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Reviews
Dead Hooker in a Trunk (2009)
A true Grindhouse Joyride
Amidst the list of other movies attempting to pay tribute to the grindhouse spirit at the Pollygrind Festival in Las Vegas, NV. The Film "Dead hooker in the Trunk" was the highlight of my time. The twin sisters (Jen and Sylvia AKA Twisted Twins) delivered an extremely well executed film.
Basic story is about a group of teenagers driving around town in their black Camero notice a strange smell coming from the car. They pull over and open the trunk to find a dead hooker hidden in it. It just gets crazier from there. You might have a hard time catching your breath between each crazy event!
They did an amazing job considering what their budget probably was. The script was well written, the cinematography was decent, the special effects where low budget which actually added to the charm of the film. Also I have to mention that the twins are not only beautiful but they are good actors.(something that is often overlooked in films in this caliber)
This film was a true passion project. Not only did the sisters star in this joyride, but they produced and directed it. And I can't forget C.J Wallas, who played the "Goody Two-shoes". He is also credited for the cinematography, editing and composing of this film.
If you are looking for the normal multi-million dollar cookie cutter action film filled your high priced actors, expensive car chases, explosion or even the latest 3D animation, you won't enjoy this film. But you are looking for some fresh new faces and good old fashion story telling, check this film out.
I am anxious to see what Twisted Twins do next!
Terror Toons (2002)
The attack of the Terror Toons! Run away!!
This is difficult for me to write because I have huge respect for those who attempt to "Buck" the Hollywood system and create their own Micro-budget movies.
Watching this was trying to swallow a mack truck with dry mouth. I got bored half way. I decided to take a walk and had to finished it later. The movie as a concept was good. Cartoons coming alive to kill real people. Not completely original but still unique enough to peak my curiosity. Plus it had Beverly Lynn, one of my favorite actresses on this level of films.
First of all the bad. There are hardly any "Toons" in this movie. Second of all the "Toon" antagonist were stupid and annoying. And finally there was hardly a script from what I could tell. It mostly seems like there was an "outline" for actors to "Work with". The dialog in certain scenes seemed to fall apart.
The good.The actors themselves weren't that awful, they could have been better with an actual script. (what's up with the transvestite "mom"?) The effects were a mixed bag of good and completely and laughably awful. The cartoon mouths were funny and creepy. The music score and sound design was appropriate for this film. Finally, the finale, Beverly Lynn in the pink SuperHero outfit!! The end fight sequence was the best part of the film. Go Beverly!!
3 out of 10 is the best I can give this one.
Hell's Highway (2002)
Fasten your seat belts!! Micro-Budget Joy ride!!
If you ever decide to watch a film like this, please take into consideration that it was probably shot for the price of a used car and in the spans of a week. Total Roger Corman/Ed Wood style, so you should never expect a Spielburg quality film(His catering budget is usually bigger than the entire budget of a film like this.) So what does a film like this have to offer a viewer? A dialog heavy script with thick subplots and well known actors? Mind blowing special effects? Beautiful breath-taking 35mm Cinematography? No, but it has couple things that make it unique. Despite the fact that it was probably shot on a camcorder, some of the shots were well planned and executed. Unlike the normal all-hand-held Shot-on-Video features usually do. Of course the Director and the Cinematographer were the same person, which can be difficult. The Characters were unique, yes at sometime they were over-the-top or flat at certain times, but I feel that they were tolerable. It's also obvious at time there was a lot of ad libbing and some of it didn't work. I am a fan of Beverly Lynn though. She started out in the Brain Damage world and has definitely out-shined many of her counterparts. I do hope that she will grow in her craft and lands roles that will gain her the respect that she deserves. This was Phoebe Dollar's first film credit, she definitely shines as the evil Lucinda. She is definitely a presence that will go far in the future. The story also is unique for the fact if you actually try to follow what's going on, you will be pulled in many different directions and will be left still wondering what exactly happen. It definitely had some interesting twists in it. Now onto the special effects, outside the low quality of the video image the special effects look even worse than normal. They are totally laughable. Especially Joe Haggerty's blow to the head.( Which can really be the charm of a film like this, where the gore is so over-the-top that it's actually funny. I can imagine how a movie like this would be in a college dorm, with a room full of drunk men.) Especially when watch the toy model cars driving by or see the miniature gas station blow up! That was funny!! I had to rewind to make sure I saw what I thought I saw!! The Sound was something to be desired. It was for the most part inconsistent. Some of the sound effects were very "fake" sounding and again laughable at times. There also obvious continuity issues like switching props, road movement in the background in a car scene when the car is supposedly stopped. But what do you expect when you can afford re-shoots? To me this movie, seems to be a turning point for the whole Brain Damage world. Where their movies started moving up the ladder from their pocket-change budget beginnings. Good job Jeff LeRoy!! If you want a movie that scares you, it probably won't. If you want a movie that will challenge your intellect, don't rent this. But if you appreciate the micro-budget, and want to see something different that the normal movie studios wouldn't put out, then you might want to check it out.
Goth (2003)
Goth, oh bloody Goth!! This movie is not for everyone!!
When watching a film like this and knowing the budget it was made for, it would not be fair to compare this film with the bigger budget competition. For often times the bigger budget can make up for a bad script by throwing expensive special effects, elaborate cinematography and/or big name actors. This movie unfortunately didn't have those luxuries. The script wasn't the most innovative. (even though it did take the normal formula and gave it a good twist. Especially the sex scenes are not what you would expect and that's what I like about it.) The special effects were laughable at times. the acting wasn't Oscar worthy, but it still was good . But when you compare this film to others in the same playing field. This film is a couple steps above the rest. It didn't rely on the normal formula of these low budget films that we are used to seeing, it was actually about the characters reactions rather than the gore effects. The photography is actually good for this budget, a little shaky at times, but again above the norm for this level. And the music is decent and not annoying bad. Brad Sykes has come a long way from "Camp Blood", way to go Brad. Phoebe Dollar is fantastic as "Goth", her presence is great. Laura Reilly and Dave Stan are really good as well, they were able to reach a decent amount emotional depth (considering what their tight time constraints probably were in the low budget films.) Overall, if you have a taste for very independent movies and overlook their low-budget short comings you might enjoy this one. If you are looking for the straight ahead horror/slasher that usually comes from Brain Damage, you may not like this one. Otherwise if you are not afraid of weeding through these things to find a decent movie, then check this out.
Vicious Kiss (1995)
"Kiss" your money Good-bye.
I laughed. I cried. I viciously kissed the last hour and a half of my life good-bye. Now, I am a fan of the spirit behind low-budget movie making. Plus I understand when a film has budget constraints, but this film really has no excuse. Donald Farmer, where do you get your money? My intelligence was severely insulted. It was almost like I was losing IQ points watching this. My ears were was tortured listening to (the now deceased) Margaux Hemingway(Sorry Margeux) lisp and slur her way through this movie. (I am almost convinced that she has been the inspiration of recent cartoon voices.) I couldn't understand a word the woman spoke. It was painful. And Danny Fendley ever consider acting lessons? I have heard that they are great.
The one that redeemed the film was the presence of the beautiful Monique Parent. Even though her acting wasn't the greatest in this one either, but she definitely out-shined her competitors for the spotlight in the film.
Compared to other films I have seen in this realm it wasn't the worst stink bomb, but it was far from a bed of roses. A four, I feel, is a generous vote. It is definitely worth a watch if you can tolerate(and find humorous) the flaws of low budget films. You might find this film to be entertaining in it's attempt to be a real movie.
One thing I would like to know is 'What was with the stuffed dog anyways?' Those of you who have seen it know what I am talking about. This is a great movie to show future film students what NOT to do.