REVIEW: MOTHER'S DAY (1980)

Mother’s Day actually bothered me when I first saw it in a theater in 1980. I guess that is the sign of a good horror but, it has kept it from being a favorite though, I admit it’s quite effective. The problem I have is that for me personally, it’s just a bit too sadistic and misogynistic for my tastes and the fact that it has a twisted sense of humor about it’s cruelty and acts of rape and brutality, doesn’t quite sit well with me. But, I understand it is a bit of a cult classic at this point and recognize it’s place as such. Mother’s Day is the story of three pretty friends, Abbey (Nancy Hendrickson), Trina (Tiana Pierce) and Jackie (Deborah Luce) who go camping in the woods and are kidnaped by redneck sons, Ike (Holdem McGuire) and Addley (Billy Ray McQuade) and their demented Mother (Rose Ross). The girls are held in their decrepit home as the boys commit acts of vicious beating, humiliation and rape on one of the three women as mom watches and cheers them on. To them rape and brutality is a game and this is the element that bothers me. The film is a little to giddy about these acts. Of course, the remaining two girls do eventually escape and let’s just say payback is a gory bitch. Writer/director Charles Kaufman has created a sick and twisted little movie that presents some gory violence and brutal acts all with a demented sense of humor that doesn’t seem quite right. The cast all act out their parts well and I would like to think these acts were difficult for them to portray. The gore effects are effective enough and, of course, there is that very effective shock ending. The film is one of the more unique horrors to come out of the 80s and I will not deny it’s place in how it is regarded by many but, my personal views on violence toward women conflicts with the disturbingly glib way the acts are portrayed on screen. Just because the women get cruel payback doesn’t make it any less unsettling that their torment is played almost for laughs. Maybe that was the point but, in that case it worked a little too well for my tastes. A difficult film to review fairly as it is an effective little horror but, in my personal opinion it crosses some lines that make me uncomfortable. Even some of today’s ‘torture porn' flicks, of which I am not a fan, have the decency to not make a joke out of their cruelty. 6/10
(Personal note: the rating is based on it’s effectiveness as a horror film. As my review stressed, this is not a film that personally appeals to me.)

Mood: Angry

timmyd at 11:17 AM May 12

well said , I agree completely .

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY AT ONE OF MY FAVORITE WATERING HOLES?

A story that might interest you all... I was at a bar in West Orange, N.J. called Egan's last night and had a strange occurrence. While using the men's room urinal, I saw out of the corner of my eye someone walk behind me and go into the stall. I also felt that sensation you feel when another person is passing close to you. When I was done, I turned and walked past and the door was still open and no one was in there. About an hour later, a female member of my party went to use the restroom and as she pushed open the door to enter, the door was pulled out of her hand and opened without anyone being there. When I brought these events to the attention of the hostess and asked her if she knew of any other occurrences, she said that while she's heard no stories of paranormal activity in general, a friend of hers who was there that night complained to her that the table they were at was moving on it's own. The hostess was clearly disturbed by all these claims yet, I can find no documentation of any hauntings there. When relating my tale to a friend today who claims to be sensitive to the paranormal she said, "I've always felt there was something downstairs by the bathrooms." I'm actually kinda thinking about doing a little research into the place's history to see what I can dig up. What do you folks think?

Mood: Surprised

Mr.Blizzo at 12:39 AM May 12

Oh wow, that's pretty creepy. Definitely do some research on it, and maybe even some research on the buildings next door to the bar too.

Mac136187 at 02:56 AM May 12

Yeah creepy. But do it up and you might wanna talk to the owners they may know something that they don't tell the staff, you knot to not scare people away.

timmyd at 11:20 AM May 12

very cool . dig into it My Man !

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WalkAways challenge

I love me some tater tots!

Mood: Happy

Rebellion_Reborn at 03:13 PM May 10

You win MonsterZeroNJ

randychico at 03:45 PM May 10

hahaha I'd hit it, I'd hit it so hard!!

timmyd at 04:05 PM May 10

OHHH YEAHHHH

Read all 5 comments >>

REVIEW HANSEL AND GRETEL (2013)

Asylum flick is actually amusing if you cut it some slack. Updating of the classic fairy tale has twenty something brother and sister, Hansel (Brent Lydic) and Gretel (Stephanie Greco) being held in the secluded house of witch and sweet shop/cafe owner, Lilith (Dee Wallace). Of course Lilith and her two brutish sons kidnap people for Lilith's meat pies and she sees Hansel, and a few others in her dungeon/kitchen, as her next dish and Gretel as a potential protege'. Obviously the siblings don't agree with these plans and gruesome hi-jinx ensue. Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, who showed a lot of potential in his feature debut 'Boo', H&G is kinda gory fun and despite it's deep down silliness, Ferrante takes it seriously enough and is able to give it some tension and suspense. He has a nice visual style on a low budget, as he did with Boo and Headless Horseman, and being a make-up effects guy as well, gets good use out of his gore FX people. His cast are all adequate with Wallace having an over the top blast as the sinister Lilith. Add to that frequent Carpenter collaborator Alan Howarth doing the score and you've got an entertaining little horror that doesn't try to be anything more then it is. I still feel someday Ferrante might hit us with a really great horror flick. We'll see. 6/10

Mood: Chillin'

REVIEW: TAKE A HARD RIDE (1975)

You might think Django Unchained was the first flick to combine elements of Blaxsploitation and Spaghetti Western cinema but, in truth, Take The Hard Ride did it almost 40 years earlier. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, co-financed by Italian film producers and starring Blaxsploitation and mainstream legends Jim Brown, Fred Williamson and Jim Kelly, Hard Ride can certainly claim to have done it first. When cattle baron, Morgan (Dana Andrews) dies suddenly, his top ranch hand, Pike (Jim Brown) vows to get the $86,000 they made from a big cattle sale back to Morgan’s wife and ranch in Sonora, Mexico. But, all that money has put a target on Pike’s back and it’s a long way to Mexico. While pursued by all sorts of outlaws, as well as, vicious bounty hunter, Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef), Pike finds allies in dapper and dangerous gambler, Tyree (Fred ‘The Hammer’ Williamson) and a karate chopping half-breed Indian, Kashtok (Jim Kelly). And what Western would be complete without the prostitute with a heart of gold (Catherine Spaak). Despite the presence of an Italian director, Hard Ride plays more like a traditional western, especially with Jerry Goldsmith’s score being that of a Hollywood style cowboy flick. There are plenty of gunfights, though we wish director Margheriti didn’t take such a leisurely pace with the scenes in-between. Despite our heroes being pursued by dozens of gunslingers, they never really seem to be in a hurry to get where they are going. But, it is fun to watch Brown and Williamson play cowboy and Kelly doing his martial arts fighting and the rest of the cast are lively enough, too. They all seem to take their roles seriously yet, it’s obvious they are enjoying themselves. And need I say it’s always a pleasure to see the steely Van Cleef play a stone cold bad guy. So, in conclusion, despite it’s reputation as the first Blaxsploitation/ Spaghetti Western, Hard Ride is actually a fairly straight forward Western which, works both for and against it. It is an entertaining enough Western and we enjoy seeing the leads in action but, from a nostalgia standpoint, we wish it had a bit more of the elements it’s reputation suggests to make it more unique and one of a kind. Still worth a look for fans of all the genres and actors listed above. 6.5/10

Mood: Chillin'

timmyd at 04:31 PM May 08

I remember seeing this ages ago , and enjoying it for the most part . I'll give it another go .

REVIEW: COLD PREY 2 (2008)

CAUTION: If you are interested in checking out Cold Prey, you may not want to read the details of the Cold Prey 2 plot.

If you do, read on...

Well made sequel opens shortly after the first film with Jannicke (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) being found wandering in shock in the middle of the road and soon a rescue team finds the killer's body and his cache of corpses in a glacier fisher. The film then pulls a Halloween 2 (1981) and has sole survivor, Jannicke being stalked through the nearly deserted halls of a soon to close hospital by the killer, who's been revived by the hospital staff. Of course he brutally kills everyone in his path, while trying to hunt her down along with pretty young nurse, Camilla (Marthe Snorresdotter Rovik). Despite it's similarities to the Halloween sequel, director Mats Stenberg still manages some nice suspense and chills and gives us some likable characters to root and be afraid for, as well as, not one but, two feisty heroines who are not about to let this masked psycho finish the job easily. He does a good job matching the style and tone of Roar Uthaug's first flick, while upping the kill quota, so, they fit together nicely and would make a good double feature of Norwegian slasher entertainment. There is a Cold Prey 3, which is a semi-prequel but, nothing I have heard about it makes me want to bother tracking it down. 6.5/10

Mood: Happy

Anakin at 05:09 PM May 06

Good review and yes wears it's heart a bit too obviously on it's sleeve when it comes to the plot (H2) but it still works.

REVIEW: COLD PREY (2006)

Cold Prey is an entertaining slasher from Norway that doesn't bring anything new to the genre but, utilizes the traditional elements well and provides sufficient suspense and blood letting. Film opens with a montage of missing persons reports that inform us that over 100 skiers have gone missing in the mountains of Norway and despite this, thousands of people still invade the mountains yearly to ski. Cold Prey focuses on 5 friends who go on a snowboarding trip and when one of the bunch breaks their leg as night is closing in, they are forced to take shelter in an abandoned hotel. But, soon they find that this hotel has a history. The young son of the owners disappeared and then, sometime after, the owners themselves were killed and the place has been shut down for over 30 years. But, a room full of people's personal belongings proves the place has not been totally abandoned and soon, one by one, a masked killer is stalking them with his trusty pick axe. Can spunky strong willed heroine Jannicke (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) and her friends survive? Director Roar Uthaug directs this horror competently. He knows how to build suspense and and provide some effective kills. The script by Thomas Moldestad also provides us with some likable characters to fear for and a plucky heroine to root for. The cast are fine with leading lady Berdal standing out as the "Jaime Lee Curtis" of the flick and it's fun to watch her try to elude and battle this masked maniac. The killer himself is no Michael Myers but, is effective enough to evoke chills. Not a classic but, solid enough slasher fun. 6.5/10

Mood: Happy

Anakin at 05:10 PM May 06

Yeah if you're a slasher fan both this and it's sequel should be in your collection.

REVIEW: RED HILL (2010)

Sly Stallone has picked Patrick Hughes to take the directing reigns of the third installment of the Expendables action series. Hughes wrote and directed the intense and moody Australian thriller Red Hill. Personally, I really liked Red Hill and really like this outside the box choice! For those curious here is my review of Red Hill…

Australian thriller is a violent tale of a young cop who moves to a small backwoods town with his pregnant wife in the hopes of a quieter life… until an escaped murderer comes to town with vengeance on his mind. Red Hill is one of those movies that makes you overlook it’s minor flaws due to the storytelling skill of the director and the genuine performances of his cast. Director Patrick Hughes gives his outlaw “Jimmy” (Tom E. Lewis) an almost Michael Meyers persona as he desends upon the quiet town of Red Hill and it’s terrified police and citizens, yet, makes him surprisingly human when all is said and done. Young Officer Cooper (Ryan Kwanten) appears a coward at first but, by the end credits, we see the real man beneath who has the courage to do what’s right, when it is the right thing to do. And that’s what is best about this Aussie gem, Hughes makes makes us think we are watching one kind of movie and then suddenly we realize there’s more to it then meets the eye. To say any more would be to ruin a real pleasant surprise. 7/10

Mood: Happy

cerealkiller182 at 01:20 PM Apr 24

I dug this movie a lot. I watched it once on a whim. A real underrated gem

horrorfan23 at 01:35 PM Apr 24

Then I gotta check it out to see what he brings to the table.

RandomK1NG at 03:41 PM Apr 24

I loved this. Was among my top 10 of 2010.

ALBUM REVIEW: ROB ZOMBIE’S VENOMOUS RAT REGENERATION VENDOR

Rob Zombie's latest album, released less then a week after the multi-tasking Zombie's latest directorial effort The Lords Of Salem, is probably one of his best discs since going solo and it does evoke the White Zombie days somewhat too, while giving us that spooky, decadent Rock N Roll we have come to expect from the musician/filmmaker. Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor probably won't win over any new converts but, Rob Zombie and White Zombie fans should enjoy the 12 track album that once again has Zombie taking us on a hard rocking road trip through all the evils that men do. From the first single "Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown" to a cool cover of Grand Funk Railroad's "We're An American Band", Venomous is a hard-driving rock album well produced to maximum effect by Zombie himself. With band mates John 5 on guitar, Piggy D. on bass and Ginger Fish on drums and percussion, along with Zombie's appropriate samples of movie dialog to punctuate his twisted lyrics, Rob and Co. deliver an entertaining and pulse pounding album of twisted Rock N Roll with a sinister edge and a crooked smile. Songs like Revelation Revolution and Rock And Roll (In A Black Hole) will have you banging your head and stomping your foot as Zombie takes us through his white trash carnival ride of bad behavior and sinful indulgences with his trademarked theatricality. And that's kinda what Rock N Roll is all about when you think about it. A deviously enjoyable new album from Rob Zombie.

Mood: Happy

Psycho-Pirate-99 at 12:12 PM Apr 23

YES! Nice to see someone who agrees dude, I'm totally digging the new shit. With all these pansy bands like Fun and The Lumineers running around everywhere, it's nice to have some actual good ol' rock n roll for a change.

MonsterZeroNJ at 12:30 PM Apr 23

Exactly, Pirate!

Cochise at 12:48 PM Apr 24

I'll have to check it out! Didn't even know about this til now, actually really really dug Hellbilly Deluxe 2 and American Witch

REVIEW: MESSAGE FROM SPACE (1978)

Message From Space is Japan’s answer to Star Wars, though there are actually few similarities as this colorful and deliriously fun space adventure is actually based on a Japanese legend, The Legend of the 8 Samurai. Message tells the tragic story of the planet Jillucia, which is ravaged and conquered by the Gavanas led by tyrannical leader Rockseia XXII (Mikio Narita) and his henpecking mother (actor Hideyo Amamoto in drag). The Jillucians send out a distress in the form of 8 glowing seeds which legend says will lead 8 warriors picked by the gods to come to their defense. And Jillcucian Princess, Emeralida (Etsuko Shihom) leaves to follow them and gather the warriors to return with her. Soon a ragtag group of both would be and reluctant defenders including retired drunk, General Garuda (Vic Morrow), exiled Gavana, Prince Hans (Sonny Chiba) and a bunch of space racing slackers, are off to Jillucia to take on the invaders who have now set their sights on Earth. Directed by the versatile Kinji (Battle Royale) Fukasaku, Message From Space is a fast moving and delightfully silly and fun space opera with an abundance of entertainingly cheezy SPFX and numerous battles and action sequences as this unlikely group of heroes go up against an almost invincible empire. You can have a real blast if you go into it with the right mindset and the right beverages. Vic Morrow’s drunken space general and his faithful robot sidekick are worth watching it for alone. There is also some really imaginative art direction and spaceship designs including a ship that resembles an old sea galleon. Message looks more like a live action Manga then a Star Wars clone with it’s art deco sets and space samurai costumes. A really fun Saturday night film fest flick that would make a great double feature with Roger Corman’s Battle Beyond The Stars.  Also starring Philip Casnoff, Hiroyuki Sanada, Peggy Lee Brennan and Masazumi Okabe as Aaron, Shiro, Meia and Jack respectively, the young space slackers who become heroes. Message has just become available for the first time on a beautifully remastered DVD from the awesome people at Shout Factory!

Mood: Happy

Cochise at 04:11 PM Apr 21

Alright I really want to track this down. Nice review

timmyd at 05:25 PM Apr 21

love me some Sonny Chiba !! NICELY DONE My Man .

REVIEW: THE FRANKENSTEIN THEORY

A sad example of an interesting idea totally ruined by it’s execution… or lack of. Film is supposed to be found footage of a man, Prof. John Venkenheim (Kris Lemche) who claims to have in his family, the actual letters from which the novel Frankenstein was based. Implying that the book was based on fact, the professor hires a documentary crew to follow him to the Arctic Circle in search of the legendary monster. What follows quickly degenerates into a lame Blair Witch rip off as strange growls erupt around their cabin at night and one by one members of the party disappear along with their gear. First off, writer/director Andrew Weiner completely fails to give this the found footage feel. Never at any time does it feel like documentary footage as it is structured and filmed like a movie and the dialog is obviously scripted as are the cliche’ characters. It never feels like we are watching discovered footage with real people. A scene with a meth addict/ witness is especially ridiculous and out of place. Secondly, once we finally get this expedition going after an hour of unconvincing dialog sequences, it fails to generate any tension or suspense as we basically get a replay of the Blair Witch last act with it being possibly Mary Shelley’s monster instead of a witch from local legend. It’s too bad, as this was a clever idea that could have been a really cool flick if Weiner knew what to do with it. 4/10

Mood: Angry

timmyd at 10:41 AM Apr 17

Agree completely , very well said . Such a letdown .

Cochise at 12:29 PM Apr 17

damn too bad... kind of expected but the poster was cool, I loved the Last Exorcism and well the concept is pretty neat... but yeah, still kind of expected it to be somewhat of a turd. Nice review though

ALBUM REVIEW: DEVICE

As a fan of Disturbed and frontman David Draiman, I was intrigued when hearing of his ‘industrial/metal’ side project with Filter ex-guitarist Geno Lenardo. Device is that project and I have to admit I do like the album though, I can’t say it really grabbed me like his work with Disturbed has. There are some good songs here like the opening “You Think You Know” and tracks like “Penance” and “Vilify” and theses songs are on the first half of the album which is the strongest. There are some nice guest artists on the disc, too, like Serj Tankian who joins Draiman and co. on “Out Of Line” and Halestorm’s awesome Lzzy Hale who does a duet with Draiman on a really cool cover of the Ozzy Osbourne/Lita Ford classic “Close My Eyes Forever”. Ironically, while I was a bit disappointed that the album isn’t as varied from Disturbed as I’d hoped, I found myself liking the more familiar sounding songs on the album’s first half. They are, to me the strongest. When Draiman wonders from his trademarked sound in the latter half I didn’t find those songs, like the moody “Haze” as strong as what preceded it. So, while I wanted to hear Draiman do something different then his work on DIsturbed, I wasn’t as happy with the material when he did. But, to be honest, those are the weakest songs on the CD… not that they are bad, just weaker then say the first 6 songs on the 10 track disc. But, experimentation and working with other artists is what these side projects are for. It gives fans something a little different to chew on. Overall I did like it and would recommend it to fans of Draiman and Disturbed, just be aware that it’s not as solid as Disturbed’s albums have been but, it is something to hold fans over till Disturbed gets back in the studio again or Draiman and Lenardo hit their stride on a second disc.

Mood: Happy

review EQUINOX (1970)

Four college students venture into the woods to meet a professor who, unknown to them, has discovered an ancient book of evil. They find the cabin destroyed and once acquiring the book, find the devil himself is after them to get it back. While this does sound like the plot of an Evil Dead film, it is actually the plot of the low budget horror, Equinox which was released in 1970. Over a decade before Raimi’s classic, the film does share a lot of plot elements, such as the students being possessed by the park ranger disguised Satan and even the book itself is quite similar to Raimi’s Necronomicon. It’s never been stated that the film was an influence on Raimi’s flick but, Evil Dead effects artist Tom Sullivan admits seeing it and it inspiring him to make movies. Draw you own conclusions. Equinox is campy by today’s standards and is slow paced unlike Raimi’s roller coaster ride but, there is some fun to be had and some nice SPFX for such a low budget flick. Equinox started out as a low budget short film put together by three future FX legends, Dennis Muren, Jim Danforth and Dave Allen in 1967 for about $6,500 from a story by Mark Thomas McGee. So, there is some great FX work for the time and budget including, some very cool stop motion animated creatures representing the Devil’s minions and Old Scratch himself in winged demon form. Producer Jack H. Harris saw their film and hired writer/director Jack Woods to film some new footage and expand the 70 minute short film into feature length and re-edit it. The film was finally released in 1970 as Equinox, shortened from the original title of Equinox… A Journey Into The Supernatural. I saw this as a kid and must admit it creeped me out back then. I watch it now and it’s more campy fun but, it’s no denying that it is a valiant low budget effort despite some very amateurish acting from the cast, including Jack Woods who also appears as The Devil in human park ranger form. This film, like Raimi’s, is now considered a classic and whether it inspired Evil Dead or not, both films represent the achievement that future filmmakers can make on a micro budget if their hearts and talent are in the right place. Evil Dead fans should check it out for the interesting similarities even if we may never know if Raimi indeed saw and was influenced by it of if the familiar elements are just coincidence. Released in a wonderful restored edition by the Criterion Collection which includes the original short film and effects work that didn’t make the final cut. A campy fun horror that gave the world, Dennis Muren, Jim Danforth and the late, great David Allen. A campy fun 6.5/10

Mood: Chillin'

timmyd at 12:38 PM Apr 07

Oh man , I remember seeing this ages ago , and quite enjoying it's goofy charm .

review SHADOW PEOPLE (2012)

Supposedly based on real events, this horror focuses on a radio personality, Charlie Crowe (Walking Dead's Dallas Roberts) who gets a strange on-air call from a young man claiming to be stalked by shadow-like figures. When the caller dies later that night of unknown reasons, Charlie becomes embroiled in an investigation of occurrences of deaths preceded by visions of such figures and soon finds out it's something he should have left alone. While the idea for this disappointing chiller is interesting, Matthew Arnold's script and direction are all quite by the numbers and do not generate any of the suspense or scares that the potential of the premise would imply it should have. The cast are OK but, again the performances are also very by the numbers and none of the characters convey the emotions needed to draw us in and become concerned for their well being. Roberts showed far more life as Milton during season 3 of Walking Dead. Too bad, this could have been a real creepy flick if handled right. Also starring Alison Eastwood as a CDC investigator also looking into the case. 5/10

Mood: Bored

WalkAway at 12:00 AM Apr 03

hmm interesting, never heard of this one

timmyd at 09:35 AM Apr 03

I want to see this , sorry you didn't find it more enthralling .

album review: ALKALINE TRIO "MY SHAME IS TRUE"

The Alkaline Trio is one of my favorite bands and since they delight in humorously morbid lyrics and song titles, their music certainly fits in with my movie tastes. Their new album "My Shame Is True"  is no different with songs like "Kiss You To Death" and "The Torture Doctor" and once again the trio has delivered a strong album of great tunes. The previous album "This Addiction" was possibly their best yet but, this new disc certainly can hold it's own against it with the deluxe version carrying 16 strong and catchy songs. Alkaline Trio is an American punk band that hails from McHenry, Illinois and consists of Matt Skiba on vocals and guitar, Dan Andriano on vocals and bass and Derek Grant on drums. And this talented trio has delivered another album with not one weak song on it. From the fast paced and fun opening tracks "She Lied To The FBI" and "I Wanna Be A Warhol" to the moody "Young Lovers", which invokes some of the tragic love songs of the 50s, the band is tight as ever under the guidance of producers Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore. Guitarist Matt Skiba has said a lot of the writing was influenced by some tumultuous personal events in his life since the last CD and it shows in the numerous songs on the subject of love and the lyrics are heartfelt and sometimes a touch cynical such as with "Kiss You To Death" and "Only Love" but, without deviating from the Trios offbeat and darkly humorous style. One of the thing I have always loved about Alkaline Trio is they are talented lyricists and they are one of the few bands that can write a love song and fill it with dark, gothic imagery and yet never loose sight of the subject. Even in songs with a sad or tragic theme, there is always a touch of dark and satirical humor. And who can't identify with the notion that even when life seems to be at it's worst, sometimes you just have to smirk back at it. And these guys work that sentiment very well with another album of songs reflecting on some very common subjects but, with a slightly cynical grin and a darkly humorous wink. Another great album from Alkaline Trio that will join This Addiction and Crimson to rank among my favorites. Highly recommended.

Mood: Happy

cerealkiller182 at 11:31 AM Apr 02

One of my fave bands too. So out of the music loop this release went over my head. I missed a release from another favorite band of mine, The Living End, in 2011. Just found out about it now.

MonsterZeroNJ at 11:59 AM Apr 02

This just came out today so, get it and enjoy. I have missed albums too. Sometimes life just distracts you!

XSsoCX at 01:09 PM Apr 02

I'm still waiting for my special edition to come in the mail. I can't wait for it to arrive.

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