From Far & Wide, From High & Low Vol 15
100 random titles off the shelf representing various genres
List activity
461 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
100 titles
- StarsJane BadlerMichael DurrellFaye GrantA seemingly peaceful alien race, arrives at earth and asks for help to ensure their own planets survival. However, the visitors agenda turns out be much darker.Kenneth Johnson who had brought a host of successful series to television including THE BIONIC WOMAN, ALIEN NATION and THE INCREDIBLE HULK was the brains behind this hugely successful 2 part mini-series which aired on NBC. One morning people awaken to find enormous spaceships hovering ominously over the major cities of the world causing panic until the aliens reveal themselves to be a peace-loving humanoid species looking only to share their advanced technology in exchange for provisions they desperately need. Marc DALLAS Singer plays an investigative reporter who discovers the Visitors are a reptilian race disguised as humans who have planned a conquest of our world patterned after Nazi Germany's invasion of Europe. Jane Badler co-stars as the evil Diana who single-handedly steals the show by unhinging her jaw in order to devour a live guinea pig. Robert A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Englund plays a passive vegan who rejects his militaristic rulers and joins the human resistance led by a scientist played by Faye OMEN IV: THE AWAKENING Grant who struggles to find some way of defeating the enemy before it's too late. This star studded film was also noteworthy for the quality of the special effects. A sequel mini series entitled V: THE FINAL BATTLE aired the following year. Both Badler and Singer would return to the franchise in 2009.
- CreatorKenneth JohnsonStarsJane BadlerMichael DurrellRobert EnglundA small group of human resistance fighters fight a desperate guerilla war against the genocidal extra-terrestrials who dominate Earth.NBC & series creator Kenneth STEEL Johnson parted ways citing creative differences leaving director Richard FUTUREWORLD Heffron in charge of this 3 part mini-series event about a global invasion of man-eating Nazi-esque reptiles from outer space. Like the 1st, V: THE FINAL BATTLE shot to the top of the ratings to the delight of stars Marc BEASTMASTER 3: THE EYE OF BRAXUS Singer, Faye OMEN IV: THE AWAKENING Grant and Jane FALCON CREST Badler who played one of the best villains to ever come out of network tv. Her 'reveal' from the 1st film is one of the most memorable pop culture moments of the 80s however this time the highlight has to be the unforgettable alien/human hybrid baby birth sequence which will have horror fans screaming in delight. I liked this one a lot. It's got a fantastic cast, the special effects were very well designed and it's got some replay value. Followed by a short-lived weekly series and a franchise reboot in 2009.
- CreatorKenneth JohnsonStarsMarc SingerFaye GrantMichael IronsideA year after Liberation Day, courtesy of the red-dust bacteria, the humanoid, lizard-like aliens develop a resistance to the micro-organism and try to regain control of the Earth--only now, some humans are knowingly working with them.NBC sent V on a suicide mission to take down DALLAS in the ratings and failed miserably. Kenneth THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN Johnson had no involvement with the series which was hamstrung by a large cast and an over-reliance on stock footage despite it's million dollar price tag per episode. Shortly before the show was canceled the network streamlined the cast by writing out Michael SEAQUEST DSV Ironside and Lane LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN Smith and gave the introduction some polish hoping to attract viewers. In the end, not even the DYNASTY-esque feud between Jane Badler's Diana and her alien nemesis Lydia (June FORBIDDEN WORLD Chadwick) could draw an audience although it was bravura entertainment. Marc BODY CHEMISTRY Singer and Faye THE JANUARY MAN Grant starred as the leaders of the human resistance who were entrusted to care for the hybrid child named Elizabeth played by FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES! Jennifer Cook. The show ended on a cliff-hanger with Elizabeth attempting to broker a peace treaty with the Visitors Imperious Leader with Diana at the ready to blow them both to kingdom come. The V franchise would carry on for a time in comic book or novelization form but it wouldn't be till the new millennium that Kenneth Johnson released a sequel book entitled V: THE NEXT GENERATION & the ABC network ordered a reboot.
- CreatorKenneth JohnsonScott PetersStarsElizabeth MitchellMorris ChestnutJoel GretschAn extraterrestrial race arrives on Earth with seemingly good intentions, only to slowly reveal their true machinations the more ingrained into society they become.Warner Brothers sued the Writer's Guild to have series creator Kenneth SHORT CIRCUIT 2 Johnson's name removed from the opening credits citing the reboot was significantly different than the version which aired 30 years before. It was in actuality very different in that V was a very patriotic series whereas this post 911 version draws parallels between the Obama administration's subversive policies and the cold-blooded aliens who have infiltrated America and are attempting to enslave it. Regardless of the politics, Kenneth Johnson kept his screen credit and the series resumed production with the 1st 4 episodes airing as an 'event' followed by a 3 month hiatus during which the series shed half it's audience and half again when the abbreviated 2nd season began. Morena FIREFLY Baccarin stars as Anna the reptilian queen of an alien race who has launched a full scale invasion of earth after having spent decades carefully infiltrating society at the highest levels. Anna overthrew her own mother (played by Jane V Badler in a perfect bit of casting) after she broke ranks advocating for peace and finds herself with a daughter who is secretly in love with a human and swayed towards joining the resistance movement. Laura SMALLVILLE Vandervoort played the rebellious daughter in love with Logan FINAL GIRL Hoffman much to the horror of star; Elizabeth LOST Mitchell who plays his FBI agent mother who suspects the Visitors are not what they seem. Charles DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Mesure and Scott PARTY OF FIVE Wolf also starred in this very well cast and solidly designed series which didn't shirk on special effects.
- DirectorMichael AlmereydaStarsElina LöwensohnPeter FondaNic RatnerThis ultra-hip, post-modern vampire tale is set in contemporary New York City. Members of a dysfunctional family of vampires are trying to come to terms with each other, in the wake of their father's death. Meanwhile, they are being hunted by Dr. Van Helsing and his hapless nephew. As in all good vampire movies, forces of love are pitted against forces of destruction.Elina DARK WATER Lowensohn played NADJA in this minor curiosity which is essentially a remake of the 1936 Universal classic DRACULA'S DAUGHTER. After her father Dracula is staked by Peter FUTUREWORLD Fonda's Van Helsing, the grieving vampire travels to America to claim his body & the still living bodies of both Van Helsing's daughter and Jonathan Harker's wife Lucy. David WILD AT HEART Lynch produced this low budget oddity which garnered some attention from the art house crowd because portions were filmed using a child's toy camera. I was not overly fond of NADJA which was both turgid and shot in black and white. As vampire movies go, it's a bit of a cock tease.
- DirectorStephen WilliamsStarsRon SilverChauncey LeopardiNatanya RossA teen obsessed with horror films befriends a vampire who leads him to a whole coven of vampires that hide beneath the New York subways.Prolific television producer/director Stephen Williams best known for WATCHMEN & WESTWORLD directed this adaption of a popular series of children's horror novels for the Hallmark Network. The movie starred Ron THE ENTITY Silver as a vegan vampire trying to keep a morbid young boy safe when he accidentally boards a train filled with blood-drinkers. While this movie failed to connect with viewers several other titles by author J.R. Black (a pseudonym for several writers working collectively) would be translated to the small screen.
- DirectorRodney GibbonsStarsMatt FrewerKenneth WelshShawn LawrenceSherlock Holmes investigates a series of death rumoured to be caused by a vampire.Matt LAWNMOWERMAN 2: BEYOND CYBERSPACE Frewer starred in this 4th Sherlock Holmes film produced for the Hallmark television network following THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. THE SIGN OF FOUR and THE ROYAL SCANDAL. Holmes and Watson (Kenneth TWIN PEAKS Welsh) investigate a series of murders many believe to be the work of a vampire. This is maybe a little better than an episode of MURDER SHE WROTE but not by much. The production values are scant, the sets are without personality and while I don't dislike Frewer as an actor his interpretation of the beloved detective is among my least favorite.
- DirectorMatthew HastingsStarsJoe LandoDominic ZamprognaNatassia MaltheIntergalactic vampire hunters. "Buffy" meets "Star Trek" in a "Mad Max" world.Matthew DECOYS Hastings directed this pretty good television movie about human space travelers who combat gangs of interstellar vampires. Michael SCANNERS Ironside has some fun as the main villain while DR QUINN MEDICINE WOMAN's Joe Lando does what he can as ship commander. The characters are as thin as paper but the violence & bloodshed are plentiful as are the ok special effects.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsDarby HintonSybil DanningArt MetranoA womanizing private detective is assigned the task of investigating who is behind the hi-tech computer technology leaks to the Russians.Darby DANIEL BOONE Hinton, Kimberly SANTA BARBARA McArthur & Sybil GRINDHOUSE Danning starred in this unexpectedly popular direct to video action movie from producer/director Andy Sidaris who would go on to make 11 sequels the last of which was L.E.T.H.A.L. LADIES: RETURN TO SAVAGE BEACH in 1998. Sidaris made a similar film in the early 70s called STACEY if it all seems especially familiar. Hinton plays a government agent engaged in dangerous dalliances with a number of nefarious women in between assassination attempts & car crashes.The 1st sequel; HARD TICKET TO HAWAII hit video stores in 1987
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsRonn MossDona SpeirHope Marie CarltonIn Hawaii, an undercover DEA agent and her civilian friend stumble upon a drug trafficking operation, and have to enlist the help of all their colleagues/friends to go after the vicious drug kingpin.Ronn THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Moss and a brothel full of Playboy Playmates turned thespians starred in this caper about drug deals, murder and stolen loot. Andy Sidaris keeps it slick, sleazy & briskly paced.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsSteve BondDona SpeirHope Marie CarltonAfter his brother got eliminated in Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987), a crime lord triggers a ruthless hunt against all agents responsible, and the remaining agents will have to avenge their fallen comrades.GENERAL HOSPITAL hunk Steve Bond headlines this direct-to-video hit which picks up where HARD TICKET TO HAWAII left off. Bond & the Lethal Ladies are targeted for assassination by the brother of the gangster the barely dressed secret agents killed. There's plenty of explosions and boobs if you're into that sort of thing. Andy Sidaris knows his audience.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsDona SpeirHope Marie CarltonJohn ApreaDEA agents flying cargo as part of their cover make an emergency landing on a remote island in the pacific, where several unscrupulous parties are looking for a WWII gold treasure.Hope Marie Carlton (Bust: 36, Waste: 22, Hips: 32), Dona Speir (Bust: 37, Waste: 24, Hips: 35) and Bruce Penhall (8 and 3/4 inches) star in Andy Sidaris' 4rth Lethal Ladies adventure which barely rates 3/10 Followed by GUNS
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsErik EstradaDona SpeirRoberta VasquezAfter a failed assassination attempt on her partner, DEA agent Donna Hamilton discovers that the crime lord responsible for her father's death is coming after her and her associates.Erik CHUPACABRA VS THE ALAMO Estrada and a bevy of boobilicious ex-Playboy centerfold models star in this explosive tale (cuz there are lots of explosions) of political assassination & revenge. Look for MACHETTE star Danny Trejo as 'Tong'.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsPat MoritaErik EstradaDona SpeirHunted down by six teams of assassins hired by a Japanese crime lord, Federal agents Donna and Nicole struggle to survive, with help from their agency friends.This was the 6th film in Andy GEMINI MAN Sidaris' inexplicably popular direct-to-video action series which this time starred Erik CHIPS Estrada, Bruce CHIPS '99 Penhall, Playboy Playmate Dona Speir and Pat MR. T. & TINA Morita as a dangerous Japanese crimelord attempting to assassinate some busty secret agents. Sidaris piles on the usual titillation but fails to deliver the action movie goods. Below Average. Followed by HARD HUNTED.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsDona SpeirRoberta VasquezBruce PenhallAn international arms dealer will stop at nothing to retrieve a stolen Chinese nuclear relay hidden in a jade Buddha figurine. It's up to a group of undercover federal agents stationed in Hawaii to stop it falling into the wrong hands.The lives of everyone in the free world hangs in the balance when a shipment of nukes find their way into the Middle East and a mattress load of throbbing sex kittens must bang their way to the heart of a dangerous arms racket to prevent terrorists from triggering WWIII. This was the 7th installment in Andy Sidaris' cultish exploitation action series.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsDona SpeirRoberta VasquezBruce PenhallIn this follow up to Hard Hunted (1992), international arms dealer Kane seeks a Russian imperial diamond which was stolen by a Nazi officer from a Leningrad museum during WWII.Bruce Penhill who is best known for being the guy on CHIPS who didn't become a star plays agent Bruce Christian who assists the Lethal Ladies in and out of their clothes while on assignment for director Andy Sidaris who's best film this is not. Followed by ENEMY GOLD.
- DirectorChristian Drew SidarisStarsBruce PenhallMark BarriereSuzi SimpsonWhile on a mission to stop a drug operation, three Federal agents accidentally discover gold from the Civil War. With the aid of a corrupt agent, a ruthless criminal kingpin will hunt them down, one by one.Andy Sidaris' son Christian Drew Sidaris helmed this hyper sexual direct to video adventure recycling the casts & storylines of previous entries in the series with the added element of a fortune in confederate gold hidden near a vacation resort.. One of the least interesting pics in the franchise.
- DirectorChristian Drew SidarisStarsBruce PenhallMark BarriereJulie StrainScientists in charge of a sophisticated, state-of-the-art, military satellite are being assassinated. It's up to a team of federal agents to protect the last surviving scientist able to activate the satellite.Christian Drew Sidaris wrote/directed this 10nth entry in the Bullets/Boobs/Bombs series initiated by his father; producer Andy Sidaris. When scientists begin turning up dead a client hires the 'crack detectives' (<See what I did there?) for intimate protection on his way to an arms summit. Too much T & A, not enough I & Q.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsKevin LightCristian LetelierJulie StrainThe Agency's computer database is compromised by a powerful criminal named "The Warrior". Now, with the list of all the undercover agents' identities in hand, he is going after them, one by one.Professional wrestler Marcus Bagwell plays 'The Warrior'; a slave trading porno-making secret agent who infiltrates the Lethal Ladies computer data base to expose them to the world! By expose I assume he means take off their clothes which they do plenty of. The wardrobe budget on this one couldn't fill an underwear drawer. Strictly for the raincoat crowd.
- DirectorAndy SidarisStarsJulie StrainRodrigo ObregónJulie K. SmithA stolen computer floppy disc filled with information about the location of a mythical treasure in Savage Island will lure both villains and L.E.T.H.A.L. Agents into a dangerous treasure hunt.Julie PLANET OF THE EROTIC APE Strain, Rodrigo DJANGO STRIKES AGAIN Obregon and Julie THE HILLS HAVE THIGHS Smith starred in this 12th and final entry in the long-running Bullets/Babes/Boobs series and also the last movie by director Andy Sidaris who died shortly after it's video debut. Wrestler Marcus Bagwell also returns to the franchise but has switched alliances and is now working with the Lethal Ladies on their latest explosive, skin-baring mission. Par.
- DirectorRobert HiltzikStarsFelissa RoseJonathan TierstenKaren FieldsBunks and showers are a mad stabber's beat at a summer camp strictly for teens.Robert RETURN TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP Hiltzik directed this repulsive DOG about a boy raised as a girl who goes on a sub par slasher spree ala FRIDAY THE 13TH. Followed by a handful of equally worthless sequels.
- DirectorMichael A. SimpsonStarsPamela SpringsteenRenée EstevezTony HigginsA sex-changed slasher returns as a camp counselor.Angela, the cross dressing serial killer from SLEEPAWAY CAMP resumes her grotesque killing spree in this 'funny' slasher movie DOG.
- DirectorMichael A. SimpsonStarsPamela SpringsteenTracy GriffithMichael J. PollardAfter murdering a young girl, Angela Baker assumes her identity and travels to Camp New Horizons, built on the grounds of the camp she terrorized the year before, and starts killing again.The trans serial killer named Angela goes back to SLEEPAWAY CAMP where it's her idea of improving human behavior by slaughtering everyone in sight. Cheap ineffective gore burdened with a cheap ineffective cast. SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND is a DOG!
- DirectorRobert HiltzikStarsVincent PastoreMichael GibneyPaul DeAngeloCamp Manabe is where kids torment one another--but people soon start turning up dead.Felissa Rose reprises the role of Angela she originated with 1983s SLEEPAWAY CAMP. Also returning is director Robert Hiltzik and a few additional original cast members for this nasty, low budget slasher movie about a man who dresses like a woman who dresses like a male cop in order to commit murders. It's a slasher movie DOG you must avoid!
- DirectorJames PolakofStarsPeter HootenKathrine BaumannRic CarrottA couple on vacation in the woods is stalked by a pair of rapists.Gay character actor Peter ORCA Hooten starred as a young man who takes his girlfriend on a camping trip where they hike, pick berries, skinny dip and take in the wildlife for the 1st tedious hour of this crap before some dangerous goons try to STRAW DOGS them. This deservedly obscure pic found an additional 15 minutes of fame in the 80s because it featured future star Robert A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Englund who was suddenly billed prominently on VHS boxes along with the alternate title; SLASHED DREAMS.
- DirectorMarc B. RayStarsFred HolbertLeigh MitchellRobert KnoxA deranged kid murders his father and has his arm crushed by the farm tractor. After being discharged from the mental hospital with an amputee, he discovers that his mother has remarried, prompting him to go on a homicidal rampage.A demented young boy murders his father and is institutionalized. Upon his release he kills his mother and just about everyone he meets until psychotic delusions (or the spirits of the dead, if you prefer) compel him to take his own life. From writer/director Mark Ray who is maybe slightly better known for his work on THE SEVERED ARM
- DirectorGeorge EastmanStarsGene LeBrockCatherine BaranovHarry CasonAn anti-aging serum is being developed by a scientist. When he loses his funding he uses it on himself with dire results.Italian director George 2020 TEXAS GLADIATORS Eastman made this low budget direct to video rip off of THE FLY which finds a research scientist using an experimental serum on himself. Soonafter he begins to regress biologically into a bloodthirsty reptillian missing link. There's a few suspenseful moments towards the end.
- DirectorJames WanStarsRyan KwantenAmber VallettaDonnie WahlbergAfter his wife meets a grisly end, Jamie Ashen returns to his hometown of Ravens Fair to find answers. His investigation leads him to the ghost of a ventriloquist named Mary Shaw who seems to have ties to his entire family treeAfter a boy mocks a doll-obsessed ventriloquist named Mary Shaw by claiming he saw her lips move the boy goes missing and Shaw gets lynched by the family who suspects she is the killer. Mary has her revenge though, stalking and killing anyone who wronged her in life with one provision; she can only kill them if she can make them scream. Unhappy with James AQUAMAN Wan's finished film the studio ordered extensive reshoots & brought in a script doctor to fix the many problems in Leigh DEATH SENTENCE Whannell's script. I didn't hate the end result. But it's an inconsistent and wildly improbable film audiences and critics immediately dismissed. Ryan TRUE BLOOD kwantan and Donnie BLUE BLOODS Wahlberg starred.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeMichael GoughWhen Jonathan Harker rouses the ire of Count Dracula for accepting a job at the vampire's castle under false pretenses, his friend Dr. Van Helsing pursues the predatory villain.Following the sensational reception for THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN Hammer rushed this superior adaption of the Bram Stoker novel DRACULA into production starring Christopher Lee in the role of the Count which is now almost universally acknowledged as one of the finest ever put to film. Peter Cushing was also remembered for this; his 1st of 5 appearances as Dracula's nemesis Van Helsing who struggles to save an innocent young woman named Mina from the blood-thirsty beast. HORROR OF DRACULA was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic spawning 8 sequels the 1st of which was THE BRIDES OF DRACULA.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingMartita HuntYvonne MonlaurVampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing returns to Transylvania to destroy handsome bloodsucker Baron Meinster, who has designs on a beautiful young schoolteacher.Occasional actor David THE HANDS OF ORLAC Peel wasn't able to fill the shoes of Christopher Lee who declined to participate. He's not bad as a womanizing monster who begins a feeding frenzy when allowed to escape from confinement. Peter DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN Cushing returns for this sequel in a signature role for which he will be forever identified. Van Helsing has been sent to the cursed English village to end the plague of vampirism and to rescue a helpless young school teacher. THE BRIDES OF DRACULA is a sumptuous Hammer production that reeks of gothic atmosphere & it packed houses despite the movie having so few ties to Dracula. Followed by DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsChristopher LeeBarbara ShelleyAndrew KeirTen years after his demise, Count Dracula is resurrected by his servant and preys on four unsuspecting English tourists who have taken shelter in his castle.DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS was among the 1st Hammer horror movies I ever saw so I'm giving it an extra star for old time's sake. Not that this fine vampire film doesn't deserve it! Christopher THE WHIP AND THE BODY Lee returns as Count Dracula who hasn't so much as a word to speak in the entire film. Mostly he hisses and snarls. Lee insists the script was beneath him & he refused to utter a scripted word. Jimmy Sangster denied that was the case insisting he didn't write any dialogue because he wanted Dracula to be less human and more monstrous because of his inability to speak. The version I believe is that Hammer didn't have to pay Lee as much money as an actor if he has no dialogue. Lee gives one of his most thrilling performances none-the-less. The character is brought back to undead life by his murderous henchman Klove. A group of travelers become stranded overnight at the count's castle and are soon fighting for their lives. The production design is very well done. Everything from costumes to sets, musical score & direction (Freddie Francis) is to the highest Hammer standard. Up next: DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE.
- DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsChristopher LeeRupert DaviesVeronica CarlsonAfter a Monsignor accidentally brings Count Dracula back from the dead while exorcising his castle, the vampire preys on the holy man's beautiful niece and her friends.The villagers who live in the shadow of Castle Dracula continue to shake in fear at night and have turned their back on the church. The Bishop performs an exorcism on the unholy land then bars the doors to the castle with a giant crucifix to restore the villagers faith while enraging the newly resurrected vampire who embarks on a campaign of bloodshed against the clergy and the town below. This was one of the better sequels with much attention paid to giving the film a rich gothic atmosphere. Christopher Lee is at his most vicious and frightening as the Count and director Freddie DR. TERROR'S HOUSE OF HORRORS Francis keeps it moving along at a brisk pace. DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE became one of Hammer's biggest hits and would be followed up by TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA.
- DirectorPeter SasdyStarsChristopher LeeGeoffrey KeenGwen WatfordAfter killing his disciple, three English gentlemen unwittingly resurrect Count Dracula, who seeks to avenge his servant by making the trio die by the hands of their own children.Razzie Award winning director Peter THE LONELY LADY Sasdy directed this 5th film in Hammer's classic Dracula Franchise starring Christopher RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN Lee as the Count who has been resurrected by a Satanist who has acquired a sample of the vampires blood. Members of the Black Mass within the community are stalked following the ritual used to restore the monster to life including a lovely ministers daughter who wishes to become engaged to an atheist who works at the local bar. To defeat the monster, the atheist and the minister must find a common ground giving this very entertaining entry a strong dramatic foundation. Rumor has it that Hammer was forced to re-write this film to include the character of Dracula when overseas distribution deals hung on whether or not Lee would appear in his famous role. Followed by THE SCARS OF DRACULA.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerStarsChristopher LeeDennis WatermanJenny HanleyA young man is murdered while spending the night at Count Dracula's castle, prompting his brother to come to the small town where all the traces end to look for him.Christopher STARSHIP INVASIONS Lee stars as Dracula in this 6th entry in the popular English horror franchise who has been resurrected by a drop of blood from a vampire bat allowing him to stalk his Transylvanian castle once again. His evil man-servant Klove (last seen in DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS) is played this time out by Patrick DOCTOR WHO Troughton. When a pair of amorous and adventuresome brothers fall under the influence of the vampire it becomes a life and death struggle to make it out alive. There are persistent stories that Hammer was creatively dry and had no idea what to do with the classic character so began layering Dracula mythology into unproduced scripts sitting on the shelf. Given the inconsistent tone of the film that's quite possible. At least Dracula is given some screen time. Followed by DRACULA A.D., 1972.
- DirectorAlan GibsonStarsChristopher LeePeter CushingStephanie BeachamIn 1972 London - a century after his final battle with Professor Van Helsing - Count Dracula is resurrected by occultist Johnny Alucard, and goes after his archenemy's descendants.Bland Canadian director Alan Gibson helmed this awkward update to the Bram Stoker mythology which finds the immortal count (played for the 6th time by Christopher Lee) confronting the descendants of Van Helsing (Peter Cushing making his third appearance and the gorgeous Stephanie Beacham of SEAQUEST DSV). Dracula was resurrected by satanic swingers and now stalks the mod scene in downtown London. The fashions and music are so ugly compared to what Hammer fans are used to; especially with this very classic franchise. One of the least interesting films in the set but better than 1973's THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA which would prove to be one Dracula pic too many for Lee.
- DirectorAlan GibsonStarsChristopher LeePeter CushingMichael ColesIn 1974, Professor Lorrimer Van Helsing investigates a satanic cult on behalf of Scotland Yard, only to discover a plot by Count Dracula to commit global genocide.Alan Gibson who worked on the earlier DRACULA: A.D., 1972 returned with much of the same cast and crew including Christopher AIRPORT '77 Lee as Dracula & Peter THE BEAST MUST DIE! Cushing as a descendent of Van Helsing with a lovely daughter played by Joanna ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Lumley (replacing DYNASTY's Stephanie Beacham). Hammer tried unsuccessfully to rebrand their badly aging franchise much to the vocal disapproval of star Lee who's last appearance as the monster this was. The plot is a hot mess of James Bond style espionage, a secret society of Satanists in positions of influence within the government and a vampire who is developing a WMD with a high grade strain of bubonic plague which he intends to release on the human race. The final confrontation between the vampire and Van Helsing is one of the least satisfying in the series. Followed by the somewhat notorious THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerCheh ChangStarsPeter CushingDavid ChiangJulie EgeIn China, Professor Van Helsing helps eight kung fu-trained siblings reclaim their ancestral mountain village, now the domain of seven powerful vampires and their army of undead slaves.Christopher Lee walked away from the role of Count Dracula in disgust after THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA permitting John LIFEFORCE Forbes-Robertson to awkwardly step in for a few minutes of screen time. Because the plot called for Dracula to transform himself into the body of a Chinese Warlord (Chan Shen) named Kah it's more of a dual role. Or even a trio if you consider Forbes-Robertson's voice was dubbed by actor David de Keyser. Hammer hoped to invigorate their floundering series by injecting kung fu exploitation into the mix curtesy of a partnership with Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. It's an uncomfortable pairing under the direction of Ray THE VAMPIRE LOVERS Ward Baker that didn't connect with audiences or critics. It's failure at the box office put a stake through the heart of the franchise and left the English studio near financial collapse.
- DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsZachary LeviMark StrongAsher AngelA newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.David ANNABELLE: CREATION Sandberg directed this just fine 7th installment of the DC Universe based on the classic comic characters. Asher Angel plays a street smart orphan trying to adjust to foster care who is teleported to the lair of a powerful wizard who shares with him the ability to transform into the world's mightiest mortal; SHAZAM!. Yeah, his name's CAPTAIN MARVEL but why muddy the super hero waters? Another child was previously considered but ultimately rejected. That child became the super villain Dr Sivana (closely pattered after Lex Luthor right down to an appearance by John SMALLVILLE Glover as his abusive father) who seeks the power of the 7 deadly sins Billy Batson/Shazam are tasked with destroying. Despite the occasional acts of violence SHAZAM! is basically designed for younger audiences and has a much lighter touch than heavier material like AVENGERS: ENDGAME or BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. It's so different in tone it's like a breath of fresh air in the market glutted by ultra-violent teen TITANS. Star Mark GREEN LANTERN Strong is wonderful in the heroic lead. A sequel and spin off film entitle BLACK ADAM are in the works.
- DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsKyle ChandlerVera FarmigaMillie Bobby BrownThe crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.Michael Dougherty would not have been my 1st choice to direct a 200 million dollar sequel to GODZILLA and KONG: SKULL ISLAND given his inexperience as a director and the overall quality of the few films he's made which include KRAMPUS & TRICK 'R TREAT. I had concerns for the well-being of GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS the moment Legendary announced him as director. To my surprise Dougherty managed to make a good movie but not a great one. A terrorist who has infiltrated Monarch schemes to release all the slumbering Titans including Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah & Godzilla in the belief they will heal the planet. While that may be true in the long run, the first order of business is giant monster chaos. The CG animations used to bring these iconic Toho characters to life is state of the art. The battles staged are impressive and even beautiful at times. Unfortunately, those amazing special effects cost money so there's no shortage of human players on the scene competing for screen time and that's where you'll find cracks in the fascade. The human story doesn't have a built in 'fan base' or internal logic to explain the motivation behind the Kaiju (Titans) and none of it's especially convincing. I liked GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS but not a lot. Next up; GODZILLA VS KONG.
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsLily TomlinMeryl StreepWoody HarrelsonA look at what goes on backstage during the last broadcast of America's most celebrated radio show, where singing cowboys Dusty and Lefty, a country music siren, and a host of others hold court.THE PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION is a loving recreation of the final radio broadcast of what truly is a slice of Americana. The cast, like the subject matter is as familiar and well liked as any of the songs they sing or the stories they tell. Meryl THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Streep, Kevin THE PINK PANTHER Kline, Lili MOMENT BY MOMENT Tomlin, Woody WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES Harrelson and Virginia CANDYMAN Madsen star in this gentle musical who's score is almost quotable. Robert THE PLAYER Altman beautifully crafted this genuinely emotionally moving fantasy (there's a sub plot involving the angel of Death!) that will have you singing along, Good natured nostalgia doesn't come any more warm hearted than this.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonStarsTom TylerJeanne BatesErnie AdamsThe Phantom's clan has ruled the jungle tribes for centuries. He battles Dr. Bremmer who plans to build an airfield and gets greedy when Professor Davidson and his niece Diana arrive to search for the treasure of the lost city of Zoloz.Tom THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL Tyler starred as Lee Falk's classic comic strip character THE PHANTOM in this 12 part cliffhanger serial from Columbia Pictures. When Geoffrey Prescott's father is killed by an evil scientist in a plot to open a military base in some far off, exotic land, he inherits the mantle of THE PHANTOM which is passed down from generation to generation. With the aid of his sidekick (a German Shepherd named; Devil), The Phantom sets about to avenge his father's death and to thwart the villainous Dr Bremmer's plans for world conquest. A planned sequel called THE RETURN OF THE PHANTOM was nixed by King features who owned the rights but Columbia forged ahead re-titling the serial THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN AFRICA which incorporated sock footage from THE PHANTOM. Filmed in B&W
- DirectorSimon WincerStarsBilly ZaneKristy SwansonTreat WilliamsThe Phantom, descendent of a line of African superheroes, travels to New York City to thwart a wealthy criminal genius from obtaining three magic skulls which would give him the secret to ultimate power.Simon CROCODILE DUNDEE IN LOS ANGELES Wincer directed this solidly produced superhero adventure film based on the classic comic strip from artist Lee Falk which debuted in 1936. Successful screen writer Jeffrey LETHAL WEAPON 2 Bloom based his script on original stories appearing in those wonderful King Features from decades past. TITANIC co-star Billy Zane is utterly convincing as THE PHANTOM who inherited the honor from his father. It's a tradition dating back 21 generations and is signified by the passing down of the skull ring which was bestowed upon his ancestor by a mysterious tribe sworn to destroy the forces of evil. Despite the truly exceptional look and tone of the film THE PHANTOM flopped as did the similar THE SHADOW a few years before. I suspect the character was just too far removed from popular culture and too unfashionable for modern audiences to embrace. Don't think they knew what they were missing. THE PHANTOM was revived for a 2009 mini series for the SyFy network
- StarsRyan CarnesSandrine HoltCameron GoodmanBefore Superman, Spiderman, and Batman, there was The Phantom, the original masked marvel, the greatest legend in the annals of 20th century comic-book crime fighting.RHI & the SyFy Network who had collaborated on the long-running MANEATER series of tv movies produced this 2 part mini-series based on the classic Lee Falk comic strip. Ryan TRAILER PARK OF TERROR Carnes starred as THE PHANTOM (aka Kitt Walker) & in my opinion it's the weakest interpretation of the character on film despite an okay script from Daniel Knauf who was responsible for the interesting HBO series CARNIVALE. Following the murder of his parents Kitt Walker travels to Indonesia where it's revealed he is the 22nd hero in a succession of Phantoms sworn to defend the earth from the evil forces of the Singh brotherhood. Poor ratings derailed the possibility of a weekly series. It's still an interesting failure.
- DirectorLamberto BavaStarsUrbano BarberiniNatasha HoveyKarl ZinnyA group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons.DEMONS is bravura horror from director Lamberto DEVIL FISH Bava (son of famed Mario Bava) and another feather in the cap for the master of Italian Giallo Dario Argento who helped write and produce this crowd pleasing hit. While watching a film about demonic possession tied to the prophecies of Nostradamus, the audience at the Metropol theatre are set upon by the very demons on the movie screen. All hell breaks loose as those infected by the scratch of a demon are transformed into blood-thirsty monsters themselves. Hats off to Bava for some truly virtuoso work. DEMONS has a curious internal logic but the director makes it work with style to burn. It's a visceral & claustrophobic film set against an intense 80s pop/rock score. DEMONS 2 hit theatres in 1986 with similar success.
- DirectorLamberto BavaStarsDavid Edwin KnightNancy BrilliCoralina Cataldi-TassoniA group of tenants and visitors are trapped in a 10-story high-rise apartment building infested with demons who proceed to hunt the dwindling humans down.DEMONS 2 isn't as fresh as the original but horror fans are going to have a blast anyway. The carnage factor is through the roof and it's got a throbbing rock soundtrack propelling it along. The story finds residents in a high rise shut off from the world & invaded by ferocious demons who have escaped from television screens carrying a documentary on the last outbreak. Lamberto DEMONS III: THE OGRE Bava makes the tricky premise work amidst a cacophony of violence and effective practical special effects. Several unofficial sequels hit video store shelves in subsequent years hoping to capitalize on the brief franchise.
- DirectorUmberto LenziStarsKeith Van HovenJoe BaloghSonia CurtisThree college students, another couple, and their housekeeper are besieged at a remote Brazilian plantation by a group of zombies raised from the grave by a voodoo curse.Umberto NIGHTMARE CITY Lenzi directed this Italian shocker about long dead slaves who rise from their graves to attack a plantation house & the group of young tourists who accidently ressurrected them with voodoo. it's a rather forgettable gutmuncher with no real connection to the Lamberto Bava films which proceeded it.
- DirectorMichele SoaviStarsHugh QuarshieTomas AranaFeodor Chaliapin Jr.An old Gothic cathedral built over a mass grave develops strange powers that trap a number of people inside with ghosts from a 12th Century massacre seeking to resurrect an ancient demon from the bowels of the Earth.Michele THE SECT Soavi directed this unsatisfying Italian horror film about a group of strangers & tourists who become trapped inside a cursed cathedral in Germany after those responsible for it's restoration disturb a satanic mechanism in the catacombs beneath. The Bishop, driven to insanity plans to allow the supernatural forces to destroy everyone inside before freeing the gargoyles & demons on the outside world which he believes has become corrupt. As competently directed as THE CHURCH is, the script is muddled & lacking in scares. Dario Argento produced this disappointing film as a sequel to the DEMONS franchise although the concept was dropped early into development. Disgraced Me Too spokesperson and child rapist Asia Argento has a supporting role.
- DirectorBruno MatteiStarsFranca StoppiCarlo De MejoFrancesca CarmenoNuns become possessed by the Devil and lust after the abbot!Claudio TROLL 2 Fragasso & Bruno HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD Mattei co-directed this 'nunspoitation' garbage back to back with THE TRUE STORY OF THE NUN OF MONZA on the cheap using the same cast & crew. It's a repulsive, slap in the face to the Catholic church & good taste in general released as a rip off of Dario Argento's INFERNO but later marketed in video stores as an in-name-only sequel to the DEMONS franchise. Avoid this blasphemous DOG!
- StarsRoberto PediciniGregory Lech ThaddeusGioia Scola"Brivido Giallo" was a horror anthology mini-series directed by the Italian master of horror, Lamberto Bava. Graveyard Disturbance and Dinner with a Vampire have a dark comical twist, while Until Death and The Ogre are regular horror.DEMONS III: THE OGRE was one of four films made for Italian television umbrellaled by the title; BRIVIDO GIALLO. Lamberto MONSTER SHARK Bava directed the brief but highly successful DEMONS franchise also directed this low key film which distributers labelled a sequel although there is no relation thematically. A young family vacationing in a remote villa are terrorized by a monstrous ogre living in their cellar. The film has a certain fairy tale quality but not a lot energy behind it to hold audiences attention.
- DirectorMichele SoaviStarsKelly CurtisHerbert LomMariangela GiordanoA lonely kindergarten teacher discovers a secret well in the basement of her house, and soon finds herself being followed by a murderous Satanic cult.Michele THE CHURCH Soavi directed this ROSEMARY'S BABY flavored film which was marketed as an in-name-only sequel to DEMONS. Kelly Lee Curtis (sister to HALLOWEEN's Jamie Lee Curtis) stars in this utterly confusing and unbelievable bit of satanic claptrap about a sect of devil worshipers conspiring to bring about the birth of the anti-Christ. It's perplexing and not at all satisfying. I'd recommend watching LORDS OF SALEM instead.
- DirectorMichele SoaviStarsRupert EverettFrançois Hadji-LazaroAnna FalchiA cemetery man must kill the dead a second time when they become zombies.Michele THE CHURCH Soavi directed this energetic trash about a cemetery keeper who must kill the 'returners' who are mysteriously resurrected as murderous zombies on the 7th day following their burial. Rupert MRS. PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN Everett stars as the CEMETARY MAN which was the title this film was better known as in addition to being marketed by some distributors as an in-name-only sequel to Lamberto Bava's DEMONS. Some critics have praised this cultish Italian gut muncher & compared it the early EVIL DEAD films by Sam Raimi and I'll admit it does have a certain freewheeling style but it never quite jells from start to finish & a lot of those visual gags you've seen before. You could do a lot worse than DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE & it was a juicy blood-soaked role for Everett so by all means, give it a look.
- DirectorJoseph KuoStarsAlexander Rei LoFei MengTiger is the owner of a brothel who moonlights as a kung fu artist under the watchful eye of "Master." They run into serious trouble when ninjas inexplicably show up and jeopordize Tiger's prostitution ring.Joseph Kuo directed all 3 Taiwanese NINJA DEATH films at the same time to cut costs. Unfortunately, they weren't edited as 3 stand-alone films so you really do have to watch each in sequence to understand the plot. Here, a hard working bouncer at the local bordello is attacked by mysterious ninjas. The chopsocky craziness of DEATH NINJA I should satisfy your Kung Fu action urges. The action is spectacularly staged at times & wildly inventive.
- DirectorJoseph KuoStarsAlexander Rei LoFei MengThe second part of Ninja Death. A young martial artist named Tiger is in training and is being stalked by an Evil Ninja. However, his master is killed and young Tiger continues to study the ways under various other masters.Tiger survives the assassination attempts contrived by a rival ninja however his master is killed. The former bouncer must find other trainers to help him defeat his enemy and have revenge. Joseph Kuo directed all 3 NINJA DEATH films together and in chronological order so to understand the story you really have to watch each together as they were apparently intended to be seen. The action is very well staged and the cast brings a lot of enthusiasm to the material.
- DirectorJoseph KuoStarsAlexander Rei LoFei MengPart Three, the big battle. The blind fortune teller and his crew, Tiger and the Japanese brother and sister prepare to battle The Grandmaster, Devil Mask, and Infinite Ninjas. There's a battle every minute with epic weapons!Joseph Kuo completes his rather obscure trilogy which picks up some steam heading into the final act which is mostly a eye-popping chain of kung fu action sequences guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who adores these old Taiwanese exploitation pics. I enjoyed the trilogy & recommend it in it's entirety.
- DirectorEddie NicartStarsWeng WengRomy DiazNina SaraWeng Weng is now working for the Manila branch of Interpol. The Chief sends him in the pursuit of Mr X, an arch villian with a white sock on his head, who is holding the Philippines to ransom. Two businessmen, Maolo and Simeon, pay the demands but Weng Weng suspects foul play and goes deep undercover to reveal the identity of Mr X.THE IMPOSSIBLE KID is a sequel to the 1981 kung fu pic FOR YOUR HEIGHT ONLY which was shot in the Philippines as an action movie satire of the James Bond franchise starring Weng Weng as Agent 00. Weng is dispatched by Interpol to save a woman & bring her kidnappers to justice. It has some novelty value.
- DirectorCheh ChangWu MaStarsSheng FuKuan-Chun ChiLung TiThe Shaolin Temple is the last place to resist defeat by the Manchu Dynasty, mostly because of their unique fighting style. Men from far and wide come to wait outside the temple, hoping that they will be admitted as pupils. As the Abbot becomes older, he realizes that the Manchus are determined to destroy the temple and eradicate the Shaolin fighting techniques. To this end, he decides that it is time at last to admit worthy men into the temple as students, to learn the way of Shaolin.Chang Cheh who helped direct the 1974 flop THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES made this sorta-prequel to FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS for the Shaw Brothers. Threatened by a neighboring village, a Temple in China recruits a group of new warriors who just so happen to be some of the best known Kung Fu actions stars working in the genre at the time. If it were the 70s I'd probably have rated it an extra star but it's still got some kick.
- DirectorBob ClarkStarsOlivia HusseyKeir DulleaMargot KidderDuring their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.SILENT NIGHT, EVIL NIGHT is a seasonal lump of coal from Bob PORKY'S Clark that found a 2nd life when cable tv began airing it under the name BLACK CHRISTMAS & promoting it as a slasher during the 80s. Despite what you've heard from fanboys, it's no horror classic and holds no reverence as such here in Canada where it was produced. Olivia PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING Hussey plays a sorority girl who is stalked by an obscene caller/insane murderer stalking the dormitory over the holidays. Keir THE STARLOST Dellea, Margot SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE Kidder & Andrea Martin (who would appear in the 2006 remake) bolster an unusually strong cast in an otherwise dreary & forgettable drive-in pic which offers up no explanation or resolution for the murders which I gotta tell ya' doesn't exactly sweeten the pot. Remakes were produced in 2006 & 2019
- DirectorGlen MorganStarsMichelle TrachtenbergMary Elizabeth WinsteadLacey ChabertOn Christmas Eve, an escaped maniac returns to his childhood home, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one.James Wong & Glen Morgan who had collaborated on films like FINAL DESTINATION parts 1 & 3 produced this flawed but stylish slasher pic loosely based on the much, much worse 1974 Canadian drive-in pic SILENT NIGHT, EVIL NIGHT (aka: BLACK CHRISTMAS). Morgan complained of studio tampering by the Weinstein brothers which resulted in numerous re-writes & extensive reshoots that damaged the movie overall and necessitated in two versions being released with different endings. Neither ending is especially better or worse than the other and both are better than the original which entirely failed to provide audiences with even one. Katie WHEN A STRANGER CALLS Cassidy stars as a sorority sister who is stalked by an insane man with a penchant for devouring the eyeballs of his victims on Christmas eve. The film isn't as bad as most holiday themed horror movies although it garnered the same critical backlash. Followed by a another drastic reboot in 2019 also called BLACK CHRISTMAS
- DirectorRoger DonaldsonStarsNatasha HenstridgeMichael MadsenBen KingsleyA group of scientists try to track down and trap a killer alien seductress before she successfully mates with a human.ALIEN designer H. R. Giger created the look of Sil, an extraterrestrial/human hybrid in this science fiction creature feature from MGM & director Roger DANTE's PEAK Donaldson. Scientists intercept transmissions from a species from a distant solar system instructing them how to blend their DNA with ours. Natasha GHOSTS OF MARS Henstridge plays Sil; the interstellar spawn of those experiments. Her sole function is to propagate her species & she'll kill anyone who stands in her way for as beautiful as she is, at the slightest hint of danger she morphs into her true alien form. Forest THE CRYING GAME Whitaker, Ben BLOODRAYNE Kingsley & Michael KILL BILL VOL II Madsen co-star. 3 sequels have been produced to date.
- DirectorPeter MedakStarsNatasha HenstridgeMichael MadsenMarg HelgenbergerAn astronaut gets infected with alien DNA during the first mission on Mars and runs amok on earth. Preston and Laura team up with a peaceful, genetically re-engineered Sil to track the monster down.Real life sex offender Justin UNIVERSAL SOLDIER IV: THE RETURN Lazard (indecent exposure/lewd conduct) plays an astronaut who becomes infected while exploring Mars. Turns out that the aliens who transmitted DNA to scientists in order to create Sil also used the ploy to annihilate the original inhabitants of Mars eons ago. Upon his return to earth the astronaut transforms into a tentacled rapist determined to breed with human women so that his children may take over the world. In order to neutralize the threat Sil (Natasha Henstridge) is cloned into a less threatening creature called Eve by her creators played by returning actors Marg Helgenberger & Michael Madsen. It's hoped that the astronaut can be tracked using the telepathic link he shares with Eve. Peter ZORRO: THE GAY BLADE Medak directed this much lesser than sequel for producer Frank FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE SERIES Mancuso.
- DirectorBrad TurnerStarsRobin DunneRobert KnepperSunny MabreyAs her species decays succumbing to infections and illnesses, an alien seductress immunologically stronger becomes the only hope for them to live on.Canadian Brad THE NEW BEACHCOMBERS Turner directed this cheesy tv movie sequel for the SyFy network and producer Frank I KNOW WHO KILLED ME Mancuso, Jr. Natasha Henstridge (who was contracted to appear) cameo's as Eve who dies giving birth to a new alien child after being impregnated by an infected astronaut at the end of SPECIES II. Sunny SNAKES ON A PLANE Mabrey plays Sara. a more human friendly breed of alien who discovers there are others like herself struggling to survive. The creature designs have been significantly altered and the special effects are poor. Despite lousy reviews the ratings were high enough to warrant a sequel.
- DirectorNick LyonStarsEdy ArellanoMarco BacuzziJan BoudaWhen she reaches the end of her lifespan, a scientist rushes to Mexico, in order to save the half-breed alien seductress he raised as his docile niece, but soon awakens the deadly, sexual predator inside her.Nick RISE OF THE ZOMBIES Lyon directed this 4rth & final film in the increasingly unpopular SPECIES series for MGM & the SyFy channel who aired it. Producer Frank WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE SERIES Mancuso Jr. allowed the special effects team to incorporate more of H.R. Gigers's original creature design after recieving critical backlash for the alterations he imposed on SPECIES III which proved unacceptable to fans. Helena IRON MAN 2 Mattsson plays an alien/human hybrid who has been genetically controlled by hormone injections. When she builds an immunity to the chemicals her human ward races to a lab in Mexico to find a cure before the urge to propagate returns. Better than I thought it would be.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsKeir DulleaGary LockwoodWilliam SylvesterAfter uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins: a spacecraft manned by two men and the supercomputer HAL 9000.Arthur C. Clarke & Stanley THE SHINING Kubrick collaborated on this masterpiece of science fiction which follows mankind through stages in their evolution from primitive apes learning how to use tools to that final confrontation between an astronaut & an alien Monolith in the year 2001. The special effects were so ground-breaking they set a standard for years to come. The visual effects & art department were both nominated for Oscars as was the film for Best picture & Best Director. Heir Dullea & Gary Lockwood play astronauts dispatched to investigate troubling signs of an alien presence in the form of powerful Monoliths placed within the solar system.. The onboard computer HAL-9000 decides to terminate all human life before initiating 1st contact. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is ESSENTIAL viewing for lovers of film in general but especially so if you're a fan of the genre. Undisputedly one of the greatest movies ever made. Clarke would go on to write several sequels beginning with 2010: ODYSSEY TWO.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsRoy ScheiderJohn LithgowHelen MirrenA joint USA-Soviet expedition is sent to Jupiter to learn exactly what happened to the "Discovery" and its H.A.L. 9000 computer.When you're making a sequel to one of the cinematic 7 wonders of the world you have to approach with caution because no matter how good the sequel is, it's never likely to measure up. Director Peter CAPRICORN ONE Hyams approaches with reverence & respect & he came armed with (what were) state of the art special effects & a screenplay based on Arthur C. Clarke's best-selling novel; 2010: ODYSSEY TWO. During a time of political unrest a group of scientists exploring unusual phenomenon on the planet Jupiter become divided because of their nationalities. As it becomes clear the changes in the planet are linked to the Monolith discovered buried on the moon's surface it also bcomes clear that in order to survive the Russian & American astronauts must work together in order to survive. Keir THE STARLOST Dullea reprises his role of Dave Bowman along with Douglas Rain who is best known for his voicework as HAL-9000 in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY in addition to the evil robots in SLEEPER. 2010: THE YEAR WE MAKE CONTACT engages right from the start with a superlative cast which includes Roy ALL THAT JAZZ Scheider, John RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Lithgow, Helen RED 2 Mirrin & Bob CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND Balaban. The final scenes are filled with as much joy and wonder as Stanley Kubrick's were of magic. Far better than anyone could have hoped.
- DirectorAntonio LeonviolaStarsMark ForestMoira OrfeiPaul WynterMaciste arranges for himself and his new friend Bangor to be captured by a mysterious band of white-clad marauders and taken to an underground city. There the two are forced to turn an enormous wheel along with other captives as part of a gold-and-diamonds mining operation. The underground city's queen, Halis Mosab, takes note of the handsome, muscular Maciste and chooses him to be her consort if he can meet such challenges as saving the kidnapped Princess Saliura from a gigantic ape. Maciste kills the ape and carries Saliura back to the aboveground world. The white-clad marauders can't follow them if it means being caught in the sunlight which instantly dissolves them. Maciste then returns to the underground city to save the other captives. Meanwhile, high priest Kahab informs his son, Katar, that their queen is not one of them but, unbeknownst to her, was kidnapped as a small child from the "world above." If Katar can marry her, their children can be "normal" and can live in the world of sunlight. Katar sees Maciste as his enemy and is pleased when the re-captured Maciste is now subjected to a test of strength which will not only kill him but also Bango and another captive named Loth who is in love with the Princess Saliura.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series for American television called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voice over narration explaining how exactly each adventure related to Hercules (although few of them actually did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Hunky bodybuilder Mark HERCULES AGAINST THE SONS OF THE SUN Forrest starred in this mildly entertaining piece of stinky cheese. Hercules (or Maciste if you prefer as the film was originally called; MACISTE: THE STRONGEST MAN ALIVE) discovers an albino tribe who force human slaves to dig for diamonds far beneath the surface of the earth where they live. Directed by Antonio ATLAS IN THE LAND OF THE CYCLOPS Leonviola.
- DirectorTanio BocciaStarsKirk MorrisCathia CaroLjubica OtasevicThe evil Queen Tenefi, who's usurped the throne of Memphis, demands that a steady supply of young women be sacrificed to the God of Fire inside the Mountain of Thunder. Maciste intervenes and saves from this sacrifice a village's women including the beautiful Antea. Maciste then becomes involved in an effort to restore to the throne of Memphis its rightful ruler, Prince Iram. To accomplish this task Maciste travels to Memphis but is betrayed by the silk merchant, Omnes. The Queen's soldiers capture Maciste and he's forced to undergo a Trial of Strength in which two teams of horses try to pull him apart. Impressed by his beauty and strength, the Queen calls an end to the Trial and then touches Maciste with her magic scepter which erases his memories and places him under her power. A female oracle then gives Antea a dart which, when fired into Maciste, will restore him to his senses. Antea sneaks into the Queen's palace, successfully uses the dart, but falls into the hands of the Queen who orders her to be sacrificed in the Mountain of Thunder. Maciste hears of this, enters the mountain, and rescues Antea just before the mountain explodes and puts an end to the reign of Queen Tenefi.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series for American television called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few of them actually did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Dyed blonde muscle man Kirk COLOSSUS AND THE HEADHUNTERS Morris starred as Maciste in THE TRIUMPH OF MACISTE which was repackaged for syndication as TRIUMPH OF THE SON OF HERCULES. Our brawny hero becomes the plaything of an evil queen in this rather fun sword & sandal programmer. Director Tannio GOD DOESN'T PAY ON SATURDAY Boccia discovered Morris after watching him paddle a gondola. Morris would continue to star as romantic Greek heroes until the genre fell from favor before stepping into the production end of the business.
- DirectorGuido MalatestaStarsReg LewisMargaret LeeLuciano MarinWandering strongman Maxxus comes upon two warring tribes, the Sun worshipers and the Moon worshipers. He saves the leader of the Sun tribe from a sea monster, then later on when the Moon tribe attacks and kidnaps the Sun tribe's women, they call upon Maxxus for help.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series for American Television called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few of them actually did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offers additional continuity. This Italian/Yugoslavian co-production released in some markets as COLOSSUS OF THE STONE AGE became better known as THE FIRE MONSTER VS THE SON OF HERCULES in tv syndication. Bland bodybuilder Reg SEXTETTE Lewis plays Maxus; The Son of Hercules (Maciste in the original dub) who steps in between warring tribes to defeat a sea monster & a 3 headed hydra. The special effects are charmingly rendered and they made me smile a lot.
- DirectorMarcello BaldiStarsRoger BrowneJocelyn LaneLinda SiniThe king of Telbia defeats an African army through the intervention of the war god Mars. Remaining on Earth, Mars falls in love with the human girl Daphne, but she is forced to become a priestess in the temple of Venus.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few of them actually did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offers additional continuity. That song goes something like this: "The mighty sons of Hercules once thundered through the years. each man of steel could never feel the curse of a coward's fears. The mighty sons of Hercules were men as men should be. They burned with dreams then turned their dreams into history." How can you not love that even if the movie doesn't measure up. Roger Brown made for a forgettable MARS: GOD OF WAR in this peplum adventure which was also released to syndication as VENUS MEETS THE SON OF HERCULES
- DirectorMario CaianoStarsGeorges MarchalMike LaneAlessandra PanaroUlysses offends the gods by blinding the Cyclops, so they send Hercules to capture him and bring him to them.Mario NAZI LOVE CAMP 27 Caiano directed this Spanish sword & sandal programmer as ULYSSES VS HERCULES which found the friendly demi-gods engaging in some harmless competition. It's a bit below average but I didn't hate it. In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called THE SONS OF HERCULES consisting of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offers additional continuity. ULISSE CONTRO ERCOLE may be better known to syndication audiences as ULYSSES AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES.
- DirectorAlberto De MartinoStarsRichard HarrisonAnna RanalliArturo DominiciA warrior does battle against the evil Medusa, her army of stone warriors and a monstrous dragon.Ed THE WILD WOMEN OF WONGO Fury gave good beefcake back in the day. Fury plays the demi-god Perceus who must not only slay Medusa and her stone soldiers but he must also slay a dragon! The charming and inventive special effects for this film were designed by Academy Award winning makeup artist Carlo KING KONG Rambaldi. PERCEO L'INVINCIBILE found a broader audience as MEDUSA VERSUS THE SON OF HERCULES in syndication. In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called THE SONS OF HERCULES consisting of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover to explain exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity.
- DirectorGiorgio SimonelliStarsEd FuryLuciana GilliAdriano MicantoniHamilan, a cruel and ambitious general, murders his king and places himself on the throne with the former king's evil niece as his queen. He then wages war against his peaceful neighbors, killing their women and enslaving their men. A hero named Ursus appears at a tournament to challenge Hamilan's authority. Though victorious at the tournament, Ursus is arrested and forced to turn a grist-mill under an overseer's lash. Meanwhile, the former king's virtuous daughter, Diana, is tormented by her evil cousin, the new queen. Sentenced to a slow and tortuous execution, Ursus breaks free and a revolt breaks out. Ursus throws Hamilan to his death in a fiery pit and then Ursus and Diana enjoy the cheers of a grateful populace.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called; THE SONS OF HERCULES consisting of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before shown outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration to explain exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Giorgio TWO MOFIOSI AGAINST GOLDFINGER Simonelli directed this below average adventure about an evil dictator who must face the wrath of Ursus after enslaving a peaceful village. Ed Fury makes for a fine Greek god who dutifully flashes his nutsack to hold viewer interest when not much else does. URSUS IN THE LAND OF FIRE was repackaged as THE SON OF HERCULES IN THE LAND OF FIRE for American syndication.
- DirectorMario CaianoStarsGordon ScottOmbretta ColliGloria MillandItalian sword & sandal thrills as the son of Hercules is pitted against an evil king and his wretched followers. Now in color.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called; THE SONS OF HERCULES consisting of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before shown outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure was related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Mario NIGHTMARE CASTLE Caiano directed this dull peplum adventure about a warrior named Goliath who rises up against the slave traders & despots who have declared war on his people. Gordon Scott who also lent his loincloth to TARZAN movies played the heroic lead in GOLIATH AND THE REBEL SLAVE which gained wider notoriety in syndication markets where it was known as; THE TYRANT OF LYDIA AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES.
- DirectorUmberto LenziStarsRichard HarrisonMarilù ToloPhilippe HersentWhile fighting in Britain, Roman forces commanded by Caligula capture the noble warrior, Glaucus. Seeing in him gladiator material, Caligula takes Glaucus back to Rome along with other hostages including Glaucus's girlfriend, Ena. A man seeking to restore the Roman Republic then assassinates Caligula after which Claudius is proclaimed emperor. Messalina -- Claudius's beautiful but evil wife -- then maneuvers to replace Claudius with her lover, Silio. She forces Glaucus to help her in this quest by threatening to harm the enslaved Ena.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voice over narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidious catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Richard BETWEEN GOD, THE DEVIL AND A WINCHESTER Harrison plays Glaucus; an honorable man enslaved by the despotic Caligola & forced to compete as a gladiator. THE LAST GLADIATOR is unusually 'talkie' for the genre and for the director Umberto CANNIBAL FEROX Lenzi. It's one of the better acted peplums you'll see but also one of the more boring. Released to U.S. syndication as MESSALINA VS THE SON OF HERCULES.
- DirectorSiro MarcelliniStarsGordon ScottGeneviève GradMoira OrfeiThe rightful heir to the throne of Babylon leads a slave revolt against an evil ruler.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voice over narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (actually few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Gordon A QUEEN FOR CEASAR Scott starred as Nippur; THE HERO OF BABYLON who rises up against an evil King while the Persian armies gather at the gates. It's one of the better produced films released into the syndication package as THE BEAST OF BABYLON AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES but it sure could have used a dragon or a cyclops to liven things up.
- DirectorMario CaianoStarsMark ForestMarilù ToloElisabetta FantiMaciste fights for right and might against the wicked Caesar.Mark Forrest who helped spawn the peplum genre along with Steve Reeves stars as MACISTE: GLADIATOR OF ROME in this more fanciful adventure set against a backdrop of religious persecution & forbidden love. It was released to U.S. syndication as THE TERROR OF ROME AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES for the weekly series THE SONS OF HERCULES from distributor Avco/Embassy which consisted of 13 unrelated, 1960s Italian gladiator movies never before shown outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining how exactly each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity.
- DirectorAlvaro MancoriStarsDan VadisSpela RozinCarla CalòHercules battles to save the population from a giant dragon.In the 1960s distributor Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called; THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity. Dan HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER Vadis made for an imposing Greek hero in this film which was released as HERCULES THE INVINCIBLE. Vadis began his acting career as a burlesque performer in Mae West's Muscleman Review before transitioning to Italian sword and sandal adventures and spaghetti westerns. Hercules is tasked with retrieving the tooth of a dragon if he wishes to marry the king's daughter. Found it's way to America as THE SON OF HERCULES IN THE LAND OF DARKNESS.
- DirectorAntonio MargheritiStarsKirk MorrisMichèle GirardonManuel GallardoThe son of Hercules is pitted against a ruthless desert warrior.Antonio YOR: THE HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE Margheriti directed this low brow peplum adventure as ANTHAR: THE INVINCIBLE which starred brawny Kirk SAMPSON VS THE SEA BEAST Morris. Anthar is chosen to help a deposed princess regain the kingdom after her father is assassinated. This below average adventure was given the rather lofty title; THE DEVIL OF THE DESERT AGAINST THE SON OF HERCULES for syndication in the states. In the 1960s Avco/Embassy created a weekly series called THE SONS OF HERCULES which consisted of 13 unrelated Italian gladiator movies that were never before seen outside of Europe. An announcer offered voiceover narration explaining exactly how each adventure related to Hercules (although few ever did) while an insidiously catchy theme song offered additional continuity.
- DirectorEdward BarbiniStarsChad Michael CollinsNicole DionneAce GibsonA group of friends on a road trip seek shelter at a mental institution in the woods, only to discover that the building is the home of a mysterious young girl named Roxy whose unsettling presence serves as a foreshadow of doom. Later, as the group attempt to unravel the mystery of Roxy, who seems to have endured years of abuse, a mysterious killer begins to hunt them from the darkness.Prolific cable TV reality show producer Edward Barbini directed this rather worthless indie-budget horror pic about an attractive group of kids who become stranded inside a haunted asylum. Towards the end, the writers throw a hastily concocted explanation for the ghostly murders involving a schizophrenic with the power to summon spirits that never carries with it the ring of truth. This unsatisfying film ends on a face plant, literally. So, spoiler alert.
- DirectorGlen StephensStarsJason ConneryC. Thomas HowellMark HoltonLoosely based on the famous "Texas Slave Ranch" of West Kerr County Texas, in the Mt. Home, Texas area on the Ellebracht Ranch during the late 1970s into the early 1980s.HOBOKEM HOLLOW tells us from the start; 'This is a true story. The events you are about to see...' and yet it never feels like a true to life depiction of anything that ever happened outside an exploitation movie. Here a family of redneck hillbillies kidnap random drifters to use as slave labor on their farm. Even the star power of Michael Madsen, C. Thomas Howell, Robert Carradine, Greg Evigan & Dennis Hopper can't quite save it.
- DirectorRoy William NeillStarsBasil RathboneNigel BrucePatricia MorisonSherlock Holmes sets out to discover why a trio of murderous villains, including a dangerously attractive female, are desperate to obtain three unassuming and inexpensive little music boxes.Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce co-star for the 14th & final time as legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes & his inquisitive companion Doctor Watson. The two must thwart the plans of a diabolical woman out to steal treasury plates to manufacture her own counterfeit cash. This is one of the better B&W entries in the classic series.
- DirectorRoy William NeillStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceLionel AtwillSherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson must protect a Swiss inventor of an advanced bomb sight from falling into German hands.Lionel FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN Atwill plays the devious Prof. Moriarty in this very fondly remembered spy thriller which finds our heroes attempting to solve a military code to prevent the sale of a dangerous weapon during WWII. Nigel Bruce & Basil Rathbone are the definitive Watson & Holmes in my mind. This was the 4rth of 14 B&W adventures starring the pair.
- DirectorGraham CuttsStarsArthur WontnerIsla BevanIan HunterA young woman turns to Sherlock Holmes for protection when she's menaced by an escaped killer seeking missing treasure. However, when the woman is kidnapped, Holmes and Watson must penetrate the city's criminal underworld to find her.I never understood the appeal of Arthur Wontner in the role of Sherlock Holmes for the British cinema. He was obviously wearing more hair & makeup than half the female cast. This was his 2nd Holmes feature based on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel of the same name which was published in 1890. The film however is set in contemporary 1930s England and co-stars Ian Hunter as a much younger Dr Watson than fans are used to seeing. This convoluted mystery concerns a fortune in buried treasure and a stolen inheritance. Bland. Filmed in B&W.
- DirectorEdwin L. MarinStarsReginald OwenAnna May WongJune ClydeHolmes and Watson investigate a secret society with members who keep dying.Reginald Owen who had made a solid impression as Dr Watson in the 1932 film SHERLOCK HOLMES opposite Clive Brooks hoped to spin off a franchise of films featuring himself as the World's Greatest Detective but A STUDY IN SCARLET proved unpopular with fans. It turns out the studio opted only to purchase the rights to the title of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mystery, not the story itself! Owens isn't half bad as Holmes but this tale of murder and secret societies leaves a lot to be desired. B&W
- DirectorRoy William NeillStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceAlan MowbrayWhen the fabled Star of Rhodesia diamond is stolen on a London to Edinburgh train and the son of its owner is murdered, Sherlock Holmes must discover which of his suspicious fellow passengers is responsible.Alan ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE KILLER, BORIS KARLOFF Mowbay plays the sinister jewel thief Sebastian Moran who has smuggled aboard a train carrying a coffin containing the Star of Rhodesia. When the diamond is stolen & passengers begin turning up dead Holmes & Watson (once again played to perfection by Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce) are hot on his heels & determined to crack the case. Roy FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN Neill does an adequate job directing this B&W adventure which was loosely inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
- DirectorLeslie S. HiscottStarsArthur WontnerLyn HardingLeslie PerrinsHolmes, retired to Sussex, is drawn into a last case when his arch enemy Moriarty arranges with an American gang to kill one John Douglas, a country gentleman with a mysterious past.The Valley of Fear was the 4th novel based on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and was the basis for this 1935 film called THE TRIUMPH OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. Arthur Wontner played the great detective in 5 films between 1931 to 1937 mostly opposite Ian Flemming's Dr Watson. Lyn Harding is perhaps a tad more effective as the villainous Dr Moriarty who lashes out at his nemesis while embarking on a campaign against a man who exposed his criminal organization. It's a little too formulamatic, too turgid & too British for my tastes. B&W
- DirectorRoy William NeillStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceHillary BrookeSherlock Holmes investigates when young women around London turn up murdered, each with a finger severed. Scotland Yard suspects a madman, but Holmes believes the killings to be part of a diabolical plot.Roy THE BLACK ROOM Neill directed this 11th American adaption of Sherlock Holmes based on the short stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes & Watson (Basil THE GHOST IN THE INVISIBLE BIKINI Rathbone & Nigel SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOUSE OF FEAR Bruce) investigate a series of suspicious murders tied to wealthy men by a finger severed from each of the victims. When Holmes discovers his nemesis Professor Moriarty is still at large the game's afoot! Henry Daniell who had previously appeared as a different character in SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON doesn't carry much weight in the role of Moriarty but Rathbone & Bruce shine in this rather pedestrian B&W mystery.
- StarsRonald HowardHoward Marion-CrawfordArchie DuncanThe adventures of master detective Sherlock Holmes as he and his assistant, Dr. Watson--and, somewhat reluctantly, the bumbling Inspector Lestrade--battle criminals in London.The French/American adaption of the classic character created by Sir Arthur THE LOST WORLD Conan Doyle ran 39 B&W episodes in US syndication & starred Ronald THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY'S TOMB Howard to Watson's Marion Crawford who made a name for himself appearing in 5 FU MANCHU adventures during the 1960s. These half hour episodes could be talkie and tiresome but it enjoys a small cult of admirers.
- StarsMegan FollowsConnie SelleccaJennifer LopezIn this serial drama attorney Dianne's cheating husband is found murdered in her sister Kate's place of business. Dianne's old boyfriend Mike has just returned to Santa Rita after a stint behind bars. Other suspects include several adversaries from Dianne's past.SECOND CHANCES was a low key prime time soap opera starring Connie THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO Sellecca, Michelle KNOT'S LANDING Phillips, Ray TWIN PEAKS Wise and then relatively unknown Jennifer Lopez. Production was halted after only 10 episodes when an earthquake destroyed most of the set & it was discovered lead actresses Sellecca & Megan Follows were both pregnant. CBS ordered a drastic reboot called HOTEL MALIBU as a mid-season replacement.
- StarsJoanna CassidyCheryl PollakJohn DyeA combination family saga, soap opera and romantic comedy about a luxury hotel run by Ellie Mayfield and her devious business partner son. They are joined by Stevie, Ellie's virtuous daughter, who is attracted to the sensitive hotel bartender. There is also the bartender's curvy sister who is a maid and a new employee win an ethnic chip on her shoulder.Bernard Lechowick & Lynn Latham who were known mostly for their work on highly successful prime time soaps like KNOTS LANDING and FALCON CREST tried to revive their failed SECOND CHANCES by transporting Jennifer Lopez's character to a lavish resort hotel owned by the beautiful Joanna BLADE RUNNER Cassidy. CBS pulled the plug after only 6 episodes.
- CreatorStephen J. CannellStarsWilliam KattConnie SelleccaRobert CulpA teacher is asked to be a superhero using a special alien suit with powers he can barely understand or control.Legendary television producer Steven Cannell who introduced the world to series like THE ROCKFORD FILES, BARETTA & 21 JUMP STREET was the brains behind this witty & often irreverent superhero spoof about a good natured basketball coach who is given an alien super suit who's instruction booklet he immediately loses. William Katt is completely without guile & endlessly entertaining between emergency landings and all manner of superhero slapstick. Assisting the high school teacher turned hero is a cynical FBI agent played by Robert SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT 3: BETTER WATCH OUT Culp & his professional love interest Connie Sellecca who starred in ARTHUR HAILEY'S HOTEL. THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO was very briefly popular during it's 3 season/45 episode run. An additional episode was filmed in 1986 called THE GREATEST AMERICAN HEROINE which failed to land a timeslot on the fall schedule. The pilot was eventually re-edited & included in the original series for syndication. The theme song to this show (Believe It Or Not by Mike Post) shot to the #2 position of the Billboard Top 100. A revival series was announced for ABC but in 2018, at the 11th hour was cancelled.
- DirectorMatt ReevesStarsMike VogelJessica LucasLizzy CaplanA group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack.Friends gathered together for a farewell party in New York are forced to run for dear life when an enormous seemingly indestructible monster emerges from the ocean to tear the city apart. To make things worse, the beast carries a host of deadly parasitic organisms which fall into the streets creating more panic & death while the American military contemplates unleashing nukes to eradicate the threat. I usually don't like found footage movies but this one's undeniably worth a look. Matt WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES Reeves manages to keep those scary special effects convincing even when the Cloverfield monster is cloaked with inventive camera work. The suspense doesn't let up for a second. JJ STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Abrams produced this excellent monster movie and the unusual films continuing in it's footsteps.
- DirectorDan TrachtenbergStarsJohn GoodmanMary Elizabeth WinsteadJohn Gallagher Jr.A young woman is held in an underground bunker by a man who insists that a hostile event has left the surface of the Earth uninhabitable.John JONAH HEX Gallagher & Mary PASSIONS Winstead play 'survivors' of a chemical armageddon unfolding on the surface of the earth. Their rescuer; John ROSEANNE Goodman insists that if they leave the underground bunker they face certain death but they're pretty sure he's insane. Is he? 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE is limply directed although there is a sense of claustrophobia & suspense if no tangible ties to the 2008 hit. The director (a man I've never heard of) points and shoot without much enthusiasm & the special effects are doled out sparingly towards the end. It's a noticable step down in quality from CLOVERFIELD. Followed by the Netflix TV movie THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX in 2018
- DirectorJulius OnahStarsGugu Mbatha-RawDavid OyelowoDaniel BrühlOrbiting a planet on the brink of war, scientists test a device to solve an energy crisis, and end up face-to-face with a dark alternate reality.Depending on who you believe THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX cost between 25-50 million to produce. But whatever the cost, studio; Paramount decided not to roll the dice on a theatrical release & instead sold the film to Netflix (which may have been the original intent all along). THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX made an immediate splash in the distributers ratings although fans of the disjointed franchise were not overly impressed with this sci fi mumbo jumbo which reportedly explains the Cloververse. Dangerous experiments on board an orbital particle accelerator cause the multiverses to bleed together in unexpected ways. None of them are especially convincing although the original CLOVERFIELD has a welcome cameo towards the end. An announced 4rth film in the franchise has yet to materialize.
- DirectorGeorge SeatonHenry HathawayStarsBurt LancasterDean MartinGeorge KennedyA bomber on board an airplane, an airport almost closed by snow, and various personal problems of the people involved.George THE BIG LIFT Seaton directed this spectacular disaster film based on the international best-seller AIRPORT by Arthur Hailey. The story follows the lives of several people who are endangered by a mad-bomber played by Van Heflin in his final role. Burt Lancaster plays the airport manager, George Kennedy plays the recurring Petroni, Jacqueline Bisset as a brave stewardess having an affair with the 747s pilot played by Dean Martin. Helen Hayes is an especially gifted scene stealer who earned an Oscar win for her part as a charming, elderly stowaway. AIRPORT was honored with 10 Academy Award nods including for Best Picture, best Original Score, Best Supporting Actress (Maureen Stapleton), Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound and Best Art Direction. Most of the drama unfolds aboard a jumbo jet onto which a bomb has been smuggled. Some patience is required as the bomb doesn't detonate until the last few remaining minutes of the film. Getting there was half the fun, as I recall. 3 sequels were released over the decade and a host of imitations.
- DirectorJack SmightStarsCharlton HestonKaren BlackGeorge KennedyA 747 in flight collides with a small plane, and is rendered pilotless. Somehow the control tower must get a pilot aboard so the jet can land.If I had to pick an AIRPORT movie to watch on any given day of the week every time it would be AIRPORT 1975 mostly because Karen NASHVILLE Black stars. Black plays an airline stewardess carrying on with pilot Charlton DYNASTY II: THE COLBYS Heston who finds herself left alone to navigate a huge passenger jet after the crew has been killed following a midair collision with a small aircraft. Helen Ready is unintentionally funny as a guitar strumming nun comforting THE EXORCIST's Linda Blair who's being airlifted on her way for an organ transplant. Mostly she looks stoned although the gag pays off when Ready begins to warble. It's cringingly bad but no disaster pic in the 70s could take itself seriously without a song after 'There's Got To Be A Morning After' & 'We May Never Love Like This Again' helped define THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE & THE TOWERING INFERNO. Hollywood legend Gloria SUNSET BOULEVARD Swanson also appears as herself in what would be her final screen performance and she's terrible. AIRPORT 1975 has a campy vibe & the lovely Karen Black carries on like that Zuni Devil Doll from TRILOGY OF TERROR is waiting for her in the cockpit. She really is tremendously over-the-top. And if that's not enough the action & suspense should keep you glued to your seat. A sequel was released in 1977.
- DirectorJerry JamesonStarsJack LemmonLee GrantJoseph CottenArt thieves hijack a 747, hit fog and crash into the ocean, trapping them and the passengers under one hundred feet of water.Jerry Jameson who had several television disaster movies under his belt including HURRICANE, TERROR ON THE 40TH FLOOR and A FIRE IN THE SKY directs AIRPORT '77 with such a straight face you almost feel obligated to take the film seriously. And that's not easy considering how campy the screenplay desperately wants it to be. James MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON Stewart plays a billionaire who decides to fly his priceless art collection to a museum via his luxury private jet which has all the amenities such as; a poker table, bar and grand piano. Along for the ride are BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY's Gil Gerard & DYNASTY's Pamela Bellwood not to mention a host of A-list celebrities. Christopher GRERMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH Lee plays a browbeaten husband to Lee Grant's fabulously bitchy drunken wife. Brenda SUPERGIRL Vaccaro & Jack GRUMPY OLD MEN Lemmon are the power couple determined to keep everyone alive when their jet is hijacked by art thieves who manage to crash it in the Bermuda Triangle 100 feet under water. And because every self-respecting disaster movie from THE HINDENBURG to TITANIC has to have a theme song, blind Tom Sullivan performs the ironic; 'Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder' which may be even more cringe-worthy than Helen Ready's breakout single from AIRPORT 1975. AIRPORT '77 is so trashy you almost wish it were more enjoyable on that level. The worst was yet to come...THE CONCORDE!
- DirectorDavid Lowell RichStarsAlain DelonSusan BlakelyRobert WagnerA supersonic airborne disaster. In order to survive a flight headed for the Moscow Olympics, passengers of the Concorde must endure aerial acrobatics to dodge missiles and survive a device that decompresses the plane.Charo, Jimmy Walker, Martha Raye & Sybil Danning are just some of the 'stars' appearing in this notorious disaster movie DOG which surely (Don't call me Shirley) must have inspired those AIRPLANE spoofs it's so laughably bad. Susan OVER THE TOP Blakely plays a reporter who has the dirt on a billionaire which she plans to release to the public as soon as the concorde lands. Robert AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME Wagoner (the billionaire in question) decides it's in his best interest to have the supersonic shot down on it's way to Moscow instead. 60 year George Kennedy co-stars for the 4rth time as Captain Petroni who gets laid by a French prostitute during a stop-over in a sub-plot you'll wish you could forget. If that doesn't sweeten the pot nothing will including the embarrassing special effects & appalling writing. AIRPORT '79...THE CONCORDE is widely considered to be one of the worst movies ever made and deservedly so. A 3 hour version aired on the ABC network but it was never released to home video in an extended 'director's cut'. David CHU CHU AND THE PHILLY FLASH Lowell Rich directed this catastrophy which will appeal mostly to cinematic masochists, such as myself.
- DirectorThunder LevinStarsAdrian PaulRichard GriecoBali RodriguezA group of refugees from Earth work to survive on a hostile alien planet.AE: APOCALYPSE EARTH was a shameless & lousy mockbuster of the equally shameless & lousy Will Smith flop AFTER EARTH which was released the week after this hit pay per view. Adrian WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE SERIES Paul stars as a human survivor determined to rebuild an escape craft to return to planet earth after his own ship crash lands on an alien world filled with some poorly rendered CG monsters. The PLANET OF THE APES style ending will come as no surprise. Barely tolerable.
- DirectorCharles BandStarsPaul GanusMegan WardRalph WaiteUnicom is a powerful organization overseeing most of the world after its economic collapse. They have banned computers and robots in an attempt to insure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of economic stability". When a Unicom Synth robot infiltrates a southwest TV station and kills the manager, a revolutionary against the gestapo-like corporation, a lowly Unicom delivery man must help the rest of the station survive through the incoming "thermal storm".Charles DOCTOR MOREAU'S HOUSE OF PAIN Band directed this low budget rip off of THE TERMINATOR which was also marketed as a sequel to ROBOT JOX. In the future, when giant mecha are outlawed a robot assassin attacks a radio station in this rather fun action/post apocalyptic pic from Full Moon. The few special effects that made it into the budget are convincing in an old-school practical makeup way It may not be art but it's kitschy fun most of the time & the action is well paced.
- DirectorAlbert BandStarsDon Michael PaulBarbara CramptonJames StaleyA renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order.Albert DRACULA'S DOG Band directed this futuristic action pic where our government has been infiltrated by spies while simultaneously the enemy is building a new class of robotic war machine shaped like a scorpion. A decent budget could have maybe saved this one. The special effects work is fine but there's just not enough of it! ROBOT WARS along with CRASH & BURN have both been marketed as sequels to ROBO JOX.