‘Poltergeist II: The Other Side’ (1986): Other side of what? Where’s the fright? Where are the scares?

So apparently there’s this sci-fi Smurf cartoon sequel out there right now in theaters that’s cleaning up at the b.o., but I swear I don’t know anyone who’s seen it. Why would they? Of course there’s no accounting for taste (for instance: Dwayne Johnson), but sequels are a favorite topic of discussion for fans (particularly… Read More ‘Poltergeist II: The Other Side’ (1986): Other side of what? Where’s the fright? Where are the scares?

February 4, 2023 Movies & Drinks1 Comment

‘Frankenstein: The True Story’ (1973): Mary Shelley’s classic monster comes alive on TV

It’s Shock-tober, everyone! That’s right—time to take out a second mortgage to pay for your groceries this week. So, let’s lighten our loads by doing what I’ve been since I was in a playpen: escaping reality by obsessively watching TV. And what better way to block out the possibility of six more years of the… Read More ‘Frankenstein: The True Story’ (1973): Mary Shelley’s classic monster comes alive on TV

October 18, 2022 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ (1978): Paranoid horror remake a treat for any era

Yes, he’s a pod that didn’t correctly transform. Look, he has to be, right? See—what else could explain that stumbling gait, that vacant, blank stare, that mouth agape, those sudden fits of crankiness inbetween the rather startling incoherence. Of course he’s a damaged pod.

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘Twice Dead’ (1988): VHS-era cheapie has a good sense of humor

Round 2 for the obvious appeal to Shout! Factory to get wise and start sending us product…or we won’t be responsible for ourselves.

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘The Evil’ (1978): Solid, fun genre offering despite silly ending

Apparently, my editor dodged rehab again (you ain’t gonna catch that jackrabbit in the scrub), so while he’s hiding out, he shot me an email, telling me Shout!’s Scream Factory label will release a Blu-ray double-header of Twice Dead and The Terror Within, which splits up two older Shout! DVD releases from their fondly-remembered Roger… Read More ‘The Evil’ (1978): Solid, fun genre offering despite silly ending

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 Movies & Drinks1 Comment

‘The Terror Within’ (1989): Corman ‘Alien’ knockoff hits Blu-ray

If you had any idea how difficult it’s been for my editor and me to sober up to the point where we can just function figure out just what the hell Shout! Factory is releasing this week and what we have to review…you wouldn’t believe me. So. Let’s just get on with it, shall we?

February 23, 2021October 23, 2022 Movies & Drinks2 Comments

‘Willard’ (1971): Part animal horror flick, part adolescent drama – mostly twisted fairy tale

A few years ago, Shout! Factory’s Scream Factory line released on Blu-ray one of the most highly-sought MIA 70s cult titles among home video enthusiasts: Willard, the 1971 tear-em-up indie horror hit from Bing Crosby Productions (distributed by Cinerama Releasing), based on Stephen Gilbert’s novel, Ratman’s Notebooks, directed by Daniel Mann, scripted by Gilbert A.… Read More ‘Willard’ (1971): Part animal horror flick, part adolescent drama – mostly twisted fairy tale

January 27, 2021January 28, 2021 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘Child’s Play’ (1988): Need a Christmas gift for the kid? Here’s a fun toy

“Ugly doll.”“F*ck you!”

December 21, 2020October 10, 2021 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘Hellhole’ (1985): Sleazy & amusing, indie ’80s at its most nostalgic

Sleazy, thoroughly enjoyable 1980s “women in prison/nuthouse” flick.

May 30, 2020June 1, 2020 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

‘You’ll Like My Mother’ (1972): An expertly-constructed, smartly-performed thriller

Sharp, atmospheric, well-mounted little suspense thriller, with socko performances.

April 23, 2020 Movies & DrinksLeave a comment

Movies & Drinks

Discussion of popular movies, obscure VHS faves, & genre films

Tag: Scream Factory