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Mondo Collecto. USA 2006. Directed by R.P. Whalen

Mondo Collecto is essentially a documentary about collecting strange stuff, and has a lot of strange appeal to it. Although Mondo Collecto is not always very professional looking ("Filmed in glorious VHS-C", which is a great tagline!), it has a great idea that serves well here. And that is all that counts.

The viewer is introduced to many collectors living in U.S., and I bet you already guessed that these are not just any average stamp collectors. The most disturbing (and hilariously funny, at the same time) interview is done with Spanish-speaking Jorge who likes to collect Pez-candy toys. One of the reasons is because they look like penis. At the end of the interview we can see that Jorge is naked, with pile of Pez covering his private parts. I guess this interview was made with tongue-in-cheek. I hope so.

One of the most interesting interviews is nonetheless the one with "Corpse Grinders"-director Ted V. Mikels. Mikels tells about his deep fascination to ancient weapons and poses to the camera with cool uniforms. Ponytailed grand old schlock director seems to have fun with his life, considering the ever-smiling face and positive approach he has. The extra material even reveals the hilarious drunk call by Mikels himself to director/editor/cameraman/writer/producer R.P. Whalen!

The Jesus Lady interview on the other hand is something to be seen. Let's just say that this lady collects stuff that have something to do with Jesus Christ. This one along with Mikels interview could be the only reasons to watch Mondo Collecto. They're that good. Luckily Whalen has captured only the significant moments with his interviewees.

R.P. Whalen (also known as Rock and Roll Ray) has shot the documentary during many years, and manages to stay nicely on track on the final cut. Even if there are lots of things you don't expect to see : go-go dancers, humorous comedy scenes (that have a slight connection to the rest of the content) and Whalen himself talking about his personal collecting items. But 87 minutes of this light-minded stuff keeps you entertained, even if you are not a collector by yourself. But it helps if you have an understanding towards B-movies and underground pop culture.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rpwhalen/