La Marca Del Hombre Lobo (1968)

A gypsy couple release a werewolf from deep slumber while robbing his tomb. The werewolf goes on a rampage and is finally stopped by international playboy Waldemar Daninsky. Wounded, Daninsky now carries the werewolf’s burden and finds out the reason why his fore-bearer did not take a possible avenue for a cure.

Not only is this the first movie in the Waldemar Daninsky series of movies, turning shy scriptwriter Jacinto Molina into Paul Naschy, international horror star, but this is the first Spanish horror movie ever. The Franco regime was strict during it’s day and it’s movie censor board even stricter. Without German money and American distribution, this movie would not have been big as it is. Based off of Universal and Hammer pics, this movie works high on gothic settings and uses ruins effectively to augment the chaos of Naschy’s powerful and animistic performance as Daninsky, exceeded all other performances of tormented monsters. This movie was originally shot in 70mm which makes the film more vibrantly colorful then other film. Sometimes, the color patterns are the most beautiful in the film.

There are some low points. The American distributor tries to forcibly shoehorn a ridiculous premise of why there was no Frankenstein in the whole picture. While it doesn’t hurt the movie, it’s just plain stupid to try to form it around the name instead of vice versus. The movie also had times where it was very slowly paced and was making some scenes longer then they should be. The film had to be clipped to fit run times. I think they could have done a bit more here and there, but other then that, it was a good college try.

The DVD from Shreik Show is Fan-tastic. The video is a bit unsteady. The editing of both the European and American print restores the full movie, but gives you patches of soft and sharp stock in the movie. The audio is great. You get all the American promotional materials (trailers, posters, radio spots, etc.), an interview with Paul Naschy, liner notes from DVDdrivein.com’s George Reis and a commentary from the American distributor Sam Sherman who talks about how he found and should this movie, what makes a great horror movie from an artistic and marketing standpoint and how this movie was tied up into the fall of 3-D technology. A very fun and informative commentary.

4 stars.

El Ataud del Vampiro (1957)

A grave robber accidentally resurrects Karol Lavud while delivering his body to a hospital Dr. Enrique resides in. Now Enrique must protect Marta from the evil vampire.

This is the sequel to El Vampiro that was released six months after it’s debut. A lot of the same actors come back and really click again. Abel Salizar shows more of himself including his comedic edge in this , which is awesome. A lot of the scenes are beautifully framed and Victor Huerta, the cinematographer, also plays a lot with light and shadows which creates a lot of memorable scenes. This is a very strong sequel and stands on it’s own at the same time.

If there is any downsides to this film…well..besides the cheap special effects (c’mon. give them a little slack)….I think it was a little too fast. While I don’t mind hitting the ground running, they were throwing everything out in one go. I don’t mine a little bit of pacing to set up things and get in the mood. This movie almost loses it. Another thing is that there were holes in the story. Nothing too prominent, but it’s just there. Certain character disappear and appear and you wonder what the hell happen to them. Otherwise, it’s cool.

this is the second disc out of the Vampire Chronicles from Casa Negra. This is like the first disc. The video and audio quality is excellent. You get the original film and K. Murray cut along with the old radio ad put out in the US.

Of course, like El Vampiro, this is a must have. Even though this movie is packaged in a two disc package, if this was a stand alone and if you were collecting Mexican horror, I’d say get this one around near the end of the journey. This is a big title, but I think that seeing both movies back to back kinda flattens the series. So pace yourself with this one

3 stars.

El Vampiro (1957)

A woman travels to her hometown to find her hacienda dilapidated, one of her aunts dead and her other aunt strangely begging her to sell the hacienda. It is later found out that all these happened under the cunning mind of a vampire who wishes to resurrect the remains of his brother and use the hacienda as a new headquarters.

Mexico’s first classic horror movie.This is what started Fantastic film in Mexico. The gothics and atmosphere are great. The cinematography is very moody and framed wonderfully. The acting was very well done. Especially from German Robles, who makes his debut in this film. Fast trivia fact. Robles character, Karol de Lavud, was the first vampire not only to be filmed getting out of his coffin, but also the first vampire to bar his fangs as well.

What really made this film great was that they took the idea of vampires and the Universal ideal and made it their own. Where Universal’s Dracula took place in an alternate reality and Hammer’s Horror of Dracula took place during Victorian England, El Vampiro took place in the present day rural Mexico. This helped the build up of tension and horror better. Which makes it so good.

If there needs to be any complaints about the film, it’s that Abel Salizar was as utilized as the Van Helsing type character. Sure, he was built up that way, and it was cool someone else killed Lavud, but Abel’s character was too much Harker to be Van Helsing.

Again, Casa Negra gives you packages. This is the first disc in the two disc collection. There are some defects in the film and shows on the DVD, but I’m Cool with that. The audio is alright. You get a ton of extras. You got both original print and the K. Gordon dub. A commentary track by author Robert Cotter, who is the big aficionado of Mexican Fantastic. A photo essay, “Fear a la Mexicana.” by historian David Witt, Abel Salizar’s obituary from the Boston Globe, bios and An American Radio ad.

All horror fans must have this in their collection. This is a classic in the way that it started a great trend in movies. It is a must. General fans will dig it too as a conversation piece.

Five stars.

Coming Attractions…

The Monster Squad (1987)

A group of young horror fans receive Van Helsing’s diary that reveals a plot by Dracula and friends to shift the balance between good and evil and to take over the world.

The Good

How can you not say The Monster Squad isn’t good? This movie is like the stuffed animal or the favorite plaything you had when you were younger that you thought you lost but you finally found, bringing you back to a time of happier days gone past.

Another reason why it was good was the combination of being ahead of it’s time and being shown on national cable outlets. Because film audiences didn’t get it, it didn’t do well in the theater, which then fast tracked it to cable, where it was played to thousands of bored eyeballs. Our little brothers and sisters can boast about how they had R.L. Stein’s Goosebumps books and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but we can now hold up a copy of Monster Squad and trump them.

Another great thing about the movie is the Shane Black script. The man is a dialogue genius to almost Elmore Leonard like proportions.

The Bad

There are somethings that stand out if you are taking a critical view of it or your a silly retard taking apart cult movies. There are some plot holes in the movie. Particularly Dracula’s fetish with dynamite. Sure, he could’ve killed the kids with his bare hands, but decided he didn’t want to. Maybe he wanted a challenge and was being a good sport about it. Or maybe he was lazy. Never thought of that did you. Did you.

The DVD!

Oh my god, the two disc set just makes me hard just thinking about it. The visuals and audio are awesome as well as natural. I now can retire my VHS bootleg HBO copy. The first disc has the movie and two commentaries. One with Director Fred Dekker and actors Ryan Lambert, Ashley Banks and Andre Gower reminiscing about the movie and the other is Dekker wit DoP Brian May talking about the technical elements.

The second disc holds an 87min Monster Squad documentary done by Red Shirt Prods. A very awesome job by them might I add. You also have a materials collection, TV spot, movie trailer, Storyboard set up with the movie soundtrack playing, a rare interview with Frankenstein and deleted footage as well.

Conclusion

This DVD set is a must have for fans of Horror, fans of 80’s films and just DVD fans in general. This is really one of the best cultural tomes available out there. I urge everyone to buy it.

4 stars.

Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)

Jesus Christ is called upon when the lesbian population of Ottawa begins to dwindle thanks impart to daywalking vampires. Seeing as he might be outnumber, Jesus calls upon the services of The Saint of Wrestlers, El Santo, to help in his cause.

It’s a Horror movie! It’s a Bollywood movie! An overdubbed kung-fu movie! A religious epic! It’s a wrestling movie! Allll rolled into one. JCVH has got to be one of the most weirdest movies I’ve ever laid eyes on. Made lovingly by a fan of all the genres. Made on a low budget (and I’m talking looow), this film has taken a life of it’s own and has found itself on the shelf of many a genre fan. I think what makes it so is that it doesn’t take itself seriously. It knows that it’s poorly made and that it doesn’t have the sheen of a professionally made film. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. It is what is. Take it for what it’s worth.
All that mattered is that it was made in fun and wasn’t expecting such acclaim.

Now many will say “oh, this was poorly done. Oh, this was overdubbed. Oh, the acting was bad.” and I say to them “Get a life!!” Who said they were aiming for the Oscar. Again, yes, all this is true….but who cares. Everyone is having fun. Including the viewer. So sit back, relax, get you some popcorn, maybe a nice cold beverage and relax. Have some fun. It won’t hurt ya you know.

Definitely something for the collection. A must see and a must own.

two and a half stars.

Vampyres (1974)

A traveler and a couple realize they are in the presense of a vampiric lesbian couple who snatch men off the street and feed upon them.

First things first. When has it been acceptable to use someones front yard as a camping area? Honestly? That is possibly the first plot hole I never got. Other then that, if you’re are looking for a plot in this movie, forgive me for laughing in your face. Hard. This thing is pure grade A cheesy sexploitation. Wait, wait. I’m sorry. Here, if it’s any concession, I’ll tel you the plot. Sex, sex, sex, wine, wine, blood, sex sex, a little rest, sex, sex, sex, blood, blood, blood, wine, wine, wine, sex, sex. You get the picture. The plot’s so thin, Qui Chang Kang had to walk across it to become a shoulin monk.

Now not to sound like a grumpy gus, there are some good things to this movie. Two pair to be exact. I kid. I kid. Honestly though, the ladies were lovely and played their parts wonderfully. Also, the guy behind the camera was Harry Waxman. He’s was also the cinematographer for The Wicker Man. His work behind the lens for this movie definitely flourishes. Lush English forests and decrepit old manors are all the more detailed thanks to Waxman.

If you need to get this movie, that’s cool. Horror completest (see! Learned a new word.) would enjoy it. Just remember, if your girl or your wife catches you watching it, tell them it’s for the Waxman. Otherwise, it’s for the boobies.

2 and a half stars.

Shadow of The Vampire (2000)

F.W. Murnau partakes in a great experiment. Filming a vampire movie with an actual vampire. Things don’t turn out the way he wants them to.

I love this movie. It’s nicely paced and the characters are detailed. I totally loved the chemistry between Defoe (as Orlok) and Malkovich (as Murnau). You actually believe there is a tension there. What is really interesting is that they built the story around the simple mythology of Max Shrek. Even though it is a psudonem, the acting of the actor is so great, you really have to ask yourself if there is more to it then just a name. Another the thing that makes the movie is the score. The music mirrors the film music you might hear from 1920’s music. The sets are awesome as well as the direction of Herr Merhige, a specialist in silent cinema.

If there is anything bad about it, it has to be the pacing. It starts great at first, but when it gets close to the end, it feels kinda rushed. In story as well. I can easily see this as a three hour movie, but I guess they had limitations and had to work with what they had. Come to think of it, other parts needed to be fleshed out as well.

This is definitely a movie to get for your collection if you are a horror fan. It’s also a movie you can put in at any time to impress friends. An essential in the 21st Century.

Four Stars.

Zinda Laash (1967)

A scientist creates an elixir of life only to find out after testing it out, that it has turned him into a vampire.

This is the Pakistani version of Dracula. It is also the first film in Pakistan to gain an “X” rating and a warning to never try this genre again. A very valiant effort by the production company to take the Dracula story and make it their own. Pakistan has no version of the vampire myth so this movie was especially challenging to make. In the end, they have managed to shock audiences as well as bringing them to theatres in droves.

This film was almost lost due to censor issues and general wear and tear. Thankfully, Mondo Macabro went above and beyond to restore and clean it to an almost miraculous effect. One of things that makes it work is the cinematography. It was a mixture of Karl Freund, F.W. Murnau and Terence Fisher. Very expressionistic.

Even though this is a straight up horror movie, some of it might confuse and turn off the more western audiences. Some of the film score doesn’t work in some scenes. Plus the song and dance numbers might throw off some folk, but given the context, actually works in the film. So if you can keep in mind that this is a Pakistani film, you’ll definitely enjoy it.

This is definitely a movie to own if your a horror, vampire or heck, even if you’re a movie fan. This is a testament to the cinematic curiosity and the ability to try things out. I also highly recommend the commentary and essays done by critic and South Asian film historian Omar Kahn on the disc. Very informative and entertaining.

And Chum Chum is HAWT!!

Five Stars!!