“IF THIS PICTURE DOESN’T MAKE YOUR SKIN CRAWL – IT’S ON TOO TIGHT!”

On this 28th day of “Shocktober”, time to share one of the most shocking horror classics of the 70’s – and yes, your skin will crawl!

A classic 70’s horror film that has been rediscovered thanks to home video, “Black Christmas” is a tight, vicious thriller that is one of my top five horror films of all time!

Let’s look at the original trailer, which is not only lengthy at four minutes, but scary as hell as well:

The plot is straightforward: It’s time for Christmas break, and a group of sorority sisters make plans for the holiday – but then the horrifying anonymous phone calls begin. Olivia Hussey stars in the film…

Hussey starred in “Romeo & Juliet”, but this is no love story…one of the reasons the film works so well is that her performance is so grounded in reality – she is very much like Jamie Lee Curtis in “Halloween” – a “real” person who makes the horror all the more real…

Margot Kidder also stars as one of Olivia’s sorority sisters, and she’s got a wicked sense of humor and an acid tongue…this was just prior to her breakout role as Lois Lane in “Superman”…

Kidder really elevates the film with her caustic wit…and the film is full of familiar faces…

What A Cast!

Kier Dullea also stars in the movie – Dullea of course was in Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey…”

Great character Actor John Saxon also stars – and action movie fans will always remember him showcasing his kung fu moves in the Bruce Lee classic “Enter The Dragon.”

Since this was a low budget film, Keir Dullea worked only for a week, and never met Margot Kidder! He barely met John Saxon either, but the film is edited in such a way that he appears to be present throughout the film…

“Black Christmas” Fan Steve Martin!

Around 1986, Olivia Hussey met Steve Martin for a role in “Roxanne”, and Martin said “Oh my God Olivia, you were in one of my all time favorite films”. Hussey assumed it was her role in “Romeo and Juliet” – but she was surprised to find out it was “Black Christmas!” Martin claimed he had seen it over 20 times!

What’s amazing is that the Director, Bob Clark, also made one of the holiday’s greatest films – a beloved comedy!

That’s right, Clark also directed this classic – oh, and “Porky’s” as well! Read all about this under-appreciated Director here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/08/porkys-peepholes-christmas-horror-fra-gee-lay-director-bob-clarks-enduring-legacy/

It’s been a horrific Shocktober 2016 so far – yesterday, I shared what many feel is one of the greatest Directors tackling one of the most intense Halloween movies:

Yes, these two want to welcome you to the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick hung out for a few months and created “The Shining”:

See the iconic trailer – an elevator full of blood – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/27/the-shining-lights-up-shocktober-day-27-heres-johnny-kubricks-creepy-masterpiece/

Another classic horror film is from the great John Carpenter – yes, the Director of “Halloween” took it one step further in the 80’s with this horror classic:

See some amazing special effects by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/26/the-thing-shocks-halloween-horror-day-26-man-is-the-warmest-place-to-hide/

If you missed some of my Shocktober countdown, well you missed some neglected classics like this:

Here is a list of ten great scary movies to enjoy this weekend:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/24/shocktober-2016-ten-more-horror-classics-for-halloween/

And bravo to “Black Christmas”, #4 on my list of greatest Halloween shockers of all!

As these folks wander aimlessly toward a bloody end to “Shocktober 2016”, I am counting down my five favorite horror films…and on day #29, we reach #3 on my list – one of the most iconic horror films of all time!

The Iconic “Night Of The Living Dead!”

Take a moment to bow down to the great Director George Romero, who ushered in a new era of horror – with a film that has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time!

“Night Of The Living Dead” has grown more famous over the years, but almost never got made at all! It is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of Romero that he managed to get this film made! It was completed on a $114,000 budget and premiered October 1, 1968.

Here is the classic trailer:

The plot is straightforward: A shocking phenomenon has occurred: throughout the country, the dead have suddenly come back to life. A small group barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt the remain safe from these “walking dead.”

“Night of the Living Dead” is a master class in low budget filming. The script is razor sharp, the characters become clearly defined over the course of the movie, and the gore – well, let’s just say it was heavily criticized when it came out, because it was presented in a “reality” style that was shocking for its time!

The film has grown in critical stature over the years, and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, as a film deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The lead role of Ben was played by Duane Jones. He was an unknown stage actor. It was a major gamble for Romero to cast a Black Actor in the lead; in fact, one Reviewer said that the performance depicted Ben as a “comparatively calm and resourceful Negro”!

Here’s another interesting fact: the word “zombie” is never used in the film. According to IMDB, the most common euphemism used to describe the living dead is “those things,” or “ghouls.”

Can you imagine “The Walking Dead” existing if it wasn’t for this film?

According to the George A. Romero commentary track on one of the many special edition DVDs of the film, the original working print and working elements and materials for the film no longer exist – they were destroyed as a result of a flood that filled the basement where the materials were stored (which was the same basement used in the movie).

The sequels are also great in their own way, and Robero has gone on to make many other films as well – but this was a revelation in low-budget horror, and it will live forever as one of the greatest Halloween films ever released!

Here is another low-budget cult film that hanged horror forever – because “Black Christmas” created the eerie POV camera shot of the killer that was knocked off by every horror film since!

“Black Christmas” is a classic horror film – see the creepy movie trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/28/shocktober-day-28-the-classic-sorority-horror-of-black-christmas/

It’s been a horrific Shocktober 2016 so far – any month that brings Stanley Kubrick and Jack Nicholson together is perfect tin my book!

Yes, these two want to welcome you to the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick hung out for a few months and created “The Shining”:

See the iconic trailer – an elevator full of blood – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/27/the-shining-lights-up-shocktober-day-27-heres-johnny-kubricks-creepy-masterpiece/

Another classic horror film is from the great John Carpenter – yes, the Director of “Halloween” took it one step further in the 80’s with this horror classic:

See some amazing special effects by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/26/the-thing-shocks-halloween-horror-day-26-man-is-the-warmest-place-to-hide/

If you missed some of my Shocktober countdown, well you missed some neglected classics like this:

Here is a list of ten great scary movies to enjoy this weekend:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/24/shocktober-2016-ten-more-horror-classics-for-halloween/

Enjoy Shocktober!

The Exorcist!

Shocktober 2016 ends on a horrific high note: simply put, one of the greatest achievements in cinema, thanks to brilliant Director William Friedkin, one of the most shocking films ever made!

For those who are too young to remember, this film was a cultural phenomenon when it was released.

In 1973, “The Exorcist” shocked American moviegoers with its intense horror. Based on the bestselling novel, the film tells the story of 12-year old Regan, a quiet girl who begins to show some strange symptoms. The film creates a sense of dread that turns shocking – then never lets up!

Director William Friedkin made this two years after he won the Oscar for Best Picture for “The French Connection”…a Director at the top of his game, and a film that actually caused audience members to faint – that’s right, the media was having a field day with stories of audience members fainting or running out of the theater in shock!

“The Exorcist” was nominated for Best Picture of 1973 – and was a box office sensation. Ellyn Burstyn and Max Von Sydow star in the film, but the real star was a young girl who made a stunning movie debut:

Introducing Linda Blair!

Linda Blair was perfect as the young, angelic Regan – a quiet girl who begins to act strangely – her innocence in the early scenes is what makes what happens next in the film all the more shocking:

A Special Effects Roller Coaster!

“The Exorcist” included some of the most unique special effects ever seen. After some early scenes, things quickly spiral out of control:

Regan MacNeil: “My bed was shaking. I can’t get to sleep.”

That leads to the arrival of Father Damien, who has a talk with his evil adversary:

Demon: What an excellent day for an exorcism.
Father Damien Karras: You would like that?
Demon: Intensely.
Father Damien Karras: But wouldn’t that drive you out of Regan?
Demon: It would bring us together.
Father Damien Karras: You and Regan?
Demon: You and us.

A Cold, Cold Set!

Here is some great trivia about the making of the film. The refrigerated bedroom set was cooled with four air conditioners and temperatures would plunge to around 30 to 40 below zero. It was so cold that perspiration would freeze on some of the cast and crew. On one occasion the air was saturated with moisture resulting in a thin layer of snow falling on the set before the crew arrived for filming.

“The Exorcist’s” Iconic Dialogue!

The film is filled with legendary shocking moments, like when Regan “turns” to greet Father Karras:

This is one of the classic visual images from the film, which also has some iconic movie dialogue, like this:

Demon: “Your mother sucks cocks in Hell, Karras, you faithless slime!”

This film is so intense and scary that the original teaser trailer, which consisted of nothing but images of the white-faced demon quickly flashing in and out of darkness, was banned in many theaters, as it was deemed “too frightening”.

Cue The “Pea Soup!”

And then of course, there is the projectile vomiting scene!

The substance that the possessed Regan (Linda Blair) hurls at Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) is thick pea soup. Specifically, it’s Andersen’s brand pea soup. The crew tried Campbell’s but didn’t like the “effect.”

Tons of great stories and commentaries on the special edition blu-ray….check it out and relive a classic!

By the way, the star of the film, Linda Blair, went on to make a number of provocative movies – and a few photo shoots as well!

Yes, Linda grew up, alright! See some of her movies and photos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/16/linda-blairs-head-spinning-photo-shoots-from-exorcist-to-explicit-tv-movie-born-yesterday/

For me, “The Exorcist” is the most intense, horrific film ever made, but here is my second favorite Halloween film:

Director Brian DePalma’s “Carrie” is shocking, but also a great character study with incredible performances by Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolta, Nancy Allen and Amy Irving – and of course, PJ Soles as well!

Here is a look at this classic film, with some great “Star Wars” trivia as well!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/30/shocktober-day-30-brilliant-carrie-brian-depalmas-horror-classics-star-wars-connection/

So it’s been an incredible month of shocks, like this black’n’white classic from 1968 that changed the way we looked at Zombies forever:

There would be no “Walking Dead” without this masterpiece of horror from Director George Romero. Check out some great trivia here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/29/shocktober-day-29-the-revelatory-horror-of-night-of-the-living-dead/

Another low budget horror film created the POV killer film technique:

This shocking classic from 1976 is a must-see for horror fans, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/28/shocktober-day-28-the-classic-sorority-horror-of-black-christmas/

One of the greatest special effects horror shows ever was this classic:

Kurt Russell stars in John Carpenter’s shock fest – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/26/the-thing-shocks-halloween-horror-day-26-man-is-the-warmest-place-to-hide/

If you missed some of my Shocktober countdown, well you missed some neglected classics like this:

Here is a list of ten great scary movies to enjoy this weekend:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/24/shocktober-2016-ten-more-horror-classics-for-halloween/

If those aren’t enough for you, well I have you covered with even more great horror, like a night with this guy:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/12/the-first-ten-days-of-shocktober-chainsaws-naked-vampires-scream-queens-clowns-galore/

A big month for classic horror, ending on the shocking – head-turning – high note of “The Exorcist!”

Two Legendary Actors Bite Into A Crime!

Here is a great new movie to share: two incredible actors working for one of the most eclectic Writer/Directors in film…and of course, it comes with a bit of controversy!

Talk About “Dog Eat Dog!”

Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe star in “Dog Eat Dog” for Director Paul Schrader.

Schrader is no stranger to controversy in his career, but here is a social media post he shared discussing what happened with his 2014 collaboration with Nicolas Cage:

“The Angel Dust Of Crime Fiction!”

Talk about saying it like it is! It’s well known that the film was taken away from Schrader, and he disavowed the final release. He also reached out to Nicolas Cage to ask him for another collaboration, this time to “get it right!”

The result of that call is “Dog Eat Dog”, based on the 1995 novel of same name by Edward Bunker, the late great Writer – and “Mr. Blue” in Quentin Tarantino’s classic crime drama “Reservoir Dogs!”

So Schrader had great material to work with, and two great Actors that he’s collaborated with before. Here is the trailer….

The plot is simple: A crew of ex-cons are hired by a Cleveland mafioso to kidnap the baby of a rival mobster. From there, things spin quickly out of control.

This is Schrader’s third collaboration with Nicolas Cage – Schrader previously wrote Scorsese’s “Bringing Out the Dead” as well as the controversial “Dying of the Light”.

This is the 7th collaboration between Paul Schrader and Willem Dafoe!

Schrader’s Movie Debut!

Here is great trivia from IMDB:

“Paul Schrader said he approached Michael Wincott, Michael Douglas, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Nick Nolte, Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum and Rupert Everett for the role of Greco the Greek, but it didn’t work out with any of them. In the end, to avoid going over budget, he played the role himself in what will be his acting debut!”

Director Paul Schrader has an incredible career: getting off to an iconic start when he wrote this screenplay:

Taxi Driver!

One of the greatest films ever was full of great dialogue and powerfully violent scenes…see how they celebrated the 40th anniversary of Travis Bickle here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

Schrader also wrote and directed a powerful film in the 70’s that showcased Richard Pryor in a terrific performance:

Blue Collar!

This is one of Pryor’s best performances..see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/28/richard-pryor-brilliantly-funny-violently-dramatic-his-most-incendiary-work/

Of course, Schrader directed one of the most controversial films of the 70’s as well:

Hardcore

This movie was filmed in actual XXX-rated shops in LA and San Francisco, as a midwest Businessman goes looking for his missing daughter…see the powerful trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/28/hardcore-a-journey-into-70s-porn-hell-classic-george-c-scott-performance/

Schrader also directed “American Gigolo” with Richard Here, and the intense “Cat People” remake in the mid-80’s…he also directed one of the first stars I ever worked with:

“Auto Focus”

Paul Schrader told the sordid story of Actor Bob Crane, whose obsession with porn – and women – was his downfall. Willem Dafoe is amazing in this film, as is Greg Kinnear, who I worked with when he hosted “Talk Soup” on E!

Here is a look at this great film, one of three neglected movies you should check out:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/30/sex-crazed-stars-tabloid-wars-and-tough-guys-too-little-seen-movie-gems/

Schrader never shied away from controversial subject matter, which is why this film got so much attention upon release a few years ago:

“The Canyons” was Lindsay Lohan’s comeback attempt, and another controversial film from Schrader. See the trailer and find out why the casting of this film was so controversial:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/15/lindsay-lohan-from-mean-girl-to-the-canyons/

Finally, if you want to read a great interview with the Director about all of his work, including “Dog Eat Dog”, click on this story from Indiewire:

http://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/paul-schrader-dog-eat-dog-the-canyons-1201743496/

I can’t wait to see “Dog Eat Dog”!

Time To Grab A Book And Read!

I spent the entire month of October highlighting horror films, so let’s get into November with some great Writers who deserve to get some attention as well!

Time For Great “Nordic Noir!”

Norwegian Author Jo Nesbo has published a number of best-selling novels, but his series of Harry Hole Detective novels are classic “Nordic Noir”: dark, moody thrillers with a flawed Protagonist…Harry Hole is his version of “Dirty Harry.”

Here is a look at all of Nesbo’s great work:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/16/jo-nesbo-police-brilliant-new-nordic-noir-harry-hole-novels-in-order/

Jussi Adler-Olsen is a terrific Danish Writer, who created a series of great crime novels around “Department Q”:

These novels are terrific – with lots of interesting political insight into that part of the world…take a look at his Department Q thrillers here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/21/classic-nordic-noir-terrific-crime-fiction-from-department-q-jo-nesbos-harry-hole-novels-rock/

Time to share my favorite Author of all time – the mad Hippie of the 60’s who delivered decades of wonderful books like this:

“Trout Fishing In America” is Richard Brautigan’s masterpiece, but he did so much more…here is a look at some of his greatest work:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/22/watermelons-babylon-and-trout-fishing-in-america-the-brilliant-richard-brautigan/

Another legendary Writer is the iconic Charles Bukowski, who used his real life as a postal worker – and notorious drinker – to his advantage:

Bukowski’s book are profane, angry, and brilliant….see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/09/barfly-tales-of-sex-alcohol-the-post-office-brilliant-writer-charles-bukowski/

Oh, and speaking of profane and brilliant:

Yes, the master of them all: the late Hunter S. Thompson! He not only wrote the seminal “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas”, he lived the wildest life a Writer could hope for – oh, and he interviewed fellow wild man Keith Richards!

Thanks to the internet, this mad exchange exists to watch! Check out the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/08/amazing-gonzo-tv-the-legendary-hunter-s-thompson-keith-richards-interview/

There you go, now READ!

Looking for some over-the-top camp 80’s classics? Starring these three?

Have Some Fun With Quigley, Stevens & Bauer!

It would be the most popular law firm EVER: 80’s sex kittens Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens and Michael Bauer teamed up on a few of the best 80’s cult horror movies of all – including this film, which was done on a dare!

Meet The “Nightmare Sisters!”

Here is a movie that was made in the most unique way ever – a creative team dared to make use of some extra leftover film!

Here is how the movie is described by the great website Mondo Digital:

“Shot over a long weekend, this self-proclaimed “4 Day Wonder” began as a dare to director David DeCoteau to throw together a single-location shoot using 35mm short ends after the completion of his successful Full Moon feature, ‘Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-a-Rama’.”

The website adds:

“Three of his leading ladies (who would remain with him for years in a variety of other scream queen projects) — Linnea Quigley, Michelle Bauer, and Brinke Stevens — gladly jumped at the chance to star in a T&A comic horror fantasy while getting to stretch a bit by playing both sorority nerds and demonic temptresses.”

And cult movie fans are happy they wanted to have some fun!

So here are three of the 80’s most popular cult movie queens – Quigley, Bauer and Stevens as nerds – clearly having fun playing goofy…and then of course, here they are as demonic temptresses:

Where’s The Skin?

While the movie that was released on blu-ray is chock full of nudity, an alternative cut was created for television…as Mondo Digital reports:

“An alternate TV version clocks in at almost the exact same running time but replaces the nude scenes (especially the very, very long one in the middle of the film) with different takes involving the actresses in lingerie and some different scenes (shot much later) with them bouncing around on a bed instead of frolicking in the bathtub!”

There is PLENTY of skin on display, as any good 80’s camp horror film would have…Mondo Digital also goes into the extensive extra content included in the blu-ray release, including some great audio commentary by the cast and crew….see the whole story here:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/nightmaresisters.html

And of course, major kudos once again to “Vinegar Syndrome”, and mazing home video company working to keep movies like this alive!

Vinegar Syndrome is remastering and releasing these gems with tons of great extras, uncut editions, etc. I have posted about them before, for work on classic underground films like these!

“The Telephone Book” is a crazy, obscure film from the 70’s the Vinegar Syndrome brought back to life…see some crazy material from it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/25/the-telephone-book-a-legendary-mind-blowing-obscure-cult-classic/

Vinegar also gave us such classics as this:

Yes, Vinegar Syndrome is the place to go for great cult films…see more of them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/28/a-saint-a-woman-a-devil-classic-vinegar-from-a-syndrome-you-need-to-control/

This is the kind of “anything goes” attitude from cinema that is missing in film today…and the three Actresses in “Nightmare Sisters” have a ton of great camp films to enjoy…right Linnea?

Yes, Linnea Quigley became known as one of Hollywood’s legendary Scream Queens, and she continues to work today, as well as tour the country – making personal appearances at cult movie festivals:

She also wrote her autobiography…see so much more from Linnea here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/28/scream-queen-linnea-quigley-naked-graveyard-dancing-horror-demons-too/

Let me know your favorite 80’s horror gems!

Happy Birthday Bruce Lee!

Today would have been Bruce Lee’s 77th birthday – the greatest action movie star of all time….and here is the proof!

Yes, he battles Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – and he took on “tough guy” Check Norris as well – in fact, he was the greatest on-screen fighter we’ve ever seen…

However, his physical prowess wasn’t just proven on the movie screen – you see, Lee was just as amazing as you saw in the movies in real life as well!

First, Shout Factory has the great Bruce Lee film “Game Of Death” – check out this Nunchuck fight scene:

Nunchuck Ping Pong!

Here is another example of just how amazing an athlete Bruce Lee was. Early in his career, to promote a cell phone from Nokia, Bruce Lee was sponsored by Nokia in a Ping Pong tournament. But as a twist:

Bruce Lee Plays Ping Pong With Nunchucks!

Check out this amazing video!

DJ Bruce Lee!

Bruce Lee died tragically in the early 70’s, just as he was achieving super stardom. He has become an iconic figure – and apparently the hippest DJ of all time as well!

Here are some pictures of Robert Downey Jr, when he was promoting the last “Avenger” film…you can see who his inspiration is…

Yep, “Iron Man” is sporting a “DJ Bruce Lee” T-shirt – and I love it! Lee is an iconic action figure, and his work will last forever…oh yes, and you can buy one of these as well!

So kudos to Robert Downey Jr. for his good taste, and let me take a moment to remind you of just why Bruce Lee was so cool …

“Remember: the enemy has only images and illusions behind which he hides his true motives. Destroy the image and you will break the enemy.”

This philosophy may be from the classic action film “Enter The Dragon”, but it speaks to the life of Bruce Lee, one of the most iconic figures of all time.

Bruce Lee was the founder of Jeet Kune Do, and is widely considered to be the most influential martial artist of all time.

Lee was born in San Francisco to parents from Hong Kong – and was raised in Kowloon, just outside of Hong Kong, with his family until his late teens. Lee moved to the United States at the age of 18 to receive his higher education, and it was during this time that he began teaching martial arts. He trained many celebrities, including James Coburn, and it helped him break into films with this mesmerizing scene from “Marlowe.”

What a movie entrance! Bruce Lee also starred in the TV series “The Green Hornet” as Kato, and then went back to Hong Kong to star in an action movie that would propel him to stardom. “The Big Boss” elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, leading to his masterpiece…

“Enter The Dragon” is the greatest martial arts movie ever made – and it made Lee a superstar. Lee starred in five movies: The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972) and Way of the Dragon (1972), directed and written by Lee – this is the film in which he fights Chuck Norris in the Rome Coliseum!

Enter The Dragon Trailer!

Here’s the trailer for the film that made Bruce Lee a super star:

In “Enter the Dragon”, Bruce played an undercover agent who enters a martial arts tournament in order to infiltrate a drug smuggler’s operation. Character Actor and martial arts afficianado John Saxon also starred and showed off his moves, along with the very under-rated action star Jim Kelly.

Jim Kelly went on to star in such grindhouse classics as “Black Belt Jones” – he was a kick-ass action star who never really broke out big…

And then came tragedy. Bruce Lee died in Hong Kong three weeks before the film’s premiere in 1973. He had already finished filming his next movie, called “Game Of Death” before he died of a brain aneurism. The movie, which was completed after his death, includes footage from Lee’s real-life funeral.

Bruce Lee Vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!

“Game of Death” included an amazing fight between Lee and basketball super star Kareen Abdul-Jabbar…here it is:

Bruce Lee was an amazing Athlete, talented Actor and Director, and an iconic figure…so much so that he lives on today like this!

And as I mentioned before, Jim Kelly co-starred with Bruce Lee in “Enter The Dragon” – he was a great star in the world of 70’s blaxploitation action film – here is a look at his great career:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/30/rip-jim-kelly-bruce-lees-kung-fu-partner-blaxploitation-master/

The other co-star in “Enter The Dragon” was the great character actor John Saxon…

You can read all about this terrific actor here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/06/john-saxon-kicks-bruce-lees-ass-classic-kung-fu-action-euro-crime-master/

So it’s time to get the special edition blu-ray of “Enter The Dragon” – and go out and get some DJ Bruce Lee too!

Meet Action Star Weng Weng!

Can you imagine a new movie starring this action hero? As you can see, he’s a BIT SMALLER than his co-stars:

I have written about this diminutive action star before, but now there is a documentary that tells his whole story!

This terrific new movie tells Weng Weng’s whole story – and has some amazing scenes, like this one, where the documentary Director sits down with Imelda Marcos!

Yes, the wife of the late Dictator Ferdinand Marcos is part of this Weng Weng movie!

Here is my review of this terrific new documentary that tells the story of the world’s most unlikely Action Star: Weng Weng!

Check out my entire story on the terrific website “ActionAGoGo!”

http://actionagogo.com/2016/12/02/5-reasons-weng-weng-is-an-action-star-you-need-to-know/

Thanks to “ActionAGoGo” for asking me to review the film – it really is terrific, as is the website, which is always full of new movie stuff to share with fans!

I love movies like this one: Weng Weng’s story is fascinating, just as his movies are:

Check out his blockbusters – which make great holiday gifts – by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/06/weng-weng-troma-oz-plo-wacky-movie-lovers-need-a-shocking-stocking-stuffer/

Get yourself a dose of Weng Weng now!

“So Hot It’s Banned In HELL!”

That has to be one of the most hilariously obvious movie tag lines of all time! This is why I love the internet…someone posted this image, and I just had to share.

I have no idea what the film is about – I can’t find any info about the film online – so it is probably lost to time, as so many films are – but what a funny, over-the-top poster – it’s why I love classic sexploitation movies like that –

and THIS!

“No Car Or Man Was Too Hot To Handle”!

You get the idea: lurid, obvious sexual innuendo – designed to drive young men to the movies – and it worked!

These classic 70’s sexploitation movies were so bad they were great fun. There is a great site that collects and shares these classic movie posters, on twitter as @TheRioTheatre, and you should check out all of these classic movie posters here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/22/classic-cult-movie-posters-the-rios-grindhouse-exploitation-art-sexy-double-bills/

Here’s another example of a goofy horror comedy from that era!

These “Bee Girls” Sting!

I know what you’re thinking: can this movie ever be as great as the poster? The answer is, who cares!

These 70’s sex comedies always featured women who were beautiful – and deadly! Check out the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/06/sexy-bee-girls-campy-cult-cinema-gets-its-buzz-on/

So many classic exploitation movies have been rescued from oblivion by great home video companies like Something Weird:

Their classic documentary “That’s Sexploitation!” looks at this entire genre of cinematic madness:

This is a terrific documentary – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

Enjoy this movie that’s hotter than HELL!

Clint Eastwood – And One Incredible Year For Film!

Clint Eastwood has, over his career, had many incredible films – beginning with his “man with no name” character from early iconic westerns like this:

Eastwood has become an accomplished Director as well, with classic films like his Oscar-winning Best Picture winner “Million Dollar Baby”:

In 1971, Eastwood’s acting career slammed full on into his directing debut, and along with his close friend Director Don Siegel, he made three films that are, as a triple bill, a film lovers dream come true.

One was a smash hit, one was a cult classic, and one was a roadmap for “Fatal Attraction” to follow years later…let’s begin with the box office smash, and one of the greatest action films ever made:

Dirty Harry!

Eastwood teamed up with Director Siegel on this gritty action classic. San Francisco faces the terror of a maniac known as Scorpio – who kills innocent people and demands the city pay him a ransom to stop him from killing again.

Here is the gritty trailer:

Against this straightforward plot, Director Siegel and Eastwood paint a picture of the times: 1971 was a polarizing time of police brutality and anti-war protests. The film takes a strong view that police brutality is warranted because the “system” favors criminals over victims. It was, and still is, a polarizing argument played out in the film….no more so than in the early iconic scene when Callahan taunts a bleeding criminal…after having his hot dog lunch interrupted…

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY, PUNK?

It’s one of the most iconic scenes in movie history – when Harry disrupts a bank robbery and shoots one of the bad guys, leading to this legendary dialogue:

That scene is one of the most well known of all time, and establishes Harry’s personality and anti-establishment attitude…that said, the film is also very funny early on, when Dirty Harry explains to the Mayor why he shot a man who was going to rape a woman. The Mayor wanted to know how Harry could have known that.

Harry: “Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That’s my policy.”
The Mayor: “Intent? How did you establish that?”

Harry: “When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher’s knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn’t out collecting for the Red Cross!”

Harry then dramatically walks out of the room…there’s a pause, then they cut to the Mayor, who says:

“He’s got a point.”

Another great scene has Harry using a fire department ladder to be taken up five stories and rescue a suicide jumper.

According to terrific trivia on IMDB, Clint Eastwood directed the scene. However, it was said he directed the scene because Director Don Siegel was ill. This is inaccurate. Siegel was indeed ill, and wasn’t on the set, but Eastwood had always been scheduled to direct that scene, due to the difficult logistics of getting the actors, director, camera-man and sound-man all together on the top of a small ledge. In the shooting schedule, 6 nights had been set aside for the shooting of the scene. Eastwood told the studio he could shoot it in two nights. In the end, he shot the entire scene in one night!

Here is that terrific scene:

“Dirty Harry” is a brilliant movie, a great action thriller with iconic dialogue and a compelling social argument underway throughout the film…oh, and Siegel and Eastwood used the film to promote Eastwood’s directorial debut as well…check out what’s the marquee as Dirty Harry is walking the streets of San Francisco:

1971 would be a year that Director Siegel and Eastwood would never duplicate – they worked together THREE times, including Eastwood’s terrific directorial debut:

“Play Misty For Me!”

Clint starred in this classic thriller, and also made his directorial debut…check out the trailer:

Eastwood plays a Jazz DJ, who makes a BIG mistake when he picks up on of his fans – at a bar that is tended by Director Don Siegel!

Siegel is clearly having a blast in this scene, but for Jessica Walter, her fascination with Eastwood turns deadly in a hurry…

Watch this 1971 thriller, and you will notice that “Fatal Attraction” uses many of the same ideas…Clint’s directorial debut is a lean and clean thriller…and yes, it was just the second film of 1971 for him, because he and Siegel still had one more cult classic to come:

The Beguiled!

This is an unknown cult classic – with Eastwood playing a wounded Civil War soldier who seeks refuge in a girl’s convent…

Of course, they do a lot more than just “dress his wounds”, and the film – directed by Don Siegel of course – becomes a gothic horror film…

This is a cult classic, and if you want to see more about the film, you can read it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/04/man-eager-girls-take-on-clint-eastwood-the-obscure-cult-classic-the-beguiled-sophia-coppolas-remake-on-the-way/

So 1971 was an amazing year for these two guys: Cline Eastwood and Don Siegel – bravo!

A “Monster” Box-Office Meltdown!

This past weekend saw the release of the big-budget action film “Monster Trucks” – and it bombed, barely grossing $10-million dollars in nationwide release.

The problem was well known. Before Paramount even released this movie, their parent company Viacom wrote off $115-million, meaning they knew it wouldn’t make any money, so they took the loss on their 2016 taxes!

This is not an indictment of the film – as with every movie that fails, the intent was to create an entertaining piece of fiction for audiences to enjoy in theaters, but it’s is SO tough to know – two years in advance, when a film goes into production – what audiences will respond to, and they clearly DIDN’T respond to this. “Monster Trucks” is only the latest example of some wildly unsuccessful films being released!

2016’s $812-Million Writedown!

I posted a story showing how a handful of films in 2016 grossed $812-million LESS than they cost to make!

This disastrous remake of “Ben Hur” was one of many big $$$ debacles in 2016.

Click here to see the entire list of box-office bombs:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/02/how-to-lose-812-million-in-the-movie-business-2016s-tough-tough-year/

There are films that were legendary flops, like “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” with Eddie Murphy, and “Cutthroat Island” with Geena Davis – these films wrote off $100 million or more – huge amounts of money spent to make the films, with little in return. Even some of Hollywood’s legends took a big fall in 2016:

This article says “Beatty Is Back!” but Warren Beatty’s film “Rules Don’t Apply” was virtually ignored when it was released on Thanksgiving weekend – one of the worst opening weekends for a wide film release in history…here is the whole story:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/09/the-death-of-classic-hollywood-ladies-men-streaming-stars-and-warren-beattys-rules-dont-apply/

The business is certainly changing, and for the last decade, movie stars who were traditionally “box office gold” suddenly weren’t:

Arnold Schwarzenegger used to be the biggest star in the world, but after several post-Governor films tanked, he ended up hosting “The Celebrity Apprentice”…here is a look at stars like Arnold, Sylvester Stallone and their declining box office:

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

Again, the nature of the movie business has changed, and movie stars are no longer guaranteed to generate big $$$. I wish the best for anyone releasing a movie these days: the business has changed so much that many big stars are now debuting their movies on demand!

Keanu Reeves made a great action movies called “Man Of Tai Chi”, which premiered on demand…and he’s not alone: James Franco, Brian DePalma, John Travolta and many more are doing the same – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/07/james-franco-keanu-reeves-ondemand-the-new-future-of-film/

There is now a financial opportunity to release movies directly into the home, saving millions in marketing costs.

In many cases, these are really good films, and this new trend could actually help filmmakers get their movies in front of an audience.

As I’ve said, the business is changing so much: isn’t an indictment of “Monster Trucks” or the filmmakers at all – everyone WANTS to make a successful film, but the marketplace is so difficult to judge, and who knows? The film could be a huge hit overseas…time will tell.

“Maximum Security Has Just Gone To Hell!”

How can you argue with a tagline like that? It’s from the trailer to one of the most outrageous “women in prison” films of the 80’s, called, naturally:

“Women’s Prison Massacre!”

Folks, this is classic “euro-sleaze.”

A group of women are kidnapped by guerrillas and forced to serve as prostitutes for them in a jungle brothel. The sadistic female warden decapitates uncooperative girls – of COURSE she does!

Here is the trailer:

Director Bruno Mattei is known for such classic exploitation as “Hell of the Living Dead” a.k.a. “Night of the Zombies”, as well as “Rats: Night of Terror” – so you know it’s going to be a classic!

This is a classic genre of exploitation film: women in prison, fighting to survive in hellish conditions – and ALWAYS turning the tables on their captives in terrifically entertaining and vengeful ways!

By the way, the US had plenty of these films as well, some of the most entertaining exploitation movies of the 70’s and 80’s!

How can you not love this poster for Pam Grier’s women-in-prison classic “Black Mama White Mama?”

See the best the US has to offer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

Classic “Euro-Sleaze!”

These films reached their zenith in the wild and wacky days of the 70’s and 80’s, when filmmakers with no budget and lots of cheap Actors routinely offered up lots of nudity and cheap stunts to entertain the masses…and now terrific home video companies are bringing these sexploitation classics back for us to enjoy.

So just what IS “Euro-Sleaze”, anyway?

Well, it’s a lost genre of film from Europe – sleazy and exploitive…

Here are some examples:

As you can see, this genre covered ALL kinds of wacky cinema, some starring very big stars like Richard Burton!

“Bluebeard” is a cheesy and sleazy as “The Sinful Dwarf”, even with big names stars like Raquel Welch, who plays the world’s sexist Nun!

There is so much that is so, so wrong about this film – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/08/richard-burton-freezes-raquel-welch-bluebeards-classic-euro-sleaze/

“Euro-sleaze” was different than European exploitation known as “Artsploitation” – films with lots of sex and violence, but presented in an artful, independent film style…

Christina Lindberg was the “Queen Of Artsploitation” – here is a look her work:

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

The French also had a number of highly erotic thrillers that were a big step above “euro-sleaze”…

Director Jean Rollin made some of the best in the 70’s, check out my list here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/23/arty-blood-arty-nudity-classic-artsploitation-the-films-of-jean-rollin/

Let me know your favorite euro-sleaze classics!

Time To Shock Yourself Through The 80’s!

If you love movie trailers, AND you love cult horror films of the 80’s, well it’s time to get this new blu-ray and have a ball!

Here is how the great home video website “10Kbullets.com” describes the set:

“Trailer Trauma 3: 80s Horror-Thon is Garagehouse Pictures third installment to their Trailer Trauma series. The other two installments in this series include, Trailer Trauma and Trailer Trauma 2: Drive-In Monsterama. And this latest installment like its predecessors does superb job when it comes to picking trailers that have not been in other trailer collections.”

“Where previous installments featured a variety of genres. This latest installment is all about 1980’s Horror cinema. With the first Disc covering 1980 and 1981 and the second disc covering 1982 through 1989. At just under seven and ½ hours. There are two hundred and fifty-four trailers. Needless to say, there is a wealth of content included for this mammoth release”.

Bravo To Garagehouse Pictures!

Talk about a trip down a horrific memory lane!

Cult gems as diverse as “Children Of The Corn” and “Igor And The Lunatics” are included, along with 80’s classics like “The Fly” and yes, “The Slumber Party Massacre!”

Also included are lots of mainstream movies like “Jaws 3D” and “Dressed To Kill”. This collection is amazingly extensive, and reminds us of the wide variety of horror films on the 80’s, including such prescient movies as John Carpenter’s “They Live.”

Carpenter’s subversive horror film is as relevant today as when it was made – check out the story of this terrific thriller here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/13/they-live-john-carpenters-80s-cult-classic-google-glass-warning/

Garagehouse Pictures has done a terrific job showcasing these 80’s horror films with beautiful new restorations of the original movie trailers.

Highlights include cult classic from the entire decade, like 1980’s “Don’t Answer The Phone”, “Night Of The Comet” from 1984, along with “The Toxic Avenger” from the same year…

I love the wacky world of Troma, and while their iconic superhero from New Jersey is certainly worth celebrating, they have so much more as well – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

As we get later into the 80’s the trailers just get better and better:

From of the best movie titles comes from 1987: the classic “Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II” – and the collection ends in 1989 – including the amazingly obscure shocker “Society”…

Thanks to the website “10kbullets.com” for their review of the entire set – see it here:

http://10kbullets.com/reviews/t/trailer-trauma-3-80s-horror-thon/

Another great place for cult movie reviews, including this trailer compilation, is “Mondo-digital.com” – see their review here:

http://mondo-digital.com/trailertrauma80s.html

Let me know your favorite 80’s horror!

“I’ve seen enough fake blood to know the real thing when I see it.”

A troubled wannabe Filmmaker stalks the Actress he wants to star in his “horror masterpiece” in the cult classic “The Last Horror Film.”

Legendary Character Actor Joe Spinell Is A “Fanatic!”

“The Last Horror Film” is a great low-budget cult film that was also known as “Fanatic” – a 1982 horror film starring the great character Actor Joe Spinell and iconic sex kitten Caroline Munro.

Yes, Caroline is sporting a VERY early 80’s hairstyle, and yes, it is several different colors at the same time!

The director, David Winters, filmed on location at the Cannes Film Festival. Check out the trailer:

Joe Spinell plays a New York City taxi driver who is obsessed with the international cult actress Jana Bates – played by the great Actress Caroline Munro.

If you are unfamiliar with Munro’s work, she’s done a number of great movies, including her turn as a “Bond Girl.”

Here is a look at Caroline Munro’s career:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

Joe Spinell was a great character Actor, with roles in classic movies like “The Godfather”, as one of Michael Corleone’s hit men.

Spinell acted in dozens of great films. He chewed out a young Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver”, and he was Rocky Balboa’s first boss in “Rocky”.

“The Last Horror Film” was Spinell and Munro’s third time working together, after “Starcrash” from 1978 and “Maniac” in 1980.

Spinell fantasizes about becoming a great Director, so he follows Munro to the Cannes Film Festival, where she is promoting her new film “Scream.”

What is fascinating to watch are all of the shots of official 1981 film festival activities, with recognizable stars walking through the festival – of course, this film was shot guerrilla style without permits!

I was lucky enough to attend the festival for years – here is a look at some of my unique celebrity encounters, including Arnold Schewarzennegger, Joan Rivers and adult film star Jenna Jameson!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/08/cannes-2016-remembering-joan-rivers-jenna-jameson-my-seven-greatest-cannes-film-festival-moments-arnold-schwarzenegger-jcvd-my-favorite-cannes/

“The Last Horror Film” isn’t an award-winning movie, but it’s a unique low-budget horror film and character study, and worth checking out – the entire creative team gave it their all and told a unique story…

If you love Spinell’s other movie work, take a look at some fascinating trivia around “The Godfather”:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/19/the-godfather-screen-tests-robert-deniro-is-sonny-corleone-godfather-trivia/

My friends at Troma were behind the first release of “The Last Horror Film”…a terrific blu-ray release includes a new and “as always wacky” introduction from Troma Maestro Lloyd Kaufman, plus a bunch of other goodies…

Troma is the leading independent movie studio in America, and have a long list of great cult classics…check them out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

Let me know if you’ve seen “The Last Horror Film!”

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“Son, whatever you do, don’t sell that cow!”

Happy Birthday Gene Hackman!

One of America’s greatest Actors is celebrating a birthday, so it’s time to share trivia, trailers and ten of his greatest roles….

Time To Celebrate The Legendary Gene Hackman!

January 30th is the Actor’s birthday – he was born in 1930.

His career spanned five decades – and resulted in a ton of awards, including two Oscars. He won the Best Actor award in 1971 for his portrayal of “Popeye” Doyle in “The French Connection”, and the Best Supporting Actor award for “Unforgiven” in 1992.

His First Roommate Was Dustin Hoffman!

First, a few bio tidbits: In 1956, Hackman began pursuing an acting career; he joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he made friends with another aspiring actor, Dustin Hoffman. Already seen as outsiders by their classmates, Hackman and Hoffman were later voted “The Least Likely To Succeed.”

FYI, the two Actors remained lifelong friend, and they finally acted together in the film “The Runaway Jury.”

“FATHER BRADY?????”

How about this?!?!?! Gene Hackman nearly accepted the role of Mike Brady in the TV series, “The Brady Bunch”, but was advised by his agent to turn it down – he was almost Marcia Brady’s Dad!

Author Hackman!

Did you know that Hackman has teamed with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, and written a number of novels, including Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004), Escape from Andersonville (2008) and Payback at Morning Peak (2011).

It was in 2008, while promoting his third novel, that Hackman confirmed that he had retired from acting.

Director Alexander Payne specifically wanted to make his movie “Nebraska” just so he could work with Hackman, but the Actor declined the offer to come out of retirement…so the role went to Bruce Dern, who got an Oscar-nomination for the role!

Could you imagine how great Hackman would have been in the movie? It was a tailor-made role for him – and he is, without a doubt, one of film’s all time greatest…

Here now is my list of the top ten Gene Hackman performances, beginning with one that you may not even remember – his comedic cameo for Mel Brooks:

10-Young Frankenstein!

Yes, it was only a cameo, but Hackman proved he could do comedy with the best of them – popping up halfway through this classic Mel Brooks comedy, as a lonely Monk looking to share a meal and a cigar with the Frankenstein monster.

Hilarious.

You never think of Hackman as a comedic Actor, but he had perfect comic timing, shown off no better than here, in a comedy masterpiece…and there are more great comedic examples to come, but first, one of the his best roles is also a favorite for all sports film lovers:

9 – Hoosiers!

In 1986, Hackman played a coach with a checkered past who teams up with a local drunk played by Dennis Hopper to train a small town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the championship.

His performance is understated, and he gives Hopper plenty of room to shine in the smaller role – a great example of his generosity as an Actor.

He burst onto the movie scene, however, with his mesmerizing role in a modern classic:

8 – Bonnie & Clyde!

Hackman exploded on movie screens as Buck Barrow, part of the most legendary gang in history. As Clyde says, “this here’s Miss Bonnie Parker. I’m Clyde Barrow. We rob banks.”

Hackman was oscar-nominated for his performance in this groundbreaking action thriller from 1967. You could see from this performance that he had “star quality”…especially when he tells a joke while they are driving – with the classic punchline:

“Son, whatever you do, don’t sell that cow!”

He was simply mesmerizing in the scene…

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway head up an outstanding cast directed by Arthur Penn, who also directed another classic Hackman film, “Night Moves” – more on that in a moment……

“Bonnie & Clyde” is one of the most important films of the 60’s – ushering in a new era of violence and frankness in movies…read more about that era here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/17/bonnie-clyde-vintage-la-screening-amazing-live-guest-pictures-from-a-revolution/

Hackman could play a tough guy very well, but here is one of his most popular roles – again, many forget this one, since he was playing a comic villain in a beloved Superhero movie!

7 – Superman!

In 1978, Hackman entertained a whole new generation with his portrayal of Lex Luthor, the Superman’s nemesis, and he did it with a comedic flair that has been missing in re-boots of the franchise…

It was unexpected casting – considering that Hackman was an Oscar-winning Actor at the time – serious, tough as nails, not known for a comedic touch…yet in the film, he acts in such a fun, carefree way that it forever changed his reputation as a serious, tough as nails Actor!

As Lex Luthor says to his idiotic accomplice Otis, played beautifully by Ned Beatty:

“Do you know why the number two hundred is so vitally descriptive to both you and me? It’s your weight and my I.Q.”

And Hackman’s comic timing was showcased once again in this film that skewers Hollywood!

6-Get Shorty!

This is one of the best films about Hollywood. John Travolta starred as mobster Chili Palmer, who travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job: a non-stop hustle. Hackman has a terrific role as Harry Zimm, a low-rent, low-budget movie Producer who gets caught up in Travolta’s Hollywood adventures, and pays a painfully funny price.

The late James Gandolfini also has a great part in the film, but Hackman nailed the sleazy Producer role.

As Zimm says of Chili Palmer:

“The guy’s been in town two days, and already he thinks he’s David O. Fucking Selznick.”

Lots of great acting in this hilarious movie from 1995.

Now, back to a classic film noir from he 70’s…

5-Night Moves.

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:

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.

As Private Detective Harry Moseby travels to Florida to find the missing girl, he begins to see a connection between the runaway girl 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.

You can see more about this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/14/the-limey-night-moves-classic-action-noir/

Hackman starred in a number of action films, but perhaps the most deliriously entertaining is this gritty “B” movie from the early 70’s:

4-Prime Cut!

Lee Marvin was one of film’s all-time tough guys, but Gene Hackman stood toe-to-toe with him in this gritty thriller…here’s a teaser:

Lee Marvin plays his toughest role ever, as an “Enforcer” for the Mob, who heads to Kansas City to get the money that Gene Hackman owes the Mob…

Hackman plays a cattle rancher who not only grinds his enemies into sausage, but sells women as sex slaves. The movie was considered highly risqué for its time based on its level of violence, as well as its graphic depiction of female slavery, including a scene depicting the auctioning of young women in the manner of beef cattle.

Gene Hackman digs into his role as the bad guy, but it’s Marvin to kick ass and takes no prisoners. There is a scene where Marvin and Sissy Spacek are chased through a wheat field by a shredder…a great action sequence.

This was Sissy Spacek’s feature film debut – and involves a lot of nudity for the young Actress….

Marvin and Gene Hackman have a number of great scenes together, a couple of tough guys chewing up the scenery in a great B-movie – here is more trivia on the film:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

One of the my favorites of all-time includes a performance by Hackman that is one of his best:

3-Scarecrow.

“A crow isn’t afraid of a scarecrow. It laughs.”

Hackman starred with a very young Al Pacino in Director Jerry Schatzberg’s brilliant “Scarecrow”…here is the trailer:

Talk about an acting master class! Gene Hackman was just a year past his Oscar-Winning Best Actor role in “The French Connection” Here he plays Max, an ex-con who’s been saving money to open a car wash in Pittsburgh.

Max: “For every car, there is dirt.”

Max is hitch-hiking across country, and on the way he meets Al Pacino…

Gene Hackman is brilliant as a tough, tough TOUGH ex-con who has a plan, and NOTHING is going to get in his way…he also has a few hilarious quirks, such as what he likes to eat:

Max: [at the lunch counter] “Gimme a chocolate doughnut and a bottle of beer.”

This is a real “road” movie. Before shooting, Gene Hackman and Al Pacino both dressed as hobos and hitchhiked through California to get into their characters.

Hackman’s Favorite Role!

Gene Hackman has stated that his performance in “Scarecrow” is his personal favorite. For Pacino, this film followed “Needle Park” and “The Godfather”, and led right into “The Godfather Part 2″…what a run of masterful acting performances for both of them!

Next up is one of the most under-rated movies of the 70’s, even though it was nominated for a slew of Oscars, including Best Picture:

2-The Conversation.

“I’m not afraid of death, but I am afraid of murder.”

In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola made this outstanding drama about Harry Caul, an expert in the art of listening in on others…but his specialty comes back to haunt him when he hears a murder…or does he?

Hackman controls himself throughout the film, giving a nuanced performance that is in stark contrast to his other roles of the time…and the film is an acknowledged masterpiece.

“The Conversation” was nominated for Best Picture in 1974, losing to Director Coppola’s other masterpiece that year, “The Godfather Part 2”.

Here is the trailer for this masterful thriller:

Now, don’t laugh…but tied for #2 on my list is a big-budget action movie that is great!

2-The Poseidon Adventure!

“Hell, Upside Down.”

That was the tagline for the greatest disaster movie of all time. And you know why it’s just a timeless action thriller? Because of Hackman!

It is the gravitas of Hackman that holds the film together – a testament to his powerful screen presence…

Gene Hackman plays Reverand Scott, who must help a small group climb up to the bottom of the overturned luxury cruise ship. This is the gold standard for disaster films, and it took a great actor like Hackman to give the premise weight – to make their adventure seem real.

Look at the cast of classic Hollywood names populating this film: Stella Stevens, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, just to name a few of the ton of recognizable faces that populate this 1972 smash hit.

This is a classic 70’s disaster film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/18/celebrity-smackdowns-hell-upside-down-the-disastrous-duo-of-poseidon-adventure-and-towering-inferno/

I love all of these movies, but this is the one that cemented Hackman’s reputation:

The French Connection!

It was the Academy Award-winning Best Picture of 1971, the true story of “Popeye” Doyle, a NY cop determined to bust a heroin smuggling ring…

He is, of course, a cop willing to break all the rules in order to get his man – and that includes one of the most amazing car chases ever filmed…beautifully directed by legendary Director William Friedkin, who went on to make “The Exorcist”, “To Live And Die In LA”, “Sorcerer” AND “Killer Joe”!

The Legendary Car Chase!

Thanks to the terrific website IMDB, here are some amazing anecdotes about the filming of the legendary car chase through the streets of New York in “The French Connection.”

The car crash during the chase sequence, at the intersection of Stillwell Ave. and 86th St., was unplanned and was included because of its realism. The man whose car was hit had just left his house a few blocks from the intersection to go to work and was unaware that a car chase was being filmed. The producers paid the bill for the repairs to his car!

According to IMDB, the car chase was filmed without obtaining the proper permits from the city! Members of the NYPD’s tactical force helped control traffic. But most of the control was achieved by the assistant directors with the help of off-duty NYPD officers, many of whom had been involved in the actual case.

A camera was mounted on the car’s bumper for the shots from the car’s point-of-view. Hackman did some of the driving but the extremely dangerous stunts were performed by Bill Hickman, with Friedkin filming from the backseat.

Friedkin operated the camera himself because the other camera operators were married with children and he was not. The mjaority of the chase was, however, very well choreographed, but it is that realism in the filming that makes the scene itself so heart-pounding!

The film spawned a sequel, as Hackman goes to Marseilles to track down his nemesis…this is also a great film with a dynamite performance by Hackman…

Hackman’s Oscar-winning role included memorable dialogue such as this:

“All right! You put a shiv in my partner. You know what that means? Goddammit! All winter long I got to listen to him gripe about his bowling scores. Now I’m gonna bust your ass for those three bags and I’m gonna nail you for picking your feet in Poughkeepsie!”

Interestingly, the creative team behind the Oscar-winning Best Picture “The Artist” re-told “The French Connection” – from the french point of view!

You can see more about this new film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/09/the-french-connection-an-exciting-new-take-on-the-william-friedkin-oscar-classic/

As for Gene Hackman, he excelled in every film he made, even “B” movies like this one:

This early 70’s western starred Hackman alongside Oliver Reed and Candace Bergen – a gritty film about kidnapping and revenge…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/02/grab-your-six-shooter-true-grit-clint-eastwood-bob-dylan-classic-westerns/

There you have it – enough great Gene Hackman movies to keep you busy for the next year! Tell me what I missed – although I already have an idea – I mean, he was great in “The Firm”, The Royal Tanenbaums” and of course, “Unforgiven”…so much stuff to share – and celebrate…

Happy birthday, Gene!

This pre-Valentine’s Day Weekend Is Heating Up!

Are You Ready to Get “50 Shades Darker?”

Let’s be honest: if you know what I’m talking about then of course you are! And since we are talking about erotic fiction that has been turned into moderately awful movies, let’s show you the trailer for this new pre-Valentine’s Day weekend film:

The worldwide phenomenon that is the “Fifty Shades” erotic book trilogy is undeniable, but did you know that history is littered with LOTS of great erotic fiction?

If you find the current “erotic fiction” craze of “Fifty Shades Of Grey” to be interesting, then you need to try this:

“She knew she had aroused the creature in the torn paint-spattered T-shirt.”

Um, WHAT?

“Naked Came The Stranger!” Erotic Fiction’s “Godfather!” And It Was FAKE!

Yes, that awful line was written for the best-seller known as “Naked Came The Stranger”, but did you know it was all a hoax?

Here is how it began: in the late 60’s – Newsday Writer Mike McGrady was convinced that popular American literary culture had become so tawdry that even a wretchedly written work could succeed if enough sex was thrown in.

To test his theory, in 1966 McGrady recruited a team of Newsday colleagues – reported later as nineteen men and five women – to collaborate on a sexually explicit novel with no literary or social value whatsoever.

That’s Right, NO Literary Or Social Value Whatsoever!

Yes, the goal from the very beginning was simple – to write the worst book ever written, fill it with sex, and see what happens!

It was, of course, a smash hit and was also turned into a dreadful film – click here to get more examples of its awful writing, and find out how it was finally uncovered as a hoax!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/08/before-50-shades-there-was-naked-came-the-stranger-publishings-biggest-hoax-undressed/

Soon after the “Stranger” debacle, another torrid piece of erotic fiction was published, but this was no hoax!

Iconic Writer Jacqueline Susann is perhaps best known for her scathing indictment of Hollywood – “Valley Of The Dolls”, which is a great pulp fiction read – but her followup, the erotic novel “The Love Machine” is hilariously entertaining…

Of course, it was ALSO turned into a horrible film – notice a trend?

Still, these campy, pulpy sex novels were hugely popular in the 70’s…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/07/fifty-shades-of-grey-controversy-the-love-machine-naked-strangers-erotic-books-to-controversial-movies/

Sasha Grey’s Erotic Fiction!

Aside from the “50 Shades” trilogy, there is more erotic fiction out there as well:

My friend Sasha Grey just published her latest erotic thriller, read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/10/sasha-greys-new-novel-the-janus-chamber-sashas-la-book-signing-sashas-erotic-new-novel-keeps-juliette-society-fantasy-alive/

And if your tastes go a bit darker, with an S&M slant ala “Fifty Shades”, then check out this cult film starring Christoper Lee, who had no idea he was in it!

Click here to read the story of how Lee ended up in this S&M film without even knowing it!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/22/perversion-s-m-legendary-actor-christopher-lee-eugenie-shocks-a-movie-legend/

Let me know what you think of the erotic fiction genre!

I’m An Award Winner!

I have seen this “Mystery Blogger Award” before, but guess what? This time it was bestowed upon me!

Thank you very much to Lloyd Marken for the Nomination!

Here is a link to his website:

https://lloydmarken.wordpress.com

After Lloyd was nice enough to tag me, I read through the material and am jumping all in – so here goes!

The “Mystery Blogger Award” was created by the wonderful Okoto Enigma, who I’m sure we can all agree can describe the award better in her own words, which she does here:

https://okotoenigma.wordpress.com/my-greatest-creation-yet/

Briefly,

“The “Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion”.

For those new to following me, here are 3 things about myself:

My wife, Alex Duda, encouraged to start this blog five years ago as a creative outlet…I work in the entertainment industry, and it has proven to be a fun way to share some adventures with friends and family…

Tokyo Nightlife!

One place I have posted about many times is Japan – whether its to share fun stuff like strange Kit Kat flavors:

Yes, like “Creamed Corn Kit Kats”, which you can see more of here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/05/shrimp-flavored-kit-kats-baked-potato-too-the-wildest-kit-kat-flavors-ever-plus-canned-pancake-soda/

Or when I told the story about eating “sushi for breakfast” with my wife and son at Tokyo’s famous Tsujiki fish market:

I have been lucky enough to travel to Tokyo several times…here is more of an in depth look at my trip during the summer of 2016:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/04/the-magic-of-tokyo-2016-eel-waiting-rooms-golden-gai-drinking-cat-ads/

I love to travel, and Tokyo’s an incredible adventure…but so are many other cities – like Barcelona:

This amazing city offered unique architecture AND amazing food!

You can see our great Barcelona “tapas” adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/03/bite-down-on-the-worlds-best-food-paris-napa-barcelona-provence-chicago-five-incredible-bites/

People have also noted that I am prone to share lots of pictures of this:

Bacon!

Yes, I love to share stories about bacon because bacon is funny, and “you never cut funny.” Here is a story about the health benefits of bacon – so how can your refuse now?

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/10/bacon-controversy-rasher-shortage-top-ten-benefits-of-bacon-seaweed-bacon-2/

I also share lots of burger pictures, like this one from Taylor’s Refresher in Napa Valley:

I recently posted some of the wildest burgers from around the world, including one that is SO HOT that you have to sign a release before you eat it! Check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/30/alka-seltzer-burgers-for-the-holidays-napa-burgers-xxx-burgers-haggis-sliders-heartburn-holiday-meals-to-wrap-2016/

I also post lots of stories about movies – movies of all kinds: the greatest films ever made, and some that aren’t:

Yes, there is a movie called “The Sinful Dwarf”, and yes, I OWN IT.

If you’ve never heard of Times Square’s notorious “grindhouse” era, it was a time for wild wild moviemaking like this – and moviegoing as well:

Here is a primer of this crazy era in movie history:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/23/a-42nd-street-grindhouse-tour-of-new-york-seven-sexploitation-classics-that-turned-times-square-down-and-dirty/

OK, so according to this “mystery blogger award” post, I must nominate 15-20 other bloggers…

Here are a few that I read religiously:

https://catsandtrailsandgardentales.com

https://beetleypete.wordpress.com

https://letsgotothemovies7.com

https://cindybruchman.com

https://sevendoorsofcinema.com

Also, you go to my main page and you will see links to many blogs I follow on the right side of the front page…they are all worth nominating!

Let me know what kind of posts you like, and let me know other bloggers I should follow as well!

Are You Ready For A Flesh-Eating Stripper Mermaid Musical? Of Course You ARE!

“The Lure” is a new Polish film that the LA Times calls:

“a woozily entrancing mash-up, shimmying by itself in the corner of the horror-musical canon and sure to earn quizzically appreciative stares from genre enthusiasts!”

You see, it’s the story of two mermaids who become strippers, sing and dance and then – of course – eat their patrons!

Check out the trailer:

Here is more from the LA Times, who gives a great description of the movie:

“Director Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s and screenwriter Robert Bolesto’s story of beautiful waterborne sisters with impressive tails and sharp teeth who succumb to fleshy temptations in a sordid nightclub/restaurant openly borrows Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless metaphor for what’s gained and lost with womanhood. But “The Lure” is its own scaly, slinky thing, a Cronenbergian body-horror fable informed by vampiric desires, ’80s-era Europop stylings and a belief in the narrative blend of myth and earthiness that gives all fairy tales their strange power!”

The film is now going into limited release, and movie buffs, this is something worth checking out!

People have recently raved as well about the European film “The Lobster”, and here is another amazing low-budget horror film from Norway:

There is an amazing trend around the world: filmmakers with a story to tell are finding a way to tell those stories – check them out here!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/04/naked-horror-with-a-tail-thale-troll-hunter-zombie-nazis-foreign-cult-no-budget-horror/

Let me know if you are “lured” into “The Lure!”

Get Ready For Some Serious Ass-Kicking – Courtesy Of Charlize Theron!

There is a new film coming out this summer that lets Charlize Theron fight with the big boys – and win!

First, check out the trailer for “Atomic Blonde!”

“Atomic Blonde” is a spy thriller directed by David Leitch. It’s based on Antony Johnston’s 2012 graphic novel “The Coldest City” – all about a spy, Charlize Theron, who has to find a list of double agents who are being smuggled into the West.

The film stars Charlize Theron, along with James McAvoy and John Goodman. As you saw from the trailer, Charlize really kicks into high action mode in the film – and there’s a good reason why!

Director David Leitch co-directed the first “John Wick” with Chad Stahelski – a terrific action film that also worked because it allowed star Keanu Reeves to do lots of action sequences!

I can see that influence: “John Wick” worked because Keanu Reeves trained and actually fought in the film – and we see that same intensity from Charlize Theron…especially the opening scene in the trailer that is shown in a wide follow shot – you see her doing the stunts, no quick cuts to hide stunt work…I have always applauded her willingness to put herself out there as an Actress…I mean, “Max Max Fury Road”…right?

By the way, I saw this red-band trailer for the first time at my favorite movie website, ActionAGoGo!

See more of their great movie stories, including some that I post there as well, by clicking here:

http://actionagogo.com

If you really love “kick ass” women, I think you will love this movie…and if you want to get warmed up for this summer, then watch this!

Blaxploitation Cinema Gets Tough!

In the 70’s, “blaxploitation” films like “Shaft” and “Super Fly” showcased strong black men who knew how to kick ass, and guess what? The women kicked some serious ass as well – especially Pam Grier!

Classic films like “Foxy Brown” and “Cleopatra Jones” are as fun to watch today as they were then…

Check out these female-empowered action pics here!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/02/foxy-brown-cleopatra-jones-blaxploitations-kick-ass-women/

Cinema history is filled with female-emplowered action classics. And it’s not only in the US!

They are doing the same thing in Japan as well:

These “Mutant Girls” Kick Ass Too!

In Japan, there are a ton of films that celebrate young women who aren’t afraid to fight back – like this one!

“The Machine Girl” is terrific!

Check out these incredibly inventive action films here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/14/mutant-girls-toilet-zombies-japans-wild-female-ninjas-bloody-j-sploitation-fun/

If you are open to very edgy action, then this might be the one for you!

“Gun Woman” is way over-the-top, but filled with incredible action!

See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/18/japans-busiest-j-sploitation-star-meet-asami-from-gravure-idol-to-j-sploitation-star/

Bravo to Charlize Theron and all of these women who are kicking some serious butt!