Blu-ray Review: SWEET MEATS (2025)

SWEET MEATS

Written & Directed by:  Ricky Glore

Distributed by:  Troma Films  / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Troma films, you basically know what kind of film you are getting into.  SWEET MEATS  is no different and fits perfectly in the Troma films library.   More of a dark comedy than a horror film, it's a fun film that is worth a watch for sure!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

Bobby Sweet is a country music legend and has been the world-renowned face of 'Sweet Meats' since establishing his first restaurant with his wife. Sometimes a 'secret ingredient' should stay that way.

 If you are looking for a scary horror film, this is not the film for you.  It's not scary at all, but it's not supposed to be.  As I mentioned before, this a horror-comedy, with more of an emphasis on the comedy.  Horror comedy films are tough to make in my opinion.   It's hard to mix totally opposite genres like that and make it work.   I am pleased to say that the people behind SWEET MEATS made it work!    This movie is actually really funny.   It tells the story of a simple man named Bobby that just wants to be a country music star, but gets caught up running a restaurant with his controlling girlfriend.  

  His girlfriend has a plan to make their burgers different than other restaurants using a special kind of meat.   I'm sure you can guess what kind of meat that is!   While the basic premise is not original, the execution of the concept is for sure.    As stated before, Bobby wants to be a country music star, so we are gifted with music performances throughout the film.  They all tell a story, basically about what is happening at that point in the film.  The songs are really funny and some are actually really catchy!  

  Something else that I need to point out about this film is the acting.  In addition to writer, director, and lead actor Ricky Glore doing such a great job, all the actors in this film were really good.   Low budget films,  especially horror-comedy films,  can be ruined by bad acting.  That was not the case here.   Kudos to the entire cast, but especially to the other two leads, Timmy Barron as Bobby's best friend Jerry, and to Eileen Earnest who plays Bobby's girlfriend, Laddie.   These were all very good comedic actors and had great performances. 

  SWEET MEATS is a fun film that I highly recommend checking out! 

SWEET MEATS is available for pre-order now, with a release date set for September 8, 2026.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

• *  New Commentary Track
• *  'The Grind' - The Making of Sweet Meats
• *  Evolution of a Song: Writing the Music of Sweet Meats
• *  Cast and Crew Feature-Length Interview
• *  Tromatic Extras

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer 

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE

Directed by:  Norman Thaddeus Vane

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment 

  I am always excited when I get a film to review that I have not seen before.   The new release of FRIGHTMARE from 1983 is one of those films.  In fact, I actually own the old Troma DVD of the film, but it's one that has set on my shelf for years and has yet to be watched.  Today I sat down to watch the newly released Blu-ray, and I am now mad at myself for not watching this sooner!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Troma Films website:

Following the death of legendary horror actor Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne, The Howling II, Conan the Destroyer) , a group of overzealous drama students steal his corpse from his crypt and take it to the decrepit haunted house where his finest fright films were made. As the night goes on, the students lean the true meaning of terror, as Conrad’s vengeful spirit takes them out one by one. Featuring incredible special effects by Chuck E. Stewart (Critters, The X Files Bruce Almighty) and early performances by Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), Nina Talbot (Night Shift, Puppet Master II), Scott Thomson (Police Academy I-IV) and Donna McDaniel (Hollywood Hot Tub), Frightmare is a bloody terror trip from the Tromatic 1980s.

  The movie is from 1983 and stars a pre RE-ANIMATOR Jeffrey Combs.   It was fun seeing him in something that was not any of the RE-ANIMATOR films, as those are the films he is most known for, of course.   Ferdy Mayne plays the star of the film, Conrad Radzoff.   Radzoff is a cult horror actor / icon, kind of like a Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff type.   He has tons of fans and is one of the biggest stars there is.  It's no wonder that with his untimely passing, that fans of his don't want to let him go.   In fact, this certain group of teenagers want to party with him!   So, they break into his mausoleum to steal his body.  Sounds pretty normal right?    They successfully exhume his body and take him to a deserted house throw a wild party.  All goes good at first, until people start dying! 

 It seems that Conrad Radzoff is not one to stay dead!  He awakens and starts killing off the teens one by one.  I don't think they really explained how he came back to life, or if they did I missed it.  Regardless, once Radzoff wakes up and goes on his killing spree, we get treated to a very fun movie!  Practical effects are a plenty here, with one of the greatest beheadings I have seen on film.    The head rolling down the stairs with a loud "splat" sound on each step became almost laughable as it lasted so long. Kudos to the sound designer for that one!  

 While not a masterpiece by any means, FRIGHTMARE is a fun and entertaining film.  If you love 80's films, this is one you'll want to check out.  It definitely has that 80's vibe to it.    

 FRIGHTMARE is available now from Troma Films and contains the following Special Features:

• * Original DVD Intro Featuring Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rechon
• * Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
• * Historical Commentary with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
• * The Hysteria Continues (audio commentary from 'The Hysteria Continues' Podcast)
• * Original Theatrical Trailer
• * Artwork Gallery
• * Man With A Camera: Video Interview With DP Joel King
• * A Gory Lesson From The Set Of Meat For Satan’s Ice Box
• * INNARDS! Music Video
• * Radiation March

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: LUTHER THE GEEK (1989)

LUTHER THE GEEK

Directed by:  Carlton J. Albright

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment

 If you are familiar with Troma Films, you usually know what to expect going into a film.  There is a difference, though, in a true Troma produced film and one that Troma just picked up the distribution rights to.  A Troma produced film are films such as THE TOXIC AVENGER, TROMEO AND JULIET,  CLASS OF NUKE'EM HIGH, and POULTRYGEIST, just to name a few.  They are silly and crude (think lot of bathroom humor).   LUTHER THE GEEK does not fit your normal Troma Film stereo type, as this is just one that they picked up the distribution rights to.  Now don't get me wrong, I love the crazy Troma films and all their non-pc humor, but this film is just not that kind, so I wanted you to be aware of that for sure.  While I wouldn't say this is a serious horror film by any means  (the killer does bawk like a chicken most of the film), but it is more serious compared to those above mentioned Troma titles. 

Before I go any further, here is the basic plot of the film from courtesy of the Troma Films website:

A young country boy is plunged into the depts of homicidal madness after witnessing the strange expolits of a carnival “geek,” a caged drunk so desperate for whisky that he bites the heads off live chickens in front of a freak show audience. Thirty years later, Luther is all grown up and out on parole, after spending his childhood behind bars for a series of grisly murders. Armed with only a pair of razor-sharp metal dentures and only able to communicate thorugh chicken clucks, Luther restarts his bloody rampage as he terrorizes the citizens of a small town and takes a young mother and her family hostage in their isolated farmhouse.

  I had no clue what to expect going into this one.   As much as I love Troma Films, and collect them, this is one I had never seen.  I've owned the DVD for years, but had just never got around to watching it.  I was glad when the newly released Blu-ray arrived for review, as it gave me an excuse to watch this film finally.  I had been curious about it for years, and after watching it,  I'm a little upset it took me this long to see it.  

  

  LUTHER THE GEEK is an excellent horror film from the 1980's.   While it barely counts as an 80's horror film having been released in 1989, it definitely has the 80's horror movie feel to it.    One thing I was really impressed with was the gore and the amounts of it.  Luther made himself some dentures with metal teeth filed down to sharp points, so he can really do some damage!  And boy does he do some damage!   He uses his new metal teeth to go on a killing spree, with his method of choice being to rip out the neck and jugular of his victims.   Actor Edward Terry does a remarkable job and plays this part of a twisted killer to perfection.  He gives off such a creepy vibe, especially when he is taunting his victims with his clucks and bawks like a chicken. 

 One thing to note here, this is Director Carlton J Albright's only Directing credit on IMDb.  I find that very odd, as this was such a well made film, especially for it's time.   I would have loved to see what else he could of done with more horror films.   He did write and produce one of my all time favorite (yet little known) horror movies, THE CHILDREN. That film came out in 1980 and is a must see.   If  you haven't seen THE CHILDREN or LUTHER THE GEEK, get both and make a night of it with an amazing double feature!  

 

 LUTHER THE GEEK is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

• * Original Lloyd Kaufman DVD Intro
• * Carlton J. Albright’s Blu-Ray Intro
• * Director’s Commentary with Carlton J. Albright
• * Classic Interview With Director Carlton J. Albright
• * Classic Interview with William Albright
• * A Conversation With Carlton: An Interview With Carlton Albright
• * Fowl Play: An Interview With Jerry Clarke
• * Fowl Takes
• * Troma’s Freak Show
• * INNARDS! Music Video
• * Radiation March
• * Troma Trailers

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: THE LAST HORROR FILM (1982)

THE LAST HORROR FILM

Directed by:  David Winters

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment

  Anytime I get a Troma film to review, I am super excited.  I love Troma films, and not just the ones they produce, but the ones they buy to distribute as well.  They get some great horror films, most of which are B movies or even C grade movies if we're being honest, but one thing they always are is fun!   THE LAST HORROR FILM is no different.    I have always heard about this film, but I have never seen it before.  I was glad to finally get the chance with this new special edition Blu-ray release from Troma Films. 

Here is the plot synopsis from the Troma Films website:

Joe Spinnel (THE GODFATHER, ROCKY, MANIAC) plays Vinny, a cab driver with dreams of being a major Hollywood producer.  Determined to have Jenna Bates (Bond-girl Caroline Munro) star in his first film, Vinny follows her to the Cannes Film Festival where she’s busy promoting her latest horror flick.  He becomes obsessed with Jenna. He becomes FANATIC!  Once in Cannes, FANATIC begins to reveal the dangerous and deadly side of obsession and the stalking begins!  The suspense and eroticism in FANATIC are surpassed only be its blood-chilling horror as this Hollywood scream-queen learns about true fear and paranoia. The cabbie/wanna-be producer fixates pn his “leading lady” and he’ll do anything to get her!  First Jenna’s entourage is murdered one by one. Then bodies begin to disappear.  Even worse, when Jenna calls the cops to investigate they begin to doubt her. Could it be a publicity stunt for her next movie?  Or else has her mad stalker finally gone over the edge?  Who else will get in the FANATIC’S path on his way to have Jenna, and when will the carnage in Cannes end?

 The film stars Joe Spinell who plays a mentally deranged man who has a creepy obsession with actress Jana Bates, played by the beautiful Caroline Munro.   You'll probably recognize actor Joe Spinell from his starring role in 1980's MANIAC.   He does a great job playing a creepy, obsessed fan.  

  Vinny wants Jana to star in the horror movie is making, so he follows her to the Cannes Film Festival where she is there promoting her new film.   He hopes to be able to talk to her about his project, but her entourage of handlers, agents, and security is always keeping him from getting close enough to her to pitch her his film.  One by one Jana's entourage is picked off, leaving him with a chance to finally get his hands on her.   This film is a lot of fun, because all throughout the film we get to see Vinny watching various horror films, I assume to get ideas for his feature film.   The films within this film are a lot of fun, and is where we get most of the great gore effects in this film.   I was really impressed with the gore in this film, especially the cutting open of a man and ripping his still barely beating heart out of his chest!   These are top notch effects for sure!  Also, kudos to the filmmakers for the twist ending....I can usually pick out the killer in these films, but this one caught me off guard for sure!

 Some fun little trivia tidbit here, Jana mentions the next film she is working on is a horror movie called "SCREAM".   Also, in one of the shots of a movie theater marquee, we see the theater is playing a movie called "STAB"!    Could this film be the inspiration for Wes Craven's SCREAM from 1996?   If you haven't seen THE LAST HORROR FILM before, now is a great time to check it out.   If you have seen it, or even have it on DVD,  now is a great time to upgrade to this new blu-ray release!

 THE LAST HORROR FILM is available now from Troma Films and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

• * Introduction by Lloyd Kaufman
• * Audio Commentaries
• * Interviews
• * The Last Horror Fim Trailer
• * Mr. Robbie - A Short Film By Buddy Giovinazzo
• * Highlights From The Tromadance Film Festival
• * A Full Episode Of Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner
• * Troma Trailers

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

  

  

Blu-ray Review: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II

THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II
Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman
Distributed by  Troma Entertainment / CAV Distribution

  If you are a fan of Troma films, then you definitely know about the TOXIC AVENGER films.  This is probably the #1 film series I think about when I hear the word Troma.   The Toxic Avenger character is by far their most popular character and I would assume most profitable.  He is truly a unique super hero!   Now, I have to admit, I had only seen the first Toxic Avenger film before now, so I was very happy when I saw that THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II had now been released on Blu-ray!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Troma website:

  Toxie’s mean, green, and back on the screen! Melvin Junko was a nerdy 98lb weakling until he fell into a vat of toxic waste, turning him into the first ever superhuman superhero from New Jersey. This time the hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength takes on Tokyo. The Toxic Avenger Part II is a spectacular sequel with even more ingenious special effects, even more bizarre action, and even more unbelievably famous fight scenes. He’s come a long way from Tromaville, baby!

  Now usually sequels are not nearly as good as the original, but I have to say that I think THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II is just as good as the first.  I loved this film from the very opening scene till the end credits.    Like most of Troma's films, the film does not take itself seriously at all.  It is a cheesy movie with crazy dialog and some corny humor, and the typical Troma style gross out humor as well.   What this movie had that I wasn't expecting, though, was some excellent gore!  Most of the gore is pretty over the top and ridiculously unrealistic, but there was some gore in this film that looked amazingly real and actually made me cringe at times.  Part II of this film series also gives us some crazy, over the top fight scenes. 

If you were a fan of the original TOXIC AVENGER, you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy of this new Blu-ray.  THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II is available now on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and contains the following special features:

*  Lovingly remastered HD presentation
*  New intro by Lloyd Kaufman
*  Director's commentary
*  Up close and personal with Toxie
*  A word from Troma's villainess Lisa Gaye
*  The Toxic Avenger on Japanese TV
*  The Toxic Avenger Saga trailers
*  The American Cinematheque honors 40 Years of Troma


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray / DVD combo pack