Jean Rollin double feature: The Grapes of Death & The Living Dead Girl

I never knew Jean Rollin and J.A. Laser were the same person.

Scarce

Ok this movie may not be the most original independant film Ive seen, but I give em props for gore quality and badassery. The badassery goes out to Jesse T. Cook, John Geddes,(the directors) and Thomas Webb for having the balls to do several scenes in the dead of winter,waist deep in snow, wearing nothing but boxers and a t shirt(specially John Geddes for running down that stream barefoot).Thats just straight up hardcore. Supporting Badassery goes to Steve Warren for the pretty damn creepy character he played. Props for gore quality goes out to the Gore Brothers, Jason & Jeff Derushie, whos level of professional gore effects really brought another layer of bona fide horror to the movie. Like I said, this isnt the most original movie, but its a horror film made by horror fans that was meant to deliver some raw horror,and i think it does that for the most part. I think most gore hounds will be satisfied.

-five out of ten thingys

Subspecies

So far most the Full Moon features Ive seen have been more like serial cliffhangers(excluding the Stuart Gordon features). Subspecies was pretty decent, I enjoyed it. Radu ,played by Anders Hove, is pretty dope. Dont worry Charles Band is of course involved ,taking producer and writing credits. Ted Nicoloau directs quite well, and theres plenty of Radu's little imp thingys to go around. Im planning on checking out the next one yo.

6.5 out of ten Charles Bands

Alien Factor 2: The Alien Rampage

So i bought a copy of this for 6.99 at Lauries planet of sound soley based on what Ive heard recently about the late great Don Dohler's knack for cheesy sci-fi horror, and it definitely delivers cheesy sci-fi horror. While its not the best movie Ive ever scene it certainly packs some charmless charm, complete with bad acting, a cheesy cyborg alien suit, and a wonderful mixture of practical effects mixed with low budget CGI. Being the first film Ive seen by Mr Dohler, I must say i was told what to expect and got exactly that. I will definitely be on the lookout for his other films -Nightbeast,Galaxy Invader,Fiend,Blood Massacre, & Dead Hunt.

-RIP Don Dohler 1946-2006-

-Half a wheel of Alien cheese

The Asphyx

Ahh forgotten gems, dont you love em? After tanking in the UK then being released in the US at the same time as The Exorcist, The Asphyx never really had a chance. Thank god for the DVD format. Directed by Peter Newbrook (his only directing credit) and shot by cinematographer Freddie Young (Gorgo,Doctor Zhivago,Lawrence of arabia) This dark little film brings some really fresh ideas to screen. Sir Hugo Cunningham (played by Robert Stephens) discovers that all living things have an Asphyx which can sense when death approaches. So in order to achieve immortality Hugo creates a certain light that can capture the Asphyx thus transforming any living mortal into an immortal. The Special effects are actually quite good for the time period and the Asphyx creature is pretty creepy. No blood and gore here though, just plenty of atmosphere, classic acting, an immortal ginny pig and a nice loop around ending. Over all a pleasant surprise. Recommended for fans of Hammer and Amicus style horror.

-3 and half out of five immortal ginny pigs

Inglourious Basterds

It was Better than Death Proof and Kill Bill, and can easily go toe to toe with Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs. Dont just go see it because it's the new Tarantino film, see it because Christoph Waltz is a badass.

Laserblast

Pure ,uncut ,Sci-Fi Cheese

Dan O'Bannon's lost gem: The Resurrected

The Late Great Dan O'Bannon, director of cult zombie classic Return of the Living Dead and writer on films such as Alien, Total Recall, Screamers,Bleeders,Heavy Metal,Lifeforce,Dark Star & Dead and Buried, brings us hands down one the best film adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft to date. Chris Sarandon plays Charles Dexter Ward bringing the goods just like he did in Fright Night, while O'Bannon keeps the atmosphere brewing. This is a must see for H.P. Lovecraft enthusiasts,Dan O'Bannon fans, and zombie fiends. Oh yeah, and theres some awesome stop motion animation...enjoy!

R.I.P Dan O'Bannon

4 & 1/2 out of 5 Dan O'Bannon bow ties