“Well, I must admit that since the curfew, Peckham has been more boring than usual.”

And with that sterling line of dialogue, time to buzz around the campy cult fun of “Invasion Of The Bee Girls!”

This 1973 camp classic has a simple plot: A powerful cosmic force is turning Earth women into queen bees who kill men by wearing them out sexually!

Here is the incredible trailer for the film, including some very funny uses of graphics to cover what they call “Naughty Bits”! –

Thanks to “The Odeon” for posting this on YouTube!

As you can see from this movie still, they use what is called a “hivemaker” – you can only imagine the scientific research that went into the making of this classic!

Drive-In Movie Culture Lives!

“Invasion of the Bee Girls” is a classic example of a “drive-in movie”. These softcore, “R”-rated films were shown mostly in drive-in movie theaters across America in the 70’s – movies that offered a bit of nudity, mostly hinted at sexual situations and lots of goofy, campy horror…and dialogue like this!

Dr. Susan Harris: Well, I must admit that since the curfew, Peckham has been more boring than usual.

The trend in the 70’s was to offer a “sexy” look at all sorts of women’s professions, such as Cheerleaders:

Rah! Rah! Rah!

There were a string of these silly sex comedies in the 70’s and 80’s, and you can see them all here:

Cheerleaders! Pom Pom Girls! David Hasselhoff As “Boner!” Cult Classics – Rah Rah Rah!

The great David Hasselhoff even starred in one – how can you resist?

Greedy Movie Producers also managed to exploit another profession as well:

“Coffee, Tea Or Me?”

A book by that name was a huge bestseller in the late 60’s, hinting at the wild sex lives of Stewardesses – so of course movies jumped on the bandwagon as well!

Check out these high-flying sex comedies here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/30/naughty-stewardesses-swinging-cheerleaders-centerfold-girls-classic-70s-exploitation/

As I said, these movies mostly played drive-in movie theaters…if you miss the drive-in era, there is a great documentary that brings it back to life!

This terrific documentary looks at the past, present and future of the drive-in, as many groups have banded together to save the last remaining one from extinction! You can see that effort here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/04/02/the-drive-in-monster-rama-lives-scary-movies-in-your-car/

Finally, there is a great website that keeps cult films poster like this one alive:

The Rio Theater has a ton of classic exploitation movie posters, and you can see more of them here:

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

Let me know your favorite drive-in movie – leave a comment!

“Loneliness has followed me my whole life, everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.”

One of cinema’s most compelling characters, brought to vivid life by America’s greatest Actor, who also uttered this line:

“Sometimes, it’s not so easy being Fearless Leader.”

Here Are Three Reasons To Love Robert DeNiro, And One BIG Reason To Hate Him!

He will always be considered on of our greatest Actors, with a body of work that got our attention with “Mean Streets” and “The Godfather Part 2″…

DeNiro’s reputation was cemented with his stunning work as Travis Bickle, “God’s Lonely Man” in “Taxi Driver”, which is celebrating its 40th year by holding a special screening at DeNiro’s Tribeca film festival!

TAXI DRIVER – 1976.

Simply put, it’s a masterpiece – and more timely today than ever.

Robert DeNiro is Travis Bickle, an ex-Marine and Vietnam War veteran living in New York City. As he suffers from insomnia, he spends his time working as a taxi driver at night…

Travis Bickle: “All the animals come out at night – whores, skunk pussies, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies, sick, venal. Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets. I go all over. I take people to the Bronx, Brooklyn, I take ’em to Harlem. I don’t care. Don’t make no difference to me. It does to some. Some won’t even take spooks. Don’t make no difference to me.”

Here is the original theatrical trailer:

The film is a modern movie classic, a story of alienation, hatred and revenge…with some of the most searing dialogue ever written, thanks to Paul Schrader:

“Loneliness has followed me my whole life, everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.”

Robert De Niro worked twelve hour days for a month driving cabs as preparation for this role. He also studied mental illness.

“You Talkin’ To Me?”

Of course, the film is best known for this brilliant monologue: and yes, one of cinema’s greatest lines was written by DeNiro himself!

The scene where Bickle is talking to himself in the mirror was completely ad-libbed by DeNiro! The screenplay details just said, “Travis looks in the mirror.”

Travis Bickle: [Travis is trying his guns on the mirror] Huh? Huh?
[Draws]
Travis Bickle: Faster than you, fucking son of a… Saw you coming you fucking… shitheel.
[Reholsters]
Travis Bickle: I’m standing here; you make the move. You make the move. It’s your move…
[Draws]
Travis Bickle: Don’t try it you fuck.
[Reholsters]
Travis Bickle: You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? Then who the hell else are you talking… you talking to me? Well I’m the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to? Oh yeah? OK.
[Draws]

The line “You talkin’ to me?” was voted as the #10 movie quote by the American Film Institute, and as as the #8 of “The 100 Greatest Movie Lines” by Premiere in 2007.

This film is absolutely saturated with the streets of New York – as it existed in the seedy seventies!

Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Shown from left on the set: Jodie Foster, Robert De Niro, director Martin Scorsese

The 40th anniversary screening included a conversation on stage with the movie’s principal cast and crew…it would be fascinating to hear all of them talk about what this film has meant to them, and to our culture…of course, DeNiro collaborated many times since with Director Martin Scorsese, in brilliant films like “Raging Bull” and this criminally overlooked cult classic:

The King Of Comedy!

Scorsese and DeNiro re-teamed on a dark satire that was as prescient about stardom as “Network” was about television!

Check out the trailer:

Jerry Lewis gives an amazing performance alongside DeNiro, in the story of an aspiring comic who develops a dangerous relationship with a late night Talk Show Host, played by Lewis.

A terrific new blu-ray release digs into the movie, including a great “reunion” conversation with many of the film’s participants!

See more by clicking here:

“The King Of Comedy” Goes Blu! Amazing Extras! Scorsese Grills Pupkin!

In the 90’s, DeNiro showed us he could do comedy, playing a bounty hunter who just wants to get to LA by midnight Friday…against ALL odds:

Midnight Run!

This 90’s buddy comedy combined action with hilarious one-liners, and proved how adept DeNiro was at comedy:

Charles Grodin gives one of his best performances as an Accountant who steals from the mob. This classic comedy was also criminally under-appreciated upon release, but now has a great new blu-ray release as well.

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/28/fistophobia-the-brilliant-but-neglected-buddy-action-comedy-midnight-run/

DeNiro’s movie output increased noticably since the late 90’s…some were great comedic roles like “Meet The Parents”…and some were easy supporting roles like his work in “Silver Linings Playbook”.

However, look at some of these movie titles: “Showtime”, “The Fan” and “Last Vegas” are among the films of the last twenty years that show an Actor clearly working for a paycheck.

But one film stands out as the most egregious mistake he’s ever made – and one that made fans realize his days of “Raging” were over!

“Sometimes, it’s not so easy being Fearless Leader.”

The Disaster Of “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle!”

Except for a big paycheck, it’s impossible to understand why America’s greatest Actor would make this film, based on the television cartoon “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show”.

Check out the embarrassing trailer:

As you can see, a sad day for all concerned. The animated characters Rocky and Bullwinkle shared the screen with live actors portraying Fearless Leader (Robert De Niro), Boris Badenov (Jason Alexander), Natasha Fatale (Rene Russo).

I’m not really angry at DeNiro – everyone has the right to take a role for any reason…but it’s hard to see the monologue from “Taxi Driver” and then read this one from “Bullwinkle”:

“Have you liquidated Moose and Squirrel? Did you use the CDI? Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me? Then who else are you talking to? Are you talking to me? Well, I am the only one here, so you must be talking to me. And you are lying! Now catch Moose and Squirrel. And next time use the CDI on them.”

Yes, DeNiro’s fearless leader (Robert De Niro) actually says to Boris & Natasha “You talkin’ to me?…There’s no one else here, so you must be talking to me”.

Well, they can’t ALL be classics! As DeNiro says at one point in the film:

“Sometimes, it’s not so easy being Fearless Leader.”

Longevity in the film business is rare, so a career going on 50 years is one to applaud, even if DeNiro’s output now is spotty, to phrase it kindly. I will remember him this way:

Yes, it’s a picture of DeNiro auditioning for “The Godfather!” He missed out on the original, but was of course, Don Corleone in “Part II”…see his audition here:

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

And Bravo to the creative team behind the brilliant “Taxi Driver!”

Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Shown from left on the set: Jodie Foster, Robert De Niro, director Martin Scorsese

Talk About A Tough Lady!

Dressed fully in black and carrying a sharp knife, this is one of the greatest action heroes that America’s NEVER HEARD OF!

Time to share a “J-sploitation” film series that combines action, violence and “women in prison” genres to terrific effect!

This classic Japanese exploitation series follows the adventures of Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion!

“Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion!”

Japanese star Meiko Kaji is Scorpion, and as you can imagine, the movie follows her travails inside a prison!

Check out the great trailer!

Here’s how one website described it:

“Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion contains everything you will find in the remainder of the series, so if you don’t like what you see, venture no further. We are talking soft-core couplings, lesbianism, slapstick prison wardens administering gleeful punishment and lots and lots of blood, usually shooting out jet-stream style from freshly severed limbs. But, seriously, what’s not to like about that?”

“Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41!”

As much fun as “Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion” is, it’s just the beginning!

The second film in the series is considered by many to be the definitive entry. In “Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41” has our heroine recaptured and placed in solitary confinement, before she plans an escape through the bowels of the prison – with six other inmates in tow!

Here is the trailer:

One website claimed that “Jailhouse 41” has even more nudity, gratuitous sadism, acid-tinged fantasy sequences – plus musical numbers and extreme martial arts as well!

Scorpion Gets “Armed!”

Next up is the third film in the series – “Female Prisoner 701 Scorpion: Beast Stable” – as our heroine is free but on the run from the law again…

Here is the classic trailer for the film, which includes her running with a severed arm!

Yes, A SEVERED ARM!

This is wildly inventive moviemaking, operating under the classic exploitation rules: these movies must feature lots of action, nudity, and over-the-top mayhem!

A Final “Grudge!”

The final film in the series, “Female Prisoner Scorpion #701: Grudge Song” has a different Director, and shows a gentler side of our Heroine…and if you want to see all four in all-new remastered editions with tons of great extras, check this out!

Arrow Video is releasing a new blu-ray box set with all four films and tons of great extras, so you can dive into the deep end of the “J-sploitation” pool!

Japanese “pinky” films were wildly popular in the 1970’s, and are legendary for their portrayal of “tough girls” in dangerous situations:

You can see some of the best of the genre here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/31/mutant-girls-pinky-violence-sex-fury-and-lady-snowblood-too-japanese-sexploitation-lives/

Even though these films are from the 70’s, the modern era of cinema in Japan includes the genre of “J-sploitation” as well!

One of the more recent films had a very controversial “jiggle” promo, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/11/the-bikini-game-controversial-japanese-jiggle-movie-promo-new-j-sploitation-film/

The genre is also tongue in cheek, or in this case….

Yes, “Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead” is a classic example of the “J-sploitation” genre, see it here!

https://johnrieber.com/2012/11/06/zombie-ass-yes-japans-wacky-cinema-is-calling-what-the/

You can also check out a ton of great new japanese horror films as well:

This is an amazing genre of film, see the best here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/13/yakuza-zombies-bloody-asian-halloween-horror-2015-shocking-japanese-exploitation/

Leave me a message and let me know if you’ve seen any of the “Scorpion” films!

Sasha Grey Presents “GREYSCALE”!

Hey everyone, I want to share a great new artistic effort by Sasha Grey – here is the official announcement:

“GREYSCALE” is a new short format series that approaches art as poetic commentary along with visually stunning photography, hosted and created by Sasha Grey and directed by Mattia Venni Uberti. A far turn from traditional review and television documentaries, the episodes themselves becomes cinematic art. Our first pilot episode is a sample of what I hope the future can hold. Shot at MOCA’s permanent collection in Los Angeles, I take the viewer on a photographic and poetic journey. MOCA’s collection offers a wide range of artists, where as in the future we may chose to focus on a particular artist’s solo exhibition at a particular gallery in future episodes, or conversely, classic pieces at a variety of museums. This will provide for a different dialogue and reflection, creating an individual tone for each episode.

This beautifully filmed new series explores art in a unique way – please check out this terrific video:

Sasha Grey==
Richard Phillips Exhibition Opening at Gagosian Gallery==
Gagosian Gallery, NYC==
September 11, 2012==
©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – CLINT SPAULDING/PatrickMcMullan.com==
==

I can’t wait to see more in this series, and bravo to Sasha and Mattia, the great Director of this video.

Of course, I have had the chance to work with Sasha in the past:

Sasha’s Shark Photo Bomb!

I filmed with Sasha in Australia for G4, when she went into an aquarium tank with sharks, and got photobombed!

These clips show Sasha getting ready to go into the tank, and then she walks among sharks and stingrays!

You can see more of her adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/26/sasha-greys-shark-dive-sashas-shark-photo-bomb-sashas-extreme-shark-diving-adventure/

Sasha also learned to surf at Sydney’s legendary Bondi Beach – leading to this hilarious moment:

Sasha is on a creative roll right now, after publishing her first novel:

The sequel comes out soon, and you can read more about her debut novel here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/29/sasha-grey-conquers-the-world-best-selling-juliette-society-scores-worldwide/

Sasha is also making movies with some very inventive Directors:

Sasha worked with Elijah Wood on a great thriller called “Open Windows” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/02/sasha-greys-halloween-horror-open-windows-ondemand-extreme-sports-sasha-down-under/

Congrats to Sasha and Mattia on their new series!

These Birds Will “Shock” You!

I love movies. ALL KINDS OF MOVIES. Therefore, I LOVE “BIRDEMIC!”

Let me explain, in case you haven’t seen this movie. Someone made this. They are now officially a “film maker.” And You are not. So, credit must go where credit must go!

Have You Seen The Brilliant “Birdemic: Shock And Terror?”

Before I share some details, take a look at this trailer. Note the acting, the special effects, and the action again because it’s just that good!

Thanks to Vice, you can now experience “Birdemic” in a whole new way – as they look into the making of this masterpiece of bad cinema!

“Vice” has a great mini-documentary from Evan Husney that looks at the making of this film…here is what you need to know:

In January 2009, software salesman James Nguyen traveled to the Sundance Film Festival to self-promote his low-budget independent horror film “Birdemic: Shock and Terror.”

When the film was rejected by the Sundance Film Festival, according to IMDB:

“James Nguyen promoted his film by putting banners, fake blood, and fake birds all over his van. He would drive around to advertise until it caught the attention of Severin Films, which then distributed this film – and cinema history was made!”

Thanks to Severin films, you can own this to enjoy night after night after night!

If you want to see the “Vice” documentary, check out this story from the great website “Action A Go Go”, which includes the link

http://actionagogo.com/2016/08/09/one-man-one-dream-one-birdemic/

Of course, Nguyen isn’t alone in his quest to become a movie Director – remember Tommy Wiseau?

“The Room” is widely considered the worst film ever made…but the fact is, he made it!

Actor Greg Sestero starred in “The Room”, and had a fascinating friendship with the Director as well, which is being turned into a movie with James Franco! Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/27/tommy-wiseaus-classic-the-room-now-a-book-tommys-secrets-revealed/

Finally, who are we to judge what a Director intends? For example, there was a Director who intended THIS:

That’s right, a severed flying skull that kills! You can see this, plus five of the worst films ever made, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Let me know what you think of “Birdemic!”

Dancing To Save A Culture!

I understand when Olympic Athletes celebrate on the world stage – but in this case, one Olympics Weightlifter is dancing to save his country!

David Katoatau, of Kiribati, dances off the platform after an unsuccessful attempt on his final lift in the men’s 105 kg weightlifting event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

The Fight To Save Kiribati!

Olympic Weightlifter David Katoatau of the tiny nation of Kiribati is getting lots of attention – because of his signature dancing during his Olympic competition:

Kotoatau is making a “dancing fool” of himself in order to raise awareness of the plight of his home country, Kiribati…more on this incredible nature – at risk of disappearing forever – in a moment, but first, bravo to Kotoatau for getting this attention!

Here is that terrific dancing video:

A Weightlifter’s Fight To Save His Homeland!

Now, here is the sobering story behind this dancing: first, welcome to the south seas paradise known as Kiribati:

Gorgeous, isn’t it? Kiribati is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. This is a nation of islands: 33 atolls and reef islands and one raised coral island; Banaba. They spread out over 300 miles of the Pacific ocean, which is more than a million square miles!

The permanent population of Kiribati is just over 100,000 people, with more than half living on a single island.

Because of climate change, the country is sinking fast – rising oceans will soon turn Kiribati into a modern-day Atlantis, a society that will disappear forever…

These islands exist literally “at sea level” and as the sea rises, the salt water seeps into their fresh water supply, making it impossible to survive…

Here is a great story posted by “AJ+” on Youtube:

“Sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, and some countries may vanish into the ocean by 2050. The most at-risk is the South Pacific island nation of Kiribati. Coastal erosion and freshwater contamination could make Kiribati uninhabitable in the next 30 years. AJ+ traveled there to find out how its people are facing their uncertain future.”

That is a great video, and a sobering story about a culture that is about to be consumed by the ocean…I have posted stories about this area before:

The terrific travel writer J. Maarten Troost actually lived in this area for years, and wrote several memoirs…he recently returned to the area, and his troubling story can be read here:

Headhunters! Cannibals! South Seas Sex! Exotic Travel Escapes! Amazing Travel Books!

Kiribati isn’t the only nation at risk: in fact, one “Island President” has put his life on the line to see his country:

There is a terrific documentary that shows how one world leader put his life at risk to try and save his country – read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

Kiribati is just one country who is trying to find a way to survive – check out these stories!

“Heat – A Los Angeles Crime Saga”

This 1995 Michael Mann film is a modern classic, one of the greatest action thrillers of the era, and also remembered for making motion picture history:

Amazingly, “Heat” was the first film to ever feature both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino acting together! They both starred in “The Godfather: Part II” in 1974, but their roles were for different eras in the family. When “Heat” was released in 1995, it was promoted as the film to offer the first De Niro/Pacino “showdown!”

Here is the trailer for Michael Mann’s film – with an incredible ensemble including Pacino and DeNiro, along with Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd and Natalie Portman:

Bravo To the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences!

The Academy just put on a great night with the creative team in front of and behind the camera of “Heat” – including a reunion of DeNiro and Pacino!

On September 7, 2016 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, a great discussion of the film was moderated by Christopher Nolan, the Director of “Interstellar” and the “Batman” trilogy!

Here is a clip from the event, where they discuss the famous “showdown” scene, which was shot at the legendary restaurant Kate Mantellini’s restaurant just blocks away from the event.

HEAT US 1995 AL PACINO ROBERT DE NIRO Date 1995, Photo by: Mary Evans/WARNER BROS / REGENCY ENTERPRISES/Ronald Grant/Everett Collection(10372929)

According to IMDB, Pacino revealed that for the scene in the restaurant between Hanna and McCauley, Robert De Niro felt that the scene should not be rehearsed so that the unfamiliarity between the two characters would seem more genuine. Michael Mann agreed, and shot the scene with no practice rehearsals.

Here is a great conversation between Pacino, DeNiro and Director Michael Mann where they discuss filming this iconic movie moment:

Posted by “Oscars” on YouTube – bravo! You can see more of these moments from he event as well – a great way to re-discover this classic film!

Oscar Snub!

Shockingly, “Heat” wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture in 1995….among the other snubs that year were “Dead Man Walking”, “Leaving Las Vegas”, “The Usual Suspects” and “Se7en”!

Here were the Best Picture Nominees: Apollo 13, Babe, Il Postino, Sense and Sensibility

The Best Picture Winner: Braveheart

Wow! Well, twenty+ years on, “Heat” is a classic, and the restaurant scene is a moment for movie history.

Al Pacino is one of my favorite Actors: of course, everyone knows him for this role:

Aside from “The Godfather” and “Scarface”, Pacino has made an incredible impression of cinema…including this masterpiece from the early 70’s:

Check out this great film also starring Gene Hackman – click on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/19/al-pacinos-a-junkie-a-scarecrow-classic-early-al-pacino-performances/

Of course, DeNiro was also in “The Godfather Part II” – but since he played the early Don Corleone, he and Pacino never worked together in the film:

DeNiro has created many iconic movie characters, but perhaps no one more mesmerizing than “Taxi Driver” Travis Bickle:

Here are some of my favorite movies starring DeNiro:

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

Bravo once again to the Motion Picture Academy for putting on this great event – go to their YouTube channel to see more of the conversation!

Sasha Grey Gets “Smashed!”

Day #10 of “Shocktober 2016” features my friend Sasha Grey – who stars in a great piece of independent horror! Time to get bloody with the 2009 film “Smash Cut!”

Sasha Grey stars alongside David Hess, best known for this role in the iconic 70’s shocker “The Last House On The Left”.

In “Smash Cut”, Hess stars as a frustrated Director, with Sasha Grey as his unknowing new “star” – check out the trailer:

Yes, that was legendary “Blood Feast” Director Herschell Gordon Lewis narrating the trailer – and he also appears in the film – this legendary filmmaker died recently…read about his amazing “Blood Feast” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/26/rip-to-blood-feast-maestro-herschell-gordon-lewis-the-godfather-of-gore/

Actor David Hess is best known for the early 70’s shocker “The Last House On The Left” – and throughout his career, he has shown a great screen presence:

Hess also delivered a dynamite performance in a forgotten slice of 70’s sexploitation from Europe:

Read more about this classic thriller here:

Thumbs Up! Knives Out! Cult Classic “Hitchhiking” Exploitation!

Sasha also does a great job in the film, showing a quirky side, as well as an ability to exude danger:

Sasha is great in the film, which is a fun independent horror film – perfect for Shocktober!

I had the chance to work with Sasha in Australia, when she surfed iconic Bondi Beach – check it out here!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

Let me know what you think of day #10 of “Shocktober” – with Sasha Grey!

Author Sasha Grey Is Back!

Bravo to my friend Sasha on the publication on her new book, THE JANUS CHAMBER, which is being released now!

Sasha’s LA Book Signing!

Sasha is signing copies of her new novel on October 11, so make sure you get a copy and have it autographed!

As the publisher announces, “Grey has set the bar with her narrative style and no holds-barred lust-filled pages.”

“The Janus Chamber” is a sequel to Sasha’s best-selling debut novel “The Juliette Society”. Here is how the book is described:

“A few years have passed since Catherine’s time in the The Juliette Society, but things haven’t been going the way she planned. Her life with her fiancé Jack has become predictable and boring, especially in the bedroom. Now working as a journalist, she struggles to find inspiration in her work or at home-until she starts writing about the death of a publicly beloved model, Inana Luna, whose experiences reflect Catherine’s own blossoming sexuality and independence. What started as a routine story quickly becomes Catherine’s obsession, as she follows the tale of a woman whose tracks take her down a road with too many familiar facets: a fascination with kink, lustful men, and some very sexy intrigue. Like the Roman god Janus, Catherine is simultaneously looking to the past and the future. Can her experiences with The Juliette Society, along with Inana’s diary, help her figure out what she really wants in life, love, and sex? Or will the story drag her back down into a tantalizing world from which she might not be able to escape a second time?”

If you haven’t read her first bestseller, here is a closer look at that book!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/29/sasha-grey-conquers-the-world-best-selling-juliette-society-scores-worldwide/

Congratulations to Sasha on the release of her new work, make sure to support it!

And don’t forget that it’s “Shocktober 2016”, so you need to check out Sasha’s great horror film as well:

See more on her terrific horror movie here:

horror post

Sasha also shared a terrific work of art with her fans – a poetic commentary called “Greyscale”:

See this haunting video here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/20/sasha-grey-greyscale-a-beautiful-poetic-commentary-on-art/

I was lucky enough to travel with Sasha to Australia for some great G4 TV specials – you remember, when she got “photo bombed” by two sharks?

Here is that video of Sasha inside a tank with two sharks!

Sasha Grey’s Shark Dive! Sasha’s Shark Photo Bomb! Sasha’s Extreme Shark Diving Adventure!

While she was in Australia, we also went to the legendary Bondi Beach, where Sasha learned to surf:

Oh, I might have forgotten to tell her how cold the water was – here is a great video that shows her reaction:

See more of this incredible adventure here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/03/sasha-grey-surfs-sasha-steps-in-gum-surfs-up-at-bondi-beach-australia/

Finally, Sasha is also part of “Shocktober 2016”, with her dark comic horror film “Smash Cut!”

Check out the film’s great trailer right here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/10/shocktober-day-10-smashes-sasha-grey-the-darkly-comic-horror-of-smash-cut/

Bravo to Sasha on her new book release, and don’t forget to stop by and get one signed!

Shocktober 2016 Serves Up “The Bed That Eats!”

The 22nd day of “Shocktober 2016” asks you to lie down and relax in this bizarre “Death Bed!”

Yes, it is time to discover the wonder of “Death Bed!” First, let’s see a few choice moments thanks to “Saibot216” on youtube….

It is referred to as the “worst film ever made!” But c’mon, if you’ve see “The Room” or “Birdemic”, you know that’s not possible…and now, thanks to the great home video distributor CultEpics, there is a new blu-ray that gives YOU the chance to decide for yourself!

Let’s look at the extremely intricate plot:

A demonic bed eats anyone who lies in it. Done!

Which leads me to suspect that this young lady has a bad dream ahead…

Yep, I WAS RIGHT!

So, this is a film with a title – and premise – that doesn’t mess around! And thanks to the wonders of blu-ray, you just have to grab onto your remote with both hands and let this film take you on a wild, wild ride!

The Wacky World Of Cult Movies!

One reason movies are so much fun is because you never know when you will run into a film like this: a Director’s unique vision that may remain in obscurity for years before a brave company brings it back for all of us to enjoy! You know, scenes like THIS:

Thanks to the great website IMDB, we have some fun “Death Bed” trivia!

Director George Barry’s inspiration for “Death Bed” came in a dream, which explains the film’s bizarre surreal feel…

A Cult Legend Is Born – Or Bedded!

Until its official DVD release in 2003, “Death Bed” had been circulated via pirated bootlegs, and unbeknown to George Barry, the film had gained an underground fan base. VHS helped keep the mystique alive…

Director Barry said he discovered people discussing it on the internet one evening and decided to put an official video release of the film into works.

Patton Oswalt’s Obsession!

Comedian Patton Oswalt mentions the movie on his 2007 CD “Werewolves and Lollipops”, where he does a stand-up routine on it (mistakenly referring to it as “Death Bed: The Bed That Eats People”). He even specifically tells people to look up the movie on the IMDb to verify that he wasn’t joking about its existence! Here is that rant:

So thanks to Patton Oswalt for keeping the cult alive, and thanks again to Cult Epics for bringing “Death Bed” back to life for future generations to enjoy!

If you want to make it a double bill of terror, why not try this movie as well?

Yes, it may well be the worst horror film of all time, but why not give it a shot – it’s “Birdemic!”

See the hilariously awful trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/15/birdemic-brilliant-shocker-or-worst-movie-ever-who-will-survive-watching-it/

I also recently took a bloody good ride on the “Terror Train”:

This early 80’s classic stars scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis – check out the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/16/shocktober-day-16-rides-a-bloody-terror-train-scream-queen-jamie-lee-curtis-slices-the-rails/

Here’s a different kind of scream queen – a naked one with a tail!

This dark norwegian horror film is a gem – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/17/shocktober-horrific-day-17-with-a-tail-shocking-thale-and-bonus-troll-hunter/

Also, a big contest this Halloween season – want to spend Halloween night in Dracula’s castle?

Fill up these caskets, thanks to a great AirBNB contest to stay overnight in Vlad the Impaler’s castle! Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/18/win-the-chance-to-sleep-in-count-draculas-castle-countess-dracula-bites-on-shocktober-day-18/

If you missed any of the first ten days of Shocktober, then see the list here:

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

Enjoy your “Death Bed” with a side of “Birdemic!”

Goodbye Uwe!

Uwe Boll, the legendary Director behind several video game-to-film adaptations – like “Alone in the Dark”, “Postal” and “BloodRayne” – has shocked the movie world by announcing that he’s retiring from filmmaking!

Umm….that’s right, Boll left the Director’s chair with a one-fingered salute to the movie business!

Boll is a true renegade – a feisty filmmaker who has battled critics and fans over the years – for what many say are among the worst movies ever made.

And when I say “battled”:

Yes, the Director actually challenged Critics to a boxing match to settle their differences, and ended up knocking out four of them! He’s a guy who likes to fight back, as evidenced by his last film:

Rampage: President Down!

According to Metro News, Boll’s last film will be “Rampage: President Down”, with the director saying his politically-minded films just aren’t making an impact.

“Rampage 3 will be watched on Netflix, DVD or iTunes or whatever,” he said.

Check out the trailer:

Toronto’s Metro News also reports:

“Boll went so far as to say the “market is dead,” noting that “with streaming everywhere there is just a big wave of movies flooding around and you have no impact.” He also highlighted the drastic decline in DVD and Blu-ray sales over the past few years as “the real reason” he’s retiring, adding, “I just cannot afford to make movies.”

The director also addressed how he has been self-financing for over a decade now, saying “I never had people giving me money.” Last year Boll launched his third crowdfunding campaign, which failed to get the support he was seeking.”

The Human ATM!

The Toronto Metro goes on to report that the Director was funding all his movies!

“I’ve been using my money since 2005 and if I hadn’t made the stupid video game based movies I would never have amalgamated the capital so I could say, ‘Let’s make the Darfur movie,'” he added. “I don’t need a Ferrari, I don’t need a yacht. I invested in my own movies and I lost money.”

Boll said he hopes more people will discover and watch his prior films, which he believes “made sense and said a point about things” and “deserve to be discussed bigger than they were.”

With that in mind, time to discover THIS Uwe Boll film:

Bloodrayne!

Boll had a good run by adapting vieogames into awful films….check out the trailer:

Boll continued his streak with the horrific adaptation of “Alone In The Dark:”

Alone In The Dark

As you can see, Boll had movie stars in his films, and many of them were successful…check out the trailer:

Unfortunately, many Critics called these among the worst films of all time.

If you really want to see the full scope of Uwe Boll’s work, then this is the film you must see:

Blubberella!

Um….look at the trailer:

Well then….

As you can see, Boll is an aggressive, “in your face” Filmmaker who isn’t afraid to offend. So, are his films as bad as many have said?

Sure, but he directed dozens of movies, some of which got some good reviews, and he just kept rolling film on dozens of films, so let’s give him credit.

His independent filmmaking will be missed!

We should celebrate those renegade moviemakers who bring their passion projects to life – like this!

The Legendary Andy Milligan!

Sure, this Director was behind the classic “Fleshpot On 42nd Street” – and this classic as well:

These are films that MUST BE EXPERIENCED! Check them all out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/13/fleshpots-rats-cranium-cleaving-color-meet-andy-milligan-sexploitations-ed-wood/

Was Milligan the worst film Director of all time? Well, the maker of this film would choose to differ:

“Hands! The Hands Of Fate!”

What? Well, “Manos” means “hands”, so the film is indeed titled…well, you get it. A truly awful film that you can see here:

“Manos: Hands Of Fate” Is Here! Celebrate The Worst Of The Worst Films!

Finally, another film was released recently that also laid claim to “worst of all time”:

The amazing “Birdemic” is also “worst film of all time”contender, and you can see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/15/birdemic-brilliant-shocker-or-worst-movie-ever-who-will-survive-watching-it/

And even some great people get involved in really bad films – say for example, Steve Martin:

No matter how much he yells, Martin can never erase that he was in this movie:

Ouch! The Beatles were not honored by this film! See it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Let me know your favorite Uwe Boll movie!

“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!

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!

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!

Ho Ho Ho To Me!

Look at that beautiful work of art: a bacon cheeseburger loaded up with secret sauce. Yes, I’ll take a cheeseburger for a gift any time! It can be as simple as a nice piece of body art in the form of a long sleeve cheeseburger shirt:

Or, if you want the intoxicating scent to Cheeseburger to wrap you in a warm blanket of fun, try these:

Cheeseburger Candles!

How can you top THIS for a holiday gift! My good friend Steph bought these for me a few years ago – mini-cheeseburger candles are the perfect holiday gift for the carnivore in your family!

They showed up nicely wrapped, three to a package – and I plan to showcase them proudly in my house – but I have NEVER lit them – who can take the risk that i’ll never get them again? (hint, hint)

Cheeseburger Hello Kitty Plush Toys!

The “gift of cheeseburger” takes many forms – here is one of the most unique and entertaining…

Thanks to the masterminds at Sanrio, you can now enjoy this reversible Hello Kitty burger plush toy ($28). One side is Hello Kitty holding a burger, but turn it inside out and it becomes a burger with Hello Kitty’s face on the bun!

Watch it happen on this video:

Hello Kitty Turkey!

Cheeseburgers? TURKEYS? It can’t be so! But it IS! That’s right, you can also get the “Reversible Hello Kitty” as a turkey! Above are the two plush toys before they become THIS!

Thanks to “A Hamburger Today” for showcasing these great new gifts from Sanrio!

Cheeseburger Clothes!

If you can’t eat ’em, WEAR ‘EM! And thanks to Cafepress.com, you can order cheeseburger clothing to proudly showcase your love of the burger!

I could wear one of these long sleeve shirts everyday, and even though I don’t wear hats, why not top your head with a nice cheeseburger cap if you are so inclined!

Cheeseburger Telephones!

And even though nobody has a land line any more, IF you do, get yourself one of these!

I’d love to have this in my house, just as a conversation starter! Look at these buttons, it’s like making a call from 1982!

More Cheeseburger Gifts!

The wonderful worldwide web can bring ANYTHING to your front door, so you have no excuse NOT to buy something unique this year! Thanks to the Redbubble.com website, you can order a wide variety of cheeseburger gifts, like these cheeseburger stickers…

I Love My iPhone!

Or, why not dress up your iphone to look like your favorite food:

As nice as that is, NOTHING beats the iPhone cover my son bought me last year from Tokyo…that’s right, my BACON-AND-EGG phone cover:

I can never upgrade my phone, because this cover won’t fit anything but my iPhone 5G, and I am as committed to it as it is to me – at least until I get a new one!

But click here to see some of the wackiest gifts imaginable from our friends in Japan!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/30/sushi-iphone-bacon-iphone-worlds-most-unique-iphone-covers-tokyos-new-kit-kat-store-tokyos-wacky-shopping/

Happy holidays everyone!

“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!

Disturbing News From Antarctica…

The Washington Post has a terrific and disturbing article about a massive iceberg forming in Antarctica, in an area known as the “Larsen C Ice Shelf”.

Here is their reporting:

“A growing rift on the floating Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic peninsula — a rift that grew dramatically by another 11 miles last month, according to a team of scientists watching it closely — is setting the shelf up for an imminent loss of nearly 2,000 square miles of ice, these scientists say. That’s larger than Rhode Island and almost as big as Delaware.”

The Post shared this illuminating graphic that shows the Larsen C area and just how massive the iceberg could be:

The graphic clearly shows how massive this iceberg will be, and how the crack has grown substantially in the past few years. Once this iceberg detaches completely, it will be free to drift in the ocean – what The Post said was the size of an island!

The Post gives some additional information about the Larsen C ice shelf:

“The floating ice shelf is fed by glaciers that sit above sea level on the Antarctic Peninsula. As the shelf loses mass, these glaciers could flow more quickly — which would contribute to rising sea levels. Losses from the ice shelf alone, however dramatic, would not have that effect, as the shelf is already floating on water, just like an ice cube in a glass of water.”

So while this iceberg won’t raise the planet’s ocean levels immediately, the effect of climate change DOES impact glacier flow, which will cause sea levels to rise…

Bravo to The Washington Post for another in depth, insightful article about the world around us. We need quality journalism now more than ever…read the entire article here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/06/the-crack-in-this-antarctic-ice-shelf-just-grew-by-11-miles-a-break-could-be-imminent/?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_antarctic-1250pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.724f58d56c1a

I have posted about a number of alarming events caused by the planet’s climate change. There is one nation that is slowly going underwater…

“The Island President” is a sobering documentary about The Maldive Islands, and a President fighting to save them…what happened to him is shocking, and this is a “must see” film – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

In the 2016 Olympics, an Athlete caused international headlines with a unique way of getting attention:

Yes, a Weightlifter from the small nation of Kiribati danced on the national stage in order to draw attention to the fact that his island is drowning! See the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/17/the-dancing-olympian-the-fight-to-save-kiribati-paradise-underwater/

I have also posted stories about a terrific Writer, who lived in the South Pacific for years:

J. Maartan Troost is a great Writer, and a small South Seas island he inhabited is almost underwater – so what happens to the tens of thousands of citizens? Read more about this compelling book here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/13/living-in-paradise-with-cannibals-incredible-faraway-south-seas-adventures/

As the world’s oceans continue to rise, we are all going to be impacted, so it is vital that new organizations like The Washington Post thrive – and cover the world we live in!

“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!