Index

 Search 

 Reviews

 Interviews

 Articles

 Short films

 Capsule reviews

 Links

 Contact

 About EMVG

Get Firefox

Best viewed without Internet Explorer


© Esa Linna unless stated otherwise

Esa Linna


Note: these reviews aren't and will not be updated. Many opinions may have changed during these years.

A - D | E - H | I - M | N - Q | R - U | V - Z


RABID. (1977). D: David Cronenberg

Former porn-actress Marilyn Chambers as woman with bloodsucking "device" in her armpit. Somehow Cronenberg makes also this film work despite the stupid idea.

RABID DOGS. (1974). D: Mario Bava

Intense crime/thriller from acclaimed cult director Bava. A group of criminals hijack the car of man, who is about to take his sick son to the hospital. Situation becomes even more critical when they kidnap also a young attractive woman. Rabid Dogs introduces us to more crude side of Bava, after stylish giallo's like Blood and Black Lace. Interesting and fast-moving - the surprise ending is pretty clever, too. With George Eastman (Luigi Montefiori) as "Thirtytwo".

RABID GRANNIES. (1989). D: Emmanuel Kervyn

Troma-distributed trash. Trailer was much better than this bore.

RAISING CAIN. (1992). D: Brian De Palma

Very good psychological thriller starring great John Lithgow with multiple personality. Enough humor so it doesn't get silly. Underrated in many places.

RAMPAGE. (1989). D: William Friedkin

 An intelligent serial killer drama, which has great trial-scene. Alex McArthur hasn't got this good role since, and may never have again. Also with Twin Peaks' Grace Zabriskie as manic herself.

RAPE AFTER. (1986). D: Ho Meng Hua

Outstanding Hong Kong horror movie with eye-popping scenes where you can witness rotting corpses, a ghost interrupting an abortion and a fetus that kills... Really nasty ghosts and devilish atmosphere, filled with entertaining black magic. For those who like Lucio Fulci's horror gorefests - this one goes even further. And is far more satisfying experience.

RAPED BY AN ANGEL 2 : THE UNIFORM FAN (1998). D: Aman Cheung Man

Series go on but this follow-up to sleazy but entertaining CAT III Hong Kong thriller won't serve anything new. A sicko dentist stalks young women in uniform. Now he's after a cute high school girl whose sister happens to be a police. Things don't go on as he would expect. Average performances in a pretty dull movie don't make this a winner. Not even for die-hard CAT III fans, since this is CAT IIb.

RAVEN. (1963). D: Roger Corman

Best Corman-picture so far - there's lots and lots of them that I have not seen - is a fun horror-comedy with three great actors: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff...there's actually four, Jack Nicholson is in it too!

RAWHEAD REX. (1986). D: George Pavlou

Incredibly terrible Clive Barker adaptation with bad FX and amateurish look.

RAZORBACK. (1984). D: Russell Mulcahy

Dark, sinister Australian picture about man searching for his wife in the outback, is not for the faint-hearted. On his way there's two kind of dangers: a killer pig (Razorback) and two sick local brothers. Highly recommended.

RE-ANIMATOR. (1985). D: Stuart Gordon

Based on H.P. Lovecraft's short story, this masterpiece is one hell of a ride with grotesque living dead. Jeffrey Combs is perfect as Herbert West, the professor injecting resurrection fluid to dead things - cats, humans and head of a human. Shame on you, if haven't seen this!

RED-BLOODED AMERICAN GIRL. (1988). D: David Blyth

 Confusing, slow-tempo modern vampire movie which can be forgot.

REDLINE. (1997). D: Tibor Takacs

Sci-fi / thriller set in near future Moscow, where Rutger Hauer is resurrected from the dead after bad guy kills him and his wife. Good chance for revenge. You have seen worse, but you could choose much, much better. Message to Rutger Hauer: do not take anymore these unimaginative roles!

REDNECK ZOMBIES. (1988). D: Pericles Lewnes

This movie, released by Troma, is crap. Straight up, no lying. Dont waste your time. Funny but cheese FX, horrible story. Definitely the worst zombie movie I have ever seen.

review by Mudbone

---

This movie scared the hell out of me. Don't get me wrong it's not the least bit scary but I was so worried that I was going to puke in front of my friends while watching it. The camera work is terribly fast paced (annoyingly and sickeningly so) and it is so goofy and nausiating that only tromaville would dare release it. But I laughed so hard at the autopsy scene.

review by Sponge

RED TO KILL. (1994). D: Hin Sing 'Billy' Tang

Extremely disturbing and gross Hong Kong-thriller, where a psychotic man goes berserk when seeing red - in other words, he rapes and kills. Sounds fun but the no-holds-barred violence, cruel rape scenes, questionable aspects and its bleak world is definitely not for the faint-hearted or young kids. Technically and visually awesome, and leaves you in confused state of mind with freaked-out ending: a young, mentally challenged female hero dies and her friends (mentally challenged also) start to cry in pain - then come the end credits and really happy background music!

REFLECTING SKIN. (1990). D: Philip Ridley

Very bizarre and disturbing thriller/art/drama film which is visually great. Young boy thinks that the widow living in the neighbourhood is a vampire. Too bad that his brother falls in love with her. Whether you like this, or then don't. Give it a chance!

REFLECTIONS OF EVIL (2002). D: Damon Packard

One of the most extraordinary movie of in ages and I love it. Damon Packard has created such a paranoid visual outburst that you have to shake your head. The plot of Reflections is impossible to tell in short sentences, but all in all our anti-hero Bob (Packard himself) walks the streets of L.A. and tries to sell watch to angry American people. Hate is one of the main themes of Reflections, but you should really take a look by yourself. Underground film at its best. And it is not a wanna-be cult film, it IS a cult film that scares, amuses and gives some really great laughs - at the same time. Check out www.reflectionsofevil.com

REINCARNATE. (1971). D: Don Haldane

Utterly hideous reincarnation story recommended only if you have sleeping troubles.

RELENTLESS. (1989). D: William Lustig

Sometimes little bit dull, but usually OK serial killer flick. Judd Nelson shows his darker side pretty good. Also with Robert Loggia and Meg Foster. Sequel: Dead on - Relentless II.

REMOTE CONTROL. (1987). D: Jeff Lieberman

Space aliens distribute dangerous hypnotizing videos on earth, but thank God we have Kevin Dillon to save us. Fun and not-so-serious scifi-actioner. Entertains enough to watch without a need to use remote control.

REPO MAN. (1984). D: Alex Cox

Hilarious and crazy comedy/sci-fi/drama/? about the punker Emilio Estevez (imagine that!) who gets the job as repo man. Same time there's aliens on the earth. But does these two stories have any connection? Check it out. A cult classic and a must. Circle Jerks appear as lousy band (only in the movie!) playing in a bar.

REPOSSESSED. (1990). D: Bob Logan

Sometimes funny parody of Exorcist, starring Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen. Made in the vein of Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker classics, but not nearly as good. Lead stars are great, and Blair shows her talent of good comedienne.

RESERVOIR DOGS. (1992). D: Quentin Tarantino

When I watch Reservoir Dogs, I get the feeling I'm being thrown into a blender. Its a blender filled with lots of 70s icons, music and images. As most film fans know, this is a true Tarantino trait. Its not a bad thing to be put on puree with these chunks of memories though. I think Tarantino was showing his love for that decade that was famous for Disco & Bell Bottoms. The film also shows his inspirations from those years he spent in the now legendary video store "Video Archives". Since I am from the next generation after his, I do enjoy seeing a new filmmaker make a film from memories, influences and great music. Even though I wasn't there when Tarantino was learning from lots of films and lots of filmmakers, the film comes across as a look at Tarantino's favorite films/music/inspirations mixed together.

For Tarantino, a guy that didn't go to a film school and dropped out of school when he was 16, this film is a triumph. After gaining immediate cult status, Dogs will forever be another turning point in the film world's evolution. Cast Includes: Harvey Keitel ,Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Randy Brooks, Kirk Baltz, Eddie Bunker, Quentin Tarantino, voice of Steven Wright.

review by Pete@Cult Clash

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES. (1988). D: John DeBello

DeBello tried to cash with this utterly hideous (this time in purpose) sequel to the Attack of The Killer Tomatoes. But if you're drooling when seeing George Clooney - surprise! He stars in this crap.

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. (1985). D: Dan O'Bannon

Fun and famous humoresque zombie-flick, with great soundtrack that contains TSOL, Roky Erickson, Damned, Cramps etc. Is actually the spoof of Night of The Living Dead. "Brraiinss..!"

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD III. (1993). D: Brian Yuzna

Second sequel to a classic zombie comedy is surprisingly serious horror film. Imaginative plot and gruesome splatter scenes makes this better than most of the genre sequels, although the middle part of the movie moves very slowly. Towards the end Mindy Clarke gets piercings, that would make Marilyn Manson or Gen (of the Genitortures) jealous. Contains few of the most ugliest zombies in movie history.

RETURN TO SALEMS LOT. (1987). D: Larry Cohen

Surprisingly good and strange sequel to tv movie Salem's Lot (which is based on Stephen King's novel). But don't take this very seriously, I'm sure it's not mentioned to.

RIVER'S EDGE. (1986). D: Tim Hunter

Based on a true story, but don't expect anything similar like in those million U.S. cheap tv-made "movies". This is potent and disturbing stuff, which reminds me Twin Peaks (body of a young woman is found from river's edge) but River's Edge is made few years earlier. With Dennis Hopper and Keanu Reeves.

ROADRACERS. (1994). D: Robert Rodriguez

Fast-moving, entertaining and violent love story about the rebellious young man who just wants to play rock'n'roll and be with his girlfriend, and of course the girlfriend who's played by none other than Salma Hayek. Based on same-titled film, original was made in 1958. Made for cable.

ROBOCOP. (1987). D: Paul Verhoeven

Best action movie ever! Just perfect story of a cop (Peter Weller) who is practically killed and then re-animated - as hybrid of cop and robot. No dull scenes, just plain entertainment with a style that criticises American way of life. A must for every self-respected human being.

ROBOT JOX. (1989). D: Stuart Gordon

Disappointment from Stuart "Re-animator" Gordon, this Transformers-inspired scifi-action flick just does not work in any way. Why does Gordon waste his talent in crap like this?

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. (1975). D: Jim Sharman

I'm still a virgin. I haven't seen this in theatre or cinema, just the video. So what, RHPS is best musical ever! It's also among the best movies ever! A must for every self-respecting citizen. With great rock songs.

R.O.T.O.R. (1989). D: Cullen Blaine

Incredible! I watched this few years ago, and haven't seen any copies of it since then. So, R.O.T.O.R. is so hilariously bad sci-fi / action flick that you gotta see to believe it - and it's been made in 1989!. R.O.T.O.R. is like an evil version of Robocop, he is a robot cop who isn't very nice even to ordinary people. Please let me know if you find somewhere this forgotten gem of trash!

RUN AND KILL. (1993). D: Hin Sing "Billy" Tang

Like director Tang's '94 effort, Red To Kill, this pretty cleverly scripted thriller is sometimes hard to watch because of its bleak and gripping violence. Run And Kill really leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and you'll be wondering was this film really made by sane people. Anti-hero of the story is Fatty, a kind-hearted fat man who finds her wife cheating on him. After heavy drinking in a nightclub, Fatty gets to know that he has paid the mobsters for killing his wife.. and then the film becomes a disturbingly macabre nightmare. There are scenes that were really difficult to watch, like the burning of a child - as a father, this particular scene stuck in my brain for a week. Besides these elements, Run And Kill is technically great and acting is over the top - you cannot say that this movie's bad. It's one of the best HK movies I've ever seen, but it has so bleak world that I won't watch it ever again. You've been warned.

RUNESTONE. (1992). D: William Carroll

Average adventure dealing with ancient stone which will bring the hideous monster from another dimension to our world. I've seen better but also much worse.

RUSSIAN NINJA. (1990). D: Mats Helge

Sometimes highly laughable and entertaining piece of Swedish-made ninja flick with a wanna-be American touch. Released also as Russian Terminator, this trashy tale contains a title villain talking like a bad imitator of Arnold Schwartzenegger - you don't believe your ears when he starts to mumble! Despite that and other hilarious actors, it makes you yawn for the most of the time.


SALEM'S LOT. (1979). D: Tobe Hooper

Jerusalem's Lot is the name of the town where lots of vampires are living in, and David Soul stars as writer who's coming back to his hometown only to see that something isn't quite right. Strange enough, this great film (from the S.King's story) is made for television!

SALO, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM. (1975). D: Pier Paolo Pasolini

If you like to watch people eat sh*t, torture, dig the eyes out, sexually abuse (no matter of sexes) or something like that with very annoying way - here's your movie. Very big disappointment from the director of great Canterbury Tales. Not fun to watch.

SAMSON VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN. (1963). D: Alfonso Corona Blake

Mexican wrestling hero saves the day by fighting against vampire women... yes, I know: It's as stupid as it sounds but nevertheless irresistible. Samson (originally Santo) looks pretty "cool" wearing S&M -like mask, tight trousers and a "stylish" cloak. A cult favorite. Too bad that two real wrestling scenes are about 10 minutes long - each...

SATURN 3. (1980). D: Stanley Donen

Kirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett and Harvey Keitel star in this laughable sci-fi "thriller". Keitel is a psycho scientist who comes to visit lovers (and also scientists) Fawcett and Douglas to their space station, and builds a very scary robot which even becomes attracted to Fawcett. So does young & kind-looking Keitel. Camp with capital "C".

SAVAGE ENCOUNTER. (198-). D: Bernard Buys

Very very dull, boring and amateurish Deliverance-clone has nothing, why you should check it out.

SCANNER COP. (1994). D: Pierre David

Somewhat sequel to Scanners movies, title says it all. A young cop has those incredible telepathic forces that he has to use against the criminals. If only the lead actor, Daniel Quinn were replaced by someone else. You just can't take him seriously.

SCANNERS. (1981). D: David Cronenberg

Cronenberg's good atmospheric tale of telepathic power that may cause a head explosion. And that's why this film is so famous because the special effects in these scenes are great.

SCANNERS III: THE TAKEOVER. (1992). D: Christian Duguay

I am really sorry, but I've forgot what really did happen in this flick...but let's assume it tells something about it!

SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN BEVERLY HILLS. (1989). D: Paul Bartel

Truly fun comedy with a bad taste, and that's what Bartel has (in a good way of course!). Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide gave this only 1 1/2 points out of 4. But you're reading Extraordinary Movie & Video Guide, so I give 5 out of 4. Whole film is located into one luxury apartment, where we can see a lot of sexual affairs between servants, guests and relatives. Starring Jacqueline Bisset, Ed Begley Jr., Bartel himself and Paul Mazursky.

SCISSORS. (1991). D: Frank De Felitta

It's a boring thriller dealing with scissors and sexual traumas of woman played by Sharon Stone.

SCREAM. (1996). D: Wes Craven

Good Halloween-inspired horror movie, which has only one problem. Identity of killer is revealed to early, so the tension disappears. But it's great to see that Craven is again in shape after few disappointments. Now let's wait the horror boom from Hollywood.

And then some:

Well, after seeing this film I am almost breathless, yet still gasping for more. It is set in the small californian town of Woodsboro, a town soon to be famed as a town soaked in murder. When a girl from the local high school and her boyfriend are savagely mutilated at the girl's home, in what I think will soon become the second most remembered horror movie sequence of all time next to the Psycho shower scene, the mystery, humour, and utter horror of this film unfold. Neve Campbell portrays the distressed murder victim in this mystery/comedy/horror/thriller and does an excellent job of it with her fellow great cast. Seven particular perfomances besides that of Neve that should be mentioned are Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, the guy who plays Randy, Rose Macgowen, Drew Barrymore, Courtney Cox, and Skeet Urlich.

***** out of ***** Review by meares@hotmail.com

SCREAM 2. (1998). D: Wes Craven

If you liked Scream 1 you will be disappointed with Scream 2. The only bit of this movie I did like was when the credits came up and it said "the end". The one major thing that makes the movie so disappointing is the advertisement for this movie, saying its more gorier, sexier and funnier. The only bit of this that is true is the funnier bit I was in laughter over the supposed to be scary murder scenes. Which were just stupid at the end of the movie the people you see murdered come back to life. RUBBISH.

Review by Steven Banks

SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM! (1973). D: Bob Kelijan

More action than in the first one, but not nearly as great. William Marshall still raises this above average.

SCREAM IN THE STREETS. (1971). D: Harry Novak

Two cops in Los Angeles are chasing transvestite rapist-murderer and a Peeping Tom. Film by cult favorite director Novak has it all: lots of violence, sex, nudity, perverted criminals and car chases. Some might get angry about transvestite sex criminal, but let's face it: it's pure exploitation and a one kind of look in America thirty years ago. If Paul Verhoeven had lived in America in early seventies, he'd could done this film.

SCREAMERS. (1995). D: Christian Duguay

Peter Weller stars in this OK scifi/thriller where the "screamers", robots that move under the sand, attack people in the future after the war. Little bit too long, but otherwise fairly good adaptation of Philip K. Dick short story "Second Variety". Dan O'Bannon cowritted.

SEEDPEOPLE. (1992). D: Peter Manoogian

Wow! You won't often see so hideous special effects as in this one - even in many 50's monster movies. Full Moon Entertainment could drop the last word of their name if the quality goes this low. But maybe in the future, these flicks are gems for collectors. Who knows?

SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW. (1988). D: Wes Craven

Craven's best movie goes to Haiti, zombie paradise. Bill Pullman's got to find zombification poison for the use of western medical treatment. Visually great and creates hell of a suspense. Not really a horror and is based on a true story, written by Wade Davis. An intelligent zombie movie.

SERVANTS OF TWILIGHT. (1991). D: Jeffrey Obrow

Adaptation of great same-titled novel of Dean R. Koontz is not bad, but doesn't have the great dark atmosphere of the book. But the filmmakers couldn't have chosen better when signing Grace "Twin Peaks" Zabriskie as the mani(a)c cult leader (who thinks that the innocent little boy is antichrist). You just could not imagine anyone else in that part.

SEVEN MAGNIFICENT GLADIATORS. (1984). D: Bruno Mattei

Italian Z-grade historic gladiator flick. Hideous. Fun when following bad dubbing.

SEVENTH SIGN. (1988). D: Carl Schultz

These religious horror movies have always been effective to me, and Seventh Sign doesn't make an exception. Pregnant Demi Moore fears for her unborn child because Jurgen Prochnow seems like evil dude and follows poor Demi. And it may be the end of the world within few days... Only the end was too positively Christian - if you know what I mean. Why can't they blow up the whole world in Hollywood flicks?

SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D. (1992). D: Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz

Troma it is! Harry Griswold is a police officer, and he will become SGT. Kabukiman, N.Y.P.D., Japanese superhero (?) when famous Kabuki actor is murdered(???). Unashamed trash, but nevertheless highly entertaining. Lots of good laughs and fun action. Check it out!

SHADOWZONE. (1989). D: J.S. Cardone

 Low-budget movie about monster from the another dimension brought to earth by scientists. Somewhat interesting, but little more money wouldn't be bad for this one. Or then less, so it would be even more fun.

SHAFT. (1971). D: Gordon Parks

Classic blaxploitation movie about a detective which is also an ultimate stud. Not so great than it's acclaimed, but good nevertheless. Title song, by Isaac Hayes, is an funk evergreen. Richard Roundtree in title role.

SHAFT IN AFRICA. (1973). D: Gordon Parks

John Shaft goes to investigate a slavery problem to Ethiopia and mets few attractive women, too. Theme song "Are you man enough" by Four Tops is absolutely great, but sadly it's simply the best thang in this dull second sequel.

SHAKMA. (1990). D: Hugh Parks

Annoying horror film with annoying apes running and screaming - and of course stupid teenagers are victims because they're so stupid, that's why! God I hate "bad bad" horror movies, when they're not enough "bad" to be "good". Get it?

SHE BEAST. (1966). D: Michael Reeves

Little-known horror movie from the late director of Witchfinder General. A husband and his wife (Barbara Steele) take a trip in Transylvania, and after an accident the wife turns into horrific-looking witch who was executed hundreds of years ago. Sometimes has effective and suspenseful moments, but silly humorous scenes makes this a little confusing film. Still, fairly entertaining and debut of Reeves.

SHINING. (1980). D: Stanley Kubrick

One of the best horror (or would it be terror) movies ever, because of Jack Nicholson's incredible performance and Kubrick's tight direction. And I think this one's better than Stephen King's novel. It still thrills and chills.

SHOCK CORRIDOR.(1963). D: Samuel Fuller

 Great offbeat thriller about a journalist who goes undercover at an insane asylum to solve a murder case but ends up liking it there. Look out for the black Ku-Klux Clan member. Probably my all-time favourite, but it's very hard to get hold of.

Review byThomas Herlofsen

SHOCKER. (1989). D: Wes Craven

Ultimately muddled serial killer who makes somehow appearances in the TV shows and kills people. It's so stupid I can't believe it. And the Megadeth's version of "No more mr. nice guy" made for this isn't good either. No use.

SHOWGIRLS. (1995). D: Paul Verhoeven

There are those who hate this film and those who just love it - I heard Showgirls was big hit in France(?). I thought it would've been really awful, but surprisingly I kinda liked it sometimes. Elizabeth Berkley shows some incredibly bad acting, and Kyle McLachlan does not make good performance either. But there might be one of the reason, why some people are so fond of this satiric drama. Verhoeven has done better, but story that is somewhat "Fame" located in stripper's world gets just right treatment from him. And yes, there's lotsa nudity.

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. (1991). D: Jonathan Demme

Not as scary as many might say, but still a good horror film - and it wouldn't be without Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT. (1984). D: Charles E. Sellier

Good idea, but average film only for the die-hard slasher fans.

SILK 2. (1989). D: Cirio H. Santiago

Scream queen Monique Gabrielle as a Honolulu detective. Bad acting, few laughable scenes and has more effect than barrel of sleeping pills. Gabrielle doesn't act in the first one, but I wouldn't check it out anyway.

SILVER BULLET. (1985). D: Daniel Attias

Fairly good entertainment which is based on (guess who's?) novella called Cycle of The Werewolf. Not a must, though.

SISTER, SISTER. (1987). D: Bill Condon

Boring supernatural horror crap from promising director, but even Jennifer Jason Leigh and Eric Stoltz can't save this.

SLAUGHTER. (1972). D: Jack Starret

Jim Brown as a former Green Beret officer, who's about to avenge the death of his parents - by getting to know the gangsters who did it. Again, the revenge is the main theme in blaxploitation flick - luckily this is one of the winners of the genre, thanks to Brown and supporting actors Rip Torn and Cameron Mitchell.

SLAUGHTER'S BIG RIPOFF. (1973). D: Gordon Douglas

If you are a fan of 70's blxploitation, this is for you. Somehow this flick slipped by the masses being overshadowed by the likes of Shaft. There are so many lines in this movie that are worth sampling. And the villian, none other than Ed McMahon! He is so sleazy in this flick. For this genre, I give it two thumbs up.

review by Detrick

SLAYER. (1981). D: J.S. Cardone

Sometimes this slasher creates even some suspense, but is really not a worthwhile - unless you're die-hard slasher fan.

SLEEPWALKERS. (1992). D: Mick Garris

I'm getting bored when hear the name of Stephen King. Though Sleepwalkers is fun to watch, isn't there other horror writers in the world? This tells the story of cat people who like to practise incest. But why did Brian Krause fell in love with Madchen Amick - a normal girl - when he has his good-looking mother (Alice Krige)? Ok, good entertainment and certainly above average of all Stephen King-related films.

SLITHIS. (1978). D: Stephen Traxler

Low-budger monster flick which hasn't enough bloody victims to make it fun to watch. I've realized Slithis got some cult following too. Why?

SLUGS. (1987). D: Juan Piquer Simon

Horror film with slimy slugs attacking people and eating their skin & flesh. Good gore and some effective scenes from the Spanish director Simon, but isn't really a very great movie. Just fairly good low-budget entertainment.

SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE. (1983). D: Amy Jones

Typical boring 80's slasher. Just leave it to the shelf under the dust.

SOCIETY. (1989). D: Brian Yuzna

Sick horror comedy which truly isn't for the faint-hearted. Tells a story of a rich extraterrestrial mutants who like to suck people for food in slimy orgies they arrange(?). Incredible scenes of forcing fist from the anus to the throat and turning a man from inside out. Sometimes movies work because of great SFX, but that's allright.

SOLO. (1996). D: Norberto Barba

Mario Van Peebles-powered scifi/action with touch of Robocop. Peebles is half human, half machine and perfect soldier. But he comes dangerous to the evil ones, when he's able to think by himself... OK example of these kind of movies. Entertaining, but don't expect any groundbreaking elements.

SOME NUDITY REQUIRED. (1998). D: Odette Springer

Great documentary of exploitation of women in B & Z-grade movies. And of course exploitation flicks too. Interviews with Maria Ford (not very happy one, with touching and sad stories), Fred Olen Ray, Jim Wynorski, Julie Strain, Roger Corman etc. This one really works because it isn't made with scandalous touch - some women are happy of that thing they do, and some aren't. Bet you will have a different look for exploitation & sexploitation movies after seeing this one.
NOTE! Updated review would be necessary, after hearing some facts how the filmmakers Springer and Demetrakas misled the people in this documentary.

SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK. (1991). D: Tom McLoughlin

TV adaptation of that damn S. King's story, which is very boring.

SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA. (1988). D: David DeCoteau

Intelligent, clever, sophisticated...Okay, okay..just be sure that you're drunk when you watch this. I was. Great flick for parties, and don't expect that I would explain the plot. Well, it's a horror-comedy with tits & beer. Main character, rubbery demon (or the imp) was great.

SOULTAKER. (1990). D: Michael Rissi

Supernatural thriller dealing with souls and life on the other side. Stupid, cheap and not very entertaining.

SPACE TRUCKERS. (1997). D: Stuart Gordon

Fun comedy about truckers in space, who don't really know what are they shipping this time - but it will cause them trouble. If you take this genre too seriously, don't bother. I had a good time with this light-hearted flick, which has Dennis Hopper, Debi Mazar and Stephen Dorff in lead roles. Hope that this will bring director Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond) back to business. Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond and - ! - Bold and the Beautiful) appears briefly.

SPAWN. (1997). D: Mark A.Z. Dippé

Very comic-book like (OK OK, I know why!) action thriller, with supernatural superhero born in darkness. It is very fun to watch, and nevermind those computer FX which are pretty uhm... interesting at times. Above average it goes easily.

SPECIAL EFFECTS. (1985). D: Larry Cohen

Movie director wants the realistic death scene and strangles a wanna-be actress. Forgettable.

SPIDER BABY. (1964). D: Jack Hill

Great bizarre low-budget movie about sick family that have the disease making them violent and eager to eat human flesh. Spider Baby is so well-acted it's fun to watch and is no doubt the one of the best horror comedies ever made.

SPLIT SECOND. (1992). D: Tony Maylam, Ian Sharp

Scifi/horror/thriller starring Rutger Hauer. Evil monster kills people by ripping their heads, and the police Hauer tries to stop the f**ker.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. (1990). D: Tobe Hooper

Muddled boring stupid crap. Title says it all you have to know 'bout it.

SSSSSSS. (1973). D: Bernard L. Kowalski

Strother Martin as an insane scientist?! Yeeehaaa!! His performance in this film is very creepy indeed. Strother Martin has been in all kinds of films from Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, to Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke. In this film he plays Dr. Carl Stoner, a scientist who studies snakes. He gets venom from them and he sells it to researchers for money. The doctor also does his own research as well. His main project is trying to turn a human into one of these cold blooded creatures. The only problem is, he doesn't have anyone to use as a guinea pig. Enter David Blake, (Dirk Benedict), you might remember him from great early 80s TV shows like Battlestar Galactica and The A-Team. He plays a nieve college student and is recruited by Dr. Stoner as a live-in lab assistant. Little does David know he is going to be the subject of Dr. Stoner's twisted experiment. 99 min, Rated PG, Color. Director: Bernard L. Kowalski. Cast Includes: Strother Martin, Dirk Benedict, Heather Menzies, Richard B. Shull, Tim O'Connor, Jack Ging.

review by Pete@Cult Clash

STAGEFRIGHT. (1987). D: Michele Soavi

Fairly good horror movie from Italian director - now that's something! I'm not trying to be rude but really: if only they wouldn't try to make their movies to look like American. A lot better than for example Argento's Opera, which has plot a little like in this. Stagefright deals with musical where the maniac (escaped from the mental hospital) causes terror.

STEPFATHER. (1987). D: Joseph Ruben

Good thriller about crazy man (great Terry O'Quinn) stepping into lifes of love-needing widows. But the dark side always comes out of him, and hell breaks loose. Very tight direction, and as said before - Terry O'Quinn is perfect for his role.

STEPFATHER 2. (1989). D: Jeff Burr

Underrated sequel that really isn't much worse than the original. Thriller at its best, again.

STEPFORD WIVES. (1975). D: Bryan Forbes

Good scary movie located in small town, where every wife are "men's dream" - they care about their looks, cook, clean... something's got to be wrong! And there is, too. You can notice some feminism in the script, and it works like hell. Highly recommended, but avoid those made-for-TV sequels.

STREETFIGHTER. (1975). D: S. Ozawa

I first learned of Sonny Chiba while watching True Romance directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. Just the quick peek of Sonny Chiba in the film was enough for me to run out to my local mall's video store and ask for it by name. Before I bought the film, I had read a review of it in Premiere magazine. It said Chiba was something to the effect of 'the anti-Bruce Lee'. This made me want to see it even more. Well, I purchased it and screened it. Let me tell you, its one of the best martial arts films I've ever seen. The fight scenes are great. When Terry Tsuguri (Chiba) gets into his seek and destroy mode, he just rips through his opponents, and Terry is relentless in his quest to degrade everyone around him. This guy is one mean S.O.B. Although the storyline is nothing spectacular, the look of the movie and its great characters are enough to keep any cult film fan filled with happiness. He definitely lives up to anti-hero status in this. Originally rated X for violence, this japanese kung-fu film is a must see. 88 min., No rating, Color. Director: S. Ozawa. Cast Includes: Sonny Chiba, Gerald Yamada, Doris Nakajima, Tony Setera. Actionscope. Followed by three sequels.

Review by Pete@Cult Clash

STREET TRASH. (1987). D: Roy Frumkes

Almost no-budget movie that could be courtesy of Troma. If you have good bad taste then here's your flick. No use for telling the story, because this is just full of great scenes where the you can see severed penis, a cop beating the crap out of dork and then vomiting on him etc. Recommended!

SUBSPECIES. (1991). D: Ted Nicolaou

Another stupid Full Moon entry with some fun fx and ugly vampires. Again made in eastern Europe because it's cheap there. Quantity before quality may be the Full Moon's motto.

SUGAR HILL. (1974). D: Paul Maslansky

Fun blaxploitation/horror flick, which has woman called Sugar Hill calling up the dead brothers from the grave - to revenge the murder of her loved one. Sometimes laughably over-acted and funny special effects too (especially the zombies eyes), but nevertheless great fun.

SUPER ADAM ISTANBUL'DA. (1971). D: Yavuz Yalinkilic

Eh... so, this is Turkish Superman. First: I understand couple of Turkish words. Second: this film was in Turkish language with no subtitles. Yet I did watch the goddamn picture from beginning to end and had a fun time. It's worth of seeing only the Super Adam (my god, that outfit is awesome) himself kicking the asses of bad guys. Plus : there was a high amount of drug abuse and cool 70's psychedelick rock - I would guess this would be a HIP film for the parties.

SUPERSTITION. (1985). D: James W. Robertson

Minister is moving with his family to site, where evil witch has lived hundreds of years ago. OK horror pic which thrills and chills, if you're in the right mood. Low budget is used reasonably.

SUSPIRIA. (1977). D: Dario Argento

Great camerawork, beautiful colors, effective killing scenes and a very dumb and boring movie. That's Argento.

SWAMP THING. (1982). D: Wes Craven

Ok but not great version of same-titled comic book. Harmless entertainment for the whole family.

SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAAD ASSSSS SONG. (1971). D: Melvin van Peebles

Confusing, acclaimed combination of blaxploitation thriller and angry in-your-face opinions of white society. Considered as the first blaxploitation movie, but is totally different than any example of the genre. Van Peebles as the Sweetback, who gets laid with many bitches and is on a runaway from the police. Definitely not a typical blaxploitation and probably not for you if you're fond with Coffy, Shaft, Black Fist or other entertaining exploitative black flicks. It seems that filmmakers were on acid, but that may be just art.


TENEBRAE. (1982). D: Dario Argento

Best Argento film so far, which contains shocking and visually great "blood bursts out to white walls"-scene. Again, the story itself - which tells tale of a killer turned writer, who is inspired by his own novel - is a little mediocrity.

TERROR. (1963). D: Roger Corman

Average Corman-cheapie. It's been said that this is the only movie that Jack Nicholson has made without a plot. Not a big surprise.

TERROR IN THE MIDNIGHT SUN. (1959). D: Virgil W. Vogel

Original title of this fun Swedish sci-fi movie is Rymdinvasion i Lappland. A flying saucer from outer space (surprise, huh..) lands on the earth, and instead typical desert in USA these visitors head into snowy & icy Lappland. And the "terror" of title is hideous, giant hairy monster which causes heavy destruction. Needless to say, these films don't scare too much but are pretty attractive with all their campy dialogue and effects. Jerry Warren cut the film about 20 minutes and added the scenes with John Carradine, and finally released it as "Invasion of the animal people" - reviewed version is original with 73 minutes.

TERROR TRAIN. (1980). D: Roger Spottiswoode

  Effective slasher located on a train(you hadn't ever guess that from the title..) which has familiar heroine of this genre - Jamie Lee Curtis!

TERROR WITHIN. (1988). D: Thierry Notz

Violent and entertaining scifi/horror stuff produced by Roger Corman. Terrifying monsters attack the last people on earth.

TESIS. (1996). D: Alejandro Amenábar

It has been a long while since I have been really scared because of some movie. Spanish terror thriller Tesis, which deals with snuff films, was that kind of film. Female student is making a study of violent movies and their effect on people, and discovers that someone is killing young women and taping them to video. Suspicious horror movie freak helps her, and when they got themselves a real snuff-flick, they are in a big trouble. One of the best films of 90's. Awesome. I am impressed.

TETA Y LA LUNA. (1994). D: Bigas Luna

Funny and extraordinary comedy about a young boy, who wants himself an own tit (to suck milk) - his mother has a baby, so the boy can't have that particular tit... It's terrible job to tell something about this film, because the plot is so strange - but somehow it all makes sense, thanks to Spanish director Luna. Check out also French biker, who performs in his popular farting shows...English title: Tit and the Moon

TETSUO I -the Iron Man / TETSUO II -Body hammer. (199?). D:

ERASERHEAD goes manga! Both films are about a poor guy who slowly turns to metal. The first film has cool stop-motion effect, the second one puts the story into a more coherent plot. Both are great, and they're available on video as a double feature.

Review by Thomas Herlofsen

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. (1974). D: Tobe Hooper

The first time I saw TCM I was probably 12 or 13, it was very scary and I think I had nightmares for awhile. Now being in my 20s, I find it almost fun to watch. Starting from the scene when the kids in the van pick up the deranged hitchhiker. Its really a black comedy mixed with hardcore gore. The first time we see the infamous Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen) we are prone to get very uncomfortable, but as the film progresses we learn that he is actually a big dumb oaf dressing up in wigs and wearing dead peoples skin as a mask.

No, It is not for the faint of heart. Its for those horror fans and people who love a good scare and to be made sick. NOTE: This film should be watched in Widescreen. Its truly a horror cult classic. The precursor to great horror classics like Friday The 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. 83 min, Cast Includes: Marilyn Burns, Gunner Hansen,Ed Neal, Allen Danzinger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail. Narrated by an unbilled John Larroquette. Followed by two sequels.

review by Pete@Cult Clash

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2. (1986). D: Tobe Hooper

Incredibly funny and surprisingly good sequel with always great Dennis Hopper as the hero. Very tongue-in-cheek and maybe few critics haven't understood that.

THEATRE OF BLOOD. (1973). D: Douglas Hickox

Hilarious horror comedy about pissed-off actor murdering critics. With of course highly imaginative ways.

THEY CAME FROM WITHIN. (1975). D: David Cronenberg

Bizarre movie about the parasites that make people as horny creeps. Just look who's directed it so I don't have to say more.

THEY LIVE! (1988). D: John Carpenter

Funny satirical scifi/thriller starring former wrestler Roddy Piper. And Carpenter shows his direction skills because Piper is actually good in this one. Aliens have invaded the earth and they can be seen only with special sunglasses.

THEY SAVED HITLER'S BRAIN! (1963). D: David Bradley

Trashy science fiction that is just little too boring to make it fun, but has few great scenes where we can see the Hitler's head - alive! I wonder if this influenced Stuart Gordon in Re-animator.

THING. (1982). D: John Carpenter

Great fx-packed scifi-horror and really gives you lots of frights. And the tense musical score is - typically for Carpenter - great.

THINNER. (1996). D: Tom Holland

Again a adaptation of Stephen King - or "Richard Bachman" - novel, which is actually very much Tales From The Crypt-like story of a lawyer cursed by an old gypsy man. He gets curse on him after driving over old gypsy woman, and the fat lawyer starts to lose weight very fast. Well-made and sometimes hilarious, but never hits the bullseye.

THIS IS SPINAL TAP. (1984). D: Rob Reiner

I'm still trying to find out if this film was done improvisationally or with a solid script. Nevertheless, Rob Reiner's comedic look at the typical rock n' roll cliches is right on. The actors in the film do a great job of taking their characters to new heights of stupidity. Anyone that watches this infamous film has their own favorite memories. For some its the "this one goes to 11" scene with Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest). For others its the Stonehenge rock opera scene with the dancing dwarves.

As we travel on the road with these idiotic musicians we see the highs and lows of life on the road in a band. We reminiss with the band, looking back at the different stages of their careers. We watch them get more and more tasteless. We watch their hair grow. We also see the jealousy between the band and their rivals. All of which are hilarious. There are also some great cameos by people like: Fran Drescher as Bobby Flekman, Billy Crystal as the Mime Head Waiter, Dana Carvey as the Mime Waiter, Bruno Kirby as the Cab Driver and Paul Schaffer as Arty Fufkin. Cast Includes, Michael McKean Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Tony Hendra, June Chadwick, R.J. Parnell, David Kaff.

review by Pete@Cult Clash

THRILLER � A CRUEL PICTURE. (1974). D: Bo Vibenius

Measured against Bo Vibenius�s depraved THRILLER � EN GRYM FILM most sleaze epics pale by comparison. This bleak, minimalist excursion into despair comes across like a slow, painful Bergman film on bad acid. Girls are kidnapped by a sadistic pimp, turned into heroin addicts and dumped into a brothel, there to suffer hideous mistreatment in the hands of sweating, overweight customers. One early key sequence, presented with long, unflinching closeups, shows two of the victims explaining in detail their horrible personal tragedies. A mute girl (Christina Lindberg), escapes and finally exterminates her tormentors in the most vicious scenes of garnage ever committed to film in Sweden, where THRILLER suffered 11 minutes of cuts before being allowed to go public. In the USA a truncated version of the picture is known as THEY CALLED HER ONE-EYE.

review by Asko Leinonen

TIMERIDER. (1983). D: William Dear

Fun scifiactioner with lead actor Fred Ward. He plays motocross racer who somehow goes into wild, wild west all along in the year 1875.

TIME TRAVELERS. (1964). D: Ib Melchior

Very entertaining science fiction movie dealing with travelling into future. Sometimes very laughable, in a campy way.

TO ALL A GOODNIGHT. (1980). D: David Hess

Ultimately dumb teenager horror flick. Don't touch it even with a long stick.

TOKYO FIST. (199 ). D:

Harsh and violent triangle shows maybe the most cruelest boxing scenes in movie history. Two men are attracted of same woman and only way to solve the problem seems to be - the brutal and merciless boxing match. From the director of Tetsuo 1 & 2.

TOKYO REVELATION. (199 ). D:

Fairly good anime dealing with demons and satan trying to take over the world, and starting with Tokyo. As usually, imaginative and fast-paced.

TOOLBOX MURDERS. (1978). D: Dennis Connelly

Great title, awful film. First you see a naked woman and next you see when she's killed with a nailgun. Imaginative?

TORSO. (1974). D: Sergio Martino

 I have seen only the cut version and probably haven't seen any of the interesting scenes. Without them, this is just a boring italo-horror with no sign of quality.

TOTAL RECALL. (1990). D: Paul Verhoeven

One of the best (if not the best) of Schwartzenegger's movies is a clever, fast-paced scifi-actioner based on Philip K. Dick's story. With Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox and Michael Ironside.

TOXIC AVENGER. (1985). D: Michael Herz, Samuel Weil

A movie that made Troma famous, and for a good reason. Violence, black humor and bad taste. And the story's about first superhero from the New Jersey - a nerd called Melvim who will become Toxic Avenger after falling into a barrell of toxic waste.

TOXIC AVENGER 2. (1988). D: Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz

Lots of fun scenes but it's just an average when compared to the original. Not bad.

TOXIC AVENGER 3: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE. (1989). D: Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz

They should've not done this, it is a really stupid and boring crap that really annoys you if you're a fan of original Toxie.

TRANSMUTATIONS. (1985). D: George Pavlou

Very strange and dull British flick, with screenplay of Clive Barker. Lots of ugly mutants, nothing else.

TREMORS. (1990). D: Ron Underwood

Funny horror-comedy which is a tribute to many great 50's monster movies. Great giant worms attacking in the desert, and very good actor Fred Ward.

TRICK OR TREAT. (1986). D: Charles Martin Smith

Goddamn this is stupid, but on the other hand, in the right mood this could work. . . then again, I don't do drugs. Mix of heavy metal and teenage horror, and it's a shame that Ozzy shows himself in this utterly dumb "movie".

TROMEO & JULIET. (1995). D: Lloyd Kaufman

Kaufman has claimed that Tromeo & Juliet is his best effort so far, but I can't agree. Don't get me wrong, it's good but Toxic Avenger is still Troma-flick no. 1. But hey, who can resist film that is based on Shakespeare's classic and is stuffed with cybersex, body piercing and Lemmy Kilmister as a narrator! Soundtrack contains also Sublime, Unsane, Meatmen, Motörhead, Wesley Willis Fiasco etc. Gets really sick from time to time - awright!

TURKEY SHOOT. (1985). D: Brian Trenchard-Smith

 Real turkey, located in near-future where criminals are allowed to run away in the woods. Only it's also hunting season, where sadistic prison leaders and a werewolf(?) are the hunters. Watch and die laughing!

TWO EVIL EYES. (1990). D: George Romero, Dario Argento

Two Edgar Allan Poe stories directed by two acclaimed horror directors. I never would guess this, but Argento's direction is much better than Romero's! "Black Cat" (starring Harvey Keitel) is very good black comedy/horror episode that has very fun and gruesome moments - also at the same time. Romero-directed "The Facts in the case of Mr. Valdemar" is not bad, but is more like an episode of "Hammer House of Horrors" television series. Good snack, but let's wait for the big meal from these men.

2000 MANIACS! (1964). D: Herschell Gordon Lewis

Best of the Lewis' legendary gorefests, with fun scenes where you see "a town of madmen...crazed for carnage!". But of course: if I would rate this, it would deserve still "BOMB".


UNBORN. (1991). D: Rodman Flender

Creating the master race can sometimes go wrong, and in Unborn it certainly does. Pregnant Brooke Adams carries a monster child in her belly, but she and her husband doesn't know about mutation of the baby. Great tense atmosphere, Unborn is really a little masterpiece of horror. But if you're a pregnant woman or faint-hearted dad, DON'T watch this.

UNCLE SAM. (1996). D: William Lustig

Larry Cohen wrote this promisingly starting, but in the end (sadly) little bit dull story of dead soldier rising from his grave, and going into killing spree. Silly but fun idea just falls flat in Lustig's direction. Cohen and the director co-operated first time in Maniac Cop.

UNDEAD. (1968). D: Roger Corman

Strange fantasy film about a hypnotized girl who travels back in time, meets the devil and accidentally changes the future. Satan gets all the good lines. Watch out for the "bats" from IT CONQUERED THE WORLD.

Review by Thomas Herlofsen

UNIVERSAL SOLDIER. (1992). D: Roland Emmerich

Action-oriented tough guys Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren team up in this OK cyborg film. Great especially when you have some salty snacks, soft drink and a hangover.

UNNAMABLE II: THE STATEMENT OF RANDOLPH CARTER. (1992). D: Jean-Paul Ouellette

Sequel to a film that never reached my eyes, but that's OK. Wouldn't been a great loss if the sequel hadn't either. Oh hell, you don't wanna know the plot cause there isn't much. Ugly mutants, two stupid male heros and Maria Ford.

UP IN SMOKE. (1978). D: Lou Adler

These guys are the undisputed kings of 'drugsploitation'. The film takes you on a trip with a couple of stoners who happen to both...play in rock bands! After Man (Tommy Chong) takes off from his parent's mansion in his VW Bug, he gets stuck and spends the night in a ditch. As luck would have it, he hitches a ride with the coolest Chicano in East L.A.: Pedro DePacas (Cheech Marin). The next scene has Man (Chong) light up the biggest joint in the history of ganjaland. It looks like a tree trunk. As these two get high, the lowrider they're in gets filled with smoke. The next scene is one of the funniest, I've seen in a comedy flick, as Pedro tries to come down from inhaling all the smoke. As many people know, Cheech and Chong have taken their famous comedy routines and put them together into this film. The sequels made after this film weren't as good. Cast Includes: Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Stacy Keach, Tom Skerritt, Edie Adams, Strother Martin. Panavision.

review by Pete@Cult Clash

Elitisti

Graphics by GIMP

Document made with Nvu

Quanta Plus

Bluefish


Buy the Bruce Lee Boxset from HKL
Buy Now