Phil’s Top Ten Greatest Scream Queens of All Time - February 6, 2019

Michelle Bauer, Linnea Quigley, and Brinke Stevens (1988)

Besides writing for my blog, I've been very fortunate to write for other publications, both physical media (magazines and newspapers) and online websites over the years. One of those websites was the now defunct Blumhouse.com. About four years ago, I contacted an old friend of mine, who just happened to be the editor-in-chief of the website. I have known her for years, going all the way back to our Fangoria days, which I also wrote that website as well. I sent her some samples, and I ended up writing my first article for the website, ""PRESENTING THE TEN GREATEST SCREAM QUEENS OF ALL TIME!" which was posted back in December 27, 2016. Here, I listed my favorite Scream Queens from my past in alphabetical order and soon, it was being shared by the actresses themselves through several social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I was honored to have had my article shared by these talented women.

The reason I'm mentioning all this is that now in 2019, Blumhouse.com is no longer and is now called The 13th Floor. While it still has articles, stories, and news, it's different than it once was, and my article is no longer on their website. However, while cleaning out some of my old files on my computer, I accidentally discovered my original copy of my article! This was a very pleasant surprise, indeed! So I looked it over, made some changes to it, and updated as well. Overall, I  am very proud of it, but I found myself reminiscing of my youthful, carefree days of yeasterday.

I was very luck to be alive at the right place at the right time, and that time was called the 1980's. Granted, not everything was great in America at that time. Reaganomics, Black Monday, crack, the AIDS epidemic, and the cold war were taking its toll on the country, and growing up in the middle of all this wasn't fun. But during this decade, two very important events took place that would change my life forever.

At the beginning of the 80's, the VCR revolutionized home entertainment. Now, there were these cool places called video stores where I could rent movies. It's here that I was exposed to, what seemed at that time, an endless supply of horror movies. And trust me when I say that I rented every single one that had in stock! By the end of the decade, a new late night TV show debuted on the USA Network. It was called USA Up All Night and it aired every Friday and Saturday night and was hosted by Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried. Because of this show, my love for low budget B-movies began as well as my obsession for the buxom, bare breasted, badass actresses that became known as Scream Queens!

During this time, these ladies became the most popular actresses in the world, and garnered a huge and loyal fan base. They were all over the media outlets, appearing in magazines like Femme Fatales and Scream Queen Magazine. They were on E! Entertainment channel, MTV, and Entertainment Tonight as well as at film and comic conventions all over the country. While it was hard to narrow it down, these ladies proved to me time and time again that they were the best of the best. So, without further adieu, here is my list of the Top Ten Greatest Scream Queens of All Time!

1) Michelle Bauer - One of the members of the Scream Queen Trio that dominated USA Up All Night, Bauer has appeared in 152 films. In fact, between 1987 and 1998, she starred in over 36 movies! With films like ROLLERBLADE, HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, THE PHANTOM EMPIRE, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, VIRGIN HIGH, ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS, and THE TOMB, her status as a Scream Queen has been confirmed. By the 2010's, she starred in several of director David DeCoteau's 1313 film series, appeared in in Full Moon feature's GINGERDEAD MAN 2: PASSION OF THE CRUST, and teamed up with her fellow queens Linnea Quigley and Brinke Stevens for the 2014 film 3 SCREAM QUEENS. Her latest titles are DEATH HEADS: BRAIN DRAIN and THE PASSION CHRONICLES.

2) Monique Gabrielle - They broke the mold when they made this woman. Blonde, buxom, and breathtakingly beautiful, Gabrielle mad a splash in the acting world playing Tracey alongside future Hollywood superstar Tom Hank's in the 1982 comedy BACHELOR PARTY. In 1987, she appeared in the three of her most popular films ever: AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON, EMMANUELLE 5, and DEATHSTALKER II, the last two films were for the legendary Roger Corman's Concorde/New Horizons Home Video. Also, look for here in NOT OF THIS EARTH, THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING, TRANSYLVANIA TWIST, HARD TO DIE, EVIL TOONS, and the highly entertaining SCREAM QUEEN HOT TUB PARTY. In 2003, Gabrielle married adult film director Tony Angove and now runs her own adult film production company called Monique Gabrielle's Purrfect Productions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

3) Debra Lamb - Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Lamb got her big break in John Hughes' PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (although her scene would be left on the cutting room floor) before going on to star in a slew of classic B-movie gems like THE INVISIBLE MANIAC, BEVERLY HILLS VAMP, EVIL SPIRITS, and DEATH ROW GAME SHOW, which was released on Blu-Ray from Vinegar Syndrome recently. After leaving the industry for personal reasons, Lamb returned to acting in 2012, and has starred in several films, including THE G-STRING HORROR, DISCIPLES, and A BLOOD STORY. She is also an accomplished author and was a writer for the publication Dark Beauty Magazine from 2011 to 2015. She currently has nine projects in various stages of production, including BLOOD CRAFT, YOU BELONG TO ME, and FRUIT OF THE POISONOUS TREE.

4) Becky LeBeau - She wasn't your typical Scream Queen. In fact, she wasn't really a Scream Queen at all, However, this curvaceous and busty actress bounced her way into many of young male adolecent dreams as well as in the movies. Making a big splash in the 1986 comedy BACK TO SCHOOL with comic legend Rodney Dangerfield, LeBeau went on to act in several erotic, comedy, and sci-fi films like BEVERLY HILLS GIRLS, NOT OF THIS EARTH, BIKINI DRIVE-IN, DINOSAUR ISLAND, and POINT OF SEDUCTION: BODY CHEMISTRY III. She also created the popular Playboy Channel show Soft Bodies during the 1990's, which was the precursor to her new multi-million dollar company called FantasyOne.

5) Linnea Quigley - She was the reigning "Queen of the B's" during the height of the USA Up All Night era. Standing at only 5'2", this short and petite actress appeared in some of the greatest horror and B-movies of all time, including SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, CREEPOZOIDS, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, VICE ACADEMY 1 & 2, and the recent 3 SCREAM QUEENS directed by David DeCoteau. Several of her films have been released on Blu-Ray, including NIGHTMARE SISTERS and the double feature MURDER WEAPON/DEADLY EMBRACED from Vinegar Syndrome.

6) Debbie Rochon - When it comes to modern day Scream Queens, no one comes close to what this Canadian actress has accomplished. With a staggering 249 titles to her credit and counting, Rochon is the embodiment of an independent film actress. Look for for her in TROMEO AND JULIET, TERROR FIRMER, SANTA CLAWS, WITCHOUSE 3: DEMON FIRE, HELLBLOCK 13, PLAY-MATE OF THE APES, KILLJOY 2: DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL, BIKINI BLOODBATH, and the sequel BIKINI BLOODBATH SHAKESPEARE. She has also written for publications like Fangoria Magazine and Videoscope Magazine, and was an on-air personality for several radio and Internet shows.

7) Jewel Shepard - This beloved actress stole my heart when I first saw her appear in Dan O'Bannon's 1985 THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. She went on to appear in a number of movies like MY TUTOR, HOLLYWOOD HOT TUBS, HOLLYWOOD HOT TUBS 2: EDUCATING CRYSTAL, CHRISTINA, PARTY CAMP, and CAGED HEAT II: STRIPPED OF FREEDOM. She's also an author and has written two fantastic books. The first was the 1992 "Invasion of the B-Girls" published by Eclipse Books, where she interviewed several of her peers like Brinke Stevens, Linnea Quigley, Mary Woronov, and Yvette Vickers.. The other was her 1996 autobiography "If I'm So Famous, How Come Nobody;s Ever Heard Of Me?" by Kitchen Sink Press. She's also written for publications like Details, Premiere, and Cosmopolitan. Since 2011, Shepard has been struggling with invasive breast cancer and has undergone several treatments, including chemotherapy, had lymph nodes removed, and a double mastectomy. Despite all this, she returned to acting with her latest film SLASHER.COM,which was released in 2017.

8) Tiffany Shepis - Let me say this right away: I love Tiffany Shepis! Seriously, how can you not? Not only is she beautiful, funny, and smart, but she is also one hell of an actress! She got her big break in the 1994 Troma classic TROMEO AND JULIET, directed by the great Lloyd Kaufman and written by James Gunn (yes, that James Gunn). Since then, she has gone on to star in over 137 movies, including CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, TERROR FIRMER, SCARECROW, DELTA, DELTA, DIE!, DETOUR, CHAINSAW CHEERLEADERS, BLOOD OATH, BONNIE & CLYDE VS. DRACULA, THE QUEEN OF SCREAMS, DROPPING EVIL, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, and the SyFy Channel's SHARKNADO 2: THE SECOND ONE. I had the pleasure of meeting here at the Osio Theater in Monterey in October of 2017 for the special roadshow screening of VICTOR CORWLY, the fourth installment of the HATCHET series created by filmmaker Adam Green. In 2010, Shepis married writer/director Sean Tretta and broke millions of single guys' hearts, but we still love her anyway.

9) Brinke Stevens - It doesn't get any classier or sexier than Brinke Stevens! Born in San Diego, California, this former scientist turned actress became of the most beloved Scream Queen of all time. After appearing in the 1982 slasher film THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, her career took off and she never looked back. With over 160 titles to her name, including SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, SLAVE GIRLS FROM BEYOND INFINITY, HAUNTING FEAR, MOB BOSS, BAD GIRLS FROM MARS, TEENAGE EXORCIST, and HYBRID to name a few, she has received worldwide fame and a legion of fans. Fun fact: Stevens was briefly married to comic book artists Dave Stevens, creator of "The Rocketeer" and was the inspiration for his character Bettie. They both remained friends until Dave's passing in 2008.

10) Julie Strain - This statuesque Amazonian stands at an astounding 6'1", making her the tallest Scream Queen on the list! With 118 credits to her name, she became the new "Queen of the B-movies" from the late 90's to the mid-2000's. She starred in several popular action and sci-fi films, including THE DALLAS CONNECTION, SORCERESS, STARSTRUCK, LETHAL SEDUCTION, DAY OF THE WARRIOR, THE ROWDY GIRLS, BATTLE QUEEN 2020, and provided voiceover work for the animated movie HEAVY METAL 2000 and the video game Heavy Metal K.A.K.K. 2. For a time, Strain was married to Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Editor-In-Cheif of Heavy Metal magazine. She was also Penthouse Pet of the Month June 1991 and Penthouse Pet of the Year 1993. Strain announced her retirement from acting in October 2008. On July 16th 2018, it was announced by her on her Facebook wall that Strain was now suffering from dementia. All her fans continue to send her well wishes and hope she is resting.

Michelle Bauer, myself, Brinke Stevens, and Linnea Quigley (2014).

And there you have it my faithful readers! My Top Ten Greatest Scream Queens of All Time! Boy, did I have fun taking this little trip down Memory Lane! Back then, staying up all night was the only way to see some of these cult classics!  Nowadays, many of these films are available on Blu-Ray and on many streaming services, like Shudder, Troma Now, Full Moon Direct! So do yourself a favor, make a big bowl of popcorn, grab some drinks, and invite a bunch of your friends and kick back with one of these movies tonight!! Just make sure that if you invite any ladies over, they're not actually a couple of Hollywood chainsaw hookers!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil pens "PRESENTING THE TEN GREATEST SCREAM QUEENS OF ALL TIME!" article for Blumhouse.com - September 17, 2017

Besides writing for my blog, I've been very fortunate to write for other publications, both physical media (magazines and newspapers) and online websites. One of those websites is Blumhouse.com, which, "contains a mix of original stories and the scariest content from around the web, including the latest news on upcoming films, TV, books, games, and more in the horror and thriller genres. Blumhouse.com also takes readers behind the scenes of films in production, giving fans special access to people who create their favorite movies."

A couple of months back I contacted an old friend of mine, who just happened to be the editor-in-chief of the website. I have known her for years, going all the way back to our Fangoria days, which I also wrote that website as well. I sent her some samples, and the rest is history.

My very first article for the website was "PRESENTING THE TEN GREATEST SCREAM QUEENS OF ALL TIME!" was published back in December 27, 2016. Here, I listed my favorites from my past in alphabetical order and soon, it was being shared by the actresses themselves through several social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I was honored to have had my article shared by these talented women. Now, I thought it was time to start sharing them here with you fine readers as well.

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's B-Movie Madness: BIKINI DRIVE-IN (1996) from RetromediaEntertainment - April 8, 2016

BIKINI DRIVE-IN DVD Cover (2014)

BIKINI DRIVE-IN
Starring: Ashlie Rhey, Richard Gabai, Sarah Bellomo, Rob Vogl, Ross Hagen, G. Gordon Bear, Tom Shell, Nikki Fritz, David F. Friedman, Michelle Bauer, Steve Barkett, Conrad Brooks,
Becky LeBeau, Tane McClure, Deborah Dutch
Written by Steve Armogida & John N. Willey
Cinematography by Gary Graver
Edited by W. Peter Miller
Directed by Fred Olen Ray
Production Company: American Independent Productions
Originally distributed by Bullseye Video
Released by Retromedia Entertainment

Yes my friends, there's a new installment of Phil's B-Movie Madness! If there's one thing I've learned during my time here on Earth, it's that everything is linked to some cosmic event that shapes your life. For me, it always comes back to my favorite television show USA Up All Night. Because of this beloved show, I fell in love with B-Movies as well as the actors, directors and Scream Queens. One of those directors I discovered was Fred Olen Ray. Ray has directed some amazing cult classics such as THE TOMB, HAUNTING FEAR, EVIL TOONS, BEVERLY HILLS VAMP and of course HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS. For today's review, I want to talk about one of my favorite of his and all the fond memories I had watching it. After years of being out of print on VHS and the sub-par censored DVDs, we finally have an official uncut, unedited, uncensored DVD edition of my favorite Fred Olen Ray film of all time: BIKINI DRIVE-IN!

The film's official synopsis: Kim Taylor (Ashlie Rhey) inherits her late grandfather's drive-in theatre. She and her best friend Carrie (Sarah Bellomo) must raise $25,000 over the weekend, or the bank will take the property. Her plan is to enlist the services of her hot friends to attract the masses in any way possible, and to deal with the banker types directly. She also has to deal with pesky capitalist J.B. Winston (David F. Friedman) and his associates Harry (Ross Hagen) and Card (G. Gordon Bear), but help arrives in the form of J.B.'s son Brian (Richard Gabai). Together, can they save the drive-in from both the bank and Winston?

I originally found the movie on the shelf at my local mom & pop video store by the old Safeway I used to work at. The place was called Branham Video and I used to rent all my horror, B-movies and cult classics there. When I first watched it I instantly fell in love with. It was so low budget and cheesy but it was also funny, light hearted and it made me forget life for a bit. That's the power of film. It can transport you to this other world for about 90 minutes and make you feel refreshed and brand new and it makes all your worries go away. What's not to love about that? 

Fred Olen Ray sets the tone for the film right away with the opening credits. It's light, fun and filled with beautiful actresses, great actors, bad jokes, hot and steamy sex scenes, sexy women in bikinis, and a totally awesome soundtrack. Ray's your typical low budget director who knows what the public and his fans want and delivers it in spades. His set-ups and compositions are well executed, the pacing of the movie is perfect and it's just a lot of fun to watch. Ray's resume also includes other cult faves like WIZARDS OF THE DEMON SWORD, BAD GIRLS FROM MARS, HYBRID, DINOSAUR ISLAND and ATTACK OF THE 60 FOOT CENTERFOLD.

Original VHS Cover (1996)

All of the actresses are incredibly talented, breathtakingly beautiful and legendary. Lead Ashlie Rhey has appeared in several other low budget erotica and action movies in the 90's like BODY OF INFLUENCE, RING OF FIRE II: BLOOD AND STEEL, MIDNIGHT TEASE, SAVE ME, WITCHCRAFT 7: JUDGEMENT HOUR and PLAY TIME. Her on-screen best friend Carrie is played by one of my favorite crushes from the early 90's Sarah Bellomo. She had acted in the adult film business as Roxanne Blaze in the very beginning of her career before making the transition to mainstream films. She starred in Full Moon's BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, its sequel BEACH BABES 2: CAVE GIRL ISLAND as well as FATAL PASSION and SEDUCE ME: PAMELA PRINCIPLE 2 before disappearing from the public eye forever. Nikki Fritz was another Scream Queen that acted in a bunch of B-movies like SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL, DINOSAUR ISLAND, BURIAL OF THE RATS, ATTACK OF THE 60 FOOT CENTERFOLD, STRIPTEASER and BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND with Bellomo. The sweet and bubbly Becky LeBeau appeared in several low budget gems like NOT OF THIS EARTH, BODY OF CHEMISTRY III: POINT OF SEDUCTION, MUNCHIE, TRANSYLVANIA TWIST and SCHOOL SPIRIT and had a bit part in BACK TO SCHOOL with legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Tane McClure acted in a lot of movies like DEATH SPA, INSIDE OUT II, REVENGE OF THE CALENDAR GIRLS, MIDNIGHT TEASE II, ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS 2: THE HEAVY PETTING DETECTIVE, CAGED HEARTS and VICE ACADEMY 5.

The actors were staples in the low budget world and I'd see them in other films from this time frame. Our hero Brian is played by the one and only Richard Gabai. He's acted in a ton of cult classics like NIGHTMARE SISTERS, ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS, VIRGIN HIGH, HOT UNDER THE COLLAR, DINOSAUR ISLAND, ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS 2: THE HEAVY PETTING DETECTIVE, THE WASP WOMAN, VICE GIRLS and KICKBOXING ACADEMY. Gabai is also an accomplished director of over 25 films! Some of those included the previously mentioned ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS, VIRGIN HIGH, HOT UNDER THE COLLAR, ASSAULT OF THE PARTY NERDS 2: THE HEAVY PETTING DETECTIVE, VICE GIRLS, KICKBOXING ACADEMY plus family films like POPSTAR, CALL OF THE WILD, THE BIKE SQUAD and MIRACLE DOGS TOO. He's gone to direct many T.V. movies like IN THE DARK, THE GOOD MOTHER, IMAGINARY FRIEND and THE WRONG WOMAN. Veteran actor Ross Hagen has been acting since the 1960's. His on-screen credits include THE MINI-SKIRT MOB, THE HELLCATS, FIVE THE HARD WAY, ANGELS' WILD WOMEN, WONDER WOMEN, ANGEL, AVENGING ANGEL, PRISON SHIP, THE PHANTOM EMPIRE, CLICK: THE CALENDAR GIRL KILLER, DINOSAUR ISLAND, MIDNIGHT TEASE II, ATTACK OF THE 60 FOOT CENTERFOLD, NIGHT SHADE, INVISIBLE DAD and SHADOWHEART. Unfortunately, Ross passed away from cancer on May 7, 2011 at the age of 72. Another legend appearing in the film was David F. Friedman, who plays J.B. Winston. Friedman was the undisputed "King of Exploitation" having produced some of the most beloved and notorious film ever made including BLOOD FEAST, TWO THOUSAND MANIACS, SHE FREAK, LOVE CAMP 7, SPACE THING and ILSA: SHE WOLF OF THE SS. Friedman passed away on February 14,  2011 at the age of 82.

Another aspect I love about this movie is the killer soundtrack. Richard Gabai provides two songs for the movie:  "Those Days are Gone" and "Big Black Caddilac" (which were used in his film VIRGIN HIGH) while Becky LeBeau contributes to the majority of the soundtrack. My favorite song is "Caught in the Middle" and it's played during the scene when Tane McClure was dancing on top of the hood of a car with a cartoon being projected on her tight, sexy body. Oh yea my friends, it's a hot scene indeed! But I love the song! Becky LeBeau has an amazing voice and the song matches the scene brilliantly! 

As I stated earlier, this the unrated, uncensored, unedited version of the film. All of the incredibly hot sex scenes has been restored for your enjoyment. I was fortunate to have been able to rent this version all those years ago. However, if you were one of the poor souls who had to rent the movie at your local Blockbuster, I feel so sorry for you. They were notorious for editing and censoring the films they rented out, so chances are you were one of those who saw the edited version. But Fred Olen Ray has corrected this travesty once and for all.

Overall BIKINI DRIVE-IN remains one of my all-time favorite B-movies from the 1990's!! If you're like me and you grew up watching these low budget B-movies on either USA Up All Night or you rented them, this will bring back those good 'ole days of staying up late, eating pizzas and checking out these classic flicks! It doesn't get any better than this! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

BIKINI DRIVE-IN is currently available at your local retailer and is also available to purchase on the Amazon website. If you'd like to learn more about Fred Olen Ray, be sure to check out his official Facebook page. To learn more about Retromedia Entertainment and their films, visit their website at www.retromedia.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil celebrates the 42nd Anniversary of Troma Entertainment-February 3, 2016

OK, I was planning on writing this anniversary tribute back in 2014 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of America's oldest independent film studio, but my life has had several distractions in it (i.e. work, bills, drunken orgies, etc). However, it's now time to party down because tonight's entry I'll be celebrating the 42nd anniversary of my favorite independent film studio of all time: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT!

As I mentioned previously, I discovered Troma through my favorite television show USA UP ALL NIGHT back on Saturday, March 21, 1992. They were showing all three TOXIC AVENGER films and I stayed up all night, devouring every single frame from each film. I had never seen anything like this before up until that time. This single event transformed my entire life forever and I have been a Troma fanatic and supporter ever since.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1979)

Troma was founded in 1974 by Yale graduates and friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Inspired by the films they saw from director Roger Corman and Sam Arkoff's company American International Pictures, they sought out to show the world that it was possible to make entertaining and provocative movies on shoestring budgets. Troma made a big splash in 1979 when they released their raunchy slapstick comedy classic SQUEEZE PLAY. They would make several other films in the same genre like STUCK ON YOU, WAITRESS and THE FIRST TURN-ON.

In 1984, Kaufman and Herz scored their biggest hit ever with THE TOXIC AVENGER. Blending over-the-top gore, comedy, horror, sex and the world's first full-on head crushing scene, the film played to huge crowds during its midnight run at the Bleaker Street Theater in New York and became an instant cult classic when it was released on video. The film has since spawned three sequels, a Saturday Morning cartoon show, toys, board games, tee shirts, video games, trading cards and remains to this day their flagship mascot.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1984)

Over the years Kaufman has directed several other cult classics like CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH, TROMA'S WAR, SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D., TROMEO & JULIET, POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH PART 1 & 2 and all of the TOXIC AVENGER films.

The Troma library consists of over 1,000 + cult classics and B-movie gems such as SURF NAZIS MUST DIE, MOTHER'S DAY, RABID GRANNIES, MONSTER IN THE CLOSET, BLOODSUCKING FREAKS, KILLER CONDOM, TEENAGE CAT GIRLS IN HEAT, A NYMPHOID BARBARIAN IN DINOSAUR HELL, FEROCIOUS FEMALE FREEDOM FIGHTERS, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE, COMBAT SHOCK, GETTING LUCKY, SUPERSTARLET A.D., REDNECK ZOMBIES, HAUNTING FEAR, and FATHER'S DAY.

Among today’s Hollywood superstars who got their start with Troma include Marisa Tomie (THE TOXIC AVENGER), Vincent D’Onofrio (THE FIRST TURN-ON), Samuel L. Jackson (DEF BY TEMPTATION), Kevin Costner (SIZZLE BEACH U.S.A.), Billy Bob Thorton (CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN), Trey Parker and Matt Stone (CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL), Michael Jai White (THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II), Jenna Fischer (LOLLILOVE) as well as writer/directors like Oliver Stone (THE BATTLE OF LOVE'S RETURN), Paul Sorvino (CRY UNCLE!) and James Gunn (TROMEO & JULIET).

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The company has also acquired and distributed early films featuring some Hollywood's biggest stars such as Robert De Niro (THE WEDDING PARTY), Dustin Hoffman (MADIGAN'S MILLION), Carmen Electra (THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN), Vanna White (GRADUATION DAY) and David Boreanaz (MACABRE PAIR OF SHORTS).

When he's not making movies, Lloyd Kaufman spends his time writing numerous instructional books, novels and memories. His first book, the autobiography "All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned a From The Toxic Avenger" is recommended reading for anybody who wants to learn about the history of Troma and as well as about Kaufman himself. He's also written an novelization of his creation "The Toxic Avenger" and has a series of how-to books about the filmmaking process. "Make Your Own Damn Movie!" was the first in the series and became very popular amongst fans. He later wrote in chronological order "Direct You Own Damn Movie!", "Produce a Your Own Damn Movie!" and "Sell Your Own Damn Movie!", each book filled with real life experiences, helpful tips and his own unique and grotesque toilet humor which I love to read.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2014)

Kaufman also started the annual Tromadance Film Festival, originally designed to be the antithesis to the Sundance Film Festival, which was held in Park City, Utah at the exact same time as Sundance. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate truly independent cinema from the so-called indie films that were being shown at Sundance. Another appealing aspect of Tromadance is that there is no entry fee for filmmakers and all screenings are free to festival goers. In the past couple of years, the festival has been held in New York City and the month was moved from January to June.

In a show of appreciation to their loyal fans, Troma released over 100 films from their library to be watched for free on their YouTube channel beginning in August of 2012. Then in 2015, they took the next step in their quest in disrupting media (or in this case cyberspace) by launching Troma Now, the company's exclusive subscription Video-On-Demand service available through VHX. For only $4.99 a month, fans and movie lovers can watch their favorite Troma films and shows, new releases and so much more. Their newest film to have its debut on the service back in January was B.C. BUTHCER, the world's first prehistoric slasher film directed by the then seventeen year-old Kansas Bowling, who was the first inductee into "The Troma Institute for Gifted Youth."

To give you an idea of what Troma movies are like, below are several trailers to some of my all-time favorite films. Warning: the following trailers contain gore, violence, nudity, sexual situation, foul language, radioactive squirrels, lesbianism, political and social commentary, cannibalism, singing and dancing, hideously deformed creatures of superhuman size and strength, severed body parts, cretans, nymphoid barbarians, surf nazis and a duck. Viewer discretion is advised.

Let me tell you all a quick story. Years later I was finally able to meet Lloyd Kaufman at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica back on March 29, 2014. While I was attending the annual Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank that weekend, I found out the that the theater was having an all night Troma movie marathon. Not only that, but Kaufman himself was going to be there. So my friends and I rushed out to attend the event and finally, exactly 22 years to the month when I first saw THE TOXIC AVENGER films, I got to meet my hero. He was very kind and generous, answered all my questions and signed every single memorabilia I brought for him to autograph. The very next day I saw him and his lovely wife Pat at the RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH signing at the Dark Delicacies Bookstore. I was able to take a picture with him and the Toxic Avenger. It was one of the best days of my life and do this day I still can't believe how lucky I am to have meet my hero. 

Lloyd Kaufman, myself, and the Toxic Avenger. (2014)

It's hard to describe the impact Troma has had on our society, on pop culture and on film history. For over 40 years, Llyod Kaufman and Michael Herz have done the impossible: created a truly independent movie company with world wide appeal that has captured the hearts of millions of fans. To this day, Kaufman, Herz and Troma continue their fight against the major Hollywood studios and international corporate conglomerates. By going against the system, they have forged their own unique path that inspires fans and filmmakers alike. And after all these years, they still inspire me. 

You can follow Troma on several social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about Troma, their enormous film library, to purchase Blu-Rays, DVDs, posters and to sign up for their streaming service Troma Now, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and now let's make some art! 

Phil Celebrates the 26th Anniversary Premiere of USA UP ALL NIGHT-November 3, 2015

Time flies you're having fun, especially if you were watching one of the best television shows of all time! Believe it or not, this year marks the 26th anniversary of the premiere of one of my favorite shows ever: USA UP ALL NIGHT!! Hard to believe that this beloved and treasured series originally debuted over a quarter of a century ago!! Now I mentioned the show several times in my other reviews but never really talked about it. So let me tell you all about its history and what made it so great. A lot you out there may already know about the show or you remembered watching it, so have fun strolling down Memory Lane with me. And if you've never heard of the show before, let me take you all on trip back to that awesome decade called the Nineties and a little late night television show that would change my life forever!

Ask any fan of horror films, B-movies, and cult classics, there was one show that you had to tune in every weekend, and that show was USA UP ALL NIGHT, which aired on the USA Cable Network. Hosted by comedians Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried, it was THE place to watch your favorite low budget gems! I discovered the show on March 21, 1992. It was my senior year in high school and I was really into horror films, comic books, and indie/punk music. At that time, I thought I knew it all, seen it all, and done it all. However, that fateful night proved to me just how wrong I was. It was a cold Saturday night and my younger brother Thomas was flipping through the TV Guide and told me that this show called USA UP ALL NIGHT was going to air all three TOXIC AVENGER films, hosted by Gottfried. Now I've heard about the movies, but I never had the chance to see them. So I watched all three films, from 11pm to 5am with Gottfried cracking jokes during his segments! It was hysterical and just laugh-out-loud fun! After that, I was hooked for life and from then on I would faithfully watch the show every weekend till the wee hours of the morning!

The series premiered on January 7, 1989 (holy crap I'm old) and comedian Gilbert Gottfried was hired on to host the Saturday night edition out in New York. Halfway through the inaugural season, actress/comedian Caroline Schlitt was brought on board to host the Friday night edition out in Los Angeles. By December 1990, Schlitt had left the show and her replacement would be the sultry, sexy and hilarious comedian/model/actress Rhonda Shear. Beginning in January 1991, Shear would tape her segments from her apartment (aka sound stage set but it was adorable looking) as well as at popular nightclubs, venues and attractions in and around LA with Gottfried doing the same thing out in New York City (in 1995 Shear would move to New York as well). The series gained a massive cult audience and became one of the network's most popular shows for years, but like all good things, it wouldn't last forever.

In 1998, the network came under new management and changes were made to their programming. Wanting to go after a more commercial, mainstream audience, many of the network's shows like Pacific Blue and Silk Stalkings were either overhauled or canceled. Even USA UP ALL NIGHT wasn't immune to the changes. In February that same year, the show was canceled and both Gottfried and Shear were removed as hosts. The network continued to use the "UP ALL NIGHT" banner but they were now using it while showing mainstream films like THE RUNNING MAN and TRADING PLACES. This angered the show's hardcore fans (including myself) and they began calling and sending angry letters to the network demanding both Shear and Gottfried to return and have the show put back to its original format. However, their voices fell on deaf ears and by 2002 the "UP ALL NIGHT" banner was finally removed from existence. It truly was an end of an era in television history.

The series maybe long gone, but fans have been showing their love for it all over the internet with blogs, websites, and on Youtube where there's a plethora of video clips of the show to watch! Even Rhonda Shear herself has uploaded most of her hosting segments on her channel (which you can check out by clicking here)! Check out some of the intros, bumpers, wacky sketches, guest stars and all the fun the show had to offer for their fans!!

If it wasn't for USA UP ALL NIGHT, I wouldn't have discovered THE TOXIC AVENGER films or Troma Studios for that matter. I also wouldn't have seen such amazing B-movies like ASSAULT OF THE KILLER BIMBOS, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, GOOD GIRLS DON'T, CLASS OF NUKE'EM HIGH, PARTY CAMP, DR. ALIEN, BEVERLY HILLS VAMP, VICE ACADEMY, SLAVE GIRLS FROM BEYOND INFINITY, VAMPIRE VIXENS FROM VENUS, GETTING LUCKY, MIRACLE BEACH, BAD GIRLS DORMITORY, SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, THE BIKINI CARWASH COMPANY, ROLLERBLADE WARRIORS: TAKEN BY FORCE, CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN, and WILD MALIBU WEEKEND for starters. And I wouldn't have learned about filmmakers like Lloyd Kaufman, David DeCoteau, Rick Sloane, Jim Wymoski, Charles Band, Richard Gabai, and Fred Olen Ray. Plus not too mention all the legendary Scream Queens I discovered like Brinke Stevens, Linnea Quigley, Michelle Bauer, Monique Gabrielle, Jewel Shepard, Debra Lamb, Ginger Lynn Allen, Elizabeth Kaitan, and J.J. North just to name a few.

USA UP ALL NIGHT helped nurture my love and appreciation of these low budget films, as well as open my mind up to a whole new world of movies that I didn't even knew existed. These films hold a special place in heart, and remind me of days gone by. To Rhonda Shear, Gilbert Gottfried, and to all the talented filmmakers, actors, and scream queens, I would just like to say from the bottom of my heart thank you! Thank you all for the memories, for the laughs, for keeping me company, and most of all, for keeping me up all night!! Long Live USA UP ALL NIGHT!!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!