The 31st “Godzilla” Is Here!

Yes, the world’s greatest movie monster is back! For the 31st time, Japan cinemas has fans roaring in delight at the latest “Godzilla” film – first, check out the trailer!

“Godzilla” is an icon in Japan – so much so that one of the hotels actually put the beast on its roof – the hotel where my son Jeff stayed!

The Hotel Gracery, located in Shinjuku’s Kabuki-Cho district, put the monster on top of the Hotel’s reception floor, and inside, you could get a closeup look at the beast, which Alex and I jumped at the chance to do:

A Wall Of Godzilla!

Also inside the lobby was an exhibit that had T-shirts, DVD of earlier films, and a wall that had posters of all 31 films, classic movie posters like these:

The latest Godzilla looks muscular and brawn, with just enough “retro” look to pay homage to what makes these films so iconic: wild plots with a mix of great action and campy special effects…

This fun “Godzilla” exhibit had me interested in seeing the new film, which opens July 25th in Japan…

I also had some other fun in Tokyo as well…

I Got Plasticized!

We checked out Tokyo’s famous Kappabashi district, with the realistic plastic food! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/09/tokyos-got-my-wagyu-beef-burger-amazing-kappabashi-plastic-food-burger-shirts-tokyo-rules/

I also had a memorable meal at a restaurant that added a special treat: a live performance!

Check out my musical bento box adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/07/tokyo-food-musical-bento-boxes-sea-urchin-tempura-biting-down-hard-in-japan/

In addition to bento boxes, I also had the chance to have “sushi for breakfast!”

Alex, Jeff and I ate sushi for breakfast at Tokyo’s legendary fish market – here are some great behind-the-scenes videos:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/06/tokyos-legendary-fish-market-sushi-for-breakfast-an-iconic-japanese-landmark-closes/

Finally, I came to Tokyo four times with G4, and one memorable visit saw our Host Alex Sim-Wise become an Astronaut’s wife:

Check out her wild experience as a Tokyo Bar Hostess here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/17/suave-sexy-hilarious-japanese-hostess-bar-secrets-and-lies-alex-sim-wise-plays-tokyo-hostess/

Let me know if you have seen any of Japan’s legendary Godzilla films!

“Tear him up!”

And with that command, “Willard” turns his band of ravenous rats on all of his enemies…and yes, the movie’s sequel “Ben” had a theme song, sung by Michael Jackson, that was a love song to a rat – and was Oscar-nominated!

Time For The Wacky Animal Vengeance Horror Of “Willard!”

This 1971 film starred Bruce Davison and Ernest Borgnine, and was a surprise hit! Check out the classic trailer:

“Willard” was based on the novel “The Ratman’s Notebooks”, and was a surprise box office hit in 1971! A young Bruce Davison stars as Willard, a shy boy who befriends a rat named Ben…

Ernest Borgnine Bets Against “Ben!”

Ernest Borgnine co-stars in “Willard”, and as you can see, it doesn’t end well for him. According to Borgnine’s autobiography, they offered the legendary character Actor a choice of a higher salary or a percentage of the box office. Borgnine chose to take the money right away – probably costing him plenty, because the movie was a surprise hit!

Michael Jackson’s Love Song To A Rat!

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is that the main rat, Ben, was the star of a sequel the very next year called “Ben” – and the theme song is sung by a young Michael Jackson…and it was nominated for best original song of 1972!

That’s right – “Ben” was oscar-nominated! And why not? After all, it’s not every movie that offers a loving tribute to a killer rat!

“Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I’ll never be alone
And you my friend will see
You’ve got a friend in me
(You’ve got a friend in me)”

Yes, you’ve got a friend in “Ben!”

Michael Jackson At The Oscars!

Here is a clip of Michael Jackson performing the song on the 1973 Academy Awards show – he is introduced by legendary Actor Charlton Heston!

If you need to know, “Ben” lost the best original song Oscar to “The Morning After” from “The Poseidon Adventure!”

Thanks to Shout Factory, you will soon be able to enjoy both cult classics “Willard” and “Ben”, which are getting a much-deserved blu-ray release – so bite down on these campy cult classics, which led to a avalanche of “killer animal” films in the 1970’s!

Killer “Frogs!”

It is simply one of the all-time greatest movie posters – for a campy cult 70’s horror film called “Frogs”….one of a number of campy animal horror films that followed “Willard” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/24/wackiest-halloween-horror-frogs-vincent-price-helldrivers-old-ladies/

And if you want your killer animals more modern, I’ve got you covered:

“Zombeavers” Are Here!

Yes, “zombie beavers” terrorize teenagers in various stages of undress! This new movie is cap fun! Check out the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/18/zombeavers-the-latest-in-killer-animal-movies-frogs-ants-and-more-campy-horror/

Let me know what you think of the “Ben” love song!

“It’ll Grab You By The Pom-Poms!”

Ah, the happy days of grindhouse exploitation, when movie posters were full of double entendres and “hey now” one liners…one of the more popular genres was related to “Cheerleaders”…

Cult erotic film Actress Kristine Debell shook her Pom Poms in the cult 70’s film “Cheerleader’s Wild Weekend!” Seems like a perfect title, but it was also known under another name….”The Great American Girl Robbery!”

Let’s begin with the trailer:

And now, the plot as described by the great website IMDB:

A bus-load of cheerleaders is hijacked and held for a $2 million ransom. After several comic and arousing interactions, eventually the girls are forced by their captors to participate in a topless “beauty pageant” in which they must pose before their captor-“judges” in nothing but their underwear!

An Erotic Icon Stays Fully Clothed!

Legendary Actress Kristine DeBell stars in the film, this after her starring role in this erotic classic:

Now here’s the funniest part of this movie: Kristine DeBell had it stipulated in her contract that she didn’t have to do any nudity in this film!

Hilarious! Read the whole movie review at the great “Mondo Digital” website:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/wildweekend.html

If you don’t know about Kristine’s legendary work in an “adult” Alice In Wonderland, you are missing a treat:

Read all about this cult classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/08/kristine-debell-her-x-rated-alice-in-wonderland-hollywoods-multiple-cult-cuts/

Of course, 70’s sexploitation cinema is filled with classic “Cheerleader” movies like this one:

Did you know that David Hasselhoff starred in one? Click here to see his hilarious role as “Boner!”

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/19/cheerleaders-pom-pom-girls-david-hasselhoff-as-boner-cult-classics-rah-rah-rah/

Cheerleaders weren’t the only ones swinging in the 70’s…

That’s right, Stewardesses were getting naughty as well…see some of those cult classics here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/30/naughty-stewardesses-swinging-cheerleaders-centerfold-girls-classic-70s-exploitation/

Leave me a comment and let me know if you got away on this “wild weekend!”

Get Ready For Some Amazing, Mind-Blowing Cinema!

This montage shows just some of the dozens and dozens of films from the Japanese visionary Director Takashi Miike!

Takashi Miike is a highly prolific and controversial Japanese filmmaker – having directed over ninety theatrical, video, and television productions since 1991!

The films are shocking, daring, controversial, and in many cases, classics of cinema!

Ichi The Killer!

Mike first caught my eye with this ultra-violent story of a hired Assassin…it’s a great, gory thriller – check out the trailer:

“Audition”

This horror classic was recently listed as one of the top 100 horror films of all time…it’s a slow-building masterpiece of shock…check out the trailer:

Mike also offers up perverse classic like this one:

“The Happiness Of The Katakuris!”

Yes, Miike directed a zombie musical! The imagery mocked “The Sound Of Music” as only he can – check out this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/05/happy-singing-zombies-visionary-takashi-miikes-wacky-zombie-musical/

Another great Miike film is “Thirteen Assassins”, a terrific period action drama…among his more recent work is this controversial shocker:

“As The Gods Will”

Mike continues to deliver provocative cinema every year, including this recent film – check out the wild trailer!

His Notorious “Jiggle” Promo!

To promote the film, a very controversial “jiggle” promo was created….with a bevy of bikini-clad women dancing suggestively for the camera…not referencing the film for several minutes!

You can check this controversial trailer out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/11/the-bikini-game-controversial-japanese-jiggle-movie-promo-new-j-sploitation-film/

Mike continues to direct films – which are now getting wider release in the US – you can find most on Amazon and streaming services as well…if you have a stomach for offbeat cinema, this is the Director for you!

See even more of his work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/13/yakuza-zombies-bloody-asian-halloween-horror-2015-shocking-japanese-exploitation/

Let me know your favorites – the “Dead Or Alive” trilogy is one of mine, as well as “13 Assassins!”

Simon Cowell’s “The Shining!”

Wh-wh-WHAT?!?!??!!?

Yes, Simon Cowell was part of the creative team on Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece! It’s just one of my favorite pieces of movie trivia.

Here is more great trivia:

Robert DeNiro IS Sonny Corleone!

That’s right, before he was cast as Don Corleone in “The Godfather Part II”, DeNiro auditioned for the role of hot-headed Sonny…

Great “Godfather” Movie Trivia!

James Caan was brilliant as Sonny – and Marlon Brando not only won the Best Actor Oscar for his role as “The Godfather”, behind the scenes he was brilliant as well!

Brando was a notorious practical joker – read all of his behind-the-scenes gags here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/19/the-godfather-screen-tests-robert-deniro-is-sonny-corleone-godfather-trivia/

There is so much more great “Godfather” trivia as well, like this:

The Horse Head Was Real!

That’s right: the shocked reaction you see onscreen is real, as that was an actual horse head in the bed! Read all about this classic piece of movie trivia here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/20/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories/

Here is another piece of movie trivia I love, courtesy of “Star Wars”:

Sam Jones As “Han Solo!”

Sam Jones was “Flash Gordon”, but did you know that Han Solo is directly a result of this film? George Lucas tells you how “Star Wars” came from “Flash Gordon” – read it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/05/how-flash-gordon-created-star-wars-sam-jones-the-original-han-solo/

And finally, who would’ve thought THIS?

Simon Cowell Worked On “The Shining!”

Yes, Simon Cowell was on the same set as Stanley Kubrick and Jack Nicholson! Read all about that movie trivia – and more – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/04/simon-cowell-was-shining-debra-winger-is-e-t-wildest-movie-facts/

Let me know what your favorite movie trivia is!

These Birds Will “Shock” You!

I love movies. ALL KINDS OF MOVIES. Therefore, I LOVE “BIRDEMIC!”

Let me explain, in case you haven’t seen this movie. Someone made this. They are now officially a “film maker.” And You are not. So, credit must go where credit must go!

Have You Seen The Brilliant “Birdemic: Shock And Terror?”

Before I share some details, take a look at this trailer. Note the acting, the special effects, and the action again because it’s just that good!

Thanks to Vice, you can now experience “Birdemic” in a whole new way – as they look into the making of this masterpiece of bad cinema!

“Vice” has a great mini-documentary from Evan Husney that looks at the making of this film…here is what you need to know:

In January 2009, software salesman James Nguyen traveled to the Sundance Film Festival to self-promote his low-budget independent horror film “Birdemic: Shock and Terror.”

When the film was rejected by the Sundance Film Festival, according to IMDB:

“James Nguyen promoted his film by putting banners, fake blood, and fake birds all over his van. He would drive around to advertise until it caught the attention of Severin Films, which then distributed this film – and cinema history was made!”

Thanks to Severin films, you can own this to enjoy night after night after night!

If you want to see the “Vice” documentary, check out this story from the great website “Action A Go Go”, which includes the link

http://actionagogo.com/2016/08/09/one-man-one-dream-one-birdemic/

Of course, Nguyen isn’t alone in his quest to become a movie Director – remember Tommy Wiseau?

“The Room” is widely considered the worst film ever made…but the fact is, he made it!

Actor Greg Sestero starred in “The Room”, and had a fascinating friendship with the Director as well, which is being turned into a movie with James Franco! Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/27/tommy-wiseaus-classic-the-room-now-a-book-tommys-secrets-revealed/

Finally, who are we to judge what a Director intends? For example, there was a Director who intended THIS:

That’s right, a severed flying skull that kills! You can see this, plus five of the worst films ever made, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Let me know what you think of “Birdemic!”

“They are bad people. They should suffer.”

I am in the middle of a marathon of films by a visionary new Director, Ben Wheatley…and his second film just blew me away!

The Sign Of Horror!

WOW! I don’t have words to describe how amazing Ben Wheatley’s film “Kill List” is! It’s a British thriller that evolves into a horrific journey into the “heart of darkness.”

Here is the plot: you meet Jay and his wife Shel as they welcome their friend Gal and his new girlfriend for dinner. Over lots of drinking, you find out that Jay hasn’t worked for months…

I don’t want to share too much of the plot, but know that Jay and Gal have a “working” relationship that comes out in the course of the movie – in some very funny, dark, and horrifically violent ways!

Here is the trailer for the film:

There’s no other way to say it: “Kill List” will blow your mind! It’s a ROUGH ROUGH ROUGH movie in a couple of scenes, but it’s also a hypnotic fever dream that is darkly funny and human for a “hit man” film – in fact, it turns the genre completely on its head!

It’s just another amazing film from a visionary Director!

Meet Ben Wheatley!

If you don’t know this Director’s work, you are missing some terrific films.
In May 2009, he directed “Down Terrace” in eight days; it won the Next Wave prize at Fantastic Fest in Austin and Best UK Feature at Raindance in London.

“Kill List” Followed in 2010. I just watched it on Amazon Prime.

Wheatley’s third film was “Sightseers”, released in 2012. Wheatley’s fourth film was this haunting black-n-white psychological horror film:

“A Field in England” takes place entirely in a field – soldiers fighting a battle are trapped, and slowly go mad…here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/20/a-field-in-england-new-modern-horror-master-ben-wheatley/

Wheatley’s most successful film was released this year:

“High Rise” is adaptation of the J.G. Ballard novel, and Wheatley has a well known cast, including Tom Huddleston, Sienna Miller and Jeremy Irons.

This film is now out ondemand and I plan to watch it next!

Speaking of new horror Directors, check out the Soska Sisters! Read about this inventive duo here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/07/modern-horror-twin-directors-the-soska-sisters-american-mary-dead-hooker-in-a-trunk/

Finally, if you want to see some more “mind-blowing” cinema, here is a place to dive in:

I posted a story about this brilliant film, “Enter The Void”, and have included several other films as well:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/01/audacious-mind-blowing-cinema-enter-the-void-vanishing-waves-and-holy-motors/

Bravo to Ben Wheatley – let me know how many of these you have seen!

Welcome To Times Square!

Yes, it’s America’s most brightly lit playground of fun for the entire family! Times Square is well lit, filled with upbeat tourist attractions and offers all of the big chain restaurants you expect when on vacation – it’s a street filled with fun!

Well, it is NOW – but New York’s Times Square wasn’t always so wholesome…here’s what it looked like just a few decades ago…

This Wasn’t Your Mother’s Times Square!

Folks, these pictures are from Times Square in the 70’s and early 80’s – a seedy strip filled with movie houses that showed exploitation films 24 hours a day – that’s how the term “grindhouse” came to be: theaters that were grinding out cheap “dirty movies” all day and night…

I have posted many stories about this era in the history of Times Square…it’s fascinating because these movie theaters were as dangerous inside as the action onscreen! They also showed films that weren’t being seen in your neighborhood theater:

“A Smell Of Honey! A Swallow OF Brine!”

These films were rough morality tales – in this case, a young woman who likes to tease her suitors gets her comeuppance in a rough rough way…it’s a common theme in these movies: young women who stray into “bad” territory, and of course stupid guys who want a cheap thrill and pay the ultimate price for it…

This is a classic example of early sexploitation – a hint of nudity and sexual situations designed to attract lonely men who wanted a thrill, and they found it on 42nd street…read more about this cult classic – and see the trailer – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/01/26/more-and-wilder-sexploitation-classics/

As the 60’s ended, the films being shown in grind house theaters continued to up the ante…New York’s times Square became even rougher, and the posters for these sexploitation films were more suggestive than ever…

It’s not hard to understand what they are selling here, and that kept dozens of these Times Square theaters in business! “Forbidden Flesh” is a perfect example of an era when the films were beginning to show more, suggestion turning to overt sexuality. and you can see more by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/31/forbidden-flesh-dirty-girls-the-unsatisfied-classic-sexploitation-cinema/

These films got away with a lot because they were promising an “educational” experience – yes, some of these films skirted obscenity laws by purporting to show a “documentary” aspect to their sexuality – they were showing you shocking perversions going on in your very own country!

“Shocking” Indeed!

Yes, hillbillies were taking “child brides”, and only one film had the nerve to uncover it…and “uncover” they did…this movie poster is as suggestive and exploitive as they come, and you see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/29/forbidden-flesh-child-brides-see-how-they-love-in-flaming-hillbilly-color-early-sexploitation-madness/

As the 70’s progressed, many of these movie theaters went hardcore, showing XXX-rated movies…in order to keep up, savvy Producers upped the lurid content of their own software erotic movies as well…

You have to see “Wham Bam, Thank You Spaceman” to appreciate it! It’s as “over the top” as grind house films were…anything to keep the customers satisfied! Here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/03/wham-bam-space-sex-cinemas-naked-lust-celebrate-the-sultan-of-sexploitation/

Movies from Europe flooded the US in the early 70’s as well – these films were called “Artsploitation”, because they offered intelligent, moody storytelling – albeit with a lot of nudity – “artistic exploration” – and the best ones featured the “Queen of Artsploitation”, Christina Lindberg!

Lindberg’s most notorious film is called “Thriller: A Cruel Picture”…which also went by this title, because in those days, Producers would simply retitle movies and release them again:

Lindberg inspired Quentin Tarantino to give Darryl Hannah an eye patch in “Kill Bill”…see more about Lindberg by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Europe’s other “sexploitation superstar” was the iconic Lina Romay:

Romay starred in some of the most outrageous european sex shockers of all time, such as this classic piece of what was known as “euro sleaze”:

“Lorna The Exorcist” took advantage of another popular film of the time of course. Most of her films were directed by her husband, Jess Franco…read all about them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/11/lindas-shocking-hot-nights-lina-romays-classic-sexploitation/

The US had it’s own iconic, erotic filmmakers well….yes, that would be the legendary Russ Meyer:

Meyer achieved fame for his classic sexploitation film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” He went on to make a number of cult classics such as these:

His films were bright, full of sight gags, ample bosoms, and a sense of humor that was usually lacking in sexploitation films…see more of his work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

There are now many film companies who are trying to keep exploitation alive by releasing classic cult films from that era…

Here is a great new documentary from Something Weird Video that looks at the entire genre, it’s terrific! The documentary “That’s Sexploitation” gives an in-depth look at this era of film making. See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

I hope you enjoyed your journey into cinema’s dirty bad alley…let me know your favorites!

What a year so far at the movies…hundreds of films released in theaters all across the US…with many becoming smash hits…so how has it added up for Hollywood?

Caucasian woman watching move in empty theater

The Answer: A Ghost Town!

2016 has been brutal to some very highly anticipated films – moviegoers said “NO THANKS” in a very loud voice…I rounded up some of the year’s biggest disappointments and here is how it adds up:

$812-million In The Hole….Ouch!

I added up the production costs for some of Hollywood’s biggest 2016 releases so far – and then looked at the US box office. The difference in box office gross and the film’s production costs adds up to a loss of more than $800-million dollars!

For many movie studios, the international market is where these films will make their money back – but the fact is, the financial hole dug by a poor theatrical release in the US makes it very tough to get back to break even…let’s take a look at some of the films that struggled in the US this year:

We begin in the with a “prequel” that nobody wanted:

The Huntsman: Winters War
Cost: $115-mil, US gross: $48-mil

Offering up images that looked like a live-action “Frozen” didn’t help…we are being inundated with superhero films, and this is the result….another genre failing badly:

Moviegoers have clearly said they are NOT interested in “sword and dragon” epics any more – they can see it on TV – “Gods Of Egypt” was one of the year’s biggest flops – look at these numbers:

Gods of Egypt
Cost: $140-mil, US gross $31-mil

Even one of Hollywood’s legendary Directors made a rare mis-step:

Disney was unable to convince moviegoers that Steven Spielberg’s latest film was worth seeking out – even with stellar reviews:

The BFG
Cost: $140-mil, US gross $54-mil

But one of the biggest mistakes made in 2016 was taking a Hollywood classic and trying to remake it for a modern audience:

This was probably the biggest bomb of the summer – even with an attempt to tell the story through a religious lens – look at these numbers:

Ben-Hur
Cost: $100-mil, US gross $20-mil

Films with “swords, sandals and sand” have under-performed for several years now.

Even animated sequels had a difficult time bringing back their loyal audience:

Ice cold box office greeted these animated characters this time out:

Ice Age: Collision Course
Cost: $105-mil, US gross $62-mil

Which leads to the question: what if you bring back a movie franchise – that no one asked for?

Here was the sequel that NOBODY wanted:

Independence Day: Resurgence
Cost: $165-mil, US gross $103-mil

The original is iconic, and without Will Smith, it was the kiss of death – or maybe it was the horrible reviews.

And turning popular video games into big screen entertainment failed again big time:

The worlds of video game and film have rarely meshed, and here is another example. Talk about a battle lost quickly!

Warcraft
Cost: $150-mil, US gross $47-mil

This next film will no doubt make up its deficit overseas, but it was another “summer blockbuster” that failed to excite moviegoers:

The Legend of Tarzan
Cost: $180-mil, US gross $126-mil

The reviews were strong for “Tarzan”, and as I said, it has been well-received overseas, but in the US, it failed to ignite enough interest to justify the price.

Sometimes, the personal life of a star can wreck havoc on their films:

What was behind this bomb of a sequel? Was it the bad press over Johnny Depp’s split with Amber Heard, or could it have been that no one really seemed to like the first film much!

Alice Through The Looking Glass
Cost: $170-mil, US gross $77-mil

Another sequel couldn’t get moviegoers to come out of their shells:

This came and went with a shrug – it felt like a movie no one asked for.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows
Cost: $135-mil, US gross $82-mil

Another film tried to take viewers back in time to a heroic rescue effort:

Unfortunately, nobody cared: this period action adventure didn’t resonate at all.

The Finest Hours
Cost: $80-mil, US gross $27-mil

Finally, the comedian behind “Borat” and “Bruno” tried to create a new character:

This had one of the lowest box office grosses of any film released widely in theaters:

The Brothers Grimsby
Cost: $35-mil, US gross $7-mil

Add this all up, and these films were more than $800-million in the red after their US release! Yes, like pouring money down a black hole!

Actual box office for 2016 is holding up, thanks to smash hits like “Finding Dory”, “Captain America: Civil War” and “Zootopia”, and if you want to see how much international box office helps a movie, check out this great list on “Box Office Mojo”:

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2016&p=.htm

The film business is always “hit or miss”, but some of the bombs this year have been brutal! We have also seen some big names star struggling at the box office in the last few years as well:

Here is a look at the box office fall of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone – two of the world’s biggest movie stars now finding it more difficult:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/05/the-action-80s-are-over-sly-and-arnolds-action-disasters-stallone-and-schwarzenegger-bomb/

I also took a look at Tom Cruise – one of his most recent films actually changed its title when it came out on home video to try and get people to watch!

This is actually the movie “Edge Of Tomorrow!” Read about this unique marketing effort here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/17/live-die-rename-the-new-tom-cruise-film-is-the-old-tom-cruise-film/

Let me know what you think!

When Is A Film Horrific Because Of A Cast Member? When Orson Welles Is In It!

Orson Welles may have made one of the greatest films of all time, “Citizen Kane”, but he was anything but a model citizen in person!

Here is Welles interacting with a radio Producer as they attempt to record a “Findus Frozen Pea” commercial in the 70’s!

“EVerything’s OK” With Orson’s Head!

And now, there is a new web series that uses Welles in a unique way! Imagine a world where fracking has turned New York City into a desolate wasteland – and one girl learns to fight the power with help from Orson Welles’ revived head.

That’s the new web series “Everything’s OK!” Read all about it here:

http://www.avclub.com/article/orson-welles-disembodied-head-stars-dystopian-webs-242202

If you want to hear more about Orson’s aggressive meanness, you can start here:

Lunching With Orson!

Another independent filmmaker, Henry Jaglom, published a book of his lunches with the legendary Welles – lunches full of catty commentary by the iconic Director!

As described in a story on Dailymail.com:

“Here is Welles as he has never been seen before: talking intimately, disclosing personal secrets, reflecting on the highs and lows of his astonishing Hollywood career, the people he knew—FDR, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Laurence Olivier, David Selznick, Rita Hayworth, and more—and the many disappointments of his last years. This is the great director unplugged, free to be irreverent and worse—sexist, homophobic, racist, or none of the above— because he was nothing if not a fabulator and provocateur.”

Here is a link to a story about the book:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2359143/New-book-reveals-Orson-Welles-thought-Laurence-Olivier-idiot-Richard-Burton-joke-celebrity-wife.html

And now, let’s hear from one of Hollywood’s sex kittens, Pamela Franklin, as she discussed working with Welles on a film in the 70’s – or was it two? And how was the experience? Here is the answer:

A Cult Movie So Good It Has Two Titles!

One of the great things about the movie industry is how “industrious” Producers were at times – like this, a film so good it got released twice – under two different titles!

This Is “Necromancy” Starring Orson Welles!

OK, I know you’ve NEVER heard of this film. That’s because it was barely released in 1972, and yes, the grumpy Orson Welles starred in this occult horror film – and guess what? He also starred in this film as well!

That’s Because “The Witching” IS “Necromancy!”

Cinema history is littered with films that were re-released under different titles, and that was the fate for this cult horror gem.

Orson’s An Ass!

As we’ve discussed, there is much evidence that points to Mr. Welles NOT being the nicest person on the set – we will look at additional evidence of that after we dive into the nutty horror of “Necromancy” aka “The Witching!”

Orson Welles was near the end of his career, and he stars here as the head of a witches’ coven, who needs the powers of Actress Pamela Franklin to raise his son from the dead.

But of course he does!

Thanks to Mondo-Digital, here is the story:

1972’s “Necromancy” was released briefly by Cinerama Releasing. However, as the website reports:

“The Director’s original version was suppressed after its initial release in favor of a radically reworked version in the early ‘80s for the VHS market called “The Witching”, with the story severely reworked, extended scenes of fully nude coven worship added (including a young Brinke Stevens), and an entirely new, senseless ending replacing the original one.”

Here is the trailer for “The Witching”:

The source for this fun trivia is the terrific website “Mondo-digital.com”, which always has the latest in cult film releases and reviews…see more of their review of the movie by clicking on the site here:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/necromancy.html

As for “Necromancy”, it showcased the acting talent of a young sex kitten named Pamela Franklin…

British Actress Pamela Franklin received great acclaim for her work in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, winning the National Board of Review award for Best Supporting Actress.

Franklin ended up in horror films, including the occult thriller “The Legend of Hell House” in 1973, as well as “The Food of the Gods” in 1977.

The Good And Bad Of “Necromancy!”

The website “DVDdrive-in” also has a great review of the film, and the site points out that the new blu-ray release of “Necromancy” includes a recent audio interview with Pamela Franklin, who says that meeting her husband (actor Harvey Jason) was the only good thing to come out of the movie!

The Actress speaks of working with Welles, and says on the audio interview that she felt Welles was dismissive of other actors, saying very succinctly:

“He was not a nice person”.

The website also has this great anecdote about the making of the film:

“Welles was notorious for being difficult on the set. In his autobiography The Amazing Colossal Worlds of MR. BIG, Gordon feared he would have problems with the actor when Welles’ secretary informed him that he didn’t work before 10AM or after 4PM. But Gordon appeased Welles with a gourmet chef and all his favorite foods and drinks, and the larger-than-life thesp then agreed to be at his director’s disposal!”

This great trivia comes from a great website, “DVDdrive-in.com” – see their entire review here!

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/n-s/necromancyblu72.htm

OK, so we can all agree that working with Orson Welles wasn’t easy for many people, but thanks to great home video companies, we can still enjoy some of his work, like in the classic “Necromancy!”

If you love finding obscure cult horror films like this, check out both websites I linked to, and also, check out this film:

“Girly” is so bad it’s fun!

Check out the campy horror fun of “Girly” by reading my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/15/killer-girly-sex-kitten-vanessa-howards-neglected-british-horror-thriller/

And if your idea of horror involves lesbians – and why not – then you should check this film out:

Yes, legendary cult Director Jess Franco’s lesbian vampire masterpiece is now out on a remaster blu-ray – read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

Let me know if you fancy “Necromancy!”

“Heat – A Los Angeles Crime Saga”

This 1995 Michael Mann film is a modern classic, one of the greatest action thrillers of the era, and also remembered for making motion picture history:

Amazingly, “Heat” was the first film to ever feature both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino acting together! They both starred in “The Godfather: Part II” in 1974, but their roles were for different eras in the family. When “Heat” was released in 1995, it was promoted as the film to offer the first De Niro/Pacino “showdown!”

Here is the trailer for Michael Mann’s film – with an incredible ensemble including Pacino and DeNiro, along with Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd and Natalie Portman:

Bravo To the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences!

The Academy just put on a great night with the creative team in front of and behind the camera of “Heat” – including a reunion of DeNiro and Pacino!

On September 7, 2016 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, a great discussion of the film was moderated by Christopher Nolan, the Director of “Interstellar” and the “Batman” trilogy!

Here is a clip from the event, where they discuss the famous “showdown” scene, which was shot at the legendary restaurant Kate Mantellini’s restaurant just blocks away from the event.

HEAT US 1995 AL PACINO ROBERT DE NIRO Date 1995, Photo by: Mary Evans/WARNER BROS / REGENCY ENTERPRISES/Ronald Grant/Everett Collection(10372929)

According to IMDB, Pacino revealed that for the scene in the restaurant between Hanna and McCauley, Robert De Niro felt that the scene should not be rehearsed so that the unfamiliarity between the two characters would seem more genuine. Michael Mann agreed, and shot the scene with no practice rehearsals.

Here is a great conversation between Pacino, DeNiro and Director Michael Mann where they discuss filming this iconic movie moment:

Posted by “Oscars” on YouTube – bravo! You can see more of these moments from he event as well – a great way to re-discover this classic film!

Oscar Snub!

Shockingly, “Heat” wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture in 1995….among the other snubs that year were “Dead Man Walking”, “Leaving Las Vegas”, “The Usual Suspects” and “Se7en”!

Here were the Best Picture Nominees: Apollo 13, Babe, Il Postino, Sense and Sensibility

The Best Picture Winner: Braveheart

Wow! Well, twenty+ years on, “Heat” is a classic, and the restaurant scene is a moment for movie history.

Al Pacino is one of my favorite Actors: of course, everyone knows him for this role:

Aside from “The Godfather” and “Scarface”, Pacino has made an incredible impression of cinema…including this masterpiece from the early 70’s:

Check out this great film also starring Gene Hackman – click on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/19/al-pacinos-a-junkie-a-scarecrow-classic-early-al-pacino-performances/

Of course, DeNiro was also in “The Godfather Part II” – but since he played the early Don Corleone, he and Pacino never worked together in the film:

DeNiro has created many iconic movie characters, but perhaps no one more mesmerizing than “Taxi Driver” Travis Bickle:

Here are some of my favorite movies starring DeNiro:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

Bravo once again to the Motion Picture Academy for putting on this great event – go to their YouTube channel to see more of the conversation!

Christina Applegate’s Mom Goes “Cruising” For Al Pacino!

OK, movie fans, here is a GREAT anecdote for you! First, the new bawdy comedy “Bad Moms” is a terrific way to spend 90 minutes – the cast is hilarious, the story takes a female point of view on all things “MOM” – including disgusting husbands and annoying kids – and how they decide to fight back!

Meet The Real Moms!

Better yet, the film ends on a terrific note: over closing credits, the cast is shown in individual interviews with their real-life Moms, candidly discussing the “bad” things their real-life Mothers did to their daughters when they were growing up.

Mila Kunis, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn and Christina Applegate all have funny and warm conversations with their Moms, but the best is when Applegate tells her “Cruising” story!

Christina explains that her Mom took her to the movies: but this time is was the controversial R-rated thriller “Cruising” – and Christina was 9 years old! Yes, Christina Applegate’s Mom took her 9-year old daughter to see THIS movie:

Literally “Cruising” For A Bruising!

If you don’t know what “Cruising” is all about, well, it was one of 1980’s most shocking movies!

“Cruising” was a very controversial directed by William Friedkin and starring Al Pacino…so how did Christina end up in the theater with her Mom watching Al Pacino doing this?

The “Bad Moms” stars share the screen in the closing credits with their real-life mothers – and it is here where Christina Applegate mentions that her mother took her to see this Al Pacino film when she was 9 years old. How did that happen? Easy!

“Al Pacino!”

The Actor’s name is a hilarious punchline in the credits, as Christina’s Mom explains that she loved Al Pacino, so when his latest film came out in 1980, off she went with her daughter in tow to see it – and here’s what she saw!

So here is the story of “Crusing”: a cop, played by Al Pacino, goes undercover in New York’s lurid gay bondage and S&M scene to uncover a killer.

Check out the trailer for this controversial thriller:

The film is explicitly violent, and also features some of the hardest sexual content you will see in an R-rated film at that time…

The gay community protested the film at the time, with pickets outside some theaters. It’s a shocking film, and certainly way more than any young girl should see. So why did Christina’s Mom take her to see it?

Christina laughs as she explains that her Mom was a huge Al Pacino fan – so of course she would see any film he was in, and take her daughter along with her! Her Mom had NO idea how rough the film was, and as Christina is telling this story, you suddenly hear:

“Al Pacino!”

Her Mom blurts out the Actors’ name as an explainer for her parenting choice – it was “Al Pacino!”

Bravo to the entire cast of “Bad Moms” for a very funny movie hit! All of the closing credit discussions are hilarious, but the Al Pacino stuff is classic!

Pacino is certainly a terrific Actor, and “Cruising” is a fascinating film – it’s on home video so check it out! Also, check out this conversation that Al Pacino recently had with Director Michael Mann and Robert DeNiro about their iconic crime drama”Heat”.

The entire cast took part in an Oscar chat – read it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/10/amazing-heat-reunion-deniro-pacino-showdown-new-oscar-face-off/

“Cruising” Director William Friedkin made some of the greatest films of the modern era, such as “The French Connection”, “The Exorcist” and “Sorcerer.”

Friedkin is a fearless Director, and he wrote a book about his Hollywood adventures.

Here is his terrific Autobiography:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/22/sorcerer-legendary-lost-classic-is-uncovered-on-blu-ray-the-friedkin-connection-rules/

Of course, he made the scariest film of all time, didn’t he?

I love this film – shocking and horrific, and of course one of the most memorable horror moments of all time, when young Regan “turns her head” to look at who entered the room:

Here is some terrific “Exorcist” trivia:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/31/the-shining-room-237-the-exorcist-the-greatest-horror-movies-ever-made/

Thanks to Christina Applegate’s Mom for keeping “Cruising” alive for a new generation!

From “O” To “007”!

Meet Corinne Clery – who went from not”O”rious to 007! Some of the best “Bond girls” from the past were outstanding Actresses with a fascinating body of work – and Clery is no different!

“O” My!

Cléry first came to prominence in the controversial movie “The Story of O” in 1975. The original book was published decades early, and is a notorious erotic novel about submission – the “50 Shades Of Gray” of its time…

She also modelled for the cover of French magazine Lui – holding a huge copy of the novel upon which the film is based! She was one of the most popular models in the 70’s…

A “Bond Girl” Too!

Cléry is also noted for playing Bond girl Corinne Dufour, antagonist Hugo Drax’s assistant, in the 1979 James Bond film “Moonraker.”

More Bond Connections!

She also starred with another Bond girl, Barbara Bach (who played Anya Amasova in “The Spy Who Loved Me”) and another Bond villain Richard Kiel (who played Bond villain Jaws) in the 1979 film “The Humanoid”.

Corinne graced the cover of many magazines in the 70’s, including one of Playboys international editions…and she was fearless in her movie choices, including this brutal thriller from 1977:

“Hitch Hike” also stars Franco Nero, and is an intense thriller about a couple who pick up the wrong hitchhiker…it’s a European film, and some of the foreign advertising was shocking for its time!

“Hitch Hike” is a great action film from he 70’s, but is full of graphic sexuality, including many shots of Clery like this:

You can read more about this obscure thriller by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/05/thumbs-up-knives-out-cult-classic-hitchhiking-exploitation/

One of Clery’s later roles was in the 1983 film “Yor, the Hunter from the Future” –

Clery hasn’t made a film in more than twenty years, but managed to achieve iconic status for her wide range of great work – in some very controversial movies…

Let me know how many of her films you’ve seen, and bravo to her for a terrific body of work!

If you want to see more “Bond girls”, how about this terrific Actress?

Caroline Munro was a great “Bond girl”, and you can see her great body of work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

Of course, the first “Bond girl” set the standard for great performances in 007 films:

Ursula Andress set the standard when she stepped out of the ocean in “Dr. No”…read all about her work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

Let me know your favorite Bond girl!

Shocking news out of Hollywood today: a great Director has passed away…

Curtis Hanson, a great Director with a number of great films, has died. The director of “L.A Confidential” won, along with Brian Helgeland, the Adapted Screenplay Oscar for that classic slice of film noir.

According to Variety, Hanson was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed. He was 71.

Variety reports:

“The official said paramedics responded to a call of an unconscious man at Hanson’s home at about 4:52 p.m. on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, it appears as though Hanson died of a heart attack; while the LAPD spokesperson could not confirm that specific information, he said Hanson died of “natural causes.”

In the 1980’s Hanson directed cult films like the Hitchcock-ian “The Bedroom Window”, starring Elizabeth McGovern and Steve Guttenberg. It’s a great B-movie…

He also made the B-movie classic “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.” This triller starred Julianne Moore in one of her early breakout hits…he also directed Meryl Streep in an action movie!

After a career making art films and serious dramas, Streep turned to Hanson to direct her in the riveting action thriller “The River Wild.” He gave her a chance to show female empowerment in what could have been a routine “woman in peril” thriller.

Of course, one of the great film noir is the brilliant “L.A. Confidential”, which looked at police corruption in Los Angeles and earned Kim Basinger a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

“The Wonder Boys”

Hanson gave Robert Downey Jr a role in “The Wonder Boys, an insightful drama starring Michael Douglas. Downey was going through personal issues at the time, and this film reminded Hollywood that he was a terrific Actor.

Hanson also directed Eminem’s film debut, “8 Mile.”

As you can see, he was a terrific Director across a wide variety of film genres, and was known to be a great person as well. This is indeed sad news…

RIP Curtis!

“readin’ writing’ and radiation.”

Bravo to one of the great movie taglines of all time! Exploitation fans are well aware of the cult classic “The Class Of Nuke ’em High”, and you should know that Troma released their latest sequel, “Return To Nuke ’em High” two years ago!

If you need to be reminded of how great it was, here is a trailer in all its wacky glory!

Prepare For ‘Vol. 2’!”

In pure Troma fashion, founder Lloyd Kaufman devised a way to turn his film into a two-part masterpiece, much like “Hunger Games: Mockingjay 1 & 2.”

That’s right: “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2” is almost here! First, let’s tease you a bit. Here is the trailer:

Bring Lloyd Home!

Well, if not your actual house, how about movie theater in your town?

Lloyd wants to come to your city to personally screen his latest opus for you! That’s right, if you can get your local movie theater to screen “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2”, Lloyd’s willing to come to town and watch it with you and all of your Tromatic fans!

UNDATED – Photo of Lloyd and the Cretins, photo from the making of RTNH Vol. 1 Return to Nuke Em High Volume 1-HANDOUT Photo Courtesy of Mayfair Theatre

Support Independent Art!

As always, Troma must kick and scratch their way into movie theaters, because the mega chains are more interested in showing “Suicide Squad” on all twenty screens…but when fans cry out and show their support, Troma gets their due – and don’t you want to see THIS on a big screen?

There are a number of ways you can support Lloyd and his Tromatic bunch…most importantly, go to their website and buy some great movies like this!

You can also subscribe to their youtube channel and get some great movies there as well…see all of your options here:

http://www.troma.com

Don’t forget some of the great films you’ve seen because of Lloyd:

Get Social!

Make sure to follow Lloyd and all of the Troma force on Twitter:

@lloydkaufman

@Troma_Team

@tromacathy

@TromaArmy

Troma is the longest-running independent film company in America – thanks in part to this guy:

“The Toxic Avenger” is Troma’s masterwork…there is no way anyone can make it better….well, unless you happen to have made THIS:

That’s right, “The Toxic Avenger” is being remade by the Co-Director Of “Sausage Party!” Read the entire story here:

http://deadline.com/2016/09/the-toxic-avenger-remake-sausage-party-co-director-conrad-vernon-storyscape-entertainment-1201814509/

Some of you read my story about how my wife, Alex, co-created the Troma character “Dolphinman” with James Gunn, the Director of “Guardians Of The Galaxy”…

We met James at the Cannes Film Festival when he was working with Lloyd, and Dolphinman began as a skit on “Sex On The Riviera” for E! You can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/04/james-gunn-the-origin-of-tromas-dolphinman-wrestlers-v-zombies-new-tromatic-classics/

If all of this makes you want more Troma movies, well, I’ve got a list of some of the greatest of all time, like this:

Here is my list of Tromatc masterpieces – see how many you already own:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

You must click on the story to see if this made the list:

Make sure to reach out to Troma and get “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2” in your town!

Charlton Heston’s Classic Science Fiction Trifecta!

Movie fans know that one of the industry’s great movie stars was Charlton Heston – everything from “Ben Hur” to a trio of science fiction films that are as great today as when they were released!

Let’s begin with one of the greatest – and most influential – science fiction films ever made!

“Planet Of The Apes!”

This is an enduring classic: Astronauts crash land on a hostile planet – that is run by apes!

Here is the trailer for this 1968 film:

There are so many incredible moments in this film, including one of film’s most shocking endings of all time! You can read more about this classic by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/10/planet-of-the-apes-classic-science-fiction-charlton-hestons-masterpiece/

Three years later, Heston returned to science fiction with an adaptation of one of the most successful novels of all time:

“The Omega Man!”

In 1971, Heston’s next science fiction classic was released, based on the iconic 1954 novel “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson.

Check out the trailer:

The plot is a science fiction classic: Dr. Robert Neville is the only survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. The resulting plague leaves him as “the last man alive” – or so he thinks!

Of course, he ISN’T alone – and soon finds himself in a battle with mutated kinda-zombies in a battle to survive…

According to the terrific website IMDB, Charlton Heston had read the original novel on an airplane, and wanted to make it into a new film….without knowing this:

Heston was unaware that the book had already been made into a film in 1964 called “The Last Man on Earth”, starring another movie legend, Vincent Price.

“You know the old song? If you were the only girl in the world, and I was the only boy, well, okay, but until then, don’t bother me? Well, I guess I’m the only boy…”

One of the interesting social aspects of this 1971 film: Heston has a love affair with an African-American woman in the film – another survivor he meets…a love affair that was eyebrow-raising at that time!

Bravo to all concerned for including this socially-daring casting – inter-racial romance was somewhat taboo in 1971, and I like that their race isn’t discussed int he film – it was natural to assume that the last man and last woman would become romantically involved – their race was never discussed – it was treated as normal, which certainly wasn’t the case at the time…

“Soylent Green” – A Pop Culture Icon!

Two years later, Heston starred in one of science fiction’s enduring classics – and a classic punch line!

Here is the classic trailer for the film, showing life in New York City in 2022!

As you saw in the trailer, by the year 2022, Earth is overpopulated and polluted; our nation is kept alive by new kind of food, provided by Soylent Industries. But is this food REALLY plankton from the oceans?

When an Executive is murdered, a tough NY Detective investigates, and discovers the disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green!

Wait, Soylent Green Is WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

Yes, there’s a secret ingredient in this little green wafers…an ingredient that has become a pop culture phenomenon!

“Soylent Green Is People!”

Sorry if you REALLY didn’t already know, but it is one of the funniest punch lines that lives on from this science fiction classic – you find this line used on T-Shirts, restaurant billboards and more – but here is something about the film that you might not know:

“Soylent Green” Is The Origin Of “Green Day!”

A sign saying “Tuesday is Soylent Green Day” appears in the film. Some people suggest that this inspired the name of the rock band Green Day. The font on the store-front window matches the ones that are used on Green Day’s “Uno”, “Dos”, and “Tres” albums!

So there you have it, Charlton Heston’s “perfect storm” of science fiction classics, all available on demand and blu-ray for you to enjoy!

RIP To “The Godfather Of Gore”!

Just another day on set for Herschel Gordon Lewis! He was a superb Marketer, who published many books on the subject – and yet will always be remembered by exploitation movie fans as “The Godfather Of Gore!”

Why? Well, here’s a clue:

“Nothing So Appalling In The Annals Of Horror!”

Talk about truth in advertising! This film IS appalling – but a milestone in cinema history as well! “Blood Feast” is considered one of the greatest exploitation achievements – daring to shock audiences in a way no one else had at the time!

In 1964, this film SHOCKED the world with its depiction of bloody violence and sexual situations – take a look at the classic trailer, which you are told right at the top, is:

“Truly One Of The Most Unusual Ever Filmed!”

Yep, this is the first time anyone dared to film such mayhem and madness. Flaunting all movie codes, Lewis made “Blood Feast” for around $50,000 – and it grossed millions! Yes, it’s not a great movie, but in a really fun way to watch – and at the time, it really blew the doors off grindhouse theaters across the country!

The plot is simple: A crazy Egyptian caterer named “Ramses” collects body parts from young maidens in order to bring Ishtar, an ancient goddess of good and evil back to life. And he does it with VERY BIG EYES!

This film was a shocking sensation, thanks to some very clever marketing. Legendary Grindhouse Producer David F. Friedman came up with some very effective publicity stunts for “Blood Feast”, which included giving moviegoers vomit bags reading:

“You may need this when you see ‘Blood Feast'”!

Lewis went on to make another classic exploitation film soon after:

“Gruesomely Stained In Blood Color!”

“Two Thousand Maniacs” is also a classic 60’s exploitation film. As you can see, Lewis was a master at marketing shock to audiences across the country – and he built himself a fan base that lasted for decades!

Lewis made a slew of classic exploitation in the 60’s and 70’s – films with titles like “She Devils On Wheels”, “The Wizard Of Gore” and “The Gore Gore Girls”, and even a film called “Something Weird”:

A terrific Seattle-based home video company used that for their business title, and released a number of great Lewis exploitation on home video…see more about that company and their incredible catalog here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

Herschell Gordon Lewis wrote dozens of marketing books, was a great success in that field, and was known to be a great person as well, but his crowning achievement will always be “Blood Feast”:

RIP to “The Godfather Of Gore!”

“A lot of strange things happen in this world. Things you don’t know about in Grand Rapids. Things you don’t want to know about. Doors that shouldn’t be opened.”

Welcome to the seedy world of “Hardcore.” This riveting thriller from 1979 stars George C. Scott as a religious man from Grand Rapids who heads to Hollywood to search for his missing teenage daughter.

This is a rough, rough movie – that exposed very real XXX-locations in Los Angeles. Here is the trailer, which makes it clear you are in for a provocative movie experience:

“Turn it off! Turn if off! TURN IT OFF!”

Of course, the father is stunned when he finds out what happened to his daughter, and this moment in the movie theater, when he see the stag film she’s in, is shocking.

Now of course in this modern era of the internet, this scene was shared for a very different reason a few years ago: someone posted it claiming that it was showing the reaction of a viewer watching the new Adam Sandler film “Jack And Jill!” Bravo, internet, bravo!

“Hardcore” Goes Hardcore!

The production filmed on-location at actual real-life sex shops, strip clubs, porno theaters, massage parlors and adult film studios in LA and San Francisco in the late 70’s – all of which are seen in the movie.

“Oh my God, that’s my daughter!”

That is certainly a compelling movie poster – powerful, controversial, shocking. Except that George C. Scott NEVER SAYS THOSE WORDS IN THE FILM!

Great ad though!

Director Paul Schrader Gets Dirty!

The Director of “Hardcore” was Paul Schrader, who wrote “Taxi Driver” about the very seedy streets of New York. This film continued his look at the seamy side of the 70’s.

According to the great movie website IMDB.com:

“George C. Scott and director Paul Schrader did not get along, so much so that at one point Scott refused to come out of his trailer and threatened to quit the film. Scott only agreed to come out after forcing Schrader to promise that he would never direct again!”

Schrader did, of course direct again, but how hilarious is that story?

The picture above also shows Actress Season Hubley, who plays an adult movie performer who helps Scott look for his daughter. Here is a very raw scene where he wants to talk to her at her “job”:

He’s in a “peepshow” room with a metal door that slides up to reveal Hubley – once he has paid his money, here is what he sees:

Peter Boyle also stars in the film – it’s not a perfect movie, but it is raw, gritty and fascinating to watch – all of those massage parlors and adult theaters were real!

Twilight Time just released a great Blu-ray – a pristine copy of the film along with a couple of audio commentaries, including one from the Director!

Read a great review of the film, and an in-depth look at the audio commentary with Director Paul Schrader, by clicking here:

http://trailersfromhell.com/hardcore/#.V98UPzv5Pwx

I look forward to watching this again while listening to the commentary…and if you forgot just how provocative Schrader is, remember that he wrote THIS:

The brilliant “Taxi Driver” is forty years old! Read about the great reunion that was held by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

Schrader continues to make films – in fact, he waded into the “hardcore” pool again:

Schrader directed Lindsay Lohan, along with controversial Adult performer James Deen, in “The Canyons”…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/15/lindsay-lohan-from-mean-girl-to-the-canyons/

If you want to see 70’s films that are shocking and provocative, here’s another film from that era that was controversial:

Al Pacino cruised New York’s underground gay S&M clubs in the 1980 thriller “Cruising” – see why “Bad Moms” has made it relevant again by clicking here!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/13/cruising-the-bad-moms-al-pacinos-christina-applegate-cruising-connection-explained/

Let me know what you think of “Hardcore.”