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The Vineyard (1989, USA / Canada)

Ken Wynne

The Vineyard (1989) VHS PosterI can’t even begin to discuss 1989’s The Vineyard without first discussing the undisputed talent of James Hong. With a filmography that has spanned over six decades, it is Hong’s portrayal of the legendary sorcerer Lo Pan in John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China (1986) that has become the most iconic. Yet, those of us that have seen Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) will also remember Hong as Hannibal Chew, the genetic (eye) engineer hired by the Tyrell Corporation. That being said, James Hong is truly a force to be reckoned with…

“An island of death fueled by the blood of its victims.”

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Cube (1997, Canada)

Ken Wynne

Cube (1997) Theatrical PosterDirected and co-written by Vincenzo Natali, Cube is a Canadian science fiction horror released in 1997. Significant for being the Canadian Film Centre’s (CFC) first feature film, and Natali’s feature length directional debut, Cube has polarised audiences since release due in part to it’s ‘kafkaesque’ setting; a surreal, industrial cube-shaped design.

Cube is one of the greatest, and unfortunately most underrated horror movies from the 1990s.

“The only way out lies within your own mind.”

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America 3000 (1986, USA)

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America 3000 (1986)

Let me just preface this article with the acknowledgement that I loved this movie way out of proportion to what it probably deserves. If you’ve seen it or do so in the near future, it’s a tossup as to whether or not you’ll feel the same way about it that I do. You might gag and roll around on the floor foaming at the mouth miming, “My eyes, my eyes!” But seriously, have you seen it yet?

Another movie that’s so good at being bad that it surpasses all expectations, America 3000 is the work of writer-director David Engelbach. You’ll join me if that name doesn’t ring a bell, as this movie was his single directorial credit.

“An outrageous post-nuke adventure!”

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Vicious Lips (1986, USA)

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Never having seen Vicious Lips (also known as Pleasure Planet) when it was first released back in 1986, this is one of those cult movies that has been on my list for a very long time but I’ve never gotten around to seeing. Because it’s a little harder to get and they never seem to replay it on cable, I’d actually forgotten about it. So when it popped up on Comet, I DVR’d it like nobody’s business.

“Beneath a blood-red moon, the dream, electric. The planet, futuristic. The nightmare, animalistic.”

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Turbo Kid (2015, Canada / New Zealand)

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Is Turbo Kid really a B-movie? Can a film be considered that grade if it’s an intentional and very aware homage? Or must it be classified something else? Ah, but it does the homage thing so very, very well…literally to a level that it exceeds the films that inspired it. What’s additionally amazing is that the makers of Turbo Kid are clearly aware of what they’re doing…

“Coming soon to a wasteland near you!” PRESS PLAY ►

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Evil Dead (2013, USA)

Ken Wynne

Evil Dead (2013) Theatrical PosterIn 1981, Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, the ultimate experience in grueling horror, was released onto the unsuspecting public. It became a cult classic, spawned two sequels; Evil Dead II (1987) and Army of Darkness (1992), and created a cult icon with the character of Ash, played by the charismatic Bruce Campbell. It was inevitable that this movie was going to be remade…

Produced by Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Robert Tapert, directed by Fede Alvarez and released in 2013.

“The most terrifying film you will ever experience.”

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The Evil Dead (1984) Commodore 64

Ken Wynne

The Evil Dead (1984) Commodore 64 CoverCoded by Richard Leinfellner for Palace Software and released on the Commodore 64 in 1984, The Evil Dead is an adventure game based on Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror film of the same name.

When a group of five Michigan State students decide to spend the weekend at an isolated cabin, hidden deep within the woods of the Tennessee mountains, they discover ‘Morturom Demonto’ an ancient Sumerian text, otherwise known as ‘The Book of the Dead’.

“A fast-moving graphic game of skill and strategy…The most exciting computer game!”

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Halloween (2007)

Ken Wynne
Halloween (2007)

If you put all comparisons to John Carpenter’s 1978 original slasher aside, Rob Zombie has done an admirable job of trying to demystify the boogeyman. Micheal Myers is not the embodiment of pure evil, but rather a troubled and misguided soul whose self-induced isolation leads him on a killing-spree on Halloween night.

“Inside every one us, there exists a dark side. Most people rise above it, but some are consumed by it. Until there is nothing left, but pure evil.” PRESS PLAY ►

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Faces of Death (1978, USA) Review

Ken Wynne

Faces of Death (1978) VHS Cover

The Original Faces of Death, as it would later be known as, is a controversial pseudo-documentary on death containing real stock footage of accidents, suicides, autopsies, and executions. But, when the stock footage was unable to tell the entire story, the filmmakers created scenes of staged violence, editing it together to create a coherent narrative.

“During the past 20 years I know that my compulsion to understand death was much greater than just an obsession. My dreams have dictated my mission. But now it is time to witness the final moment, to discover the circle that forever repeats ifself. The end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? I’ll leave that decision to you.”

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Amsterdamned (1988, Netherlands) Shameless DVD Review

Adam Akers

Amsterdamned (1988)

In 1988, Dick Maas, a Dutch film director who has gain success within his native country with films such as De Lift and Flodder, brought to the screen one of his biggest pictures, the horror action thriller, Amsterdamned. Which at the American Film Market of 1988, would go on to become the third highest selling motion picture that year.

But what is Amsterdamned and should we thank Shameless for bringing it to us in their latest release?

“Be glad you’re afraid. It means you’re still alive.”

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