Phil's Cult Classics: THAT'S SEXPLOITATION (2013) from Something Weird Video/Severin Films - May 14, 2015

As some of you might know, I'm a big fan of the old exploitation films, and I've been an avid fan of Something Weird Video, home of the largest library of exploitation films ever from the 1930's to the 1970's. Founded by Mike Vraney in 1990, the company has released thousands of films from all subgenres: Nudie Cuties, Roughies, Nudist Camps, Roadshow Rarities, Burlesque, Horror, Drive-In Classics, and Sexploitation. Before Vraney passed away in 2014, he along with filmmaker Frank Henenlotter teamed up with the "King of Exploitation" David F. Friedman to make the documentary THAT'S SEXPLOITATION, "The Untold Story of American Cinema from the 1920s to the 1960s!"

Original Theatrical Poster (2013)

The film's official synopsis: From director Frank Henenlotter (BASKET CASE, BRAIN DAMAGE) and co-producer Mike Vraney (the late founder of Something Weird Video) comes the epic documentary critics call “fascinating” (Video Watchdog), “titillating” (Time Out Los Angeles) and “jaw-dropping” (Seattle Weekly): Henenlotter and legendary exploitation monarch David F. Friedman – in his final film appearance – are your hosts for this eye-popping expedition through the world of pre-code peekaboos, stags, sex-hygiene films, goona-goonas, nudie-cuties, roughies, druggies, white-coaters and more, featuring thousands of spicy, steamy and downright sleazy slips from the SWV archives.

This was a very insightful, and fun documentary that sheds a bright spotlight on these overlooked and forgotten within film history. Friedman is our ringmaster; guiding us through the hills and valleys of exploitation's vast library of subgenres and movies. Highlights are the early Roadshow Films of the 1930's and the sex hygiene movies of the 1940's: BECAUSE OF EVE, MOM AND DAD, CHILD BRIDE, SECRETS OF A HIGH SCHOOL GIRL, and WAGES OF SIN are personal favorites of mine. I own them and have watched them repeatedly. It's so amusing at what was so controversial back then is so tamed by today's society (however CHILD BRIDE is still hard to watch today). I would have loved to see these movies play in theaters back then! All the balleyhoo, posters, lobby cards, fake doctors selling sex hygiene books, it all sounded like so much fun! And people like Friedman laughed all the way to the bank.

Henenlotter shows up from time to time in the movie to give us some information about the changing times in America, what and how each decade was defined by the exploitation movies that were made, and how the filmmakers, producers, and distributors stayed on step ahead to make sure their product was bringing in the cash. Henenlotter is also a great historian in his own right, and would love to meet him one day and just pick is brain. I mean, his first film BASKET CASE actually played in a grindhouse theater on 42nd Street! That's bragging rights till the end of time!

THAT'S EXPLOITATION Blu-Ray

Last person I would like to talk about is the late, great Mike Vraney, who produced the documentary. Vraney. He and Something Weird Video has released thousands of films, not only Friedman's movies, but also films from Harry Novak, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Doris Wishman, and many others. He championed these films and made them available for all those people who were into seeing something new and different. Mike Vraney died after a lengthy battle with lung cancer on January 2, 2014. He was just 56 years old. We owe this great man a debt that will never be able to pay back.

This was also David F. Friedman final film appearance. On February 14, 2011, Friedman died in his home in Anniston, Alabama at the age of 87. There will never, ever be another "King of Exploitation." But rest assured, both Friedman and Vraney are reunited somewhere out there.

Besides looking fantastic, the Blu-Ray also contains an audio commentary with Frank Henenlotter and Lisa Petrucci  (Vraney's widow who's now in charge of Something Weird Video), film's trailer and over "3.5 hours of Sexploitation Shorts from the Something Weird Archives!"

THAT'S SEXPLOITATION is a highly entertaining, wonderfully absurd and informative documentary that diehard exploitation fans will love and new viewers will get an education on these outrageous films!! I've been a fan for decades, and it's incredible to have this movie for us to watch over and over again!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THAT'S SEXPLOITATION is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from Something Weird Video and Severin Films. To purchase a copy visit www.somethingweird.com or severin-films.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Netflix Picks: CULT OF CHUCKY (2017) - May 9, 2018

The CHILD'S PLAY/CHUCKY franchise has had its ups and downs, but there has been one consistency with it: its creator Don Mancini. He has written every film of everyone's favorite homicidal killing doll, and has been directing since 2004's SEED OF CHUCKY. Recently, I was able to check out the latest installment of his beloved franchise on Netflix, which was the horrifying and amazing CULT OF CHUCKY.

The film's official synopsis: After accused of murdering her family, Nica (Fiona Dourif) is taken to an asylum and thinks that she's the cause of the deaths of her family. However, when grizzly deaths start to occur, she then realizes that Chucky (Brad Dourif), her illusion might not be make believe. She also finds out that the doll is slowly starting to possess anyone or anything to join a huge cult to kill off Chucky's victims, but things don't go to well in the asylum, including for Chucky's long lost friend Andy Barcley (Alex Vincent) who tries to stop the cult from getting bigger while also trying to get past Chucky's wife, Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly).

I am so impressed with Mancini's directing. He clearly has a vision and, despite its very low budget, he is able to capture some outstanding sweeps, compositions, and gore galore. He finds the balance of scares and drama, with a little bit of humor for good measure. You can also see how much confident he gains from each film. I cannot wait to see what he does in his next film! (Yes, I'm trying not to spoil the ending, but c'mon, it's a horror movie. Of course the movie's ending sets up a sequel. Where have you been since 1986?!?)

Returning to the sequel is the talented Fiona Dourif as our protagonist Nica Pierce. Dourif gives it he all as she takes he character to new heights. Picking up where the previous film left, she's lost he whole family, is now in an asylum, and is haggard and defeated. Her performance commands your attention and is heartbreakingly painful to watch. Alex Vincent's Andy Barcley is another returning character who's also hit some painful lows (not to mention he's kinda sadistic). And I cannot forgot the ringmaster of the movie: Chucky himself, voiced once again by Brad Dourif. He makes the film so much fun to watch, as he has the best lines in the movie, and still sounds like a sick little bastard! And just in case you didn't notice the family connection, Fiona is Brad's daughter. Yup, it's a family affair!

As I stated earlier, Universal released the film for streaming on Netflix, however, about two before it was released, some dipshit leaked the movie in its entirety to Twitter and YouTube. Being a film student when I was younger and meeting and interviewing filmmakers, let me tell you that making a film isn't easy. A lot of hard work goes into producing a film, and costs money to do it. And when you pirate a movie or television series for free, you're spitting in the faces of everyone who put in their time, blood, sweat and tears. So the moral of my story is: DON'T PIRATE OR STEAL MOVIES!! PAY FOR THEM YOU CHEAP ASS BASTARDS!!

CULT OF CHUCKY is another sick and twisted, crazy ass, gore filled killer doll flick that will make hardcore Chucky fans grin form ear to ear!! I absolutely loved this fright flick and the ending makes me want more!! So make sure you check out this movie!! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

CULT OF CHUCK is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. To start your subscription, visit their website at www.netflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil sees AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (again) in 2D at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge - May 5, 2018

Yes, I saw AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR again. Four days later. Yeah, it took me a couple of days to mentally prepare myself to view the movie again. You see, this one hit me in the feels. It really did. Reading the original comics was one thing, but to see it on the big screen, with real actors and actresses bringing these characters to life, and watching them grow for the past ten years, it hits you when they fail and fall. So I journeyed back to the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge to watch the film again.

So, after watching the movie again for the second time, I have decided it that it's my favorite Marvel movie, for the following reasons. Warning: spoilers ahead.

1) Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely laid it all on the line and crafted an out of this world, action packed, story driven, character driven, high stakes story that had me on the edge of my seat. The story had a riveting three-act story arc, life and death situations, big time action, and characters we've grown to love. And to watch them fight for their lives as well as for the universe, and to see them fail, was absolutely heartbreaking.

2) Filmmaking brothers Joe and Anthony Russo directed the hell out of this movie! Their framing and pacing fits the film's look and action. They give the right amount death-defying action and much needed humor. And they make it awesome to watch!

3) All the actors and actresses were fantastic!! And to finally see them all in action in the same film made me scream like a little girl at a Beatles concert (and yes, I sort of dated myself there, but let's be honest, music today blows just as bad as Trump. Yup, I went there!). To see Iron Man, Dr. Stranger and Spider-Man interact with one anther, and then with the Guardians of the Galaxy, watching Captain America, Falcon and Black Widow team up with Black Panther, seeing Thor with Rocket and Groot, and seeing how evil Thanos is, it's enough to make you gush with joy! This movie was ten years in the making!! Holy crap, I'm old!!

4) It's such a great entertaining movie! Period!

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is the film that changes the MCU forever! And it will leave you emotionally devastated and drained to the point of exhaustion! AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is playing in 2D, Real 3D, and in IMAX in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Horror Watch: NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE (2016) from Hurricane Bridge Entertainment - May 3, 2018

Today's horror film has been garnering a lot of attention and acclaim. From Fangoria to Dread Central, its reputation has reached out all over the horror community. So far that, it was selected to be streamed on the horror streaming service Shudder back in February. Now that says something, however, I didn't see it on Shudder. Nope, I went and purchased a Blu-Ray copy for myself, and after watching it, I can honestly say that NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE lives up to the hype!

The film's official synopsis: Five teenage friends set out for the beach on their Spring Break vacation. Good times are cut short when one of the group, Carrie, contracts a deadly sexual transmitted disease during a bathroom stop. When they stop for the night at an isolated motel, the real terror begins when the STD virus starts running rampant, turning those infected into the living dead. However, there's more going on at the motel than meets the eye.

If there was ever a film that promotes that abstinence as well as the dangers of necrophilia, it's this film!

Writer/director Jonathan Straiton, along with co-writers Ron Bonk and Mean Gene, crafted one of the most insane, gory, fast paced, batshit crazy, darkly sexual, horror film I have ever seen! His set-ups and framing captures every joke, every bloodshed, every grotesque killing and he makes it look like a work of art! He doesn't shy away form the violence, sex, and gore; rather, he embraces the nuances and the spirit of independent filmmaking while catering to hardcore horror fans. It's his vision, he's artistic vision, that he bares on the screen, and so far, horror fans are loving it! And this was Straiton's directorial debut!! What a way to make an entrance!! I cannot wait to see his next film!!

The film's cast was another aspect that made the film so much fun to watch. Highlights for me were Rebecca C. Kasek and Trey Harrison's performances as Christine and Dirk, respectively. Both have great on-screen chemistry and I was rooting for them throughout the movie, which was a good sign. We, the audience, want to invest in our protagonists, and we we find ourselves emotionally invested in them. Toni Ann Gambale's character Carrie is one evil looking zombie, thanks to our main zombie antagonist Cornelius, played by Wayne W. Johnson.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the awesome looking special effects. Kuddos to special effects artist Colby Flinchum and Nicola Fiore for an astounding job! The actresses and actors looked great, the blood was plentiful, and the gore was sick looking!

As I said earlier, I purchased a signed Blu-Ray copy for myself on their website, and it has some very cool special features, such as: an informative Behind the Scenes feature entitled Making Something Strange, a hilarious Gag Reel, Filmmaker's Audio Commentary, Cast Auditions, and trailers to other independent horror films like THE BARN, SHE KILLS, and others. Also, you can purchase other cool memorabilia like tee shirts, stickers, buttons, key chains, posters, and iPhone cases!

NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE is one of my favorite independent horror films of 2018!! It's amazing to see so much great horror films coming out of the indie scene!! We are seeing a renaissance in the horror genre, and here is another example of a movie that fans will be watching and talking about for years to come! Just make sure you don't have sex with any corpses. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD on the film's official website at www.nightofsomethingstrange.com. The film is also streaming on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil sees AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge - May 1, 2018

So after ten years of bringing their beloved (and obscure title that made bank) comic book characters to the big screen, Marvel's Cinematic Universe has come to an end (well, majority of the actors and actresses are still contractually obligated to appear in a film or two) and the world will never be the same. Now, I've been a watching the MCU since the very beginning, since I saw an advanced screening of the first IRON MAN back in 2008, and now, in 2018, I witnessed the climatic conclusion in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR at my local haunt: The Cinelux Alamden Lounge & Cafe. So buckle up kiddies, cause your gonna cry like a baby!

The film's official synopsis: As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

So, for this review, I'm gonna relive for you all my inner monologue while watching the film. Now, since I am a sensitive bastard, this will be a spoiler-free review. However, there might be some vulgar language, so you have all been warned. 

Ready? Ok, let's start the review:

Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!!

*remembers to breathe. Oooooohhhhh man, this is a fucking awesome movie. Ok, let's see what happens next.*

Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!!

*Oh man, I almost forgot I bought a hot dog! (Takes a bite of said hot dog) Mmmmmmmm......I love movie theater hot dogs. They're so delicious and so bad for my cholesterol. (bite, bite, swallow) And now for a sip of my root beer. (Takes a big slurp) Oh yeah, that's so refreshing. Ok, back to the movie*

Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!! Holy fucking shit!!

*Credits roll. Ok, so let's check out this bonus scene and see how it sets up the next film.* 

HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!

*Lights go up. I think I need therapy after watching this movie.*

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is this summer's "Holy fucking shit!!" blockbuster that will make you cry like a bitch, seek counseling and question the meaning of life. And it's a fucking badass movie!! So if you see one film that will make you hide in the corner till the next AVERGERS film, then go see this today!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is playing in 2D, Real 3D, and in IMAX in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Cult Classics: SPACE BABES FROM OUTER SPACE (2017) from Bandit Motion Pictures - April 22, 2018

I've been  busy digging through the independent film world for something that would catch my eye. Luckily, there's a lot of activity here in the underground, which produces some unique and interesting works of art. Take for instance filmmaker Brian K. Williams' SPACE BABES FROM OUTER SPACE, which both harkens back to the glory days of Mom & Pop video stores and USA Up All Night while showing us where the B-movie sci-fi genre is now.

The film's official synopsis: Three babes from a faraway galaxy (Ellie Church, Allison Maier, Alyss Winkler) end up stranded on Earth after a surprise encounter with their mortal enemies, the Scrotes! The babes need sexual energy to refuel their ship and return home. Lucky for them, their newfound friend Charlie (Brian Papandrea) knows just the place to get it — the strip club! Will they harness enough sexual energy to get back home? Or will the Scrotes put another wrinkle in their plans?

Now this is how B-movie films and cult classics should be: FUN!! Good crap, I had so much freaking fun watching this! First off, you have a fantastic cast to bring these characters to life!  Actresses Ellie Church, Allison Maier, Alyss Winkler carry the film and they do a tremendous job here! All three bring humor, toughness, and vulnerability as well as a heavy dose of beauty and out-of-this-world sexiness! These ladies rocked my world and channel their inner Scream Queen, especially Brinke Stevens, Linnea Quigley, and Elizabeth Kaitan. Add actor
Brian Papandrea's character lovable and horny country boy Charlie, and you have a film that's worth your time and attention!

Kudos to director Brian K. Williams, who along with producer Scott Schirmer founded Bandit Motion Pictures in Bloomington, Indiana in 2016. However, this dynamic duo have been part of the Indiana indie film community for a long time. They've workd on other titles like HEADLESS, HARVEST LAKE and PLANK FACE. Williams captures the essence of the independent spirit while forging an active and local film community. His set-ups and compositions capture all the fun and mayhem of the movie, which is what you should always do! I don't know how many times I watch a movie with a cool premise, but the directing is all over the place. I'm now a big fan of Williams and I cannot wait to see his next film, which is called AMAZON HOT BOX.

I bought my Blu-Ray copy on their Bandit Motion Pictures website, and since I'm also a hardcore collector, I had to buy my copy of the film signed by both Williams and Schirmer. The bonus features include the 20 minute feature "The Making of Space Babes", audio commentary with Ellie Church, Allison Maier, and Alyss Winkler, a second audio commentary with Brian K. Williams and Scott Schirmer, and movie trailers for other independently released movies.

SPACE BABES FROM OUTER SPACE is a loving tribute to those awesome happy-go-lucky, feel good B-movie of yesterday!! If you're a fan of SLAVE GIRLS FROM BEYOND INFINITY, HYBRID, and CREEPOZOIDS, then this movie is right up your alley!! This is a future cult classic, so get on the ground floor now because this movie is gonna take off into the stratosphere!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SPACE BABES FROM OUTER SPACE is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD on the Bandit Motion Picture website. To purchase a copy, visit banditmotionpictures.com. The film is also available on Vimeo-On-Demand and Amazon Instant Video.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the SUNDAY EARTHQUAKE ANNIVERSARY SHOW - April 15, 2018

Once again I was at the Edison Theater, home of the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, where I was volunteering this past Sunday. The museum was busy that day, be we were having our EARTHQUAKE ANNIVERSARY SHOW. The Saturday night show was a huge hit and was completely sold out. Even the ABC 7 Evening News came out to report about the screening! We also had two more screenings on Sunday: a 2pm and 4pm screening. I was on the first shift, and had the pleasure of watching history unfold before me. Plus, we were also showing the recently restored long, lost film from the Miles Brothers that was thought to have been lost forever.

A TRIP DOWN MARKET STREET (1906): The show started off with a museum staple. By now, you’ve heard about how our archivist/historian David Kiehn deduced that the film was made just four days before the 1906 Earthquake that rocked San Francisco. You may have also seen the story on 60 Minutes where Kiehn was interviewed by none other than the legendary Morley Safer. This local film was selected by the Library of Congress to be part of the National Film Registry in 2011. It’s a silent film that I’ve seen more than any other silent film. It’s a film that captured history before history took place four days later.

AFTER THE QUAKE (1906): After the earthquake destroyed most of San Francisco, the Miles Brothers shot over two hours of film of the devastation that it had caused. Unfortunately, the footage was considered lost. Then in 2017, Jason Wright, a film historian from the bay area now living in England, bought the remaining nine minutes from a man named David Silver, who found the film at the San Francisco’s Alemany Flea Market. Wright then contacted Kiehn in helping to restore this cinematic find. He spent the past eight months preparing a digital version that premiered at the museum for the show. After seeing it, it felt like it was the bookend to A TRIP DOWN MARKET STREET, and it was simply amazing to see it up on the silver screen. It was history thought to have been lost, but thanks to Kiehn and Wright, it no live on forever!

THE DESTRUCTION OF SAN FRANCISCO (1906): The film is an amalgam of footage shot by the Edison, Pathe, and Biograph film companies as well as some footage shot by the Miles brothers. It shows the devastation caused by the earthquake an by the subsequent fires that blanketed the city in a cloud of smoke.

Another great earthquake show at the museum. Remember folks the museum is open for tours every weekend from 12pm-4pm and every Saturday night there's a silent film show starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). So if you would like to learn more about the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, on how to become a member, and to view their film schedule, visit their website at www.nilesfilmmuseum.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!