is created all on her own, thereby making her more harrowing and sad. The black and white photography is beautifully shot with scenes that clearly influenced directors like Dario Argento.
Presented in widescreen 1.66:1 ratio with monaural sound. The picture is gorgeous with shadows giving a deep, rich texture. Extras include a commentary (by Polanski and Deneuve carried from the laserdisc release), documentaries, trailers and an informing booklet.
Repulsion is one of those rare films that is carried by a single actress released in the UK. Polanski placed lots of trust in Deneuve obviously to carry a film of this magnitude. Powerful and disturbing, Repulsion should receive a serious look by horror fans as a better project than Rosemary's Baby. But that is a different animal. The Tenant rolls along the same road, but not with as much force at Repulsion. Criterion should be commended as this should rank in their top 3 releases.
A+ -Rabid Rich
2008 ~ Director: Michael Dougherty
Anthologies are alot of fun, particularly in the horror genre. Instead of trouncing through a story that has needless scenes and worthless scares just to pad out a running time is the worst way to try to keep a viewer entertained. Hershel Gordon Lewis said it best, "Always keep the audience entertained....always.". Excellent philosophy from someone who made a film about centennial hillbillies killing tourists! And anthologies are always a tight, taut series of short stories, usually 3 or 4, even 5 at a time. And director Michael Dougherty along with Warner Home Video, will attempt to show you a new meaning of Trick 'r Treat.
Filmed in the tradition of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, a quartet of characters, in their own separate storyline, all mesh as one large story. One involves a couple in which a mans wife is found slaughtered. Another involves children talking about an old story of a bus driver paid to rid parents of their "special children". Another is about a man who kills children for stealing Halloween candy. Another involves an old man being haunted by a sack headed little person simply known as Sam. The best involves 4 hotties going to a bonfire Halloween party, inviting many men for the festivities, with horrifying conclusions.
The acting in Trick 'r Treat is pretty solid all around and the girls at the bonfires a fucking smoking hot! But what really attracted me to TrT is the combining of the storylines. They will mesh into one and will require multiple viewings because there will be things that you will oversee and say, "But what about this or that?". In the end, it all come full circle. Plus, and this is a rarity in American horror, the atmosphere and lighting is some of the best I have ever seen. Misty, foggy air in wooded areas are up to Hammer status. Christopher Lee would be proud of the efforts put into the moody, gothic feel of everyday suburban America. Updated from a 1996 animated short and one of the producers being Bryan (Superman Returns) Singer.
Widescreen presentation in 2.40:1. A little soft in some areas, but otherwise sharp. Extra include said animated short. So much more should've been added as there is plenty to gawk over and be amazed at.
That said, Trick 'r Treat is a fun time that can be coupled with John Carpenter's Halloween for a fun night of fear. Interestingly shot with some black humor here and there, and OH THAT MOOD.....Trick 'r Treat is a must see for anyone who wants something familiar with a little twist. Awwww hell!!! Its for everyone! But there should've been more in the way of extras.
A -Rabid Rich
|
