BTSNAT 2.5: BTS Bandits!

Back in Austin at Brian Kelley's home for another awesome installment of BTSNAT! Different set of people for this marathon sitting but still an excellent group to watch movies together for 16+ hours.

As with the last BTSNAT in December, @Noahphex leads with his pick of Scavenger Hunt (1979), a film I had recently watched most of when I discovered it was OOP. Amazing cast yet overly long. Still a fun watch to see these actors interact. Richard Benjamin, Scatman Crothers, Cloris Leachman, Roddy McDowall, Tony Randall, Dirk Benedict, et al. 6 / 10

Next was Micah's (@ReelDistraction) choice of Daryl Duke's Payday (1973), a Rip Torn joint I had seen in recent years after GGTMC covered it. Incredible performance, good film and great ending for this pathetic honky-tonk man. 7 / 10

Josh (@VHSisthetruth) couldn't make this time but provided a hilarious video intro for his film Science Crazed (1991), which is equally hilarious for different reasons. This Canuxploitation film defies all and is nearly inexplicable with its repeated use of footage and bizarre horror. Incredible film bad in every conceivable way yet you cannot stop escape it. 5 / 10 (but one I desperately want to own!)

The only way to follow that was with a little rape-revenge, BK's favorite sub-genre, with his choice of Naked Vengeance (1985). Sleazy and brutal as expected that delivers the goods. Solid entry. 7 / 10

I did locate an adequate David Prior flick for my selection with The Final Sanction (1990), starring his brother Ted Prior along side Robert Z'Dar. Kind of a ridiculous premise to pit two warriors against each to decide a greater outcome between two nations but just go with it. Stupid but good enough for this crowd, thankfully. 6.6 / 10

Jenni, @Noahphex's wife, joined us for this outing and her film was voted next, The Search for Animal Chin (1987). I adore this film and the on-location skating and shredding including the half-pipe at Tony Hawk's home. Good fun and apparently a flick my brother watched a hella lot back in the day. 7.5 / 10

Now it was time for Damon's (@zombiefreak) movie (so glad Damon make the trip as he was missed in December). His original choice wouldn't play but his back-up proved just as worthy as we belly-laughed throughout Pledge Night a.k.a. A Hazing in Hell (1990). Damn riot of a horror flick that is great with a crowd. 7.5 / 10

The final film of the BTSNAT marathon is always a Brian Trenchard-Smith movie. We were treated to his take on the Porky's franchise, Pimpin' Pee Wee (2009) a.k.a. Porky's: The College Years. Been looking forward to this since BK mentioned it at the last BTSNAT. Turns out it's a better-than-average installment that all of us managed to remain awake and entertained. 6.7 / 10

Somehow we managed to cram in an extra film and still finish before 5AM but damn what a marathon of movies and an even better time with friends. So glad I could make it down for BTSNAT 2.5 and hope I'm there for the next one.

• June New: 21
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 24
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 340
  

Dead Heat

Now that the girlfriend is on her way to the Dominican Republic, I'm back to watching movies. From Instawatch I dropped in an old sex comedy H.O.T.S. (1979), which I had only seen parts of thru the years. Yeah, this is dumb film but certainly watchable for those that dig these (as I do). It's the familiar story of outcast girls starting their own sorority as some crooks fall in to steal their money from a fundraiser. Playboy Playmate Susan Lynn Kiger leads the pack, and Danny Bonaduce even has a somewhat prominent role. Dumb fun. 6 / 10

Dead Man's Shoes (2004) was twitter rec based on some Paddy Considine discussion. Another cool flick I wished I had seen sooner. And one I'd also recommend. Well crafted story of a man who returns to avenge the brutality weighed on his brother by a group of hoodlums. Very worthy Shane Meadows joint. 7 / 10

• May New: 37
• May Re-watch: 4
• May '11 Total: 41
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 309
  

Spenser For Hire

When perusing OnDemand titles I saw that The Ice Pirates (1984) was available in HD! High Def, people! Having somehow missed this treasure and loving the heck outta Robert Urich, this was a no-brainer. Man oh man do I heart this movie. It's like everything I want in a cheesy space western adventure movie. I would own this on Blu-ray. 7 / 10

Finally made it out to see Thor (2011). Parts of it I really like and other parts are just meh. It's a mixed bag that mostly works and saved by breakout performance by Chris Hemsworth. The Hawkeye cameo wasn't needed but it made me smile. Agreed that Natalie Portman's character was paper thin but she looks terrific. Sadly the Warrior Three are wasted but it's a rewatchable flick. 7 / 10

Dipped in my Greydon Clark DVDs I picked up from HorrorHound Weekend and gave Angels' Brigade (1979) a watch. Sublime silliness. Goofy entertainment. Plus Jack Palance and Jim Backus! The tagline: "Seven super sexy girls take on the bad guys in an explosion of wild action, crazy stunts, and loads of laughs!" Now doesn't that make you wanna see this film? 6 / 10

• May New: 22
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 24
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 292
  

Skate Sourcing

Flew back to Chicago today from San Jose. On the plane I watched a couple of films via my macbook. First up was a Albert Pyun joint Nemesis 2: Nebula (1995), which is a sequel to a film I haven't seen. Doesn't really matter as this isn't really a good flick but decent enough with a few highlights. One included an amazing high tower drop that looks amazing. 6/10

Next up was a film I've been wanting to see for a while, Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979). This really nails the skate culture that I grew up with hitting my very own Skateland in East Moline every Friday night. Love seeing the young Patrick Swayze. Not to mention Scott Baio, Maureen McCormick, and Billy Barty! This needs a proper release. 7/10

As soon as I arrived home I headed out to AMC Showplace for a late screening of Duncan Jones' newest Source Code (2011). I really like the sci-fi of this flick and being set in Chicago is a bonus. Very enjoyable popcorn flick. 8/10

• April New: 3
• April Re-watch: 1
• April '11 Total: 4
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 233
  

Friday for Film Watching

Friday before movie night and I'm watching Charlie Sheen do coke and steal Porsche cars with an undercover cop D.B. Sweeney in No Man's Land (1987). Don't think Charlie was acting. Plus Bill Duke! 6.5/10

Oh, and Hot Dog... The Movie (1984) is also on MGMHD. Been ages since I've seen this. Shannon Tweed is smoking. Oh, David Naughton! 6/10

Back to my blindspot list for Woody Allen's Manhattan (1979), another one I didn't care so much about back in the day. Now it's a delight. Mariel Hemingway shouldn't have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Diane Keaton is excellent. 8/10

Another blindspot is Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful (1997), which did a good job of sucking me in. Had no interest in viewing this but now I'm very happy I have. Charming and heartbreaking. 8/10

Parasite (1982), the really bad post-apocalyptic flick with Demi Moore's first feature film role. Fun practical effects and very watchable despite being an awful film. Yeah, Charles Band. 5.5/10

• February New: 44
• February Re-watch: 1
• February '11 Total: 45
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 136
  

Eviction Hell

The Evictors (1979) could be classified as an old grindhouse type of flick. Pretty sleazy film about a couple (Michael Parks & Jessica Harper) that moves into a house with a sordid history. The town folks want them out. 6.3/10

Devil's Dynamite (1987) via NWI is another Godfrey Ho head-scratcher. Involves hopping vampires and a man that turns into a hero clad in a spaceman suit. Watched it twice but still didn't quite know what was going on. 5/10

Iced (1988) was the Horror Movie Night selection and it's pretty damn funny about a group of people that return to a ski resort and get killed one by one. Enjoyable. Also features a naked Lisa Loring (Wednesday Addams). 6/10

• February New: 6
• February Re-watch: 0
• February '11 Total: 6
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 97
  

Religious Nightmare

H.G. Wells' The Shape of Things to Come (1979) is pretty damn stupid but man do I love stupid, esp. when it's sci-fi stupid. Looks like it was filmed at Epcot Center and an old refinery. Jack Palance is typically a ham. Anne-Marie Martin looks sweet in her space outfit. Silly stupid. 6/10

Had not watched Michele Soavi's The Church (1989) all the way through but thanks to Netflix Instant I finally made that happen. Really awesome flick with an even more awesome "body statue" and excellent finale. 7/10

Pulling a three-fer on NWI I absorbed Dreamaniac (1986) since @ReelDistraction mentioned it in his Neflix Instant genre post. Wowsa is this a pretty awful and awfully fun horror flick about a dude that raises a succubus to make him a winner with the ladies. Features some great kills including a bloody cock bite. Also I think this is porn star Ashlyn Gere's first feature film. 6/10

• February New: 3
• February Re-watch: 0
• February '11 Total: 3
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 94
  

B-Fest 2011 - Part One

The 31st B-Fest kicked off at Norris University Center on the campus of Northwestern University and I was there for my first time. I've been tempted in the past but could never pull the trigger fearful of what I might encounter based on the stories I've heard. But this year, with some coaxing, I finally gave in and I'm glad I could share in the communal experience of watching and berating some truly awful films in an auditorium full of like-minded cinema masochists.

Arrived with all my provisions (snacks, drinks, pillow, flashlight, etc.) approximately 30 minutes before start time. However, the long line waiting for their "official" ticket proved this B-Fest would hold true to tradition and not start on time. No great shakes as I was able to secure a good spot for my things before jumping in line and waiting with the rest of the eager throng, some of whom flew in for this annual event.

With nearly everyone now inside and seated and rowdy as all hell, the A&O staff came on to set the proceedings in motion with the first flick The Pumaman (1980) featuring Walter George Alton as Pumaman with Donald Pleasence as his nemesis. This film is currently rated #47 in the bottom 100 at imdb to give you an idea of the quality of the B-Fest kick-off film. The crowd was so enthusiastic the film audio was completely inaudible. It mattered not for this film as it was clear what was happening and loud audience commentary was a helluva lot funnier anyways. 5.5/10

Due to the late start the next film immediately commenced with break. It was the infamous Chuck Norris & dog cop flick Top Dog (1995). I believe Chuck Norris has been an annual staple of B-Fest for a few years now and here he did not disappoint with this corny film where this dog & cop duo thwart a terrorist plot to kill the pope or bishop or someone dressed as a pope. Or bishop. Top Dog would become a running joke throughout the duration of B-Fest. 5/10

Next up was a real dreck of film called Mama Dracula (1980) that had viewers screaming for it to end. The plot involves a lady vamp who needs to bath in the blood of virgins to remain vital but has a problem with virgin collection. Her dorky twin vampire sons, if you will, kidnap young women while another woman infiltrates their ruse to become the heir apparent. This is a terrible film in that it's so dumb and tedious but I could see watching this on my own had I not seen it here. 4/10

As B-Fest tradition goes it was now 11:45pm and time for the annual 16mm screening of The Wizard of Speed and Time (1979) short film with chunk of attendees on stage providing additional sound effects. Then it was shown upside down in reverse! Only at B-Fest, folks! Would love to see to the long form film of this someday.

The second part of that tradition is the midnight screening of Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space (1958), which has reached a near Rocky Horror-like magnitude with the customary callouts and props. Viewing this legendary bad film in this environment might be the only way to endure repeat viewings. Participation includes such things like shouting "Bela!" when the real Bela Lugosi appears and "Not Bela!" when his stand-in is onscreen; shouting "Tor!" whenever Tor Johnson is onscreen; shouting "Hot!" when Vampira appears. Of course, the big thing when there's a flying saucer, everyone throws decorated paper plates into the air. Hundreds of plates, many with some very creative images and words, are tossed making for a very entertaining experience during a dreadful film. Give this a 5/10 for that alone.

Stay tuned for B-Fest 2011 Part Two!

• January New: 67
• January Re-watch: 11
• January '11 Total: 78
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 78
  

Hidden Cutter

Michael Haneke's Caché (2005) falls into blindspot territory because it's so highly rated and regarded. Believe I've picked this up before intending to watch but never made the time for it. Finally sat down and gave the film its due. Definitely a well-crafted mystery but didn't wow me as I thought it might after the great build-up. I think that's because the final arc really falls flat with no clear resolution. Daniel Auteuil is very good carrying the film but I think I just wanted more. And I want his apartment in the flick. 6.7/10

Forgotten Warrior (1986) was my VHS pick this week and it's basically a Rambo clone with a fraction of the production values. But a thoroughly enjoyable man on a mission flick as Ron Marchini, our protagonist seeks revenge on his friend who betrays him and karate chops his way through the jungle. Fun watch. 6/10

Concluded my Peter Yates tribute this week with Breaking Away (1979), a film I saw so long ago I had forgotten most of it (except for the bike race). All the drama with the Cutters leading up to that finish seemed all new to me and it's really solid material. Love seeing the young Quaid and Stern stirring shit up. Great, great film. Thank you and RIP, Mr. Yates. 8.2/10

Finished my evening with a mandatory blu-ray, The Transporter (2002), which I haven't seen in a few years. BD looks really good and still an entertaining flick. Shu Qi is really adorable. Wish she was able to crossover into western cinema. Some of the action sequences are pretty ridiculous but so much fun. Wish the sequels lived up this one. 7.6/10

• January New: 52
• January Re-watch: 8
• January '11 Total: 60
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 60
  

Demons & Dragons

Tatsu no ko Tarô (1979) a.k.a. Taro the Dragon Boy is a cute feature animation adapted from a Miyoko Matsutani novel that delves into Japanese folklore about the quest of one boy looking for his mother. Along the way he uses his special powers to help starving villagers. Very enjoyable watch. Fulfills my goal of viewing one Japanese film this week! 7.4/10

The 400 Blows (1959) is marvelous! Directed by Francois Truffaut, it's easy to become so involved that you forget this is a child actor playing the main role of kid on the run. This is another blindspot film even though that goal has been hit this week. Don't mind because I've been wanting to view this. 7.8/10

• January New: 8
• January Re-watch: 2
• January '11 Total: 10
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 10
  

Frosty Bees

On my flight we were treated to the trivial Ramona and Beezus (2010), a film I know I wouldn't have watched any other way. I can appreciate that this is a film made for a much younger audience but it's disappointing that American Airlines would choose this for in-flight. It plays more like a movie made for TV and Ramona's antics are grating. 4.5/10

Now in San Jose, during some channel surfing I landed upon the start of Jack Frost (1979), a Rankin and Bass stopmo that I don't recall having seen. It's pretty good too! Basically Jack Frost falls in love with a human girl and wants to human. He's granted his wish if he can complete tasks given to him before the spring thaw. There is an evil King, Kubla Kraus, that stirs up trouble that forces Jack to resume his powers to help the village. Very enjoyable and swell watching with my girlfriend who was also amused. 7/10

• December New: 56
• December Re-watch: 6
• December Total: 62
• 2010 TOTAL: 779
  

1 Ninja 2 Ninja Red Ninja Ghost Ninja

Time to return to Chicago. Another flight and still no decent in-flight film that I haven't already seen. Decided to watch another Godfrey Ho ninja flick on the flight and it was Diamond Ninja Force (1986). Strangely, it begins with Sho Kosugi providing a brief katana demonstration before the film. This ninja flick is more horror with an evil seductress spirit that appears and haunts a family. Features black ninjas, a red ninja, and ghost ninja! Mostly a head-scratcher but still comical as you'd expect from Ho. 6/10

Got home and queued up Thirst (1979) on NWI because I've been thirsting more Henry Silva. Not a great film back pretty good watch about a secret cult of vampire wannabes who attempt to get the main girl to drink blood and become one of them. I like it and the atmosphere. 6.5/10

That's a wrap on November!

• November New: 53
• November Re-watch: 6
• November Total: 59
• 2010 TOTAL: 717
  

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Wow, oh man, wow. Wicked, Wicked (1973) is a little gem I DVR'd from TCM that despite being a "gimmick" film doesn't get enough credit (or a proper DVD release!). I just love this film and its "gimmick" which really isn't a gimmick when you consider all the movies have used this particular technique of split-screen in a major motion picture. But at least this film sticks with its "Duo-Vision" for the duration making for a very entertaining watch for a murder mystery at Hotel del Coronado on the coast of San Diego. If this film didn't employ the split-screen it probably wouldn't be half as good since the actual thriller killer aspect isn't developed that well. I will say that having been to the Hotel del Coronado, walking the property and beach, made the film all that more interesting to me. But would still recommend to anyone as a curiosity piece.

Still on my Lung Ti (or Ti Lung, depending on your preference) kick, I picked up The Deadly Breaking Sword (1979) from Netflix. I can say that this is another of the better Shaw Brothers productions but didn't care for Lung Ti in the villain role. He doesn't remain entirely a villain but as the wandering swordsman with the "breaking sword" to defeat all the other reputable challengers, it didn't work for me. Lung Ti is less convincing when he goes sinister. I prefer him as a more likable character. Still offers some great action sequences.

• June New: 52
• June Re-watch: 6
• June Total: 58
• 2010 TOTAL: 381
  

A Fantasy Inside

Now that I'm home I could finally wrap some Netflix DVDs. Finished Frazetta - Painting with Fire (2003), a heartbreaking documentary about this legendary artist that recently passed away. I know I'm not the only one who grew up idolizing Frank Frazetta but seeing this makes me appreciate his talent that much more (if it were possible). I could eulogize on and on about the impact Frazetta had on my life but I won't. I think everyone with even a passing interest in art should view this doc. I'll probably end up buying the 2-disc set.


Another overdue Netflix watch was David Schmoeller's excellent creepfest Tourist Trap (1979) featuring Chuck Connors in a delightfully creepy role as a curator for closed roadside attraction full of animatronic characters. A young Tanya Roberts co-stars and is delicious in her daisy dukes and tube top. Great watch!

Then direct on NWI I mustered enough attention to view the direct to video Lady Death - The Motion Picture (2004). I was a pseudo-fan of Lady Death during the 90s, more intrigued by the imagery than the actual comic books. She was the poster child for the "bad girl" movement in the 90s. But ever since this film was released I've only heard bad things. But in the end I actually kinda liked this low budget animated flick. It's in no way a good film but I could dig it.

• May New: 53
• May Re-watch: 12
• May Total: 65
• 2010 TOTAL: 320
  

Losing My Religion

Headed out for a matinee of Sylvain White's The Losers (2010) not expecting much. And it lived up to that. However, I did enjoy seeing the smoking hot Zoe Saldana writhe around onscreen. Thought Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Chris Evans were both fine. Really liked Cougar (Óscar Jaenada) the best from that group. Overall kinda just meh but not terrible. I'd see it again I'm sure.

Wasn't really in the mood for Yoshitaro Nomura's The Demon a.k.a. Kichiku (1979) but wanted to get this disc back to Netflix after sitting on it for over a week. Why wasn't I up for it? Similar to Nobody Knows, this is a brutal depiction of unwanted children. Ken Ogata is the father trying to cope w/caring for his kids born out of wedlock. Ultimately he decides he'd be better off without and looks for ways to dispatch his 3 children. The drama is intense and tough to watch at times but a very heartfelt film.

Had Will Smith's Seven Pounds (2008) from the library and was due back so forced-watched this one. Was confused as all hell during the first half until enough of the flashbacks began to add up. Didn't care for it or the schmaltzy pay-off. Also can't believe this film has a 7.6 at IMDB. WTH?

Needing a breather after that went for comedy relief in Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) via NWI. Now this is a film I can stand behind. Loved the Bud & Lou flicks as a child and it's great how well they hold up. So much appreciation for Bela Lugosi & Lon Chaney Jr for reprising their famous roles for this horror comedy. Just the flick I needed to cap the night.

• May New: 5
• May Re-watch: 3
• May Total: 8
• 2010 TOTAL: 263
  

Life Less Ordinary

April Re-Watch Film: Monty Python's Life Of Brian (1979). Library Blu-Ray grab but isn't enhanced on that format (typical late 70s film issue). Doesn't hold up as well for me unfortunately.


After C2E2 Comic Expo, we headed over to Showplace Icon on Roosevelt for Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass (2010) on the big screen and a really big screen it was! We had to select our seats when we purchased our tickets. Amazing theater. Oh yeah, this film is metal. Loved it a lot. Isn't perfect but has a few great sequences that put it over the top. Big Daddy & Hit Girl make the film. See it!

• April New: 28
• April Re-watch: 17
• April Total: 45
• 2010 TOTAL: 232