Phil's Cult Classics: THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE (1991) from Vinegar Syndrome - January 30, 2019

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE Slipcover Blu-Ray

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE (1991)

Starring Craig Peck, Wendy Bednarz, Mark Collver, Bonnie Bowers, John Carhart III, Claudia Flores, Jeff Dachis, Lisa Grant
Written by Rolfe Kanefsky
Cinematography by Ed Hershberger
Edited by Victor Kanefsky
Produced by Victor Kanefsky
Directed by Rolfe Kanefsky
Originally released by Prism Entertainment
Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Greetings and salutations gore hounds! I decided to continue my theme from my previous review, and for today, I watched another Troma movie that was just released by Vinegar Syndrome on a brand new Blu-Ray/DVD combo. Now I did a review of this movie back in 2016, but with this new release, I felt that I needed to do a new write-up for it. After all, with it's fourth wall breaking, creature feature vibe, laugh-out-loud gags, nudity, and gore galore, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE still remains one of the greatest cult hits of the early 1990's!

The film's official synopsis: Mike is always getting in the way of fun. His obsession with horror movies and their rules dictates that no matter where he goes, he can’t help but expect to find a monster lurking around every corner. But this time, his paranoia might be justified…After being invited to a remote lodge, along with some friends, Mike immediately begins to sense that something isn’t right, but none of his friends believe him. Unfortunately, they’re dead wrong, and a slimy alien frog monster has indeed landed in the nearby woods and set out to fulfill it’s mission of killing all human males and mating with females. Can Mike convince his friends that there IS something out there, before the men have their brains sucked out and the women are carrying green mutant fetuses?

Director Rolfe Kanefsky was only twenty years old when he made the film back in 1990. Plus, he wrote the script during his senior year in high school. Now back in those days, movies were shot on film and Kanefsky shot his directorial debut on 16mm film stock. His father Victor helped edit and produce the film. The budget was about $350,000 but back in 1990 that was a lot of money. Now that would barely cover craft services these days in Hollywood. What I loved about the movie was the script, which was very funny, clever and unique. It was a horror film with comedy that referenced horror films of the past. Does this sound familiar? Well, it should because five years later legendary director Wes Craven's SCREAM would do the exact same thing. Both Kanefsky and his film were way ahead of their time.

The actors and actresses were awesome in the film. Lead actor Craig Peck, who portrayed our horror aficionados Mike, is funny, smart and is a walking encyclopedia of horror movie trivia. He has the best one-liners and is the hero we all would want to be! Bonnie Bowers' character Stacy was in a sexy two-piece bikini for most of the whole film and was a total professional! That must've been very difficult to pull off, but she made it look so easy.

Original Theatrical Poster (1991)

The movie was originally released on VHS by Prism Entertainment back in the mid-90's. Years later, Image Entertainment release a special edition DVD version of the movie. Then in 2011, our good friends at Troma Entertainment released an ultra cool two-disc 20th anniversary special edition with all kinds of special features. And then out of nowhere, Vinegar Syndrome announced late in 2018 that they were planning on releasing the film on Blu-Ray for the very first time!

The movie was newly scanned & restored in 2k from it’s 35mm interpositive and it looks impressive. The picture looks much sharper and clearer, the colors look brighter and clean, and looks like a brand new movie! The combo package has a reversible cover artwork, and for collectors, there's a special limited edition embossed slipcover and is limited to only 2,000 units! The slipcover is designed by Earl Kessler Jr. and it looks super cool! This limited edition slipcover is available only at the Vinegar Syndrome website. 

Vinegar Syndrome spared no expense when it came to its special features, and boy, are they special! Just check out what's on the discs: “There’s A Movie Out There” – new interview with writer/director Rolfe Kanefsky and editor Victor Kanefsky, ”40 Years Of Cutting” – new interview with Victor Kanefsky, new interview with actor Craig Peck, a brand new group commentary with director Rolfe Kanefsky, Joe Lynch (filmmaker), Jeff Reddick (filmmaker) and others. There's also several short films to watch as well: ”Copycat” – a short film about the film’s influence, ”Murder in Winter” – an early feature film by Rolfe Kanefsky (Blu-ray only), ”Just Listen” and ”Mood Boobs”with a behind the scenes of “Mood Boobs” as well. Then there's all the special features that were imported from the Troma DVD release: Archival ‘20th anniversary’ commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky, archival group commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky, Victor Kanefsky, Craig Peck, Mark Collver and others, archival interview with Rolfe Kanefsky, theatrical trailer, music video, production stills gallery, behind the scenes rehearsal footage, pre-production footage and video storyboards, original cast auditions, and animation test footage and deleted shots. 

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE is one of the best indie horror/comedies from the early 90's and has gone on to became modern day cult classic! The film still continues to attract new viewers to this very day! Now with this new release, old school fans and newbies alike will be able to see the very best version of the film ever released! If your looking for a wild, wacky, off-the wall, cult classic to watch tonight, then make a date with Mike and the gang and watch this fantastic fun fright flick tonight! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!  

Phil's Horror Watch: SPLATTER UNIVERSITY (1984) from Vinegar Syndrome - Jan. 30, 2019

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY Slipcover Blu-Ray

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY (1984)

Starring Forbes Riley (as Francine Forbes), Ric Randig, Dick Biel, Kathy LaCommare, Laura Gold, Ken Gerson, Noel Stilphen, Mary Ellen David, Sal Lumetta
Written by Richard W. Haines, Michael Cunningham, John Elias Michalakis (as John Michaels), Miljan Peter Ilich
Cinematography by Fred Cohen, Jim Grib
Edited by Richard W. Haines
Produced by Richard W. Haines, John Elias Michalakis (as John Michaels), Miljan Peter Ilich
Directed by Richard W. Haines
Originally released by Troma Entertainment
Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Welcome back horror hounds to another horrifyingly scary installment of Phil's Horror Watch! Now as some of you may know, the 1980's had some of the best horror films ever made! With the slasher genre in full swing, and with latex make-up and special effects becoming more advance, horror movies were now more stained with blood and gore than ever before, and fans were flocking to the nearest theater to watch it all unfold on the big screen. One of these gems was the Troma Entertainment horror flick SPLATTER UNIVERSITY, which was just released by the fine folks at Vinegar Syndrome.

The film's official synopsis: Years ago, a madman escaped from an asylum, slashing his way through to freedom and continuing his bloody rampage at nearby Saint Trinian’s College. Now, years later, new teacher Julie Parker, begins to sense that something isn’t quite right at the small town college and it’s not long before her students and fellow faculty members begin disappearing or, worse yet, are found brutally butchered. Determined to uncover the truth behind the ongoing violence, Julie begins her own investigation, unaware that she’s putting herself at risk of becoming the ruthless murderer’s next target.

The film was the feature length debut of Richard W. Haines, who would also co-direct another Troma classic CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH in 1986. Haines actually shot the film in 1981, but when it was edited together, he realized that it was only 65 minutes long. The following year, he shot extra footage to pad the film out to a lean, mean 79 minutes running time. However, this wasn't to be the first obstacle that he had to face. The film was shot at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and Haines and his crew were told that they could film there for two weeks during their spring break. But shortly after production began, the college told them that they only had one week to film, and many of the crew members slept in several of the classrooms so they could finish the project.

Original Theatrical Poster (1984)

While cheesy in some scenes, the film is quiet mean and nasty, with kills galore and bloodshed everywhere. The cast were fine in their roles, but shout out to the amazing Forbes Riley for carrying the film on her shoulders. She was the standout out of everybody; bringing depth, vulnerability, and class to her character Julie Parker. Again, she was fantastic, and I was shocked about what happened to her at the film's finale! Holy crap what a freaking ending!!

The movie was originally released to theaters on July 13, 1984 by Troma Entertainment, an independent film studio founded in 1974 by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz that's still in business to this very day! Believe it or not, the film actually played on the infamous 42nd Street in Times Square in New York! The movie was a success, and was eventually released on VHS from Troma, and later on DVD. Fun Fact: Troma model Elizabeth Kaitan was featured on both the film's poster and VHS cover, but wasn't in the movie. In late, 2018, Vinegar Syndrome announced that they would be releasing the movie on Blu-Ray for the very first time.

As for the transfer, it looks really fantastic! The film was newly scanned & restored in 2k from 16mm camera negative and looks better than ever. English SDH subtitles were also added to both disc and the combo features reversible cover artwork. For collectors, there's a special limited edition embossed slipcover and is limited to only 1,500 units! The slipcover is designed by Earl Kessler Jr. and looks awesome! This limited edition slipcover is available only at the Vinegar Syndrome website.

The combo disc comes packed with some cool extras. The special features include commentary track with director Richard W. Haines, a separate commentary with The Hysteria Continues!, audio interview with composer Christopher Burke, still gallery, theme song, script gallery, radio spots, original trailer, and TV spot.

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY is an unique, twisted, nasty horror movie that will appease even the most rabid horror fan! It's a movie that many people may not have seen nor heard, but now thanks to Vinegar Syndrome, the film is now ready to be seen by the whole world! And also thanks to Troma Entertainment for releasing it all those years ago! So grab your college friends and get ready to cram for this all-nighter of a flick!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

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 pens "TEN LESSER KNOWN HORROR COMEDIES YOU SHOULD WATCH ASAP" article for Blumhouse.com - September 29, 2017

Hello again my faithful reader! So back in February of this year, I wrote a fun and interesting article entitled, "TEN LESSER-KNOW HORROR COMEDIES YOU SHOULD SEE ASAP." Here, I listed my personal favorite horror comedies of all time - films that I find myself watching on a frequently regular basis.

The horror genre has seen some outstanding and hilarious horror comedies over the decades — from the 1948 Universal classic ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN to 2004’s SHAUN OF THE DEAD, these films have become beloved titles, and in many cases box-office blockbusters. But several other horror comedies flew beneath the mainstream radar — independent films that most audiences don’t even know exist. Sure, most audiences know about YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SCARY MOVIE and STUDENT BODIES, but there’s a whole other cinematic universe where some lesser-known but still hysterical horror comedies exist.

While these films aren’t quite household names yet, they are required viewing for those of you seeking something new to watch. A lot of blood, sweat and laughter went into making these movies — and for this, they deserve your attention. After all, as the old saying goes, “Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.” So, I sincerely hope you will enjoy reading my article.

Be on the lookout as I'll be posting my links to my articles here in the very near future! To learn more about Blumhouse.com, visit their website at www.blumhouse.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil Gets Tromatized: B.C. BUTCHER (2016) from Troma Entertainment - Sept. 13, 2017

B.C. BUTCHER DVD Cover

B.C. BUTCHER
Starring Leilani Fideler, Natasha Halevi, Molly Elizabeth Ring, Devyn Leah, Parker Love Bowling, Miranda Robin, Kato Kaelin, Kadeem Hardison, Rodney Bingenheimer, Dwayne Johnson
Written by Kansas Bowling and Kenzie Givens
Cimematography by
Edited by Robby DeFrain
Produced by Lloyd Kaufman and Kansas Bowling
Directed by Kansas Bowling
Released by Troma Entertainment

Welcome back to another edition of Phil Gets Tromatized! Today's film has been long overdue. As you may recall, I conducted a series of interviews (click here to read them) with the stars of the then upcoming Troma film B.C. BUTCHER. It was the feature film debut from Kansas Bowling, who made the film at the young age of 16. Since then, the film has become a huge cult classic and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Bowling was kind enough to mail me an autographed screener of the film, which I've been wanting to watch for the past year. Well, like the old saying goes, "better late than never." So let me tell you why B.C. BUTCHER rocks my world and why you must see it!

The film's official synopsis: When a tribe of cavewomen imparts cruel justice on one of their own their fate takes a turn for the worst. After discovering and falling in love with the corpse sacrificed by the girl-gang, a lone wandering giant of pre-historic mythos is inspired to homicide. Consequently the cavewomen are menaced by the heartbroken and bloodthirsty cave-brute with a grudge, and the prophetess among them is ignored when she predicts the tragic outcome. “BC Butcher” is hailed as the first pre-historic slasher film to ever be made. Shot on brilliant 16mm film, the film features actor Kato Kaelin, a cameo from Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ Radio and a performance by Southern California rock group “The Ugly Kids”.

One of the aspects that I loved about the movie was the actresses were incredible! Leilani Fideler's Neandra is such a spiteful and vindictive antagonist that she will lie to cover her own mistakes, even if it costs everyone else in her tribe their lives. Natasha Halevi's Anaconda is the smart, practical one who calls Neandra on her shit and is my favorite character in the film. The fun and bubbly Poppy, portrayed by Molly Elizabeth Ring, is the cave girlfriend we all want. Bamba is blind but has the gift of sight, and is played amazingly by Devyn Leah. Add special appearances by Kato Kaelin and Rodney Bingenheimer and the rest of the incredible cast, you've got yourself an awesome B-movie classic!

The directing was superb and Kansas Bowling definitely has that auteur eye for directing! Her set-ups and compositions hearken back to those glory days of exploitation cinema: handheld, fast and in-your-face gore and beautiful actress fighting monsters. The look of the film lend also lend it to those days as well, having the movie shot on 16mm film stock! It looks fantastic and has that grainy look that can't be replicated with today's technology. Bowling has continued with this mindset, as she has been making a series of music videos and their all on 16mm. I can't wait to see what this talented filmmaker will produce for us next!

B.C. BUTCHER is my favorite new indie horror/cult classic film of 2017!! If Doris Wishman directed ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. it would look exactly like this! Fans of Troma movies and classic grinhouse films will have a blast watching this! Easily one of the best films in the Troma library!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

B.C. BUTCHER is currently available on both Blu-ray and DVD at your local retailer
nd on the Troma website. To purchase this film as well as books, posters and Blu-Rays and DVDs, visit www.troma.com. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Gets Tromatized: CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH (1986) from Troma Entertainment - December 15, 2016

CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH Blu-Ray

CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH

Starring Janelle Brady, Gil Brenton, Robert Prichard, James Nugent Vernon, Gary Rosenblatt, Brad Dunker, Gary Schneider, Théo Cohan, Mary Taylor, Pat Ryan
Written by Richard W. Haines, Mark Rudnitsky, Lloyd Kaufman, Stuart Strutin
Cinematography by Michael Mayers
Edited by Richard W. Haines
Produced by Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman, James Treadwell, Stuart Strutin
Directed by Richard W. Haines, Lloyd Kaufman (as Samuel Weil)
Released by Troma Entertainment
Originally released on December 12, 1986

Welcome back to another installment of Phil Gets Tromatized!! Today's entry is a special one because I am celebrating the anniversary of one of Troma's greatest films ever and my personal favorite! Combining over the top violence, high school hijinks, teen sex, peer pressure, drug use, social commentary and environmental issues, CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH is one of the classics from the Troma library!

The film's official synopsis: Created by the same lunatics who brought you the smash cult classic THE TOXIC AVENGER, CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH takes place in the radioactive halls of Tromaville High School, where a dangerous leak turns great minds into great mutants. Expose yourself to outrageously awesome doses of science fiction, horror action and bizarre humor. This nuclear age movie has something for everyone... and everything. Your entertainment level will shoot right off the meter!

Phil Gets Tromatized: SQUEEZE PLAY (1979) from Troma Entertainment - November 20, 2016

SQUEEZE PLAY DVD

SQUEEZE PLAY
Starring Jim Harris, Jennifer Hetrick, Rick Gitlin, Helen Campitrlli, Diana Valentien, Al Corley, Rick Khan, Melissa Michaels, Sonya, Jennings, Kaye Bramblett, Michael P. Moran, Brenda Kaplan
Written by Charles Kaufman, Haim Pekelis
Cinematography by Lloyd Kaufman
Edited by George T. Norris
Produced by Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman
Directed by Lloyd Kaufman (as Samuel Weil)
Released by Troma Entertainment

Greetings from Tromaville! So who's ready to go back in time to the 1970's to visit a true Troma classic? Well, congratulations kids because our destination is the year 1979 and today's review I'll be talking about one of their all-time greats. Kicking off their hilariously raunchy comedy series, today's installment proved to be very popular among Troma fans. SQUEEZE PLAY was the film that gave the new company its first big boxoffice hit and continues to attract new fans!

The film's official synopsis: It's a wild battle of the sexes as the "World Series of Laughs" heats up on and off the softball field. In the small town of Springborn the local all-male baseball team, The Beavers, celebrates each victory by bedding their wives, sweethearts and casual dates. Tired of this chauvinistic treatment, rebellious Samantha (Jenni Hetrick) organizes an all-girl team, the Beaverettes. She forces a battle of the sexes on the baseball diamond, pitting her buxom teammates against the dirty-playing Beavers.

The film broke all the rules and is part of all those sexy comedies that would follow for years to come, such as MEATBALLS, PORKY'S and ANIMAL HOUSE. And like with a lot of their other titles, there's a lot of social commentary to be found around the nudity, racy jokes, wet T-shirt competition, softballs flying into a man's bum, topless women, vulgar language, sexual situations, cartoon sound effects and killer soundtrack. Yup, I totally miss the 70's!!

Original Theatrical Poster (1979)

There's so much comedy going in the movie you'd have to watch it three times to catch them all, but it still holds up after all these years. The sexual innuendos, slapstick, sight gags plus the plethora of cock shots you can shack a stick at!! The film contains classic lines like, "Honey, I love you. What about all the children and silverware we're gonna have, huh?" Plus, I could I forget the greatest comedic line in all of cinematic history, "I don't care how big it is, I won't put it in my mouth!" By the way, all of this is courtesy of screenwriters Charles Kaufman (Lloyd's brother) and Haim Pekelis. Man, they don't write movies like this anymore!

The cast is hysterical while showing off their ability of keeping a straight face. Lead actress Jennifer Hetrick is hilarious as female protagonist. This was her feature film debut and had a very long career in television, appearing as Veronica Barrett in the soap opera classic General Hopital, Vash on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Corrinne Hammond on L.A. Law. Her co-star Jim Harris, who portrayed her boyfriend Wes in the film, appeared in another Troma feature WAITRESS! and was in AMERICAN NINJA 4: THE ANNIHILATION. Rick Gitlin only acted in a couple more films like CHEERLEADERS BEACH PARTY, A MARRIAGE and HOTSHOT before leaving the business. Same with Helen Campitelli, who played Sam's best friend Jaimie. This was her only film she did and then disappeared until 2011 when sh started acting in a couple of short films before appearing in an episode of The Underground Kings in 2014.

Originally, Troma had difficulty in getting the film into theaters. Then one fateful night Kaufman received a phone call from a theater owner in Norfolk, Virginia asking if he could have the movie. His second feature backed out and he was desperate. Kaufman sent the film out there where it played as a double feature with THE IN-LAWS. He thought nothing of it. The following Monday the owner called back and told him that it was the funniest film he ever saw and the audience laughed their butts off. After that, the movie went out to several theaters and became Troma's first big hit. With the profits, Kaufman and Herz purchased the original Troma Building in Hell's Kitchen in New York, where they stayed until they moved into their new location in 2012.

SQUEEZE PLAY remains one of the most important films in the history of Troma and it's one of my all-time favorite raunchy comedies from the 70's!! It's interesting to see where the studio got their start and to see how much the company has grown since. Troma still remains as the only AND truly independent movie studio in America today! So go revisit this comedy classic today! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SQUEEZE PLAY is currently available on DVD at your local retailer and on the Troma website. To purchase this film as well as books, posters and Blu-Rays and DVDs, visit www.troma.com. The film is on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Gets Tromatized: THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN (1998) from Troma Entertainment - May 19, 2016

THE CHOSEN ONE DVD Cover (1998)

THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN

Starring: Carmen Electra, Shauna Sand, Debra Xavier, Dave Oliver, Tim Bagley, Conrad Bachmann, Leslie Hunt, Billy A. Fox, Lawrence Lanoff, Priscilla Taylor, Charles Santore

Written by Sam Rappaport & Khara Bromiley

Cinematography by Robert C. New

Edited by India Rose & Thomas Teltser

Produced by Lawrence Lanoff, Hoke M. Rose, India Rose, Corey Kiefer & James Velasquez 

Directed by Lawrence Lanoff

Distributed by Troma Entertainment 

Welcome back to another edition of Phil Gets Tromatized where I'll be reviewing the films from Troma Entertainment's vast library. Today's film review is one of several films that Troma has released to feature a future Hollywood star. In one of her earliest starring roles, singer/model/actress Carmen Electra would go on to star in television shows and major Hollywood movies as well as grace the pages of Playboy Magazine. But before all the fame, fortune and notoriety, she starred in the Redsploitation Troma film THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN directed by Lawrence Lanoff.

The film's official synopsis: Sexy superstar Carmen Electra (star of TV’s Baywatch and MTV’s Singled Out) explodes onto the screen in her feature film debut as McKenna Ray, THE CHOSEN ONE: the ultimate warrior in the battle between good and evil. When her sister Emma (Playboy Playmate Shauna Sand Lamas, star of TV’s hit series Renegade) is viciously murdered, McKenna, a cynical young lady, enters a world which she left long ago. Guided by her shaman father and Emma’s spirit, McKenna discovers that she holds the key within her to prevent the apocalypse. Carmen Electra is THE CHOSEN ONE, a powerful beautiful avenging force of purity who’s sole purpose is to defend the weak and destroy the wicked.

Original VHS Box Cover (1998)

I saw this movie when it was first released on VHS and I loved it right from the start for several reasons. First, Carmen Electra was in it and I had a mad crush on this woman. Second, she had a cool costume and looked hot in it. Third, it had an interesting plot that was equal parts of THE CROW and classic exploitation cinema, which I enjoyed. Fourth, it was just an awesome B-movie to sit back and watch. It's really that simple people.

With this being her film debut, Electra did a great job and showed the world that she wasn't just another pretty face (which she still has and looks absolutely stunning). Her Indian ceremonial dance she did in the that outfit was so damn sexy. But there was one thing that did bother and that was she had a body double for her sex scene. This still baffles me to this day. She posed nude for Playboy for crying out loud but she had a double for the sex scene. The only logical conclusion I came up with was maybe she was nervous to do the scene with her male co-star Dave Oliver, who played Henry her love interest in the film. Posing nude and doing a sex scene in a movie are two totally different things I suppose, but I thought her acting was great.

Another Playboy Playmate  to appear in the film was the former Shauna Sand Lamas, who at the time was married to Lorenzo Lamas, star of the hit television show Renegade. Sultry, sexy and her running in the forest in the beginning of the film is the stuff every teenage boy's fantasy, Sand's acting is as legendary as her breasts. Not saying she can't act because she can a little bit. But to be honest, she is eye candy in the film, but her wardrobe in the movie more than makes up for her acting abilities.

The last actress I wanted to mention was Debra Xavier, who portrayed Nora/The Wolf in the movie. Better known from the steamy television series Red Shoe Diaries, her performance was really good and let me just say, she can play crazy like no other. Oh, and look for the director in here as well playing Serial Killer Bob. He's just as psychotic as she is!

THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN is another fine B-rated Troma classic that you have to see to believe! It's so bad it's good motto fits this movie like a glove, but it really is a decent little movie! And it's pretty hot and sexy as well! So go see this late 90's flick and have fun watching it! 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! Worth checking out!

THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN is currently available on DVD at your local retailer. The film is also available at the Troma website. To purchase this film as well as books, posters and Blu-Rays and DVDs, visit www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil interviews writer/director Kansas Bowling from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment - May 15, 2016

Writer/Director Kansas Bowling (Picture from IMDb)

For the past several months, I have had the pleasure of interviewing several of the actresses from the from the upcoming Troma Entertainment film B.C. BUTCHER. Today my series concludes with my interview with the co-writer and director of the film herself: Kansas Bowling. From living in Topanga Canyon to walking the red carpet at the Egyptian Theater, read all about this amazing young filmmaker's journey who became the first inductee into the Tromaville Institute for Gifted Youth and was recently listed as one of W magazine's 42 up-and-comers.

Phil Castor: Let me start off by saying congratulations with all the success your film B.C. BUTCHER has received. When you first made the picture, did you ever thought it would become this popular and garner all these rave reviews and fans?

Kansas Bowling: Thank you so much! I had no idea what would happen with this movie. It started off just something a friend and I wrote in high school and then I started making it with no plans for distribution or anything... I was just going to see what would happen. But I didn't think it would be as big as it has become. And if you would have told me back then that Lloyd Kaufman would attach himself as an executive producer I would have fainted!

PC: Back in March your film had it's big Hollywood premiere at the world famous Egyptian Theater. Describe seeing the movie on the big screen being played to a sold out crowd?

KB: It was so much fun. Well... watching it with that big crowd was kind of scary. Just because you want to make sure everyone is laughing at the funny parts and not falling asleep or anything. But I had the best time that night. I couldn't believe how many people came - it really blew me away.

PC: I understand that there was a Red Carpet Gala before the screening of the film. Tell me what was that experience like?

KB: So, so fun! This really wonderful organization Women Underground who promotes women in horror helped put the event on. And they made sure everything was professional and made it a legitimate thing. So many interesting people were there for the red carpet... Kathleen Hughes, who was the star of It Came From Outer Space; so many cool bands like Them Guns, The Fontaines, Kill My Coquette, and the Death Valley Girls; Priscilla Presley; and then after the film Count Smokula played accordion and Ron Jeremy played harmonica. We had girls dressed as cavewomen too. It was just so fun!

PC: So take us back to the beginning. What was your upbringing like? Where were you born and raised?

KB: I moved around a lot when I was a kid. I lived in the city at first and then Topanga Canyon. Topanga Canyon is in the Santa Monica mountains and it pretends to be this hippie community, but in reality it's so not. It's a strange world that I got out of, because I moved back into the city when I was 14. My childhood and especially my teen years (well, early teen years? I'm still a teen) focused solely on watching movies. I just watched so so so so many movies. And I knew that when I got out of school, things wouldn't be so dull. And I was right!

PC: What was school like for you? Did you excel in certain subjects that appealed to you?

KB: I hated school. The public schools in this country are such a joke. I had terrible teachers that were cruel and lazy and didn't give a damn about anything besides their paycheck. It was so miserable. I figured out some way to graduate early by taking extra classes on the side and somehow did my junior and senior year at the same time and graduated when I was 16. 

PC: I read that you were a big fan of low budget, exploitation films and its directors like Doris Wishman, Russ Meyers, Roger Corman and John Waters. How were you introduced to these films and what do you like about them?

Molly Elizabeth Ring & Kansas Bowling. (Photo from Facebook)

KB: I was never really introduced to these films. But I always watched films as a kid that my parents would show me, but they were never that obscure. But movies became so important to me and once you obsess over any film, you go back and find their influences. And when I did things like that, it would spiral into new obsessions. I discovered a lot of it just on my own, reading about actors and directors and being curious about their work. 

PC: It was during your high school years that the idea for B.C. BUTCHER came about. What was your inspiration for the film?

KB: We came up with the idea in a matter of seconds. I just brought up how we should make a movie and we could have cavewomen in it. And Kenzie said, "How about a cavewomen slasher film?" And then we began writing it!

PC: Now you and your friend Kenzie Givens co-wrote the script together correct? How did you two meet?

KB: Yes! We met in high school when she opened up her locker and she had a photo of Jack Nance on the inside and I came up behind her to tell her I loved Jack Nance, but I accidentally frightened her and she screamed. And then we made plans a couple days later to see Andrzej Zulawski's "Possession" at Cinefamily.

PC: What filmmaking experience did you have up until the making of the movie?

KB: None. Well, sort of. I made little movies with my sister and stuff growing up, but nothing ever professional.

PC: Explain to me the pre-production process of making B.C. BUTCHER? What were some of the difficulties you had to overcome?

KB: Well, raising the money was the hardest part. I bussed and waited tables at a Vietnamese restaurant for 8 months to raise enough money to make B.C. BUTCHER. 

PC: What was the shooting schedule for the film like? What was it like working with all these talented actresses, actors and crew members?

KB: We shot over a period of nine days and the days usually lasted from 8 am - 8 pm. It was so great to work with everyone. I'm so happy I found such great people to work with. It could have been a total nightmare, but I got really lucky. 

PC: One of the biggest distinctions is that you shot the movie on 16mm film? Why did you decide to shoot on film rather than using digital cameras?

KB: I am very particular with a lot of things... especially how things look. I wanted the film to have saturated colors like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. And I just wanted the project to have integrity as well. And I feel that's much harder to accomplish when you're shooting digital, or "faux-film". 

PC: After production wrapped, how long did it take to edit the film?

KB: A lot longer than it took to film. I had a really great editor, Robby DeFrain, and he was working on a project for Comedy Central at the time, so editing was kind of like a weekend project. He's really talented and helped a lot with comedic timing and we worked together putting in the funny sound effects and everything that made the film cartoonish.

PC: Tell me how did you meet Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma Entertainment? Were you a fan of Troma prior to having them distributing your film?

KB: I was a Troma fan since I was 12. When I was in high school I even sent Troma a script to read. When I finished shooting the movie, I sent Lloyd Kaufman an email, not even expecting a response, and I got a response the next day saying he was interested in the film and wanted to have a meeting with me! So I had a meeting with Lloyd and the rest is history!

PC: What's it been like meeting all your fans at conventions and at screenings? Did you ever imagine having such a huge fan base for you and your movie?

Parker Love & Kansas Bowling. (Photo from Facebook)

KB: It's so surreal! I love how people like my movie and it's so cool to talk to people about it. I was just at the Days of the Dead convention in Burbank signing autographs and it was just so weird how I had actual fans. I used to go to these things as a fangirl. Two years ago, I went to Monsterpalooza and bought an autograph from Camille Keaton. This year at Days of the Dead she asked for mine! 

PC: What's next for you now? Do you have any new projects that you're currently working on?

KB: Yes! I'm doing a lot of music videos coming up for some really amazing bands. And I also have a script which will hopefully soon be in production. It's in the hands of some producers right now and I'm just waiting to see what will happen! It's all so exciting.

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood?

KB: Here is my advice: I know there are societal disadvantages, but whatever it is you want to do, just do it! It's so much more effective to create change by just going out and making a film as a woman than it is to sit and complain about how things are unfair. 

At that ladies and gentlemen, wraps up my interview series with the cast and director from the film B.C. BUTCHER. At this time, I would like to thank all these talented, gifted and amazing women for taking time our from their very busy schedul to participate in this series. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to say a big "Thank You" to Leilani Fideler,  Natasha Halevi, Molly Elizabeth Ring, Devyn Leah, Parker Love Bowling and Miranda Robin for allowing me the honor and privilege of interviewing you all. Special thanks to Kansas Bowling for helping me get that chance to interview her cast. I wish you all the best of luck with all your future endeavors and I cannot wait to see where life takes you. Thank you all again for your time, you generosity, your kindness and also, thank you for your friendship! I hope to meet you all someday soon!

To learn more about Kansas Bowling, visit her website at kansas-bowling.com and be sure to check out her Instagram account. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil interviews actress Miranda Robin from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment - April 8, 2016

Actress Miranda Robin (Courtesy of Miranda Robin)

Hello again and welcome back to my series of interviews with the actresses from the upcoming Troma Entertainment film B.C. BUTCHER directed by Kansas Bowling. Today's installment I had the esteem pleasure of interviewing actress and film enthusiast Miranda Robin, who plays Dina in the film. Read all about this up and coming actress who not only holds two major degrees, but is also a avid Charlie Chaplin fan. Thoughtful, insightful, intelligent, and passionate about art and life, this is one individual that will be changing the world for the better.

PC: So I see you were born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. When I interviewed your costar Leilani Fideler she said she was one of those rare breeds that was born, raised, and still lives in LA. Your IMDb page says the same thing. Why do you think people are leaving LA and why do you still live there? 

Miranda Robin: I love Los Angeles! It has a bit of everything here and more to explore. Sand, sea, mountains and snow in the same day, can't beat that. I really don't know why people are leaving LA, possibly parts are seeming to get over crowded, but I have a feeling they will be back. I believe it is important to get out and see the world when you can. And along the way you will know where your heart and home are. My heart has a love for the mountains and the city, and my LA life captures both. Raised in Westchester (LAX), in a generational household and I am still living there part time with my mom and grandma. Grandma June is 98 and a fan of B.C. BUTCHER too. The other days I live in Topanga Canyon with my husband William Preston Bowling (caveman #1), and step-daughter Parker Love Bowling (B.C. BUTCHER Poster Girl and character of Po). I will travel and explore with my family, but Los Angeles will always be home for me. 

PC: So tell us about your childhood? What's your family like?

MR: I am an only child and my mom and grandma are two of my best friends. I grew up living with both of them, a generational home is truly magical. In my house growing up, and still, creative freedom is accepted and who you are is loved unconditionally. Childhood is about exploration and play, stories and dancing in the kitchen, I definitely had that. There were hard family dynamics mixed in as well, parents not being together since I was two, tears and sleepless nights, but looking back, my childhood was pretty good. Museums, theater, concerts and art materials always at my fingertips. When I thin about it some of my most fun times involve acting, dancing and singing of some sort. I have always loved to dress up as other characters or different versions of myself. Childhood is precious and I know that from looking back on it and from studying it in school. When you remember parts of your childhood, good and bad, write them down. Creativity will bring them about years later in another form. 

PC: Were you scholastic when you were younger or was school a bit boring? 

MR: I have always enjoyed learning new ideas and concepts, but school was not always easy for me. I preferred the art classes to the textbook ones. Test taking is a nightmare! I know the material and then the test comes in front of me and it looks like it is in another language. I also find it very difficult to read about a subject if I am not interested in it/ It was college that made me fall in love with education. Studying what I am interested in, I took off like a rocket. 

PC: How old were you when you became interested in acting? 

MR: I have always loved acting since kindergarten, even though I has a shy moment during a performance once and hid underneath a table. Acting is freeing. I did a lot of musical theater in elementary school and I was part of the drama conservatory at Crossroads High School. I have see a lot of theater from Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon to the hits on Broadway in New York City. Pure inspiration. Honesty acting is a medium, whether on stage or on screen, is such a gift to the actor. We can step into characters and try on new hats, simultaneously getting to know ourselves better. In the past decade I have really focused on the programming behind the camera. I find producing and creating fascinating. The role of Dina was the first acting role in quite a while and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had so much fun in this film. I got to run in the dirt, wear leopard, play with fake blood and see Kansas in her natural element. 

PC: Were you always a big fan of the cinema?

MR: I LOVE FILM! Give it to me in black and white, silent, with sound, in color-I will take it all. Watching a film is like taking a trip. I am always willing to see something new. What I love about films too is watching the favorites over and over, reciting the lines and tearing up at the same scene. I took several film classes in high school and college, one film insight more intriguing than the next. 

PC: I read that you received you BA at UCLA and your MA at Loyola Marymount. What subjects were you majoring in? 

Robin as Dina from B.C. BUTCHER.

MR: I loved UCLA, what a gorgeous campus and great professors. I received a B.A. in Women's Studies with a minor in Sociology of Sexuality and Gender. The classes made you think about life, our social interaction and why we behave the way we do. It is like a diary entry you didn't know you could write. The next educational adventure was at LMU. I was in a cohort of 20 students and we studied everything together. The leadership skill classes were my favorite. The lessons involved a lot of situational role play interaction, acting skills plus acquired knowledge put to the test. I received my M.A. in Early Childhood Education. I don't think I am done with my educational path. I think I am ready for more. I guess I  would consider myself an education junkie. 

PC: Explain on how you became involved with the Topanga Canyon Film Festival. What is your role in the festival? 

MR: My husband, William, has been working with the festival since the beginning. When I joined the Topanga community five years ago we went to a film screening that was presented in the Chaplin screening room at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Later that night at an after party in Topanga a discussion of Chaplin came about and all my Chaplin facts started coming out. Someone suggested doing something Chaplin for the festival, and the Chaplin Showcase at the Topanga Film Festival was born. I am a true admiration of Mr. Chaplin, his talents changed cinema forever. I have been producing with the festival ever since. One of my favorite producing experiences was the 45th anniversary of Hair the Musical. The night was a fundraiser for the Topanga Film Festival & Institute held in a beautiful establishment called Rosewood, decorated in Baroque Fashion. We had original Broadway and Los Angeles cast members break into a song flash mob of "Let the Sun Shine In." It was magical and made an imprint on the canyon! 

PC: You made your film debut in B.C. BUTCHER. Tell me the process of how you became involved with the project? 

MR: Kansas Bowling is my step-daughter and I was ready in anyway to help her with her film. I started behind the scenes, helping with make-up, props and craft services type stuff and then the role of Dina fell into my lap. The camera was set up, using 16mm film, the other actors were on set and the woman suppose to play Dina never showed up. With no time at all, Kansas said, "Do you fit in this dress and will you be my Dina?"...and there you go. I am Dina. I am so honored to be a part of the Cave Tribe. 

PC: Fascinating. So what was it like working with Kansas then? 

MR: Seeing her on set is a truly cool experience. She is very professional and meticulous with her craft. She would stand behind the cameraman to see every frame. Her storyboards were easy to follow and she explained her vision from every angle. These types of details made it enjoyable for the cast and crew to work together as a team. I would work with her on any project. She is going places. 

PC: Describe your character Dina for us. How did you prepare for this role?

MR: Getting into the character of Dina was actually really fun! I only had 15 minutes to become this cave woman and Kansas told me that Dina needed to look really messy and dirty like she was running and exploring the wilderness. We didn't have stage make-up on set yet and improvising was the only option. There was a birthday in the house  the day before and there was leftover chocolate cake and chocolate frosting...perfect. I rubbed it all over my face and arms, used a little green and brown eye shadow, stuck some actual dirt to the frosting and then Cave Camera Ready. Dina was born on set, on camera. The other cave tribe really took me in and made it easy. I had a bloody fantastic time! Thank you Kansas for trusting me with his role. 

PC: What did you take away from this experience? 

MR: Always be ready for anything. I feel very lucky to end up in the role of Dina. I just walked the red carpet at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood for the B.C. BUTCHER premiere. For the first time in film, I have to say, I think that is really cool. I am also amazed by the talent and drive of both Bowling girls, Kansas and Parker. They are ready for the world and the world is ready for them. 

PC: Are you a fan of horror genre? What are some of your favorite films and genres? 

MR: I am not a huge horror movie fan, but there are some good ones, but this whole experience of being in a slasher movie is changing my mind a bit o the excitement of this genre. I definitely prefer the suspense/thriller films to the blood and guts, but every movie needs a little blood. I like the SCREAM trilogy by Wes Craven or anything Alfred Hitchcock, especially PSYCHO and REBECCA. I'm definitely a Kubrick fan, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and THE SHINING and of course everything by Charlie Chaplin. Check out Chaplin's short film ONE A.M. The rest of my favorite films I am going to list in no particular order or genre: SPACEBALLS, MARY POPPINS, THE STRAWBERRY BLONDE, SERIAL MOM, ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, CAN'T BUY ME LOVE, THE CRAFT, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, EMPIRE RECORDS, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, GIRL INTERRUPTED HEATHERS and BEETLEJUICE. 

Actress Miranda Robin (courtesy of Miranda Robin)

PC: What are your plans for the film industry? Do you have any projects you are currently working on? 

MR: I will continue producing for the Topanga Film Festival and Institute and there will be some fun events coming up in the future. Currently I am working on an animation/film panel project and co-writing a screenplay. The exciting part of the industry is that there are new projects around every corner. So my plans change all the time, but my focus is getting people together for the Love of Film. 

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood? 

MR: DON'T HESITATE. GO FOR IT! As a woman, we have a voice and a chance to do great things and change the world one step at a time, if we want to. What is a feminine voice? We get a chance to redefine the world or keep it the same, it is a choice. You have talents and desires you don't even know yet, therefore to get the chance you've got to take that chance. Come at the industry from all sides. Get to know in front of the camera and behind the camera, why not even try to work the camera. Take a class, let the Craft of Film embrace you while you take charge of it. I would say, just be yourself. If you want it, you want it for a reason. Tell the world what that reason is. Film it, paint it, sew it, BE IT! 

To learn more about the Toganga Film Festival & Institute, visit their website at www.topangafilminstitute.com.  Also check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma, their film catologue and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!