In Memory of Sydney Pollack...

I've created a brief quiz on Flixster to commemorate this brilliant filmmaker.

TAKE THE QUIZ!

Good luck!

1989: Year of the Sequel

Few years have contained as incredible an amount of sequelitis as the final year of the 1980's. Quite fitting, as this was the decade in which the commercialization of the Hollywood blockbuster had truly flourished. Without further ado, here's the gigantic list of 1989's franchised follow-ups...

• AMERICAN NINJA 3: BLOOD HUNT
• BACK TO THE FUTURE, PART II
• BARBARIAN QUEEN II: THE EMPRESS STRIKES BACK
• BEYOND THE DOOR III
• C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE C.H.U.D.
• COBRA MISSION 2
• DANGER ZONE II: REAPER'S REVENGE
• EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS II: EDDIE LIVES
• FLESH GORDON AND THE COSMIC CHEERLEADERS
• FLETCH LIVES
• THE FLY II
• FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART VIII: JASON TAKES MANHATTAN
• GHOSTBUSTERS II
• GNAW: FOOD OF THE GODS II
• THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY II
• GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE
• HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS
• HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD II
• THE HORROR SHOW (HOUSE III)
• HOWLING V: THE REBIRTH
• INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
• THE KARATE KID, PART III
• LETHAL WEAPON 2
• LICENCE TO KILL (BOND 16)
• NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION
• A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: THE DREAM CHILD
• OUTLAW OF GOR
• POLICE ACADEMY 6: CITY UNDER SIEGE
• THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING
• THE RETURN OF THE MUSKETEERS
• SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT III: BETTER WATCH OUT!
• SILK 2
• SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND
• SPEED ZONE! (CANNONBALL RUN III)
• STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER
• STEPFATHER II
• STRIPPED TO KILL II: LIVE GIRLS
• THE TOXIC AVENGER, PART II
• THE TOXIC AVENGER, PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE
• WIZARDS OF THE LOST KINGDOM II

'89 also saw the launch of franchises that would inspire their own continuations over the following years, such as: Tim Burton's BATMAN, BEST OF THE BEST, BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, DEEPSTAR SIX, Disney's HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS, K-9, KILLER CROCODILE, LOOK WHO'S TALKING, MAJOR LEAGUE, MOONTRAP, RED SCORPION, SAVAGE BEACH, WARLOCK and WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S.

From 1987 to 1989, the amount of sequels seemed to increase little by little. Naturally, I've gone to great lengths (not really) to include lists for years '87 & '88, as well...

1988

• ANGEL III: THE FINAL CHAPTER
• ARTHUR 2: ON THE ROCKS
• BILOXI BLUES
• BLACK COBRA 2
• BRADDOCK: MISSING IN ACTION III
• CADDYSHACK II
• COCOON: THE RETURN
• CRITTERS 2: THE MAIN COURSE
• 'CROCODILE' DUNDEE II
• CURSE II: THE BITE
• THE DEAD POOL
• DEATH NURSE 2
• DEATHSTALKER AND THE WARRIORS FROM HELL
• THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION, PART II: THE METAL YEARS
• EMMANUELLE 6
• ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS
• FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD
• FRIGHT NIGHT, PART 2
• 'GATOR BAIT II: CAJUN JUSTICE
• HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS
• HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II
• HOWLING IV: THE ORIGINAL NIGHTMARE
• IRON EAGLE II
• L.A. CRACKDOWN II
• A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER
• NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER II: RAGING THUNDER
• PHANTASM II
• POLICE ACADEMY 5: ASSIGNMENT MIAMI BEACH
• POLTERGEIST III
• RAMBO III
• RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES!
• RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, PART II
• RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER
• SATURDAY THE 14TH STRIKES BACK
• SHORT CIRCUIT 2
• SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS
• THUNDER WARRIOR III
• THE UNDERSTUDY: GRAVEYARD SHIFT II

1987

• AMERICAN NINJA 2: THE CONFRONTATION
• BENJI THE HUNTED
• BEVERLY HILLS COP II
• BIG BAD MAMA II
• THE CARE BEARS: ADVENTURE IN WONDERLAND
• CREEPSHOW 2
• CRIMINALLY INSANE II
• DEATH WISH 4: THE CRACKDOWN
• DEATHSTALKER II: DUEL OF THE TITANS
• EMMANUELLE V
• EVIL DEAD II: DEAD BY DAWN
• GHOULIES II
• HELLO, MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II
• HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY
• HOWLING III: THE MARSUPIALS
• IT'S ALIVE III: ISLAND OF THE ALIVE
• JAWS: THE REVENGE
• THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (BOND 15)
• A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS
• PENITENTIARY III
• POLICE ACADEMY 4: CITIZENS ON PATROL
• A RETURN TO SALEM'S LOT
• REVENGE OF THE NERDS II: NERDS IN PARADISE
• SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, PART 2
• SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE II
• SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE
• TEEN WOLF TOO
• THEY STILL CALL ME BRUCE

You're welcome.

1979: Year of the Vampire

According to the Chinese astrological calendar, 1979 was officially the "year of the ram," but in cinemas and on televised screens worldwide, it most certainly was the "year of the vampire".

Being that it was the end of the '70s, it could be argued that this was the best period for vampires on film. However, spoofs like DRACULA SUCKS and the much more successful LOVE AT FIRST BITE pretty much killed the movement. On with the list...

• THE CURSE OF DRACULA (T.V.)
• DRACULA (John Badham)
• DRACULA BITES THE BIG APPLE
• DRACULA BLOWS HIS COOL
• DRACULA SUCKS
• FASCINATION
• THE HALLOWEEN THAT ALMOST WASN'T (T.V.)
• LOVE AT FIRST BITE
• NOCTURNA
• NOSFERATU, THE VAMPIRE (Werner Herzog)
• SALEM'S LOT (T.V.)
• THIRST
• VAMPIRE (T.V.)

According to some sources, VAMPIRE HOOKERS and DRACULA'S LAST RITES might have been included in that same year of release, however, both films have conflicting release dates accredited to them. (1978 & 1980, respectively.)

"42nd Street Forever, Vol. 3"

If you know me, then you know that I love movies. And, if you know me more than those who only know that I love movies, then you also know that I love movie trailers. And, if you know all (both) of those wonderful facts about me, then you are holding the very knowledge that very few can claim to have held. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement. Perhaps not. I might be giving too much credit. You might know this, simply from reading my "about me" bio. If that is the case, then, you must be an acquaintance! Nice try, deep fry. I'm onto your shifty business and kuh-niving ways!

Anyway, with that said, I L-O-V-E the 42ND STREET FOREVER series of DVDs from Synapse Films. Yesterday, upon my DVD buying travels, I finally came across the latest volume entitled EXPLOITATION EXPLOSION. After reading the contents on the back of the case, I could hardly wait to get home and pop the disc in my player, thereby losing myself in an array of movie trailer madness. It's as if the good folks at Synapse have harnessed the ability to read my mind. "Hey, hasn't Nathan been longing to see some of these trailers and/or TV spots since the dawn of his existence?" "Yes, Synapse Films, I have!" It's as if Synapse is the Superman to my Lois Lane. "Can You Read My Mind?" reference. You're welcome.

In addition to reading my thoughts, Synapse also has a know-how on when to release a trailer that has not been previously released on the respective DVD of the film in question. One example from the previous volume is the inclusion of the trailer to Abel Ferrara's vigilante classic, MS. 45, a feature which is sorely lacking from the DVD released by Image Entertainment (yet another reason not to buy the disc, the other is that the film itself is NOT uncut). Synapse has done the same good deed once again here on Vol. 3, by adding the trailer to Jeanott Szwarc's BUG. Paramount released the film to DVD years ago, and we all know those mountain folk be skimpin' on the extras, especially in the theatrical trailer department.

Here is the "track listing" in the order they appear on the DVD (titles ending with an asterisk are those which I was particularly excited about, having not seen them before)...

Theatrical Trailers:

• SUDDEN DEATH
• THE ONE-ARMED EXECUTIONER *
• JAGUAR LIVES!
• ENTER THE NINJA *
• LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH
• FIVE FINGERS OF DEATH
• THE STRANGER AND THE GUNFIGHTER
• BEYOND THE DOOR
• DEMONOID *
• THE NIGHT CHILD
• DEVIL TIMES FIVE
• PATRICK
• JENNIFER *
• PHASE IV *
• BUG *
• THE UNCANNY *
• THE PACK *
• ALLIGATOR
• KILLER FISH *
• SHARK'S TREASURE *
• BLOOD BEACH *
• HOT T-SHIRTS *
• CHEERLEADERS' WILD WEEKEND *
• SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS *
• GORP *
• KING FRAT *
• PRISON GIRLS
• 1000 CONVICTS AND A WOMAN
• CHAIN GANG WOMEN
• THE PENTHOUSE
• THE HOUSE BY THE LAKE *
• NIGHT CALL NURSES
• THE YOUNG NURSES
• CANDY STRIPE NURSES
• THE LIFE AND TIMES OF XAVIERA HOLLANDER
• THE HAPPY HOOKER GOES HOLLYWOOD *
• SURVIVE! *
• GUYANA: CULT OF THE DAMNED *
• SEVEN
• SCORCHY *
• SAVAGE STREETS *
• CONVOY *
• HIGH BALLIN' *
• FROM NOON TILL THREE *
• TELEFON *
• LIES
• TATTOO *

Vintage Television Spots:

• JAGUAR LIVES!
• HIGH BALLIN' *
• CHAMPION OF DEATH
• THE SENIORS *
• THE LAST SURVIVOR
• THE JESUS TRIP
• NAKED ANGELS
• BILLY JACK *
• GOLDEN NEEDLES

Of course, I can't wait for Volume Four! Keep 'em comin'!

Jolt Cinema

For nearly a year, I've been on a Jolt Cola kick (not every second, mind you, my heart would explode) and it's been quite the mission to find actual businesses that carry Jolt products.

And now, a short history of Jolt Cola...
Born in 1985, it was first advertised as the ultimate cola providing twice the sugar and twice the caffeine. This, of course, shocked most parental groups and the product went from being easily accessible to scarce in seemingly no time at all. (I think I only had the privilege to consume one six-pack during that decade.)

Always soldiering on, the brand has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Jolt was clearly a signature of the '80s, but also clearly ahead of it's time. Fast forward to the current world of energy drinks, Jolt now seems to fit right in. While you can find their energy gum in many locations, their drinks are slowly becoming more and more available. But, there is hope. Walgreen's, the major drug store chain, began carrying Jolt's special energy drinks (Super Cola, Passion Fruit, Blue Raspberry, etc.) a few months back, which could lead to a lot more "Jolt awareness". Fingers crossed!

So, what does all of this have to do with cinema? First off, I always felt that it was a missed opportunity that New Line Cinema never struck a cross-promotional deal with them in the '80s for their "Nightmare On Elm Street" films. The connection is obvious. Perfect Freddy repellent! Secondly, the fine folks at Jolt Energy have created a website, which welcomes participation from the fan community in the form of stories, photos, advertising, et cetera. So, that's where I came up with the Jolt Cinema line of advertising.

On my own time, without endorsement nor compensation from the Jolt brand, I've created a few movie tie-in ads and am offering those ads here, because I'm not sure if the Jolt folks will dig them or not.

He's a Fly Guy!

Today was my second viewing of Jon Favreau's IRON MAN. Damn good stuff. Certainly the best Marvel comics-inspired film (not a truly difficult feat when you stop to think about it) and a nice little "I told you so" memo to those who never thought Robert Downey, Jr. could pull it off.

The IRON-ic matter is that these naysayers and newcomers are "discovering" or re-discovering Downey and seeking his previous work. On one hand, I believe it's a good thing, on the other, it reminds me of the mass audience that Johnny Depp gained with his "Pirates Of The Caribbean" films. "His other films are so weird!" Whatever. Get used to it. It's called a "filmography" filled with "smart acting choices". Weird!

Of course, the success of IRON MAN has everything to do with the collaboration of some truly gifted individuals who actually "care" about making a quality film with staying power, rather than the conventional flavor-of-the-month summer blockbuster. Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges are all excellent in their roles and the creative partnership of Favreau and Peter Billingsley strikes gold once again.



Looking forward to that inevitable sequel!
GO FAVS!

"The Legend Of The Lone Ranger"

A couple years back, I posted about my wanting to re-watch THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER, the 1981 film starring Klinton Spilsbury in the title role. After purchasing a couple of VHS copies, I tried and tried to watch the film again. The pan & scan-ness of the presentation and my knowing that the film was shot and intended for Panavision 2.35, kept me from digging in completely. Fast forward to early '08 when I came across a widescreen DVD transfer from the fine folks at Flesh Wound Video.

From a collector-to-collector DVD-R basis, FWV clearly leads the pack with their beautiful, painstakingly restored presentations and attractive packaging. In the case of LONE RANGER, the disc contains a correctly framed anamorphic widescreen print with two great bonus features: the film's original theatrical trailer and an extensive photo gallery. Very nice.

After finally taking the time to give it another shot (it's been at least twenty years since my last viewing), my opinion of this film hasn't changed all that much. I enjoyed it back then and, with some minor criticisms, I still do.

By far, this is not a perfect film, but by no means is it as bad as some have criticized. For the most part, it has everything going for it. Stunning cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs, great locations, yet another memorable score by the always impressive John Barry and despite being dubbed by another actor, Klinton Spilsbury's turn as the masked avenger does work. The film also benefits greatly from a few stand-out performances, mainly Christopher Lloyd putting true evil into his Butch Cavendish characterization (an icy-ness absent from previous portrayals) and Michael Horse's interpretation of Tonto, in which Horse not only expounds the dignity and integrity of the role, but also supports Spilsbury's RANGER to the point that his performance does not falter.

THE LEGEND pertains to how John Reid became the masked man and the vengeful mission that drives his hero-like persona. After the origin and events leading up to his mission are presented (within the film's first half), the film begins to fall apart and feels quite rushed when it should not be. At the moment when Spilsbury first turns to the camera in full "LR get-up" to the familiar tune of the William Tell overture, the momentum seems lost. And, the events that transpire from that point, during Reid's quest for justice, never fully satisfy.

The inclusion of the overture unbalances the mood a bit. Sure it's identifiable to the character, but it would have been nice to get a new theme composed by Barry (not unlike the revisionistic interpretations of John Williams in SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE or Jerry Goldsmith in STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE). I get the "return to yesteryear" vibe that the film tries hard to perpetuate, but it clearly does not compliment the mounting, slow burn style the film has already established. Imagine if the central theme music of the 1960's BATMAN series had been incorporated into Danny Elfman's score for Tim Burton's BATMAN and you'll get the idea. I presume this has to do with Jack Wrather's hold on the character from the original television series to this feature film version, but cross-breeding an epic western film with the conventional trappings of a Saturday afternoon serial doesn't even out.

So, there's my main gripe. A great build-up with little pay-off. This should have been at least a two-hour film, rather than one that runs 98 minutes. The first half takes it's time and deserves a respectful, fleshed-out continuation of the storyline. Also, James Keach's dubbing of Spilsbury's vocals is glaringly obvious and while it is done well, it's still hard to get past this fact, making it difficult to embrace the character in a relatable fashion.

Drawbacks aside, overall, I found the film enjoyable and it brought back a lot of good memories. With so much potential, THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER is difficult to resist and worthy of a second look.

Al Pacino in "88 Minutes"

He has 88 minutes to solve a murder. His own.

And, I have 108 minutes in a theater, all to myself, to watch him do it!

YIKES! Give me more time!

But seriously, I did see this film and it's probably my biased Pacino appreciation talking here, but I did enjoy it. Nothing original, but it's Pacino running around with a cell phone and talking (and sometimes, more than talking) to some tantalizing females in a NICK OF TIME-esque plot riddled with bullets and wet streets. Also, Pacino reunites with previous co-stars, Amy Brenneman of HEAT and William Forsythe of DICK TRACY. A double WHAM-BAM, right in line with the recent double Pacino reunion in OCEAN'S THIRTEEN with Ellen Barkin of SEA OF LOVE and Andy Garcia of THE GODFATHER, PART III. And, yes, both of them were in that HBO film, CLINTON AND NADINE! I know! It's insane!

Speaking of reunions (and who isn't), Pacino's next film is a re-teaming with his 88 MINUTES director, Jon Avnet. The film is RIGHTEOUS KILL featuring another Pacino reunion, with fellow titan Robert De Niro of THE GODFATHER, PART II and Michael Mann's HEAT. This time around, they're due to share much more screen time... AND, the Pacino reunion continues with the additional casting of his CARLITO'S WAY co-star, John Leguizamo. (Remember the SUPER MARIO BROS. reunion he had with Dennis Hopper in George A. Romero's LAND OF THE DEAD? How could you not?! Everyone's talking about it! When I say "everyone," I'm speaking specifically of "me".)

AND, speaking of CARLITO'S WAY...

88 MINUTES felt like a Brian De Palma film, which reminds me... he and Pacino need to do another film. Let's make it a trilogy, fellas!

Sincerely,

-Cuckoo for Pacino Puffs*

*A new cereal idea that I'm working on.

Fright Night Focus

Announcing my newly launched sub-blog, FRIGHT NIGHT FOCUS!
A site devoted to the resurgence of Tom Holland's classic vampire flick in the form of a Special Edition on DVD and Blu-Ray. My hope is to motivate enough of the fan base to sway the "powers that be" at Sony to make such a release a reality.

I have also created a MySpace page.
So, let us Fright Nighters become great cyber-chums! In the words of John Lennon, I hope some day you'll join us ...and the world will be as one! Too heavy? Okay.

Screen memories of Roy Scheider

Originally posted at THE JAWS BOARD on Wed. Feb 13, 2008 @ 4:12 am

My name is Nathan and this is my first post here at The Jaws Board. I learned of Roy Scheider's passing late Sunday nite and the sadness was overwhelming.

I was born in late '76, so I was far too young to experience JAWS, but I became quite aware of the film since my father owned the soundtrack album. The cover scared the hell out of me, but with that fear came a fascination. Couple that with the eventual mass marketing of JAWS 2, I was hooked before I saw either film. I'd imagine not unlike any kid my age who shared the same fascination, Roy became a highly recognizable figure in my early childhood, along with the likes of John Belushi, Bill Bixby, Lynda Carter, Chevy Chase, Richard Dreyfuss, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Goldie Hawn, Mark Hamill, Dudley Moore, Jack Nicholson, John Travolta, Frank Langella, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter and Robin Williams... just to name a few! These were my heroes.

Roy, of course, would go on to do so many great films. ALL THAT JAZZ, COHEN & TATE, 52 PICK-UP, LAST EMBRACE, SORCERER, STILL OF THE NIGHT, 2010 ...terrific performances. And, we all know an Oscar should have been awarded to him for ALL THAT JAZZ. Of course, BLUE THUNDER was such a dream film for me, too. Scheider, McDowell & Oates in the same film? Are you kidding me?! Not to mention possibly the coolest piece of machinery to grace the silver screen! Where do I sign?!

His prior JAWS screen record was equally impressive in such works as THE FRENCH CONNECTION, KLUTE, THE SEVEN-UPS and a great turn as the "heavy" in the underrated THE OUTSIDE MAN. Roy steals that one, completely. Simply put, Roy had an undeniable screen presence. His appearance in any film solidified my need to see it and such further opportunities will be sorely missed.

In an earlier post by Doug, he describes Roy as an "icon". Spot on. I cannot think of a better way to encapsule the memory of this wonderful, talented actor.

BFI: The Free Cinema Movement

Just came across this terrific interactive "education" on Britain's "Free Cinema" film movement of the mid-1950s thru early 60's. Yes, it's informative. But, the best part is that it's hosted by the great Malcolm McDowell. McDowell is the perfect host for this tour, being that he is a protege of legendary filmmaker Lindsay Anderson, one of the innovators of the movement.

On the first go through, I was able to answer most of the questions correctly, but then, I found much more amusement in deliberately answering them wrong or taking way too long to make a move, because the ritualistic reward of being berated by McDowell is priceless.

TAKE THE TOUR!

Then, do yourself a favor and check out the complete collection of films on DVD:

Region 2 release

Region 1 release

UPDATE
I've since had the opportunity to meet Mr. McDowell at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend in Grapevine. Needless to say, he was extremely cool. I mentioned how much I enjoyed the BFI Free Cinema thing, to which he replied, "You saw that?!"

National Rambo Day is nigh!

Since Lionsgate is releasing the lastest installment of Sylvester Stallone's lucrative RAMBO franchise on January 25th, it's my belief that this day should be forever regarded as National Rambo Day. In fact, I'm going to go on record as the guy who declared it that way. You're welcome!

In less than 30 hours, I will be enjoying the first showing of RAMBO at a midnite screening, which I'm more than ecstatic about. I've been waiting a year for this. The last time I was this excited about a film (year long anticipation, mind you) was in 1995, with Michael Mann's HEAT. Mark my words, this film will be good.... damn good.





"Murdock... I'm comin' to get YOU!"

Stallone is back and I feel like an 8-year-old, all over again.
Hell yes.

I've been punished...

I'm a huge fan of the SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT film series.

Most folks either love the films or loathe them. For me, they're all guilty pleasures. Never 100% genre classics in the conventional sense (the first is the closest, while the 3rd has the benefit of a most-skilled director, Monte Hellman), but fun nonetheless.

So, I've beeen waiting feverishly (okay, not really) for December 11th to arrive, so I could check out the latest DVD release of the original by Anchor Bay. Of course, this isn't the first time SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT has appeared on DVD. Anchor Bay previously released a double feature DVD in 2003, containing the original film in it's uncut, restored form along with the notoriously bad SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, PART 2.



While I was thrilled to have these films on DVD, it always irritated me that neither a theatrical trailer nor TV spot was included for the first film (there was a trailer included for "Part 2"). How could this be? Anyone who knows the history of SNDN also knows that the film itself wasn't the cause for the tremendous uproar from parental groups everywhere. Rather, it was the actual publicity materials (movie posters and televised commercial spots, especially) that sparked the true controversy. There had already been Christmas-themed horror films, some even involved Santa-suited psychopathic slasher fiends, but none of which received the degree of SNDN's multimedia marketing saturation. These were the ads that freaked out the mass public and ultimately won SNDN it's forbidden reputation. Overwhelmed by the astounding negative attention (including a slew of horrible reviews), the film's distributor, Tri-Star Pictures, withdrew it from circulation and eventually disowned the film entirely. Ironically, Tri-Star distributed the (north) polar-opposite, family-friendly SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE the following year.

Perhaps, I've been spoiled, but I've come to expect such goodies from Anchor Bay and I was truly disappointed to find that no trailers or TV spots were made available. So, when I learned of a new edition, I was hopeful that it might include SOMETHING more... anything. With the latest DVD firmly in hand, my eyes delighted to the words "theatrical trailer" advertised prominently on the back cover. That was all the incentive I needed to plop $13 at the checkout counter. Sadly, after a quick spin in my DVD player, I discovered these words held no such relevance. No trailer to be found. Even though the packaging boasts "one of the most controversial slasher films of all time... uncut, uncensored and back like never before," this is the exact same pressing as the '03 release. Such a phrase should indicate a fresh presentation of sorts. If by "like never before" Anchor Bay truly meant that this release features newer, over-blurbed packaging and that the disc is no longer a double-sided double feature, then perhaps the statement is correct.



On the subject of having no new special features, why didn't Anchor Bay consider doing an interview with Miss Linnea Quigley just for this disc? It could have been easy. They actually had such an opportunity after previously interviewing her for their NIGHT OF THE DEMONS release. "Hey, Linnea... might we ask about SILENT NIGHT now... for a possible future DVD re-release?" Guess not.

To summarize, really what we have here is a re-hash of Part 1 only, in exactly the same presentation as before. The catch being that this DVD is in print while the other is not. I want my thirteen dollars back... like never before!

NAUGHTY! NAUGHTY! NAUGHTY!

Mashed Potatoes!

Here's my latest nod. A "mash-up" (that's what the kids call 'em, these daze) of movie trailer moments that are all movie, all from trailers and are all actual moments! Would you believe?

Popcorn... SCHMOPCORN!

That's right, popcorn fiends, I hate all of you! While I'm not a big fan of it, generally, I don't have a disdain for the poppycorn, but the drowning sounds made by it's natching consumers is what irks my gurk! Why are people determined to NOT close their mouths whilst chewing on this confection? It's as if everytime I go to a picture show, I'm surrounded by bubble gum poppin' Pink Ladies and that just can't be right. Can it?!

My friend Sean (not to be confused with Martin & Lewis' film debut, MY FRIEND IRMA) and I have shared the same thought that if we were to own a movie theater, in a perfect world filled with blue skies and fluffy cotton candy clouds, that we wouldn't serve popcorn. On one hand, it would be sacrilegious to not offer the food forever linked to the film-going experience, but on the other hand, it might prove to be a refreshing change of pace. But, then, there's cheese flavored popcorn, which never gets the recognition it deserves...

Just a thought.

3D Video

I've often passed by this place. It's an Asian video rental outlet, with an odd and somewhat confusing name. What's the 3D in reference to? One of these days, I'm going to make it my mission to pester the employees at this store by demanding three-dimensional films in both the anaglyphic and field-sequential formats. "Yes, do you have METALSTORM: THE DESTRUCTION OF JARED-SYN? How about SPACEHUNTER: ADVENTURES IN THE FORBIDDEN ZONE? You know, the one with Peter Strauss! What about TREASURE OF THE FOUR CROWNS, BLONDE EMMANUELLE or KISS ME KATE? Surely, you must have those titles in stock! What kind of a 3-D rental store are you running here?! You don't even have an Earl Owensby section?! Ridiculous!"

Fleece out.

UPDATE: 04/23/08
Store no longer in biz.

CineCraze Double Feature Trailer Show

Do you love theatrical trailers? Really?! Me too!

There's a new sheriff in town!

Announcing the CINECRAZE DOUBLE FEATURE TRAILER SHOW!

That's right, kiddies! Double means more than one!

Two... count 'em... TWO trailers on the same program!

That's TWO trailers to TWO different films (unless I goof) on the same mind-numbing double bill! Can your heart stand it?! It should, since they're all completely 100% free of any cholesterol of any sort!

http://youtube.com/johnmorghen

So, check 'em out! Updating regularly and irregularly, just like this blog! Awesome!

Tinto Brass sighting at Wal-Mart!

You know, I never thought I'd see the day when Tinto Brass' troubled epic, CALIGULA, would grace the shelves of a Wal-Mart. Sure, it's the rated version, but still... it's CALIGULA ...at Wal-Mart!

I was tempted to ask the sales associate if they planned on carrying other Tinto Brass films, such as FRIVOLOUS LOLA, THE KEY and MIRANDA (starring Serena GGGGRRRRRandi). Of course, I already know the answer to that one. "Huh? Not sure on those titles, although we should be getting a shipment of ALL LADIES DO IT and a horde of Aristide Massacesi fare by next week, sir. Sam Walton was always a fan."

Midnite On A Tuesday Morning

Tuesday is DVD new release day and this particular Tuesday marks a special occasion: the return of MGM's Midnite Movies! The usual Midnite Movies ritual began at 8:05 am at Fry's Electronics (my seemingly home away from home). I decided earlier that I would pass on any of the higher priced releases, such as "From Beyond" and "The Return Of The Living Dead" Special Edition (both were $14.99) and "The Fly" Collection at $29.99(!), and shop strictly for all the MGM/Fox titles at $9.99 each.

I was in and out within fifteen minutes and got everything I had planned on. Mission accomplished!

Midnite Movies (MGM):

IMDB Idiot of the Moment: fistoffury

The following was originally posted on IMDB
The place: Message boards for Alia Shawkat
Look for me, "johnmorghen"!

Thread: "Not that good looking" by fistoffury

fistoffury:
Alia is not all that good looking, she is at best, grungy looking. This is best seen in movies such as Deck the Halls where she looks so plain and mediocre next to those two twin knockouts. So I dont see why people are going head over heels for her, she isnt all that great.

Long story short is that he pisses off her fans with such a comment and I eventually jump in, having also researched fistoffury's message board history, which, turns out to be quite as sad and immature as his recent comment.

johnmorghen:
Just so everyone knows, "fistoffury" is a sad case, and when he isn't posting crap like this or thought-provoking debates such as "Unicron vs. Superman" or "MacGyver Vs. Jigsaw," he enjoys berating various actors and characters. Here are two samples from his message board history:

Hayden is a girl's name!!!
"Just so you all know, Hayden is a girl's name! Therefore Hayden Christensen is a boy with a girl's name! ha ha HA! You see, there is this girl, Hayden, who stars in this television show called Heroes. Hayden is the name of the actress, whose a girl, therefore, Hayden Christensen has a girl's name. That must be very embarrassing for him."

OR, this gem:

Kermit and Fozzie are gay
"Especially in this muppet movie, its made obvious enough that Kermit and Fozzie are gay. The earlier muppet movies hint at their homosexuality but this one really hits home. Kermit, who sings the song "Rainbow Connection" is unusually neat, and who is delicate and feminine, we know from that much hes gay. Fozzie immediately hooks up with him in the first muppet movie and they stay closely hooked throughout the rest of their careers as muppets, the two are unseperable. In this movie, as well as some of the earlier movies Kermit has a hard time returning Miss Piggy's affections. In this movie, when they all split up and Fozzie goes into hybernating, when a female bear snuggles up to him he screams for Kermit. In this movie when Piggy and Kermit get married Kermit is hesitant to say "I do." The whole wedding was just an obvious cover up for Kermit's homosexuality and for his affairs with Fozzie. The real ending would show Kermit and Fozzie going off into the sunset together."

Anyone's desire to post on an IMDB message board for an actor whom they do not like, to criticize them while offending true fans, should speak volumes about their insecurities and their lack of well-spent personal time. "fistoffury" is immature to say the least and these posts concerning Alia Shawkat should be dismissed entirely.