Looking for Eurocrime recs

I want to check out good Eurocrime flicks, predominantly from the 70's. Any recs?

Scum of the Earth (1974)



Scum of the Earth. What a title! I love it when movies are so blunt in their names, so eye catching. You almost want to rent them based on the title alone. Movies like I Spit on Your Grave and Cannibal Holocaust share a similar feeling of disgust when you first hear them. It's enough to blindly rent them, hoping the titles are an indicator on how good the movie is, and simply not false advertisement (cough, Zebub, cough).

Scum of the Earth is not misleading. The title actually sets the tone nicely. Of course there is an alternative title to this flick; Poor White Trash 2. I personally prefer Scum of the Earth, I feel Poor White Trash really doesn't do this movie justice as a title. It's not your average backwoods hillbilly horror movie, this is something far more gritty and disturbing. This is some slimy and uncomfortable cinema. Something that might make you feel the need for a shower afterwards. This is Scum of the Earth.

The plot is fairly basic. Helen and Paul have just gotten married, and are celebrating their honeymoon in a secluded cabin in the peaceful tranquillity of a forest somewhere in the south. An unknown assailant brutally murders Paul with an axe, causing his wife to run away, fearful and grief stricken, into the dark forest. She soon bumps into Odis Pickett, a frightful man with a frightful accent, and after some pleading for help, accepts to return with him to his house to use his phone. Back at his home, she meets his wife, Emmy, his daughter, Sarah, and his son, Bo. It soon becomes obvious that Odis has no phone. In fact, the family appear to be living in poverty. Helen doesn't trust him, but its dark outside now, and the killer is still on the loose. She has no choice but to stay with them for the night. And it's gonna be a long night.

Scum of the Earth is directed by S.F. Brownrigg, the man who did Don't Look in the Basement. Only, Scum of the Earth is a very different type of movie. A simpler kind. Scum of the earth sets out to show just how disgusting some people in this world can be. It's covered with grit and sleaziness, a real uncomfortable sitting. I was equally repulsed and fascinated all throughout. The award for the most despicable person in the movie goes to Odis, played by Gene Ross whose whole manner just makes you want to cringe. Even on our first meeting of the guy, he comes across as so sleazy, it's unfortunate that our heroine was in such a dire situation she had no choice but to trust him. I think it paints a picture what type of person Odis is, when he introduces his pregnant wife as "the skinny one with the big belly". He is offensive in more ways than one, especially in his treatment to his children and his wife. People like Odis make me sad for humanity.

As memorable as Odis is, there is a female performance that really stood out for me. Surprisingly, it wasn't from our protagonist, Helen, but from Emmy, played by Ann Stafford. I have never wanted to hug a character so badly. Emmy is the type of person that reminds us that there are good people in the world. In a movie filled with scum, Emmy stands out as the bright sunflower. She brings hope that there is good in the world. What a wonderful performance.

This movie does drag in some scenes, and some of the acting was a little over the top (looking at you, Helen). I even remember a scene when a character goes out into the woods when it's meant to be the heart of night, only it's as bright as daylight. But I think my biggest complaint was the score. Wow, was that a misplaced soundtrack. But nonetheless, despite its flaws, this was a good movie. For a low budget B movie, it just oozes with atmosphere. And of course, being a backwoods exploitation flick, you can expect lots of violent scenes, including rape and incest. It's one hell of an underrated gem and one that I highly recommend those who like grindhouse flicks and backwoods horror.

Thankyou for reading.

Combat Shock (1986)



Frankie Dunlan isn't doing so well. Living in extreme poverty in Staten Island, New York with his homely sow of a wife who's a dick to him due to the fact that she originally thought she was marrying into money. Not quite, Miss America. The happy couple have also been blessed with a depressed-looking freak baby with, who brightens their days and nights with it's constant, freaky sounding crying that probably gives them both nightmares. Although, impregnating that woman must have been the biggest nightmare of all. so, again. Frankie Dunlan isn't doing so well.

Oh, and he's also pretty fucked in the head from his longer than expected stay in good 'ol Vietnam as a tortured P.O.W. So, on top of whatever damage that brought on, the poor, out-of-work bastard can't afford any of the comforts of home, including food, so, nobody's eating any time soon. Not to mention rent's due. Time to get out there and look for work, and hopefully not run into the crime boss whom he owes alot of money. But this just isn't Frankie's day. So, you know the worst is inevitable.

Great news! Mr. crime boss is totally willing to let Frankie's wife suck some dick on the side to pay the debt, and maybe even earn their little family some extra cash. Oh, but Frankie's too proud or whatever to allow such a thing to occur. Otherwise, I'm sure there'd be a line of horny men a mile long outside, waiting to get some of that. But nothin' doin' says Frankie. He's determined to take care of his family by himself, the old fashion way. Especially since there's nobody around to mug just yet. But we'll see how it goes.

As calm and accepting as he seems while roaming the streets, Frankie is a ticking time bomb. He's had just about enough of this day, and quite frankly, enough of this shitty life as well. The only thing keeping him going is the fact that his ugly wife and freak baby are counting on him to come up with something. All the ass kickings, verbal and physical. All the regrets and disappointments, all the pain and sorrow he has witnessed is just about to catch up with his damaged mind. And when Frankie hits rock bottm and finally explodes, nobody will be safe. NOBODY!

Obviously, this film is not for everyone. Even the Troma lovers who enjoy fucked up shit might find this one a bit off putting. One must have have a very dark sense of humor to see the beauty in this miserable tale. And I for one see the beauty, crystal clear. One of the all-time great Tromasterpieces. Combat Shock (AKA American Nightmares) offers No redeeming charcters. No redeeming situations. Nothing gets sugar-coated. Just non-stop bleak, gritty, and depressing, with something ugly around every corner to remind you what a unforgiving world this can be. Thank you, Troma! 8/10



#Review

What would your Cowboy name be if you were in the

If you were riding in the Old West and you were about to bust into a Salloon, what would they call you?

Mine would be Sasparilla Johnson

#cowboyballs

Tromeo And Juliet (1996)



Way back in '98, when I really started getting into B-Horror and other cult classics, Three movies by three legendary directors caught my eye more so than the rest, and they would shape my taste in trash cinema and influence my outlook on life. Herschell Gordon Lewis' Two Thousand Maniacs, John Waters' Pink Flamingos, and Lloyd Kaufman's Tromeo And Juliet. Those movies brought me more joy as a teenager than I could put into words. But I'd like to talk about one of them in particular. Tromeo And Juliet is a very 90's, very Gen-X, somewhat surreal parody of the immensely popular Leo Decaprio film which came out not long before it. Founder and President or Troma, Lloyd Kaufman, always did dabble in the spoofing, and never has it been more hilarious. Somewhere between The Toxic Avenger and this movie, Kaufman eased up on the graphic violence and trashy nature his films once flaunted, due to an attempt at mainstream appeal. But at some point in the mid-90's, Lloyd and Troma said "Fuck it", and decided to make a movie with some balls, again. And with the help of writer, James Gunn, Tromeo And Juliet was born. This would be a turning point for the films of Lloyd Kaufman, as well as Troma as a whole.

For 20 years, the Capulets and the Qs have been at eachother's throats. A feud that started between Monty Q and his former friend, Cap Capulet. They once owned a softcore film company together, and soon become rivals once Cap Stole the business out from under him, as well as his wife. Monty, now a babbling drunk, living in poverty, he, his son, Tromeo, his cousin, Benny, and their overly confrontational friend, Murray, are now in the middle of a deadly family feud with these arrogant, perverse Capulets. An encounter with any of these people can escalate at a ridiculous rate. Otherwise, the Q family and their friend are pretty easy going. However, Tromeo is the ladies man of the group, but makes a habit of ending up with chicks who shit on his good nature. However, when he meets Juliet at a costume ball, it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, she's the one Capulet he's never met. Her father, Cap, has always kept her on a short leash, to say the least. Later that night, Tromeo sneaks in the Capulet house, and finds Juliet locked in a glass case. The 19 year old is being punished for having a wet dream by her father who often watches her sleep. Cap is a drunken, wife beating pervert who has promised the vegetarian Juliet to a billionare who owns a meat company. A high strung tool whom she has very little affection for. This, however, doesn't discourage Tromeo, as he quickly proposes, which would end any chance of this farce of a marriage from happening, as well as any chance of Cap gaining a billionare son-in-law. As this 20 year long feud rages on, and Cap catching wind of this new marriage, the shit is finally about to hit the fan.

Unlike every movie Lloyd Kaufman made before or since, Tromeo And Juliet does lack a bit of the goofy humor he normally applies. And I think easing up for once was the right decision. Regardless of whether it was his decision or not And let's not forget this movie has some damn fine actors. And not to mention James Gunn's genius script. Just a lot of good decisions all around. I don't claim to know anything, but I'd tend to give Mr. Gunn more credit for this accomplishment than Lloyd, as this is clearly unlike anything Kaufman ever did, and probably ever will do, again. Tromeo And Juliet is hip. It's unique, and could possibly be taken seriously by a non-Troma fan. A movie I could easily see gaining more mainstream appeal than the ones that were actually meant to. There's still plenty of Kaufman's signature slapstick in this, and shout outs to his past movies, like a Toxic Avenger Part II poster on Tromeo's bedroom wall. Nothing wrong with that. There's also a a strong anti-meat message going on, here, that I can only assume is the PETA-friendly Lloyd's doing. It works well, though. Juliet's fiance, London Arbuckle, is one of the most entertaining characters in the movie. And then there's the penis monster, decapitations and other dismemberments, freaks, perverts, incest, and some pretty hot fuckin'. All the while, dialing the silliness back a notch, Kaufman went all out in every other direction.

And since Tromeo And Juliet was a success, everything that Lloyd Kaufman has come out with since this been more violent, has included more nudity, as well as a trashy, self aware vibe which has become the modern Troma trademark. It doesn't get said enough, but Tromeo And Juliet was a game changer that breathed new life into Troma, and made way for fucked up movies of the 21st century like Terror Firmer and Poultrygeist. None of which can hold a candle to Tromeo And Juliet in my opinion. But all a massive improvement over Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD. Just sayin'. Come to think of it, I actually haven't even seen that one. But I have seen the trailer, and I can honestly say Tromeo And Juliet is a far better movie. And it's really a shame more of the cast didn't end up becoming Kaufman regulars after this, because every single actor shines, and helps make it the masterpiece that it is. However, we would later on see Will Keenan and Debbie Rochon in Terror Firmer. A film which turns the volume way up on this new ballsy style which began right here. Not unlike The Toxic Avenger, Tromeo And Juliet isn't just another silly Lloyd Kaufman Troma movie. it's a Troma movie which defines a generation. 8/10



#Review #Troma

Bloodsucking Freaks (1976)



Anyone who is familiar with Troma knows that Bloodsucking Freaks (AKA The Incredible Torture Show) is by far the most vile, most depraved, most pitch black evil thing those guys have to offer. A film that shows us exactly how rotten this world we live in can be. But this is a special film, as it somehow manages to successfully sneak in a ton of humor. Successfully, meaning this is done in a way that is actually funny without decreasing the disturbing nature of it all. In my opinion, that's what makes Bloodsucking Freaks so great. Well, that and the fact that, at one point, a midget fucks a freshly severed head right in the mouth.

This dismal, yet oddly humorous tale is about a bad man named Sardu, who is one the most despicable, power-hungry individuals you will ever come across. This guy runs his underground "Theater of the Macabre" in Hell's Kitchen where he and his eager assistant, Ralphus, torture and mutilates kidnapped, naked women in front of audiences. All this, a front for their slavery ring. Except the extremely gullible audience thinks this is all just a show with top notch FX. And that all these lades aren't being slaughtered for realz. Those who die for the show get off light. Some are made into mindless slaves. Some are starved. Some are electrocuted, decapitated, de-footed. Some are used as dart boards, toilets, or just for Ralphus' amusement. In the Theater Of The Macabre, Sardu is God. And anyone who gets out alive will only become someone elses slave. And whether that's a good or bad thing is unclear.

They even managed to throw in a storyline. Sardu decides he wants to add a little class and legitimacy to his theater, and has Ralphus kidnap local ballerina, Natasha De Natalie so she can perform in his up and coming show. Asking her first might have been a better idea, but Sardu doesn't have time or patience for bullshit, and has pretty much decided right off the bat that this thing WILL go down exactly the way he wants. Unfortunately, now that they got her, she's being an unreasonable little bitch and refuses to dance for her kidnapper. But Sardu and his midget companion have ways of persuading those who will not cooperate. And if threats of dismenberment don't work, then there's always brainwashing. Either way, SHE SHALL DANCE!!!

Some people seem to think that Bloodsucking Freaks is a bit uncalled for. Something about promoting, and possibly even making light of cruelty towards women. I'd love nothing more than to come up with some clever argument, disproving this theory, but I suspect there isn't one. Sardu and Ralphus ain't nice to the ladies, and that's just the way it is. In a strange way, Bloodsucking Freaks was ahead of it's time. You just didn't see extreme Horror mixed with such humor in those days. But humor or no humor, this griminess of this film should make most of us want a shower.

As I was listening to Eli Roth's commentary on the DVD, I couldn't help notice how deeply this guy was reading into every little thing that occurred. I'm going to just go ahead and assume he was pulling our legs with some of those claims. If not, then this guy knows waaaaay too much about Bloodsucking Freaks. Although, I tend to belive his claim that after shooting, the cast and crew had a big drugged out orgy to celebate, only because that's fuckin' awesome! And also, a bit of sad news, as Seamus O'Brien, the man who played Sardu was unfortunately shot and killed shortly after filming was completed. That's too bad the guy never got to see his greatest role in what would eventually become known as one of the greatest B-Horror flicks films the 70's has to offer. Our fallen lead actor may never get to see the splendor that is Bloodsucking Freaks. But it's not too late for you to witness this evil, legendary movie. It'll put some hair on your chest... or take years off your life. 8/10



#Review

Danielle Harris

So I'am sure that all of you have seen this beautiful video.
But It never gets boring.

Cannibal! The Musical (1993)



Like most people, I hate musicals with a passion. That is, all but one. A musical which not only manages to not be annoying, but is also quite hilarious. Dare I say the musical aspect makes that even more true. The songs are actually catchy. Stupid but catchy. But musical or not, this would be our first glimpse of the genius humor of Trey Parker that would not only make him millions in the long run, but make this little student film that started it all, the most beloved Troma movie of the 1990's. Although, this film is in desperate need of a new trailer. Just sayin'.

Cannibal! The Musical is the true story of alleged Colorado cannibal, Alferd Packer. At least his version of the story. Packer, a somewhat dim-witted Utah miner in the 1870s, who is coaxed into leading a gold-mining expedition into Colorado. Not wanting to let down the nice Mormon fellows, Alferd leaves out the fact that he has no Idea where Colorado (or anything) is. And that settles it! Now, an extreme horse-lover, a horse, a grumpy butcher, a chronic-liar, two mormons, and a little gipper pussy would then embark on a comically hopeless journey which could only end with frozen starvation, or cannibalism, with a soundtrack that would become legendary within the Troma universe.

Each character is hilarious in his own way, especially Dian Bachar, as the eager little virgin gipper who is convinced this trip will somehow earn him some sweet poon. The ridiculously positive Mormon is also a riot! So many hilarious one-liners. They just keep coming. Regardless of how low budget or unpolished a film is, one this funny and witty cannot be ignored. And many of the jokes would years later be recycled into South Park. Little things about this movie, I find funny. Like the fact that very few of the characters attempt to act like they're in living in the 1800s. In many ways, this one of those "so bad, it's good" type films.



When watching Cannibal! The Musical for the first time, I didn't realize exactly how true of a story this is. Minus a few obvious jokes (Chinamen portraying Native Americans), and of course the songs (I sssume), and this is one helluvan accurate portrayal of the story. Originally titled Alferd Packer The Musical, the title was changed by Troma mainly because such a title would only mean something to those who live in the area in which it all happened. That, and the fact that Cannibal! The Musical is a sweet fuckin' title!

Watching this trash epic, and another Parker film, Orgazmo, really makes me want him to ditch South Park, and start making movies again. Movies which don't include animation or puppets. Of the hundreds upon hundreds of Troma movies out there, there are quite a few good ones. But only a select few that are Must see. And as you could guess, this here is damn sure one of them. And the fact that this film can only be found within the Troma catalogue, pretty much ensures that regardless of whatever future success he stumbles upon. Cannibal! The Musical will forever remain Trey Parker's best kept secret. 9/10



#Review

Your fave horror film's longevity?

How long has your fave horror film been as such?

It's no secret that Terror (1978) is my favorite film.
It was June of last year when I first saw it, so it'd be 15 months for Sweet Terror O' Mine. n/m

Real Life Horror/ Dumbass


What a Dumbass poor old lion only wanted to play til the Dumb Fuck started waving his arms everywhere. Guess it's kinda sad. Nah