Meet three of the biggest action stars in the world – NOT! All three released box office bombs this year – and two of them are at it again!

Stallone and Schwarzenegger have a new film this fall called “Escape Plan” – and it will really test their box office muscle…

It’s Film Fight Club Time!

Check out my new blog, filmfightclub.com and share your thoughts on my question: are there any action stars left?

Click on the story, see the sad stats and get ready to fight!

http://filmfightclub.com/2013/09/12/are-action-stars-dead-the-film-fight-club-wants-to-know/

As we head into Major League Baseball’s post season, here is one of the great quotes about the game:

“You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time.”

Meet Jim Bouton!

Have you met former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton? He won 39 games in 1963 and 1964 for the Yanks…and was considered one of their “players of the future…”

Jim Bouton was also a gifted writer, and he wrote that quote I just shared about his love of baseball….

Jim Bouton also wrote the greatest book ever published about life in the big leagues…the most explosive bestseller of its time – which tore the cover off of the game and revealed the secrets inside the bullpen…the classic baseball book:

“Ball Four!”

“Ball Four” is baseball player Jim Bouton’s diary of his 1969 season with the expansion Seattle Pilots. “Ball Four” was written during that season by Bouton, a knuckleball pitcher trying to get his career back on track.

Bouton decided to keep a diary as he documented his effort to make a comeback following arm surgery. After a couple of years in the minor leagues, Bouton perfected a knuckleball pitch and was trying to make it again in the big leagues.

The Controversial Mickey Mantle Story!

As part of his diary, Bouton also wrote about his years on The New York Yankees, and shared a story about the time superstar Mickey Mantle went go to bat suffering from a massive hangover. Mantle hit a home run, rounded the bases then collapsed in the dugout saying:

“They have no idea how hard that was.”

Today, that’s a funny anecdote. When “Ball Four” was published, it was a scandalous story: how dare Bouton accuse Mickey Mantle of EVER playing hung over! It was just one of many hilariously honest stories that made the book so controversial.

Bouton also wrote about life on the road – a subject never talked about before…
here is another anecdote that offered an inside look at life on the road – especially the “groupies” who shacked up with players when they were away from home:

“Right before the plane landed the guys were telling stories about how much we’d been getting on the road. And as we were getting ready to leave the plane and dash into the loving arms of our waiting wives, Pagliaroni said, very loud, “Okay, all you guys, act horny.”

The Seattle Pilots!

What’s amazing is that Bouton wrote about his comeback effort on a new expansion team…an expansion team in the city I grew up in: the Seattle Pilots! Here is the headline from the Seattle P-I when the team joined major league baseball:

The Seattle Pilots????

What? You’ve never heard of the Seattle Pilots? Well, that could be because they lasted ONE SINGLE SEASON! That’s right, here is the picture of the one and only Seattle Pilots team in 1969:

The team moved to Milwaukee after a single season and became the Brewers – and they fled Seattle on April 1, 1970 – April Fool’s Day! So “Ball Four” also serves as the only legacy the team has…and the city’s reaction to baseball is part of the texture of the narrative…

“Ball Four” is an insider’s look at life playing professional baseball – and it is also one of the funniest books ever written. Here is Bouton recounting his pitching effort in one game, as he faced a batter:

“I decided to sneak a fast ball by him. He snuck it over the fence…”

Bouton documented a crazy year in our country’s history – it was a time of Vietnam protests, racial unrest and the sexual revolution – and his book captured it all from the dugout!

The “Ball Four” Controversy!

You have to understand: at the time “Ball Four” was published, NOTHING like this was ever made public before! The “code of silence” in sports kept the escapades out of the public view. Major League Baseball was outraged when the book first came out in 1970. Many players and baseball executives considered Bouton a turncoat. But the years have shown that Ball Four was a groundbreaking book – and the best baseball book ever written…

Quotes from the book:

Here are a couple of hilarious passages from “Ball Four” – the first one tells the story of a new player joining the team:

“Jim Pagliaroni joined the club tonight and is going to be a welcome addition. He was describing a girl that one of the ballplayers had been out with and said, “It’s hard to say exactly what she looked like. She was kind of Joe Torre with tits.” This joke can only be explained with a picture of Joe Torre. But I’m not sure any exist. He dissolves camera lenses.”

That would be, of course, baseball manager Joe Torre…here’s Torre as a player….

The subject of baseball groupies permeates the book as well. As he wrote:

“A young girl asked one of the guys in the bullpen if he was married. “Yeah,” he said, “but I’m not a fanatic about it.”

And here are two more funny stories from the book:

Looking For Mike Marshall!

During the game a guy came down from the stands to the dugout and said to Mike Marshall, “Hey, is Mike Marshall in the dugout? I’m a good friend of his.”
“No, he’s not down here,” Mike Marshall said. “Maybe he’s in the bullpen.”
The fellow went off to look.

Pound Some Budweiser!

Joe Schultz, The Seattle Pilots manager is not like Sal (Maglie, Pilots’ pitching coach) with the pitchers. Gelnar was telling us about this great conversation he had with Joe on the mound. There were a couple of guys on and Tom Matchick was up. “Any particular way you want me to pitch him, Joe?” Gelnar asked.

“Nah, fuck him,” Joe Schultz said. “Give him some low smoke and we’ll go and pound some Budweiser.”

“Pound Some Budweiser, Indeed!”

The book was full of instant classic lines, like when Bouton revealed that the team used to sneak up to the roof of their hotel while on the road and engage in what they called “beaver shooting”, peering into hotel windows to catch women undressing…

There are a few different editions of the book, where Bouton reveals reaction to the book and offers new updated information about his life after the book was published….even better is this terrific news story:

ESPN did a story on “Ball Four”! Check out this great story from Sportscenter!

You can also order an autographed copy of the book by going to Bouton’s website at:

http://www.jimbouton.com/

He’s written several other nonfiction books as well – he’s a great writer!

“Ball Four” is honest, profane, hilarious and brilliant. As Bouton said himself:

“You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time.”

Here’s one last piece of trivia: Jim Bouton acted for awhile after retiring from baseball, and has a role in Robert Altman’s masterpiece “The Long Goodbye”.

“The Long Goodbye” was Altman’s riff on classic Raymond Chandler, with Elliot Gould playing the role made famous by Humphrey Bogart…it’s worth checking out!

Deadline.com is reporting that a film is being made “about the unusual relationship between two icons in their respective fields, film critic Roger Ebert and soft core helmer Russ Meyer, as they teamed to make “Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls” at 20th Century Fox!”

“Russ And Roger Go Beyond!”

Here is more of the story from Deadline.com: “Mark Amin’s Sobini Films has partnered with David Permut and Richard Waltzer to acquire Russ & Roger Go Beyond, a script by Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons scribe Christopher Cluess.”

A Shocking Look At The Sexual Revolution!

The late 60′s were a wild time for Hollywood, and a story about this cult classic will be great! Here is more of Deadline’s story:

“The script focus is the late 1960s, when cheap counterculture films like Easy Rider were minting money, and 20th Century Fox was struggling mightily over a number of big-budget flops. Meyer was already established as the outlaw helmer of soft-core pulp films like Faster Pussycat, Kill, Kill, and he wanted the legitimacy of making a studio film. Richard Zanuck, then head of 20th, gave him that opportunity because his profit margins were so high and his costs were miniscule.”

How Meyer Met Ebert!

“Meyer agreed to take on Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls on the condition that the script get written by Ebert, who, as the third-string movie critic of the Chicago Sun Times, had written one of the few positive reviews Meyer had ever received.”

More from Deadline.com: “So obviously he liked Roger’s writing. It was all fun from there, as Meyer brought in his usual buxom brigade and he and Ebert struggled with the studio’s board of directors and the ratings board. Despite being the rare major studio release with an X rating, they were vindicated when Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls was released in 1970 to big box office. Meyer and Ebert remained friends until the former passed away in 2004.”

This is exciting news! Movies about Hollywood’s past are always fascinating…especially when it involves America’s most famous movie critic!

You can get the entire story, plus all of your daily Hollywood fix, by going to Deadline’s website at:

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/

And now, more about Ebert and the film:

Meyer Meets Ebert!

As Roger Ebert became more and more famous as a film critic and historian, many people forgot – or never knew – that he collaborated with one of film’s most scandalous Directors! First, a bit about my encounter with Ebert:

Roger Ebert At The Cannes Film Festival!

I was lucky enough to interview Roger many times for E!’s Cannes Film Festival specials, and he was always engaging, funny and self-deprecating. And he always LOVED movies – all kinds of movies!

One year, he gave me a great anecdote about Cannes: how the world’s greatest cinema was screened every night at the Grand Lumiere – the festival’s most prestigious theater:

And while those great films were being screened upstairs, downstairs in the basement of the Palais, where the film market was held, he came across a guy who was selling films BY THE POUND

Ebert wrote what is still my favorite book about Cannes:

Two Weeks In The Midday Sun

This is a gem of a book: Film Critic Roger Ebert documented his two weeks at the Cannes Film Festival – one of the most entertaining and chaotic things I ever had the pleasure of attending…

Here is what Amazon says: “Ebert’s journal of the annual two-week movie circus known as the Cannes Film Festival is about as nourishing as a croissant, but like that airy pastry, it’s fun to devour. The book is full of movies; gossip; characters with strange lifestyles, some of them actors, others more prosaically rich; and egos running amok at the 1987 festival (the 40th).”

Ebert was a signature presence at the festival, always at the press conferences, given special seating and the best credential you could have: the legendary white badge…

But one of the most unique aspects of Ebert’s career was his work with Russ Meyer!

Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls – 1970.

Yes, Roger Ebert wrote Russ Meyer’s scandalous sequel to “Valley Of The Dolls!” This is, without a doubt, one of the most unique collaborations in film history!

Here is the plot of “Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls”:

When three female rock’n'rollers travel to Hollywood to claim an inheritance, they meet up with a kinky music promoter who turns them on to a whole new scene. At first, all seems very exciting and the naïve trio becomes submerged in his dangerous tinseltown underworld-before they discover his true motives.

Yes, this is the legendary sequel to – and satire of “Valley Of The Dolls”, scripted by Roger Ebert! And it was X-rated when it was released! The DVD special edition calls it “A rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza of ample proportions!

What a classic idea – take a hit movie “Valley Of The Dolls”, and turn the sequel over to the legendary exploitation king! You can hear Ebert on the DVD’s numerous extra features!

Commentary by screenwriter and film critic Roger Ebert
Commentary by cast members Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, Harrison Page, John La Zar and Erica Gavin
“Above, Beneath and Beyond the Valley: The Making of a Musical-Horror-Sex-Comedy” documentary
“Look on up at the Bottom: The Music of Dolls” featurette
“The Best of Beyond” featurette
“Sex, Drugs, Music and Murder: Signs of the Times, Baby!” featurette
“Casey and Roxanne: The Love Scene” featurette
Actor screen tests

This special edition DVD is an amazing collection of stuff, but it really makes me eager for a movie version of how the film was made!

This announcement about "Russ And Roger Go Beyond" was just made, so we will see how soon it gets underway, and who will be cast to play Russ Meyer and Roger Ebert…should be fascinating for film buffs!

Celebrate The Best Of Russ Meyer!

I wrote about ALL of Russ Meyer’s classic films, including “Super Vixen” and of course “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”

This guy was an amazing, inventive film maker – and yes, he was the softcore king of the 70′s as well…with some wild wild wild movies!

These movies were grindhouse and drive-in theater classics, and you can read all about them by just clicking on the story!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

And can’t wait to see this new film that celebrates this unique film collaboration between Ebert and Meyer!

Talk about an intense look!

This is the month to celebrate horror films – the classics as well as the obscure…so, for those of you eager to try new things, here’s one for 70′s horror buffs to enjoy, with some amazing extras as well…

A Banned Classic Returns!

Kudos to the folks at Severin Films…they are on a mission to rescue neglected exploitation films of the 70′s & 80′s, and they’ve done a fantastic job with this one! In addition, they have included, for a short time only, a really terrific documentary as well! More on that in a moment, but for now, time to head up “Straw Hill.”

Here’s how Severin describes their new release: “Banned in Britain for thirty years, ‘The House on Straw Hill’ is a shockingly violent and erotic tale of seduction, brutality and revenge!”

Cult movie icon Udo Kier stars as a successful novelist suffering from writer’s block, who rents a country cottage in the hope of finding inspiration.

But the arrival of a sensual secretary, played by Linda Hayden (Blood on Satan’s Claw, Taste the Blood of Dracula) sets in motion of chain of events that culminate in an unrestrained explosion of sex and savagery.

Severin notes that “House On Straw Hill” was condemned as a Video Nasty in the UK, but is now fully restored from the only uncut elements and is available for the first time in the US with brand new extras!

“Video Nasties!”

The term “video nasty” is well known to movie fans in England. The government would routinely demand cuts to a film or they would ban it outright, and when horror films began showing up on video in the early 80′s, so-called “video nasties” were banned outright.

Severin’s great blu-ray release of “The House On Straw Hill” includes commentary tracks, trailers and a terrific – and surprising – addition as well!

Honestly, Linda!

One of my favorite parts of this release is the nice 15-minute interview with Linda Hayden, in which she discusses several of her memorable movies…and then she says the only film she wishes she had never done was this one!

It was interesting to see some of the other films she made, and the well known stars she worked with, like Christopher Lee, David Niven and Vincent Price.

After this upbeat talk, it comes as a big surprise when Linda trashes “The House On Straw Hill”! But she comes across honest and articulate, and it’s a very interesting conversation. Using the entire interview, including the negative comments about “Straw Hill” was a brave inclusion from the Severin team!

Now, Time For A “Video Nasty!”

The other terrific addition to the blu-ray, for a limited time only, is a two-part documentary about the era of “video nasties” in the UK. Here is how Severin describes it:

The 80s video boom has become a time of sweet nostalgia for movie fans of a certain age but in the UK it was also a time of moral panic perpetuated by ill-informed politicians and a sensationalist media.

‘The Video Nasties’ witch hunts which led to Britain becoming the most highly censored nation in the western world targeted distributors, store owners and a list of horror movies which were prosecuted as obscene and subsequently banned.

David (PLAGUE TOWN, THEATRE BIZARRE) Gregory’s two part documentary from 2006 tells the full shocking story and will receive its first official US release as a Limited Edition bonus DVD in the first 3,000 units of Severin Films’ upcoming release of HOUSE ON STRAW HILL. HOUSE…, known in the UK as EXPOSE, was one of the final 39 condemned Video Nasties and remains banned in its uncut form in the UK to this day.

Congrats to Severin for including this full length documentary! Make sure you buy it now to get yours!

Many outlets in the UK show these banned videos as part of their midnight screenings! Let me know which if your favorite!

Time to praise Jo Nesbo again, because “Dirty Harry” is back! The new Harry Hole novel, “Police” is out, and here’s a look at this terrific series of “nordic noir” crime thrillers!

Jo Nesbo’s “Police!”

“Police” is the latest Jo Nesbo thriller that features Detective Harry Hole. For fans of the series, this one is eagerly awaited…more on “Police” in a second, but let’s catch newcomers up to the phenomenon that is Jo Nesbo’s “Harry Hole!”

Raise your hand if you love Clint Eastwood – well, at least as Dirty Harry! Now, imagine a series of crime thrillers set in Norway – starring Harry Hole, Norway’s version of “Dirty Harry!”

BEHOLD NORWAY!

All of these books are set in Norway, as Hole lives in the beautiful nordic city of Oslo…but even clean cities have dirty secrets…

Every beautiful city has a little crime to solve, and Oslo is no different – except they have Harry Hole!

If you LOVED “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” trilogy like I did, you may be itching for some more “nordic noir” – tough mystery novels set in the eastern European region encompassing Sweden, Finland, Denmark – or in this case, Norway…

The Norway that Harry Hole inhabits is cold, dark, and deadly…so cold that it makes Hole one tough Detective, out to solve cases and settle scores, no matter what the cost…

I can’t shake the image of “Dirty Harry” as I read these books, tough cop playing by his own rules….these Harry Hole books are all terrific mysteries, and Hole is a brooding protagonist with a ton of personal demons…all set against the cold, iciness of Norway – hence, “nordic noir.”

NORDIC NOIR!

Nordic noir, a type of “Scandie lit”, refers to the literature genre of Scandinavian crime fiction. According to the British paper The Independent, “Nordic crime fiction carries a more respectable cachet… than similar genre fiction produced in Britain or the US”. Language, heroes and settings are three commonalities in Nordic crime fiction, which features plain, direct writing style without metaphor.

MEET JO NESBO!

I posted before about Norwegian Author Jo Nesbo – he is an award-winning Norwegian Author who has mastered a series of novels starring Detective Harry Hole – Nesbø has been lavishly praised by international critics for broadening the scope of the contemporary crime novel, and is today regarded as one the best crime writers of our time…

INTRODUCING DETECTIVE HARRY HOLE!

Harry Hole is an alcoholic, anti-social and quite brilliant Oslo detective, who plays by his own rules…like I said, Norway’s Dirty Harry, but trust me, Harry Hole is anything but cliche once you get into the stories…and here now is the latest adventure of Harry Hole!

Harry Hole Is Back! – “Police” Hits Stores Today!

Because of the nature of these books, I do not want to discuss the plot of “Police” at all, except to say, for fans of the series, I can’t wait to find out where we are in the story!

These books have taken Harry on a brutal ride through some of Oslo’s toughest crime…and for “Police”, the stakes are raised again…now, let’s look at where Harry came from…

Harry Hole – In Order!

If you are new to Jo Nesbo, here is a cheat sheet to get you started – Here are the books in order of release…

“The Bat” – Harry Hole #1!

Finally released in the US, the first Harry Hole novel sees the Detective in Australia, solving a brutal crime against a Norway native. Much of what you know about Hole in later novels is set up here, but this book is unique in that it takes place entirely away from Norway…

Harry Hole #2 – still not translated for the US market, so let’s jump to:

“The Redbreast” – Harry Hole #3

1944. In the trenches outside Leningrad on the Eastern Front a unit of Norwegian soldiers in German uniforms fight for the cause they believe in: a free Norway. Coming from all social strata, they do not share politics or a motivation for being there. The boldest of them, Daniel Gudeson, is shot and his body is laid in a mass grave to be burned. Some time later, however, in a military hospital in Vienna, a wounded soldier turns up saying that he is Daniel Gudeson. And he and a nurse, Helene, fall in love…

Years later, Detective Harry Hole has to try and solve one murder while preventing another….

This book, to me, had the most Norwegian historical background that may not resonate immediately with noir fans…since I didn’t start with this book, I noticed it more – it’s really good once you get past that aspect of it…but if you are a bit less willing to absorb it right off the bat, I’d say go straight to the next book…or if you really want to drop into the middle of the madness, start with “THE SNOWMAN”!

“Nemesis” – Harry Hole #4

Grainy CCTV footage shows a man walking into a bank and putting a gun to a cashier”s head. He tells her to count to twenty-five. When he doesn”t get his money in time, she is executed. Detective Harry Hole is assigned to the case. While Harry”s girlfriend is away in Russia, an old flame gets in touch. He goes to dinner at her house and wakes up at home with no memory of the past twelve hours. The same morning the girl is found shot dead in her bed.

I am just beginning this book now…

“The Devil’s Star” – Harry Hole #5

It”s a sweltering summer in Oslo when a young woman is found murdered in her flat. One finger has been cut off, and beneath her eyelid is a tiny red diamond in the shape of a five pointed star. Detective Harry Hole is assigned to the case with Tom Waaler – a colleague Harry suspects of running an arms smuggling gang and of having murdered his partner – and initially he refuses to become involved.

“The Redeemer” – Harry Hole #6

A 14-year old girl is raped at one of the Salvation Army summer camps. Twelve years later, at a Christmas concert in a square in Oslo, a Salvation Army soldier is executed by a man in the crowd. A press photographer has caught a suspect on one of the photos of the concert. Beate Lønn, the identification expert, is confused by how the face can change from one photo to the next. Inspector Harry Hole’s search for the faceless man takes place on the seamy side of the city…

Reading a bit out of order, I read this most recently…it’s impossible to put down…

“The Snowman” – Harry Hole #7

It is November in Oslo and the first snow of the year has fallen. Birte Becker comes home from work and praises the snowman her husband and son have made in the garden. But they haven’t made a snowman. As the family stand by the sitting room window looking out in amazement at the snowman, the son notices that it is facing the house. The black eyes are staring at the window. At them.

It is up to Harry Hole to find out who “The Snowman” is before more people die…

This was my first Harry Hole novel, and I was HOOKED – Nesbo really knows how to tell a compelling story!

“The Leopard” – Harry Hole #8

Two women are found murdered in Oslo – both of them have drowned in their own blood. What mystifies the police, is that the puncture wounds in the victim’s faces have been caused from the inside of their mouths. Kaja Solness from Homicide is sent to Hong Kong to track down a man that is the Oslo Police Department’s only specialist on serial killings. The severely addicted detective has tried to disappear in the vast, anonymous city. He is on the run and haunted by his last case…

“The Leopard” is a brilliantly constructed crime novel…which leads to the ninth Harry Hole novel, the brutal “Phantom”…

Phantom! – Harry Hole #9

This Harry Hole novel is a shocker!

The son of the woman that Harry Hole loved, lost, and still loves is arrested for murder: Oleg, the boy Harry helped raise but couldn’t help deserting when he fled. Harry has come back to prove that Oleg is not a killer.

Of course, if you’ve read the earlier books, you know that Harry Hole has been barred from rejoining the police force, so he sets out on a solitary, increasingly dangerous investigation that takes him deep into the world of the most virulent drug to ever hit the streets of Oslo.

Well, I cannot overstate how well written and compelling these books are, and the credit goes to Nesbo, who has won many awards for his crime fiction.

No matter what order you read them in, you will be hooked by a great central character, lots of action and twisted stories that will make you think along with Harry Hole…

A Nesbo bonus in print and on film – Headhunters!

Here’s a Jo Nesbo thriller that ISN’T about Harry Hole, but it’s a terrific page-turner that’s been made into a great film as well!

Headhunters

What a trailer! Here’s the plot, perfectly Jo Nesbo-like:

Roger Brown works as one of the most powerful headhunters in Norway. To support his extravagant lifestyle, he is also an art thief, which he does in cahoots with his friend, the gun toting Ove Kjikerud.

They replace the originals with forgeries, which go undetected at least until the trail back to them goes cold. His outward bravado, based primarily on building upon reputation, masks his insecurities, especially in his short physical stature. He feels he needs that confident demeanor and wealth to get what he wants, including his trophy wife, art gallery owner Diana Brown.

So, another terrific thriller from Nesbo – read it, rent it, but enjoy!

“No One Breaks Out Alone!”

Escape Plan” has a great new movie tagline, doesn’t it?

The question is: will you be able to “break out” of your movie theater when you see this film? Will ANYONE else be there to stop you? Not trying to be snide – as I truly want this movie to do well, but it’s a question that must be asked: what has happened to our classic action stars?

UPDATE: opening weekend will struggle to hit $10-million!

It Looks Like “The Last Stand” Indeed!

If you follow box office statistics, you know that Arnold Schwarzeneger’s return to movie theaters early this year was greeted with a big “huh?”

“The Last Stand” was a box office bomb….and so was his buddy Sylvester Stallone’s early 2013 action movie – released around the same time, which went over with movie goers like a, well…

“Bullet To The Head” Indeed!

I’m not trying to pick on these two: in fact, I filmed many times with both of them at E! – and they were both great to work with: Sly Stallone was especially funny, self-deprecating and creative – Arnold was a pure professional…they have both created some of the most iconic movie characters of all time – like, for example:

You LOVE Sly And Arnold, RIGHT?

There are many more big hits from their past, but there is something going on right now at movie theaters that is NOT good for either of them – people aren’t going to see these types of films any more:

“Bullet To The Head” and “The Last Stand” are the types of action films that used to make lots of money – even if they weren’t very good, and both of them were perfectly fine action thrillers…watch them on cable and you will see…

Sorry Bruce! It Was, In Fact, A VERY BAD DAY…

The last of the “Planet Hollywood” action trio, Bruce Willis, also is struggling to bring in crowds…Willis woefully under-performed at the box office in the spring of 2013 with the latest “Die Hard” film…the fifth in the series.

All of these action films were ignored by movie fans…the films just kind of showed up in theaters and quietly left – like an uninvited guest at a party…it is a trend that has been ongoing now for a few years…involving a number of other former box office titans as well…

Will Smith had one of his worst box office receptions EVER this summer for his sci-fi action film “After Earth”, and he’s not alone.

Fading “Cruise” Missile!

Tom Cruise starred in “Jack Reacher” last Christmas, and “Oblivion” in the spring, and both maxed out around $80-million in US box office gross, which is well below what Cruise used to do – I acknowledge these films can perform well overseas, but in the US, there is a clear downward trend…

One of the newest action stars is Jason Statham, who had big hits with the “Transporter” and “Crank” series of action thrillers, but he is also struggling now: Statham starred with Jennifer Lopez in “Parker” in early 2013, which didn’t even gross $20-million in the US.

Instead, fans have flocked to a new kind of action:

The big box office hits of the last few years have been “Superhero” hits like “Iron Man”, “Avengers” and the “Batman” films…which leads us to:

Is There An “Escape Plan?”

Sly and Arnold are back! Stallone and Schwarzenegger are paired in a “jailbreak-meets-doublecross-via-technology” thriller called “Escape Plan” – formerly known as “The Tomb.”

The box office reception for this film will be fascinating to see…check out the film’s trailer:

Stallone plays a structural engineer who is wrongly convicted of a crime, and trapped in a prison that HE designed! Of course, nothing can hold him, and he is aided in his escape by his cellmate – Schwarzenegger.

When I saw the trailer in a movie theater, it felt in many ways like a movie from 1988. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as Stallone and Schwarzenegger films from the 80′s were hugely successful – but it raises the question: will today’s audiences react to it?

I know that Stallone has had success with “The Expendables” franchise, but the second one this summer performed much worse at the US box office than the original…

Film Fight Club Time!

There are your facts. So my question to all of you is this:

Is The Era Of The Macho Action Hero OVER?

Have we all grown out of the era of the old time action stars like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis – and even Statham and Cruise?

Is there anyone ready to take over? Remember, one hit movie does NOT a new action star – cough, cough Josh Hartnett – make!

Movie City News!

If you are looking for a great way to follow the box office, check out David Poland’s terrific movie site: Movie City News. He posts Friday’s box office on Saturday morning, and the weekend estimates on Sunday morning. Plus, he has a ton of other great movie-related stories to share. You can find it here:

http://moviecitynews.com/

And of course, I want to hear from you!

Start Fighting!

Please let me know what you think about the state of action movies by posting a comment here or at the link below! My “Filmfightclub” website is all about trends in film – fueled by your passionate opinions! Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://filmfightclub.com/2013/09/12/are-action-stars-dead-the-film-fight-club-wants-to-know/

I’d love to hear a passionate defense for these legends of the big screen!

And please follow me on twitter @filmfightclub – thanks!

FYI, here is my original post about Stallone and Schwarzenegger’s two 2013 box office bombs…

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/05/the-action-80s-are-over-sly-and-arnolds-action-disasters-stallone-and-schwarzenegger-bomb/

And let me know what you think of “Escape Plan”!

Welcome To Seattle!

I grew up in Seattle – which is a beautiful city full of nice people…and yes, it rains a lot, but that’s not the point here:

Behold Seattle’s Northgate Theater!

When I was growing up in Seattle’s north end, there was a single screen movie theater attached to Northgate mall. The Northgate Theater was my home away from home…

The Northgate Theater showed first run films for years, until a renovation of the mall spelled the end to this great movie theater…

One reason I love the internet is that you can find stuff you think is long lost…for example, here is one of the many ads for the theater:

Our Moviegoing Life!

We’ve all had great times at the movies. Here is a wonderful, well behaved youngster enjoying a film…

And then…there was US at the Northgate Theater:

Midnight Madness!

Yes, I went to many movies at the Northgate theater, but it was always chaos when my friends and I headed there for one of their wild midnight movie marathons:

These vintage newspaper ad always promised lots of bloody fun…but rally, the theater was just turning over its auditorium to a lot of young, drunk kids…who would pay to see ANYTHING at that hour of the night…and how do I know? I was there almost every week!

This is an homage to those great nights, when we took over the theater and embraced our youth!

All day long, the theater showed some of the biggest hits of the day, like this one:

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry…”

And then at midnight, we’d take over to see movies that were made to appeal to teenage boys! I mean, look at the ad for this film that offers a funny take on the “Love Story” ad – because it was a decidedly NON-Love Story!

“Love means never having to say you’re ugly.”

The Abominable Dr. Phibes!

Look at these various ads:

And It’s Rated GP!

OK, these campy ads are for the classic horror film starring Vincent Price called “The Abominable Dr. Phibes”…here is the trailer:

Doctors are being murdered in a bizarre manner: bats, bees, killer frog masks, etc., which represent the nine Biblical plagues.

The crimes are orchestrated by a demented organ player with the help of his mute assistant. The detective is stumped until he finds that all of the doctors being killed assisted a Dr. Vesalius on an unsuccessful operation involving the wife of Dr. Phibes, but he couldn’t be the culprit, could he? He was killed in a car crash upon learning of his wife’s death…

This is a camp classic! Vincent Price chews up the scenery, while veteran Actor Joseph Cotton no doubt wishes he could hide on this movie poster!

Great Trivia Thanks To IMDB!

Joseph Cotten would grumble on the set that he had to remember and deliver lines, while Vincent Price’s were all to be post-dubbed. Price responded, “Yes, but I still know them, Joe.” In fact, Price was well-known in Hollywood for his ability to memorize all of the characters’ lines in a given production, not just his own.

At the end of the day, “The Abominable Dr. Phibes” was a big hit and ushered in many more Vincent Price films, like “Dr. Phibes Rises Again” and “Theater Of Blood!”

Great New DVD Set!

Just released on October 22 is a great, 6-film DVD collection of great Vincent Price films, including Dr. Phibes!

You can read all about this collection, which really is terrific, by clicking here!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DOZNI8Y/dvdtalk

Johnny Depp IS Dr. Phibes!

And news just broke that Johnny Depp and Director Tim Burton are teaming up again – this time to remake “Dr. Phibes!”

So, let’s see if Johnny Depp ends up putting on the Dr. Phibes makeup and turns out looking like THIS!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

“You Are Tearing Me Apart, Lisa!”

It’s one of the most iconic lines in film history…and it was uttered, with an amazing intensity, by Tommy Wiseau…

Behold the majesty of…”The Room.” This 2003 cult film is a movie sensation – it routinely plays all across the country as a “midnight movie” offering…with audience participation much like that “other” midnight cult classic:

Rocky Horror Meets The Room!

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” flopped when it was originally released, but has since become a cultural phenomenon….and now “The Room” has followed in its footsteps…Tommy Wiseau’s seductive gaze and all…

“The Room” was written by Tommy Wiseau, directed by Tommy Wiseau and stars Tommy Wiseau…it is widely regarded as the worst film ever made…and its popularity grows by the year….more on that in a moment, but first, a quick recap on the movie:

Tommy Wiseau stars as “Johnny”, a successful banker who lives happily in a San Francisco townhouse with his fiancé, Lisa.

“You Are Tearing Me Apart, Lisa!”

Yes, THAT LISA.

One day, Lisa decides to seduce Johnny’s best friend, Mark. From there, nothing will be the same again…and yes, THIS IS MARK…

After enjoying all that “The Room” is, you’ve had a few questions – including this very important one:

“Where did this movie come from and how did it get out?”

And now, all of your questions will be answered! That’s right, the story of the making of this classic film is here – as the Actor who plays “Mark” in the film has the whole story!

The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made Hardcover
by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell

You see, “Mark” from the movie is Greg Sestero, who had an insider’s look at the making of “The Room!” He was the film’s Line Producer as well!

Here are excerpts from a review by David Pitt that was posted on “The Booklist”, which is used on the Amazon product page:

“The Room”, a 2003 film written, directed, and starring the inscrutable Tommy Wiseau, was massively and enthusiastically lambasted by critics, proclaimed by some as the worst movie ever made. “The Disaster Artist” Co-Author Greg Sestero, who starred in “The Room”, teams up with magazine journalist Bissell (who previously wrote about the movie in Harper’s) to walk us through the unpredictable, confusing, and—it must be admitted—wildly incompetent production of Wiseau’s vanity project.

This is a making-of book like no other, the day-to-day story about the filming of a movie that everyone involved with it, except its creator, knew was awful. But it’s also the story of a very interesting friendship between Sestero and Wiseau (who knew each other for several years before The Room), and the story of an enigmatic and incredibly self-absorbed man who, in making his film, seemed to be trying to exorcise a troubled past and build an entirely new version of himself.

Wiseau, for all his eccentricities, comes off as a sympathetic fellow, someone we, like Sestero, can’t help rooting for. The Room has become a cult fave, and this book goes a long way toward explaining how and why.

Great write up for a terrific memoir!

And of course, it’s all about THE MOVIE…let’s begin with the trailer!

As you can see from the trailer, this is a classic, as much of the film is filled with dialogue like this:

Lisa: Do you want me to order a pizza?
Johnny: Whatever, I don’t care.
Lisa: I already ordered a pizza.
Johnny: You think about everything, ha ha ha.

Johnny loves Lisa so much he got her a HUGE bouquet of red roses…

The movie has been honored by film buffs in many ways online, including this poster designed by a Wiseau fan:

Greg Sestero’s Performance!

Greg Sestero has written a terrific, affectionate look at “The Room.” Sestero, who stars as “Mark”, was originally hired as a line producer. But when the original actor cast as Mark quit the film, Wiseau persuaded Sestero to take over the role.

According to Sestero, he at first turned the role down because the love scene made him uncomfortable. He explains that this is why he is wearing jeans during that scene.

“Oh, Hi Mark!”

And of course, clips of the movie are on youtube…like this classic:

Fans have posted artwork highlighting many of the film’s greatest one-liners, but I find this discussion even better!

Here is Johnny explaining how he met Lisa…in “Tommy Wiseau” fashion:

Peter: Speaking of which, how did you meet Lisa? You never told us.

Johnny: Oh, that’s very interesting story, when I moved to San Francisco with two suitcases and I didn’t know anyone, and I have, I hit YMCA with a $2000 check that I couldn’t cash.

Mark: Why not?

Johnny: Well, because it was an out of state bank. Anyway, I was working as a busboy in hotel, and uh, um, she was sitting, drinking her coffee, and she was so beautiful, and I say hi to her, and that’s how we met.

Mark: So, I mean, what’s the interesting part?

Johnny: Well, the interesting part is that on our first date, she paid for dinner.

OK then, how can you argue with a scene like that?

Along with a continuing presence at midnight screenings across the country, “The Room” is also available on an elaborate Blu-ray – which has additional special features like behind the scenes footage, scene selection, trailers, deleted scenes, photo gallery and interviews!

So there you go: many different ways to enjoy – and in fact – be consumed by the wonder of “The Room!”

Leave a comment and let me know what you think, and congrats to Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell!

“Girl Gangs Assaulting And Killing FOR KICKS!”

That got your attention, didn’t it? And if not, this classic sexploitation poster will do the trick!

Black-Tight Killers!

Never heard of it? I hadn’t either, until I found a book that decided to take me on a wild and crazy ride through some of the film industry’s most notorious “sexploitation” posters EVER! Need proof?

Chelsea Girls – WHAT THE – ?!?!?!?

Welcome To The Wild World Of “Chelsea Girls!”

I had never heard of this movie, but this eye-opening poster certainly caught my eye. It’s just one of a series of provocative, controversial movie posters that helped define a genre of film!

Thanks again to the crazy book sellers at Taschen, who created a large photo book called “Film Posters – Exploitation”, which puts a wide array of exploitation movie posters into one great place!

The posters for these films, from Alberto Vargas’ artwork for “Ladies They Talk About” (1933) to Alan Aldridge’s photomontage for Warhol’s “Chelsea Girls” (1966), are masterpieces of visual innuendo, offering, in most cases, far more that the movies actually delivered.

“Chelsea Girls” may be a controversial movie poster, but the film itself was an Andy Warhol art project – very experimental, barely released to the moviegoing public – and the poster is in keeping with the shocking, experimental and psychodelic nature of the film itself…

As for the film, here is what IMDB says: “Lacking a formal narrative, Warhol’s art house classic follows various residents of the Chelsea Hotel in 1966 New York City, presented in a split screen with a single audio track in conjunction with one side of screen.”

Made history by becoming the first “underground” film to be shown in a mainstream cinema. In a limited run at New York’s Cinema Rendezvous from December 1st 1966.

And as you can see, that is ONE provocative poster! If you look at movie posters, you will see quite a history of controversial work…

“Why Do So Many Rich Girls Go Wrong?”

It’s a question that movies have asked for decades…

Here is a web site that celebrates these iconic portraits in depravity:

http://www.exploitationposterart.com/

I Am Curious (Yellow)

And this is a perfect example of a subtle, almost “innocent” poster that ushered in a new era in european artsploitation:

“I Am Curious (Yellow)” helped break through censorship laws across the country and usher in a whole new era of movie!

And Let’s Not Forget Christina Lindberg!

Sometimes the best part of a movie is how they sell it – I mean, look at how they sold young European starlet Christina Lindberg to America – here are three of her most provocative posters – “Maid In Sweden”, “Sinner” and “Wide Open”!

And these movies all deliver of what you expect – lots of arty sex, violence and nudity! And isn’t that what you want?

If you want to see the most famous “artsploitation” star of all time, here’s more on Christina Lindberg, the “Queen Of Artsploitation!”

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Let me know what you think!

“Maybe He Would Find The Girl. Maybe He Would Find Himself.”

This line is from the poster art for a classic 70′s film noir called “Night Moves”…

It’s a great line for a movie steeped in “film noir”, which is described as:

“A cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations.”

This is what film noir looks like in every single movie…

“Cynical Attitudes And Sexual Motivations”, Indeed!

Yes, classic film noir is steeped in sexuality, raw human emotion, and CRIME…and that line from “Night Moves” could also be used for this modern film noir classic as well:

The Limey!

Here’s a look at these two film noir classics…

Steven Soderbergh’s “The Limey!”

“The Limey” is a brilliant revenge thriller steeped in mood and regret…directed by Steven Soderbergh, it’s one of his least known films, but in my opinion perhaps his best…here is the plot: an extremely volatile and dangerous Englishman goes to Los Angeles to find the man he considers responsible for his daughter’s death.

Here is the trailer:

The trailer focuses on the action in the film, but what makes this movie brilliant is the atmosphere of dread and violence that permeates every frame – due in part to the riveting performance by veteran English Actor Terence Stamp…

Terence Stamp is a revelation as Wilson, a father who is estranged from his daughter, only to have to travel to LA to find out why she disappeared. The film also stars Luiz Gusman, who was in Soderbergh’s “Out Of Sight”, another classic noir…

Terence Stamp’s “Wilson” is a career criminal, but a small-time one…here he explains the philosophy behind his actions – this is one of the most perfectly written and acted monologues ever put on film:

Wilson: “How you doin’ then? All right, are you? Now look, squire, you’re the guv’nor here, I can see that. I’m in your manor now. So there’s no need to get your knickers in a twist. Whatever this bollocks is that’s going down between you and that slag Valentine, it’s got nothing to do with me. I couldn’t care less. Alright, mate? Let me explain. When I was in prison – second time – uh, no, telling a lie, third stretch, yeah, third, third – there was this screw what really had it in for me, and that geezer was top of my list. Two years after I got sprung, I sees him in Arnold Park. He’s sittin’ on a bench feedin’ bloody pigeons. There was no-one about, I could’ve gone up behind him and snapped his fuckin’ neck, *wallop!* But I left it. I could’ve knobbled him, but I didn’t. ‘Cause what I thought I wanted wasn’t what I wanted. What I thought I was thinkin’ about was something else. I didn’t give a toss. It didn’t matter, see? This berk on the bench wasn’t worth my time. It meant sod-all in the end, ’cause you gotta make a choice: when to do something, and when to let it go. When it matters, and when it don’t. Bide your time. That’s what prison teaches you, if nothing else. Bide your time, and everything becomes clear, and you can act accordingly.”

“Bide your time. That’s what prison teaches you, if nothing else. Bide your time, and everything becomes clear, and you can act accordingly.”

This dialogue is steeped in film noir, and as “everything becomes clear”, Stamp’s performance grows in intensity. Director Soderbergh gives Stamp plenty of room to roam in the film, all the while capturing his rage and anger in a “fly on the wall” manner…

“Poor Cow” Clips…

Here’s a very creative choice: Soderbergh uses a couple of film clips from the 1967 film “Poor Cow” as flashbacks of Wilson with his baby daughter and wife. It’s a really strong device, showing Actor Stamp from years earlier, to give us context and texture to the character’s life – since his sole purpose in the film is to find out what happened to his estranged daughter, and NOTHING will stand in his way…

This is a little-known masterpiece, with terrific acting by Terence Stamp, Luiz Guzman, Lesley Ann Warren and Peter Fonda. “The Limey” has tough action sequences, great acting, and a perfect film noir tone. A great great movie, get it and see!

Here’s the other classic film noir, starring the legendary Actor Gene Hackman:

I’ve written about “Night Moves” before, but now that it has been released on DVD and Amazon streaming, it’s a great film to check out.

Here is the film’s trailer:

Like “The Limey”, it’s a terrifically moody film noir – Hackman plays private detective Harry Moseby, who gets hired for a standard missing person case, as an aging Hollywood actress wants him to find her stepdaughter. The stepdaughter is played by Melanie Griffith, in her first movie role.

This is Gene Hackman’s golden era in film, beginning with “Bonnie & Clyde” and going through “The French Connection” 1 & 2, and the brilliant “Scarecrow” with Al Pacino. He even found time to star in the box office smash “The Poseidon Adventure!”

As Private Detective Harry Moseby travels to Florida to find the missing girl, he begins to see a connection with the runaway girl, the world of Hollywood stuntmen, and a suspicious mechanic when an unsolved murder comes to light.

As with all great film noir, the story takes many twists and turns as the true motives of the cast become clear…and a great cast including the young Griffith and a young James Woods as well.

Both films have a great noir mood, with deliberate pacing and sudden outbursts of violence – just what you expect from a classic noir…

I Need More Noir!

Well, if you’ve got a “film noir itch” now that needs scratching, here are some more classic choices:

“Body Heat” is a modern classic, and you can read all about this incredible film, AND the iconic “Double Indemnity” as well, by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/29/steamy-body-heat-and-double-crossing-indemnity-film-noir-sizzles/

You’ll never look at Fred MacMurray the same way again!

“Forget It, Jake. It’s Chinatown…”

And of course, this classic film is also film noir…read all about “Chinatown” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/19/forget-it-jake-its-chinatown-cynical-attitudes-and-sexual-motivations/

Ready To “Catch Fire?”

If you like Katniss and her friends, then you are no doubt eager and primed for the next installment of the hugely successful “Hunger Games” franchise: “Catching Fire”!

Here is the plot for “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” – After winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns home to District 12 along with fellow winner Peeta Mellark. Shortly after returning home, they must embark on a “Victory Tour” of the districts, leaving behind their close friends and family again.

On the day of the Victory Tour, President Snow threatens Katniss’ best friend and pretend cousin, Gale Hawthorne, outraged after she and Peeta broke the rules of the 74th Hunger Games that allowed them both to win.

During the tour, Katniss senses that a rebellion is brewing in the districts, but the Capitol is still firmly in control as Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games, known as a Quarter Quell, an event taken place every 25 years – a competition that could change Panem forever.

So, first of all, “The Hunger Games” was a very entertaining movie, and “Catching Fire” sounds like it will also prove to be a worldwide smash hit. Author Suzanne Collins has created a unique world that fans have embraced. That said, don’t forget that Japan gave us the original “couple on the run playing a deadly game” movie:

With the phenomenon that is “The Hunger Games”, and the release of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, I thought you might be interested in this brilliant Japanese movie from 2000 – the original “hunger games!”

Welcome To “BATTLE ROYALE”!

I have called this “the original hunger games”, and I am about to show you why! First, check out the trailer:

As you can see from the tag line, it is a provocative and similar message to “The Hunger Games” – as contestants have to make the ultimate decision: could you kill your best friend?

“Battle Royale” was a hugely successful, and very controvesial, japanese film set in a future Japan, where the government devises a radical plan to control youthful rebellion!

In order to keep Japan’s rowdy youth in check, the government puts one class of ninth grade students on a remote island, gives them each a weapon, and lets them loose in a fight to the death! “Hunger Games” indeed!

As you can see, the basic setup of “Battle Royale” is similar to the concept for “Hunger Games” – the government keeping rebellious thought in check through a forced “Game to the death”…but each film goes in a completely different direction, tackling social and cultural issues along the way.

”My favorite movie of the last 20 years – I wish I had made this movie.” – Quentin Tarantino

As you can see, “Battle Royale” has a lot of fans…

Cue The Bloodshed!

“Battle Royale” is, in some ways, everything that “Hunger Games” isn’t….as in, bloody and violent! This film is much bloodier than “The Hunger Games”, which made it even more controversial upon release.

Despite being restricted to those aged 15 and over in Japan when it opened in 2000, “Battle Royale” quickly became both a critical and box office success, both domestically and in other Asian film markets. Oh, and did I say it was controversial?

And though the film will probably be remembered more for its graphic exploitation of teen violence, “Battle Royale” also makes some rather pointed remarks about Japanese society and history.

”If you love The Hunger Games, Battle Royale sets the stage. One of the best – and most violent – genre films ever made. It’s also a hell of a lot of fun.” – Entertainment Weekly

Battle Royale was directed by Kinji Fukasaku, and was based on the graphic novel of the same name.

The film aroused international controversy and is still banned in many countries. It never received a theatrical release in the US, as it came out soon after the Columbine tragedy. For many years it wasn’t even officially available on home video in the states.

However, the film is one of the highest grossing films in Japan. Director Kinji Fukasaku started working on a sequel but he died of prostate cancer in 2003, after shooting only one scene. His son, Kenta Fukasaku, completed the sequel in 2003 and dedicated it to his father.

Teacher Kitano: “So today’s lesson is, you kill each other off till there’s only one left. Nothing’s against the rules.”

Many members of the Japanese Parliament tried to get the novel banned, but to no avail. When the film was released, they attempted to ban it also. Both efforts resulted in the novel and film becoming even more successful as people bought the book and went to the movie to see what the fuss was all about.

“BEAT” TAKASHI!

One reason the film received such acclaim is due to Takashi Kitano, one of Japan’s most famous actors.

He is known in Japan as “Beat” Takashi, and his involvement in “Battle Royale” gave the film a much higher profile in Japan.

Takashi is a brilliant Actor and Director, with a intense personal life as well. In 1994, Kitano was involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered injuries that caused the paralysis of one side of his body, and required extensive surgery to regain the use of his facial muscles. Kitano later stated that the accident was actually an “unconscious suicide attempt”.

“ZATOICHI – THE BLIND SWORDSMAN!

In 2003, Kitano made the brilliant “Zatoichi”, the legendary Japanese story of a blind swordsman who wanders the countryside in feudal Japan and dispenses his own brand of justice – Takashi starred in as well as directed.

This is also a terrific movie, so check it out as well on DVD! But, back to “Battle Royale”…

“BATTLE ROYALE” ON BLU!

Yes, “Battle Royale” is now a gorgeous new blu-ray transfer…if you want to go crazy, look at what they are offering up -

THE COMPLETE “BATTLE ROYALE” COLLECTION!

Complete Collection (4 discs): The four discs are (1) Director’s Cut of the film, (2) Theatrical Cut, (3) 2003′s sequel “Battle Royale II” and (4) Bonus Content.

Bonus Disc Content includes: The Making Of BATTLE ROYALE, BATTLE ROYALE Press Conference, Instructional Video: Birthday Version, Audition & Rehearsal Footage, Special Effects Comparison Featurette, Tokyo International Film Festival 2000, Battle Royale Documentary, Basketball Scene Rehearsals, Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Filming On-Set, Original Theatrical Trailer, Special Edition TV Spot, TV Spot: Tarantino Version.

So there you go: have fun with “The Hunger Games” in theaters, but check out this classic inspiration as well!

“You will be doomed, you will destroy yourself at your own hand!”

OK, calm down everyone, there’s a Hippie holding court! Time to celebrate some of the wildest movies to be unearthed for our enjoyment!

How can you refuse a movie that promises this:

“Machine gun-wielding Mimes, Robots, Bloodthirsty Sharks, and Free-Loving Debauchery!”

Yes indeed! Bring the hippies on!

An American Hippie In Israel!

Talk about an obscure classic! Grindhouse Releasing has done an amazing job rescuing this film from obscurity!

Here’s the plot: “Incited by a disillusioned young man who has decided to flee from civilization, a group of four people go searching for freedom and happiness on an isolated island . When their boat goes astray and they are left without food, their animal instincts take over!”

Check out the trailer:

I Need A Hippie NOW!

This movie is everything I love about obscure cult cinema. How can you go wrong with dialogue like this:

Hippie: “Man, how does it feel to be free at last?”

American Hippie Mike: “Man, I feel really turned on.”

Turned on, indeed!

These hippies love to turn on and then get it on! And then, of course, one of them has a bad trip and has to start pointing fingers…

This Hippie Is LOADED!

This new blu-ray comes with a bonus DVD of the original, uncensored Director’s cut of the film, called “The Hitchhiker” – plus new interviews, deleted scenes, and tons of other bonus features!

According to the review on the terrific website “Mondo Digial”, there is a “four-minute “A Cult Is Born” segment that interviews young Israeli fans at a cinematheque screening, enthusing about their multiple viewings and calling it “love at first sight” with “a strong Kubrick influence.” Apparently they really, really love dancing onstage, strapping on horned hats, and doing improvised songs while the film is playing, too.If Rocky Horror can inspire such dedication, why not this one, too?An Israeli “Channel 10″ segment also devotes ten minutes to the film’s burgeoning midnight movie cult.”

Thanks to Mondo Digital for fleshing out the great extras!

But that’s just the beginning of this mind-blowing mayhem! Grindhouse Releasing also has this gem:

Cat In The Brain!

A horror film director is stalked by a mad psychiatrist/serial killer bent on killing people to model the killings after the director’s gory death scenes from his movies. Many events in the film are based on Lucio Fulci’s experiences as a filmmaker! Check out the trailer:

Here is some trivia for you:

The original script was 49 pages long and contained no dialogue. It consisted of descriptions of bodily mutilations/imagery and sound effects that would compliment them on screen! Fulci was literally sharing his favorite death scenes from his films!

Juxtaposing gory horror clips from several of his own past horror films which he either directed and/or produced, Lucio Fulci shot a wrap-around segment featuring his own plot and used Vincenzo Tomassi’s film editing (as well as his own voice over) to create the storyline – a personal insight into the effects of horror filmmaking on the psyche.

It’s a fascinating exercise by a Director who is one of the greatest in the genre of Italian Giallo…

I’ve written about other classic Lucio Fulci films as well, in the vein of the iconic “Italian Giallo” style – it’s Italy’s version of “pulp fiction”, with lurid books in yellow jackets…it’s a fascinating movie genre, so check them out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/09/halloween-giallo-masters-agentos-animal-trilogy-fulcis-tortured-ducklings-italian-pulp-fiction/

And of course, check out ALL of Grindhouse Releasing’s classic cult films by going to their website – kudos!

http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/

As the holiday season approaches, everyone will eat lots of food and sit down to watch classic holiday movies – and we all have our own favorites! I’ve got a list of the best holiday movies, including RARE behind-the-scenes photos from the set of “It’s A Wonderful Life”, and so much more!

First, get into the holiday spirit with Billy Mack’s “Christmas Is All Around”!

Thanks Billy, just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit! If you know this song, then you LOVE “Love Actually” – one of the best holiday movies ever! And I’ve got great trivia about the film, courtesy of the terrific website “IMDB.”

“Love Actually” is a series of inter-locking stories that take place during the holiday season: some are funny, and a few are sad – with an all-star cast including Kiera Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson.

So many terrific Actors in the film. Here’s a chart to help you keep track of them all:

And, thanks to the great website IMDB, here is some “Love Actually” trivia! Let’s start with this fun one:

The word “actually” is spoken twenty-two times by various characters in the film.

When casting the part of Sarah, Richard Curtis auditioned a great many British girls, but kept saying, “I want someone like Laura Linney…” The casting director eventually snapped and said, “Oh, for fuck’s sake, get Laura Linney then.” She then auditioned and got the part.

The idea for Mark’s surprise of the band singing “All You Need Is Love” at Peter and Juliet’s wedding came from Jim Henson’s funeral (which Richard Curtis attended) where all the puppeteers brought their Muppets and sung a song.

The lake that Lúcia Moniz and Colin Firth are “swimming” in was actually only eighteen inches deep and they had to kneel down and pretend to be in deeper water. It was also over-run by mosquitoes and Colin Firth was badly bitten and his elbow swelled up to the size of an avocado, requiring medical attention.

Knowing about Billy Bob Thornton’s quite unique fear of antique furniture, Hugh Grant would sometimes flash a piece of antique (which is abundant in England) in front of Thornton just before the cameras rolled, and watch him freak out in amusement.

The airport greeting footage at the beginning and end of the film is real. Richard Curtis had a team of cameramen film at Heathrow airport for a week, and whenever they saw something that would fit in they asked the people involved for permission to use the footage. Alex and I always wondered how excited these people must be to be in the film forever!

Thanks, Billy Mack!

“Christmas Is All Around” is now one of our favorite holiday songs thanks to Bill Nighy. With that tune in our heads, let’s see some of the other great holiday films, beginning with Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and the spirit of “Saturday Night Live”!

Get “Scrooged” and “Griswolded”!

“Scrooged” (1983) and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) both are infused with SNL attitude – Bill Murray does an updated “Christmas Carol” as miserly TV exec Frank Cross – Murray is full of great lines and classic double takes, but the Actor also reveals his soft spot, in a film that has more of a manic energy than many holiday classics.

Once you are “Scrooged”, you might as well go “Griswold!”

That’s right, welcome back to the Clark Griswold family – Chevy Chase takes his clan on another “Vacation”…yes, another fun trip, but do they deserve a spot on the list? As Clark Griswold would say:

“Bend over and I’ll show you!”

OK, maybe a bit forward for the holiday…let’s go back to a simpler time…

The “White Christmas” (1954) / “Holiday Inn” (1942) Crosby Combo!

Here are two iconic holiday films starring legendary Actors – and I’ve presented it as a double bill, since they are basically the same movie! In “Holiday Inn”, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are two war buddies who sing lots of classic Irving Berlin tunes, including the Oscar winning “White Christmas”…

The Song Becomes The Film!

“White Christmas” was such a great song that they decided to remake “Holiday Inn” and CALL it “White Christmas”! This time, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are two GIs coming home from WWII, who fall in love with singing-and-dancing sisters and help their general with his failing Vermont inn. Again, almost the same film, but both of classic Hollywood holiday entertainment! A great double bill!

“Bad Santa”!

This ain’t your father’s holiday movie! How can you NOT love a film with the classic line:

“F me, Santa!”

So says Lauren Graham in a movie that wears its dark heart on its sleeve…the perfect movie to watch after “Black Friday” shopping – fighting holiday crowds – and virtually impossible to watch without a stiff drink in your hand. But it is hilarious, profane and touching as well!

Happy Holidays, Del Griffith!

And now, the funniest holiday movie character ever, the legendary Del Griffith!

“Planes, Trains & Automobiles”!

I know, it takes place over Thanksgiving, but it’s a holiday movie through and through, and Del Griffith deserves to be here – as it is one of the most heartwarming holiday movies ever!

It’s the classic story of a guy just trying to get home to his family in times for the holidays. “Here’s an idea. When you tell a story, have a point!” And who can forget Del Griffith pulling his socks off on the plane, waving them around and exclaiming “the dogs are barking!”

And of course, as you can see above:

“those aren’t pillows!”

I rest my case. Just one of the sweetest holiday films ever…

All Hail The Year 2003!

2003: what a great year for holiday movies: first of all, it was the year of “Bad Santa”, but what about the other classic film from that year – the story of Buddy the Elf – check it out:

Buddy the Elf!

Will Ferrell is innocent and perfect as Buddy – the elf who heads to New York City to find his real father – a very unfriendly James Caan. Add Ed Asner as a slightly grumpy Santa PLUS Zooey Deschanel as the “innocent love” interest and you have an instant holiday classic!

Speaking of holiday classics:

Congratulations To Director Bob Clark!

Time to celebrate the seriously under-rated Director Bob Clark, who directed the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story” – literally one of the most quoted holiday movies ever! Need an example?

“You’ll shoot your eye out with that thing!”

It makes me want to have chinese food on Dec. 25th just to honor him. This is arguably the best Christmas movie of all time – the encounter with the frozen tether ball pole is just one reason…

And who can forget Dad’s new lamp – look at this terrific TBS ad for the movie that captures the fun of that scene…

It is a holiday classic, directed by Canadian Bob Clark, an under-appreciated Director…check out the trailer:

So funny, so heartwarming! That said, Bob Clark also directed the little-known classic horror film “Black Christmas”, where a sorority is terrorized by a manic over the holidays. He perfected the killer’s POV shot years before “Halloween” got credit for revitalizing it. The thriller stars Kier Dullea (2001) and Margo Kidder (Superman)…dark, dark, dark, but what a Bob Clark holiday double bill – just make sure to send the kids to bed before you start this second feature!

Added trivia: Clark also created and directed “Porky’s”…talk about an eclectic career! Finally, let’s focus on the greatest holiday film of all time…

“It’s A Wonderful Life”!

The greatest holiday movie of all! Jimmy Stewart, the Tom Hanks of his generation, beautifully portrays a disillusioned husband and father who sees his life amount to nothing – or so he thinks.

This Frank Capra classic is a dark look at one man’s disappointment with his life – of course all coming to a head on Christmas eve – and the film reveals a ton of universal truths about what we should or should not expect from life – remember this line: “we serve stiff drinks for men who want to get drunk fast!” I mean, this movie gets DARK…

Rare “Bedford Falls” Photos!

LIFE Magazine has revealed 13 rare behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the 1946 Frank Capra classic. The pictures focus on one aspect of the holiday favorite that many probably take for granted: the snowy milieu of Bedford Falls!

So as you can see, they used snow machines to create the beautiful serenity of the town:

Looks like Jimmy Stewart had a few snowballs tossed back in his direction during filming!

I will admit that, in some ways, Pottersville always looked a lot more fun than Bedford Falls – like a mini-Vegas! But no matter what life through at George Bailey, he always had a secret weapon…

That’s right – Zuzu’s pedals!

Send me a note and let me know what you watched this holiday season!

Withnail: “I think we’ve been in here too long. I feel unusual.”

Looking for a hilariously unique gift this holiday season? Well, just remember to say:

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Yes, time to get the film fan in your family a combo pack of Richard E. Grant! This terrific British Actor was not only in one of the funniest films ever – “Withnail & I” – but he wrote a hilarious insider’s look at the crazy world of Hollywood – “With Nails!”

Let’s begin with one of the best British films of all time – a bold statement, but it is, to me, one of the most perfectly realized films ever:

Withnail & I

London 1969 – two unemployed actors, Withnail and Marwood, are freezing in their unheated flat – and they are flat broke. They need a plan, and fast. Here is their discussion about calling to ask someone for money…

Marwood: What about whatshisname?
Withnail: What about him?
Marwood: Why don’t you give him a call?
Withnail: What for?
Marwood: Ask him about his house.
Withnail: You want me to call whatshisname and ask him about his house?
Marwood: Why not?
Withnail: All right. What’s his number?
Marwood: I’ve no idea. I’ve never met him.
Withnail: Well neither have I. What the fuck are you talking about?

One of the funniest supporting characters in the film is “Drug Dealer Danny”, he of the super-sized spiffs, who just can’t get along with Withnail…oh, and he is CRAZY…

Danny: I don’t advise a haircut, man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hairs are your aerials. They pick up signals from the cosmos, and transmit them directly into the brain. This is the reason bald-headed men are uptight.
Withnail: What absolute twaddle.

Withnail: I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze!

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid is a highlight….he does, after all, demand to have his booze…he has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

Withnail: [after having entirely covered himself in muscle embrocation] Have you been at the controls?
Marwood: What are you talking about?
Withnail: The thermostats. What have you done to them?
Marwood: I haven’t touched them.
Withnail: Then why has my head gone numb?

After a near brawl in a bar, they realize they need to get out of town…

They decide on a holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail’s uncle Monty’s country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there’s no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited.

Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty, who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood…

Uncle Monty: “I adore you. Tell him if you must, I no longer care. I mean to have you even if it must be burglary!”

Sadly, Richard Griffiths just died of complication following heart surgery. He was 65, and although most will remember him for his roles in the “Harry Potter” films, it was his Uncle Monty that I will always remember him for…

This movie is hilarious, and a perfect snapshot of life at the end of the 60′s – when hip, mod London turned into the cold, harsh reality of life as a struggling Actor.

This is a tour de force performance by Richard Grant, who exudes manic, crazy charm at every turn, such as when he storms into a fancy restaurant and demands, well…

Withnail: “We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Richard E. Grant proved to be a hilarious and honest writer as well!

With Nails – The Film Diaries Of Richard E. Grant

If you want to read all about the craziness that goes on when you make a movie – the egos, the out of control Stars, the drugs, booze and everythign else – then this candid and hilarious book is for you!

Here is the original review from BOOKLIST:

Film fans alert to the immense charm of the under-known British film Withnail & I will certainly enjoy the droll autobiography of the actor who played Withnail. Of the film’s script, Grant says “never before or since have I read something that conveys what goes on in my head so accurately.”

The image of the brusque, hilariously overbearing Withnail fits Grant, who has also appeared in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, “The Age of Innocence”, and the Robert Altman films “The Player” and “Pret-a-Porter”.

He writes of his passage through the world of the aspiring film stardom wonderfully well, producing a book far superior to the usual movie life story. “Oh up and down and forklifts, this is a dull madness,” he says of the process of landing a role, but his book wittily presenting the madness is never dull.

Let me tell you, his stories about Bruce Willis and the making of “Hudson Hawk” are hilarious – it is “no holds barred” storytelling about the crazy world of movies…

This would make a great combo gift for the holiday – “Withnail & I” and “With Nails”!

Time For A Very “Tromatic” Holiday!

Why not bring this guy home for the holiday? Or this guy!

Yes, New Jersey;s first and only super hero is on sale for the holiday! That’s right – to celebrate the tromatic holidays, Troma is offering 50% off all orders from Troma.com before Christmas!

And it’s time to “Return To Nuke ‘em High”!

So much Troma news to share – and so much great cult stuff to buy for your exploitation movie fan…let’s get started by honoring the master himself:

Behold Master Filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman!

I’ve known Lloyd Kaufman for many years. He went to Yale. He is proud of that fact. He is also proud of the fact that he runs the longest-lasting independent film studio in the world. He believes in freedom of speech, art above all else, and lots and lots of blood and nudity. He rejected Madonna after an audition, and still doesn’t know whatever happened to her.

I’ve got a look at the best of Troma for this holiday season, beginning with the new “Tromasterpiece”:

Return To Class of Nuke ‘em High!

Here is the official trailer – :

WARNING! FULL FRONTAL NUDITY IN THIS TEASER – VERY VERY NSFW – OR EVEN YOUR OWN EYES!

Well, hard to argue about this one…it’s pure Troma in spirit and execution – and of course green foam and blood….

“Return To Nuke ‘em High Part 1″ is screening across America right now…Lloyd is attending many of these events, including in Chicago right now…

Keep your eyes open for more “Return” screening news, but if you head to Troma.com, you can see the hundreds of films they have in their library – and you can order a ton of Troma classics for holiday gifts at 50% savings! Here are some of the best!

The Toxic Avenger: The Japanese Cut!

Wait – MORE Toxie?!?!?!

That’s right! Troma Entertainment just released the Japanese cut of “The Toxic Avenger”!

This Toxie is longer than the U.S. director’s cut and includes an additional four minutes of footage starring our fearless mutated friend. It also includes trailers from the Toxic Avenger franchise, production stills, an intro by Lloyd Kaufman and “Tromatic extras,” which can only mean more glorious schlock!

Why stop there? Just get the whole “TOX BOX” and be done with it! That’s right, just buy a whole “Box of tox” and get ALL of the “Toxic Avenger” films, with tons of extras!

I first met Lloyd at the Cannes Film Festival, where his Troma team annually wrecked havoc on the world’s most glamorous film festival, all to create awareness for Troma Films.

This is me surrounded by Sgt. Kabukiman and Tiffany Shepis. The other Troma guy is forgotten to time, but i’m sure a fan will remind me…no disrespect intended. If you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the south of France with Lloyd, just keep reading and you will see.

I have always admired the tenacity of Lloyd Kaufman’s vision. And I have admired how he has created a dedicated fan base that loves Troma, worships Lloyd, and believes in independent art above all else. He has mentored many who have moved on to great careers in entertainment; some of their work is on this list.

“Make Your Own Damn Movie!

Lloyd has also published a series of best-selling books about filmmaking, including this one: “All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger.” It was written with the great James Gunn.

OK, here is a classic shot of a younger James Gunn in Cannes with Troma! Gunn graduated from Troma and has gone on be a great Writer/Director on such films as “Slither” and “Super”, and is now directing the big budget “Guardians Of The Galaxy”:

The “Guardians” cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close and Bradley Cooper!

“Make Your Own Damn Movie!”

Lloyd has continued writing about filmmaking, from producing to directing… buy the box set of documentaries all about the filmmaking process….

Lloyd proves it: don’t claim you want to make a movie, MAKE A MOVIE! He shows you how with a ton of great insight from Writers and Directors such as John G. Avildsen, the Director of “Rocky” – and George Romero, Director of all of the “Night Of The Living Dead” films. James Gunn is on here as are Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Eli Roth and Stan Lee. It’s a treasure trove of great information, the best “how to make a movie” series ever done…

THE TROMATIC CLASSICS UNVEILED!

Class Of Nuke ‘Em High! 1986. By 1986, it seems that Lloyd had latched onto a great idea: crazy “over the top” movie titles, and lots of crazy actors acting crazy, tearing off limbs, and going topless, all with a punk rock soundtrack.

The pupils at a high school next to a nuclear power plant start acting and looking strange after buying contaminated drugs from a plant worker. That’s it, a simple plot upon which to hang anarchy in all its forms.

“Reading, Writing and Radiation”!

“Class Of Nuke ‘em High” is a great way to start dipping into the Troma library. And, if you want to jump right into the deep end of the Troma pool, there is this:

Troma’s WAR. 1988. This is Troma’s masterpiece. Don’t take my word for it, look at the description on the Troma website!

TROMA’S WAR is Troma’s masterpiece. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, TROMA’S WAR is packed with gargantuan battle scenes, heart stopping stunts, and never-before-seen special effects. TROMA’S WAR is the action film that all good citizens of the world can be proud of and enjoy! TROMA’S WAR is Troma’s answer to PLATOON and APOCALYPSE NOW. It is the first war picture that combines satire, sex, special effects make-up, stunts, gore and a beautiful love story.

Lloyd LOVES this movie. He has told me so. And I believe him. It is terrific…From IMDB: “A small group of typical Tromaville citizens find themselves in the path of a terrorist army controlled by the power elite. The freedom of Tromaville and the world is at stake! Troma’s War creates new kinds of heroes. A used car salesman, a handsome environmentalist, an obese junk-food gourmand, a seventy-year-old housewife, some sensational young women, a year old jingoistic baby and more sensational women all become deadly soldiers… “

Go to WAR and make Lloyd happy!

Surf Nazis Must Die! 1987. When the grandson of a gun wielding woman is murdered by Neo-Nazi surf punks in the post-apocalyptic future, this grandma hunts them down for some bloodthirsty revenge.

Here is how Amazon describes this movie: In the near future, a Californian beach has been taken over by a ruthless gang called “The Surf Nazis” whom are modern day Neo-Nazis and their leader nicknamed Adolph who literally can surf and would hurt anyone who enters their territory or gets in their way. When an African-American fellow named Leroy gets murdered by them, his mother sets off to buy weapons as she plots to take revenge for her son’s death.

This is basically Troma’s version of “Beach Blanket Bingo”, and all the better for it! This is also an example of the wealth of material that Troma includes on their DVD’s. Look at what is added to this release:

Introduction by Lloyd Kaufman
The first ever interactive tour of Troma Studios
Troma intelligence test
Gnarly observations by director Peter George and producer Robert Tinnell
Trailers for other Troma movies
Lost Scenes of Surf Mayhem
Scenes from the “Tromaville Cafe” TV show
Link to the Troma Website
Very special private Troma Public Service Announcements
The Aroma du Troma

Another reason to love Troma – they have mastered the art of “loaded up” DVD extras…

Stuck On You! 1983. Greetings from Tromaville! Before he latched on a great blend of outrageous titles and sex-n-violence, Troma was into sex comedies: low budget movies that were what I call “good clean naughty fun!”

A couple are in a legal battle over palimony, and a judge/angel Gabriel (Professor Irwin Corey) helps them resolve their problems by taking them through a tour of historical disfunctional couples.

Fans should also seek out Lloyd Kaufman’s “The First Turn-On” and “Squeeze Play!” as other examples of this era of Troma film.

Here is what an Amazon viewer says: “I was shocked to find this movie was released on DVD. Seriously, I don’t know how this movie is not more well known. I die every time I watch it. I’d rank it up there with Animal House and Fast Times. It’s hard to believe it even came out on Troma when you compare it to the other movies they’ve made.”

All The Love You Cannes! 2002. Full disclosure: I am in this movie. I am. It might be a single b-roll shot while Lloyd mentions me in passing – and my name is spelled wrong – but hey, I’m a Troma star!

Here we all are in Cannes one year: E! News Host Steve Kmetko, who allowed my wife Alex, along with James Gunn, turn him into “Dolphinman” for “Sex On The Riviera”. Lloyd is on the left, by the way…

Every year I was in Cannes, Lloyd and his Troma team were up for any shenanigans…and their tireless energy is captured in Lloyd’s documentary about life at the Cannes film festival. If you want to see the best documentary about the pomp, circumstance, and sordid underbelly that is Cannes, this is the movie for you!

The Troma Team is willing to try every stunt imaginable to get a little publicity, including walking the streets of Cannes dressed as various Troma heroes, staging lesbian make-out sessions, hilariously crashing Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “press conference,” where JCVD shows up for about 2 seconds.

Troma Star Tiffany Shepis was there many years, and I was lucky enough to shoot a ton of segments with her and Troma when I was at E! – and Lloyd and his group were always eager to help us out. I love this documentary, especially when Lloyd harasses the Warner Brothers Exec’s dog…priceless!

Oh, Lloyd will say that I’m the reason Troma was thrown out of the carlton Hotel…he might be right, but it didn’t take much for Lloyd to start flinging blood around, trust me.

Terror Firmer. – “A homicidal maniac is on the loose in the city and the low budget film crew on a Troma movie have the power to stop them!”

“Terror Firmer” is Lloyd’s “8-1/2″ or “Day For Night” – his “movie within a movie”, a chance to show the filmmaking process while still delivering Troma-sized thrills.

Lloyd Kaufman plays Larry Benjamin, a blind movie Director who just wants to complete his film. Yes, this is the plot of Woody Allen’s “Hollywood Ending”, except Lloyd’s movie came out years earlier.

“Now, let’s make some art!”

No special effect here, just a naked Troma employee racing through Times Square. “Let’s Make Some Art, Indeed!”

Yes, once again, this DVD is LOADED with extras, including a full-length “no holds barred” documentary that looks deep within the filmmaking process…as fascinating and fun as the film itself! These documentaries are as honest and indepth as any ever released on DVD – and entire additional movie added to the DVD – what a deal…

And of course, Joe Lynch has a role in the film…Joe went on to write and direct “Wrong Turn 2″, wrote and directed a sequence of “Chillerama”. Lynch’s next feature is the unique action/thriller EVERLY, with Salma Hayek in the title role.

A few years ago at Comic-Con, I took part in a roast of Lloyd Kaufman, and Joe Lynch told a story about how he used to appear as “The Toxic Avenger” at conventions…and once was so sick during an appearance that he vomited into the mask he was wearing. The story got a big laugh.

Without missing a beat, Lloyd got up and told the crowd that, “what Joe didn’t tell you, was that he took the vomit that was in the mask and turned it into the screenplay for “Wrong Turn 2.”

And that is why we love Lloyd.

Poultrygeist: Night Of The Chicken Dead!. 2006.

When the American Chicken Bunker, a military-themed fried-chicken chain, builds a restaurant on the site of an ancient Indian burial ground, local protesters aren’t the only ones crying fowl! The previous tenants, fueled by a supernatural force, take “possession” of the food and those who eat it, and the survivors discover that they must band together before they themselves become the other white meat!

People take Troma films for granted: they assume that critics must hate them, but that’s not true: The New York Times routinely gives Traoma’s new films great reviews, because they get what Troma stands for…for example, here is what they said about “Poultrygeist”:

“IT IS JUST ABOUT AS PERFECT AS A FILM PREDICATED ON THE JOYS OF PROJECTILE VOMITING AND EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA CAN BE!”

It is also a DVD loaded with extras: “Poultry In Motion”, the full-length documentary about the making of the film; audio commentary from Lloyd and Co-Screenwriter Gabe Friedman; a “happy ending” with Ron Jeremy, a short course on moviemaking, music videos and deleted scenes…

Gabe worked with Lloyd for a long time before he headed out to Hollywood and worked on a number of G4 shows – another Troma alumni doing great!

THE TOXIC AVENGER QUADRILOGY! Forget Alien: THIS is the Quadrilogy you need to own! Lloyd created New Jersey’s first Superhero, and 4 films into the story, it just keeps getting better…

Here is the IMDB summary of “The Toxic Avenger”: “This is the story of Melvin, the Tromaville Health Club mop boy, who inadvertently and naively trusts the hedonistic, contemptuous and vain health club members, to the point of accidentally ending up in a vat of toxic waste. The devastating results then have a transmogrification effect, his alter ego is released, and the Toxic Avenger is born, to deadly and comical results.”

“Citizen Toxie” is the fourth in the series, and included “Hank The Angry Drunk Dwarf” as GOD – but of course it did. The DVD also includes a full-length documentary on the making of the movie, and a ton of deleted scenes.

Tromeo & Juliet. Behold the most Tromatic masterpiece of all. This was written by James Gunn, Directed by Lloyd, and truly stands as a masterwork. As Variety said, “Shakespeare is transformed into a NO-HOLDS BARD!”

As the poster says so beautifully:

“BODY PIERCING. KINKY SEX. DISMEMBERMENT. THE THINGS THAT MADE SHAKESPEARE GREAT!”

When I was in Cannes, my wife Alex was interviewing Kennth Branagh for his 4-hour opus “Hamlet.” She told him he wasn’t the only Shakespeare film in Cannes, and showed him the “Tromeo & Juliet” poster. He read the words above in his classic British accent, then added, “perhaps I can get my soundtrack done by the ASS PONYS!”

I put that entire sequence in that year’s “Sex On The Riviera” special, told Lloyd about it, and wasn’t too surprised when, 6 months later I got the latest Troma press kit, which included the Kenneth Branagh interview! God bless Lloyd!

Juliet Capulet: Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Tromeo Que: Yeah, it totally sucks.

How can you not love a film that turns Shakepeare upside down in one of the most hilarious, proifane – and creative ways EVER!

Detective Ernie Scalus: Now you fucks have gone too far! Goddamn heads landing on cars while Long Island families are singing ‘Found a Peanut’! They found a peanut, all right, honey. They found a peanut of death!

Bravo, Lloyd and James, BRAVO! Now head to Troma.com and buy up all of these cult classics for the holidays!

Is It Time To Take A Hammer To Movie Remakes?

This edition of “film Fight Club” wants to smackdown the endless series of BAD BAD BAD remakes that have stunk up the cinema lately – including THESE bombs:

Wha-Wha-WHAT!??!????

Sorry, that last picture of Nicolas Cage destroying “The Wicker Man” is too much for any movie lover to stomach…well, until THIS:

Samuel L. Jackson has every reason to look terrified – its the latest remake disaster! One of the biggest bombs of 2013 was the Spike Lee remake of the classic Korean thriller “Oldboy”…

The film opened Thanksgiving weekend and bombed horribly – but was the remake’s critical and commercial trashing deserved? Is “Oldboy” just another example of Hollywood’s desire to trash every great movie by remaking it wrong?

Time For The Film Fight Club!

Let’s look at Hollywood’s latest remake disaster and see what’s worth fighting about. First, here is a quick look at the original Korean classic “Oldboy.”

Oldboy -

This is the classic 2003 Korean thriller directed by Chan-wook Park – with one of the most intense first ten minutes of any film ever made! It begins with a man who goes on a drunken bender one night, only to wake up trapped in a hotel room. For 15 years!

The opening ten minutes of this movie will suck your eyeballs out, so put them back in and enjoy Korean melodrama at its finest. Director Chan-wook Park is a brilliant filmmaker – his is the kind of aggressive, no holds barred filmmaking that many of our American movies lack right now.

The original “Oldboy” has a number of jaw-dropping moments, but perhaps the most notable is the fight scene that involves….well, let just say this: You’ll never walk down a hallway with a ball-peen hammer the same way again…

The movie gets more and more intense, and the bodies pile up until we find out why he was imprisoned, in a shocking finale…

This is brilliant, melodramatic filmmaking of the highest order – a classic action film.

Cue Spike Lee to remake it.

As a huge fan of the original film, I did everything I could to judge Spike Lee’s version on its own merits. The plot is, essentially the same. Josh Brolin stars as a drunken businessman who wakes up after a night of boozing to find himself imprisoned in a hotel room.

“15 Will Get You 20!”

Well, it takes all of five minutes for this movie to turn sour. A longer prologue shows us just what an awful person Brolin is – but did Spike need to do this? It’s just the first of many artistic decisions that not only derail the film for fans of the original, but simply confuse and alienate any viewer trying to enjoy the film…

The story let’s us know that twenty years have gone by, not fifteen years. Why the change? No reason. Strange changes in the story serve to call attention to the film’s inability to entertain like the original.

What The F!??!?!?!

Look at Samuel L. Jackson. LOOK AT HIM. What is going on here? Oh, and more importantly, WHY? Watch both versions of the film and you will be stunned at Lee’s choice to create Jackson’s character and storyline.

A bit of a spoiler here: Spike Lee has chosen to create some sort of “prison hotel” company, run by Jackson…why? Because apparently we need this type of explanation – but since it is never explained, it’s just a contrivance designed to distract us…

In addition, the Director has made some choices that didn’t work for me at all. In “Annie Hall”, having Woody Allen and Tony Roberts watch flashbacks as they were remembered worked; here, to see Josh Brolin watching the action around him from years earlier was just strange and very distracting…

Bring Down The Hammer!

Yes, the most legendary scene from the original “Oldboy” needed to be “improved” as well…

In this remake, the fight now moves across multiple floors of a parking garage…and the dozen or so men with weapons all bounce around and WAIT FOR THEIR ONE-ON-ONE CHANCE TO KILL BROLIN!

It’s almost laughable – he is surrounded by thugs, who all wait patiently – while bouncing around – while he kills them one by one. It was sad to watch, actually….

Cue The Octopus!

And what about this scene?

In the original, we see an octopus eaten live…in the remake, in one more example of acknowledging the original in the least interesting way possible, Brolin enters a restaurant and sees this:

At this point, I let the unpleasantness of the film just wash over me – a laughable villian, endless flashbacks with Brolin watching in the scene, Elizabeth Olsen being exploited in a number of pathetic ways, and then the ending, with the antagonist explaining everything before the movie ends with a “twist.”

Hammer Time!

I tried to judge “Oldboy” impartially – I like many Spike Lee films, and was open to a remake. Yes, I missed the originality of the original “Oldboy”. I missed the deranged intensity of this hammer shot. But it’s more than that…

The biggest danger, to me, is to acknowledge the original when you remake it. I hated the various “homages” put in the remake that lacked any creativity – in fact, they distract – and if you didn’t see the original, they make NO sense – most of all, I hated that “Oldboy” was turned into an unpleasant viewing experience – the shock of the original was emotional and riveting – in the remake, it was simply distasteful…

Let The “Film Fight Club” Begin!

So, I want to know: am I unwilling to accept remakes – unwilling to let new Artists re-imagine films for a new generation? Or does this:

Just become THIS in all the worst ways:

http://filmfightclub.com/

Hey, if you like to debate movies, head over to the “filmfightclub” website for stories on horror films, James Bond theme songs and more!

And please, let me know what you think: are these films being remade, or are they being destroyed? Leave a comment at “filmfightclub.com” and let the fight club begin!

Lars Von Trier Is Back!

He is one of the most mesmerizing and polarizing Directors working today…and he has a provocative new film about to be released.

Here is the very NSFW trailer for “Nymphomaniac”:

A Two-Part “Nymphomaniac!”

Magnolia Pictures has just announced the release plans for this “sure to be controversial” new film…von Trier has cut his work into two separate movies! The first, “Nymphomaniac: Part One”, will open in theaters March 21 – after premiering On Demand March 6. “Nymphomanic: Part Two” will be released On Demand April 3, followed by an April 18 theatrical release.

“Nymphomaniac: Part One” is the story of Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac who is badly beaten and left in an alley. She’s helped by an older bachelor, Seligman (Stellan Skarsgård), who takes her into his home. As he tends to her wounds, she recounts the erotic story of her adolescence and young-adulthood.

This film stars Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Uma Thurman, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Connie Nielsen and Udo Kier.

“Nymphomaniac: Part Two” focuses on Joe’s adulthood, and stars Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe, Mia Goth and Jean-Marc Barr in addition to Gainsbourg, Skarsgård, Martin and LaBeouf.

Lately, a series of provocative posters have been released as well, highlighting not only the all-star cast involved, but some of their most “intense” looks – here is Shia Lebouef:

Also in the film is Willem Dafoe, who previously starred in Von Trier’s brilliant “Anti-Christ”, another very controversial film:

Uma Thurman is also in “Nymphomaniac”:

Thurman’s character seems to be having a problem in her marriage – here is a clip that was released teasing her storyline, called:

“The Whoring Bed!”

Nymphomaniac appetizer – Chapter 3: Mrs. H

Here is another clip from the film as well:

Nymphomaniac appetizer – Chapter 1: The Compleat Angler

Charlotte Gainsbourg, who also starred in Von Trier’s “Anti-Christ”, is in this film, along with Christian Slater…and here is a clip with Shia Leboeuf:

Nymphomaniac appetizer – Chapter 2: Jerôme

As you can see, this is going to be quite a film – Von Trier has a very controversial career, with acclaimed movies like “Melancholia”, alongside very edgy films like “The Idiots”…and such masterpieces as “Anti-Christ” and “Dancer In The Dark” with Bjork…here is that trailer:

“Dancer In The Dark” stars Bjork in her film debut – as a young Mother who has emigrated to America, works in a factory, and is going blind. And the only thing that keeps her spirits up is when she finds solace in musicals…

Yes, it’s a musical! Catherine Deneuve and David Morse also star – and when the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, it took the festival by storm, winning Bjork best Actress and Von Trieer best film – the coveted Palm D’or award…

There were many stories about the difficulties von Trier had with Bjork on set – specifically the musical scenes, but at the end of the day, it was a triumph for both of them…

My Von Trier Exclusive!

I was in Cannes that year, overseeing E!’s festival coverage, and I got the only US TV interview with the Director. We always covered the smaller films, and that helped us get big interviews…I also did the only US TV interview in 1992 in Cannes with Director Baz Luhrmann – and also with a first-time Director named Quentin Tarantino…

My previous coverage of other von Trier films helped me get the exclusive TV conversation with the Director – and it was his first time ever in Cannes…

This was von Trier’s first time ever at the film festival – he had an aversion to travel, so he didn’t attend for his earlier efforts, “Breaking The Waves” or “The Idiots.”

He was in a very playful mood that day, funny, self-deprecating, and very passionate about film making. He admitted to me that he came to make sure the film had a shot at an award, since the festival had a reputation for not giving the “Palm d’Or” Award for best picture to any Director who didn’t show up for the festival…

Quiet Down, Bjork!

He also told me that his feud with Bjork was overblown by the Actress, and that he was only trying to get a great performance out of her…

While he tried to downplay the controversy stirred up by Bjork, he also clearly liked the attention, and he was right in the end, as Bjork won Best Actress in Cannes…and the film took home the prize for best picture.

A few years earlier, I interviewed a very young Emily Watson in Cannes for “Breaking The Waves” when the film created a sensation at the festival. Watson won best actress, and was subsequently oscar nominated as well, but that year, Von Trier didn’t make it to Cannes – due to his aversion to travel – and the film won the Grand Prize – also known as the “runner up” award…

“Breaking The Waves” is a brilliant, challenging film – here is a look at this masterpiece:

Breaking The Waves – Directed by Lars Von Trier – released in 1996

Emily Watson was Oscar nominated for Best Actress – for her portrayal of Bess, a woman who makes the ultimate sacrifice for the man she loves. Warning: this isn’t an easy film to watch, but it is BRILLIANT! Check out the trailer:

Here is how IMDB describes the film: “Drama set in a repressed, deeply religious community in the north of Scotland, where a naive young woman named Bess McNeil meets and falls in love with Danish oil-rig worker Jan.

Bess and Jan are deeply in love but, when Jan returns to his rig, Bess prays to God that he returns for good.

Jan does return, his neck broken in an accident aboard the rig. Because of his condition, Jan and Bess are now unable to enjoy a sexual relationship and Jan urges Bess to take another lover and tell him the details. As Bess becomes more and more deviant in her sexual behavior, the more she comes to believe that her actions are guided by God and are helping Jan recover.

Bess McNeill: “I don’t make love with them, I make love with Jan and I save him from dying.”

Emily Watson gives one of the most honest, uncompromising performances as a woman who believes she will heal her husband – and makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to do so.

Kudos To Lars Von Trier!

This is a controversial movie, part of Von Trier’s obsession with women who make sacrifices for a greater good – see “Dancer In The Dark” and from last year, “Melancholia”. He is a brilliant director, and the ending of the film is amazing…

Check out all of von Trier’s previous films, and I cannot wait for “Nymphomaniac” in all of its parts! Check out this amazing website for the film!

http://www.nymphomaniacthemovie.com/

You want to surprise your film buff this holiday season?

Here’s a sure way to make a loved one smile…

Talk about a happy holiday! Sure, you can buy Oscar-winning films, acclaimed documentaries, and “Breaking Bad” box sets – OR you can go a different direction…

Remember what they said: to each his own – and let’s be honest, it’s virtually ALL “his own” when it comes to this type of film – that said, I have gotten a lot of interest from female fans of exploitation films as well – especially movies like this:

Behold Japan’s “Machine Girl!” Trust me when I tell you she has revenge on her mind – a a HUGE machine gun attached to her arm! This new genre of “J-sploitation” is a great holiday gift, as well as some of these more aggressively outrageous films in the exploitation genre, like:

It’s An “Exploitation” Holiday!

If you want to give your film fanatic a thrill this holiday season, I’ve got just the gifts for you! Time to look at ten of the wildest “sexploitation” classics you can buy this holiday for the film buff in your life! I will share some, shall we say, “obscure” titles…

And I will share some that are among the most legendary films ever committed to celluloid – and are just plain, well – WRONG:

They are ALL fascinating examples of a bygone era of movie making – and thanks to some great independent film companies, you can enjoy them now as well!

“Sexploitation” Lives!

If you are new to the genre, “Sexploitation” describes a class of low-budget film generally associated with the 1960s and 70′s and serving largely, as wikipedia describes:

“A vehicle for the exhibition of non-explicit sexual situations and gratuitous nudity.”

Can’t argue with that! And if you do, you can expect to get roughed up a bit:

This is the classic sexploitation film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” And there are a number of legendary sexploitation stars as well…like Christina Lindberg!

“The Godfather” Of Grindhouse!

Let’s get started with your shopping list – the ten wildest sexploitation movies ever, beginning with “The Godfather” of the genre, starring Christina Lindberg of course!

#10 – Thriller: A Cruel Picture – AKA “They Call Her One Eye!”

Yes, I started with the most controversial exploitation film of them all – and to many fans, the best one as well!

I have posted about this several times already – it is the “Godfather of Grindhouse”…and one of the most legendary as well! It was originally released on grindhouse screens in the US in the early 70′s as “They Call Her One-Eye” – and even “Hooker’s Revenge”, although she’s not a hooker!

Director Quentin Tarantino expressed his admiration for both the film and Lindberg’s performance, and she later served as an inspiration for Darryl Hannah’s character in Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” films.

Here is Quentin more recently with Christina, who he greatly admired, for good reason!

Take a look at the classic trailer, with the US grindhouse title:

Lindberg plays Frigga, who lives with her parents on their farm. Unable to speak after being horrifically raped by an elderly man when she was young, her parents spend the majority of their money on speech therapy classes for their daughter in the hope that one day, she will speak again. One day, Frigga misses the bus to get to her speech therapy class.

She accepts a ride off a suave looking gentlemen named Tony who pulls up beside her. Once they are in town, he takes her for a meal. Afterwards, he takes Frigga back to what appears to be his bachelor pad. He gives her wine that has been drugged, as she passes out.

The man then takes no time in bringing a crooked doctor in to get her fixed on high class heroin.

But Christina escapes after being partially blinded in a brutal attack, and trains herself for the ultimate revenge!

“The Roughest Revenge Movie Ever Made!” Sez Quentin Tarantino!

“Thriller” is a classic of the genre – chock full of sex, violence and revenge!

Quentin Tarantino called it “the roughest revenge movie ever made”, and recommended that actress Daryl Hannah watch the film to prepare for her role in “Kill Bill” as the one-eyed killer Elle Driver.

A long standing rumor surrounding the film was that a real corpse was used for the scene where Madeleine’s eye is taken out with a scalpel. In a March 2006 interview, Christina Lindberg confirmed this. The body was of a young girl who had committed suicide. Makeup was added to the eye, and the shot was filmed in the hospital that had received the body!

If you don’t appreciate grindhouse cinema, DO NOT buy this one. But these films were all european made, and they exhibit a style and mood that is unlike some of the more outrageous US releases at the time…and they are an important part of film history as well…

Honorable mention: ALL other Christina Lindberg movies!

Yes, EVERY single Christina Lindberg film is a sexploitation classic! “Exposed” is one of her great movies, “Anita” is another!

As you can see, Christina Lindberg was the “Queen Of Artsploitation!”

Click on the story below to find out all about this fascinating woman – and see more of her classic films!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Now, we continue in Europe for what is, for me, one of the wildest, most depraved grindhouse films found by the Danish!

9 – The Sinful Dwarf!

Let’s take a look at “THE MOTHER OF ALL DWARFSPLOITATION FILMS!!”

This 1974 Danish film was recently uncovered after years of being lost, and let me tell you, they found a wild wild WILD movie!

“A young bride, left alone to the lewd passions of an evil dwarf!”

Meet the film’s star – the diminutive former kiddie-show host Torben Bille – who looks disturbingly like Jack Black in a trash compactor -

The Sinful Dwarf is the pint-sized pervert who imprisons drugged teenage sex slaves in the attic of his drunken mother’s decrepit rooming house…and that’s just the first ten minutes!

Poor Anne Sparrow!

Anne Sparrow stars in the film as well. Just look at this description of her, from the cover art on the DVD:

“The delicious Anne Sparrow – in her first and understandably only screen role – co-stars in this towering achievement in graphic depravity, now fully restored from a 35mm print discovered hidden in a janitor’s closet at the Danish Film Institute!”

Anne Sparrow certainly had a good reason NEVER TO ACT AGAIN – Oh, did I mention that our Sinful Dwarf has a Mom – a Mom who is CRAZY – and yes, she SINGS!

You will never clean your ears the same way again…and yes, that’s right – this movie was not only found in a janitor’s closet in Denmark – but they chose not to throw it out!

You will NEVER see a more bizarre film than “The Sinful Dwarf” – and yes, it’s as “euro-sleazy” as they come…this is grindhouse at its best – or worst!

#8 – Mantis In Lace!

Here’s another classic for you – with a plot that is almost “too wild” to believe!

Lila is a good-natured go-go dancer who strips at a seedy topless bar on the Sunset Strip. After ingesting LSD, Lila becomes a psychopathic serial killer.

Read This Carefully!

Now listen to how crazy this plot gets: she continues to pick up men at the bar where she is employed, but:

after her sanity is lost she routinely is interrupted mid-coitus by psychedelic bad trips in which she visualizes a balding, half-naked old man clutching wads of cash in one hand and a bunch of bananas in the other.

Yes, you read that right! Here is what that “half-naked old man clutching wads of cash” looks like:

And of course, the poster for this classic piece of sexploitation lives forever – behind The President and Vice President! How funny that Obama and Biden visited a hamburger stand that proudly showcased the film right behind them!

Well, it could have been worse, I suppose….perhaps like this?

#7 – Lorna The Exorcist!

Legendary softcore filmmaker Jess Franco made a ton of great sexploitation movies: stuff like “The Hot Nights Of Linda” and “Female Vampire”, both starring sex kitten Lina Romay…

Did I mention she was his wife and longtime creative partner? One of their most shocking films of all is this strange classic:

“Lorna The Exorcist” is a pure european arthouse shocker: like many of the Christina Lindberg films, there are long, moody shots interrupted by a surprisingly amount of nudity – and Lina was an exhibitionist – so the nudity part was never a problem…

You can read more about this fascinating Actress – and the Director who filmed her wildest movies – by clicking on the link here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

And you have to see the end of “Lorna”, which has Lina’s most dramatic acting ever!

Time to head back to the states and praise a maverick Director who let his passions – and obsessions – play out on drive-in movie screens across America!

#6 – Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

It’s got one of the greatest – and most iconic – movie titles in film history: and it also introduced the world to the toughest, most independent – and yes, most liberated women in exploitation!

Director Russ Meyer LOVED women – and he loved to highlight them in his films, which were full of liberated, progressive, ASS-KICKING LADIES!

There is no denying the impact “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” had in America. It tore down all sorts of barriers in films: lots of sex, violence, and nudity – plus a strong, feminist point of view! For that, Meyer deserves some credit, even though his films certainly oogled his female stars in pure “sexploitation” fashion…

As Russ Meyer would say himself, one is never enough, so to see ALL of his amazing work, head to the post I have right here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

“Giallo” To You, Too!

Time to head to Italy for what is a fascinating genre of film, most effectively captured in all of his nudity and bloodshed by the nicely titled:

#5 – Strip Nude For Your Killer!

This movie has a lurid title to be sure, but it’s really a well done suspense thriller about a killer on the loose in Rome.

A fashion photographer is suspected, and of course, he shoots LOTS of pictures of nude models, so it is up to him to solve the crime…

As I said, these italian suspense films were very popular in the 70′s, and they are good movies as well – even with outrageous titles!

If you are unfamiliar with the classic genre “italian giallo”, then click on here for find out all about Europe’s “pulp fiction”!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/09/time-to-strip-nude-four-flies-and-baba-yaga-to-you-yes-its-classic-italian-giallo/

From Italy, time to head to the other side of the world, where they are indeed turning sexploitation upside down!

#4 – Robo Geisha!

RoboGeisha! - 2009. Yes, this is a film about a robotic Geisha. If you want to jump right into the deep end of the japanese j-sploitation “crazy pool”, this is the movie to start you off!

Here is the plot: Yoshie, the younger and ill-treated sister of a renowned Geisha, is discovered to have natural strength and fighting ability. She’s recruited into an army of Geisha assassins by the rich and powerful owner of a steel-works, Kageno. During training large (and interesting) parts of their bodies are altered into weaponry directly linked to their brains.

Let’s stop for a second and repeat one line:

parts of their bodies are altered into weaponry.

So what you see above you is a “buttsword”. Yes, it is. She has a sword that comes out of her butt. And that is just the beginning….they also have breast machine guns!

Did I mention that the film features Tengu Warriors – who wear red penis noses?

“Fried Shrimp!”

Did I mention that one girl plunges fried shrimp into the eyes of her enemy?

That’s right: FRIED SHRIMP!

And yes, she has a rotating buzzsaw face…but did you expect less? This movie is CRAZY!

Now, to continue our trip into fantasy land…

#3 – Alice In Wonderland

Yes, this is one of the strangest, and most erotic films of the 70′s – an adult telling of the story of Alice – but this trip is a completely DIFFERENT kind of wonderland!

In this notorious X-rated version of the story, Alice is a virginal librarian, cheerful and outgoing, who acts and dresses younger than her age. While daydreaming about reliving her life, a white rabbit taps her on the shoulder, and she follows him to Wonderland, where playful animals and people introduce her to her imagination and to pleasure.

Kristine DeBell stars as the virginal Alice, who learns alot obout life while down the rabbit hole…

This movie was a big hit – and a rare example of a sexploitation film that highlights comedy and characters over sex and violence…

Now, back to our buddy Jess Franco, and one of his action adventure films…

#2 – Countess Perverse!

Bullseye!

Here is another aspect of a classic sexploitation movie – with a classic film plot that gets twisted, exploitation style! In a play on “The Rules Of The Game”, Jess Franco takes the concept of hunting humans and puts his “euro-sleaze” take on it – he gets a woman to hunt down and kill people – naked!

Alice Arno stars as the naked hunter – and, since it is a Jess Franco film, Lina Romay is back – as the hunted!

The plot is simple: a young girl stumbled upon a castle on an island – and discovers that she is scheduled AS the next meal!

There is SO much nudity in this film that it’s almost hard to concentrate – but then again, that IS the point of the genre:

And once you see a naked woman hunt another naked woman with a bow and arrow, your life will never be the same…

So how this this whole genre begin? I’ve written about it before, but in a nutshell, the sexual revolution of the sixties created an opportunity for savvy Producers to sell “SEX SEX SEX” even if they really didn’t have any sex to show!

#1 – A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!

This film is #1 on my list of the greatest sexploitation movies because it encapsulates everything I have been talking about!

First of all, look at that title: pure sexploitation perfection! This early 60′s film is amazingly tame, even by sexploitation standards, but it acts like it’s a cautionary tale of drugs, sex and sin!

“I May Be A Bitch, But I’ll NEVER Be A Butch!”

Here is a brief scene from the movie that captures everything that makes early sexploitation films so much fun!

This is classic sexploitation: wayward young women discovering how gritty the streets of a big city can be:

Of course, these women grow up fast – meeting all the wrong guys, and finding themselves in the most adult of situations:

So there you have it – ten of the wildest movies you can give someone – films that celebrate an more innocent time, when audiences could still be shocked and amazed at the depravity all around them…enjoy your holiday viewing!

Yes, It’s Jenna Jameson And Sylvester Stallone!

Wait until you hear the story behind this picture!

OK, this was designed to be, as it is known in TV, as a “deep tease.” You will have to keep reading to find out how I ended up taking this picture of Jenna Jameson and Sylvester Stallone – it’s all part of a birthday celebration of sorts…

Two Years Of Posting!

Yes, it’s the two year anniversary of this blog! When my wife Alex suggested I start this blog two years ago today, she thought it would be a fun creative outlet. She had NO idea it could lead to THIS:

Yes, I used that trust Alex placed in me to share things like this “bacon cube burger”, and some of you have thanked me for it. I have also shared things like THIS:

If you don’t recognize this image, consider yourself lucky. (Yes, it’s The Bee Gees as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band!) While this blog has been a fun project for me, it has also turned into much more: it’s been a way to share a wide variety of stories of interest to me, and more importantly, it has been a great way to meet a lot of new people with similar passions…like all of the Todd Rundgren fans I’ve met…

521,270 Strong!

I wanted to update everyone on the blog, and of course to thank all of you who take the time to read it. Last year at this time, I had just cracked 104,000 views.

In the last year, I saw a huge increase in the average daily traffic to the site – thanks in part to the huge amount of interest in things like the Eagles reunion tour, which you can see above – as well as the large number of people who have been interested in seeing just HOW Marlon Brando remembered his lines on the set of “The Godfather”:

As you can see, he DIDN’T! Yes, that is Robert Duvall holding cue cards for Brando! That story has been very popular, and if you missed it, here it is:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/20/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories/

I also shared Clemenza’s recipe for meatballs – you know, when you need to feed a dozen guys after you “go to the mattresses”:

So, thanks to all of you, I smashed through a half a million views for the blog! I wanted to not only thank everyone for their support, but to share some of the most popular stories – and preview what is still to come!

Cool It, Ringo!

So, what have people responded to most? Well, it’s been everything from crazy stuff like this picture of Ringo and Raquel Welch clowning around on the set of the cult classic “The Magic Christian”…in fact, these guys always do great:

The Beatles never cease to interest people, and rightly so – my single most viewed story of last year was this one – looking at the “lost” Beatles documentary, “Let It Be”:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/04/06/let-it-be-the-beatles-lost-documentary-londons-live-beatles-rooftop-concert/

Over 49,000 views for this story so far – as always, The Beatles have spoken…well, at least their fans! And speaking of rabid fans, let’s hear it for “Jerseylicious!”

“Jerseylicious” Forever!

Thanks as well to the terrific cast of “Jerseylicious”, and to the fans who love them…my wife Alex Duda created this show in 2009, and in the five seasons so far I’ve been lucky enough to befriend many of the incredibly talent people followed on the show…

Oliva is not only “America’s Sweetheart”, she’ a terrific makeup artist – and a wonderful person as well…Tracy is also great, and yes, she got married in the “still to be seen” season six of the series…

I’ve had an amazing amount of interest in my behind-the-scenes looks at the show…like when Gigi, Tracy and Olivia visited Steve Harvey:

It was a great year for the team – I had more than 11,000 views of the story about the “Jerseylicious” book by Anthony and Olivia – with amazing cast pictures by Karl Giant!

So many fun posts so far, and more “Jerseylicious” to come….you know, THE WEDDING…

In addition to stories about TV and movies, I also love posting stories about music…including stories about the eagles, Paul McCartney, great new female singer/songwriters like Grace Potter, the best and worst Jame Bond themes, and of course:

“Todd Is God!”

Todd fans know what that means, and they showed it in a big way this year…I want to thank the Todd Rundgren fans who have really shown support for this blog, including a retweet from Todd himself! Here is that story:

http://musicplatter.com/2013/11/01/laura-nyro-todd-rundgrens-muse-todds-retweet/

The original story was about Todd’s friendship with Laura Nyro, an amazing singer/songwriter…and apparently Todd approved!

I posted this story and got a retweet from Todd’s twitter account – which was really cool – I’ve also been lucky enough to have been acknowledged by Director William Friedkin, Actress Rebel Wilson and the legendary singer/songwriter Paul Williams….among many others who have RT’d my stories and shared them with friends…

You can always sign up to receive all of the music-specific stories here:

http://musicplatter.com

What’s With All The Sites?

I’m sorry if I confused some of you with the “topic-specific” sub-sites, but here’s an explanation: When I started blogging, Alex suggested a title that would capture what the site was all about – but as you see, it’s about a lot of different stuff! So I used my name as an easy entry point…

Well, maybe not so easy, since my entire life has seen RIEBER spelled “REIBER”…So, to resolve the confusion, here’s how it works…I post virtually every single day on Johnrieber.com. I hope you all sign up to get notifications – so you won’t miss anything like THIS:

Yes, “Love Actually” is my favorite holiday film…well, except maybe for “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”…and in case you missed this post, here is a list of ALL of the best holiday films:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/23/amazing-love-actually-facts-rare-wonderful-life-photos-the-best-holiday-movies-ever/

You see, Del Griffith understands! You don’t have to do anything to get a wide variety of stories from me – just stop by Johnrieber.com and see what’s new…and, if you want more on a certain type of subject, the mini-sites are a way for you to take a blog shortcut:

If you need a quick “bacon fix”, you don’t have to look through the 500+ posts on Johnrieber.com …because “biteeatswallow” has a bacon tab that will take you immediate to this:

Yes, you know I will always have bacon for you somewhere!

Bite Down Hard!

I enjoy posting about strange and unique food items – or as you can see above, “bacon superheroes”…and of course, I love burgers, like this ramen burger from Japan:

And you can never go wrong with a slider…I have posted many recipes for making unique sliders from around the world, like this incredible one from Japan – the “wasabi avocado slider”!

I post all of the food stories on this site first, but later I also post them on a more-specific site devoted to the wacky world of food – like this food stadium to make for Super Bowl Sunday!

Remember, any time you need a burger fix – or any other food stories, you can always go here:

http://biteeatswallow.com

Something like this will ALWAYS be waiting!

Time For A Fight!

I was most excited this year to start the “film fight club!” This allowed you to hammer down on the important film arguments of the day!

The purpose of “Film Fight Club” is solely to argue about movies we love, hate, and love to hate!
This is where you can discuss your favorite James Bond theme song, as well as why you think “The Human Centipede” is a misunderstood masterpiece!

And yes, I got lots of hate comments from fans of “Centipede”, who couldn’t understand why I called it “misguided”! Check out all of the film battles here!

http://filmfightclub.com/

Forget movies, let’s see the world!

I know that some of you enjoy vacationing here:

Let’s Travel The World!

Yep, for those of you who love to travel the world – well, I’ve got you covered: whether it’s Barcelona’s amazing aerial trams, which give you an amazing sky-high view of this incredible city, or surfing with Sasha Grey on Australia’s Bondi Beach…

I posted a number of stories recounting my G4 shoot in Australia with Sasha Grey: everything from her surfing Bondi Beach – to getting photo bombed by live sharks:

I always have to remind people that there was NOTHING between Sasha and those sharks…and then there was this clip of Sasha in the tallest building in the southern hemisphere – by far the most popular video I posted, with more than 24,000 views:

Sasha went 88 stories high in Melbourne, Australia’s Eureka tower – just one of the many travel adventures I’ve been able to share. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some really fun places, and I’ve gotten a great response from people when I post these stories on “spinningorbit”, which you can check out here:

http://spinningorbit.com/

So, I want to thank everyone who has read a story, and I hope you come back for many more in the years ahead…there have been many fun adventures – interesting people, places and food – so what is next?

Year Three…

Here is a tease: there are more great adventures to come, including my legendary trip to Thailand with Jenna Jameson!

And it wasn’t just us…we hung out with Sylvester Stallone too!

More on that trip soon – really one of my most unique travel adventures ever – and more on Tracy’s “Jerseylcious” wedding as well:

I also have some VERY unique food to share soon:

And I have some great stories about some of the best movies of the 70′s – films that deserve to be remembered, revered, and watched!

Yes, I will be telling the story of “The Getaway”, a classic action film that also caused a Hollywood scandal! And for fans of TRULY unique movies, I have some of the most amazing exploitation classics to share with you as well!

Yes, more crazy world cinema to share! You can always read about it by clicking here:

http://jrsploitation.com/

This is my mini-site devoted to the most unique and outrageous movies the world has ever offered!

And there is a whole world of entertainment still to explore! That’s just a sneak peek of what is still to come…see, there IS a reason to keep reading!

Thanks again to everyone for your support – as always, please leave comments pro, con, or “positively negative”…I enjoy hearing back from you – and thanks again for reading! I will leave you one last tease – a new post about Todd Rundgren and some of his neglected masterpieces is on the way…

Here’s proof: click on the link to enjoy Todd’s amazing live version of “Fade Away”…more to come on this as well!

Here’s a discussion you could lose your head over! It’s Friday the 13th, and that means it’s time to get scared!

Do you know this image? Well, it’s just one of the many films I’ve got for you today…

Our Friday The 13th Shockfest 2013!

It’s time to celebrate horror! And I know there are ALL kinds of scary movies. THIS is the image you expect to see on Friday the 13th:

Time to welcome Jason Vorhees back into your house! It’s the day we grab the scariest movies we can find and turn down the lights…and if you don’t invite your friends in, they will find a way to visit anyway…

I love scary movies…and there are SO many different ones to enjoy…so what are the best? I have my favorites of course…

Yes, it’s time to get completely “horrified” for Friday the 13th, and I wanted to share a wide variety of “horrific” directions you could go…like, say….

Wait, WHAT? Too much too soon? Then you certainly WON’T appreciate this:

Friday The 13th Is On!

One of the great arguments is the debate over what is the scariest movie of all time…there is so much classic horror, psychological terror, and just outright bloody good fun…

“Scream” certainly had it share of jolts – but also a self-awareness that undercut some of the horror….some people love that, some don’t…some just want to get to the kill…

To that end, is Michael Myers the scariest person in film? In 1978, “Halloween” shocked a nation eager for a new face of horror…does that make “Halloween” the scariest film of all time?

Some upscale movie fans think THIS is the face of horror…

Yes, “The Shining” is a great horror film to put on at night with the lights out….oh, and speaking of scary looks, this one’s pretty good too:

Um, does somebody want to tell sweet Regan that she is turned the wrong way and can’t see the TV? Seriously, you can’t go wrong with these two classic horror films, read more about “The Shining” and “The Exorcist” by clicking on here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/31/the-shining-room-237-the-exorcist-the-greatest-horror-movies-ever-made/

Need more? Sure you do!

“Evil Dead” Perhaps?

Without a doubt, the first “Evil Dead” has a lot of shocking moments, but the sequel added lots of laughs with the blood…undercutting the horror a bit….then again, you could go further along the supernatural route by trying “The Changeling”…

The brilliant “The Changeling” starring George C. Scott isn’t as well known as “Evil Dead”, but both deliver the goods! Click here to read about both!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/07/halloween-horror-bloody-tension-scary-changelings-and-the-evil-dead/

The above story includes some “Switchblade Romance” AKA “High Tension” as well – a slasher shocker that delivers!

“Light Comedy” Perhaps?

Well, you’ve come to the right place if you are one of the people who think THIS is a black comedy:

In 1974, this guy ran around with his friendly chainsaw and shocked audiences…the first example of “shock and awe” in movie theaters…

Yes, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is just about the most intensely scary film to watch in the dark, and you can read all about the classic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” as well as the brilliant – ORIGINAL – “Carrie” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/06/17/pea-soup-pigs-blood-and-grandpas-silver-hammer-the-horror-the-horror/

Yes, Brian DePalma’s “Carrie” is a perfect horror film: lots of blood, sweat and fears!

Or Maybe Just Hang With “Jessica”?

Oops, too late – she’s dead! Well, this is a classic creepy horror film, and so is “Rosemary’s Baby”, so check out both by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/26/rosemarys-baby-jessicas-scared-to-death-great-halloween-horror/

Talk about a colic-y baby!

So, every film on these lists is full of good scares – some creepy, some shocking…and then there is, for those of you who JUST NEED BLOOD:

Yep, “J-Sploitation” to the rescue! You have to check out these “over the top” bloody horror camp classic by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/15/tokyo-gore-for-halloween-behold-j-sploitation-nishimura-rules-extreme-japanese-cinema/

I promise you: you will NEVER find movies with more blood than these ones!

Well, that said, I MAY have found a challenger- or two – to the crown – also from overseas:

“Trouble Every Day”, Indeed!

Yep, those french sure do love to soak up the screen in the color red! And they aren’t alone! Check out these obscure horror classics from France, South Korea and Hong Kong – all GREAT horror films: “Trouble Every Day”, “Cold Fish” and “Dream Home” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/27/eye-popping-extreme-cinema-cold-fish-bloody-vampires-vengeance/

And speaking of foreign shock and scares…

Need some Italian “Pulp Fiction”?

While not “horror” like “The Exorcist”, there is a category of film known as the “Italian Giallo” film that features lots of shocks, scares, and mayhem!

These italian horror slashers will do the trick this Halloween for you:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/09/time-to-strip-nude-four-flies-and-baba-yaga-to-you-yes-its-classic-italian-giallo/

Yes, SHOCKING!

Now, In Case You Need Something Even MORE Distateful:

Yep, there is “Nazisploitation Horror” - you know, movies about how the Nazis avoided losing WW2 because they fled TO THE MOON – and are now coming back for revenge on the Earth – as Zombies! Bite down on this wacky horror trend by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/23/bad-taste-this-halloween-nazi-zombie-halloween-horror-halloween-party-movies/

Or, if you REALLY want to camp it up – get some “old lady horror!”

If you ever needed to see Debbie Reynolds in a horror film – and I really think you do – then this is the link for you!

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/09/old-lady-horror-crazy-ladies-chew-up-the-screen/

So, on this Friday the 13th weekend, I encourage you all to get scared, and let me know what your favorite horror film is!