Phil is quoted in the trailer for HATE CRIME-Setember 27, 2012

For those of you who read my reviews on a regular basis, you may remember that last month I had the privilege of reviewing an exclusive online screening of James Cullen Bressack's new horror film HATE CRIME, which I stated that, "No other horror film has left me this disturbed in quite some time." Well fast forward to Monday, September 24th, and my dear friend from Australia Rhiannon Irons aka Ahlephia (an extremely talented writer for the horror news website Truly Disturbing) tweeted me congrats. Having no idea what she was talking about, I replied back by asking her what she meant. She had informed me that the trailer for HATE CRIME was released and my quote was in the trailer! I couldn't believe it! I logged in on Youtube.com on my iPhone to watch it. And sure enough, about nine seconds into the trailer, there's my quote! The trailer had a series of quotes but mine was the first one! I was totally blown away and completely surprised! But also the trailer for the film looks so sick and grotesque that you can't help but want to watch the film!

How amazing is that trailer? Now this was a brutal movie to watch. The film hearkens back to the early 1970's when horror and exploitation films were so vulgar and so realistic that they were hard to watch. These films just nailed you to the back of the theater. HATE CRIME carries on that spirit, which is what we need now more than ever. With horror movies lacking real scares and true chills these days, here's a film that hits you right in the face! Kudos once again to Bressack for making horror films scary again!

You can follow James Cullen Bressack on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JamesCullenB. His film company Psykik Junky Pictures's website www.psykikjunkypictures.com is still under construction, but keep your eyes peeled for it to launch soon!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil prepares for MISS MISERY'S DAYS OF TERROR Horror Covention at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento-Sept. 27, 2012

Attention all you horror fans out there in Northern California! This weekend (September 28th-29th) is Miss Misery's DAYS OF TERROR HORROR CONVENTION at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento! As you all know our good friend Reyna Young aka Miss Misery is out NorCal horror hostess, who's show Miss Misery's Movie Massacre is on Saturdays from 9pm-11pm throughout California on Channel KCTH 27 on AT&T U-Verse. Now our favorite horror hostess with the mostess is now taking horror to the next level! This is THE biggest horror convention to hit Northern California in years!

Appearing at the convention is a list of who's who in the horror genre: Ari Lehman (the very first Jason from the original FRIDAY THE 13TH), Amy Steel (FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2, APRIL FOOL'S DAY), C.J. Graham (Jason from FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI), Suze Lanier-Bramlett (from the original THE HILLS HAVE EYES PARTS 1& 2), Scream Queen Legend Debra Lamb (DISCIPLES, EVIL SPIRITS), director Brandon Slagle (AREA 51 CONFIDENTIAL, SONGS OF THE SHATTERED), actress Devanny Pinn (AMERICAN GIRLS, CULT), April Burril (CHAINSAW SALLY, THE GOOD SISTERS), Johnny Legend (2001 MANIACS), Michelle Shields (FRANKENSTEIN: DAY OF THE BEAST, AMERICA 2021), the list goes on and on! There will be cool giveaways, new indie horror screenings, plus there will be cool after parties to attend, with music from Ari Lehman's band First Jason!

So what the hell are you waiting for?!? Make plans to attend this off the charts horror convention to haunt Northern California! To learn more about the convention, and to purchase tickets and get directions, visit the official website at www.daysofterror.com. And I'll see you folks out in Sacramento!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends a very special screening of BEAUTY IS EMBARASSING with Wayne White in person at the Camera 3-September 16, 2012

After the PLAYLAND/SUTRO'S double feature at the Camera 3 on Sunday, there was another special event right afterwards that I just had to attend. The documentary BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING chronicles the life and art of artist Wayne White, and to make this screening even more exciting, White himself was there to do an interview! This was a one-time event that I could not miss!

Wayne White was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and from an early age showed an exceptional talent for drawing. He later started his career as a cartoonist in NYC. He eventually  found success as one of the creators of the Pee-wee's Playhouse TV show. He also directed two music videos: Peter Gabriel's "Big Time" in 1986, and the1996 Georges Méliès inspired video "Tonight, Tonight" for the Smashing Pumpkins. He recently launched his second phase in the career: taking cheap, mass-produced lithographs which he finds in secondhand thrift stores and writes words or phrases on them in 3-D style. Interviewers include Paul Reubens aka Pee-Wee Herman, Mark Mothersbaugh from the band Devo, Wayne's parents, his family, and Wayne himself.

First time filmmaker Neil Berkeley does a fantastic and tremendous job of capturing Wayne's life in all its absurdity, its serious times, and the impact his art has had on the world, and the love and support from his parents, his wife and kids, and his friends. Wayne is one of those rare artists that finds humor in art and displays it in all its glory in his work. Wayne says that art is way too serious and his work is the antithesis to the art world.

Wayne is an individual that has had an interesting life to say the least, but his story is an inspiring one. Here is someone who followed his dream and stuck with it, not letting life's troubles and problems plague him and always finding something new to create. His loving wife and children help provide love and support as well as inspiration to him and his art. But it's his passion the fuels his fire of creativity and his belief in himself and not really caring what other people think of his work. The art world truly needs rebels like Wayne indeed.

BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING is a wonderfully inspiring film, touching and hilarious that reminds us all to follow our dreams and passions! Everyone should see this film! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING is playing in select theaters nationwide. To find out if it's playing near you, please visit the film's official website at http://beautyisembarrassing.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the REMEMBERING PLAYLAND/SUTRO'S double feature at the Camera 3-September 16, 2012

This past Sunday I ventured back down to the Camera 3 where my friend and local documentary filmmaker Tom Wyrsch was screening both his films REMEMBERING PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH and SUTRO'S: THE PALACE AT LAND'S END. Also at the theater were my friends Strephon and Heather Taylor from November Fire Recordings selling DVDs of Tom's films as well as posters, buttons, keychains and all other kinds of cool stuff.

The show began with the Camera 3 manager Chris introducing Tom to the stage, where he talked briefly about the film and what we can expect. REMEMBER PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH is a full length documentary about the San Francisco's famed 10 acre seaside amusement park. From 1928 til it closed in 1972, Playland was dubbed the "The Coney Island of the west coast" and rightfully so. The park was home to many great rides and attractions, such as the Skyliner, Rocketship, Big Dipper, Big Slide, Dodgem (bumper cars) Limbo (dark house), Kookie Kube, Dark Mystery, the Mad Mine (a dark ride that literally covered over Dark Mystery), Scrambler, Twister, Kiddie Bulgy. Another favorite was the Diving Bell, a metal chamber that took guests under water and then returned them to the surface with a big splash. But by the late 1960s the park's glory days were a thing of the past, and it soon grew to a state of decay. It was eventually sold to Jeremy Ets-Hokin (a millionaire developer) in 1971 and it was torn down on September 4, 1972. Condominiums now reside on the property.

After the screening, Tom came out and participated in a Q&A with the audience. After about fifteen minutes, it was time for the next film. Now for those of you who keep up with my reviews, you may remember that I saw SUTRO'S back in July at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum. But for those you may not have read it, here's what I said about SUTRO'S: THE PALACE AT LAND'S END:

The documentary told the history of the great Sutro Baths and Museum, which was erected in the late 19th century. It was the world's largest swimming pool establishment, and soon it gained an extravagant museum that made people flock to the "palace at land's end." Sutro contained an astounding seven swimming pools, an ice skating rink, an Egyptian Mummy and Torture Museum, a Tom Thumb exhibit, Sutro Railway, Merry Way, Sutro's Cliff House, and other novelties and exhibits that had people coming back again and again until a fire in 1963 and 1966 destroyed the building, leaving only some of the foundations, which are now referred to as the Sutro Ruins. These ruins are still visible to this very day.

Again after the screening Tom came back out and conducted another great Q&A session. He also mention that he is about to begin editing on his latest documentary of another historic San Francisco landmark: the Cliff House restaurant that will close out his "trilogy."

It was great to see all my friends again, and I was very pleased by the great turnout for both these screenings! Now in case you were not able to attend the show, fear not! Both these great documentaries are available on DVD at the November Fire Recording's website. To purchase a copy, please visit their website at www.novemberfire.com. To view showtimes for other films at the Camera Cinemas, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil once again hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3-September 15, 2012

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Hello again from the midnight hour! Once again yours truly hosted the Camera 3 Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Saturday night's show had an even bigger turn out than Thursday's show! Over 80 people attended the screening, along with my friends from Barely Legal Productions, the Bay Area's best THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW shadowcast! Again I handed out prizes from our friendly sponsors over at Streetlight Records and Time Tunnel Toys here in San Jose!

Remember next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the INDIANA JONES MARATHON at the AMC Mercado 20-September 15, 2012

Hello everybody and welcome back! So this past Saturday I attended an extraordinary event! For one day and one day only, at select AMC Theaters, there were having an INDIANA JONES MARATHON! That's right people! How cool was this?!? With the release of the INDIANA JONES: THE COMPETE ADVENTURES Blu-Ray Boxset coming out on September 18th, Paramount Pictures teamed up with AMC Theaters to have all four films shown one last time on the big screen! And yours truly wasn't gonna miss out on this major movie event. So I showed up at the AMC Mercado 20, bought my movie pass (it was the shape of the idol from the first film!), received a cool collectable poster, bought a ton of food at the snack bar, found an excellent seat, and had the best damn Saturday of my entire life!

All four films were directed by Steven Spielberg, produced my George Lucas, and starred Harrison Ford and all four films were screened in their original theatrical order: 1981's RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, 1984's INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, 1989's INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, and 2008's INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.

Usually I like to give a brief synopsis of the films I see, but everyone has seen the INDIANA JONES series. Now if by chance, you have NOT seen any of these movies yet, then GET OUT OF THAT CAVE YOU HAVE BEEN HIDING IN! These films are some of the best action/adventure films of the past twenty years! And now with the Blu-Ray boxset coming out, you have no reason for not seeing these films!

THE INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES will be released on September 18th. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer of on the Amazon website at www.amazon.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose, September 13, 2012

Hello my fellow cult fanatics and welcome to Month Eight of the Cult Movie Series here at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! So for tonight's cult film we screened that beloved children/fantasy film THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Once again yours truly was the host for tonight's screening. Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Based upon the 1973 novel of the same name by author William Goldman, the film was directed by Rob Reiner, who first became famous for portraying Michael 'Meathead' Stivic on the 70's television show All In The Family. In the early 80's he became famous for directing films such as THIS IS SPINAL TAP and STAND BY ME. In 1987, he formed Castle Rock Entertainment and directed such hits as WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, MISERY and the critically acclaimed A FEW GOOD MEN.

The film had a great ensemble cast! Peter Falk (Columbo) portrays a grandfather who visits his sick grandson, portrayed by Fred Savage, who was only ten years old when he made a film (A year later, Savage would go on to star on the hit TV show The Wonder Years). Cary Elwes (HOT SHOTS, ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS, SAW) portrays the hero in the film Westly, who must rescue the love of his life Buttercup (Robin Wright from FORREST GUMP, SHE'S SO LOVELY) from marrying the evil Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon from FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD'S PLAY. He was married to Susan Sarandon from 1967-1979). Joining Westley on his mission are his friends: the enormous Fezzik (portrayed by the late, great wrestling legend Andre the Giant) and Spaniard swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) who wants revenge against the man who killed his father, Count Tyrone Rugen (Christopher Guest from THIS IS SPINAL TAP, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BEST IN SHOW, A MIGHTY WIND). Also appearing in the film are Wallace Shawn (Rex from the TOY STORY films), Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, and Billy Crystal.

The film was released by 20th Century Fox on September 25, 1987. It made $30.8 million at the boxoffice on a budget of $13 million. Not too shabby back then, however, the film wasn't the big hit like the studio was hoping for. So to them it was a commercial failure. But when it was released on VHS, the film finally found its audience, and soon became a cult classic.

What a great crowd we had! Over 60 people came out to see the film! Now there is still one more showing of THE PRINCESS BRIDE this Saturday, September 15th at midnight. Then next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (again) at the Century 22-September 9, 2012

Yes my friends, I went and saw THE DARK KNIGHT RISES once again. This is my second time I've seen the film. Reason being is that it's a damn good movie! Hopefully all of you out there have already seen the film. If not, you are missing one of the best films of 2012! Also it's one of the best superhero films as well. What director Christopher Nolan did for the Batman franchise is unbelievable. By combining social issues, setting it in the real world, and dealing with real world topics, the films transcend the notion of what comic book movies should and could be. So do yourself a favor, go out and see this film!

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is now playing in regular and IMAX theaters nationwide, including at the Century Theaters here in Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees PARANORMAN in 3D at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-September 8, 2012

After seeing THE POSSESSION, I wanted to keep my horror themed day going. So for my second film of the day, I decided to see the new family film PARANORMAN in 3D, from the same makers of CORALINE. Luckily for me, there was a screening right after, so I made my way upstairs to the third floor of the Camera 12 to check out this family fright flick!

Meet Norman. He's your average kid. He gets picked on. He gets called a freak. He gets teased a lot my his fellow students as well by his own family. But there's a reason for these taunts. You see, Norman has a very special gift. He has the ability to see and talk to the dead. Of course, this doesn't help his self-esteem. But when his hometown of Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts, is threaten with an old witch's curse, he'll have to fight off zombies, ghosts, and his moronic townsfolk who are some of the clueless adults ever captures on film! It's really hilarious!

The film has a lot going for it. First being the fantastic stop motion animation! It's great to see this old fashioned art form still alive and kicking! Now I grew up with stop motion, mostly in the old Ray Harryhausen classics. There's a lot of layers to making these types of film. There's the background painting, then the sets, the foreground trees and whatnot, and the animated characters.

Second, because it's a three dimensional film, the 3D effects works great. It really makes everything pop out while simultaneously having depth, with only heightens the 3D effects. It looks amazing and for once, a 3D film that actually looks good in 3D! Now that is rare my friend!

The third and final ingredient that the film offers is a very strong story that contains some very important messages, much of these are towards the end of the film. Without revealing too much of the film, the main message of the film is not letting fear lead you to do something that would hurt other people. Because in the long run, you will regret what you did. In the film, nobody understands Norman, therefore, they tease and pick on him. This message come into play in the final scene of the film, which is one of the most intense scenes I've ever seen in a family film! It's always easy to be afraid of what you don't know, but it takes a brave person to ignore this fear and do what is right. A very important message in today's world!

Also, on a side note, make sure you stick around after the credits end. You'll see a very cool time lapse of how they made the Norman figure! It is very cool to see how they did it!

PARANORMAN is my vote for Best Family Film of the year! It offers plenty of laughs, some genuine scares, and some life important messages. All in all a superb film! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

PARANORMAN is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE POSSESSION at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-September 8, 2012

So there are a couple of really interesting horror films coming out in the next several months. Of course, this makes me extremely happy, seeing that I am a horror film fanatic! Based on a true story and produced by acclaimed director Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures, THE POSSESSION tells the harrowing story of demon possession with a Jewish slant.

The film's about a young girl named Em (Natasha Callis), who while at a yard sale with her father Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and her older sister Hannah (Madison Davenport), finds and buys an antique looking box. However, she is unaware that an evil spirit resides in the box, and is seeking a host to inhabit. As Em slowly becomes possessed, Clyde along with his ex-wife Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) receive help from a young Jew named Tzadok (Matisyahu), who attempts to perform a Jewish exorcism to save their daughter's soul.

Believe it or not, the film is based on the Los Angeles Times writer Leslie Gornstein's article "Jinx in a Box", about an antique wooden box purchased on eBay which reportedly had been brought to America by a Holocaust survivor after World War II, and which contained evil spirits that brought devastating effects to a series of buyers. The seller's name was Iosif Neitzke, a Missouri student at Truman State University in Kirksville Missouri. After detailing on his blog about how his hair was falling out at the age of 20 and the lights burning out in his house, Iosif sold the box to Jason Haxton, Director of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. Eventually, Jason began to suffer from a series of mysterious misfortunes: vomiting blood, developing hives and other health issues. Soon after he met with several Rabbis in an attempt to seal the Dibbuk spirit in the box once again. It worked and he hid the box in a secret location, a location he will not reveal.

While the true story surrounding the Dibbuk Box is extraordinary, the film itself does capture some of the story; mainly the box is a source of evil that plagues poor Em, almost consuming her with its spirit. She begins to transform into a shell of her former self, and there are some excellent chills detailing this transformation. But while the Dibbuk Box is the main focus of the film, it's the parent's divorce as the subplot that really hits home. We see Clyde and Stephanie constantly at each other, blaming one another's faults while their daughters are caught in the middle, completely devastated. Divorce is a serious issue and a painful one at that, and to a child, that is ultimate horror to experience!

Both Morgan and Sedgwick play their parts amicably, but the standouts in the film are the two young actress. Madison Davenport does a great job of portraying the older, somewhat cynical Hannah while Natasha Callis gives Em personality, albeit sad, lonely, wishing her life was perfect again. But when Em becomes possessed, Callis goes all out and really does an outstanding job! Not since Linda Blair's performance of Regan from THE EXORCIST have I seen such devotion and dedication to a role! Callis' protrayal of Em will no doubt leave you with nightmares!

THE POSSESSION offers more chills than scares, but it's a solid film from beginning to end! Some will say that it's a Jewish version of THE EXORCIST, and to be honest, that's an unfair comparison. It offers us a chance to see what other religious folklores are out there, and to experience what they believe in as well as what they fear. Fans of the horror genre should see this film and be satisfied with the end results. 4 out of 5 star! Recommended!

THE POSSESSION is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE AVENGERS one last time at the AMC Mercado 20-September 7, 2012

So during Labor Day weekend, Disney re-released THE AVENGERS back in theaters one last time before they release it on Blu-Ray and DVD on September 25th. So this past Friday night, my good friend and fellow film buddy Jennifer and I decided to head out to the AMC Mercado 20 to catch the late screening of the film!

I have now officially seen the film four times! And it's keeps getting better folks! Plus seeing how that this would be the last time I get to see the film on the big screen, I didn't want to miss this opportunity to relive the excitement one last time! So don't you folks miss out on seeing it in theaters again! Go out now and see it the way it was meant to be seen!

THE AVENGERS is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the AMC Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.amctheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Goes Bollywood: Phil watches GUZAARICH (2010)-September 6, 2012

Hello again from Bollywood! Today's film has received critical acclaim and awards and nominations in all the leading award ceremonies of the country upon its release. It has been hailed as one of the greatest love stories ever captures on film. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, GUZAARISH is truly a love story for the ages!

Original Theatrical Poster (2010)

The film's about a man named Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan from AGNEEPATH and DHOOM 2), once a world famous magician who suffered a severe accident that left him a quadriplegic from the neck down fourteen years ago. In the last twelve years, Ethan has written a book and has his own radio show that inspires millions of people. Taking care of him and assisting  these past twelve years has been his nurse Sofia D'Souza (the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from PROVOKED, ENDHIRAN, and DHOOM 2). But now with his internal organs failing, Ethan petitions to the court to grant him euthanasia. While his request shocks his family, friends and fans, it's affect on Sophia threatens their relationship. But will the courts grant his request, or will Sophia be forced to watch Ethan slowly suffer and die before her eyes?

The film doesn't fall in the typical Bollywood category. First there's only one real musical dance number, which takes place in a bar that Sophia brought Ethan to. The majority of the film takes place at Ethan's house, which he has been in for the past fourteen years. Second, the film tackles some very controversial topics: the first being euthanasia, which is forbidden in Indian culture. Showcasing the trials and tribulations of a quadriplegic, as well as domestic violence are also explored.

Both Hrithik and Aishwarya have worked together several times before, but not quite like this before. Hrithik's Ethan is the polar opposite of the revenge driven Vijay from ANEEPATH just a few years later. This polarity demonstrates his acting prowess. And Aishwarya is both breathtaking and powerful in her role as the strong, intelligent, and nurturing Sophia. Now usually it's the man saving the woman, but the roles are reversed in this scenario. It's Sophia who is saving Ethan, by taking care of him she's keeping him alive. Both actors have great on screen chemistry, but it helps to have a strong script to give these characters depth. Sanjay Leela Bhansali along with Bhavani Iyer crafted a beautiful story of unconditional love. Plus the film was beautifully shot, courtesy of cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee. Combine all these elements, and you have one amazing film!

GUZAARICH is one of the most touching love stories ever told! Trust me when I saw that you have never seen a film like this before! Touching, emotional, and heartfelt, the film will no doubt tug at your heartstrings! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

GUZAARICH is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailer or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Goes Blooywood: Phil watches AGENT VINOD-September 6, 2012

My quest of watching Bollywood movies continues with today's film. An action packed, spy film starring the love of my life Kareena Kapoor, AGENT VINOD is ode to classic Bond films while simultaneously forging an identity for itself. Doesn't it succeed? Yes and no.

According to the film's official website, "The story begins with a series of seemingly unconnected events. In Uzbekistan, Anex KGB officer is tortured and murdered. In Cape Town, a group of international business tycoons discuss a rumor that the dead KGB officer had a nuclear suitcase bomb hidden away. In Moscow, an Indian secret agent is exposed. The agent is shot dead while trying to send a code red message to India. In India, the head of R.A.W. sees the incomplete message. All it contains is a number 242. Enter Agent Vinod. Vinod (Saif Ali Khan) is the kind of agent who first kicks the door open and then finds out whats behind it. His unconventional approach puts him in dangerous situations, but he manages to get the crucial leads. A series of twists and turns take Vinod across the globe: from Marakkesh to Riga, Karachi to Delhi and finally London where he discovers the ultimate conspiracy."

The film is very entertaining and Khan is terrific as the no nonsense Agent Vinod: tough, strong, amazing martial arts expert, can fire a gun like no other, and looks great in a suit. The only thing missing are the James Bond gadgets! Kareena Kapoor (CHAMELI, RA.ONE, JAB WE MET) portrays his love interest, but what's interesting is that throughout the film, you don't know which side she's one. She has many alias: Iram Parveen Bilal, Dr. Ruby Mendes, and Josie. She's the wild card in the film, which has enough twists and turns to keep the audience guessing as to who is the mastermind this elaborate and diabolical scheme of world wide war. Also Kapoor looks breathtaking in her red satin dinner dress!

Director Sriram Raghavan does a fine job of directing the film, and the action scenes all contain that "on the edge of your seat" excitement. There's one particular scene where Vinod and Jamie are engaged in a shoot out in a hotel bar, and it shot and paced so fluidly that it looked like it was shot in one take! Clearly Raghavan took a page out of the Martin Scorsese book of directing.

Along with the action scenes, the musical dance numbers were also sublime! The main song comes in the middle of the third act when both Kappor and Saif Ali Khan perform during the song "Dil Mera Muft Ka." Both ladies look absolutely gorgeous in their scene together!

All this aside, the film does drag on a bit too long in certain parts of the film. Plus some of the storyline became too hard to follow, as many new characters were introduced before I could get an handle on the ones I already saw. And some of the characters were not fleshed out enough for me to care. I know that Vinod is no nonsense agent, but sometimes I felt he was a little two-dimensional, which made him fall flat at times. But these are some of my minor complaints about the film, but these were most noticeable.

The movie borrows its name from the 1977 film of the same name, which begs me to wonder if this was a remake (since there was already a film called AGENT VINOD, I vote this film as a remake even though the two films have very different stories). But this is only one part of the film's many controversies, The soundtrack boasts some excellent vintage Indian songs, but according to Wickipedia, "Reports said that the film featured songs from older films, without acquiring prior permission from the producers. The owners of these songs were not credited in the film. Saif Ali Khan however paid for the rights later, and explained this to be a last-minute co-ordination problem." Also the film was banned in Pakistan as it made references to a section of ISI's involvement in Jihadi groups and terror activities. When the film was releases in India on February 22, 2012, it was panned by the critics and film fans. By the end of its worldwide theatrical run, it was officially declared a box-office failure. 

Even though flawed, AGENT VINOD is still an action packed, spy-filled rollercoaster ride of a film! While not perfect, it is still entertaining and sure to get your blood pumping. So in my humble opinion, it worth checking out. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars!

AGENT VINOD is currently available on DVD from Eros Entertainment. To purchase a copy, visit their official website at http://dvdstore.erosentertainment.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Goes Porno Chic: Phil reviews COUNTDOWN from Wicked Pictures-September 3, 2012

Hello again folks and welcome back to another installment of Phil Goes Porno Chic! Tonight's review is on the latest summer blockbuster from Wicked Pictures. For nearly twenty years, Wicked has released some of the most celebrated and award winning adult films ever made. With it's latest release, the company continues their winning streak. Helmed by multi-award winning director Brad Armstrong, the film COUNTDOWN combines the genres of drama, sci-fi, and eroticism while breaking the clichéd scenarios of what an adult film should be.

Original Cover Artwork (2012)

The film's about a small group of astronomers (one of these astronomers is sexy Wicked contract girl Jessica Drake) that discover an asteroid called Vesta (which is the size of Arizona) has somehow fallen out of its orbit and is now speeding towards Earth at 200,000 mph. Scientists say it's scheduled to impact the planet on December 12, 2012. The impact would create the equivalent of a 15.2 earthquake, thus ending all life as we know it and there's nothing they can do to prevent it. With only seven days left, the film examines the lives of several individuals and how each one handles their indefinite fate.

Also appearing in the film are Drake's fellow Wicked Girls Kaylani Lei and Alektra Blue, as well as Lezley Zen, India Summer, Dana DeArmond, Misty Stone, Jack Lawrence, Bill Bailey, Derrick Pierce, Rocco Reed, Seth Gamble,  Michael Vegas, Xander Corvus, and the great Randy Spears in a non-sex role. Also joining the cast is director Armstrong.

The movie itself is just astounding! What really sets it above the rest of couples' movies is the acting. Now I know what you're thinking, "Uhhh Phil, it's a porno movie. You don't watch a porno movie for its acting!" Maybe, but I'm very picky about my adult films. I have my own criteria that all must measure up to: Does it aspire to be something more than just your "typical" porno? Is there anything that separates it from the rest of the pack? Am I being entertained by it? How's the cinematography, sets, and soundtrack? How is the acting? Is it believable? Does the story have a beginning, middle, and a logical and satisfying conclusion? And last, but certainly not least, how is the sex?

With this in mind, the movie fulfills my wants and needs implicitly. But more than anything else, it's the story as well as the acting that really sold me! First off, to have the the apocalypse as your main plotline isn't your typical porno scenario. You want to have people get off, not get depressed and begin to think of their humanity. As I previously stated, the acting is far above any other acting I've ever seen in an adult film! You care about these characters and you want them to survive their impending doom. I found myself in awe of everyone's performance in the film. They act and sound like real people, who in the face of annihilation, reflect upon their lives; what they would have done different, what they would have like to do, what they missed, and what they had planned for the future. Emotionally charged and thought provoking performances by the entire cast!

The sex is also charged as well! But then again, what do you expect from a cast that has Jessica Drake, Kaylani Lei, Alektra Blue, Lezley Zen, India Summer, Dana DeArmond, and Misty Stone? All of these luscious ladies turn up the heat in this summer extravaganza!

COUNTDOWN is hands down the BEST adult film of this year! Production value, acting, directing, editing, and the sex are all off the charts in this, one of Wicked Pictures best films! Come this January at the AVN Awards Show in Las Vegas, don't be surprised when this film takes home numerous awards! So if you and your lover want to see something different, make sure you check out this film! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

COUNTDOWN is currently available in a special edition 2 Disc DVD set. To purchase a copy, visit the Adult DVD Empire website at www.adultdvdempire.com. To learn more about Wicked Pictures and their films, visit their website at www.wickedpictures.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the 15th Anniversary screening of SHOWGIRLS hosted by Peaches Christ with special guest Rene Riffel at the Castro Theatre-August 25, 2012

As soon as the Saturday afternoon screening of SHOWGIRL'S 2: PENNY'S FROM HEAVEN was over,  I couldn't wait for the party to continue at the world famous Castro Theatre. Let's face it, nobody throws a party better than Peaches Christ! And so, later that night, my friend Jennifer and I attended the 15th Anniversary screening of SHOWGIRLS! To make this event even more outrageous, Peaches had none other than Penny herself, Rena Riffel as the special guest! After Jennifer and I had lunch at our favorite hangout Orphan Andy's, we made our way back to the theatre just in time to be let in!

The festivities began at 7pm when Jennifer and I headed up to the mezzanine, where we had our fill of very tasty cocktails that were very strong and very tasty. Jennifer and I partied like rock stars, mingling with some the city's most famous drag queens. Soon the theatre let the crowd enter, and soon it was madness. At eight o'clock there wasn't an empty set in the house, and her Majesty Peaches Christ took the stage!

Rene Riffel and Peaches Christ at the Castro Theatre.

Peaches (as the evil Crystal Christ) began with a fantastic musical number from the film, and the rest of her "Showgirl Dancers" took the stage and the audience was treated to an elaborate dance number. During the middle of the routine, coming from the back of the theatre, being carried towards the stage was the beautiful Rene Riffel as Nomi Hope. After that, Rena, Peaches and her team did a reenactment of some scenes from the film. After that, the show continued with a contest for best costume. At the conclusion of the contest, it was time for the "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers" to commence! Members of the audience had to sign up to participate in the event, to which she called up every single one of them. Her Showgirl Dancers also helped out as well. So people who had purchased a large popcorn received  free lap dance, and that's when all hell broke loose! People were climbing all over seats, gyrating pelvises where everywhere, old people and young were giving it their all as the orgy of lap dancers continued for several minutes. (If you wish to see the craziness, I have photos of the show on my Facebook page, so head on over and check 'em out) After it was all over, it was time for the movie to begin!

The film stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young and beautiful drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, but ends up as a stripper at the aptly named Cheetah Club instead. She meets a seamstress from the Stardust Hotel named Molly (Gina Ravera) and soon the two become fast friends. When Nomi encounters a chance meeting with the star of Molly's hotel show Goddess Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), she manages to get an audition to be on their chorus line. Soon life becomes more complicated as Cristal sees Nomi as a threat to her and to her career as the star of the show, which creates a love/hate friendship between the two. Also Nomi sets her eyes on Cristal's manager and part time lover Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) and the two of them become lovers as well. Eventually Nomi wonders if all of this stardom is worth the price.

Even before the film's original release, there was so much controversy surrounding the film. It was the first to receive the new NC-17 rating. It would also be Berkley's chance to shed her good girl image she had while playing Jesse from the Saturday morning TV show SAVED BY THE BELL. The abundant nudity throughout the film had the censors rioting in the streets. So when the film opened on September 22, 1995, it was an immediate bomb. However, like a lot films, it was ahead of its time, and found new life as a cult classic, being shown at midnight shows all across America.

Right when the film began, I made my way back up to the mezzanine and waited in line to meet both Rena and Peaches. To my surprised, I was the first one in line! After waiting for about ten minutes, both stars came out and autographed photos, T-shirts, posters, and DVDs. Yours truly had Rena sign my DVD copy of her film SHOWGIRLS 2! After the movie, Jennifer and I took a pic with Peaches herself! Overall, that night was one exciting night!

Another fantastic Peaches Christ show has come and gone! But don't you fret my friends! There's plenty more fun ahead! In fact, The next PC show will be on October 12th at the Castro, where she will be screening the 1992 Robert Zemeckis film DEATH BECOMES HER. So make sure you come check that show out! And if you are interested in becoming a fan of Peaches Christ, or want to view her upcoming shows, visit her website at http://peacheschrist.com. To view the Castro Theater's film schedule, visit their website at www.castrotheatre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!