School of the Holy Beast

School of the Holy Beast (1974)

Directed by Norifumi Suzuki
Starring Yumi Takigawa as Maya Takigawa

Opening Thoughts: Scrolling through Facebook one day I saw Kat Ellinger mention she was going to have a day of nunsploitation films. I had seen a film if this genre before and liked it, but never knew where to continue. So I asked for a films she could recommend and School of the Holy Beast was at the top of the list. Never heard of the film before, but knowing if the suggestion came from Kat the film has a chance to be shockingly good. Let's face it she has a dirty dirty mind when it comes to films and I love it.

Only thing I knew going in after seeing the case was Japanese women, catholic convent, and made during the era of Pinky Violence what can go wrong even if the film is not good well at least I can have a good laugh about it.

Plot: Maya Takigawa is a mysterious individual  who was found as a baby with a rosary around her neck. Maya doesn't know who her parents are, but she believes if she joins the convent in which the rosary comes from she will be able to find out who her parents were. The issue for Maya is some secrets may be best left alone.

Maya ends up joining the Sacred Heart Convent and begins her own investigation. What Maya is about to witness is shocking. The nuns are broken up into two classes essentially fledglings and graduates. As a fledgling you are subjected to strick rules to guarantee your virginity for god himself, any lapse even thinking of desire can lead to harsh punishments including masochistic rituals in which you whip yourself if you have dirty thoughts.

What Maya is about to witness is beyond belief. Maya sees a system in which everyone has a secret whether they are a lesbian, sent by their parents for bad behavior, or just trying to escape something. No matter what you come for everyone has their own agenda and no one is to be trusted not even the vice superior and archbishop the consequences can be deadly.

Can Maya find out the secret of her parents? Will Maya survive? What hijinks happens within the convent wall?

Watch to find out for yourself.

Review: School of the Holy Beast just from the name, concept, and location of where thendilm is supposed to take place sounds so ludicrous in design and idea that you just want to take the idea behind a barn and shoot it out its misery. The film shouldn't work at all. I mean think about it what do the Japanese really know about the Roman Catholic Church and do they really have any business making a film about a Catholic convent? That in itself is the shocking question.

Yet in this instance director Norifumi Suzuku seems to accomplish  the impossible by combining the Pinky Violence genre that is an exploitation style of masochism, sexual violence, and a level of shock value and the strict code of the Catholic church that in itself has harsh punishments blends together in a rare artistic beauty that is begging to be seen at any arthouse or grindhouse theater. I actually think Andrea Canales of the Film Bar might be mad she didn't introduce this to me herself because this sounds like a film she would shown her ladies Brunch group just for the shock value and to see the ladies faces and if she did I wish I was there.

Closing Thoughts: The film is a perfect mix of suspense, horror, violence, comedy, and sex that I can't even complain or think of any room for improvement. I just wish I would have discovered this film sooner. One thing is for sure the film is in desperate need of a 4K restoration and a rediscovery. The Cult Epics' release is fine for a DVD, but we are in a new age and the film just deserves more love. I hope this films gets on my local arthouse theaters schedule just because I think this film would be alot like Tarantino film to where I would get even more enjoyment laughing at the audiences reaction. If you question or get highly offended by a film that is going to exploit religion don't watch this film, but if you think you can handle dive in.

School of the Holy Beast is a masterpiece that deserves a 10/10

Spotlight Look: Once Upon a Superhero

Once Upon a Super Hero

Writer/Director: John M. Kline
Producer: Scott M. Weil
Music: Taras Tkachenko
Cinematography: Matt Louie
Cast: Frankie - Yvette Monreal
Solar Flare - Adam Marcinowski
Captain  Boulevard - Jason R. Hughes
Doc Compton - Ron Bush

Opening Thoughts: I know almost nothing about this film except that it is winning awards for best science fiction film and best cinematography. While I am not interested in seeing another comic book movie, at least 41 films next year fall underneath sequel, reboot, or comic film and at least 13 of those are on comic properties, so you can see why I am not interested in seeing another comic film. Hollywood must think we are mindless zombies and see whatever they tell us.

I'll be honest I hit the wall with comic films around Captain America: Civil War. The wall is that point in a marathon in which a runner wants to keep running and still has the will to run, but the rest of their body gives up on them and they physically collapse unable to go any further.

So I am not sure what Kline and Weil can provide to make me excited about comic films again, but since the film is showing at the Film Bar and director will be on hand I'll try the film out.

Plot: Solar Flare, a superhero from an alternate reality, has been stranded in our reality stripped of his superpowers. Solar Flare believes that on the 188th day without his powers they will come back to him.

What is Solar Flare supposed to do for 188 days without his powers? Can he survive the tough streets of Los Angeles and the weirdos of Hollywood Boulevard? Will he even get his powers back? As an alien who can he trust?

A 188 days oh what stories can be told by an alien unfamiliar with our customs. Frankie an inspiring musician is about to hear the tale of Solar Flare directly from Solar Flare himself.

Are you ready to see the tale of Solar Flare?

Review: Well watching an indie film you know nothing about is like eating a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get. If you went into Once Upon a Superhero thinking you are going to get your normal superhero film you are gravely mistaken.

Kline has written and directed a very different type of Superhero film. One in which we witness the downward spiral of a man who can no longer do what he once could in life. Now this is not a new concept in film, we explored this briefly with Superman II. Yet how dark would Warner Brothers really let their flagship hero for kids go? Truth is they will do nothing to damage his reputation so there are boundaries set. Kline with Solar Flare is going to break those boundaries and take you in a journey of the darkest depths like we have never seen a superhero go through before.

Yet to accomplish Kline's vision cinematographer Matt Louie steps in. Louie shot this film like the 188 days were supposed to be some kind of blur, dream, or descent into the unknown to where I as viewer felt I was in a dream like status. I would compare that status as to how one should feel if they are watching Blade Runner is it real or a dream? I think that is what Kline wants us to feel is Solar Flare a hero or a crazy individual to where we the viewer are in a hallucinogenic state to make that decision. I believe with the help of Louie he accomplishes that.

Some of the ways that is accomplished is through split screen scenes in which Solar Flare may be at two places or more at once, blurry shots, and nighttime shots in LA. Other ways are through the grittiness of the film. When we first see Solar Flare he is clean shaven and in a great suit, but after awhile the beard grows and that suit I swear Marcinowski was wearing it everywhere on and off duty without cleaning the thing. I could smell the stench through the screen.

I thought I was in a hell hole to be honest.

Now let us look at our stars of the film Adam Marcinowski as Solar Flare. Outside of his exposed face we never see underneath the mask. This is brilliant because the mask hides the emotions Flare may be showing and Adam to seem like he is getting more and more withdrawn from reality in his performance as the film goes along.  You couldn't ask for much more out of him.

Jason R. Hughes plays Captain Boulevard. A loveable, goofy, fat, and drugged up superhero  who lives a carefree life and doesn't mind trouble if it is fun. Hughes comes across as Flare's Dom DeLuise. While quarky and at some times annoying he is the comic relief this film needs from getting too dark.

Then you have Yvette Monreal as Frankie. Yvette wonderfully plays Frankie a somewhat naive, but a person who generally will give the shirt she is wearing to anyone to help them out. Frankie is a musician that seems to have big time dreams just doesn't know the dangers of the world. Frankie is the key the personality that will allow  Flare to expose himself to her.

It's well cast film while their acting is not always perfect, they actors are the types Kline needs to pull this off each with their own abilities that draws off the strengths of others.

Closing Thoughts: Once Upon a Superhero is a great little film unlike any other superhero film I have seen. While the acting can leave room for desire, the film more than makes up for it with story and cinematography. Yes this film may contain the most disgusting love scene since Tommy Wiseau in the Room. If you love dark, gritty, and funny films you should try this one out. It's been less than 24 hours and I already want to watch this film again. This film is a solid 8.5 out of town for unique story, cinematography, and great attention of the detail from sets to costumes. If this is what I can expext from John M. Kline give me more.

The director and producer are touring nationwide with this film to select indie and arthouse theaters. If you want to know more catch them at one of those screenings.

The Art of Collecting Film Memorabilia

The Art of Collecting Film Memorabilia 

When it comes to film we all have our favorite films and like to connect with them in our own ways. For some people owning the film on a home media format is enough, but for others we like to show our love of our favorite films in other ways. One of the more popular ways is by collecting film related memorabilia and collectibles.

For me personally I like collecting original theatrical film posters, vinyl soundtracks, and sometimes bookson my favorite directors an actors. For others I know, like my friend Laura she has a passion for collectible pins, postcards, and etc. There is no real wrong way of collecting film memorabilia as long as you are having fun collecting and don't let others get in the way of your fun.

It's not my place or other people's places to tell you how to collect. It's my place to advise you if you come to me asking for information to assist you on purchasing the right item of you are overwhelmed and confused and display options if you come to me in that area. Anyone who discourages you, makes fun of what you like to collect, or tries to get you to collect what they like shame on them. You are your own cup of tea, be your own flavor.

Like the picture above is a commission I had Mickey Chaney Jr. Draw an original sketch of Julie Newmar for me because she is my favorite Catwoman. I later took that commission that jad my input to Julie Newmar and she signed it for me. Nothing can replace the enjoyment I had when Julie was fooled by the cover flipping through the comic to find herself  only to be told it was a blank cover that a person drew an image of her on and watch her start laughing it was an experience that can't be replaced. That to me is all what collecting is about the experience.

The experience starts from the time you decide you want to get an item related to that film/tv show in some way for yourself.  You could end up with a great experience in the end or you could end up being disappointed in the experience trying to get the item you want or the desired end product to be. You could find out that you bought more than you can chew off. That is where I would like to advise people today.

One of the things people like to do to put themselves closer to a film is get the film's cast to sign off on an item. For myself, I like original theatrical posters and vinyl records because to me they make great display items. While others would like to go with something  smaller like a pop vinyl or statue that can take up less space there is no right or wrong answer. It's whatever is going to give you the most pleasure of displaying.

So there are questions you should be asking yourself ahead of time. 

1. What item is going to give you that wow factor?

Come up with a few different ideas. Maybe it's a Captain America shield. Maybe you want that shield signed by the Avengers cast. Maybe you want an original theatrical poster of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Reason why I say a few is because you might not be able to afford or find the item because of rarity. One poster in my collection is now valued at over 6,000 dollars and that is what a Tiffany's 

2. Do I want to get the cast of a film to sign the item?

Now this is a tricky subject I will tread lightly. You should do your research to find out who is still alive from the cast. Does it make sense to start a brand new cast signed Star Wars project from scratch? Kenny Baker (R2D2) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) have passed away in the recent years and David Prowse (Darth Vader) announced his retirement from signing because of dementia. Then there is Harrison Ford great actor, but man he has never until this year allowed a send in opportunity to where he would sign previous cast stuff until this year a one opportunity that may never happen again. 1500 a signature for Ford.

I'm not saying don't start a Star Wars project, but you may end up buying a partially cast signed one with Beckett or PSA/DNA to accomplish your mission of getting a full cast sign one. The newer the film the more likely you can get a full cast or close to full cast signed item.

3. What is your budget? Set yourself a budget for the memorabilia piece that you want to get. I may love a certain poster or item, but the overall money cost from beginning to end may not be feesible from acquiring to showcasing. The British Quad of Nightmare on Elm Street is highly collectible and outside of alot of people's ranges especially if you add in framing that can cost up to another 400 to 500 in expenses. Are you happy with all one lot in basket if that was your entire collectibles budget for the year? There is nothing wrong with that, but you may get more enjoyment getting more pieces than just the one. You know yourself go with your gut.

4. How much space do you have available in your apartment to display an item?

Just remember you are limited to space you have available. I live in a one bedroom apartment and very limited space available. So this 3 Sheet Dr. Who & The Daleks poster measures in frame and all around 44" w x 84" H, the poster os a showstopper and I love it. Yet this same poster can't go into the closet on a rotating schedule like my other items so you may only be able to have a few spotlight pieces. My suggestion choose wisely. There is nothing wrong with a rotating schedule of items on display it keeps things fresh. Just as a collector myself I have more than I can handle and am not stopping.

The number 1 rule is just have fun!!!!!

Don't let one bad experience ruin your fun!!!!

Share with me your Thoughts, questions, and comments. I would love to hear what you collect and see pictures. I can answer most questions on posters markings and more for authentication.

Don't Look Now (1973)

Don't Look Now (1973)

Directed by Nicolas Roeg 
Based off a Short Story by Daphne du Maurier
"Not After Midnight"
Cast: Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie, Hillary Mason, Clelia Matania
Music by Pino Donaggio

Opening Thoughts: Don't Look Now is a film I have known about for a long time. I would pass by the film in the horror section of the video rental stores and places like Borders to buy from. To be honest the theatrical poster and video cover said boring not for me. Yes poster art and video art can be the difference between me seeing a film or not. The rerelease poster is breathtaking and would have got me to pick up the film.

My thoughts on trying this film changed after a BS Movies Podcast on best male sex icons Shelly Grant selected this film. Apparently people are obsessed with one scene in this film. Why? Either way she elegantly described the film to the point I put the film on my try out list. That changed a few months back when Nicolas Roeg who arguably filmed the most beautiful film ever made with Walkabout passed away. I wanted to have a Roeg marathon, but the issue was my Roeg collection was rather small 3 films is not enough for marathon.

So I added a few films to watch that weekend and I wanted to see if Shelly was right. I meant to do this review sooner, but felt a repeat viewing was necessary like I missed something.

Besides who can go wrong with a story by Daphne du Maurier. The lady who gave us Rebecca, The Birds, and Jamaica Inn. As you can tell Hitchcock loved her.

Plot: John Baxter, Donald Sutherland, is an architect that specializes in restoring old buildings. Baxter has been selected to restore a church in Venice, Italy. While looking through slides for research on the church, John has a vision that his daughter Christine is drowning. John rushes to save her, but it is too late Christine has died.

John decides the best way to get over the grief of the death of a child is to get out of the house and bury himself in his work onsite in Venice, Italy. John's wife Laura, Julie Christie, decides to join John as a vacation from the house. Laura needs this time away as she has struggled with her Daughter's death the most. She is currently taking medications for depression.

Upon arrival in Venice, Italy the Baxter's decide to eat at restaurant in which Laura bumps into two sisters one who is a blind clairvoyant named Heather. The blind lady upon accidentally touching Laura has a vision saying her daughter says it is alright she is doing great.

Laura eventually passes out from the incident and is taken back to her hotel room, but she is somehow different now like she is ok with her Daughter's death and happy to know she is ok. John finds this behavior weird and can't understand how Laura is suddenly ok. One thing is for sure Laura wants to see the two ladies again.

John thinks it is some kind of scam and doesn't want her to see them again. John however is so busy in his work that he is on the verge of a breakdown in which being next to water is not helping him. Not to mention there is a serial killer on the loose now.

John has to make the decision to stay in Venice and risk losing his sanity altogether or return home and drop the current project he is on altogether. Will he go insane or not?

Review: Ok let's get the lion out of the bag I am not sure why everybody is so obsessed with this sex scene. I get the point this is the first time since her daughter's death she felt herself again, but I have seen better from the master Jean Rollin that leaves you in a state of awe. It's just a sex scene big deal.

What people should be obsessed about with this film is Roeg's mastery of the camera. There are just gorgeous scenes all throughout this film with colors, backgrounds, and more that just make you forget your watching a film. Whether it be the drowning sequence in the water, chase scenes through Venice at night, or simply the boat rides in Venice you are there in person feeling everything. Roeg is the master of that and whether the story is good ot not just doesn't matter when it comes to a Roeg film.

That said I think everytime I will view this film I may have a different understanding of what this film is about. Ultimately the film is about how parents deal with the death of a child with a horror aspect thrown into the film. All that said I really think the serial killer aspect of this film is a bit lacking and could of used more development.

The main cast do their best to acknowledge the fear of the serial killer, but even the great performances by Sutherland and Christie don't make me fear the killer. What they both accomplish well is making me feel their pain throughout the film.

Then we move onto Donaggio's score a very classical sound at times that seems to borrow elements of Nadia's theme.

Closing thoughts: Don't Look Now despite some flaws is probably now my favorite Roeg film. The film in many ways plays out like an Italian Giallo filmed by Dario Argento. Set in great locations, with a fantastic cast that doesn't disappoints, and colors that make your jaw drop.

I can't praise this film enough, but even with that said the lacking area for me was the serial killer and myself wanting more focus on that. I give the film 8 out of 10.

Notes: For this viewing I used the 2015 Criterion release which was a 4K restoration. That said while the feel of the film was right there were a few instances in there of the car jumping out of place that was definitely not the film itself, but an issue on Criterion's end. I also think the film could of used a slight grain reduction to compensate for 4KTVs over accentuating the grain. I give the video 4 out of 5 as a result.

Hardware: You Can't Stop Progress

Hardware (1990)

Directed by Richard Stanley
Cast: Stacey Travis, Dylan McDermott, John Lynch

Opening Thoughts: I was loosely aware of Hardware for quite awhile thinking it might be one of those cheap second rate knockoff films by a company just wanting to capitalize on the Terminator. The film may have popped up a few times on Cinemax, but I avoided Hardware at all cost. That was until recently Dr. Svet Atanasov of Blu-ray.com called this film the best BluRay release of 2018. So I was curious as to what I was missing and how could Ronin Flix who never released a film before on BluRay pull off this magnificent feat.

Plot: In a post apocalyptic world, jobs are hard to come by and the fastest way to make money is scavenge the wastelands for parts that are still useful to humanity. A mysterious nomad comes across what appears to be a normal android and decides to take what is useful left of the android and sell it to a junk dealer.

Only the junk dealer is not in when the Nomad enters the building. The Nomad ends up selling the robot to Mo, a former soldier now scrapper, and his friend Shades. Mo plans on giving this android to his girlfriend Jill to use in her artwork.

There is just one thing nobody realizes this android is apart of the prototype M13 series. The M13 is a highly advanced war machine designed to self repair and kill its enemy no matter what the cost. What is wrong with bringing a war machine into an apartment complex? Jill and the residents are about to find out first hand.

Review: OMG let's talk about the opening  sequence in the wastelands. The gorgeous sepia tone sequence is to die for. I actually backtracked that scene 2 times just to watch it over again to take in the sheer beauty of that sequence it felt like something filmed by Nicolas Roeg.

Once you get past that sequence other colors and the city were introduced to the film leaving you feel like you were in the slums Detroit seen in Robocop. A very effective setting for a film with a low budget. I couldn't ask for more.

The story was kept simple with some erotic sequences featuring Stacy Travis and then the machine versus Jill. That is where the fun of this film begins. A machine that can hack into anything and control your apartment. A machine that can once injured use anything to repair itself even if that means changing the structural design just to acomplish the mission.

The world is essentially the M13's Guinea pigs waiting to be picked off one by one and there is nothing you can do to stop it. The tension is real.

While yes this film is like the Terminator you can easily say this film combines elements of Alien and Gremlins as well. The film is a well put together low budget indie film. The biggest letdown of the film is Dylan McDermott I have a hard time buying him in this role he still reminds me of an actor best suited for light hearted comedies. Other than that the film has not aged as well as it could while I love cameos of Motorhead, Gwar, and Iggy Pop plus British styles of the 80s and low tech computer screens you can definitely pinpoint when this film was made.

Closing thoughts: Hardware will be on my list of regular films to watch probably replacing The Terminator on that list. Just because I like the setting better and I find the M13 to be more dangerous. Not to mention Hardware is more fun to watch. While the positives outweigh the flaws of the film, I can't give the film more than 7 out of 10.

I do think a shout out should be given to Ronin Flix for their stellar transfer. The detail is there, gorgeous colors, and yet the ability to make this film look like it was filmed when made by not doing an over the top restoration is fantastic. For their first effort this is amazing and I'm excited to see what they do to other properties I like.

Is it the best restoration of 2018 maybe, but I give that to Criterion's Sisters.

Spotlight Release: Animal Factory (2000)

Animal Factory (2000)

Directed by Steve Buscemi 

Based off of a book by Edward Bunker

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong, Danny Trejo, John Heard, Mickey Rourke, Mark Boone Junior, and Tom Arnold

Opening Thoughts: I'll let you all in on a little secret, I love prison films. There is just a sense of raw, grittiness, and beauty to films that use real prisons as their sets. As a result you feel just as much as a prisoner as both the prisoners and guards do. Then there is the characters inside the film. A prison movie allows you to cast character actors to give you a large diverse feeling of the craziness.

All that said I had never heard of Animal Factory until Arrow put the film on their release schedule. Honestly, that kind of shocks me with a cast like Willem Dafoe, Danny Trejo, John Heard, and Mickey Rourke this film should have been on most people's radar when released. So I hope this film can live up to the extraordinary talent cast in the film. Considering the film did less than 50,000 at the box office that leaves an uneast feeling in my stomach, but that doesn't mean this film isn't good.

Plot: Ron Decker (Edward Furlong) has been sentenced to serve 5 years in San Quentin for the possession of marijuana. Despite protest from Decker's lawyer, Decker recieved the maximum sentence because he grew up in a family with everything given to him and as a result knows right from wrong.

With this being Decker's first offense and have never going to prison before, Decker is scared because he is going to have to learn the rules on the fly. One wrong decision by Decker could mean the difference between life and death. So Decker better choose his friends carefully in prison.

One thing is for sure, Decker has come to the attention of Barnboss Earl Copen. Copen is a prisoner that has learned how to manipulate the system to where he controls everything on the prisoners end. Whether Decker survives depends on how much Copen is willing to help him.

Does Decker live or die? You will have to watch for yourself to find out.

Review: I can't for the life of me figure out why this film isn't talked about more. The film has everything going for it. Beautiful cinematography from the overhead shot of Holmesburg Prison to the tight up close shots inside the cells. The tension from those shots made me feel uneasy and glad I am not in prison.

Survival  from those rough conditions is what this film is about. It's not about some big major event, but about the little things a prisoner does to have little victories to make it through prison. Whether that be pulling something small over a guard or conning another convict. Try to focus on the big picture you will go insane.

Edward Bunker, the writer, knows this better than most people because he did time in prison. That is what sets this film apart from other prison films in many ways. Bunker may have delivered the most realistic story for prisoners.

He doesn't deliver a large scale film like Shawshank Redemption, but instead delivered a story with many different stories going on at the same time. To show just how chaotic prison can be because at any moment your situation changes.

With changes like that to pull them off convincingly a special cast is needed to pull this type of film off. Danny Trejo did time in prison so he is perfect in his roll. Edward Furlong plays the new prisoner who is cocky, moody, and naive at times, while his acting is a little lacking at times one thing is for sure Furlong looks like  a person who would get raped in prison. Mickey Rourke in drag as Decker's cellmate was astonishing. Willem Dafoe I really don't need to talk on his credentials because he loses himself in the roles that he plays to where je could get nominated for best actor as much as Meryl Streep does.

This all leads to a great slice of mouthwatering Chicago Deep Dish Pizza to take in. As a lover of prison films I really couldn't ask for that much more.

Closing Thoughts: It is a little premature, but I am going to list Animal Factory as one of the top five prison movies I have ever seen. It's not perfect, but it is the most realistic prison film I have ever seen. If you are looking forna great prison film to watch this is it as long as you are not wanting to see something on the grand scale. 8/10 feels just about right for this gem that you don't want to miss.

The Mutilator aka Fall Break (1985)

The Mutilator (1985)

An OK Productions film

Written and Directed by Buddy Cooper

Music Score: Michael Minard

Cast:  Matt Milter as Ed Jr.

Jack Chatham as Ed Sr.

Ruth Martinez as Pam

Frances Raines as Linda

Morey Lampley as Mike

Bill Hitchcock as Ralph

Connie Rogers as Sue

Opening Thoughts: The Mutilator is the start of my New Year's goal for 2019 and that is to own and eventually review every film Arrow Video distributes in the United States. With Barnes and Noble's 50 percent off Arrow sale this week and an additional 20 percent off using the code CHEEERS online. I am now down to 19 releases I am missing altogether. 

The Mutilator marks my first purchase BluRay purchase of 2019 along with the 4K release of Bad Times at the El Royale. So I am starting my Ne Year's Resolution on the right foot. As far as the Mutilator goes, I don't know too much about the film other than it is a slasher film with what many horror fans consider one of the goriest scenes in the history of horror. I am not easily phased so let's see of the horror fans are right.

Plot: Ed Jr.'s father's birthday is today. Ed wants to give his father a special gift from the heart for his birthday. Ed decides to polish his dad's rifles that are in his dad's cabinet. Really what can go wrong with that? An unlocked gun cabinet that a young child can take out a rifle at anytime without adult supervision.

Ed Jr. in the process of cleaning his father's rifles shoots and kills his mom. Ed Sr. walks in shortly after melts down and chases his son off with a gun. 

Fast forward to present day Ed Jr. is now in college and has a great group of friends Ralph the comedian, Mike the Jock, and Pam his girlfriend along with her friends Connie and Linda. Like all college students they are looking forward to Fall Break. The group just doesn't know what they want to do. That is until Ed's dad calls and asking that he goes to his beachfront condo for the weekend and prepare it for the winter.

Ed doesn't want to because he doesn't get along with his father very well, but his friends talk Ed into the trip. A weekend at a beachfront condo for fallbreak sounds great. That is until his friends arrive at the condo to find out Ed's dad is the Harbinger of Death for animals and enjoys the hunt.

Like any man who hunts just for the game, Ed Sr. has a wide variety of weapons at his disposal. While Ed Jr., sees nothing wrong with a weapon missing amongst his dad's collection. The others are afraid a person has broken had a party and stole some stuff.

The truth is scarier than they all think. They are now the game they just don't realize it.

Will they survive or be stuffed and mounted?

Review: The Mutilator is a very unique film in the slasher genre. Not because of the killer by any means or even that an event that leads a simple man to become a killer. All the normal things you would expect to see in a slasher film this film has. The unique aspect of this film is the small subtleties that could easily have made this film a romantic dramedy instead if the slasher was not in the film.

Those subtleties start with Michael Minard's score. The score for love scenes has elements of Burt Bacharach's score for Arthur making the mood very lighthearted and then comedic scenes has a bit of Ralph Burns's Vacation score. Honestly those subtle touches are a stroke of genius because you don't know when some of the deaths are going to happen because this style of music is on. Then the score suddenly switches to Manfredini style similar to Friday the 13th at the exact time death happens or the group realizes they are in danger. Leads to one or two moments that had me jumping out of my seat.

The other subtleties come from the cast who also play the film off as a light hearted comedy. Matt Milter as Ed Jr. perfectly plays the story teller comes across a little Keith Gordon like. Bill Hitchcock playing Ralph is my favorite character of the bunch. Ralph is the jokester of the bunch and comes across like Stifler always having fun likeable, but needs a slap every once in awhile to put him in his place. It's a shame this is Hitchcock's only role because I would have loved to see more of him in other films.

So the film does have alot going for it until you come to the slasher. While Ed Sr. is interesting in concept he just comes across a little boring I wish he had a little Billie Whitelaw in him to make him more menacing,  but it is just not there. That is the downfall of this film I am not sure if it is Chatham's performance or a lack of writing and vision on Cooper's part.

However the film more than makes up Chatham's performance in gore value. There is one sequence that gives a whole new meaning to penetration. While some of the effects are unintentionally bad it adds a certain charm to the film that makes me warm inside.

Closing Thoughts: The Mutilator is far from perfect and not for everybody. If you love slasher films then you will love this film especially in a group setting. There is at least one scene that leaves you in a state of shock for a second. 

I wish I could rate this film higher, but I can't the film is a solid 6.5/10 mainly because you wish for more from the slasher and a little more substance in the story. Yet it does get a 9 on the gore scale of 10.

Warning Do Not Watch This Film If You Plan of Having Sex that Night. The film is total buzzkill in that department.