Last House on Dead End Street

Such a special movie for me. The kind that you don't like to watch often because you just don't need to. It's engrained in my mind, right down to certain sound effects and when they're about to happen. Maybe I don't watch it often anymore 'cuz I'm afraid I'll outgrow it.

Not the case last night, thankfully. As if I didn't already hold the film in high esteem, this latest viewing made me realize what an arthouse masterpiece it is, and that, perhaps, if Roger Watkins were more mentally stable, he could have enjoyed a reasonably successful film career. To think this sucker is as dirt cheap as it is and turned out the way it did shows Watkins does contain some degree of talent.

On the other hand though, his mental state and being high on drugs could also have lended the film its perhaps accidental(?), surrealistic and otherworldly quality. Yeah, undoubtedly that has a hand in it, but I also can't help but feel their is an artistic vision behind all this. A method to his madness. The way the film weaves back and forth between arty porno drama and envelope-pushing horror does seem to be a conscious choice. When the forced participants of Terry's snuff films realize all too late the magnitude of what is happening, it truly feels as if the mouth of Hell has opened. This isnt just some run-of-the-mill exploitation film with producer-influenced violence and gore tacked all over the place . Even I can admit it's a tad talky until things really get going, but it aint boring.

To say nothing of the fact that, for 1972 (when the film was made) what else out there was this fucked up and transgressive? (John Waters?) If the movie were released in the early 70s, when it should have, what would audiences have thought? Would the film be looked at differently, as a truly pioneering extreme horror film with all the meticulousness of an almost Kubrick-ian like director behind the lens -- as opposed to the lost artificact of late '70s 42nd street flash-in-the-pan grindhouse goodness whose urban legend mystique could only underwhelm all too eager horror fanatics -- that it is typically seen as?

Ok, yeah, I'm gushing because I'm a total LHODES fanboy. Most of you will disagree with what I see in it, and that's fine. I bought this on VHS (not a bootleg, because I'm stuck up like that) in what may have been '99 or 2000. It was for sure before Roger Watkins came out of hiding. The allure and mystique from LHODES is long-gone now, but the remaining film is as powerful, dark, disturbing, weird and balls to the wall awesome as ever.

Your Favorite Vampire Movie(s)

Just as the title suggests, list some of your favorite vampire movies.

For me, it seems that like the zombie sub-genre - the vampire sub-genre has become exhausted. I feel vampire movies are dime a dozen and offer little in the way of originality and imagination so it is always refreshing to me to see a vampire flick that attempts to bring new ideas into the exhausted sub-genre.

I will list my top 10 favorite vampire movies. My list is quite irregular and you could say unusual. In order:

The Addiction (1995): Extremely orginal take on the vampire tale about a philosophy grad student that turns into a vampire after getting bitten. There is a lot of reflective musings as she comes to terms with her new affliction. It is riddled with metaphors about addiction, redemption etc. A highly moody piece of filmmaking that is so disturbing and realistic, that it almost feels like a documentary at times. My favorite vampire flick. 9

They Have Changed Their Face (1971): It is an obvious allegory to capitalism, with the most affluent portrayed as "vampires" who appear to feed off consumerism, hence why They Have Changed Their Face. It is a biting and satirical moody piece, but above all, it is really good and at just 285 votes-it is shockingly unknown to the masses. 9

Martin (1978): I truly believe that Martin is one of horror's greatest character studies! It is not your traditional vampire flick in the sense that this one is about vampirism as a disease. There is a lot of social commentary here and I just adore it. 9

Blood & Donuts (1995): I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of these horror comedy but Blood & Donuts is an exception to the rule. One of the most sympathetic vampires you will ever see. It is unusual to that of other vampire flicks in that it is a canvas for loneliness, friendship, and belonging. It is sad, funny and philosophical in equal measure. The cinematography is top-notch and the music score is fantastic. 9

Nadja (1994): The modern vampire subgenre in my opinion works best in real harsh urban environments, with limited action scenes, that relies more on existentialism and companionship. Nadja was one of a raft of such vampire flicks of the 90s. Cinematographed in glorious black-and-white and offers a dreamy atmosphere mkes this a must-see. 8

Mary, Mary, Bloody Mary (1975): This is another vampire flick that deals with vampirism as a disease. I don't think I have ever seen such a horror film where the protagonist was so vulnerable, so lonely. There are beautiful scenes of beaches, villas and museums that never fails to lure the viewers interest. Excellent character study where the protagonist has a disease to drink blood. 8

Dance of the Damned (1989): Ultra-obscure vampire flick that is a cut about other vampire flicks. It is about a stripper who contemplates suicide until she meets a vampire. It is essentialy a dialogue-driven horror drama that is touching, thoughtful & reflective. 8

Habit (1995): Yet another modern urban vampire tale. I like to consider Habit a part of an unofficial trilogy with The Addiction and Nadja. It is highly metaphorical and existential and oh so realistic which makes it even the more painful. It is a nicely made little film. 8

The Night of the Devils (1972): An excellent obscure involving a family that are afflicted by a centuries old curse by a vampire. The gorgeous cinematography is helped by the unsettling atmosphere. It is also a refreshing take on the sub-genre. 8

Thirst (1979): A brilliant take on the vampire sub-genre about a cult of self-proclaimed supermen who achieve this state of superiority by drinking blood from people who they keep on a farm. I like how the combined modern technology and vampirism with an eerie, surreal direction. 8


What vampire movies do you consider your favorites?

Moving

I'm in the process of moving again. This is at least the 15th place I've lived, in the span of my near 30 year life. Safe to say, I move just about every other year. Holy hell, I just can't settle, can I? 😲

Moving is a crappy process, but I've gone through it so many times, and re-evaluated my life and possessions just as many times, and it makes you wonder what's really important. What do you take, and what do you leave behind? Sentimental crap? Necessities? Are the sentimental things just as important as the other bullshit?

I think about all the niknaks I've taken with me all the years, but what exactly is it? What's really needed to be you at a new place? Somewhere else, where the goal is to preserve your entity.

I've had clothes I've been lugging around for 10 years at least. Some Iron Maiden shirts, band T's, etc. Since I suck at doing laundry, I kinda wore some of them the fuck out, but whatev. I also have a few boxes of junk. I need to get rid of some of it still, but tis the dilemma of being human. You hold onto some shit, even though you don't have a reason for it.

It's a bunch of what-ifs, as if I'd possibly need it later, but I don't. I'll never need that fucking blond wig, or those firecrackers that probably don't even work, or those 90s spiderman cards, but fuck it. I'll keep my shit, because it's mine, and I need it.

Of course, I could never part with my dvds. At one point in my life, it was a quest to collect all the coolest movies I could think of. That became my reason to live. I would buy all sorts of dvds of movies I liked, but after a while, it becomes a little more complicated. You find yourself buying shit you don't even like so much, because you fall into the habit of buying dvds and collecting shit. I collected a lot of dvds, and while some of them are fucking dumb movies that I might never watch again... in an ideal world, I just might want to watch them, or at least I thought so at one point.

In the end though, I still don't think a dvd of Paul Blart will do me any favors. There are still only a few horror classics worth owning, but I'll keep my dvds, and do you know why? Because I'm a lazy fuck, and I stare at screens all day. Besides, sometimes, the internet goes out, so I have to resort to stuff I know and trust. Hence, the dvd collection stays.

Other than clothes and junk, I tend not to have much furniture, so I just pick myself up and go. This move wont be too bad though. It's really close, and I can still walk to work. Preferably bike there now, but basically, not much changes. Same me, different home.



Anyone else move a lot? Or have you never moved at all?
Go ahead and rant about it.

Death Wish 3

So I was re watching Death Wish 3 and it left me with an impression and a few thoughts to describe it. The action movie of action movies. The sequel of sequels. One of the greatest shoot out scenes ever filmed.

Charles Bronson returns as the world's most dangerous pensioner, Paul Kersey. He's out to show the gangs who's in charge one bullet at a time and occasionally firing a rocket launcher inside an apartment building when the going gets tough enough. That's badass.

Makes Rambo look like Sesame Street. He fights in the street alongside the cops supporting him. When cops were cops and not glorified social workers.

James Franco... IS... Tommy Wiseau!

For any fans of that surprisingly popular piece of shit called "The Room", we have James Franco directing a movie about him playing Tommy Wiseau.

The Room has to be seen to be believed. Franco nails it.

The Second Annual Trash Challenge!



It's back! Trash Epics' signature challenge which debuted a year ago, cheering up many of us after our home was destroyed by soulless cunts. This challenge is a broad one which allows any sub-genre of Exploitation you can think of, countless taboos, atrocities, cheese, and schlock. All that is fucked up and so bad it's good!

I'm really liking the "point a minute" thing we got going, but some challenges demand a point system with more demensions. This one is not about how much movie you watch, but rather how much Trash.

Just like last year, it'll be one point for every quality below.


Nudity

Gore

Rape

Hardcore Penetration

Incest

Drug Use

Blasphemy

Cannibalism

Intentionally Bad Qualities

Video Nasties - Any movie to ever appear on this list.

SOV - Anything shot-on-video from the 80's and 90's, or beyond, if you know of anything.

FTV (First Time Viewing)

NEW

Beastiality

Necrophilia

Racism - One point for racist characters, or any type of blatant racism expressed.

Retards - Any characters who appears to be mentally handicapped is good for a point

Garbage Point - One point earned if you genuinely hate the movie and have a difficult time making it through.


The only other challenge to feature trifectas. Instead of using directors, series', and actors, the Trash Challenge trifectas are all about the Exploitation sub genres.

Sexploitation, Blaxploitation, Hixploitation, Nazisploitation, Bikersploitation, Canuxploitation, Ozploitation, Nunsploitation, Rape/Revenge, Lezbo-Vamp, Women In Prison, Jungle Cannibal Epics, Mondo/Shockumentaries, Nudie Cuties, Giallos

If I left out anything, let me know and I'll add it to the list.

3 in a row of any of the above sploitations will count as a trifecta.

A movie can only count towards one trifecta.

Single Trifecta - 5 points

Double Trifecta - 7 points

Triple Trifecta - 9 points

Etc.

Movies must run no less than 40 minutes.

This challenge will be for the month of March.

Last year's progress thread if it helps anyone with recs or clears up any confusion.

https://trashepics.com/post/9/105/

Freddy Got Fingered

So I was rewatching one of my favorite comedies Freddy Got Fingered once again and something occurred to me whilst doing so.

Is Freddy Got Fingered a Dada Masterpiece or simply a low brow comedy with a niche audience?

There are many elements of this film I feel are clearly stating something about repressed behaviour and acting socially acceptable. Exploration of the Id and acting out on it. Which in real life we mostly never do. There is a similar appeal in horror movies.

There has to be something to it because I have zero interest in comedy movies from the same era of late 90's and early 2000's such as There's Something About Mary and American Pie. Even back when they were released.

Yet I remember and enjoy Freddy Got Fingered to this day.

I think the difference with this movie is that I laugh directly at the movie and how it came to be.

It really does get me laughing a lot.

Trash Challenge 2: Eccentric Jigaboo



This is the progress thread for the 2018 Trash Challenge. If you want a month of gory/perverted/stupid fun, go ahead and get yourself a spot in this thread and I promise you will experience the most amazing month of your entire life.

Here's all the rules and shit. https://trashepics.com/post/9/185/

Scarred: The History Of Truth or Dare



As we all know, low-budget Horror can be very hit or miss. Sure. Plenty of B-movies are entertaining without actually being quality films. Quality isn't always an easy thing to come by, or necessary. But there are low-budget Horror directors who can not only pull off a crazy, entertaining B-movie, while rising above their meager budget. Today, we're going to talk about a guy named Tim Ritter, and more specifically, his Truth Or Dare series. Despite most of his work being "micro-budget", his little movies always have a great script, entertaining actors, even if some of them can't act for shit, and of course, a lot of heart, as a love for the Horror genre always shines through. His movies may not even get theatrical releases, but one thing is clear. Tim Ritter knows what he's doing.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Florida filmmaker, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Ritter always offers plenty of trashy violence and gore. But not without substance. Ritter's films have a reoccurring theme that started with the original Truth Or Dare? Cheating wives and the unexpected damage they can do. That's what these Truth Or Dare movies are mainly based on. In this first installment, We begin with Mike Strauber, a decent, normal guy, heading home from work to find his wife getting it on with another man. At first, Mike seems heartbroken just like any normal guy in his situation. But underneath his heartbreak, lies madness and an urge to harm himself and others. Along with a life long obsession with a game called Truth Or Dare? Mike takes a camping trip out in the woods, but picks up a hot, young hitchhiker on the way. As the two sit by a campfire, they start a game which ends with Mike pulling his own tongue out. As we discover the girl never existed, we also discover Mike has completely lost it. Now put away in the looney bin, Mike is eventually let out on good behavior, and ends up murdering his wife's lover. before he knows it, Mike is back in the looney bin. But these idiots can't keep seem to keep track of him. Mike makes himself a copper mask after disfiguring his own face, and once again bolts to go on a killing spree in style.

A couple years earlier, Tim Ritter had made an anthology called Twisted Illusions. One of the segments, which was entitled "Truth or Dare?", was the inspiration for this movie. Personally, I've always found the copper mask a bit silly, as it makes this movie seem a bit too much like a poor man's Halloween, and Mike Strauber a poor man's Michael Myers. Truth or Dare? is definitely no Halloween, but it's still damn good and is a totally respectable low-budget film that is very easy to get sucked in to. It's far from Ritter's most entertaining work, but most would agree that this is his all around best movie. 6/10

Fast forward to 1994, and Tim Ritter only has one more film (Killing Spree) under his belt. And that was years ago. Obviously, funding isn't as easy to come by as it once was, because we have officially entered S.O.V. territory. Wicked Games was shot on video. The new title is apparently due to a movie that came out not too long beforehand, which starred Madonna, entitled Truth or Dare. Just to avoid confusion, I guess. This sequel also does not star the same actor who played Mike Strauber. Wicked Games barely involves the character at all. Like all Truth or Dare sequels, Ritter dances around the legend of the copper masked killer without actually making him a major part of the story.

Wicked Games begins much like the original. A guy named Gary (who looks and sounds like Dante from Clerks) has just caught his wife in the act. Unlike Mike, who ran off to have a cry, Gary pulls out a gun right then and there and forces his wife and her lover to finish their fuck session. He taunts them, intimidates them, but ultimately leaves to go get drunk. He doesn't seem quite as fragile as Mike did. Later, Gary pays his friend Dan Hess a visit, looking for a place to stay for a while. Dan is hanging out with a woman played by the same actress as Gary's cheating wife, which is weird, but just go with it. Gary explains his situation, and Dan takes him in. Later on, a string of murders take place. And it's discovered that all the victims were spouses in the act of cheating. Dan, who is a doctor at Mike's loony bin, is already starting to think something is up with Gary. But when he discovers that Gary is actually Mike's cousin, it looks very possible that he may be the second coming of the copper masked killer.

Regardless of who the killer in this movie turns out to be, it's clearly none other than Joel D. Wynkoop under that mask. Wynkoop, who plays Dan Hess, as well as quite a few more colorful characters in many of Tim Ritter's films. For far better examples of how vital Wynkoop was to Ritter's success, check out Dirty Cop No Donut (1999) and Creep (1995), which are both far better than Wicked Games. This second installment leaves a little to be desired in several areas. But any fans of Ritter's superior movies, or unusual 90's S.O.V might want to give this a chance. 4/10



Fast forward to 1998, and Tim Ritter has now made his third installment of what is now known as the Truth Or Dare trilogy. Once again, avoiding Mike Strauber, but basing everything on his actions from the first movie. We relive one little moment which sets the stage for this bleak sequel called Screaming For Sanity. We witness Strauber's escape from the looney bin, where he drives off, not looking where he's going, Mike plows through a woman pushing a baby carriage, destroying them both. And as we now find out, this incident also destroyed the mind of the woman's husband, as he's been in and out of the looney bin ever since. And we now learn he is, once again, being released into society. But there's more to this story. Not too long ago, Dr. Dan Hess ruined his own career when he took liberties and decided to beat the hell out of Mike Strauber, which he got caught for, and was fired, disgraced, and now lives with suicidal tendencies, hallucinations, along with a gnawing guilt, because it was because of him that Strauber originally escaped and killed that mother and child.

https://oldies.scdn5.secure.raxcdn.com/i/boxart/simu/11/96/674945119693.jpg?v=6 This damaged widower is still far too fragile to be free, and is hanging by a thread. Hearing about Mike Strauber's new found celebrity status, and obsessive female following, has pretty much done it for him. That as well as some influence from someone with their own agenda, has made him snap. There is now a new copper masked killer, whose mission is to decimate anyone trying to capitalize financially off Strauber's notoriety. But things always seem to go back to Dan Hess, as his girlfriend has been kidnapped, and he's just about ready to finally get his shit together and put an end to this Truth or Dare? madness once and for all.

Once again, shot on video, Screaming For Sanity doesn't really wrap up this series much at all, as we still have no real closure when it comes to the original copper masked killer. These first two sequels are no masterpieces, but for 90's S.O.Vs, they're pretty good, and far from dull, with a somewhat haunting tone, which has a lot to do with composer, R.M. Hoopes, who has done the score for many of Ritter's films over the years. One thing that I've always found odd about these sequels is the new mask, which Mike, as well as his copy cats, now wear. I'm not sure what the point is in changing the mask, as we all remember what the original one looked like. Although, it's a sweet mask, so, whatever. 5/10

And for years, this series would be known as a trilogy. A fourth Truth or Dare? movie is not something I ever expected to happen, or really ever saw as necessary. After Screaming For Sanity, Tim Ritter made a few more movies, culminating in 2004's Reconciled Through The Christ. A tame, Christian-themed movie, with little to no Horror, which was inspired by his new found faith. A film which was to be Ritter's last, at least for a while, as he had moved up to Kentucky, and no longer had access to his usual Florida cast and locations, and was planning on concentrating on writing novels from then on out. If this had been IT for him, that would have been one hell of a sad way of ending things, in my opinion. After year had gone by, I had given up on the idea of Ritter ever making another movie. And if he ever returned to directing, would any future projects be nothing more than watered down Christian movies? Fuck, I hope not!

Fast forward to 2011, and Mr. Ritter has finally returned to directing. And would you believe this guy is throwing yet another Truth Or Dare movie at us? I would have much preferred a Killing Spree or Dirty Cop sequel, but I'll take what I can get, because I really thought this guy was done. Welcome back, Tim Ritter! You were missed!

13 years have passed since Screaming For Sanity. Deadly Dares: Truth Or Dare IV is different than any past Ritter movie. This is very much a new flavor and a new beginning. No more Florida, no more Wynkoop, no more looney bin. But plenty of violence and twists. This story, which is even further removed from that of the original, drags us into the 2010's, as it mostly revolves around the internet. Deadly Dares is about a boring loser named Tunor who has a red nose, and just got fired and broken up with by his girlfriend for being a boring loser. Depressed and looking for something new to take his mind off his woes, Tunor gets involved with a young girl over the internet. Dara is obsessed with legendary serial killer, Mike Strauber as well as playing cyber-truth or dare. Tunor, eager to impress, agrees to anything she dares him to do. At first, it's silly shit like sipping water out of the toilet with a straw, and spraying bleach in his eyes, but before he knows it, Tunor is being dared to go out and hurt people and film it, which eventually leads to murder. Tunor gets very into this, as it provides a rush he's never experienced, and hope for a brighter future. He even goes so far as to paint his face copper when fulfilling dares. Whatever it takes to keep this girl wet, Tunor is up for it. But when Dara dares him to go to Florida to break Mike Strauber out of the looney bin, things take quite an unexpected turn.

Deadly Dares is just different. That's all there is to it. It's good, but doesn't feel like much of a Tim Ritter movie. Maybe because it was shot on digital video, and and lacks that trashy B-movie feel. The Kentucky setting and cast is just something that doesn't feel right, as it takes away from that Ritter vibe we're so used to. And ultimately, it just lacks that special something that most post-2000 B-Horror flicks lack. Nobody's fault, really. It's simply a different time. Deadly Dares comes off more like a fan film. A tribute to this long running series. I liked it, but perhaps I'm not a big enough fan of these movies to love it. But well worth a watch for anyone who missed the Ritter. 5/10

Love his movies or hate them, no one can deny that Tim Ritter has left his mark on the Horror genre, and especially underground Horror. A truly underrated director with plenty of interesting stories to tell, who's never really got to show us what he was capable of due to such tiny budgets. But always made the most of what he had. And as we approach the 30th anniversary of the original Truth Or Dare, I am pleased to announce that yet another installment is on its way, and I assume will be released later this year. I don't know much about it, but it will feature the return of Joel D. Wynkoop as Dr. Dan Hess, and as usual, will have very little to do with the original copper masked killer. what is in store for this series 30 years later? Well, I guess all that's left to say is to be continued...



#Review

Death Wish II

Super grimey follow up to the original Death Wish.

Charles Bronson is a no nonsense vigilante ready to make the punks pay. One of my favorite scenes is when Bronson is driving around and a street freak is on the street and Bronson doesn't bat an eyelid. He just doesn't care about fruits on the street.

I actually think it's a better movie than the original, though my favorite of the series is the ludicrously fun Death Wish 3.

It got a ton of hate and controversy and called worthless but that's because of all the critics that were offended by it. Not too possible to have a proper super violent rape revenge street vigilante film without harsh material though.