Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 23: Phil reviews MOTHER'S DAY (1980) Blu-Ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment-October 23, 2012

MOTHER'S DAY Blu-ray Cover (2012)

MOTHER'S DAY
Starring: Nancy Hendrickson, Deborah Luce, Tiana Pierce, Rose Ross, Holden McGuire, Billy Ray McQuade, Robert Collins
Written by Charles Kaufman and Warren Leight
Produced by Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz, Charles Kaufman
Directed by Charles Kaufman
Originally released by Troma Entertainment
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

Here we are folks: Day Twenty-Three! Boy this month is just flying by, isn't it? Today's film is another horror gem from the early 1980's, and it's from our good friends at Troma Entertainment, the world's oldest independent film studio! The film MOTHER'S DAY is a perfect example of horror and exploitation cinema combined to create on f#cked up movie! But then again, what'd you expect from a Troma movie?!?

The film's official synopsis: Loving sons always do what their mothers tell them to...even if it's to kill. When three college buddies decide to rekindle their camaraderie with a camping trip, they become the unwitting prey of a very dysfunctional family. As unforgettable as Deliverance, as terrifying as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a twisted satirical humor in the Kaufman vein, this Mother's Day will leave you feeling frightened and amazed!

Good lord this is a sick and twisted movie! Yes, they don't make movies like this anymore! You don't believe me? Well then, let me tell you about one scene in paticular: one deranged man rapes a woman while his brother takes Kodak Polaroids, and their mother instructs them and leads them on...sound bad, yeah, but take it for what it is people! Like I said earlier, this is one f*cked up movie!

The film gleefully pokes fun at the two brothers, Ike, & Addley who are always willing to please (in regards to brutalizing women) their mother in any way possible. They have the manners of pigs and live like them (Ike even eats out of a slop-bucket). Rose Ross lets it hang out as the mother who soldiers her kids in the arts of masochism and proper attack techniques. Like I said earlier, this is one f*cked up movie!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1980)

The film was directed by Charles Kaufman, brother of Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman. Here, Charles combines horror, exploitation, and satire to create one memorable film. On a small budget of about $115,000 this cult classic is still recognized by the horror community in recent times. It's a known fact that the majority of film was shot in Newton, NJ, right across the lake from the cast and crew of Friday the 13th. Yes, that's right! Friday the 13th and Mother's Day were filmed at the same time, in the same relative location. The release of Friday the 13th several months before Mother's Day stifled the intended shock value of the latter but audiences worldwide would soon familiarize themselves with this overlooked gem.

The film was originally released to theaters by Troma on September 12, 1980. Anchor Bay did a great job with restoring the film on both Blu-Ray and DVD. Some of the bonus features include audio commentary, a special introduction by Charles Kaufman, behind-the-scenes video footage, the film's trailer, and interview with horror director Eli Roth!

To prove the longevity of the film's prowess, Anchor Bay just released director Darren Lynn Bousman's (Saw II, III, IV and REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA) remake of MOTHER'S DAY, starring Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Briana Evigan, Patrick Flueger, Deborah Ann Woll, Matt O' Leary, Jessie Rusu, Frank Grillo, Warren Kole, and Shawn Ashmore (because of their remake, Anchor Bay got the rights to release Troma's original version). Believe it or not, this remake isn't too bad. Go figure, huh?

MOTHER'S DAY is a bona fide horror/exploitation/cult classic that is required viewing for all horror and Troma fans alike! So get off your butt and pick up a copy today! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

MOTHER'S DAY is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD and can be purchased at your local retailer or on the film's official website. To purchase a copy and check out other releases by Anchor Bay Entertainment, visit their website at www.anchorbayentertainment.com. To learn more about Troma and their massive film library, check out their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!