Phil sees THE PREDATOR at the Cinelux Almaden Cafe & Lounge - September 14, 2018

In 1987, the film PREDATOR, starring former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, and Shane Black, the film hit theaters and became a huge blockbuster. Combining action, science fiction, and horror, it has become a classic among fans. Then came PREDATOR 2 in 1991. It was OK, but not great. Then came ALIEN VS. PREDATOR and ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM in 2004 and 2007 respectively. They both sucked ass. And then came filmmaker Robert Rodriguez's 2010 sequel PREDATORS. It was OK too. It seemed like fans of the franchise were never going to get a film that would be on par with the original. Enter actor Shane Black, who starred in the first film, who teamed up with co-screenwriter Fred Dekker to give us THE PREDATOR, which I saw over at the Cinelux Almaden Cafe & Lounge.

The film's official synopsis: From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

OK, first things first. DO NOT COMPARE IT TO THE ORIGINAL! Nothing will be better than the first PREDATOR!! NOTHING!! So don't go into the film think it's gonna be a masterpiece of fine cinema, because it is so not. But, if you like your movies filled with blood, violence, raunchy and vulgar language, big explosions, and Olivia Munn running around looking all sexy, then this is right up your alley.

Black keeps the action, humor, and violence fast as lightening with very little emphasis on character development. As I said earlier, he co-wrote the screenplay with the legendary Fred Dekker, the man responsible for two of the greatest 80's films of all time: THE MONSTER SQUAD and NIGHT OF THE CREEPS! Legend has it that both Dekker and Black have been friends for decades and Black recruited his long time friend to help craft the script, filled with generic one-liners, clichés, over-the-top bloodshed, and for some stupid reason, it fucking works.

The cast itself does a nice job of trying to give their respective characters some depth and personality, but the real reason we want to see the movie is the Predators! And in this film, we get not one but two of them! Both look awesome, especially the Mutant Predator! But also, Olivia Munn looks so damn sexy playing nerd doctor Casey Bracket, who also knows how to shoot shotguns and assault rifles. Hey, wait just a second! How the hell does she know how to use a gun? I don't remember the movie explaining this! Oh, forget about it! Just watch Olivia Munn look all sexy and nerdy while she shoots at the Mutant Predator.

So far, the movie hasn't been performing well at the box office. As I am writing this, the movie has only earned $56.6 million worldwide. This isn't good news, since the film's budget was about $208 million, which included advertisements. The film's producer, John Davis, says this movie would set up two more sequels that he hopes Shane Black will direct. Let's see if this comes to fruition.

THE PREDATOR is an entertaining, action packed sci-fi flick that hardcore fans of the franchise will enjoy! But in the end, it's just another typical Hollywood popcorn movie! I was just expecting something more to it is all! 3 out of stars! It's worth a look!

THE PREDATOR is playing 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 sees THE NUN at the Pruneyard Cinemas Dine-In at the Pruneyard Campbell - September 13, 2018

When the Camera 7 Cinemas closed in the Pruneyard Campbell back in 2017, a piece of me died. This was my home away from home. Even before I started this blog, I practically lived there. I fully supported the Camera Cinemas for years. When it was announced that the theater was going to be closed for a complete remodel, I was hesitant. I knew that when it would reopen, it wasn't going to be the Camera 7 I knew and loved. When it did finally reopened as the Pruneyard Cinemas Dine-In, it felt like a slap in the face. The Camera Cinemas were now extinct, and all I have are the memories. But I was very curious about what it looked like. So, I finally broke down and went to see a movie there. Of course, the first movie I see there would be a horror film. Did you expect anything less of me? After work on Thursday, I went and saw THE NUN, the latest installment of THE CONJURING universe.

The film's official synopsis: When a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Together they uncover the order's unholy secret. Risking not only their lives but their faith and their very souls, they confront a malevolent force in the form of the same demonic nun that first terrorized audiences in THE CONJURING 2, as the abbey becomes a horrific battleground between the living and the damned.

The setting of the abbey gave the movie an eerie feel of atmosphere and dread. This was the perfect location to tell the story. It felt like a meld of a Hammer Horror film and a Lucio Fulci Italian movie. This was a my favorite part of this fright flick. The other was the acting.

Our heroine Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) brought that innocence and naiveté that helps our character to grow and become a stronger, powerful instrument of God. Farmiga was the perfect casting choice for bringing character development and depth. And in case you were wondering, yes, she is the younger sister of Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga. Her on-screen chemistry with lead actor Demián Bichir as Father Burke were great, but it's the final showdown with the nun herself, Bonnie Aaron, that proves that she's got the acting chops to be a lead actress. Also, Bichir is one of the scariest freaking nun I've ever seen in a movie before!

Director Corin Hardy got his start making a series of video shorts before making his feature film debut with the 2015 indie horror flick THE HALLOW, which garnered decent reviews. Here, he looks like he takes command of the movie; combining chills, supernatural scares, and atmospheric dread. The only real complaint is the script, which falls into the laps of screenwriters Gary Dauberman and James Wan. I felt like the script needed to be more tightened up, better character arcs, not have the nun appear almost throughout the film, her backstory could've been more imaginative, and better dialogue because, in some scenes, they were a little cringe worthy. Seriously.

As I sit and write this review, the film has already garnered $228.7 million worldwide! And the film's budget was only $22 million! Quite an impressive feat since it only came out on September 7th. This proves that there is an audience for these types of movies. The horror genre has a proven track record; that they can make a studio a lot of money on shoe-string budgets. We as fans want to see horror films, but make sure that there good horror films! And with the success of this movie, it proves that fans are still interested in THE CONJURING universe, so let's keep the fans happy here folks.

THE NUN is a supernatural fright film that will satisfy fans of the THE CONJURING universe! While not a perfect film, it was an entertaining, atmospheric, thrilling ghost story with some truly creepy scares that will chill you to the bone! 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! It's worth a look!

THE NUN is playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Pruneyard Cinemas Dine-In here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.pruneyardcinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (1973) - September 12, 2018

Well folks, this is it! What is it I'm talking about? Well, on today's edition of Phil's Shudder Picks, I'm going to review the final film in the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION series! Yes my friends, all good things do come to an end. So let's not waste another minute, and let me tell you all about the final chapter of this immensely beloved franchise entitled FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG.

Original Japanese Poster (1973)

The film's official synopsis: The final film in the series, FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (from director Yasuharu Hasebe; RETALIATION, MASSACRE GUN), shows a gentler side of Scorpion. When Nami falls in with Kudo, an ex-radical suffering from physical and psychological trauma caused by police torture, the pair become political rebels.

The film surprised me in several ways. The first being that we see a side of Nami that we haven't seen before. Actress Meiko Kaji brings a vulnerability to Nami that we really haven't seen since the first film, However, this doesn't last long, and at the end of the film, she becomes the Nami that we know and love!

Now, I'm debating on telling you how this movie ends. I'm not a big fan of spoilers, but the movie is 45 years old. If you haven't seen these films yet, for shame. Anywho, Nami kills the corrupt cop and Kudo. There, I said it! But it's pretty fucking sweet how it all went down!

As I said in my previous post, director Shunya Itō meant the franchise to be a trilogy. After he completed , he walked away from the series, even though the studio Toei Company had different ideas. Enter director Yasuharu Hasebe. Here, he gives a nice conclusion to the journey of Nami, even showcasing some cool exploitation compositions and set-ups that have become the trademark for Japanese grindhouse films of the 1970's. The overall effect is one that satisfies the hardcore fan of these type of genre films.

The Toei Company released the movie in Japan on December 29, 1973. What a way to close out the year!! The film wouldn't be available here in the states until Tokyo Shock released it on DVD in 2005. And then UK company released a 2K scan of the film as part of the Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection boxset.

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is a awesome conclusion to the original series of films!! While other companies have released their own film to the franchise, the original four films have earned their place in the annuls of cinema history! Now in the 21st century, old time fans and newbies can watch them all over again in the comfort of their home! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE (1973) - SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

So, I would like to know who the hell comes up with these titles?!? As you may have noticed from my previous two posts, I've been making my way through the series on Shudder, and I am just amused by the title for this one. First there was FEMALE PRISONER: #701 SCORPION . Then came FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41. And now, the third film of the series and today's review entitled FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE! Yeah, that's a fucking crazy title, and so is this movie!

Original Japanese Poster (1973)

The film's official synopsis: The 3rd Female Prisoner film, the Gothic horror-inspired FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE finds Nami branded public enemy #1. She soon finds refuge with a sympathetic prostitute, but is on the run from a local gang, her ex-prison mate and a cop whose arm she hacked off (hell yeah).

The look of the movie is totally different than the previous two chapters. Director Shun'ya Itô abandons his arthouse meets grindhouse, supernatural lighting, sound stage sets look of the last film in favor for a more creepy looking, Gothic style movie. There's a lot of blues and greys in the film, almost melodramatic. It's a visually depressing representation of the environment of our old friend Nami is, now in another hell-hole women's prison. Itô also jettisons the European style directing in favor of a more straight forward exploitation found here. Overall, I missed the directing style of JAILHOUSE 41, but he, once again, delivers the goods and creates another classic flick, filled with nudity, violence, bloodshed, and a incestuous relationship between a sister and her fucked-up-in-the-head brother. What more could anyone ask?

Meiko Kaji proves once again that she is, without a shadow of doubt, the most beautiful and deadliest woman alive! Good grief, I love this woman!! I mean, how can you not?!? She's gorgeous, looks sexy as hell in her trademark black hat and outfit, and can kill you a hundred different ways!! I would love to see her in a movie today! But alas, she has long since retired from the silver scree, and as she puts it, she wants her fans to remember her the way she used to look in her films.

Now, this was supposed to be Shun'ya Itô's final film of the trilogy, and was written as the finale of the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION series. And the way it ends, it does feel like a logical conclusion to the franchise, all wrapped up in a nice big bow. But when Toei Company released it to theaters in Japan on July 29, 1973, it was another huge blockbuster. However, this was the last FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION that Shun'ya Itô would be involved in.

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE is another Japanese exploitation classic in the franchise that fans will want to see over and over again! While not as visually stunning and experimental as FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41, there's still plenty for audiences to go crazy for! So grab some popcorn, grab some drinks and then watch this movie!! 4 out of 5 starts! Highly recommended!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 (1972) - September 11, 2018

Welcome back to another installment of Phil's Shudder Picks! Today's movie is the first sequel in the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION franchise. Again, I was able to check out the film on the Shudder App, which has been awesome! So, ladies and gentlemen, let's discuss the 1972 sequel FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41.

Original Japanese Poster (1972)

The film's official synopsis: Scorpion returns. Nami and six other female prisoners are on the run in this 2nd FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION film, a visually stunning jailhouse escape spectacle.

Once again, actress Meiko Kaji returns as our heroine Nami, who is both bad ass and beautiful beyond description!! And like the first film, she barely says a word in this one too. If anything, I believe she had one line, maybe two. But then, she doesn't need dialogue to express herself. The way she moves, her glaring eyes, the expression on her face when she's sad, angry, and when she's cutting a bitch up! She looks indescribably breathtaking while looking like a prisoner being hosed by the cops in her cell or in her trademark black hat and matching outfit!

Kaji isn't the only one to return to the series. Co-writer/director Shun'ya Itô also returns to helm the movie, and holy shit it's batshit crazy!! The movie is leaps and bounds more visually stunning than the first chapter of the series. Itô showcases his maturity for set designs, mood lighting, sweeping on-location shots, and dynamic set-ups and compositions. Now remember, this film came out in 1972, five years before director Nobuhiko Ôbayashi's film HOUSE, which looks like it copied the look from this movie!! Coincidence? I think not!!

The film was originally released to theaters in Japan on December 30, 1972 from the legendary Toei Company. It was another success, but it didn't get discovered here in the states till years later. Thanks to the VHS boom of the 1980's, the movie achieved a cult-like status unheard of at that time. Eventually, the movie (as well as the rest of the entries of the series) were released on DVD, but the source material were on the rough side; the picture and sound quality weren't all that great. But then in 2016, British company Arrow Video released Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection in a stunning Blu-Ray/DVD boxset! Arrow did a brand new 2k restorations of all four films, bonus features, and a booklet!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 is my favorite film of the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION franchise! It's the perfect blend of arthouse movie, experimental film, and Japanese exploitation cinema!! Fans of the series have been raving about this film for decades, and now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home! What more do you need to know!! Go watch this movie now!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION (1972) - September 11, 2018

Welcome back my fellow horror hounds to a new installment that I call Phil's Shudder Picks. If you are not hip to what the kids are watching, let me break it down for you: Shudder is an online horror streaming service that features the largest library of horror films. Backed by AMC, their catalog ranges from horror classics to indie darlings, silent films to cult classics, foreign fright flicks to Shudder exclusives not found anywhere, they have become the go-to app for horror fanatics. Recently, they've added a beloved Japanese exploitation series that I've been a huge fan of. So for today's review, I'll be talking about the grindhouse classic FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION.

Original Japanese Poster (1972)

The film's official synopsis: When young Nami is framed and falsely imprisoned, she must find a way to escape and exact revenge upon the man who betrayed her. Meiko Kaji (LADY SNOWBLOOD) leads the 1st ferocious film in director Shun'ya Itô's stylish must-see FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION saga.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Japanese sure can make some awesome 70's exploitation classics! What makes it so much fun to watch is Meiko Kaji's stunning perfromance as Nami. She carries the film without hardly any dialogue. It's her mannerism, her body language, her facial expressions, and her ability take the audience with her on her journey. We sympathize with her; we want her to get revenge on those dirty bastards that put her in jail, the women that try to kill her, and those who want her to die. Kaji just radiates off the screen and grabs us by the throat and she doesn't let go until the very end of the film!

No only is Meiko Kaji a talented actress, but she is an amazing singer! Yup, she sing's the film's main theme song"Urami-Bushi", which became more well known when Quentin Tarantino used it for the soundtrack in his KILL BILL films. If that isn't cool, then I don't know what is? And yes, the song is available through iTunes, Spotify, and other musical platforms.

Credit for the movie's visuals and stylistic violence  goes to the outstanding Shun'ya Itô, Believe it or not, this was his feature film debut! He started out as a chief assistant director on the 1968 film ZOKE OTOSHIMAE before getting his big break directing this film. He also wrote "Urami-Bushi" for the film as well. While he did a great job making the film, he really matured by the time he directed his second film, which was the first sequel of the franchise FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41, which I will discuss further in my review of that film.

Now, a warning for the faint at heart. There is A LOT of carnage, rape, violence, bloodshed, gore, and nudity in the movie! If you're familiar with the genre, then you have already come to expect this. But there might be some of you out there that have never seen the movie, let alone a Japanese exploitation from this particular era. They don't shy away from any of this, and the camera longingly captures all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION is a true, bona fide, 1970's Japanese exploitation cult classic that is regarded viewing for all horror hounds!! It's influence on western cinema is far reaching, and continues to attract fans and haters alike!! So make sure you watch this and see how what movies were like back then! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Netfix Picks: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS (2014) - August 1, 2018

In the 1980's there was one studio that dared to be different, bold, and daring by releasing some of the most bizarre, inept, batshit crazy, out-of-this-world films of all time: Cannon Films. During this decade, they released WTF films like THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, OVER THE TOP, NINJA III: THE DOMINATION, MISSING IN ACTION 1&2,  DEATH WISH 2-5, BREAKIN', MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, DELTA FORCE, and CYBORG just to name a few. Though no longer with us, those of us who came of age in this time period have a soft spot for Cannon Films. All of this nostalgia leads me to my Netflix Pick of the Week for the awesome documentary ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS and why you should watch it!

Official Theatrical Poster (2014)

The film's official synopsis: A documentary about Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus - two movie-obsessed cousins whose passion for cinema changed the way movies were made and marketed - and the tale of how this passion ultimately led to the demise of the company they built together.

I found myself relating to Menahem and Yoram because I'm just like them: I love movies. They transport us to different places, different times, telling us stories that we lived and ones that we haven't lived, etc. From the silent films to modern blockbusters, films have the power to take us on fantastic, magical rides. Menahem and Yoram did just this, only taking us more on a low budget ride on coach.

Writer/director Mark Hartley is no stranger to this subject of filmmaking, having made the incredibly awesome 2008 documentary NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF OZPLOITATION! and the phenomenal 2010 documentary MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED! Here, Hartley does the same thing: providing the audience with some of the most outrageous stories about Cannon Films from those who were there like actresses Sybil Danning, Martine Beswick, Catherine Mary Stewart, Lucinda Dickey and Bo Derek, actors like Elliott Gould, Alex Winter, Michael Chambers, Michael Dudikoff and Richard Chamberlain. Also contributing to the documentary are industry veterans like Michael Hartman, John G. Avildsen, Mark Rosenthal, Tobe Hooper, Greydon Clark, and Charles Matthau just to name a few.

As a young kid and teenager coming up in the 1980's, I was there at my local theaters watching first hand these insane films that were being churned out by Cannon Films. I remember seeing BREAKIN', MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, OVER THE TOP, MISSING IN ACTION and SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE. They weren't all that great, but they were somewhat entertaining and I found myself just wondering how the hell these were even made to begin with! Well, now I know, thanks in large part to the documentary.

What I took away from this documentary was the passion that Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus had for films. They lived and breathed movies twenty-four hours and day, seven days a week. It's a shame that they split up and stopped talking to one another, and then Menahem was diagnosed with cancer. Lovingly known as the "Go-Go Boys", when Mark Hartley asked them to be part of this project, they declined, and instead, made their own documentary entitled THE GO-GO BOYS: THE INSIDE STORY OF CANNON FILMS. It was released four months before Hartley's film. Sadly, Menahem Golan passed away on August 8, 2014 in Tel Aviv, Israel at the age of 84.

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS is a loving tribute to both Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and the legendary Cannon Films!! If you're a die hard fan of 80's cinema and you went and saw these films in the theaters, then you'll have a fun-filled traveling down Memory Lane as you are transported to that decade of decadence. And if you missed out on all the fun, then watch this film and then go seek out those cinematic gems that have become cult classics! This is one of my favorite documentaries discoveries of this year on Netflix and you should definitely check it out!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. To start your subscription, visit their website at www.netflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!