Phil's Favorite Thanksgiving-Themed Horror Films - November 22, 2018

Hello everybody and Happy Thanksgiving! While all of you out there are visiting with families and friends, having turkey and wine, spending quality time with loved ones, what better way to celebrate the day than to watch some really awesome Thanksgiving themed horror movies! So I thought it would be not only fun but informative to share with you some of my favorite Thanksgiving themed horror films. This is something that I've been wanting to doing for a couple of years now, but never had the time to do until now. Some of these are classic horror staples, while some are newer releases that truly deserve your time and attention.

This list contains MY favorite movies that I have enjoyed and only titles that I have seen! So that is why you won't see other worthy titles. However, they are on my to-watch list so maybe they'll appear on next year's compilation. So my faithful readers, here is my Favorite Thanksgiving-Themed Horror Films of All Time!

5) THANKSKILLING 3 (2012):  The fowl-mouthed villain Turkie is back and hacking his way to find the last copy of "ThanksKilling 2" which has landed in the hands of a group of disturbingly crude puppets. The death toll rises as Turkie carves through the likes of Flowis the rapping grandma, Rhonda the bisexual space worm, Yomi the puppet in search of her mind, and their equally ridiculous friends who all travel through fantastical settings such as the FeatherWorld and Turkey Hell. With the guidance of Uncle Donny (Dan Usaj), the wig-wearing inventor of the PluckMaster 3000, Jefferson (Joe Hartzler), Head of Security at ThanksgivingLand, and a WiseTurkey, the gatekeeper to the FeatherWorld, our collection of raunchy characters hope to fend off the murderous rampage of Turkie, all while trying to help Yomi find her mind. If you're looking for a weird, batshit crazy Thanksgiving film to watch, this one is for you! Click here to view the film's theatrical trailer.

4) BLOOD FREAK (1972):  Just back from Vietnam, Herschell (Steve Hawkes) is at loose ends until one day he stops to help beautiful Bible-quoting Angel (Heather Hughes) fix her car. She takes him home, where her scapegrace sister, Ann (Dana Cullivan), immediately plies him with drugs in order to seduce him. Instantly addicted, he needs money for his habit and takes a job at a turkey farm, where he's instructed to eat some experimental lab-grown turkeys. He does, and undergoes a hideous transformation. Man, you gotta love the 1970's! In what other decade can you see something like this! This was such a fun-filled, cheesy low-budget gem of a flick that it makes PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE look like THE WIZARD OF OZ. Fun Fact: The turkey-monster head that co-writer/co-director Steve Hawkes wears was made of papier-mache. Yup, they don't make movies like this anymore! Click here to view the film's theatrical trailer.

3) THANKSKILLING (2009): While on their way home for Thanksgiving break, five college kids run "afowl" of a homicidal turkey that wants them dead. As the cursed bird hunts them down one by one, the survivors scramble to find a way to defeat the possessed creature. Will the bloodthirsty turkey make this their last Thanksgiving feast ever? When I first saw this movie, I couldn't believe what I was watching. I think I was asking myself, "What the actual fuck am I watching? It's like a Troma movie but without any of the social commentary!" Filmed in 11 days during the summer break between filmmakers Kevin Stewart and Jordan Downey's junior and senior year of college on a budget of only $3,500, the movie was only to be a standalone. However, they decided to make sequel, and decided to skip making a part 2 and went ahead and make THANKSKILLING 3 in 2012. Click here to view the film's theatrical trailer.

2) POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD (2006): When a fast food chicken restaurant is built on the site of an ancient Native American burial ground, the displaced spirits unite with the ghosts of exterminated chickens and transform into Indian chicken zombies seeking revenge! Now, it’s up to a dim-witted counter boy, his lesbian ex-girlfriend, and a burqa-wearing fry cook to put an end to the foul-feathered menace once and for all. If you're looking for the ultimate Troma movie, then look no further! Director Lloyd Kaufman's masterpiece has it all: social commentary on the fast food industry, addressing Native American issues, lesbianism, the idea of selling out to a major corporation, all the while singing and dancing its way into your heart! Click here to view the film's theatrical trailer.

1) BLOOD RAGE (1987): IT’S NOT CRANBERRY SAUCE! What do you get if you combine Thanksgiving, American TV star Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), killer ’80s synths and some truly gruesome special effects courtesy of Ed French (Terminator 2: Judgement Day)? Why, it’s Blood Rage of course! Twins Todd and Terry seem like sweet boys – that is, until one of them takes an axe to the face of a fellow patron at the local drive-in. Todd is blamed for the bloody crime and institutionalized, whilst twin brother Terry goes free. Ten years later and, as the family gathers around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, the news comes in that Todd has escaped. But has the real killer in fact been in their midst all along? Shot in 1983 but not released until 1987, BLOOD RAGE is a gloriously gruesome slice of ’80s slasher heaven. Click here to view the film's theatrical trailer.

And there you have it folks! My Favorite Thanksgiving-Themed Horror Films of All Time! I hope that this list inspires you to watch some of these films, or if you're a die hard horror fanatic, it will make you want to revisit these festive cinematic gems! Since many of these movies are available to watch on Blu-Ray, DVD, VOD or on streaming services like Netflex, Hulu and Shudder, there is a plethroa of ways for you to watch them. So start carving the turkey, get those mashed potatoes and rolls buttered up good, and set back and watch these films with your family today!

Thanks for reading, and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Phil's Horror Watch: HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II (1987) from MGM Home Entertainment - November 24, 2017

HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II DVD

HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II
Starring Lisa Schrage, Michael Ironside, Wendy Lyon, Louis Ferreira, Terri Hawkes, Brock Simpson, Richard Monette
Written by Ron Oliver
Cinematography by John Herzog
Edited by Nick Rotundo
Produced by Peter Simpson, Ray Sager, Ilana Frank, Peter Haley
Directed by Bruce Pittman
Originally distributed by The Samuel Goldwyn Company
Released by MGM Home Entertainment

Throughout the 1980’s, horror fans were treated to an endless supply of films being released to theaters. The majority of these were sequels to popular franchises: FRIDAY THE 13^TH, HALLOWEEN, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, EVIL DEAD and A NIGHTMAE OF ELM STREET for example. Then in 1987, a sequel to the 1981 slasher film PROM NIGHT was released, but failed to capture both the audiences’ attention and box office profits. Now, exactly 30 years later, fans have finally caught up to the brilliance of HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II.

The film's official synopsis: In 1957, jealous boyfriend Bill Nordham kills Hamilton High’s Prom Queen Mary Lou Maloney (Lisa Schrage). Thirty years later, Nordham (Michael Ironside) is now the principal of Hamilton High and his son Craig (Justin Louis) is attending the prom with his lovely girlfriend Vicki Carpenter (Wendy Lyon). But when she finds and opens an old trunk in the school’s basement, the spirit of Mary Lou processes her. Now Nordham must confront his old love before she murders everyone he cares about.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that the film was never to be intended to be a sequel at all. Directed by Bruce Pittman and written by Ron Oliver, it was originally titled THE HAUNTING OF HAMILTON HIGH. Oliver’s script was heavily filled with nods to other horror films such as CARRIE, THE EXORCIST and A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. Another interesting nod that he did was to have almost every characters’ last name pay homage to famous horror and cult directors; such has Wes Craven, Frank Henenlotter, John Carpenter, John Waters, Stephen King, George Romero, Todd Browing and Edward D. Wood, Jr.

Original Theatrical Poster (1987)

The movie was shot on location at Archbishop O’Leary High School in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After filming wrapped, executive producer Peter Simpson – who produced the original PROM NIGHT – didn’t think the film worked and hired Oliver to rewrite and reshoot several of the film’s sequences in one week. These would be the rocking horse scene, the chalkboard whirlwind and the climax of the locker room death scene.

Once production was completed, the Samuel-Goldwyn Company, who purchased the film’s distribution rights, decided to change the title to HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II to cash in on the success of the first PROM NIGHT. It was a sheer coincidence that the name of the high school was the same from the original.

The film was released to theaters on November 13, 1987. It grossed $2.6 million at the box office against its $1.5-$2 million budget. The film performed poorly and horror fans didn’t flock to the theaters to see it. It did garner a positive review from L.A. TIMES film critic Kevin Thomas when he called it “THE BLUE VELVET of high school horror movies.” In a 2002 interview with the website The Terror Trap, Peter Simpson stated that, “But [Samuel Goldwyn] never had the courage of his convictions and it was released in a capricious and silly fashion. He wanted to build on PROM NIGHT so we changed the title, which I think hurt the movie.” Though the movie bombed at the box office, it eventually made a killing when it was released on home video. It’s here that the film finally found its audience and became a bona fide cult classic.

HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II is an often, overlooked 80’s horror gem! With its amalgam of slasher killings, supernatural scares, radical 80’s soundtrack and its social commentary on topics revolving teen sex, pregnancy and suicide, the movie demands a closer examination. So invite a bunch of your friends, make some popcorn and go watch this horror classic! Just make sure you save a seat for Mary Lou! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II is currently available on DVD at your local retailer. The film is also available several streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime, Netflex and Shudder with paid subscriptions.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE BARN (2016) from Nevermore Productions Films - October 3, 2017

THE BARN Poster (2016)

THE BARN
Starring Mitchell Musolino, Will Stout, Lexi Dripps, Cortland Woodard, Nikki Darling, Nickolaus Joshua, Ryan Nogy, Linnea Quigley, Ari Lehman
Written by Justin M. Seaman
Cinematography by Zane Hershberger
Edited by Justin M. Seaman
Produced by Justin M. Seaman, Rocky Gray,  Sebastian Page, Christopher Vertosick, Lee Walker, Lee Walker
Directed by Justin M. Seaman
Released by Nevermore Productions Films

Hello again and welcome back to my Halloween Horror Watch marathon. There's been a lot of hype about today's film! It's garnered rave reviews from a plethora of media outlets for it's homage to 80's slasher films with it's authenticity towards visuals, scares, gore and poster artwork. So let's all take a trip down to THE BARN and see what's inside for us, shall we?

The film's official synopsis: It's Halloween 1989, best friends Sam and Josh are trying to enjoy what's left of their final Devil's Night before graduating high school. But trouble arises when the two pals and a group of friends take a detour on their way to a rock concert, finding an old abandoned barn and awakening the evil inside. Now it's up to Sam and Josh to find a way to protect their friends and defeat the creatures that lurk within "The Barn."

The film's visuals and ascetics contribute to the feel of nostalgia for this reviewer. It looks and sounds like it was ripped from 1989! I had to pinch myself while watching the film to remind me that it wasn't the 80's again! When doing a retro-styled horror movie, it must trick the viewer into thinking that it's from that particular place and time and this fright flick accomplishes this in spades!

Writer/director Justin M. Seaman does a tremendous job of recreating that late 80's slasher vibe by having a smart script, interesting characters, sympathetic protagonists, terrifying monsters and awesome gore and bloodshed to make the horror hounds happy. He loves horror films, and his film is the perfect example of how it should be made, look and sound. His compositions are that from classic 80's horror films, appealing to this viewer's love of the genre. He is able to set the tone within the film's first five minutes, which is not an easy feat to accomplish. But Seaman does this without breaking a sweat and gives us one hell of a movie!!

The whole cast is fantastic in their respective roles, especially our two male leads Mitchell Musolino and Will Stout as Sam and Jeff, respectively. Their on-screen chemistry is solid and I had a blast watching these two guys play off with one another. Nikki Darling is just stunning hot as Nikki Howell. Lexi Dripps shines as Michelle, who has this down-to-earth personality that you just want to fall in love with. Also appearing in the film are Scream Queen icon Linnea Quigley as the extremely nagging Ms. Barnhart and Ari Lehman, the screen's very first Jason from the original FRIDAY THE 13th, as the local television horror host Dr. Rock.

I also wanted to do a quick shout out to the entire art department, special effects make-up team, costume and set designers for re-creating that awesome 80's look! Another ingredient that takes me time to that era is the film's poster, designed by the talented Marc Schoenbach of Sadist Art Designs! His work is just outstanding!! Make sure you check out the rest of his artwork at sadistart.blogspot.com!

THE BARN is the most horrifyingly radical, gore-filled, bad ass, retro-slasher film of the year!! There's a reason that the movie has garnered so much acclaim! This is one entertaining horror film that you all should definitely see!! My horror pick for every Halloween season to come!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

THE BARN is currently available on DVD and it was just announced that it will be released on Blu-Ray very soon! To order your copy of the film, along with other cool merchandise, visit the film's website at thebarnmerch.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: POOL PARTY MASSACRE (2017) from Floating Eye Films - October 1, 2017

POOL PARTY MASSACRE Blu-ray Cover

POOL PARTY MASSACRE
Starring Kristin Noel McKusick, Margaux Némé, Crystal Stoney, Jenifer Marvick, Destiny Faith Nelson, Nick Byer, Mark Justice, LeeAnna Vamp, Alexis Adams
Written by Drew Marvick
Cinematography by Brian Mills
Edited by Brian Mills
Produced by Drew Marvick and Brian Mills
Directed by Drew Marvick
Released by Floating Eye Films

Slasher films hold a special place in my heart. It could be because I grew up during the dawn of the slasher craze that swept America, especially during the 1980's: The FRIDAY THE 13th, HALLOWEEN and A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET sequels, the SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE films, SLEEPAWAY CAMP, and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE movies for starters. It seemed like every week there was a new slasher film in theaters that begged for my attention. The love for this genre continues to this very day, which brings me to today's review for the film POOL PARTY MASSACRE, which I picked up at the Sinister Creature Con in Stockton back in June.

The film's official synopsis: When Blair, a high maintenance young socialite invites some friends over to her parents house for an intimate pool party, they are unaware that a serial killer is hiding inside the house. What started out as a relaxing summer day by the pool quickly turns into a nightmare as the unknown killer begins to stalk and murdering the young girls one by one.

Original Movie Poster (2017)

Writer/director Drew Marvick's film is a loving homage to those awesome 80's slasher films that we grew up on. The women are hot, the kills are gory and it's entertaining and fun to the max!! His set-ups and compositions are excellent, there's awesome character development, the film flows smoothly and has a fantastic third act (which I won't be revealing because this is a spoiler-free review). It also helps that Marvick is a fan of the genre and that love resonates within each frame of the movie. I can't wait to see what this talented filmmaker does next!

Another aspect that I enjoyed was the characters themselves and there's plenty to fall in love with. There's bitchy spoiled brat Blair Winthorpe, played by the stunning Kristin Noel McKusick. Margaux Némé plays Blair's BFF Nancy (and is the love of life). Adult film star Alexis Adams appears in the film as the sexy Tiffany. All of the cast have great on-screen chemistry and viewers will have a good time watching all these beautiful ladies get bumped off one right after the other. Also look special cameos by LeeAnna Vamp, hubbie Cameron Lee Vamp and Marvick himself.

And last, but not least, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the kills in the film, which will make hardcore horror fans scream like Catholic school girls! They are freaking outstanding and bloody as hell! And there's a lot of blood, guts and gore to be found here!! Hat goes off to special makeup effects artist Christopher Arredondo for supplying the fun and boodshed!!

POOL PARTY MASSACRE is a totally radical slasher movie that will entertain you to death!! This is the perfect flick to watch with pizza and drinks! The movie is a bona fide cult classic in the making and the perfect tribute to the heyday of 80's slasher movies!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

POOL PARTY MASSACRE is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD. To purchase a copy for yourself, and other cool memorabilia, visit the film's website at poolpartymassacre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE FINAL GIRLS (2015) from SonyPictures-October 28, 2015

THE FINAL GIRLS Blu-Ray (2015)

THE FINAL GIRLS
Starring: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Alexander Ludwig, Nina Dobrev, Alia Shawkat, Thomas Middleditch, Adam DeVine, Angela Trimbur, Chloe Bridges
Written by M.A. Fortin & Joshua John Miller
Cinematography by Elie Smolkin
Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson
Produced by Groundswell Productions, Studio Solutions & Ulterior Productions
Distributed by Sony Pictures, Vertical Entertainment & Stage 6 Films

With Halloween right around the corner, it means my dear friends that October is almost over. But before we bid this wonderful time of the year goodbye, I have a lot of horror movies to review. First up is the newest entry into the horror/comedy genre and very funny and entertaining one at that. Tonight's movie is the new indie film THE FINAL GIRLS from distributors Sony Pictures.

The film's official synopsis: When Max (Taissa Farmiga) and her friends reluctantly attend a tribute screening of an infamous '80s slasher film that starred Max's late mother (Malin Akerman), they are accidentally sucked into the silver screen. They soon realize they are trapped inside the cult classic movie and must team up with the fictional and ill-fated "Camp Bloodbath" counselors, including Max's mom as the shy scream queen, to battle the film's machete-wielding, masked killer. With the body count rising in scene after iconic scene, who will be THE FINAL GIRLS left standing and live to escape this film?

Let me start off by saying how much fun this movie is to watch. Credit goes out to the entire cast and they give it their all, 80's style. Taissa Farmiga is fanatic as the lonely, teen angst Max and two big thumbs up to Malin Akerman, who really shows off her acting chops. Going from a loving, down on her luck mother to 80's carefree teen character in a slasher movie is no easy task. Farmiga and Akerman have perfect on-screen chemistry as the mother/daughter dynamic is what holds the film together and drives it forward. These two fine actresses truly deserve the spotlight here as they are absolutely amazing in the film!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

Other worthy shout outs need to go to the following: Nina Dobrev as former best friend and all-around bitch Vicki Summers, the girl you just love to hate. Thomas Middleditch's Duncun reminds me of....well...me! The awesome horror nerd who loves watching the classic 80's slasher films and tries so hard to be cool at the same time. Angela Trimbur portrays Tina in classic horror style: hot, blonde, dumb, and sexy as hell! And of course, I cannot forget the man of the hour. Adam DeVine is hilarious as the typical, 80's oversexed misogynistic douchebag Kurt.

The last major film director Todd Strauss-Schulson made was 2011's A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (which I saw in the cinema and it was funny as hell!), so this a cause for celebration. Mostly making television movies as of late, this film hopefully marks a return to the big screen as he keeps the film moving forward with laughs, scares, and yes some tear shed. But let's not forget screenwriters M.A. Fortin & Joshua John Miller for writing a very funny and clever script. These three talented individuals need to team up on more projects. Together they can be unstoppable!

Overall THE FINAL GIRLS has all the makings of an indie cult classic! It's clever script, great cast, spot-on production values and perfect directing make this a must-see film for fans of the horror genre! Not since TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL have I had this mush fun watching a movie! Highly original and highly entertaining! Go see this film now! You'll be glad you did my fiends!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE FINAL GIRLS is playing in limited engagement in theaters nationwide and is also available on VOD. Look for the Blu-Ray to be released in November by Sony Pictures. You can also follow the film on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!

Phil celebrates the 34th Anniversary of FRIDAY THE 13TH-May 9, 2014

Greetings and salutations my fellow horror hounds! Today is a very special day not only in horror film history, but for film history in general. On this exact date, 34 years ago, a horror icon was born and a franchise was created. On May 9, 1980, Paramount Pictures released a small, low budget horror movie called FRIDAY THE 13th. And the cinematic world of horror was forever changed for the better.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1980)

Now if you haven't seen this film yet, or you have only seen the 2009 remake, then you really need to see this! I have seen this film an ungodly amount of times; to the point that I could recite the whole film in my sleep! This summer camp slasher classic tells the story of a group of camp counselors who are stalked and killed on the eve of the grand re-opening of Camp Crystal Lake. Look for Kevin Bacon making his film debut as Jack Burrel. Also appearing in the film is the great Besty Palmer as Mrs. Pamela Voorhees, who seems to know more about the grizzly murders than she's letting on. The ending is still one of the greatest endings in modern day horror films.

The film was directed by Sean S. Cunningham, who in 1972 teamed up with A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET creator Wes Craven on the exploitation classic THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. Make up legend Tom Savini supplied the gore for the film with his then cutting edge tricks and techniques. While seem tame by today's standards, these make-up effects were revolutionary at that time. Except in Italian horror films, American audiences had never seen a throat slash open and spew out blood before. Nor see arrows piercing through neck, an axe to the head, and we all have to thank Savini for all of this!

Mrs. Voorhees herself, the great Besty Palmer.

The film grossed an unbelievable $59,754,601 during its theatrical run (the film's budget was only $550,000). Paramount was so pleased with their investment that the studio immediately demanded a sequel. In fact, during the Paramount years, there were a total of seven sequels! In 1981 FRIDAY THE 13th: PART II was released, with others shortly behind: FRIDAY THE 13th in 3D, FRIDAY THE 13th: THE FINAL CHAPTER, FRIDAY THE 13th, PART V: A NEW BEGINNING, FRIDAY THE 13th, PART VI: JASON LIVES, FRIDAY THE 13th, PART VII:THE NEW BLOOD (the first appearance of Kane Hodder as Jason Voorhees), and FRIDAY THE 13th, PART VIII: JASON TAKES MANHATTAN. Due to dwindling box office receipts for each film, Paramount decided it was best to let the franchise leave.

Young Jason Voorhees portrayed by Ari Lehman.

The rights of the series reverted back to its creator Sean S. Cunningham. He then made a deal with New Line Cinema, which was the home to another horror icon Freddy Krueger of the NIGHTMARE OF ELM STREET series. With a new distributor, Sean and team cranked out two more films: JASON GOES TO HELL: THE FINAL FRIDAY and JASON X. But the big reason why Sean chose New Line was to finally pit two of the greatest horror icons in one epic movie. For fans it was dream came true when on August 15, 2003 FREDDY VS JASON was released to theater nationwide, grossing an outstanding $82,556,855 million in North America and another $32,286,175 in foreign sales. With renewed interest in Jason, Sean Cunningham and his team decided it was time for a remake. Enter Michael Bay and his company Platinum Dunes, the same folks that made the THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake back in 2003.

Jason Voorhees Action Figure from PART VII.

The FRIDAY THE 13th remake combined elements from the first three films and was released to theaters on February 13, 2009. It went on to gross $65,002,019 in the states, and $26,377,032 in foreign sales. The final tally for the film was an astonishing $91,379,051. Even as I write this tribute, a sequel is currently in production.

It's hard to imagine the horror film landscape with out FRIDAY THE 13th. It launched many actors and actresses careers, brought the world of special effects center stage, and created one of the greatest legends in horror film history. Jason Voorhees is as popular, recognizable, and profitable as Micky Mouse. Action figures, costumes, comic books, posters, games, cards, even plush dolls and bobble heads bear Jason's likeness.

So today is a day of celebration! Even though it's not the 13th, it's still Friday and so it's the perfect day to go watch this horror classic. It's available on DVD, Blu-Ray and even in the ultra cool Blu_ray Tin Boxset! So there's a number of ways to watch this film. So grab a bunch of your friends, order some pizzas and sodas, kick back and watch FRIDAY THE 13th!! Just make sure that Mrs. Voorhees doesn't show up and ruin your fun!

FRIDAY THE 13th and the entire series is available on both DVD and in a special Limited Edition Tin Blu-Ray Boxset. To purchase these films, visit your local retailer. To learn more about the series, and to make purchases, visit the official website at fridaythe13thfilms.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 31: Phil sees HALLOWEEN at the BlueLight Cinemas 5-October 31, 2012

Good evening everybody and Happy Halloween!! Well folks, this is it! The end of the road. The last day of my horror movie marathon. Hard to believe it's all over after tonight. So to celebrate this evening's All Hallow's Eve, I headed on over to the BlueLight Cinemas 5 in Cupertino to watch the film that transformed Halloween, and the horror genre, forever. Thanks to director John Carpenter, his low budget film HALLOWEEN became one of the scariest movies ever made, and helped make its villain Michael Myers into a horror icon.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1978)

To be honest, this one of my all-time favorite horror films ever. The movie helped establish the "rules" for the slasher genre that would come charging in with the release of FRIDAY THE 13th just two years later. The film launched Jamie Lee Curtis' film career, and Carpenter became a legendary director within the horror genre.

The film has been discussed, written, dissected, reassembled, and worshiped since its release on October 25, 1978. There is nothing I can say about the film that hasn't already been said. The film can be classified as a "perfect" film. With Carpenter's beautiful directing, Curtis' down to earth performance, and thanks to Carpenter's simplistic soundtrack, there isn't one flaw to be found within the movie. If by chance you have never seen the film, you really need to see it! In fact, it is against the law to live your life without seeing this movie!

With this film, my horror movie marathon comes to an end. I've had so much fun this month, watching all these great films in the theaters and on DVD and Blu-Ray! There were still so many films that I didn't have time to watch, but there is always next Halloween. However, I encourage all of you out there to keep the spirit of Halloween alive all year round! There are many horror films coming to the big screen, so be sure to read my blog so you too can check them out at your local theater. I hope that all the films that I watched this month will inspire you to view them too. Next month I shall be returning to the Camera Cinemas for my weekly movie fix, as well as travel back to Niles and the Castro Theatre too. Thank you all for joining me for Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon!! Good night and have a Happy Halloween!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 28: Phil reviews THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW (1983) 2-Disc Set from Scorpion Releasing-October 28, 2012

HOUSE 2-Disc DVD Cover (2012)

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW
Starring: Kathryn McNeil, Eileen Davidson, Janis Zido, Robin Meloy, Harley Kozak, Jodi Draigie, Ellen Dorsher, Lois Kelso Hunt, Christopher Lawrence, Michael Kuhn, Michael Sergio, Ruth Walsh
Written by Mark Rosman with additional dialogue by Bobby Fine
Produced by John G. Clark, Ed Beyer, Igo Kantor, Mark Rosman
Executive produced by John Ponchock and W. Thomas McMahon
Directed by Mark Rosman
Originally released by Film Ventures International (FVI)
Distributed by Scorpion Releasing

The final days of my horror movie marathon are coming close to an end, so let's get right into Day Twenty-Eight! Today's film comes to us once again from the early 80's. The film is a genre classic. In fact, it's so popular that it was remade in 2009. Today's film is the horror slasher film THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW.

Here is the film's synopsis: Seven sorority sisters, Katey (Katherine McNeil) Morgan (Jodi Draigie), Stevie (Ellen Dorsher), Liz (Janis Zedo), Vicki (Eileen Davidson), Jeanie (Robin Meloy), and Diane (Harley Jane Koazak) pull a prank on their strict house mother, Mrs. Slater, who is known for carrying a sharp walking cane. However it goes horribly awry and she winds up dead. Panicking, the girls try to hide the body, but someone (or something) witnessed the crime and begins to stalk them.

Healmed by first time director Mark Rosman, the movie was filmed on location in Baltimore, Marylland on a budget of just $425,000. Now the film has some good characters - for once we don't have an utterly virginal heroine whose morals are her strength. Instead we have several girls, most of them scared enough by what is happening to follow Vicky, the rebellious and selfish one, and the heroine as the only one who sees that Vicky is actually quite a stupid and uncaring bitch of a character. While it's not overtly gory, the death scenes are great and convincing, there is plenty of suspense and you are always kept hooked.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1983)

The film was released in US theaters on January 21, 1983, and took in $617,661 in its opening weekend. It would go on to gross a whopping $10,604,986! On November 14, 2000, Elite Entertainment released the movie on DVD. Then was re-printed and released again on November 18, 2003. Then it became out of print, but was once again re-released on January 12, 2010 as a special 25 year special anniversary edition. Soon this edition became out of stock as well.

Now this new 2-Disc DVD version comes courtesy from Scorpion Releasing, as part of the label's "Katarina's Nightmare Theatre" series. Special features on Disc One include: Katarina s Nightmare Theater format with our hostess Katarina Leigh Waters or play feature only, Brand New 16x9 (1:78) HD master from the original IN, Brand New audio commentary with Director Mark Rosman moderated by Katarina Leigh Waters, Bonus commentary with Stars Kate McNeil, Eileen Davidson and director Mark Rosman, On camera interview with co-star Harley Jane Kozak, 3 TV spots, Thearical Trailers, Storyboard Comparisons, Photo Gallery, Alternate Ending. The special features on Disc Two include: On camera interview with star Kate McNeil conducted by Katarina Leigh Waters, On camera interview with star Eileen Davidson conducted by Katarina Leigh Waters, On camera interview with Director Mark Rosman conducted by Katarina Leigh Waters, On camera interview with composer Richard Band, and an On camera interview with co-producer Igo Kantor.

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW is a great 80's horror slasher classic! So do yourself a favor tonight. Make some popcorn, turn off the lights, and have a good time watching this movie! But don't watch it alone,especially on a college campus! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! Highly Recommended!!

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW is currently available on DVD from Scorpion Releasing. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer or visit their official website at www.scorpionreleasing.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 22: Phil reviews FINAL EXAM (1981) DVD from Scorpion Releasing-October 22, 2012

FINAL EXAM DVD Cover (2011)

FINAL EXAM
Starring: Cecile Bagdadi, Joel S. Rice, Ralph Brown, DeAnna Robbins, John Fallon, Sherry Willis-Burch, Mary Ellen Withers, Timothy L. Raynor, Sam Kilman, Terry W. Farren
Produced by Carol Bahoric, Myron Meisel
Executive produced by John L. Chambliss, Lon J. Kerr, Michael Mahern
Written and Directed by Jimmy Huston
Originally released by Avco Embassy Pictures
Distributed by Scorpion Releasing

It's getting down to the wire folks so let's get Day Twenty-Two started! Here's another great and often overlooked horror film from the early 1980's. The film came out at the beginning of the slasher cycle of films that began with HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13TH. With these two films, there cam an avalanche of slasher films, ready to terrify audiences all around the country. With some suspenseful chilling moments and character development, FINAL EXAM is an exceptional slasher film that really does need to be rediscovered.

The film's official synopsis: At Lanier College, the semester is almost over. Exam week is coming to a close when some upper classmen play a prank by staging a phony terrorist attack. But the next excitement in the school won't be a prank. It's something a lot more final than an exam. Students are falling prey to the knife-wielding maniac hell bent on making sure that school is out... forever!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1981)

The film was written and directed by Jimmy Huston, who also directed MY BEST FRIEND IS A VAMPIRE and wrote the screenplay for the buddy cop action/comedy film RUNNING SCARED. Huston does a effective job of creating some moodiness, atmosphere, interesting characters, and a couple of gruesome mutilations. Lead actress Cecile Bagdadi does a great job as our favorite girl Courteny. Joel S Rice plays Radish with real depth as did the other cast members, espcially Wildman, Janet, Lisa, Mark and Gary. Overall they all played they're roles really quite well.

The film was originally released to theaters by Avco Embassy Films on June 5, 1981. The film found new life when it was released on VHS and developed a small cult following. Several years later, BCI released this film on DVD in September 2008 (that DVD is now out of print). On September 20, 2011 Scorpion Releasing re-released the film on DVD as part of the label's "Katarina's Nightmare Theatre" series. Special features include a hi-def transfer of the film, special introduction from host Katarina Leigh Waters, a brand new audio commentary with producer Myron Meisel, on camera interviews with some members of the cast and crew, and the film's original trailer.

FINAL EXAM is great little slasher film that deserves a second look! Scorpion Releasing has done a great job re-releasing the film and now you can enjoy this seldom seen slasher film. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! Recommended!

FINAL EXAM is currently available on DVD from Scorpion Releasing. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer or visit their official website at www.scorpionreleasing.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marthon, Day 19: Phil reviews THE FUNHOUSE (1981) Blu-Ray from Scream Factory-October 19, 2012

THE FUNHOUSE Blu-Ray Cover (2012)

THE FUNHOUSE
Starring: Elizabeth Berridge, Shawn Carson, Largo Woodruff, Cooper Huckabee, Kevin Conway, Miles Chapin, Sylvia Miles, Wayne Doba
Written by Larry Block
Produced by Steven Bernhardt, Derek Power, Mace Neufeld, Mark L. Lester
Directed by Tobe Hooper
Originally released by Universal Pictures
Released by Scream Factory

Welcome my fellow creatures of the night to Day Nineteen of my horror movie marathon! Today's film is another 80's horror classic that I saw when I was younger. Every week there was a new horror film coming out in theaters. Combined with the new technological invention called the VCR, you could rent movies on VHS cassettes and watch them in the privacy of your home. This meant that horror fans (like myself) finally had the opportunity to watch films from Britain, Italy, Spain, etc. I originally rented THE FUNHOUSE on VHS from my local Mom & Pop video store. After rewatching it all these years later, the film still holds up and is still has the power to terrify you!

The film's about a teenage couple Amy (Berridge) and Buzz Dawson (Huckabee) who go on a double date with their friends Richie (Chapin) and Liz (Woodruff) to a carnival. For kicks, Richie  decides that they should spend the night in the funhouse. But started off as a prank soon turns deadly for them. When they witness the brutal murder of the fortune teller Madame Zena (Miles) by a freak wearing a Frankenstein mask, they are hunted down by the freak and his barker father (Conway), who are determined they will not leave to report it to the police.

Director Tobe Hoper does a terrific job of creating some truly suspenseful moments and the effective jump-out of your seat scenes. But then again what would you expect from the man who brought us horror classics such as THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and POLTERGEIST. However the film is more about empathy and atmosphere than just gore. We've all been in a funhouse before, especially when we were young children and it was very creepy! Hoper recreates our childhood fear and displays it up on the big screen for all of us to see and to confront once again as adults.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1981)

The entire cast puts in  terrific performances, especially Elizabeth Berridge and Wayne Doba, who gives us a monster that is by turns pathetic, disgusting, pitiful and horrifying. Also a special nod to Kevin Conway, who won't be winning the "Father of the Year" award anytime soon, but helped create a truly disturbing character for horror fans to remember always!

The film was released to theaters by Universal Studios on March18, 1981 and earned $2,765,456 in its opening weekend. It went on to gross $7,886,857 in total. Now believe it or not, the late film critic Gene Siskel from the Chicago Tribune gave the film a positive review! Yes friends, things were a lot different in the 80's!

The film was just recently released on Blu-Ray and DVD by the Scream Factory (the horror label of Shout Factory). Both editions comes with numerous special features: Audio Commentary With Director Tobe Hooper, Moderated By Filmmaker Tim Sullivan, Interview With Executive Producer Mark L. Lester And Composer John Beal, Audio Interview With Actor William Finley, Theatrical Trailer, and TV Spots.

THE FUNHOUSE is definitely a must see for fans of the genre! Thanks to Scream Factory, this horror classic can now be rediscovered, just in time for Halloween! 4 out of 5 stars!!

THE FUNHOUSE is currently available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer or at the Scream Factory website. To purchase a copy and receive a free limited poster, visit www.shoutfactory.com/?q=screamfactory.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 15: Phil reviews INTRUDER (1988) Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack from Synapsis Films-October 15, 2012

INTRUDER Combo Cover (2011)

INTRUDER
Starring: Renée Estevez, Elizabeth Cox, Dan Hicks, David Byrnes, Sam Raimi, Eugene Glazer, Billy Marti, Burr Steers, Craig Stark, Ted Raimi, Bruce Campbell
Screenplay by Scott Spiegel
Written by Scott Spiegel and Lawrence Bender
Based on the short film Night Crew by Scott Spiegel
Produced by Lawrence Bender
Directed by Scott Spiegel
Released by Synapsis Films

Here we are folks, Day Fifteen of Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon! Now there was a plethora of horror film being released in the 1980's. Some were amazing while some were out-right god awful. And then there were those that fell through the cracks that some horror fans may have missed or didn't even knew that it excited. Some of these overlooked gems were discovered on VHS at their local mom & pop video store (because the evil mega-conglomerate Blockbuster refused to carry these fright flicks. Now they're closing stores all over. See, stocking horror films is good business). Now in the 21st century, new technology has given these films the love and attention they truly deserve. Once again, Synapse Films has given us another unsung classic with the release of director Scott Spiegel's 1988 horror film INTRUDER.

The film's premise is quite simple: The employees of Michigan's Walnut Lake Supermarket has just been informed that the store is closing next month and the crew begins to price down the store's inventory. Things are already bad for cashier Jennifer (Elizabeth Cox) as she is being harassed by her psycho ex-boyfriend Craig (Danny Byrnes), has just been released from prison for manslaughter. Just when things couldn't get any worse, it does. Soon all the night crew employees are being murdered viciously by a mysterious killer, who plans on saving Jennifer for last. All evidence points to Craig, but is he the real killer, or is it someone else?

Now for those who may not know, Spiegel grew up with both Sam and Ted Raimi and Bruce Campbell back home in Michigan and they all use to make 8mm horror films back in high school. Years later Spiegel would help write 1987's EVIL DEAD 2 with Raimi as well as be one of his "fake shemps" in the film. The following year, Spiegel meet producer Lawrence Bender who helped find financing for his new horror film, which was based on an old 8mm short film he made with Campbell and the Raimi brothers. The film also showcases the extreme gore and mayhem courtesy of the pre-KNB EFX Group (Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger, and Robert Kurtzman) who agreed to do the film if they'd get their names in the opening credits.

Original Poster w/Original Title (198

The film's casts were largely unknowns but you might recognize some of these actors and actresses. The first being both Sam and Ted having bit parts in the film and at the very end you'll see Bruce Campbell playing a cop (he'd again play a cop the following year in MANIAC COP). Linda was played by Renee Estevez (younger sister of Charlie Sheen and Emilo Estevez) who also appeared in other horror and low budget films like 1987's SLEEPAWAY CAMP 2: UNHAPPY CAMPERS and 1993's GOOD GIRLS DON'T and is now appearing on TV's The West Wing. Dan Hicks was seen in EVIL DEAD 2 as Jake and also had bit parts in MANIAC COP, DARKMAN, SPIDER-MAN 2 and MY NAME IS BRUCE. Bender has gone on to produce Quentin Tarentino's films such as PULP FICTION and INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. Spiegel's latest film is HOSTEL: PART III was just released on DVD in rated and unrated versions.

Also coming to their aid during production was Charles Band, who at that time had Empire Pictures (which was the company he had before he launched Full Moon Entertainment in 1988). Band agreed to help finance the film and distribute it. Unfortunately Empire Pictures was in dire straits and soon collapsed. Band rebounded with Full Moon Entertainment and secured a distribution deal with Paramount Pictures. Band was only allowed to take a handful of films from his old company and one of them was INTRUDER. The film was originally entitled "The Night Crew: The Final Checkout" but was changed by Paramount to give it a more marketable name (but the trailer for the VHS release has it as The Night Crew title). However, it would be a short victory for Spiegel and his film, as the MPAA literally ruined the film with their required cuts for it to be released on VHS. Bootleg copies and imports of the unedited film has surfaced for years, but the folks at Synapse Films have returned its original, unedited director's cut.

The Blu-Ray version looks incredible and is amazing to witness. The film boats an all-new 2K digital restoration and as a result the picture quality is unbelievable. The colors are vibrant and add that it's the director's cut, the blood and gore are just insane to see. The Blu-Ray contains a number of special features: Commentary by Siegel and Bender, which is very funny, informative and entertaining, Slashed Prices: The Making of Intruder featurette which most of the cast and crew members get together for, Extended Murder Sequences from the Original Workprint, Outtakes from the now-lost short film, Night Crew: the short film Spiegel made when he was a teenager, The Slashing of Intruder with Filmmaker Vincent Pereira, Behind-the-Scenes Stills Gallery, Original Cast Audition Footage, a DVD copy, as well as trailers.

Overall, this is an incredible combo release! INTRUDER is one of the best slasher films to come out of the 80's and thanks again to Synapse Films, you can enjoy this film once again in the unrated director's cut complete with all the bells and whistles that fans have been clamoring for! Folks, it doesn't get any better than this! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

INTRUDER Blu-Ray+DVD Combo Pack is currently available on the Synapse Films website. To purchase a copy, visit their website at http://synapse-films.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 14: Phil reviews ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE Import DVD from Optimum Releasing-October 14, 2012

ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE
Starring: Amber Heard, Anson Mount, Whitney Able, Michael Welch, Edwin Hodge, Aaron Himelstein, Adam Powell, Luke Grimes, Melissa Price
Written by  Jacob Forman
Produced by Chad Feehan, Joe Neurauter, Felipe Marino
Directed by  Jonathan Levine
Distributed by Optimum Releasing

Hello and welcome to Day Fourteen people! So once again I reached back into my huge stack of DVDs that I picked up at Miss Misery's Days of Terror for today's review. Now I will be reviewing a film that, believe it or not, has been hailed as one of the best indie horror films that has NOT been released here in America! Now I was able to see this movie via an import copy I bought at the convention. Released over in the UK on DVD, it is still unavailable over here. Why is this you may ask? Well then, come join me as I tell you all about a little film called ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE.

Here is the film's official synopsis: The orphan Mandy Lane (Heard) is a beautiful, virgin and pure teenager raised by her aunt, desired by her schoolmates and a close friend of the outcast Emmet Welch). After the death of their high school mate in a pool party, Mandy befriends Chloe (Able), Marlin (Price), Red (Himelstein), Bird (Hodge) and Jake (Grimes). Red invites the group for a weekend party in the isolated ranch of his family, with all the boys disputing who would succeed in having sex with Mandy Lane. They meet the henchman Garth (Mount) that takes care of the ranch and he asks the group to go easy on the drugs and booze. In the middle of the night, a stranger wearing a hood attacks Marlin in the barn; when Jake seeks her out, he faces the killer, beginning a night of bloodshed and terror.

The plot sounds promising, doesn't it? Well, the film itself is utterly fantastic! Again here is a horror film that has a very strong focus on character development. Long before the killings begin, we get to know the teenagers intimately. We are forced to relate to them, and let's face it, we all knew kids like these back in high school. The way they act, they way they speak,  drinking and doing drugs, who can't relate being a teenager?

UK Theatrical Movie Poster (2006)

The acting in the film is top notch! The entire cast turns in a fantastic, but it's Amber Heard who really shins in the film! At the time the movie was being filmed, she was only 20 years old! It's so hard to fathom that this is the same actress who would seduce Johnny Depp's Kemp character from the 2011 film THE RUM DIARY. She looks so young in the film that I had to do a double take to make sure I wasn't imagining it! Again a great performance by Heard!

So the film was completed in 2006 and it premiered at several film festivals throughout 2006 and 2007: Toronto Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, South by Southwest Film Festival, and London FrightFest Film Festival. It received a theatrical release in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2008 but wasn't released here in the US. Now the film was going to be released in 2007 by the Weistein Company, but due to the failure of GRINDHOUSE (as well as other horror movies) at the boxoffice, they sold the film to Senator Entertainment US. However that company went out of business and the film has been stuck in limbo ever since. The horror website Blood Disgusting as ranked the film "Number One" one their list of the best unreleased horror films for the last four years.

ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE is truly a gem of a horror film that, sadly, most horror fans will never get to see. Hopefully, someday, the film will be released here in America, but until then, for all you horror fanatics out there, go find yourself a bootleg copy of the film. For those that own universal Blu-Ray or DVD player that will play import DVDs, go order a copy for yourself and check out this movie! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

ALL THE GIRLS LOVE MANDY LANE is available as a PAL Region 2 Import DVD on the Amazon website. If you have a region free DVD player, you can purchase a copy at www.amazon.com.

Thanks for reading, an enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Halloween Horrors Marathon, Day 13: Phil attends the Midnites For Maniacs "COUNTDOWN TO HELL" triple feature at the Roxie Theater-October 13, 2012

Welcome to Day Thirteen of my horror movie marathon! So once again I ventured back out to San Francisco to attend another installment of the Midnited for Maniacs show! This time host Jesse Hawthorne Ficks brought the show to the Roxie Theater, located in the Mission District. The theme of tonight's triple feature was "Countdown to Hell" and Ficks screened three of the greatest horror films of all time along with some classic horror trailers. As an added bonus, my good friend and fellow film blogger Jason Wiener (Jason Watches Movies) came out for the show! I also saw my good friend Beatriz Aguilar, who just also happens to be an awesome producer/director for the Fremont based film group called B.O.M. Productions (check out their excellent horror webseries called AMERICAN ZOMBIES on their Youtube channel)! So my fellow creatures of the night, let the horror begin!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2012)

The first film up was A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS. The film reunites Freddy Kruger (Robert England) with his old rival Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), the only survivor from the first film and now a psychiatrist specializing in dream therapy. When she begins working at a psychiatric institution, she meets the last of the Elm Street kids, who are being terrorized in their sleep by Freddy Kruger. She soon discovers that one of the children Kristen (Patricia Arquette) has a special gift which may help them all destroy Freddy once and for all.

With this installment of the franchise, director Chuck Russell (THE MASK, ERASER, THE SCORPION KING) and Wes Craven (who wrote the screenplay) returned Freddy to his roots: a demonic creature who haunts and kills you in your sleep. This was also the film that introduced many one-liners that would propel Freddy into the stratosphere of popularity. Classic one liners like, "Welcome to Prime Time Bitch!" and "Oohhh what a rush." The film was originally released by New Line Cinema on February 27, 1987 and it grossed over $44.7 million, making it the highest grossing installment of the series. This "horrifying"  35mm film print came courtesy of Warner Brothers. Three Wes Craven trailers were screened before the movie: 2005's RED EYE, 1994's WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE, and 1985's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY'S REVENGE as well as the trailer for this film.

Click here to watch the film's original trailer. 

Theatrical Movie Poster (1986)

Film number two for the night was THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2! It's been a over a decade since the events of the first film and our "friends" are back causing terror once again. When Texas radio DJ Vantia Block (Caroline Williams) records a call-in that evolves two high school graduates being killed by what sounds like a chainsaw, she becomes victimized by the cannibal family, especially by Chop Top (Bill Moseley) and Leatherface (Bill Johnson). Her only hope comes in the form of former Texas Marshall Lieutenant 'Lefty' Enright (Dennis Hopper), who will stop at nothing to stop their trail of death.

Directed by Tobe Hooper and written by L. M. Kit Carson, the movie is a departure from the first film. This sequel was a black comedy slasher film, which caused many Chainsaw fans to cry fowl. The MPAA gave the film an X rating, which meant the film was released to theaters unrated! The film was banned in Australia for over 20 years! But what a lot of people missed was the social commentary of the film. This was a product of the 1980's, therefore, the Regan-era mentality of greed was predominate throughout the decade. That greed is commented in the film with Grandpa Sawyer (Ken Evert) talking about all the money he's making with his chili. The film was released by Canon Films on August 22 (my birthday!), 1986. Ficks screened several modern day sequel trailers before the film: 2003's JEEPERS CREEPERS 2, 2007's HOSTEL 2, 2007's THE HILLS HAVE EYES 2, 2003's FINAL DESTINATION 2, and 2005's THE DEVIL'S REJECTS.

Click here to watch the film's original trailer.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

The final film of the night is considered to be a classic among horror fans. HELLRAISER is one blood-soaked, gooey, gory, twisted film that could only come from the mind of Clive Barker! The film has it all: an unfaithful wife who is in love with her dead husband's brother, who's now a zombie thanks to the demons (angles to some) called the Cenobites. There's also a cool puzzle box and a lot of body parts being ripped off by chains with hooks on them! Yeah, it's that damn good!

The film's based upon the novel The Hellbound Heart by Barker, who also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. This is one of the best indie horror films to come out of the 1980's! Horror fans had never seen anything like this up until then, and it has spawned an unrepresented NINE sequels! The film was originally released here in the states by New World Pictures on September 18, 1987. Before the film, Ficks screened several Clive Barker trailers: 2008's MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, 1995's LORD OF ILLUSIONS, and 1990's NIGHTBREED.

Click here to watch the film's original trailer.

And folks that was my night of horror movie watching! Three great films with great friends in a great theater! The next Midnites for Maniacs show will be on November 2, 2012 at the historic Castro Theatre. The theme for that show is "Celebrate the End of Days" and it will consist of 1991's TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, 2010's INCEPTION, and 1982's HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH! So make sure you mark that date on your calender and come on out for some M4M fun! To learn more about Midnites for Maniacs, visit their website at www.midnitesformaniacs.com. To view upcoming shows at the Roxie Theater, visit their website at www.roxie.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!