The Driller Killer (1979)

Some film lovers believe that the 1970's was the best decade for movies.  They felt real, gritty, and dirty.  An upsurge of movies came out by directors who were making them cheaper.  It was also the decade where top echelon filmmakers would be putting their art out there for the world to see.  Scorsese, Coppola, Speilberg, Lucas and DePalma were all young aspiring filmmakers traveling on a new course, with a new destination.  Whether out on the sea, or wars in deep space, the films were more ambitious, bigger and exciting than ever before.

Talk about real.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the best films ever made and the raw imagery makes it feel like a documentary.  The Exorcist is still scaring people to this day.  And every kid with a few bucks and a computer is trying to replicate what Carpenter did with Halloween.  Horror films in the seventies was a truly defining decade.  The monsters of the seventies were pulled from the headlines; likely somebody you'd run into on the street.  Vampires, werewolves, and creatures from the deepest depths weren't nearly as scary or vivid any longer.

Abel Ferrara's The Driller Killer is one of those films you have to experience a few times to get a full grasp on it.  That's not a bad thing either.  Great films command that from the viewer.  Returning a few times may shed some light on something missed the first time around.  To understand what exactly is supposed to be happening and why we may descend into madness is to also understand the character and his development, or lack thereof.

From the start of The Driller Killer we know that the character, Reno (billed as Jimmy Laine, but actually played by director Ferrara), just isn't right up in the head.  There seems to be a few screws loose.  In the very first scene he walks into a church and is mesmerized by a crucifix.  An old man with shaggy hair and a beard stares at him and then grabs him.  Reno runs for his life, out of the church and into the awaiting squalid streets of New York City.  Religious overtones run rampant in Ferrara's films.  I'm not sure what this first scene is supposed to tell us.  My first guess would be that Reno fears Jesus, and that the old man would be Jesus.  Perhaps calling him home; death is knocking and Reno just isn't ready or fears he'll be sentenced to burn.  I believe that those thoughts would be swirling in Reno's deranged mind.

He's a struggling artist, testy with the people in his life, especially his girlfriend.  His apartment is filthy.  He's got no money.  And now he's being driven even more insane by a punk band that lives in his apartment.  The Roosters, headed by singer, Tony Coca-Cola, play the same tune over and over again, with the same groupies hanging on and the same drugs being passed around.  I like these scenes.  Ferrara is giving us a glimpse as to what the early punk rock scene looked like in New York City.

The streets of New York City offers no escape for Reno.  He watches as a man is stabbed in the back and robbed.  The stabbed man is bloody and writhing on the littered streets as on-lookers just... look.  Reno is fixated by this abrupt act of violence.

Derelicts line the streets.  Reno sees them as nothing more than skittering cockroaches.

His slow descend into madness is amped up by the fact that he lives in the city.  The city is the real bad guy.  Reno is just a rain drop in the storm.  From one scene to the next, Reno descends deeper and deeper into madness.  Meanwhile, the Roosters continue to play loud and sloppy tunes at all hours.  Reno just can't finish his god awful buffalo painting.  His art begins to struggle, as if it hadn't already.

All throughout the movie Reno verbally assaults his girlfriend as she stares at him with little to no expression.  I had to chuckle when her first outburst came from him devouring the greasiest pizza I've ever seen.  This pushed her buttons, obviously because he hadn't saved her a piece with green peppers. 

Reno is forever prisoner in his mind.  There's no escaping his abyss.  He snaps.  What triggers it?  I'm not sure.  Like I said, from the very first frame of film you can tell he's operating on less than what is needed to function like a normal human being.  Reno is Travis Bickle.  They're from the same mold.  They smolder in the chaos of New York City.  Fueled by some inner rage that flickers, only for the moment, then explodes instantaneously.

His course of violence is long and brutal.  He goes straight for the weak; those derelicts lining the filthy, disease-ridden streets.  With his handy drill he mutilates victim after victim.  In one particularly gruesome scene we see the drill enter a man's forehead, with no cutaway shot, and continue to burrow into his brain, lobotomizing him.  That scene is impressive for the special effect.  Reno hunts mercilessly.

Unsurprisingly, the film made its way onto the Video Nasties list and was banned in the UK.  It's an originator in the slasher sub genre of film, with a high body count and some pretty good violence.  The difference between this and other slashers is it takes a while for the killing to begin.

It's slow-moving but eventually gets to the goods and holds nothing back.  It's real, raw and uncompromising.

Starring:  Abel Ferrara, Carolyn Marz, Baybi Day
Written by:  Nicholas St. John
Directed by:  Abel Ferrara
1979
96 min
   



    

The Prowler (1981)

 

***(out of 4 stars)

The Prowler is a movie that works strictly with mood and suspense.  Many of the slasher films from the 80's relied heavily on gore and high body counts alone.  Although The Prowler doesn't lack in it's fair share of blood and guts, this film is deeper than most of the slasher films to come out of the eighties. It is also a film that many horror fans - particularly slasher fans - adore.  Of course I don't have stats to prove this, just recollections of the many podcasts, blogs and websites I've read and listened to through the years.

The script is co-written by Glenn Leopold and Neal F. Barbera.  The duo take the time to actually develop the characters, something not common in slasher films.  We get to know the central characters, because we linger with them for most of the film, while they're trying to figure out the mystery of just who is killing the teenagers around them.  A World War 1 veteran receives a Dear John Letter from his love, Rosemary.  It seems that she's move along swiftly, while our killer is still fighting the battle.  Very early on in the film we get to see exactly what we're in for.  After some stock footage of soldiers returning from the war, we cut to a graduation party where Rosemary (Joy Glaccum) and her lover end up out on the Gazebo.  A killer stalks in the shadows as he watches the two lovers make out under the stars.  He disposes of them rather quickly with a pitch fork - an instrument of death used constantly in this movie.

Fast forward thirty-five years later.  Another annual graduation dance is in the works.  Naturally, some have reservations since that fateful night back in 1945 when Rosemary and her lover were killed.  The killer has never been apprehended.  Vicky Dawson plays Pam MacDonald, the survivor girl.  Although Pam isn't as tough, this character reminds me of Ginny from Friday Part 2.  There is just something about they way they handled themselves in these films.  Both very strong personalities and ready for a fight when confronted with one.  For most of the film she pals around with Mark London (Christopher Goutman).  The two are working together, while simultaneously being stalked by the killer.

And that brings me to the main character of the film:  The Killer.  He's pretty basic.  Dressed in World War 11 fatigues, his face is covered and most of the time he's obscured by the shadows.  His weapons of choice are mainly the pitchfork and Bayonet.  For the majority of the film this character was played by the assistant director, Peter Guiliano.

Tom Savini handled the special FX work on the film.  Slasher fans, myself included, love gore and great, inventive kills when it comes to our horror films.  Savini delivers and delivers some more in this one.  One of the victims gets a bayonet through the top of his head, which protrudes out of the bottom of his chin.  While convulsing, the victims eyes turn upward into his skull and bulged out.  This kill is so effective and one that gets me every time.  Another effective sequence is when Lisa (Cindy Weintraub) decides to take a swim because she's angry that her boyfriend is drunk back at the party.  After she finishes her nightly swim she tries to exit the pool but is kicked in the face by the killer.  It is said that this take alone took 18 times to master.  Lisa is in a state of confusion and is grabbed from behind as the killer slices her throat.  Much like an earlier kill in the very first Friday film, this throat slice doesn't look as sloppy and really makes you cringe as the bayonet slices back and forth like a violin bow.  Is this Savini's best work?  I'd say it ranks up there with his other films, Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter, The Burning and Maniac.

Director, Joseph Zito, does a great job with the pacing.  As I've said before the suspense and tension build to a boil.  There are long, quiet, brooding moments.  And in these moments there are little snippets of the killer, a frame or two, while other action is taking place.  In another scene Pam tries to escape through a door but the latch won't open.  The camera holds as we see the killer stalk in the background.  This is very effective.  Zito holds the shot at just the right length - not too long or short - that builds that tension until Pam can finally escape into the night.

Richard Einhorn's score does exactly what it's supposed to do.  It isn't jarring and obnoxious; taking away from the scene, but creates the mood that helps build the suspense.  Key moments in the music happen when you least expect them.  Those sharp chords ring out; causing the viewer's emotion to be dictated momentarily.  During the chase scenes the score really comes to life; that underlying sound scape of mood and atmosphere.

The Prowler resonates to this day because of the talent behind the film.  Filmmaking with a small budget sometimes forces artist to go beyond their normal capacity.  I'm sure Zito and company had no idea in 1981 that his little film would be so adored years later.  But that is why film is so powerful.  Some are forgettable while others last the test of time. 

Starring:  Vicky Dawson, Christopher Goutman, Lawrence Tierney

Directed by:  Joseph Zito

Written by:  Glen Leopold and Neal F. Barbera

89 mins

1981   

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

****(out of 4 stars)

It's that time of year again when I pull out my Christmas horror films, dust them off, and throw them in the player.  It was Christmas Eve last year when my wife let me open this movie as an early gift.  I was like a kid in a candy store, eyes wide, with a slight gasp and totally excited.  The cover reminded me of the days from my childhood when I would rent from video stores.  I was just crazy about the cover:  Santa coming down the chimney with and ax in hand.  That haunting imagery would forever be etched in my mind.

Enough of my gushing. 

Young Billy (Jonathan Best) witnesses his parents brutally murdered by an impersonating Santa Claus.  A few years later he lands himself into an orphanage where he's constantly mistreated by Mother Superior (Lilyan Chauvin).  Fast forward a couple of years.  Billy is a grown man of 18 now (Robert Brian Wilson).  He lands himself a job at a grocery store around the holidays.  Christmas to be exact.  Every year around Christmas, Billy just isn't himself.  He's continuously reminded through vivid flashbacks of his parents' brutal murder.  But his boss, Mr. Sims, (Britt Leach) gives him the honorary job of playing the Santa Claus for all the little kids.  Once he puts the suit on, the shit hits the fan, and Billy loses it.  And the bodies start to pile up from there.

One of my favorite scenes, and one that stood out prominently when I was younger is when Billy visits his comatose Grandpa, played by Will Hare.  In this scene, Will Hare turns his creepy on and addresses the fact that Christmas is the scariest night of the year.  If Billy should see Santa on this night he'd better run!  As a child watching this scene I just remember how much it literally made my hair stand on end.  When your imagination runs wild is when you've really taken in the experience of the film.  Santa is, after all, a man who only enters the house when everyone is sleeping.  If you really sit back and think about that for a minute or two you'd make sure to lock your doors before bedtime.  As a grown man the scene obviously no longer holds that tension for me although I'd say it's still well done.

For a slasher film in the 80's the formula is pretty standard.  Equipped with the blood, gore and sex - this makes for your typical slasher film.  The body count starts to rise half way through the plot and includes a man being choked by Christmas lights, a boy beheaded as he's sleigh riding in the woods and my personal favorite, Linnea Quigley being impaled onto moose antlers.  Although this slasher didn't trend any new ground, the overall look and feel of the film are satisfying. 

Silent Night, Deadly Night opened the same weekend as, A Nightmare on Elm Street.  But after commercial ads depicting a killer Santa wreaking havoc were aired, parents were up in arms and there began a nationwide outcry for the film to be pulled out of theatres.  And eventually it was.  Film critics Siskel and Ebert hated it, and Mickey Rooney condemned the film and its makers.  The irony of that tidbit is Rooney would later go on to play in Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 5: The Toy Maker.  Way to stand your ground, Mick.

With a vast array of biblical films, and The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, Silent Night, Deadly Night seems an unlikely project for director, Charles E. Sellier Jr..  Silent Night, Deadly Night was a huge success and beat out A Nightmare on Elm Street upon its initial release.  The film grossed 2,491,460, before being pulled, making back the 750,000 it was made for.  I assume that Mr. Sellier did something right.

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a special movie.  A movie that gained much notoriety and hatred from those who ultimately helped make this movie a success.  That same notoriety and hatred for the film is the reason why I'm even able to talk about it now.  It would've been swept under the rug; forgotten and barely seen except for the few die hard fans that would go searching high and low for it.  The film for many years was actually hard to find and out of print.  Fortunately it was released last December by Anchor Bay.  The dvd includes part 2 with it.  This film is father to a few sequels; none of which are better than the original.

So you better watch out and you'd better not cry.  Santa is out to "punish" you!

Starring:  Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick, Linnea Quigley

Written by:  Michael Hickey (Story by:  Paul Caimi)

Directed by:  Charles E Sellier Jr.

85 min (Unrated Version)

1984



 

Midnight (1981)

**1/2(out of four stars)

John Russo needs no introduction. He's only the co-writer for one of the greatest horror films of our times, Night of the Living Dead. Aside from that he's an author and has made a few horror flicks after Night. 1981's Midnight is a film written and directed by Russo.

Nancy played by Melanie Verlin, runs away from her home after her step-father (Lawrence Tierney) tries (and fails) to seduce her.  After fleeing from the house, and bound for California to be with her sister, she's picked up by two thieves, Tom and Hank.  The trio are on their marry little way, until they come across a sadistic, murdering family of the satanic type.  Along the way, others are murdered in the typical slasher format. 

All slashers really need (besides a story of course) is great kills, some nudity and decent FX.  Midnight does offer up the goods.  The nudity aspect does lack.  Now, in all fairness, this film seems to borrow heavily from other films, namely The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.  The approach Russo takes with his formula is standard, but does a good job of entertaining the audience.  I'm not saying that this film is the next greatest thing since sliced bread, but I am saying that the film doesn't deserve all the negative feedback that it usually gets. 

The acting isn't great.  After doing a little research, most of the cast is only credited with this film.  Most of the cast has only done this film.  Film buffs will recognize two face though.  Two that come to mind are Lawrence Tierney, who plays the despicable, molesting, step-father and John Amplas of Day of the Dead fame.  John Amplas plays Abraham, one of the members of the homicidal family.  There's one scene (probably my favorite) where he and his brother, Luke (Greg Besnak) are impersonating cops.  They corner the trio and it ends in some bloodshed.  However, this scene displays the best acting in the film. 

The film comes from the novel with the same name.  I have not read the novel, but would be interested in reading it since I do think John Russo is a better writer than he is a director.  I've read the novel version of Night of the Living Dead and thought it was a well written version of the great film. 

You won't find anything incredibly fresh with this film, however, if you like the slasher genre, you should really give this film a go.  Midnight is a low budget independent film from the 80's, a long time before just anyone could walk into best buy, buy a camera and go shoot something.  I feel that the cast and filmmakers involved really had their hearts in the right place.

Starring:  Melanie Verlin, Lawrence Tierney, John Amplas

Written and directed by:  John A. Russo

91 mins

1981    

Bloody Murder (2000)

*(out of four stars)

I remember renting this flick back in the day. I don't know, something about the cover just intrigued me. Maybe it was the dude in the hockey mask, holding a chain saw that made me pick it up. My first reaction was probably "rip off", and let me tell you. That's exactly what this film is. Nevertheless, Blockbuster video got my money that night... bastards!!! I'm watching this movie for the second time, via Netflix. Shoot me!

I know that the saying "rip off" is universal and thrown around quite often, but holy cow, this movie takes the cake. Bloody Murder is derivative of Friday the 13th and it has a whodunit plot like Scream. The film was made in the late 90's when the whodunit angle was being used over and over and over again. Very, very redundant.

A few teenagers go out to a camp to help set up for the summer. Hmmm. Sound familiar? Meanwhile, a creepy old dude warns them time and time again about Trevor Moorehouse - the local serial killer/legend. Hmmm. Very, very original. I haven't seen that before. At the end of the film, there's a very unclimatic ending where it's finally revealed as to who is walking around in the hockey mask killing the pot smoking, love making, moronic teen.

Not only does this movie steal from the original Friday the 13th and Scream, but it practically rips off the entire Friday the 13 franchise. A girl is pushed off a boat (like in Jason Takes Manhattan) because she can't swim. And in a bit to try and be funny they name the one character Jason. Throughout the whole film you hear the same line, "where's Jason"? I guess it's supposed to be a homage, but it just makes the writing look worse than it already is.

This review is probably the laziest I've done so far. That's because this film's script, acting and overall effect is just unoriginal, uninspiring and lazy. According to IMDB, actress Jessica Morris stated that she hated the film. Too bad she brought nothing to the table either. I'm actually surprised that directer Ralph E. Portillo hasn't been sued.

I would say more but I got nothing...

Starring: Jessica Morris, Peter Guillemette and Patrick Cavanaugh

Directed by: Ralph E. Portillo

Written by: John R. Stevenson

88 min

2000

SLEEPAWAY CAMP (1983)

***(out of four stars)

Sleepaway Camp came out in 1983 - a time, very long ago when slasher movies were being made a dime a dozen. Well, actually, they're still being made, but the feeling and atmosphere are all but lost with most modern takes on the genre. There was just something about the 80's - the look, the acting, the cheesiness. It was all part of a great time for young, independent filmmaker's who had visions of young, sexy, and most often stupid teenagers being picked off one by one.

The film commences panning through Camp Arawak. The foliage in the back ground is beautiful and I commend the cinematographer already. The camp is run down and boarded up. With a flashback we see a man boating with two young children. Meanwhile, two teens are water skiing. There's a horrible accident and the man is killed, leaving the kids orphaned.

Eight years later, we're introduced to Angela(Felissa Rose) and her cousin, Ricky (Jonathon Tierston). They now live with an eccentric, spaced out Aunt who sends them off to summer camp. Angela is also a bit of a space cadet and Aunt Martha (Desiree Gould) hopes that Ricky and his friends will help her open up a bit.

From the get go, Angela doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the camp goers. We follow her through the awkward circumstances that she faces as a young 13 year old. She's constantly teased and almost molested by Artie, (Owen Hughes) the sloppy, overweight cook. For most of the film's duration, it's all about Angela and her struggles at trying to fit in. Yes, Sleepaway Camp is technically a slasher, but it takes a bit of time before the bodies start piling up. There are slow moments that may be trying to build on character development. You could argue that. I don't look at this as a bad thing though. I like the softball game scene, I like the pranks and I like the overall feel of the camp environment.

This film has so many characters that for the most part it's hard to follow most of them. The main players are: an overbearing counselor named, Meg (Katherine Kamhi), her equally bitchy friend, Judy (Karen Fields) and a paranoid camp owner named, Mel (Mike Kellin). Mike Kellin seems to be the veteran actor and does have the chops to pull of some adequate acting.

Like most slasher films, the death scenes are what counts. In Sleepaway Camp, most of them are pretty tame. Writer/directer Robert Hiltzik said that the budget was low; it's not to difficult to tell when watching the film. But still, it does look like he invested every penny of the minimal budget wisely. For example, in one death scene, Judy is killed with a hot curling iron. From the wall we see the shadow of a pair of hands doing this. Again, it's not shown to us, but it's equally effective because we can at least hear the sizzle of flesh being burnt. And can I add that Judy deserves it! In another scene (not sure if it's a death because it's never touched upon) is when the cook, Artie is burned by scolding hot water. You can actually see the boils pumping out of his cheeks as he writhes in pain. The effects for that scene are really memorable and still makes my skin crawl to this day. Some of the other kills are forgettable. There's a scene where one of the young punks is taking a shit in a stall and the killer drops a bee hive into it. The bees literally eat away at the victim. It sounds cool, but doesn't work on screen. I feel they could've done better. A minimal complaint, but still, a complaint.

In the 1980's, slasher films for the most part, were without a doubt predictable. For me, slasher films are just fun. I'm not looking for some brilliant story as much as I'm looking for a great, fun classic to sit and watch with like minded individuals. However, with Sleepaway Camp, the ending is what really makes this film memorable. In fact, I could confidently say that it has one of the most bizarre endings in (possibly) horror cinema history. I can't recall the very first time I saw the ending, it was probably at a young age, but I have to imagine that it floored me.

Again, I feel that Robert Hiltzik really does a fine job with his direction. The acting is so-so, but you have to over look that. I'm not saying the acting is bad, but I'm not saying it's great either. For a film with a relatively young cast, he does a fine job. The story is effective and does shadow any other negative elements that present themselves. It does feel slow at times, but with this film, it works on different levels. I commend any director who makes something little into something big. That takes some talent. After listening to the audio commentary track, it feels like Robert had a great relationship with his cast. And many of them are still friends. How can you fail when you're doing something with so much passion?

I dare anyone to deny the complete originality that Sleepaway Camp harbors. It's just a one of a kind type of film. Even M. Night would be envious of this AWESOME twist ending. Maybe he should take notes.

Starring: Felissa Rose, Mike Kellin and Jonathon Tierston

Written and directed by: Robert Hiltzik

84 mins

1983

Dark Asylum (2001)

***(out of four stars)

Even though you may not have seen Dark Asylum, you've definitely seen this type of film before. There's really nothing new here. Your basic slasher formula plays out like this:

A serial killer known as "The Trasher" is terrorizing a city and disposing the bodies of his victims in dumpsters and back alleys - hence the name "The Trasher". Eventually he's apprehended and held at an asylum for the criminally insane. Maggie, (Pauline Porizkova) is a Psychiatrist and is now in charge of running a psychological evaluation to see if "The Trasher" is to be kept in an asylum or if he should receive the death penalty. The serial killer eventually escapes and causes havoc throughout the hospital, killing anyone in his path.

There are a few names and faces you'll notice in this little flick. First, Larry Drake, who effortlessly portrays "The Trasher". Man, this dude is very intimidating in this role. His facial expressions, his silent demeanor and his massive body type are good enough to let me know that this dude is a bad ass. Once this killer is free to roam, you'd better be on your best game - which most of the hospital staff are obviously NOT. This guy will stop at nothing to be freed from the asylum. Can I say again, that Larry Drake is one scary dude. I wish he'd get more roles like this one. He's really effective and a highly underrated actor.

The second most noticeable face is that of Judd Nelson. Judd plays Quitz, another inmate in the hospital, but not at all dangerous. In fact, when the shit hits the proverbial fan, he's the one who helps Maggie through the entire ordeal. I don't know if he means it or not, but Judd naturally brings a comedic element to any role he plays. He's quite the charming actor. He's very good in this little unknown slasher flick.

Pauline Porizkova holds her own with the two men above. I'm not really that familiar with her, but I remember always thinking that she fit the role right in this film. Her character is constantly menaced by "The Trasher", but later also has to protect her daughter from the serial killer when he escapes the hospital. Although most of these characters are pretty much one dimensional, they're quite effective in all their efforts. Remember it is a slasher film and we should never expect to much. They're supposed to be fun, cheesy and bloody...

But wait! The blood! The gore! If you're a gore hound then you'll be sadly disappointed in this film. Most of the kills are off screen and very little blood is shed. However, if you can look beyond that, you might find this film as enjoyable as I have. Larry Drake is still menacing whether or not the blood factor is involved.

Which brings me to my next point. I'm not really sure why I like this film so much. It is a pretty standard film. Besides Judd, Pauline and Larry, the acting could be a little better. However, I over looked that aspect of the film and just went with it. I think the predominate reason why this film works for me is because it came out at a time when horror was on life support. Very few films that came out at the end of the 90's and the beginning of the 2000's are worth mentioning. When I first saw this film, it just entertained me. I've always liked it. That's all there is too it. I remember seeing it on HBO when it first came out. It's just a great time and I find myself revisiting it more often than not. And hey, if you can rewatch a film, how bad can it possibly be?

Like I said, there is nothing new here to mention. The film is what it's supposed to be: a slasher film. And in my opinion, a good one. Check it out!

Starring: Pauline Porizkova, Judd Nelson and Larry Drake

Written by: Gregory Gieras and D.B. Smith

Directed by: Gregory Gieras

83 mins

2001

Funhouse (1981)

***(out of four stars)

A traveling carnival comes to town. Four teens get the bright idea of riding the funhouse and staying for the night. After the carnival closes, the teens witness the murder of the carnival fortune teller, by a man wearing a Frankenstein mask. The teens must stay alive long enough to escape... The Funhouse!

The acting in this film is quite good. Amy is played by Elizabeth Berridge. She's quiet and shy, but underneath that exterior, she's looking to get into some trouble. Cooper Huckabee plays Buzz, the tough, jock boyfriend. With them is Richie (Miles Chapin) and his girlfriend, Liz (Largo Woodruff). All of our teens play their roles respectively. But my favorite comes with the role of Conrad Strake played by the irreplaceable, Kevin Conway. This dude really brings out the "creepiness" in all those carnival workers you see. He plays three different roles - all of them equally effective and equally creepy.

The Monster is another great character in this film. The monster is a carnival worker but underneath his "Frankenstein" mask, he is a deformed creature. This is Conway's son in the film. In one scene the Monster kills Madame Zena (Slyvia Miles) after he pays her for sex. The monster prematurely ejaculates and wants his money back. When Zena doesn't comply with his wishes, well, he kills her. There's more than one way to get your rocks off, eh? When Conrad finds out that Zena is dead he's enraged. There's some banter back and forth where we find out that Conrad is obviously pro abortion. During this time the teens are listening and witnessing all of this from above. Richie drops his lighter and is spotted. Now Conrad and the Monster have some business to attend too.

What ensues is the teens being picked off one by one. Of course, our heroin Amy, is the last one left standing. There's a show down with her and the Monster, but you know he isn't going to win, right? I won't spoil anything here. Watch the film.

The kills for the most part are very tame. It's not a bad thing, but if you're looking for blood and gore, it's just not in this film. Sorry. What you will get is that authentic carnival atmosphere. That general creepiness that follows those things. Hooper did an amazing job capturing that atmosphere that a carnival brings. I commend him on that.

This film is fun. It has that wonderful 1980's look and feel. The characters are great, the carnival workers are great - again, an authentic feel to it. This film was shot in Hooper's Heyday. When he really had talent that resonated on the screen. It's a must see for sure.

Starring: Elizabeth Berridge, Kevin Conway, Cooper Huckabee

Directed by: Tobe Hooper

Screenplay by: Larry Block

96 mins

1981

Friday the 13th: Part 3

****(out of 4 stars)

Steve Miner returns to direct Friday the 13: Part 3. This film was made in 1982 (the year of my birth) and was originally shot in 3-D. As a child, I had very fond memories of all of these films, but with Friday 3-D we finally see Jason (Richard Brooker) in his infamous hockey mask. Originally, the script called for Jason to wear an umpire's mask. Thankfully, the hockey mask idea stayed. For Jason would become a famous, pop culture figure of the 1980's.

Whether you wear those blue and red 3-D glasses or not, this film hardly seems 3-D at all. It never worked for me anyway. Instead, and still adequately portrayed, you get a bunch of in-your-face shots. Shit is just flying into the camera at all times.

This film takes place just days (possibly hours) after part 2. Chronologically, if you're doing your math, the teens don't show up until Sunday the 15th, but who cares. After the murder of two store owners, Jason is ramped up and ready to kill any unsuspecting teen that dare venture in his woods. Now, Rick (Paul Kratka) and his girlfriend, Chris (Dana Kimmell) are headed back to Crystal Lake. I guess it some kind of therapy for Chris, because years earlier she was attacked by Jason while in the woods sleeping. So she comes back to face her fears.

Along with them are some other friends including a pregnant chick, a hippie-stoner couple and the annoying prankster, Shelly, (Larry Zerner) who actually might play one of the most important roles to date. If not for Shelly and his constant, and somewhat morbid attempts to get some attention, we'd never get the hockey mask to begin with. Shelly brings along the mask to the camp, but it's later stolen by Jason. And don't let me forget the unforgettable biker gang with some outlandish names like, Ali, Loco and Fox. What a hoot these three are.

The kills are just fine in this installment, although most seem to be borrowed from the original film. For example, there's a character killed the same way as Kevin Bacon's character in the original. This time it's a machete throw the chest, rather than an arrow through the throat. And much like the original ending to the first film, Chris, our survival girl is in a canoe, but this time it's Mrs. Voorhees jumping out of the lake to grab and pull her under. Martin Becker is credited with the special effects. Like I said, although they seem borrowed (or playing tribute) from the first film, they're still good for any gore hound or Jason loving fanatic. One of the most memorable kills is when an arrow is shot through the eye of Vera. This is a very effective scene and yes, my favorite kill for this film. Another worthy mention is when Rick gets his head crushed and his eye pops out at the screen. Loved that shot too!

Richard Brooker is great as Jason. He's got the right build and is quite menacing. He's not quite as clumsy as the potato sack Jason, and he's much more effective. He shows power and dominance; a hulking figure. Due to him being a little to skinny for Steve Miner's liking, Brooker was wearing extra padding under his costume. All in all a very effective actor to play such a role.

This film is better (in my opinion) than the first two. This film embarks that pivotal transition where Jason becomes a mammoth, unrelenting beast. One that we'll continue to see for the majority of the rest of the series. Another fun film to watch at anytime, day or night. If you're a Jason fan you get the gist of my meaning.

Starring: Paul Kratka, Dana Kimmell, Larry Zerner

Directed by: Steve Miner

Written by: Martin Kitrosser and Carol Watson

95 mins

1982

Friday the 13th Part 2

***1/2(out of 4 stars)

With the success of Friday the 13th, Paramount Pictures went ahead and green lit a sequel that would open on May 1st, 1980. Friday the 13th Part 2 would follow that same formula that brought its predecessor so much success. Sex hungry, naive teens, running around all sexy getting picked off one by one.

But with Pamela Voorhees out of the way, who could possibly be causing such havoc in the middle of nowhere? Could it be that her son, Jason would exact the same revenge because of the death of his beloved mother?

Alice (Adrienne King) is having horrible nightmares months after the incident with Mrs. Voorhees. Through her dreams, we are shown flashbacks from the first film. Alice is now quietly living in a peaceful neighborhood, far from where all her fellow camp counselors were murdered - at camp blood. But Jason has different plans in mind, and with the same vengeful mindset as his mother - he kills Alice rather quickly with an icepick.

Face forward a few years and once again unsuspecting camp counselors are back out in the woods. They just don't get it, do they? Stay out of Jason's woods. Plain and simple. Actually the camp they're opening isn't the original camp where all the murders took place years ago. Instead, this camp is situated right next to the dreaded camp blood. Paul (John Furley) is the owner of the new camp and is training the new counselors. As far as he's concerned, the incidents with Jason and his mother are all in the past and should stay there. Mistake numero uno!

Our survival girl is Ginny, (Amy Steel) Paul's assistant. In my opinion she's a better survivor than that of Friday the 13th's, Alice. Many hardcore fans of this franchise thinks she's the best and I won't disagree. Ginny has it all - she's smart, sexy and isn't ignorant of the legend of camp blood. In a sense she feels sorry for Jason. You know, after seeing his mother decapitated, who wouldn't? Ginny has the typical make-up to be the soul surviving girl. Amy Steel does a fine job in this role.

As for our villain we have Jason. Long before he would don his famous hockey mask, he simply wore a potato sack over his head. Yeah, I really like this Jason. The hillbilly, redneck Jason. Isn't that what most people refer to the killer in part 2? He's kind of retarded in a way. He's just not all there. As we move along in the franchise, you'll notice how in control Jason seems to be in. In part 2, circa 1981, he was just a rookie. He's sloppy in his attack and easily taken down. Of course, he's only got one hole to see out of in that sack of his. I guess his vision would be off. Warrington Gillette is credited with playing Jason, but Steve Daskawisz is the Jason in the stunt scenes and throughout most of the film. At one point in the shooting, Daskawisz was injured and rushed to the ER where he received stitches. In the scene where Jason and Ginny are in the shack, Ginny tries to kill Jason by bringing a machete down upon his head. Daskawisz's was supposed to block the blow with the pick ax. Their timing was off as the machete came down; thus cutting his fingers. Daskawisz would later return to set and like a trooper finished the scene in the same night.

Tom Savini would not return to do the effects as he was busy on another known slasher called, The Burning. With Savini's absence, the effects aren't horrible, but they certainly lack that brilliance that Savini brought to the table. One notable kill AND my favorite (in this film) would be that of the character Mark. He's the tough guy confined to a wheel-chair after a motorcycle accident. With his kill all we see is a machete to the head, then, the wheel-chair rolling down the stairs with him in it. That one moment is one of my favorites in the franchise. I loved that kill and for some reason I find myself jumping a bit when that machete connects with Mark's head. You just never know when it's coming. Great effect, great kill!

Lauren-Marie Taylor who played the character Vicky is one of my favorites in the entire Friday franchise. For some reason, I've always found her quite attractive. Her character doesn't really do much, in fact, she actually tries to make it with the dude in the wheel-chair. That seems to be her entire goal. Making it with Mark the invalid. But, uh, he dies. Then she's stabbed by Jason, and I begin to cry every time.


The only real problem I have with this movie is the end. Paul and Ginny escape harm from Jason and retreat back to one of the main cabins. They hear a rustle at the door but it's only a cat that had gone missing earlier. Suddenly Jason jumps through the window and grabs Ginny. Paul is fine. When Ginny wakes up, she's on a stretcher and being taken off in an ambulance. She's still alive and asking where Paul is. Paul is no where to be seen. So it's never confirmed if he's dead. Presumably he must be.

Don't know what else to say. Loved this film more than the original, even though the ending is rough.

Starring: Amy Steel, John Furley and Adrienne King

Directed by: Steve Miner

Written by: Ron Kurz, Phil Scuderi

87 mins

1981

Friday the 13th

***(out of 4 stars)

From a script that was inspired by the success of Halloween, Friday the 13th is one of those must see slashers. It's clearly a staple to the slasher genre and any one person into horror or slasher films has seen this film. If you haven't seen it, you may have been living under a rock for quite some time now.

Friday the 13th came around the time when slasher films were at their most successful, the 1980's. In fact, it was made in 1980! The film's charm, if you want to call it that, is renowned for its excessive gore and high body count. Although some may call it a blatant ripoff to Halloween, Friday has garnished its own following and has been ripped off itself. Any slasher film you see today, is in some way inspired by this film and most slasher films follow Friday's same formula - a group of teens, in the woods, being picked off one by one by a maniacal serial killer. It should also be fair to note that although many credit Halloween as being the film that inspired Friday, Mario Bava's Bay of Blood was also a very inspirational film for Friday the 13th. Just look at Bay of Blood and you tell me if you can't see the remarkable similarities with both films.

Produced and directed from Sean S. Cunningham, Friday the 13th is the film he'll be remembered for. Initially, Cunningham put out ads in New York to see if the film had rights previously owned by another person. The film hadn't even begun production when he did this. Of course, no one had any rights to it, but many who saw the adds were intrigued. So Cunningham went ahead with the production of the film.

Here's the rundown. A boy drowns in a lake because camp counselors are too busy having sex and not paying any attention. Fast forward to 1958. Two other counselors, making love (of course), are killed by an unseen person. After this, and some years later, Steve Cristy wants to re-open the camp for business. A group of teens are helping with the camp and one by one fall victim by a serial killer, even after they're warned by the town crazy, Crazy Ralph, that the camp has "A DEATH CURSE".

The one thing that stands out with this film is the inventive kill scenes. Each teen falls victim with brutal deaths. The kills are constructed by special fx master, Tom Savini. My personal favorite is when Kevin Bacon's character gets an arrow through his throat. You may ask why? Because apparently Kevin Bacon has disregarded this film. It seems that he's a bit "too good", for this type of movie, seeing that he's suddenly Mr. Hollywood. All I have to say is, remember your roots kids, remember your roots.

The score is equally iconic as Halloween's theme. Harry Manfredini's violin score sets the right tone for this film. It's blatantly obvious that when you hear that score, teens will die. I still find it effective so many years later. The score is so important for films like this and Manfredini's score would continue to play throughout most of the franchise.

Long before Jason would emerge onto the scene, his mother Pamela Voorhees, was the real reason for all the mayhem and blood shed. Her reason for revenge is simple: her undying love for her son. A son who died because of a few irresponsible teens. Now, every camp counselor will pay because of her son's death. And pay dearly. One by one she mows through the teens until the climatic ending.

Our heroine is Alice played by Adrienne King. She's not one of my favorite survival girls in the franchise, but I liked her character. (After the film's release, King would find herself in a real life horror story because of some fan stalking her.) After all her fellow counselors are murdered, she's the only one left. After a long battle with Mrs. Voorhees, Alice ends up decapitating the vengeful mother with a machete. I might add, another great effect by Tom Savini. She wakes in a canoe floating upon the lake. Some "soothing" music is playing and all seems well and over. Until young Jason emerges from the waters; pulling her below the surface.

She wakes up in the hospital. She learns that all the other counselors died. She asks a cop about the boy that grabbed her by the lake. The cop tells her that they didn't find any boy.

The film was a financial success but critics hated it. Most notable critic, Gene Siskel, went as far as saying that director Sean S. Cunningham was a horrible human being for making it. Boy, talk about not getting it!

I'm reluctant to give this film four stars because it's not my favorite of the franchise. But a solid three stars will do. This films is definitely a staple in modern horror, especially from a slasher stand point. It should be recognized on its merits as an exploitation film. With most of the Friday films, you can watch them any time of the season, any time of day; no matter what you're doing. These films are just plain fun. Give it a watch, if you haven't already.

Although most of the kills are memorable, here are some of my favorites.

1. Arrow through Kevin Bacon's throat.
2. An axe to the face of Marcie's character.
3. Annie's throat being sliced.

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Adrienne King, Betsy Palmer

Directed by: Sean S. Cunningham

Written by: Victor Miller

95 mins

1980

High Tension (2003)

*1/2 (out of four stars)

Marie and Alexia plan to spend the weekend at Alexia's parents house to study for some upcoming exams. All goes well, until the door bell rings in the middle of the night. What transpires next is a brutal blood soaked frenzy by an intruder who kills everyone in the house, (except Maria) then kidnaps Alexia. With everyone else dead, Marie follows the mad man in attempt to save her friend.

First of all let me say this. The movie had some really brutal moments. It had the blood, gore and suspense that many horror films lack. The killer maims the entire family, including the little boy. Some of the kills are really adequate for a film like this. I mean the blood just sprays all over the place. The killer even uses a dresser to decapitate the head of one of his victims. That's right. A fucking dresser. There's actually a lot going for this film. Until....

Yep, you've probably heard it from a dozen horror fans. The ending sucks. And although there are two crucial clues within the first five minutes of the film that gives the ending right to you, you'll want to turn it off at the very moment it's revealed. I'm really trying hard not to bash this film for many reasons. First, the acting is great and the characters are very believable. The intruder, (Philippe Nahon) is an awesome choice as the killer and does a great job with his efforts.

Second, the suspense is great! This movie really has you pulled in and does a great job of keeping you seated. The score that goes along with the film is impressive as well. It sets a mood that very few horror movies these days do. In other words there are some nail biting moments. That's why my nails are torn to shit right now.

But, it does fail in the end. It almost feels like you've been played for a fool the whole time. Quite frankly put, and I hate saying this, it makes you want to go to the filmmaker's house and demand your hour and a half back. Followed by a please don't make another film card, that you can throw in the M. Night Shyamalan category.

To end this on a good note, like I said, there is alot that this movie had going for it. Good kills, good thrills, but it just blew its load too early and without conviction. Some of the best tension sequences were thrown into this movie. It's gripping, it really is. With that said, it just feels like all of the scares were wasted. The climax doesn't pay off. In other words, a cheap ending.

Cast: Cecile De France, Maiween Le Besco and Philippe Nahon

Directed by: Alexandre Aja

2003

Running time: 91 mins

The Majorettes

*1/2(out of 4 stars)

From the mind who brought you Night of the Living Dead and Midnight John Russo's screenplay for The Majorettes is exactly what you might or might not expect from an 80's slasher flick. A hooded figure - brandishing a knife - is picking off the high-school kids one by one. And although this film has it's moments; it falls short by a mile.

Let's start off with some of the characters, shall we. First, we've got Jeff, high school jock and star quarterback. He's hot to trot and is looking forward to possibly making pro. He and his girl are working hard to try and solve the mystery as to who may be killing their friends. Meanwhile, Mace and his group of devil worshiping, biker bad asses are causing all sorts of trouble. Then, there is Helga, a stay at home nurse accompanied by her mentally handicapped son, Roland. They're looking forward to an inheritance from Vicky, whom may be getting the nice chunk of a half million dollars once she turns 18. All the while, we've got a killer on the loose who is slashing the throats of his victims at random.

Beyond all of this, there really is no solid story. Most of the film has naked breast swaying to and fro, and most of the killings are throat slashing, which gets kind of boring. Most 80's slasher flicks work hard to come up with different inventive ways for characters to be offed, but not this one.

It's hard to say, but this film could be one of those, "it's so bad, it's good" movies. The acting is horrible and the editing needs tons of work. Yet, the cheese is grade "A". Quite frankly if you're a slasher nut you should give this movie a try. Although, if you don't want to waste time then skip it. I'd like to think that this movie wasn't intended to be scary, although it really tries hard to jump at you in certain parts. I'd watch this film again just for a good time. But if you're the kind who needs story and good acting, well, consider yourself warned!

Starring: Kevin Kindlin, Terrie Godfrey, Mark V. Jevicky
Screenplay: John Russo
Dir: S. William Hintzman
Run Time: 92 mins

The Mutilator

**1/2 (out of four stars.)

Man, it's been a long time since I've last posted a film review. Truth is, I'm just being lazy. It's not that I haven't watched an abundance of films; I just haven't written about them. Since November I've shot a short film and I've completed principle photography for a commerical. So... this gives me a little slack... I guess. What I'm trying to say is that I'm not completely lazy.

I sat down last night and revisited 1985's The Mutilator. Buddy Cooper is responsible for this slasher and if you haven't seen it, well, I'm hoping this review will make you try and hunt it down. If anything, you'll find something enjoyable out of this flick.

All of the [slasher] elements and formulas are present in this film: You've got bad acting, paper thin plot and some decent gore. In my opinion, you can't ask for more! Buddy Cooper wrote and directed this film. Seeing the cover, any slasher kid would eat this up. It depicts four or five teens hanging from hooks. Looks of horror are on all their faces. Yes, The Mutilator is just one of those cheesy 80's slasher films that you have to take at face value.

The film starts out with a mother preparing a birthday cake. A young boy is playing with a gun, thus resulting in accidentally shooting his mother. When dad comes home (seconds later) he tries to exact revenge on the little brat. Luckily, the son runs off to safety, leaving dad to mourn his wife.

Now, years later, the young lad has grown into the character we are introduced to: Ed. Ed sits with some friends at a bar and gets a phone call from his father. Big Ed wants his young son to clean up his condo for the winter. Ed and his friends get the bright idea that perhaps cleaning the condo could also mean a party for the weekend.

Once they get to the house, it's obvious that others have been there. The house is littered with empty whiskey bottles. It's seems that Big Ed has trashed the place. As the teens' party commences, they eventually break up and find other sources of entertainment. Of course, this would mean SEX!

It's apparent as to who the killer is. This much is established early in the film. Obviously, it's Big Ed; the father. Seems that after years and years of drowning his sorrows in booze; he's finally lost his marbles. We see Big Ed in the garage of the condo. He lies silently in the dark, listening as the teens party above. He's also plagued with dreams of killing his own son. Oh the horror.

We sit through some awful dialogue and some equally bad acting. I would guess that none of the actors are veterans of their craft. But don't get to uptight; we're talking about a slasher film here.

Big Ed starts his onslaught and really lives up to the film's title. There are some graphic scenes of gore and I commend the film based on that. When you're watching a slasher you don't particularly pick out bad plot points; just as long as there's some gore involved. Give me some eye candy I say! Boobs and blood. Now that's a slasher.

Anyway, Big Ed kills the teens and hangs them on hooks in the garage of the condo. His killing is typical slasher fare: Machetes to the head, pick forks through the neck, a hook through one girl's vagina. Yeah, you read that right! Through the vagina. All around good effects for a cheap little slasher film from the 80's. Although poorly lit in some scenes, you'll appreciate the gore.

This film plays it straight all the way through. There are no real mysteries as to who the killer is and it's very predictable from start to finish. The ending is memorable though. After ravaging all the other teens, only Pam and young Ed are left. The two manage to get the upper hand on the killer and they're in the car and ready to go...

...but of course it doesn't start!

So now, Big Ed is on top of the car roof, trying to kill the remaining survivors. They back the car into a wall, severing the killer's legs. He's lying on the ground screaming when two police officers finally make it to the scene. In the final seconds, the killer emerges for that final jump scare and hacks off the officer's legs. Big Ed then dies laughing... literally.

Overall this is a film that you should watch. I know this review sounded a little like I was making fun of it, but honestly, it's just one of those rare, fun slashers. Grab a few friends, a few drinks, maybe some weed and a big bucket of popcorn. You'll definitely have a good time. Too me, it never gets old.

Cast: Matt Mitler, Ruth Martinez, Bill Hitchcock and Connie Rodgers

Written and Directed by: Buddy Cooper

Run time: 86 mins

Intruder

***1/2(out of 4 stars)

Last night I revisited a little slasher known as "INTRUDER". Man, I miss the gory days of the slasher film and all of its cheesy fun. This film is the last of the great slasher flicks to come out of the 80's. And in my opinion, it's one of the very best of that decade. At least on my top ten list!

When I first came upon this little gem, I saw that Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi were associated with it. Being a horror fan and seeing those names attached, you're almost enticed to pick it up, regardless. But as I delved into to thin plot and the creative camera shots, this film really stuck with me. Whether it was the first viewing or the last; I'm constantly and thoroughly entertained.

The plot is simple enough: The late night crew at the Malnut Lake supermarket are closing out for the evening. The last of the shoppers are checking out and the workers are ready to start the over night shift. When Craig, (David Byrnes) Jennifer's ex-boyfriend enters the scene a fight ensues and it takes just about the entire shift to fight him off. They throw Craig out of the store, then later, the crew starts getting picked off one by one. Typical slasher formula.

Through dialogue we learn that Craig had a violent past and has actually killed somebody in a bar fight. Jennifer (Elizabeth Cox) fears that Craig (just out of prison) will continue that violent streak. For the rest of the crew, they learn that the store will be sold and that soon they'll all be out of jobs.


There are plenty of familiar faces in this film. Sam Raimi (director of Evil Dead) plays the part of Randy. Randy is a butcher in the store. Sam's brother Ted also stars in this film and we also get to see a very brief cameo by Mr. Bruce Campbell, who appears in the final minutes of the film as a police officer.

Scott Spiegel does a fine job with direction. He's very creative with where the camera is placed. The blend of creative shots, unique kills and that eerie, underlying score is just another reason for me to love this film.

Did I just say unique kills? Well, for being inside of a grocery store, the kills in this film are very memorable. Hell, even if you don't like the film, just watch some of the death scenes. That alone should be enough to pull any gore hound into watching this movie. Greg Nicotero has the job of special FX. You sold on it yet? No. Here's some of the kills. Joe Bob style.

1 eye ball through a nail
1 head crushed inside a box crusher
1 head through a meat slicer
1 machete through the head
1 hook through a throat

Get the picture? Inventive kills. Loved it!

For a slasher film to take place entirely in a grocery store - and still be good is beyond me. I actually really like the concept of the film. And I thought it worked well. For many of the slasher films in the 80's; the teens are running amok in the dark woods, or an unsuspecting, idyllic neighborhood. But a killer targeting the night crew in a grocery store? That's pretty fucking awesome. The only complaint I might give is the ending. But I won't spoil that here. Just check out this film.

Cast: Elizabeth Cox, Sam Raimi, David Byrnes and Danny Hicks.

Written and Directed by: Scott Spiegel

Slumber Party Massacre

Reviewed by: R. K. Hook

***(out of 4 stars)

Slumber Party Massacre was intended to be a parody of the pethora of slasher films that came out in the 80's. However, the producers had a change of heart and intentionally wanted to shoot this as a serious, genre piece. It has been said that this was one of the reasons for the underlining humor thoughout the film. I, however, have enjoyed this film since first viewing it back when I was a wee little one.

The film's plot is simple enough. The local girls basketball team is throwing a slumber party for "old times sake". Little do they know, Russ Thorn (Michael Villella), an escape mental patient is looking for a good time too. He's murdered before and tonight his target is the scantily-clad, beautiful high school party animals. When Russ shows up weilding his drill, the girls fall victim one by one in the ordinary formula of the slasher film. Trish (Michelle Michaels), and the rest of her friends must fight to stay alive.

If you're looking for a bit of T&A you've popped in the right film. The cast consists of some of the more beautiful women in any slasher film of the 80's. The late Robin Stille is my favorite and is absolutely gorgeous. She does an adequate job playing Valerie, the coy teenage girl next door.

Screenwriter and feminist author, Rita Mae Brown, penned this classic and depicts the men as whiney wimps that get slaughtered easily; without contest. The two boys, Jeff (David Millbern) and Neil (Joseph Alan Johnson) are portrayed as the two horny teenagers spying on the women in their meager hopes of scoring. The two are picked off rather quick and effortlessly by Russ Thorn. Now, I'm certainly not one of these guys who believes that women are portrayed as the lesser sex in these films, because in any horror film most of the time, the woman lives to tell the story. I think in slasher films, both men and women are put in situations that try to heighten the plot. When a women is scene running up the stairs and not out the door, I'm just thinking that we are being set up for something else. I don't necessarily look at it as making anyone look stupid. It's a horror movie. Somebody has to die, right? Why not pile the bodies to the sky? Regardless of what they got under their pants.

In one scene we see Russ Thorn standing over a would be victim with the drill in between his legs. Wonder what that could stand for? And with Russ saying lines like, "I do this for love," and "You know you want it." It's hard not to notice the underlined message. Men are evil pigs. Yeah, I get it.

Trish, Valerie and Valerie's younger sister, Courtney (Jennifer Meyers) gang up on Russ in the film's climax. After chopping his hand off, and castrating his drill, the killer is less effective and proves to be just another hack without his weapon. Russ meets his demise by the young, beautiful scarlets and girl power prevails. Chalk another one up for the women. And even if they are battered and bruised - they still look pretty damn good and can kick some ass.

If you've gone through life, without seeing this film, you shouldn't worry. But if you're a slasher fan, or just a plain old horror fan, I'm not sure how this one slipped under your radar. Keep an open mind and enjoy this flick. It's growing in cult status and should be viewed by any fans of the genre.

You've got my opinion, now check it out.

A new edition of SPM and its two sequels will be coming out this October in one box set. Special features include, cast interviews, "Making Of" featurettes and a lengthy documentary on all three films. Can't wait for that release.

Directed by: Amy Jones

Screenplay: Rita Mae Brown

Cast: Michelle Michaels, Michael Villella, Robin Stille.

Released: 1982

Running time: 77 mins.