Blu-ray Review: SAMURAI AVENGER: THE BLIND WOLF (2009)

SAMURAI AVENGER:  THE BLIND WOLF
Directed by:  Kurando Mitsutake
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  This quite possibly could be the best movie you have never heard of.   I had no idea what to expect going into my viewing of SAMURAI AVENGER:  THE BLIND WOLF.  I had never heard of the film and hadn't read any reviews.  I came away from the viewing blown away at just how good of a movie this is.  In fact, I honestly can't remember the last time I was this entertained by a film. 
  Here is the basic plot synopsis of SAMURAI AVENGER courtesy of the Synapse Films website:

 After losing his eyesight, his wife, and his daughter at the hands of a deranged psychopath, a man is transformed into an unstoppable killing machine hellbent on revenge! Eight years after the massacre of his family, the “Blind Wolf” has returned as a highly trained swordsman ready to seek justice. But he doesn’t know seven deadly (and even undead) assassins have been hired by his sworn enemy to make sure he doesn’t leave town alive!
 Set in nowhere and in no time, SAMURAI AVENGER: THE BLIND WOLF is a bloody sushi-western and a modern day action film with a classic samurai essence.

 Again, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with a film.   The acting is great on all accounts, the story is simple yet intriguing, and the effects are spectacular!  There is a good mixture of both CG and practical effects on display, including some great gore and blood spray reminiscent of ICHI THE KILLER and other such films.   Everything about this movie is perfect in my eyes.  The music for each scene was spot on, and music is something I don't always notice in a film.  Director and star, Kurando Mitsutake, did an amazing job and I can not wait to see what else he does in the near future!   

  I honestly can't say enough good things about this film.  In fact, me trying to put into words a description of the greatness of this film is a waste of my time and yours.  My review can not do it justice.  This is one you just need to trust me on, and then go out and buy you a copy asap!  You will not be disappointed. 

SAMURAI AVENGER: THE BLIND WOLF is available on Blu-ray now from Synapse Films and CAV Distribution and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director Kurando Mitsutake, Producer Chiaki Yanagimoto and Editor John Migdal
*  Sword Fight Choreography
*  Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
*  Blooper Reel
*  Theatrical Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

DVD Review: FROM ASIA WITH LUST Vol. 1 [CAMP & HITCH-HIKE]

FROM ASIA WITH LUST VOL. 1 [CAMP & HITCH-HIKE]
Directed by Ainosuke Shibata
Distributed by:  Troma Entertainment

  Troma recently released this nice double feature of two Asian rape/revenge films by director Ainosuke Shibata.  The DVD contains the director's two films, CAMP and HITCH-HIKE.   Both films are centered on the theme of the strong female, who is raped and beaten, but comes back to inflict revenge on their predators.   Here are the more formal plot synopsis' from the Troma website:

CAMP: A camping trip will turn into a nightmare for sisters Akane and Kozue when they become trapped by five men who abuse and torture them. Kozue is brutally murdered but her sister manages to escape. Now, with the help of Misaki, a mysterious female vigilante, Akane is ready for her vengeance. And nothing will stop her until her sister's murderers pay for their crime!

HITCHIKE: The brutal Yoshio and his quiet young wife Saeko are on a road trip. Their drive will take a wrong turn when Yoshio decides to pick up a hitch hiker along the way. When the man reveals himself as a deranged bank robber and serial killer, the couple will be forced to cooperate in his getaway. Now it's Saeko s turn to take revenge on the man who drove her through hell!

  I am a huge fan of rape/revenge films.  As hard as it is to watch a woman being abused and raped, the payoff is always good when we get to see our strong female lead rise up and take revenge on those that did here wrong.  I love seeing the bad guys get what's coming to them!  Both of these films have that strong female character that do just that.  

  These films are very similar and star some of the same people. Both contain some great gore, although HITCHIKE relies on some CG gore in some scenes that just doesn't work.  It looks very fake and unrealistic.  Both films are very entertaining, though, with good stories and some great action.    This is a great double feature DVD at a great price, I highly recommend picking this one up.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: LONG WEEKEND (1978)

LONG WEEKEND
Directed by:  Colin Eggleston
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  I recently watched a film that was sent to me for review that I had never heard of before.  It's rare that I come across a film I've never heard of.  There are plenty that I haven't seen, but I at least know about, but this one I had never even heard of the title before.  The film was LONG WEEKEND which is a great revenge flick from 1978.  Instead unlike most revenge flicks, in this film it's animals that are getting revenge on humans! 
  Here's the basic plot from the Synapse Website:

 Attempting to resurrect their failing marriage, Peter (John Hargreaves, THE ODD ANGRY SHOT) and Marcia (Briony Behets) set out on a camping trip to a deserted stretch of the Australian coastline hoping a long weekend in the sunshine will help them patch their differences. They are a careless couple, littering the countryside with garbage, shooting guns and even driving away after wounding a kangaroo with their automobile. Their callous disregard for the environment soon becomes apparent when the animals start to seek vengeance. Marcia and Peter have proven themselves to be destroyers of nature. Will the animals allow them to leave or will they too be destroyed?

  This was a very fun film that I highly recommend.  It's not gory or even really that scary, in fact, it's quite tame by today's standards.  I'm sure it was quite shocking at the time of it's release, though. That being said, it's still a wonderful entertaining film.  The movie will make you think about how you treat nature, as this couple found out the hard way by being attacked by birds, dogs, snakes, and even an opossum!
 
  The new HD 1080p transfer looks great on this new blu-ray release.  Sometimes you would forget this film was shot in the 1970's if it weren't for the clothing and hair!

 LONG WEEKEND will be released April 14th on Blu-ray and will contain the following special features:

*  High-Definition 1080p Transfer Supervised by Synapse Films
*  Re-mastered DTS HD-MA 5.1 Surround Soundtrack
*  Audio Commentary from Producer Richard Brennan and Cinematographer Vincent Monton
*  Motion Still Gallery Featuring an Audio Interview with Actor John Hargreaves
*  Original Theatrical Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the blu-ray

 

DVD Review: BIG DRIVER (2014)

BIG DRIVER
Directed by Mikael Salomon
Distributed by Lionsgate

 Here is another film I had never heard of before it arrived on my doorstep for review.   The first thing I noticed was the description on the cover that said "From a story by Stephen King".  I was immediately intrigued and then was even more so after reading the plot synopsis.    Here is the basic plot of the film from the Lionsgate website:

  From best-selling author Stephen King comes BIG DRIVER, starring Maria Bello, Olympia Dukakis, Joan Jett, and Will Harris. Tess Thorne, a famous writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing. On a lonely New England road, her tire blows out, leaving her stranded. Relieved when another driver stops and offers assistance, Tess quickly discovers her savior is actually a serial killer who assaults her. Left for dead, Tess escapes, determined to find her attacker and seek revenge...

  I love rape-revenge films.  I always have, ever since I watched THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE years ago.  I love seeing the bad guys get what's coming to them, so when I read that this was a rape-revenge film, I was really looking forward to checking it out.  I am glad to say that this film did not disappoint!  In fact, I am really surprised I haven't heard more buzz about this film. 

  First off, the acting in the film was excellent.  There was  not a bad performance in the entire film, which is always a bonus.  Maria Bello does a remarkable job as the main character and was a perfect choice for the roll.  

  The film was shot very well and was paced extremely well.  Clocking in right at 90 minutes, the film was the perfect length that never had much of a dull or slow moment.  The film kept me entertained the entire running time.

  Another great thing about this film, is that not only was  it rape-revenge style horror film, it also had a very interesting and unique twist to it.   In the film, the main character in an author and throughout the film she is constantly seeing and conversing with characters from the books she has written.   This really come into play as she is in the midst of her revenge sequence.  This gave the film an almost supernatural/psychological feel to it.

  BIG DRIVER was a big hit in my book.   I would highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a fresh, new take on the rape-revenge sub-genre of horror films.  The film is available now on DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

DVD Review: KILLING MR. RIGHT (2014)

KILLING MR. RIGHT
Written & Directed by Kerry Beyer
Produced by Kerosene Films

  It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since I reviewed a film from director Kerry Beyer.  That film was called SPIRIT CAMP and was one of the best independent horror films I have seen in a long time.  You can read my review of SPIRIT CAMP here.  I mentioned in that review that I looked forward to seeing future projects from this amazing filmmaker.  Well, here we are 5 years later and Kerry Beyer's newest film, KILLING MR. RIGHT, is now available for our viewing pleasure!  Needless to say, Beyer does not disappoint in his latest film.   This film is more of a crime/revenge flick than true horror film, but horror fans will be glad to know that this film is still full of carnage and gore!  Before I go any further, here is the basic plot of the film from the Kerosene Films website:

Convinced her roommate’s new fiancé is the man who abducted and raped her, a young law student, suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, takes justice into her own hands as she exacts revenge… but does she have the right man? Elizabeth Jackson and Kerry Beyer star in this disturbing revenge thriller that pushes the limits of sadism, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “cruel and unusual punishment.”

  KILLING MR. RIGHT is an excellent film that will entertain you on many levels.  The film is a great crime/revenge flick, but as stated above, the film delivers in terms of blood and gore as well, including guy getting disemboweled and a woman getting her eyeball plucked out of her head with a meat hook!   Yuck!  I won't say anymore, as I don't want to give too much away, but this is a film you will definitely want to check out.   The film has some laugh out loud dialog as well, to lighten the mood a bit on what is otherwise a very dark, serious film.   The acting is very good as well, with every member of the cast turning in a great performance.

   The press release says that KILLING MR. RIGHT is "a psychological horror film reminiscent of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE meets AMERICAN PSYCHO".  This is a very good comparison and if you are a fan of those films, I think you will definitely enjoy this film.   KILLING MR. RIGHT is available now through various platforms including DVD and VOD.   The DVD contains the following special features:

*  Director Commentary
*  Behind the Scenes
*  Special FX Makeup Tutorial
*  Lord Von Black Music Video


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to watch on Vimeo On Demand
CLICK HERE to download the film from iTunes.com

Check out the trailer for THE SCAREHOUSE

  I recently read an article about an upcoming horror film called, THE SCAREHOUSE.  I haven't really seen too many new horror movies coming out lately that I was excited by, so I was happy to hear about this one and see the trailer for it.   Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb page:

When two friends open a Halloween fun house on Devil's Night it is all fun and games until their former sorority sisters begin to arrive. These six sisters are confronted by their past as the night spins out of control.

 The trailer looks like this could be a very fun film!  THE SCAREHOUSE is set to debut on VOD and iTunes October 21st.  I have not seen a blu-ray/dvd release date yet.  



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for THE SCAREHOUSE

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film, KILLING MR. RIGHT

  A few years ago, I reviewed a fun slasher film from Kerosense Films called SPIRIT CAMP.  I was a huge fan of this film and of director Kerry Beyer . Well, Mr. Beyer is back with a brand new film, this time he is focusing on the revenge/thriller genre.  The film is called KILLING MR. RIGHT and the trailer is finally out for our viewing pleasure! 
   Here is the plot of the film from the Kerosene Films website:

Convinced her roommate’s new fiancé is the man who abducted and raped her, a young law student, suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, takes justice into her own hands as she exacts revenge… but does she have the right man? Elizabeth Jackson and Kerry Beyer star in this disturbing revenge thriller that pushes the limits of sadism, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “cruel and unusual punishment.”

  I have to admit, I was hoping for more straight horror from Mr. Beyer's next film, but after watching this trailer, I could not be more excited for this film!  I think there will be plenty of suspense and terror for us horror fans!  

  KILLING MR. RIGHT will have it's World Premiere Sneak Peak at SplatterFest on 10/2 at Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park in Houston.   If you are attending that event, you can pre-order the DVD and pick it up there by clicking HERE.   For those of us that can't attend that event, DVD sales will be available at a later date.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: SHE FREAK (1967)

SHE FREAK
Directed by:  Byron Mabe
Distributed by:  Cheezy Flicks

  I had heard about the movie SHE FREAK for many years, but have just never had the chance (or made the time) to watch it.  I really didn't know anything about it, but I was very intrigued when I heard it was a loose interpretation/remake of the 1932 Tod Browning film, FREAKS.  

  FREAKS is one of my all time favorite films, so I knew I had to check out SHE FREAK.  Here is the basic plot from the Cheezy Flicks website:

Claire Brennen stars as a discontent waitress working in a small-town greasy diner, and looking for something more. When the circus comes to town, she finds herself attracted to its excitement - and secures a job with the traveling show as a food service worker. As the circus moves on, and she with it, life seems to be going well - new friends, steady work, a romance or two, and eventually a new husband - but she discovers that she despises the freaks and human oddities of the side shows, and uses her marriage to the Circus' owner to take control of the carnival. Now she must strike a balance between profit and patience, as the carnies and side show freaks set out to exact revenge on her for her Gestapo-like management techniques -- FREAK STYLE!

I enjoyed this film a lot, mainly for it's nostalgic feel, as it was filmed in 1967.  Be warned, though....do not go in to this film expecting another brilliant masterpiece like Tod Browing's film.  You will be disappointed.  This is a very watered down version of the film and doesn't really even use that many real "freaks" like Browning's film did.   While not nearly as good of a film overall, I think this film actually improves on the ending when the carnies get their revenge on the owner's wife.   In FREAKS, they turn the lady into a some sort of chicken like creature if I remember correctly.  In this film, they turn the woman in a half burned/scarred thing with one bugling eye.  Very creepy image and very good makeup effects for this time period.

This is a fun film that I would recommend...especially at the crazy price that Cheezy Films is selling it for over on their website  ($2.99!!!).  Not sure how long that price will last, so visit Cheezy Flicks to buy this film or any of their other great films they sell. 


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

DVD Review: SWEET KARMA (2009)

 ------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------


SWEET KARMA
Directed by:  Andrew Thomas Hunt
Distributed by:  Phase 4 Films

 

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good female-revenge flick, so I was pretty happy when Hayes handed me SWEET KARMA to review. The cover is very inviting, after all, with a woman in bra and panties holding a handgun; I mean, how can you not be curious?

  

If you are not familiar with SWEET KARMA, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Phase 4 FIlms:

  

Karma Balint is a shy, mute Russian girl whose sister Anna left for Canada with bright hopes of making some money for the two of them. When Karma discovers that Anna’s body has been found in the woods, the apparent victim of a Russian mafia hit, Karma sets off to infiltrate the criminal underworld to avenge her sister. Her journey takes her through the twisted underbelly of society leaving behind death and mayhem in her wake.                           

 

I loved this movie. It has a gritty, underworld feel to it and is full of dark themes and overtones. You truly feel for Karma as she searches for her sister’s killers...and you relish the vengeance that she doles out. And, boy, does she dole it out!

  

SWEET KARMA is a vicious film with some excellent ‘revenge’ scenes. The seductive yet fatal ways that Karma gets rid of the killers is almost entrancing to watch; you literally have a hard time pulling your eyes away from the screen! For example, Karma leads one of the men into a restroom where she starts kissing him. Thinking that Karma is an easy dancer, the man lets his guard down...and pays a horrific price for it. Karma tricks him into thinking he’s snorting cocaine off of her breast, but it’s actually laundry detergent. While the guy is floundering around in some massive pain, she knocks him down and then ‘hangs’ him on the hand-rail!

  

The acting in SWEET KARMA is very good, with actress Shera Bechard doing a superb job in the titular role of Karma. Portraying a shy, mute beauty from Russia is not an easy task, I’m sure, but Bechard pulls it off with ease. I look forward to seeing her in future films.

  

SWEET KARMA doesn’t have many special effects, except for some blood, but it’s well done. The film is shot well, although I have to admit that a few of the scenes were pretty dark and hard to make out. Still, that doesn’t detract from the film overall and is a minor inconvenience. 

 

Not to give too much away, but the film has a great twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I will obviously not spoil it for you, but you should definitely check this one out to see what happens. If you liked I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, you will love SWEET KARMA.

  

-MSB-

  

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
 

DVD Review: THRILLER: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE

Also known as THRILLER: A CRUEL PICTURE, THRILLER tells the tale of a young girl who is picked up by a stranger and taken back to his house where he begins to get her hooked on heroin, and forces her to into a life of drug addiction and prostitution. After gouging the face of her first "client" with her fingernails, her captor punishes her by taking a scalpel to her left eye. After this, she seems to have succumbed to the control of her captor, but little does he know, she is using her day off (nice of him to give her a day to rest up) to take classes in karate and marksmanship, learning to use both a rifle and a pistol. She then proceeds to a steal a shotgun, which she saws of to make here signature weapon, and then extract revenge on everyone who has hurt her. She goes after all the clients that used and abused her, and then finally after her captor who drove her into this lifestyle.

This is a great film and a perfect example of a classic 70's Grindhouse film. It is a great revenge flick on par with I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. If you like exploitation films of the revenge sort, this a must see film.

CLICK HERE to go to the THRILLER Imdb page

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for THRILLER: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE