Title: Nazithon: Decade of Destruction Director: Charles Band Writer: Kent Roudebush Cast: Michelle ''Bombshell'' McGee, Ian Roberts Min: 80
In a bunker, Frau Bombshell (Michelle ''Bombshell'' McGee) is accompanied by a silent Nazi solider. She hosts a bunch of Naziploitation and Nazi centered exploitation movie trailers. They are shock of full babes, violence, gore, torture, and/ or the supernatural.
Nazithon: Decadence and Destruction is a heartwarming trailer collection from Charles Band and Full Moon's Grindhouse Collection. Our host, Michelle ''Bombshell'' McGee, is best known as the chick who broke up Sandra Bullock's marriage to Jesse James. She also appeared in some pics online where she wore a swastika armband. Her appearing on this collection can be seen either as distasteful and sleazy or as pure exploitation sensibility. I'll go with the former. Everything here is done with tongue firmly in cheek as an exploitation trailer collection should be. McGee is not a great host, not by a long shot, but she is adequate and serves her purpose. At least, I suppose she does.
The trailers are broken up into sections: Nazi camps, Nazi babes, Neo-Nazis, and supernatural Nazis. The last two add a bit of variety to the sick mix by focusing on blaxploitation (The Black Gestapo) and various biker flicks (The Tormentors and others) for Neo-Nazis, while the last section is all horror flicks. Nazi zombies (Zombie Lake, Shockwaves,etc.) and even Nazi ghosts (Death Ship) are featured.
All of the trailers are fun. In case of the first half centering on Naziploitation, they are in considerable bad taste. They are also usually really bad movies, so the truth is that many of their trailers are better than the films themselves! Among the movies of this nasty sub-genre presented here are: SS Camp 5: Women’s Hell, SS Hell Camp, SS Experiment Love Camp, Salon Kitty (a genuine classic of the sub-genre), and more. Also included are trailers for all of the Ilsa movies, which are generally considered the creme-de-la-creme in exploitation circles.
Tossed among the trailers are clips from two movies. First off is Video Nasty SS Hell Camp (AKA The Beast in Heat) (pictured above). Seeing the clip they show here may lead you to believe that this is a great movie with a hot and evil chick. Well, she certainly is hot and evil, but the movie is pretty far from being good at all. Meanwhile, the clip from Jean Rollin's Zombie Lake almost put me to sleep. But, honestly that's about the only weak part in an otherwise fun compilation.
Nazithon: Decadence and Destruction is a fun and not very politically correct trailer collection of a pretty tasteless sub-genre. Centering on Naziploitation and Nazi-centered sex and violence movies, it might not be for everyone. However, if you are not offended by subject matter and, most specially, if you are curious about it, dive right in! After all, Charles Band truly knows how to put these trailer collections (The Best of Sex and Violence anyone?) successfully together, and this perversely fun edition is no different.
Title: Rabid Writer/ Director: David Cronenberg Cast: Marilyn Chambers, Frank Moore, Joe Silver, Howard Ryshpan, Patrica Gage, Susan Roman Min: 91
Rose (the beautiful Marilyn Chambers) and her boyfriend Hart (Frank Moore) are riding a motorcycle through the Quebec countryside, when they crash with a parked vehicle. They suffer a major accident and are rushed to the nearby Keloid Clinic. Although his injuries aren't that severe, she is seriously injured and burned. Dr. Dan Keloid (Howard Ryshpan) goes through with a new radical procedure that involves grafting morphogenetically neutral grafts from her chest and abdomen to use on her burned skin. One month later, she still in a coma. But, one night she awakens screaming.
This prompts a patient to hug her to help calm her down. As he does this something from her body pricks his skin. He develops a small wound that won't heal. It seems the procedure has resulted in a mutation in Rose. One in which a slit in her armpit conceals a phallic like stinger. When this punctures a human she draws blood from them. This has become the only substance they she can have. In turn, those she punctures become violent, foaming at the mouth zombies. Soon, this begins to spread and health authorities think this is some new form of rabies. One that they eventually find out has no cure, other than killing those contaminated with it.
David Cronenberg's Rabid, which just turned 40 this past weekend, is his second movie. While, it has some similarities with his first movies Shivers, AKA They Came from Within, I do believe this is the better of these two movies. It tells a bigger and more compelling story, has stronger acting, overall, and is highlighted by a larger and more polished look and feel.
The plot moves along well and intelligently. It escalates itself as it goes forward and more of the story unfolds. The climax is bloodcurdling and leads to the what is, for this film, a perfect and unforgettable conclusion. As only he could, Cronenberg manages to mix the gore and violence with smart story telling. This serves as proof of why he was the reigning master of body horror, as no one can make shocking horror that feels as smart and gruesome as he did.
While, not as bloody as some of his other work, the film still manages to pack on the splatter. Like Shivers the FX, which are quite good, are handled by Joe Blasco. The phallic stinger that come out of Rose's armpit is suitably weird and a definite, ''what the fuck?!" moment, especially upon one's first viewing.
The acting is excellent throughout. Porn legend Marilyn Chambers, as the lead character of Rose, made her mainstream (though I use that term lightly here) debut. Chambers had already made a name for herself in the classic and hugely successful skin flick classic Behind the Green Door. Those who think porn stars can't actually act should shut the fuck up and see her in this. She gives a complex and emotional performance, one that is sexy, sympathetic, and intimidating. We feel for her and fear her.
While, the role isn't as righteously sexualized as it could have been, Chambers still uses her sexuality and beauty to get her victims. And, what a stunner she is! Chambers was one of the most gorgeous women to ever grace the adult biz, and with this, one of the most stunning to grace the horror genre, as well. She does appear topless a few times, but again not nearly as much as one might think and usually not in the context that one might have imagined it to be in.
Rabid is great piece of body horror from the master of it. Smart, shocking, and well thought it, it's a solid entry in the sci-fi/ horror world. The climax and ending give the movie an extra punch that stays with you. This is no small part due to the excellent acting, especially from the late, great, and stunningly beautiful Marilyn Chambers. 40 years later it holds up quite well and can sit well alongside of some of Cronenberg's best work. The Soska sisters are working on a remake of it, before that is made and comes out, see this. Even if that movie wasn't being made, you still need to see this, and make it now. And, for those of you who already have, see it again and pick up the excellent Scream Factory Blu-ray, which came out late last year.
Title: Turkey Shoot Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith Writers: Jon George, Neill D. Hicks Cast: Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig, Carmen Duncan, Noel Ferrier, Lynda Stoner Year: 1982 Min: 80
In the near future, three strangers (Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, and Lynda Stoner) are taken to a brutal prison run under a totalitarian government. They are deemed to be social deviants and of need of behavior re-modification. The brutal Camp Master Charles Thatcher (Michael Craig) is in charge of the prison. He is helped out by equally cruel and perverse prison guards, including the sadistic chief enforcer Ritter (Roger Ward). Thatcher sets up a Most Dangerous Game style ''turkey shoot'' where Secretary Mallory (Noel Ferrier), and VIPs Jennifer (Carmen Duncan) and Tito (Michael Petrovich) partake in. The trio that we were introduced to earlier in the film, along with two other men, are chosen as the prey. They are set loose, one at a time, as our hunters are then set-off to find and kill them.
Turkey Shoot, also known as Escape 2000 and Blood Camp Thatcher, is a brutal and bloody sci-fi/ action/ horror/ exploitation hybrid from the land down-under. This Ozploitation favorite wasn't much of a hit in its' native Australia or the US (where it was better know as the aforementioned Escape 2000), but it made a shitload of money in the UK. Ultra-violent, nasty, and righteously exploitative this empty headed shocker succeeds in being a sick good time.
The acting ranges from bad to genuinely good. It is honestly quite a site to behold a cast on the level of Railsback and Hussey doing a movie this sleazy. Based on the excellent extra features in the phenomenal Blu-ray from Severin Films, they (although Hussey is missing from the extra features, guessing she doesn't even wanna talk about this one..), along with Stoner don't have much high thoughts of this production. And, while that is understandable, that should not deter you from watching this ass kicker of a movie.
While, they do what they with what they got, it's lead the villains that kind of get to have a field day here. Michael Craig and Roger Ward are particularly enjoyable as the lead baddies. And, how great is it that Craig's character is named Thatcher like then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher? But, my favorite baddie is Jennifer. As played by Carmen Duncan, she is a sadistic and evil lesbian with a thing for shooting people with her crossbow as well as a thing for the beautiful and blonde Rita (Lynda Stoner).
Stoner is an absolute beauty, she along with others in the cast, she shows off some skin. The movie has no problem featuring both male and female full frontal nudity. Olivia (Romeo & Juliet, the original Black Christmas) Hussey's character shows off her boobs. But in reality it is actually a very obvious body double and Hussey. Sorry to disappoint the horndogs reading this review.
Not only does the movie feature lots of skin, but it also has copious amounts of gore. The movie goes for full blown splatter, with FX that range from just OK to really good. Among the acts of bloody mayhem that invade the screen are: blood spattering bullet hits, amputations, impaling, bisection, immolation, cannibalism (committed by a top-hat wearing hairy man-hound mutant), a body getting run over, and most spectacular of all, a killer head and shoulders explosion. Since the movie reportedly lost 15 pages of its script, in order to keep it under budget, director Trenchard-Smith, was smart to know to raise the violence levels of the film.
He also keeps the film moving along at a quick pace. It's fun and fast paced with lots of action, explosions, and fights. It's best enjoyed by shutting-off your brain and just enjoying the mayhem. Also adding to the enjoyment factor is some great, black humor. Admit ably those in the audience of weaker sensibilities won't enjoy this. But, if you are a loyal reader of this site, then that really wouldn't apply to you, now would it?The film is certainly not groundbreaking, in it's plot or ideas. Nor is it smart or deep, but it honestly does not need to be. This fucker truthfully succeeds in everything else it sets out to do.
Turkey Shoot rocks fucking hard. It maybe dumb and not exceptionally original, but it is nasty fun at its best. Ultra-gory and action packed, it's filled with blood, babes, boobs, and booms (as in things going). As such, it wears its exploitation hat proudly. The site of seeing actors like Hussey and Railsback in movie like this along is worth the price and time of viewing it. A great example of Australian sleaze and gore, this genre masher needs to be seen by more!
Musicians: Pugtopsy Single Title: Snort of Sorrow Genre/ Subgenre: Black metal Label: Artery Recordings Release date: April 1, 2017
Pugtopsy is a black metal band fronted by an actual and utterly adorable Pug, named Pupcake Lövbacken. The rest of the band is made up of guitarist Jordan Boksel, bassist Shan Dan, and drummer Casey Liatorp. These guys are legit and signed to Artery Recordings. Their single, ''Snorts of Sorrow'', came out this April Fool's day, and it's a fun and very heavy, little track that will please my fellow metalhead/ dog-lovers.
It's a got a cool atmospheric intro and totally fuckin grooves once it starts ups. Pupcake's snorts and growls are adorable and cute, yet they actually go with the music. Listening to it makes me wanna bang my head and smile! Not a lot of bands can claim an ability to do that!
You can download the track at iTunes. There is also merchandise that you can buy! Profits from buying a Pugtosy tee will go to Neuterhead: Ace of Spays. They are a non-profit organization that helps out pet rescue groups with the spay and neutering of animals.
So, get to downloading the kick ass track and buying some merch for a good cause! And, be sure to check out the video for the track, below. It's cute, adorable, evil, and has a great message!
5 out of 5
guitarist Jordan Boksel, bassist Shan Dan and drummer Casey Liatorp
As a horror fan and toy collector, I fucking love NECA. Going to their booth at Toy Fair is always a highlight. It was no different this year. Here are some of my favorite new and upcoming horror toys from them, that I saw at the event.
As you can see from the top picture, we are still getting lots of Predator toys. And, they look great, needless to say! With the 30 Anniversary of the first movie this year, there is no better time to get more Predator toys!!
Holy shit!! That stealth Predator rules!!
Arnold Schwarzengger fans rejoice! We are getting some cool Dutch figures!!
Of course, we are also getting some new Alien toys, too! It's only fair, right?!
Batman Vs. Joker Predator! Yes, this is a REAL, upcoming thing!!!
I have to be honest with you guys. I genuinely love Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III. I think it is a much better movie than Part 2, which I know most seem to prefer. It's much closer in tone to the first film and just fucking awesome. Anyways, I NEVER thought we would see a toy of THAT version of Leatherface (which might be the best looking one, or at least second best looking one). Low and behold NECA are giving us a 6 inch version! I NEED this in my life!
They a made a fucking Ashy Slashy puppet!! That is THE best thing EVER!!!!
Cause one can never have enough Godzilla toys. Actually, I am sad to say that I have none of NECA's Big G figure. Why? I don't, but I need to rectify that!
Which of these NECA toys did you like? Let me know in the comments below!
Title: Nightmares Director: John Lamond Writers: Colin Eggelston, John Lamond Cast: Jenny Neumann, Gary Sweet, Nina Landis, Max Phipps, John Micheal Howson Year: 1980 Min: 90
When Cathy was a little girl she saw her mom screwing a man in bed. Later, she finds herself in the backseat of a car. Her mom is driving and making out with a dude. When the guy decides to run his hand up her leg, Cathy tries to stop him. This causes the car to crash. Mom goes flying through the windshield, and a shard of glass cuts her throat. Jump forward to her being an adult. She has changed her name to Helen (Jenny Neumann). Helen is now a stage actress and starring in a new play called Comedy of Blood. As an adult she is stunningly beautiful but also sexually repressed. It doesn't take long for people around her to start dying, all of them getting stabbed by shards of glass.
Nightmares is an interesting, Australian attempt at making a slasher film, at a point when the sub-genre was just beginning to bloom. It should not be confused with the 1983 American horror anthology of the same name. The movie is also known as Stage Fright, which means it also should not be confused with the Michele Soavi giallo of the same name, which came out some years later. Which is interesting and quite the coincidence to note, as the movie feels and looks like an amalgamate of the American stalk and slash flick and the Italian Giallo.
Co-writer director John Lammond has an interesting visual aesthetic for the film. There are some really odd shots, that combine with moments of style to making for an interesting looking movie. A particularly violent stalk and kill in the rain stands as one of the movie's most visually captivating moments. Sadly, the kills lack any real suspense, but are instead punctuated by bloody violence. The shards of glass cut through backs, slice a breast, thighs, etc. Aside, from good bits of bloodletting there is also some fairly graphic sex scenes and ample nudity, throw in for good measure.
Our gloved killer is never really seen, but the movie is unsure if it wants to keep the killer's identity a mystery or not. It seemingly tries to do both, as it tells who the killer is and pretends it is a mystery, at the same time! It's an odd choice, but one has to just go with it and enjoy it. At least, it makes for a different storytelling choice.
The film moves at a good enough pace. It's interesting and entertaining enough, that if you just go with it, you'll find yourself liking it. I, personally, got a real kick out of the ending. In a lesser movie it may have come off as feeling cheap. Here, it made me go, ''Ha! That's pretty cool''
It is also great that the characters aren't a bunch of horny, interchangeable teens but instead are adults. Sure, they have sex on the brain, too, but the age change of the characters is refreshing. The acting is competent from most of the cast. Most fun to watch is the absolutely gorgeous Jenny Neumann. She has this great, wild look throughout the movie, that I got a kick out of seeing her do. There is something genuinely likeable both of her portrayal of the character and the character, itself, even if it is a little over-the-top at times. It also helps that she is a breathtaking beauty. Too bad she quit acting later in the 80s, I would have loved to see her in more films.
Nightmares is good, if flawed fun. What it lacks in suspense or story telling decision making, it makes up for with its positive points. It's a good, albeit at times odd, film that takes inspiration from both American and Italian horror. Adding a good amount of blood and skin and a beautiful and likable lead in Nuemann; this under-seen Australian horror flick deserves a look. It is currently streaming on Shudder and available on DVD from Severin films.
I attended Toy Fair last month on Feb. 18, 2017. As always I''ll post some of my favorite things that I saw. Let's start with my favorite toy company: Funko!
''Twin Peaks'' Pops!! This is definitely one of my favorite lines that I have seen added in recent memory.
Garbage Pail Kids Mystery Minis Series 2. I have three of them, so far. Need more!
They have a whole slew of awesome Rick and Morty stuff coming soon. I CAN'T wait!!!
It's Mr. Poopy Butthole!!! He's my favorite!!!
More Mr. Poopy Butthole!!!!!!!
I CANNOT wait for these Pops from ''Gravity Falls''!
''Westworld'' Pops!! I'm gonna broke as fuck!
The Stranger Things Pops are already out. Why don't I own any of these?! I mean seriously, what the hell is wrong with me?!
The Winnie the Pooh Pops are also already out. There are a couple I need from this set.
The Retro Video Game Mystery Minis rock! Even the packaging is varied!
Oh my fucking God!! Ripley Rock Candy! I MUST have! By the way, the guy who showed us around at the booth, realized I was a horror fan (must have been my Freddy Kruger tee that I was wearing). He told me about this one almost immediately!
Let's end this with two Keanu Reeves Pops that cover two spectrums of his career: John Wick (John Wick Chapter 2) and Ted (Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure). I really NEED John Wick but have yet to see him at a store. Have you guys seen/ own him?
Which of these Pops are your favorites? Let me in the comments below.
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