No Retreat for Bigfoot

No Retreat, No Surrender (1986)
Directed by Corey Yuen Kwai
Viewed this on my return flight from Puerto Rico. Holy hell is this an awesome flick! I had no idea but had always heard this was great. It is! It’s the kind of movie I’d love to watch w/others in a BTSNAT type of event. Or just a movie night. JCVD is wonderfully evil and montage is one of the best. So entertaining.

Night of the Demon (1980)
Directed by James C. Wasson
Also viewed on my return flight from Puerto Rico. Not a terrible hunt for Bigfoot film or as bad as its reputation, I guess.

Serial Detecting

One of my favorite aspects of Netflix Instant Watch is the ability to watch items that I'd probably not have a chance to see otherwise. Case in point, Boris Karloff as James Lee Wong in the Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) series. Karloff is so much fun to watch, esp. his take on an Asian again (see: Mask of Fu Manchu). 7 / 10

Eden of the East the Movie I: The King of Eden (2009) was also on the Instawatch so gave it a whirl. Very convoluted anime (big surprise) and not compelling enough for me to seek out the second movie. Visually cool but meh. 6.5 / 10

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) is another film that's alluded me over the years. Now I know why this flick always seems to get some rave recommendations. This is solid, sadistic and damn good. Michael Rooker is lights out. 7.5 / 10

• June New: 46
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 49
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 365
  

Mission to Moscow

Since the Projection Booth recently interviewed Dolph Lundgren and covered his seminal film Red Scorpion (1989) directed by Joe Zito. Figured it was time to give my VHS a spin. It's a little long in the tooth but great nevertheless as his character transforms. Cool to watch this then immediately listen to Mike and Justin discuss it on their podcast. Check it out here: Episode Five: Red Scorpion. 6.5 / 10

Stuart Cooper's Overlord (1975) was expiring on NWI so time to watch. Mesmerizing film following this young soldier as he prepares to join the army and go to war for D-Day. Poignant and recommended viewing. 7.7 / 10

Modern Girls (1986) calls back to nostalgic interest of mid-eighties Los Angeles (think Less Than Zero). This is pure light comedy that is one of those "it happens all in one crazy night" flicks. Three girls (including hottie Virginia Madsen and Daphne Zuniga) head out for a night on the town with their bestie Clifford and antics ensue. Fun watch. 6.7 / 10

• June New: 41
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 44
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 360
  

Meeces to Pieces

Another recent VHS pick-up Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (1985) a.k.a. Stryker's War caught my eyes for the evening. Decent Vietnam vet revenge on hippies thriller with some nice exploitation accents. Also features Sam Raimi as the cult leader! 6.6 / 10

Can't recall why I decided to view The Great Mouse Detective (1986) outside of not having seen it. Probably because it's another Disney animated feature that seems to go unnoticed. What really makes it great is all the things that you wouldn't see in a Disney animation today like smoking and drinking and gun violence. And for a take on Sherlock Holmes, I like the movie a lot. 7 / 10

• June New: 29
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 32
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 348
  

Abominable Indeed

Tonight's Horror Movie Night selection was The Abomination (1986). Some might say that title is appropriate but holy shit is there a lot to love in this low budget, wacky gore fest. It's really just something that should be seen rather than explained. But I do highly recommend checking out my friend @zombiefreak's wonderful write-up for The Abomination in his Chronicles of Horror Movie Night series. 6.5 / 10

• May New: 13
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 15
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 283
  

Mustaches Always Win

Reached in to my VHS vault (the shelf behind my couch) to screen Scorpion (1986), an absolutely humdrum action thriller directed by William Riead. "Thriller" should be used loosely as our protagonist (Tonny Tulleners) is as milquetoast as they come despite being a serious ass-kicker. As I described on GoMiso: Mustachioed super agent Steve Woods must save the country from terrorism one terrorist at a time. But it has its moments for decent watch. 6 / 10

Picked the blu-ray of Salt (2010) from my library figuring to give it another go since seeing it in the theater. It's still a good if not wholly unbelievable ride following Angelina as she runs and kicks ass. Good looking film in HD. 7 / 10

• May New: 4
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 6
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 274
  

In My Dreams

Dreamaniac (1986) was today's Horror Movie Night pick. I watched it as recent as last year but in the spirit of HMN I watched it again this evening. It's really a fucked up movie and a good HMN selection. Read what I wrote last time I viewed Dreamaniac. For a much more thought analysis, please read @zombiefreak's write-up as he chronicles every Horror Movie Night. 6 / 10

• May New: 2
• May Re-watch: 1
• May '11 Total: 3
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 271
  

Full Moon Horror Fest

Today was an event I had circled on my calendar for a while: Full Moon Horror Fest at Portage Theater. In truth, I cared a lot less about the The Charles Band EVIL BONG 3-D Full Moon Roadshow w/the puppets and all that, incl. the Evil Bong flick. What really had my juices going was the addition of the Stuart Gordon/Jeffrey Combs/Barbara Crampton Trilogy on the big screen! Not to mention that both Barbara and Stuart would be there for a Q&A. Yes, I was amped for this.

It was great to see Stuart and Barbara hobnobbing in the lobby with Capone prior the event beginning. There were already big lines for the stacks of DVDs and promos that Full Moon had on display. Finally after a long delay From Beyond (1986) began after a short intro. How cool is this film? That cool. 7.5/10

Got to hear both Stuart and Barbara discuss the film and introduce the next film which I still had not watched despite owning it on DVD. Castle Freak (1995) was received well by the horror crowd on hand as it should. Really good film with some excellent character moments by Combs. I even asked a question afterward about the long bar sequence that Combs seemed to be improvising. Barbara agreed with me that it is an amazing scene! (She rocks!) 7/10

Next up was the "event" film premiere of Evil Bong 3-D: The Wrath of Bong (2011) that also including sniff-o-rama cards. I haven't seen the prior installments of this. After viewing this one, I won't be in a rush to see 'em either. Kind of a dumb film and premise in which the 3D didn't add much. The sniff cards were mostly effective but after the screening the entire theater smelled like my basement in High School. Disgusting. 5/10

Finally the one we'd all been waiting for… Re-Animator (1985). Earlier I had debated leaving before it started b/c everything was running so late and I was tired. But I stuck around after it started and I'm glad I did. This is such a great film to see on big screen in theater packed with horror fans. 7.7/10

Great night and so glad to talk to both Stuart and Barbara. She really is one of the nicest people I've met in the business. Definitely will be one of my favorite nights of the year!

• April New: 9
• April Re-watch: 4
• April '11 Total: 13
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 242
  

Killer Kong

Horror Movie Night selection was Jackie Kong's The Being (1983), which I watched last year after Brian Kelley tweeted about it persuading me to see it myself. Even better on the 2nd viewing for a bad-good film. Martin Landau, Kinky Friedman and Ruth Buzzi?! 6/10

Play Dead (1986) is a killer dog movie that I was motivated to see after seeing some crazy VHS covers. Sadly the film doesn't hold up to its cover but still watchable. Yvonne De Carlo has been a lot a crap, huh? (no, that's not the VHS cover, which is much cooler)

• February New: 51
• February Re-watch: 8
• February '11 Total: 59
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 150
  

Bloody Murder

The Kennel Murder Case (1933) is on my William Powell 4-movie set. Powell is great as Philo Vance. Definitely a good buy for the price. Good flick and worth revisiting. 7/10

Neon Maniacs (1986) has been high on my radar since GGTMC covered it. So glad it lives up to the crazy and the hype. Would be a fun one to watch at Music Box Massacre. 6.5/10

Roger Vadim's Blood and Roses (1960) is on NWI and much better than expected. Pretty good vampire possession flick. 7/10

• February New: 27
• February Re-watch: 0
• February '11 Total: 27
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 118
  

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
  

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
  

Machine Bee Undead

Android (1982) has Klaus Kinski playing god on a space station, creating life in the form of, yes, androids. His world gets mussed when some wanted criminals take refuge, and our lead android (uncredited Don Keith Opper) begins to explore his humanity. Enjoyed the viewing. Its soft rock soundtrack had me wondering about humanity too. I may have picked up the one-sheet of this a while back. On Netflix Instant. 6/10

The Green Hornet (2011) is the film that should have never been. And it shows. No need to dissect its long tumultuous history here because it's not very interesting. Nor is this film. With the notable exception of Jay Chou, this Hornet fires blanks. Maybe the first Rogen character I dislike. And it has potential but where is Gondry in this? The year is young but this will likely be one of the bigger disappointments of 2011. 6/10

Received Les Revenants (2004) a.k.a. They Came Back from Netflix under the guise of a fresh take on zombies. Instead we're treated with people who die but come back to life as vacant shells of their former selves. Not really anything zombie-ish about it. But it is interesting albeit more on the slow-paced side of things. Kinda thought the pacing was leading up to something grand but not really. 6/10

The Tomb (1986) tumbles but never falls. Directed by Fred Olen Ray, our characters find themselves in a… tomb. Okay, not quite. Basically a tomb is robbed of its artifacts and an evil vampire queen (the sexy Michelle Bauer) comes to America to enact revenge. Watched via Instant streaming but have on VHS somewhere. Not terrible. 5.7/10

• January New: 36
• January Re-watch: 3
• January '11 Total: 39
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 39
  

Elevator Rage

Space Rage (1985) is what happens when Michael Paré is made a criminal and is placed on prison planet. That is, until ex-cop Richard Farnsworth unretires to save the planet. Not all that good but serviceable. Watched on VHS covering my 1-VHS-per-week goal. 5.5/10

Elevator to the Gallows (1958) is a sublime crime thriller directed by Louis Malle that I hate myself for not seeing it sooner. If you thought that one man stuck in an elevator might lack some thrills, you'd be wrong. The subplot I found even more entertaining as two young people run off for a night of reckless abandon. The night shots of Jeanne Moreau walking the city in desperate search for her lover are exquisite. Highly recommended. On NWI. 8/10

Jake West's Doghouse (2009) certainly has an interesting premise; a group of misogynistic men go on a vacation only to find themselves in a town overrun with cannibal women who, wait for it, hate men. Great production but truly despicable characters. Comedy fails because you really have no sympathy for these assholes. 6.4/10

• January New: 27
• January Re-watch: 3
• January '11 Total: 30
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 30
  

Movie Night '11 #1

Deep Space (1987) kicked off my early morning viewing on NWI. Really gotta love Netflix for bringing a lot of these old OOP titles on streaming. This is a Fred Olen Ray flick, which my capsule should end there. But hey Charles Napier is the star along with the hot Ann Turkel. Oh Bo Svenson and Julie Newmar are also in this. And Ron Glass! This is a monster flick and it's not bad. Lots of people get killed as Napier tries to hunt it down. 5.7/10

Condor (1986) was next via NWI starring Ray Wise with an android (female) partner trying to stop an evil android (female) ex-prisoner. This was a made-for-TV movie and it shows. Not a bad watch for early morning but nothing special. Does feature a fun dragster race! 5.5/10

After several hours of sleep I headed over to Ron's for a impromptu movie night to celebrate his birthday. First movie night of 2011! Sadly no one else could make but whatever. We still had a good time with the blu-rays I brought.

Ninja (2009) was the first blu up so we could watch with the kids, who apparently had seen it before even tho Ron had not. Weird. Anyways, this is the Isaac Florentine helmed throwback film featuring Scott Adkins in a plot you'd see in an 80s ninja flick. Ninja school, bad egg ninja gets kicked outta school and becomes supervillain hired by a secret cult that controls the underworld. I said the only thing missing was a "Cannon Video" logo before the film. Really fun and so much better than the lifeless Ninja Assassin. 6.8/10

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006) was next up thanks to Amazon UK offering the all-region blu-ray. Been looking forward to finally watching this low budget thriller and it delivers. Directed by Jonathan Levine, you can tell this movie was made a few years ago because Amber Heard and Whitney Able (she of Monsters) look so young. 7/10

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) was our final film on blu-ray for the night. It's considered a Shaw Brothers classic and it comes pretty close to that. Much of the film is really a long training exercise but it's very entertaining. Lo Lieh is the evil general but he really doesn't get that much screen time. 6.8/10

• January New: 20
• January Re-watch: 2
• January '11 Total: 22
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 22
  

Friday the 13th Marathon

My evening viewing was a special event that @scottfinn and I arranged some time ago when all the Friday the 13th films were added to Netflix Watch Instantly. Wanting to revisit a few of them I submitted the idea we make a movie night out of it. So we did. I headed over to Scott's home where he had all the films queued up. We debated which ones to watch, and we were somewhat agreeable.

First up was Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981), which I only vaguely remembered and wanted to see. It came back to me as it went along. Pretty good sequel to the original and first true Jason. I recommended Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), the fourth film in the franchise directed by Joe Zito, next because I don't ever recall seeing it. It's often considered one of the best but for whatever reason I don't ever remember viewing it. It features a very young Corey Feldman and Crispin Glover too. Very good entry and one I'll probably revisit again.

After those two, I suggested Part 7 because I know I haven't seen that one but Scott objected and would agree only if we watched Part 6 and ultimately 2 more films (I had anticipated we would only watch 3 films total). I was up for it. So we dove into Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), my favorite of the series simply because it's when I consider the F13 franchise turning towards making Jason the antihero. I originally saw this flick upon release back in '86 and loved the hell out of it. Recently I bought it on DVD. Jason returns from the dead with supernatural strength. The comedy works. Adore this film.

Now late in our night it was time for one I haven't seen, Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988). I've always heard mixed things about this one, more on the unfavorable side and now I know why. This one deals with a girl who has psychic powers and telekinesis. She mistakenly resurrects Jason from the lake instead of her dead father and the havoc begins. Such a WTF flick but still very watchable. Glad to have seen it with Scott, who is somewhat of a F13 historian. After that we called it a night. And a good night it was. Looking forward to the next movie night with Scott, a true lover of old school slasher horror.

• December New: 43
• December Re-watch: 5
• December Total: 48
• 2010 TOTAL: 765
  

BTSNAT 2: THE SPAWNING

Today is the day of BTSNAT! What is BTSNAT? The history traces back one year ago as alt.programming to the now famous BNAT, Butt-Numb-A-Thon, in which Harry Knowles celebrates his birthday every December with a highly secretive 24 hour movie marathon at the Alamo Drafthouse. It's not an easy event to get into so a few film geeks I've come to know and respect via Twitter & Fantastic Fest started BTSNAT last year as a counter movie event that occurs on the same day as BNAT. Make sense? BTSNAT stands for Brian Trenchard-Smith Numb-A-Thon.

Last year BTSNAT was held in Dallas. This year BTSNAT was in Austin. This marks my 2nd visit to Austin in as many months (1st visit was for Fantastic Fest). Wasn't sure I would even be here for this occasion but was encouraged by the other attendees. And I'm so damn glad I made the trip. The idea is that (almost) everyone attending selects a film they think the others haven't seen that fits the spirit of BTSNAT, i.e. somewhat obscure, bizarre, genre, etc. Interestingly enough (and unplanned?) a few films this year also are featured in Zack Carlson's already legendary Destroy All Movies!!! The Complete Guide to Punks on Film. In addition, before each film, a "trailer bucket" is chosen for a themed group of previews to watch. Themes include exploitation, old spy films, horror, etc.

Last night I arrived and @Noahphex picked me up from the airport (he was gracious enough to let me stay at his place for the weekend). We headed to The Highball to see a few peeps and drink beers until heading back to his home for some convo until 2am. Got up this morning for brunch back at The Highball before gathering "supplies" for BTSNAT. Then over to @BTSjunkie's home to await the others (Brian Kelley hosted).

One by one the others began to arrive including @ReelDistraction, @BriguySalisbury, @ldmullen, and @VHSisthetruth. @RustyGordon was already there (BK's roommate). Now it was time to fire up the first film sometime before 2pm or so. Should note that before Noah's film, he presented us with the shower dance sequence clip from Gimme an 'F' (1984). Holy hell is that gold. Still gotta watch that entire film. Nice kick-off. Noah's feature pick was Dudes (1987), a DAM flick and one I've always wanted to see having owned the metal-laced soundtrack for over 20 years (ex. W.A.S.P.'s "Show No Mercy"!!). Directed by Penelope Spheeris, Dudes features Jon Cryer and Daniel Roebuck as punks on a coast-to-coast road trip until they encounter redneck trouble and seek revenge. Such a solid flick. Great start to BTSNAT! 6.7/10

In the second slot was Josh's pick Banned (1989). Before viewing he gave us the lowdown on this film's obscurity and how he came in possession of it. Just that bit of info had us excited plus it's another DAM flick! For a little background (from what I remember) Banned is a undistributed film directed by Roberta Findlay (Tenement, Prime Evil, Slash). Zack reached out to her when he was compiling DAM. Initially unsuccessful he eventually received the film from the film's writer which Josh was able to secure for our shindig. Apparently it's not been seen by very many eyes. That was enough to give me goosebumps.


The movie centers around the spirit of a dead punk musician, Teddy Homicide, that possesses a mild-mannered jazz musician using the same studio space where the punk committed suicide 10 years earlier. Should be noted that the ghost was living in the toilet. Ultimately the spirit begins to takeover leading to uproarious comedy and several WTF moments in an already strange flick. While not a "good" film in terms of high cinema this one already has a special place for not only being bizarre but with its back story and context. I love it. Just watch that trailer! (Here's an AV Maniacs thread about it) I feel very fortunate to have seen this. Hopefully some day I'll be able to share this rare treasure with my friends, big fans of DAM and punks in film. Thank you, Josh! 7/10

Next up was Brian Kelley's pick War Dog (1986), an action revenge hostage slasher flick from Sweden. Got that? Yeah, it's that kind of overall weirdness about the most unsuspecting hero that gets involved in uncovering a super soldier terrorist group that has brainwashed his brother. Features some of the bloodiest children kills I've seen plus ongoing hilarious stilted dialogue. And a waterpark massacre?! Has to be seen and heard to be believed (the voices are a riot). I need to buy that one. Excellent pick, BK! 6.8/10

Now it was Micah's selection, which he indicated would probably be better in slot 4 after we'd been drinking. His film Ring of Steel (1994) fit that mandate as it was a rather middling 90s fencing action flick (wha?). And it features Joe Don Baker, which was expected from Micah, as the evil Orson Welles-looking mastermind behind the underground fighting league. I say middling because it's the kind of flick that might languish on late night cable or Cinemax; people watch a few minutes then change the channel. Not me but most. I truly enjoy these kinds of awful 90s cheesy melodramatic action romps and this one delivered. Noah described it as "Bloodsport meets sword fighting." That's perfect. Not a crowd favorite but as I tweeted, this is kind of film I can watch everyday. Thanks, Micah! 6/10

So with the four principle attendee selections out of the way it was open to the rest of us to offer a film in slot 5. Originally I had a film in mind but called an audible at the last minute that returned us to the Destroy All Movies theme. My pick was Never Too Young to Die (1986), a film recently covered on GGTMC that I really wanted to watch. @uncoolcat was instrumental with the hook-up prior to my trip. Everyone at BTSNAT accepted my offering and it played fairly well. It features the son (John Stamos) of a secret spy (George Lazenby), recruited by undercover agent (Vanity) to stop the hermaphrodite terrorist Velvet Von Ragner, portrayed totally over the top by Gene Simmons, from poisoning the water supply. Yeah, pretty stupendous. Really adore this film in all its ridiculous glory. The dressed up motorbikes ruled. 6.8/10

Now it was time for the pre-programmed film, the sequel to last year's Lucky Seven, which everyone loved so much (and I still have yet to view). Lucky Seven 2 or also known as Magnificent 7 Kung-Fu Kids (1989) came in with high expectations but sadly (apparently) didn't live up to its predecessor. Still enjoyable for what it is; a group of seven kids trained in kung-fu assembled to stop an evil army. Had some cool moments but not enough of them. Still a good watch with the group. 6/10

By this time it was already around 3AM so the final BTSNAT film was prepared, a Brian Trenchard-Smith movie, of course. Brian Kelley had a few gems but the one he decided on was Happy Face Murders (1999), a movie produced for Showtime that stars Marg Helgenberger, Henry Thomas, and Ann-Margret as a wacky old lady who watches Matlock all day. While most of our crowd fell asleep during this largely slowburn cop procedural I kinda dug it as a CSI-prequel. Has many of the same elements and I wouldn't be surprised if this flick somehow influenced the genesis of that series which went on-air during the following year with Helgenberger as one of the leads. Not a bad watch at all with a few recognizable BTS touches. 6.5/10

Now around 5AM and most of all the beer and Four Loko consumed, it was time to call it. One helluva awesome day/evening of film watching with even better company. Can't ask for more than that. We were even treated with souvenir gift bags filled with candy, VHS tapes, 8-tracks, comics and old TV guides! Our tweets about BTSNAT sparked the interest of others who may venture to Austin or Dallas next year. Hopefully I'll be back as it's really unparalleled in my eyes. Good flicks and great company. Big thanks to Brian Kelley and Noah Lee for hosting and having me! Thanks to Micah for creating BTSNAT!

Read @ReelDistraction's excellent write-up of BTSNAT 2.
And check out @Noahphex's BTSNAT 2 write-up that includes our tweets.

• December New: 27
• December Re-watch: 3
• December Total: 30
• 2010 TOTAL: 747
  

Welcome to Wonderland

Couldn't wait any longer. Had to see Burlesque (2010). Love this film. The crummy relationship subplot slows it down but everything else is pure fun. Dig on Christina so much. So cheesy yet so entertaining. Big smiles. Big fun. 7.5/10

Tonight's Horror Movie Night selection was Jeffrey Delman's Deadtime Stories (1986). A film I recently picked on VHS during my big San Carlos haul. It's another anthology flick which I've really come to adore having seen so many this year. Scott Valentine is in the first segment! Thinking of doing a horror anthology movie night some day. So many good ones to choose from. 6.4/10

• December New: 18
• December Re-watch: 2
• December Total: 20
• 2010 TOTAL: 737
  

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
  

Horror Society Film Festival - Day One

Saturday kicked off with TerrorVision (1986), which I had just watched as recently as January. Already love this film but even more of a blast seeing it on the big screen with a bunch of horror fans. Really dig all the nods to W.A.S.P. (O.D. is my favorite character, natch). 6.7/10 After that flick finished my friend Ron showed up and we patiently waited for Clay Westervelt to arrive.



Now it was time for a documentary I've been wanting to see all year: Popatopolis (2009), directed by Westervelt, who flew in to introduce the film and give a Q&A afterwards. I've held off watching this on home video expressly to see it in this environment. I only wish more people were in attendance. The doc is great as it covers Jim Wynorski as he attempts to direct an entire film in 3 days (The Witches of Breastwick 3). It's a fascinating look at not just b-movies but also the decline of b-movies because of how these films are produced so quickly and sold to direct-to-cable. Very enjoyable.

Afterwards I moderated the Q&A, which was also very good for the line of questions asked. Really great to finally meet Clay and spend some time with him this way. Only wish there was more time to hang out! 8.5/10


After a few photos and autographs, it was now time for Wynorski's Chopping Mall (1986)!! I also put off a viewing this for a while in anticipation of this event. Definitely worth that and then some to see it projected (even if it was just the DVD) with a great crowd. Lots of laughing during this one. Still wish it retained its Killbotz title. 6.7/10


Now it was time for local Chicago director Anthony G. Sumner's Slices of Life (2010). Holy shit that was the most people I've ever seen at a Portage Theater event. So many people came out to support the actors and filmmakers of this Chicago-based production. I think nearly all the cast of this horror anthology was there and came onstage at the end. The lot of them stretched the length (width?) of the stage! Pretty cool to see that even if the film was just so-so. 6.4/10


Now it was already past midnight but a fairly decent sized crowd was still around (most of those Slices of Life supporters split as soon as the film was over). Those sticking around were there for the most notorious film of the year, A Serbian Film (2009). Unfortunately one of the projectors fried so they had to call in a technician to repair. This pushed back the start time by almost 2 hours! Fuck all. We stuck around as we've been looking forward to this moment since SxSW. Sadly many people did leave and missed out on seeing this absurdly brutal film play out on the big screen. As a film I was amazed at how well shot and how good it looks. Srdjan Todorovic is excellent in the lead (and all the women are so incredibly attractive). For the violence it is definitely hardcore but somehow didn't resonate with me as I expected it, which is probably a good thing because this isn't an easy film to watch unfold. I could see viewing it again sometime in the distant future. 7.7/10

• October New: 42
• October Re-watch: 10
• October Total: 52
• 2010 TOTAL: 636