I remember watching Piranha Saturday morning when I was eight years old. This was my first experience with Rodger Corman and these little carnivorous fish. The thought of anything other than an alligator or shark attacking a person was intriguing to me, and the opening scene with the boy and girl at the pool was shocking. The thought of tiny little fishies taking out a couple was an entirely new concept for me. Before this film, I didn't even know what a Piranha was.
The film opens with a pair of backpackers coming upon an abandoned facility and taking a dip in their pool, unfortunately they were unaware of the fact that the pool happened to of been filled with a genetic strain of piranha which can withstand fresh water as well as salt water. Maggie, played by Heather Menzies, is then hired to track the missing children, but unwittingly drains the pool to find the bodies and also releases the Piranha into the local water supply. Maggie and her recruited partner Paul, played by Bradford Dillman, who are now in a race to stop the Piranha and save the children at a near by summer camp. The government also becomes involved and proposes poisoning the water supply in an attempt to kill off the impeding danger, but the fish bypass the attempt. Paul then decided to release some submerged waste into the water in a vain attempt to kill off the fish, but some manage to survive and arrive at a beach.
I really appreciate the various aspects of the film despite the fact that this is a B film, it doesn't take itself too seriously and does take the time to poke fun at itself as well. There are also moments of anti-government protests in the film as well as environmental undertones.
Piranha was filmed at the once prosperous Aquarena Springs theme park in San Marcos, Texas; which featured underwater shows and Ralph the swimming pig; the park featured various rides as well. Aquarena Springs was one of Texas' first successful theme parks, but eventually went out of business due to the arrival of Sea World and Fiesta Texas. Texas State University eventually purchased the dying park and turned it into Aquarena Center, which has now become part of their research facility and also does feature a scuba class.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the story of five friends on a road trip to visit the grandparent’s house of one of the group members. Although advertised as being based on true events, the story is entirely fictions.
Our protagonist’s first fatal flaw is trust and the belief in the kindness of others. One may not fully consider the stop at the gas station and asking directions to the nearest facility, but would it not make better sense to assume the lack of gas at the station is a premeditated effort to lure and prey upon stranded travelers. The group’s second act of generosity was in picking up the hitchhiker near the slaughter house and received quite a fright in return. Their third and final mistake lies in the group separating. Kurt and Pam abandon their mission to find the watering hole in favor of going next door and asking for some gas. Both have good intentions in order to assist the group with the previously mentioned fuel dilemma, but make the mistake of trusting the unknown neighbors when going over to ask for help and are met with an untimely end. Sally and Franklin also stray and in turn she loses her brother and her sanity.
The film basically follows the three strikes rule of any slasher. Those who separate, intoxicate, or fornicate will die. Although breaking away from the groups is their only crime; trust is their fatal flaw and more than enough to have been attacked, tortured, or killed.
I first saw TCM back during my Jr. High days. It was this old unrestored bootleg which first introduced me to the most insane slasher I’d ever seen. The true “meat” of the film was a complete 360 from the semi-slow paced character development filled intro. The sheer madness of the house alone is enough to cause one to gawk in wonder. I loved the personalization that went into the home , it really drives the point that the house really is occupied by cannibalistic psychopaths. The disarray also drives the point that these people have occupied their home for some time, they have been preying upon travelers and anyone unfortunate enough to step foot on their property. This truly is their lifestyle. The bone room is my favorite in the house. We have everything from furniture made from human remains, cookware, feathers scattered about the floor, and a random chicken in a cage.
The film was released 1974 and distributed by Bryanston Pictures and premiered October 1, 1974 in Austin, Texas. The false marketing of being a “true story” attracted large audiences. Hooper the film would receive a PG rating due to the minimal use of blood. After cutting the film slightly, it received an R rating. TCM is thought to also of had the most influence and setting standards for modern slashers. Everything from large, hulking antagonists using power tools on their victims. Ridley Scott has stated the film was an inspiration for Alien. Director Alexandre Aja also feels the film has influenced his early career, as well as the more obvious Rob Zombie feature House of a 1,000 Corpses
It's been thirty years since The Evil Dead first debuted October 15, 1981. The film was written and directed by Sam Raimi and stars Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly, Hal Delrich and wasbased on the original short Within the Woods which served as a 30min prototype for promotion and investment opportunities for the full length feature. Upon release The Evil Dead was met with mixed reviews and did considerable better after having received an endorsement from horror author Stephen King. The original working title of the film was Book of the Dead, but was later changed to The Evil Dead as it was felt the title would sell more tickets.
The film opens with five Michigan State University students on a weekend get away in the woods. Insinde the cabin they find a book and recorder. Demons are summoned upon playing the cassette containing Sumerian incantations. One by one the five fiends fall victem until only Ash remains. He battles and prevails over demonic beings and as the closing scene is presented we see share a first view perspective with a looming force charging through the woods and descending upon our champion.
Evil Dead is definitely a great film and well worth the time. The majority of my childhood I'd been in search of the ultimate horror film and had always heard about how much this movie had scared my eldest sister and her husband during their first viewing; of course those were the days of VCR and turn dial television, so unfortunately no one wanted to get up to turn it off; it also may not have helped they they loved out in the country at the time. My first experience watching this film had been quite similar. My mum had gone out to the dance and I had stayed home with my rentals. I had paired a very demonic double feature: The Evil Dead and The Exorcist. It was the most the most awesome thing I have ever seen which scared me shitless. Even though The Evil Dead no longer terrifies me the way it did upon the first initial viewing; it will always have my respect for being one of the first films to me me fell that kind of terror.
Evil Dead 2 was also directed by Sam Raimi and produced by Robert Tapert, Ivan Shapiro, and Bruce Campbell. This film falls into the retroactive continuity feature category as the film back tracks and retells the events from the previous movie. This was done because the film makers were now going business with Rosebud Releasing and were unable to secure the rights to their film from the previous company they had dealings with. As they were unable to obtain rights to their stock footage; the film events were altered to accommodate for the events surrounding the production.
In this film Ash is headed to the cabin for a weekend getaway with his girlfriend Linda. Once again the book of the dead (now referred to as Necronomicon Ex-Mortis) and the tape recorder containing the incantations resurface. Linda becomes possessed and is beheaded. Ash is temporarily possessed as well but recovers at daybreak. Eventually it becomes necessary to sever his hand as it is attempting to kill him. The professor's daughter arrives only to be thrown into the madness. Annie discovers an incantation to send the demons back to their dimension, unfortunately Ash is swept up into the debris and is transported as well.
This second installment of the franchise introduced the horror comedy genre and opened up a whole new door for filmmakers and moviegoers alike. I was eight the first time I saw Evil Dead 2; I had never heard of it and didn't even know what it was, but the blood sprays were enough to get my attention enough to sit down and watch the remainder of the film.
Army of Darkness was a complete breakaway from the series all together and provided slapstick humor more than anything. We pick up with Ash having landed in the middle ages and being mistaken for a deadite and taken into captivity. After having bested the demons in the pit, Ash is granted hes freedom and hailed as a savior. Upon retrieving the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, Ash misquotes the words and brings destruction upon the land. Reluctantly accepting his role as defender, Ash prevails and is returned to his time; only to battle demons once more.
This was the first official Evil Dead film I ever watched (being to young to realize the franchise it spawned from). My niece and I watched the movie and quoted it back to one another on occasion. It's one of those great films that does not follow it's own rules and isn't afraid to break tradition and introduce something completely new.
Bad Guy is grotesque, disturbing and makes no excuses. It is the self destructive tale of a man with desires. An obsession with a prim, well-to-do co ed who snubs him upon their first meeting. To prove that she isn't too good for him Han-ki (played by Cho Jae Hyun) sets a trap and pulls Sun-wha (played by Seo Won) into his depraved surroundings. An underworld filled with gangsters and prostitution. Sun-wha's life in the Red Light District is filled with a heavy sense of hopeless determination, yet she manages to cope with the existence thrust upon her. After running away and suffering a re-abduction, Han-ki takes her to a beach where they witness a woman commit suicide. Sun-wha gather's up the bits of torn photos left behind by the self-destructive woman; only later to find the missing pieces and realized the pictures depict Han-ki and the deceased woman who strongly resembles herself. Upon realizing this, Sun-wha (having been granted her freedom) decides to remain with her captor.
Kim Ki-duk, best known for eccentric and controversial films has a way of presenting disturbing, depraved themes and challenging his audience with not only thinking about the material presented, but also finding the true beauty as well. Ki-duk isn't afraid to present heavily digested themes and bring the often ignored into direct light.
Rise: Blood Hunter (2007)
Anatomy (2000)
The Three Amigos (1986) Repeat
Anatomy 2 (2003)
The Cavern (2006)
The Cottage (2008)
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
Boogeyman 2 (2008)
Red Sands (2009)
Flesheater (1988)
Hack (2007)
Candy Stripers (2006)
Night of the Creeps (1986)
The Devil's Chair (2008)
Screenings:
The Evil Dead
The Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn
Army of Darkness
Purchases:
Army of Darkness (1993)
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Clash of The Titans (1981)
Event Horizon (1997)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Elvira's Haunted Hills (2002)
Trick 'r Treat (2008)
Grace (2009)
Perfect Creature (2006)
My Name Is Bruce (2006)
Born June 22, in Royal Oak Michigan and best known for The Evil Dead Trilogy; Bruce Campbell has also starred in many cult films such as Maniac Cop, Escape from LA and Bubba Ho-Tep. Campbell has also enjoyed mainstream success playing Autocalyus, and playing lead in The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Jack of All Trades. Campbell's most recent venture is playing Sam Axe on USA Network's Burn Notice.
Campbell's development began shooting short films with friends; eventually shooting the thirty minute feature Within the Woods which would become the basis for The Evil Dead. The film did not achieve immediate success, but did considerably better and gradually gained distribution after receiving an endorsement from horror author Stephen King.
Aside from acting, Bruce Campbell has also voiced Ash for the Evil Dead games: Hail to the King, Fistful of Boomstick, and Regeneration. Bruce has also voiced the mayor in 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' and Red "Torque" Redline in 'Cars 2'
Campbell has also authored two books: 'If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor' and 'Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way' Mr. Campbell has stated he plans to work on a third book.
Most complete video I could find. Sorry about the quality.
Meeting Bruce Campbell two weeks ago definitely was an awesome experience; granted it was some time ago, and I'm still buzzing about it. How often does anyone get the chance to meet someone they have admired throughout their childhood? The thought of it makes me giddy. Although I didn't watch The Evil Dead until High School, (which scared me thoroughly) I was familiar with Campbell through Hercules and Xena, and I also confess to having a crush on Autocalyus.
Campbell's character's have always been quirky, humorous, and charming; one thing I had not realized is how much of his true personality actually shines through his roles, which only makes me more curious about what he's like in his day to day life.
It was a great experience which I will always cherish. The trip itself was wonderful!
Nail Gun Massacre; also known as Texas Nail Gun Massacre was released in 1985 by Magnum Entertainment. Director Terry Lofton realized early on that the limited budget would greatly influence the quality of the film and so he played up the comedic aspects of the film.
Part of what makes this film so enjoyable is the it does not takes itself seriously. Everything from the canned acting, cheesy dialogue , and unbelievable murder sequences are part of what has made this film a low budget success.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from the film; it had first come to my attention through a news subscription from Texas Frightmare Weekend in association with Fantastic Fest and was advertised as "a movie for humans who hate humans and movies." This odd description is what caught my attention. It was also an opportunity to catch a rare screening of a film I had never heard of. The shared experience of watching Nail Gun Massacre with an audience definitely was an enjoyable one.
The film is filled with goofy moments, but my favorite has to be the one starring Lofton's grandmother who delivers my favorite line "Remember the days when no mosquitoes or killers would bother you?" She was also the actual store clerk at that particular film location. She had been asked to stand in when the original actress never showed the day of the shoot, unfortunately Mr. Lofton's grandmother would later come to regret her decision to appear when she later realized how much nudity was in the film.
Very much along the lines of a warped fairy tale for adults; the story centers around a crazed inventor which for some reason is unable to obtain sleep so he takes to abducting children in order to rob them of their dreams, but his menacing presence only causes the children to feed him nightmares and so a quest is taken in order to find the one who does not fear him.
Wonderful plot, definately draws the audience into the alternate reality like atmosphere; as well as background information is slowly revealed about each character, thus giving each persona a more three dimensional feel. Also not so subtily implied pediophelic romance between Miete and One.
Definately a must see and if you enjoyed this title you should definately see: "The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and her Lover"
Set in the WWII era, this fourth installment of the ever growing Lector legacy chronicles young Hannibal’s ascent into darkness. As we follow our fiendish anti-hero’s origin in the well bread world in which he was brought up, and witnessed the mindless slaying of his parents as well as the murder and feasting of his sister; acts which set off a methodical chain reaction of vengeance.
This installment however, falls short of the grotesque, psychological thrills set up by it’s predecessors; rather, this film is more an in depth analysis of the events which altered the life of Lector and reshaped him into the being most are well acquainted with. Though sutally analytical; the film also radiates symbolic undertones as well. (I.e. The rejection of Lady Murasaki; Gong Li’s character, which not only could have redeemed Lector, but save his humanity as well).
Despite the sudden change of tone in the franchise; casual movie goers will find disappointment due to the lack of action. Hannibal Rising is definitely an elitist film as opposed to the “low brow” films the “common man” is most comfortable with.
Gospard Ulliel makes his American debut in the title role, and if this twenty something actor seems familiar; audiences may recognize Ulliel from his short international breakout role in ‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ (2001). It was this roll which got the ball rolling and allowed him to further pursue an acting career.
Filmography
Hannibal (2007)
The Last Day (2006)
A Very Long Engagement (2004)
Strayed (2003)
Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
In the role of Lady Murasaki, we find Gong Li; also no stranger to American and international audiences; Ms. Li first gained notice in the 1987 release ‘Red Sorghum, a widely publicized film which made her a household name. ‘The story of Qui Ju (1992) is regarded as her most noteworthy film. And if Ms. Li is still doesn’t seem familiar, one may recognize her from ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005) or ‘Miami Vice’ (2006). Often regarded as an ‘actress of elegance and strong presence; capable of holding the interest of foreign and domestic audiences alike’.
Selected Filmography
Hannibal Rising (2007)
Miami Vice (2006)
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
The Story of Qui Ju (1997)
Red Sorghum (1987)
Hannibal Rising written by the reclusive, media shy Thomas Harris, born 1940 in Jackson, Tennessee; later relocating to Rich, Mississippi; Mr. Harris attended college at Baylor University in Waco, Texas on a journalism scholarship.
Harris began his career as a crime journalist. Inspired by the 1972 Olympics in which eleven Israeli athletes were killed; Harris wrote Black Sunday, which was adapted into the 1977 film depicting a terrorist attack on a football stadium; involving a blimp (not to be confused with ‘Black Sunday’ [1960]).
Bibliography
Black Sunday (1975)
Red Dragon (1981)
Silence of the Lambs (1988)
Hannibal (1999)
Hannibal Rising (2000)
The Hannibal legacy though quick to gain popularity did have its humble beginnings: the 1986 television film ‘Man Hunter’ (adapted from the 1981 novel Red Dragon). The movie’s reputation grew like wild fire and the 1991 theatrical release ‘Silence of the Lambs’ soon followed. ‘Hannibal (2001); the next installment in the series picks up from where the previous feature left off (this time picking up a “Beauty and the Beast” undertone). 2002 Brought the last real sequel; ‘Red Dragon’, which technically is a remake of the ’86 television movie ‘Man Hunter’(a feature in which Lector plays a minor role).
*Frankie Faison plays Barney, the orderly in all four films with the exception of ‘Hannibal Rising’.
Hannibal-ography
Man Hunter (1986)
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Hannibal (2001)
Red Dragon (2002)
Hannibal Rising (2007)
Recommendations (based on similarity):
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The beginning (2006)
Ed Gien (2001)
Young Poisoner’s Handbook (1995)
Took a day trip out to see the TCM house yesterday. It was a great trip and we had so much fun running around the house taking photos and videos. We actually got there when they were closed to prepare for the dinner crowd, but they were kind enough to let us in to look around. We later returned and had dinner there. The food was definitely worth the drive out there. It stank not being able to pick up wifi out there, I was dying to upload some of my pictures all day!
Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Grown Ups (2010)
The Hot Chick (2002)
The Bounty Hunter (2010)
Southpark: Bigger, Longer, Uncut (1999)
How it All Went Down (2003)
Friday (1995)
Tyler Perry's I Can do Bad All by Myself (2009)
Return to Me (2000)
Farewell My Concubine (1993)
Beerfest (2006)
Sweptaway (2002)
The Insatiable (2007)
Jade Warrior (2006)
Highway to Hell (1991)
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Natural Born Killers (1994)
A Dirty Shame (2004)
They Live (1988)
Cleopatra (1963)
Definitely one of the better 80s films. After the boating accident which claimed the lives of her father and brother, Angela now living with her cousin Ricky and aunt Martha. This year Ricky and Angela are being sent to summer camp. The unusually quiet Angela becomes a favorit taunt victem amung the more developed and extroverted girls. It falls on the overprotective Ricky to look after her.
With a combination of campy horror elements, cheesy dialogue, and the usual childish pranks, Sleepaway Camp is not to be missed by B-film lovers or gore fans alike.
Cast Info:
Felissa Rose Esposito landed the role of Angela at age 13 and had been asked to reprise the role for the two consecutive sequels, but declined on account of her schooling. Felissa reprises her role as Angela in Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008) and is said to be returning for the latest 3D installment Sleepaway Camp Reunion (in production)
Jonathan Tiersten who played Ricky in Sleepaway Camp and Return to Sleepaway Camp is also set to reprise his role in the upcoming Sleepaway Camp Renunion. Tiersten for a time was also a member of the day time soap Another World and spent the 90s-2000s focusing on his music career; 2008 marks his return acting with Return to Sleepaway Camp and also gained a part in The Perfect House at Felissa Rose's suggestion. In addition to acting Tiersten has been know to score and produce films.
Selected Films:
Felissa Rose
Sleepaway Camp (1983), Satan's Playground (2006), Under Surveillance (2006)
Jonathan Tiersten
Sleepaway Camp (1983), Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008), The Perfect House (2010)
Sleepaway CampII: Unhappy Campers (1988)
After years of therapy and a sex change operation Angela returns (now played by Pamela Springsteen) as a counselor at Camp Rolling Hills, where she instills her values upon the youth. Along with first film, this is definitely one of my favorites in the franchise. The film is equipped with cheesy dialogue and the same over the top murders we have grown accustomed to.
Cast Info:
Pamela Springsteen had originally started off as a still photographer for her brother Bruce Springsteen, capturing a great many of the photos depicted on his singles. Pamela eventually decided to follow in Julianne Phillips her than sister-in-law's foot steps and take up acting. Pamela started off with minor cheerleader roles in films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Reckless and a few other films before taking the lead role in the direct to video releases Sleepaway Camp II and III. In time Pamela left acting and continued to pursue her still photography career.
Renee Estevez, in the role of Molly Nagle portrays our baffled and bewildered protagonist this round. Renee is the younger sister of Emelio Estevez and Charlie Sheen, she began her career in an episode of CBS Schoolbreak Special titled Babies Having Babies (formerly known as CBS Afternoon Playhouse) a show which was similar to ABC's After School Special in which each episode attempts to convey a lesson or moral.
Selected Films:
Pamela Springsteen
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Modern Girls (1986), Scenes From the Goldmine (1987)
Renee Estevez
Heathers (1989), Single White Female (1992), MacGyver (1985), The West Wing (1999)
*Another noteworthy fact is that the majority of the characters in this film were named after 80s Brat Pack members: Molly, Sean, Ally, TC, Uncle John (Hughes),
Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989)
Angela returns, this timewithe the assumed identity of a murdered camper as she joins the ranks of troubled teens at Camp New Horizons on the newly resurrected grounds of Camp Arawak. This installment has nothing new to offer and wasn't much of a story in my opinion.
Cast Info:
Tracy Griffith, half sister of Melanie Griffith joins this chapter as Marcia Holland; Angela's latest protagonish. Mrs. Griffith's first break arrived as Marcia in the third Sleepaway Camp film. Tracy now leads a quiet life as a sushi chef.
Selected Films:
Sleepaway Camp 3 (1989), The First Power (1990)
Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008)
By far the worst film in the franchise thus far! Completely overdone, canned and tired by this point, there is absolutely nothing new which can be offered by this point! Camp Manabe is the latest reincarnation of Angela's favorite killing grounds. No one is safe from suspicion as the camp population soon dwindles and soon campers and staff become suspects in a race to unmask the culprit.
Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs (2009)
Monster Dog (1985)
Black Swan (2010)
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Two Evil Eyes (1990)
In the Mouth of Madness (1995)
The New York Ripper (1982)
The Toolbox Murders (1978)
I Saw the Devil (2010)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Shutter Island (2010)
The Beach (2000)
Zhou Yu's Train (2004)
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
The Other Guys (2010)
The Joneses (2009)
Thriller (1960)
Rock Star (2001)
Joe's Apartment (1996)
Dead Space: Downfall (2008)
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Elizabethtown (2005)
The film should have been called The Invisi-blah! This movie came off as a watered-down, badly plotted, "GHOST" rip off; minus the presence of a seasoned actor. In addition, it is a pushy attempt to launch a soundtrack, which further understates the storyline! The film seems to have a solid trailer, but a confused plot line.
