500 Words or Less...Vampyres (1974)

Dir: Jose Ramon Larraz
Starring: Marianne Morris, Anulka Dziubinska, Murray Brown, Brian Deacon, Harriet Faulkner, Michael Byrne, Karl Lanchbury
Country: UK
Runtime: 1hr 27 min

The mythology surrounding Vampires has become so misconstrued modern day, that something such as a "true" vampire film perhaps does not exist. The concept was revitalized in the Victorian era to serve as a warning to young girls about promiscuity, and men. However, the reaction has always been quite the opposite having Vampires being highly sexualized in the modern age. What better time for this sexualization than in the tail end years of the sexpolitation and erotic boom of the '60s and '70s. Although set in 1974, Vampyres keeps the feel of a Victorian tale, taking place in rural England near a vacant gothic mansion. The two female leads, have almost no backstory and little is known about them for the films entirety aside for the manner in which they kill and stalk their prey. Perhaps rather feministic, both women use their sexuality to lure, sexually toy with, and eventually kill single male travellers. This adds to some interesting social commentary. Also effective, is the use of bystanders; a couple coincidentally chooses a camping spot facing the old mansion, and a "victim" is left alive for a series of days. This provides "outlets" for the viewers to both sympathize with, and in turn give the effect that they are taking the subsequent characters place. That being said, the gore and eroticism greatly amounts for a majority of the films content which is extremely well executed.

Cheesy: 2/5
Sleazy: 5/5
Culty: 4/5

Overall: 3.5/5

500 words or Less: Caliber 9 (1972)

Dir: Fernando Di Leo
Starring: Gastone Moschin, Barbara Bouchet, Mario Ardof, Frank Wolff, Luigi Pistilli, Ivo Garanni
Runtime: 1hr 28min
Country: Italy

The first in a neo-noir crime trilogy based in Milan from rediscovered director Fernando Di Leo, Caliber 9 successfully pulls of a thriller that is attention grabbing without too much violence. A great fan of noir films, Di Leo stays faithful to necessary cliches (cops, vigilantes, the femme fatale etc.), while adding his own twists that in turn criticize the genre; the most notable being corrupt and ill intended police officers. While the officers are not made out to be straight villains, unlike their American counterparts they are displayed as faulted, and at times, lackadaisical. Unlike other Italian crime films (even some from Di Leo himself) it is unknown through almost the entirety of the film if the protagonist is in fact, innocent. What makes Gastone's character so charming is his mysticism connected to our reliance on him. Also added into the ix are fascist/communist and new vs. old vigiliantism undertones. With its political commenary, violence, great soundtrack from Luis Bacalov, and likeable characters Caliber 9 should not be missed by fans.

Cheesy: 3/5
Sleazy: 3/5
Culty: 4.5/5

Overall: 3.5/5

500 Words or Less: The Lords of Salem (2013)

Dir: Rob Zombie
Starring: Sheri Moon-Zombie, Dee Wallace, Bruce Davison, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Ken Foree, Judy Geeson, Meg Foster, Patricia Quinn
Runtime: 1hr 41 min
Country: USA

A modern set horror story with the look an atmosphere of a low-budget early 1970s flick. Relying heavily on occult themes, Zombie pays homage to the wave of films that attempted to grab at the Rosemary's Baby success. Zombie achieves this through his inclusion of almost all (if not all) of the makings of one of these culty "knock-offs" such as apartments, creepy old people, a shy priest, and a raunchy soundtrack. This has to be Zombie's lowest budgeted film, but it holds itself up well and adds to its realistic aspects. Unlike Zombie's previous films it disturbs subtly and in waves. Placing the focus on a single, and relatable female protagonist also enhanced the film's realism, proving to be a smart move. This film is a definite watch for fans of 1970s occult films.

Cheesy: 2.5/5
Sleazy: 2.5/5
Culty: 4/5

Overall: 3/5

500 words or less...The World's End (2013)

Dir: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, Eddy Marsan
Runtime: 1hr 49 min
Country: UK

Edgar Wright has made a career making modern-cult favorites that seem to coincide with current popular trends. While others may have missed some trends by a year or two, "The World's End" has made the timing with the apocalyptic craze. As mundane as this subgenre is getting, Wright's film is anything but a parodical breathe of fresh air that creates a unique story at the subject it is making fun. The laughs aren't constant, but the humor is present throughout, and movie fans (especially cult ones) will have fun while watching. Underneath, there is heart to the story which is a nice change for Wright's films (there were even a few depressing parts). However, Wright offsets the sadder moments with humor constantly. Viewers from small towns will also have fun relating to the film and the several characters throughout.

Cheesy: 3.5/5
Sleazy: 3/5
Culty: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

500 words or Less: Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

Dir: Stephen Ciodo
Starring: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, John Vernon
Runtime: 1h 28 min
Country: USA

This film is all it's cracked up to be from the title, and more. While the exterior screams something one would grab off the self for a fun cheese fest, this film is very aware of its corny-factor and turns it into a nice little horror-com (which is perhaps more comedy than horror). What makes this film better than others with similar "themes" is that, the comedy is not so awkward--meaning yes, you ARE meant to laugh at that. Moreover, the acting is surprisingly decent, and the film actually has a solid story-line. Instead of working a plot around cheese, the filmmakers worked the cheese around a plot. Surprisingly, the best part about this one is the lack of blood and gore, so much so that the one scene that contained these qualities felt out of place. Aside from this being a unique idea for an homage to '50s creature features, there should be more horrors coming out like this--unique, fun, light-hearted, and not so gore reliant.

Cheesy: 4/5
Sleazy: 0/5
Culty: 5/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

Watched in 2013 (So Far...)

Winter:

15. Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) 01/06/13 ♦♦

16. Venus in Furs (1969) 01/11/13 ♦♦♦ 1/2 

17. The Boys in the Band (1970) 01/17/13 ♦♦♦ 1/2 

18. Skyfall (2012) 01/19/13♦♦♦♦ 

19. Revolver (1973) 01/26/13 ♦♦♦

20. Dawn of the Dead (1978) 02/02/2013 ♦♦♦♦ (rewatch)

21. Score (1974) 02/16/2013 ♦♦ 1/2

22. Race with the Devil (1975) 02/16/2013 ♦♦ 1/2 

23. The Man with the Iron Fists (2012) 02/17/2013 ♦♦

24. Identity Theft (2013) 02/21/2013 ♦♦ 1/2

25. Sinister (2012) 02/21/2013 ♦♦ 1/2 

26. The Bloody Judge (1970) 02/23/2013 ♦♦♦

27. 99 Women (1969) 03/08/2013 ♦♦♦

28. The Importance of Being Earnest (2003) 03/18/2013 ♦♦♦

Spring:

1. The Hobbit (2012) 03/23/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

2. Red Corner (1997) 03/25/2013 ☼☼

3. My Bloody Valentine (2009) 03/28/2012 ☼☼ 1/2

4. Killing Them Softly (2012) 03/30/2013 ☼☼☼

5. Scarface (1983) 03/31/2013 ☼☼☼

6. Django (1966) 04/06/2013 ☼☼☼

7. Hostel (2005) 04/06/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

8. Evil Dead (2013) 04/12/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

9. The Evil Dead (1981) 04/13/2013 ☼☼☼ (rewatch)

10. Non Si Sivezia un Peperino (1972) 04/13/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2 

11. Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013) 04/16/2013 ☼☼☼

12. Count Dracula (1970) 04/17/2013 ☼☼☼

13. Invasion of the Body-Snatchers (1978) 04/18/2013 ☼☼☼ 

14. Coonskin (1975) 04/18/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

15. Little Big Man (1970) 04/25/2013 ☼☼☼

16. Stitches (2012) 04/27/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

17. Cool Hand Luke (1967) 04/28/2013 ☼☼☼☼

18. The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) 05/04/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2

19. Cannibal Holocaust (1980) 05/05/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2

20. Star Trek (2009) 05/06/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2 (rewatch)

21. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)  05/09/2013 ☼☼☼

22. Straw Dogs (1971)  05/11/2013 ☼☼☼ (rewatch)

23. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013) 05/15/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2

24. Death of a Salesman(1985)  05/28/2013 ☼☼ 

25. Boxcar Bertha (1972) 06/01/2013 ☼☼☼

26. Stand Up Guys (2012)  06/03/2013 ☼☼☼

-. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013) 06/04/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2

27. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) 06/05/2013 ☼☼☼ 

28. Shaun of the Dead (2004) 06/05/2013 ☼☼ 

29. Mean Streets (1973) 06/07/2013 ☼☼☼☼ (rewatch)

30. How to Kill a Judge (1974) 06/11/2013 ☼☼☼

31. Alien (1979) 06/12/2013 ☼☼☼ 1/2

32. Django: Unchained (2012) 06/13/2013 ☼☼☼☼ (rewatch)

33. Interview with a Vampire (1994) 06/14/2013 ☼☼☼

34. Psycho II (1983) 06/15/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

35. Scream (1996) 06/16/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

36. The Omega Man (1971) 06/17/2013 ☼☼☼

37. The Serpent and the Rainbow (1987) 06/20/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

Summer:

1. Taxi Driver (1976) 06/21/2013 ☼☼☼☼

2. Shutter Island (2011) 06/23/2013 ☼☼☼

3. Fritz the Cat (1972) 07/02/2013 ☼☼☼

4. Joshua (2008) 07/03/2013 ☼☼☼

5. World War Z (2013) 07/04/2013 ☼☼ 1/2 

6. A Bittersweet Life (2005) ☼☼☼ 1/2 07/08/2013

7.  Heavy Traffic (1973) ☼☼ 1/2 07/09/2013

8. The Departed (2006) ☼☼☼☼ 07/09/2013

8. Oldboy (2003) ☼☼☼ 1/2 07/10/2013

9. Monster’s University (2013) ☼☼ 1/2  07/11/2013

10. TransAmerica (2005) ☼☼☼ 07/12/2013

11. I Saw the Devil (2010) ☼☼☼ 07/12/2013

12. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) 07/15/2013 ☼☼☼☼

13. American Mary (2013) ☼☼ 1/2 07/16/2013

14. Weekend with the Babysitter (1970) 07/17/2013 ☼☼

15. Torso (1973) 07/19/2013 ☼☼ 1/2

16. The Conjuring 07/31/2013 ☼☼☼  07/30/2013

17. Superman (1978) 08/01/2013 ☼☼☼

18. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) ☼☼☼

19. Manhattan Baby (1983) ☼☼ 08/07/2013

20. Awakenings (1990) ☼☼☼☼ 08/08/2013

21. American Graffiti (1973) ☼☼☼ 1/2 08/11/2013

22. Star Wars (1977) ☼☼☼☼ 08/26/2013

23. Freaks (1932) ☼☼☼ 1/2  08/26/2013

24. Twixt (2011) ☼☼ 1/2 08/31/2013

25. I Sell the Dead (2008) ☼☼ 1/208/31/2013

26. Westworld (1973) ☼☼☼ 09/01/2013

27. The Girl From Rio ☼☼ (1969) 09/01/2013

28. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988) 09/04/2013 ♣♣♣

29. The World's End (2013) 09/06/2013 ♣♣♣

30. The Lords of Salem (2013) 09/09/2013 ♣♣♣

31. Milano Caliber 9 (1972) 09/10/2013 ♣♣♣

32. Vampyres (1974) 09/10/2013 ♣♣♣

33. Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974)  09/11/2013 ♣♣ 1/2

34. Who Saw Her Die? (1972) 09/15/2013 ♣♣ 1/2

35. The Secret of Dorian Gray 09/16/2013 ♣♣♣

36. The Fly (1986) 09/17/2013 ♣♣♣

37. The Italian Connection 09/18/2013 ♣♣ q1/2

Autumn
1. Monster's Ball (2000) 09/22/2013 ♣♣♣ 1/2
2. 28 Days Later (2003) 09/23/2013 ♣♣ 1/2
3. Season of the Witch (1972) 09/24/2013 ♣♣ ♣
4. Suicide Kings (1997) 09/25/2013 ♣♣♣
5. A Divorce in the Family (1932) 09/25/2013 ♣♣
6. Deranged (1974) 10/01/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
7. Malena (2000) 10/02/2013 ♫♫♫ /12
8.  The Way, Way Back (2013) 10/02/2013 ♫♫♫
9.  The Seven Ups (1973) 10/04/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
10. Waves of Lust (1975) 10/05/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
11. To be Twenty (1978) 10/06/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
12.  Chained (2012) 10/07/2013 ♫♫♫
13. Psycho III (1983) 10/07/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
14. The Crazies (1973) 10/14/2013 (rewatch) ♫♫♫
15. Pyscho IV (1991) 10/14/2013 ♫♫ 1/2
16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1973) 10/20/2013 ♫♫♫ 1/2
17. Martin (1976) 10/21/2013 ♫♫♫
18. The Iceman (2012) 10/22/2013
19. The King of Comedy (1982) 10/22/2013 ♫♫♫
20. Maniac (2012) 10/24/2013 ♫♫♫
21. The Toweing Inferno (1974) 10/26/2013 ♫♫♫
22. The Night Flier (1997) 10/27/2013 ♫♫♫
23. Trick 'r Treat (2006) 10/31/2013 ♫♫♫
24. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) 11/01/2013 ♫♫♫♫
25. The Last Waltz (1978) 11/04/2013 ♫♫♫♫
26. Silver Streak (1976) 11/04/2013 ♫♫ 1/2

In 500 Words or Less...The Girl From Rio (1969)

Dir: Jess Franco
Starring: Shirley Eaton, Richard Wyler, George Sanders, Maria Rohm
Runtime: 1hr 34 min
Country: Spain


Jess Franco...a name that is associated (if not synonymous) with cult and exploitative film-making. Thus, the fact that this film is hailed as his "most erotic", despite depicting a race of seductive females, is hard to believe. Franco made so many films that it will perhaps never be known the exact count or names of all his works. However, his most well-executed era had to be during his time with British producer Harry Allan Towers (and no, that's not because Franco's works during this time starred Towers' Austrian wife, Maria Rohm!). Despite noting that Towers had a "limited budget", "Rio" had to be one of Franco's most well spent films. Like many of his films, "Rio" is rather hard to explain...and one may be so baffled as to walk away from it after reading the plot summary. However, the combination of futuristic women and old culture was done quite well, and the acting and even execution of events made for an awesome cult watch!

Cheesy: 4/5
Sleazy: 4/5
Culty: 3.5/5

Overall: 2.5/5

In 500 Words or Less...Westworld (1973)

Dir: Michael Critchdon
Staring: Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, & James Brolin
Runtime: 1hr 28 Minutes
Country: USA



Westworld is the perfect example of a "below-the-surface" cult film, because it enjoys moderate cult status, but is not so well known that one would immediately know of it if it came up in everyday conversation. Because of this, Westworld suffers from lack of viewership on either side of the movie going spectrum. As a fan of 1970s film-making, Westworld is an essential watch because it aims to not showcase it's budget. Whether an early 1970s film had a big or small budget, the filmmaker spent accordingly...and spread the wealth around. It's no doubt that Westworld was made on a big budget, and it's director is recognized today. However, Westworld still keeps a "low-budget" atmosphere, and the budget can be seen spent on action effects and costume/set design. Another reason why Westworld gained cult status is it's combination of two of the most cultish genres: science fiction, and westerns (who doesn't love a good robot/cowboy mashup?) Most of the goings on in the film is a mystery which keeps in tune with other 1970s films: it keeps you guessing.

Cheesy: 2.5/5
Sleazy: 1/5
Culty: 5/5

Overall: 3.5/5

Welcome!

Hello...ooo Times New Roman font? Me likey. Sorry, I'm a tad OCD with certain things, such as font for example which stems from my high school days. Which brings up a topc: they make you write with a certain font to prepare you for college. Honey, college isn't life. I bet half those kids who get out of college never use Times New Roman...except me. Anyway, back to welcoming you all. Most of you know me already, and those of you who don't probably have already gained a feel of my demeanor: random, sarcastic, and a tad pretentious in script. This blog is similar to my youtube videos in that I will be focusing more on culty films rather than "main-stream" ones. In essence, that really won't mean anything cos I'll be posting about every film I watch anyway. The way I log movies I view is by season, rather than month (like the normal viewer). I started logging films I watched last summer so I guess I'll post everything I've seen this year so far (which really isn't hard). I'll also be posting DVD updates after I make the corresponding videos for them, and any other movie news that I think is relevant. If you guys have any suggestions just post away cos I'm new to this whole thing...it took me hours to make the bloody template!
Thanks!
-Hannah