The Sister of Ursula (1978)
In my mind, if a movie has nudity in the first five minutes, and is not a hardcore adult film, it can have great potential as a sexploitation film. In the case of director Enzo Milioni’s The Sister of Ursula, it didn’t. Oh, don’t get me wrong- the film had tons of full-frontal nudity and steamy sex scenes, but as for it playing out as a giallo and working, it fell fairly short.
The story goes like this: Ursula Beyne (Barbara Magnolfi, Suspiria) and her sister Dagmar (Stefania D’Amario, Zombie) go off on a holiday of sorts to this beautiful hotel with some gorgeous scenic views, but Dagmar’s sister, Ursula, is a sourpuss from the start, never enjoying everything and always defensive and guarded towards outsiders. I believe we have a term for that type of personality- it’s called being a stuck-up bitch! Anyways, we find out as the story progresses that both sisters lost their father early on in life and their step-mother shipped them off to boarding school once her career took off as an entertainer and she became famous, running off with some man she fell in love with.
While Ursula and Dagmar are staying at the hotel, they are warmly met by the owner and manager of the hotel, Roberto (Vanni Materassi) and his friends, one of which sings at the hotel’s club (Stella Shining played by Yvonne Harlow) and Filippo Andrei (Marc Porel, The Psychic). Of course Ursula despises these people, especially Filippo, and her sister Dagmar falls for Filippo. That makes for a rift between the two sisters and creates non-stop tensions and bickering.
Apparently, everyone in Italy sleeps naked, walks around naked, and is very comfortable with their bodies. At least, that is the impression I got from watching this movie. I wish that were the case in the United States. There is abundant nudity in this film, full of the most dense jungle bush that I have seen in some time and if one leaves the movie for five minutes it is a safe bet that they will have missed a nude scene in the film. The film really is only worth a watch for the nudity because it is very light on the gore and blood, minus one scene that is supposed to be death by evisceration. If one is truly eviscerated, I am sure it would have entailed there being far more blood, some guts hanging out and being an over-all anatomical mess-not so here.
The film tries to play itself off as a thriller or giallo, which it did, but just not a very good one. I felt that the plot of the film was sort of interesting, but did not create enough suspense or intrigue to keep me going the whole film. I would much rather have been watching an Argento or Fulci giallo, which always have phenomenal soundtracks and music that created great suspense and atmosphere. I believe that if Milioni had a better score for the film, I would have enjoyed it much more. In fact, if the murder scenes were a bit longer, more graphic, and the film focused on them more, I really would have enjoyed it more.
This film did have excellent cinematography and wonderfully shot panoramic views of the countryside and landscape. Cinematography alone is never going to win me over in a film, especially one that i supposed to have murder, mystery, and suspense. The film transfer is, again, immaculate and well done. Severin Films put out another wonderful edition of a film in its uncut and uncensored form, but I just wished I had enjoyed the film more.
The special features portion contains an interview with director Enzo Milioni is interesting, and goes into the background of him as a director and how the film came to be. It runs about 30 minutes in duration. There is a theatrical trailer of the film included as well.
Blood & Dishonour: The dark, bloody, & perversely erotic world of the Satanic Sluts
ISBN 978-1-903254-47-9
Limited Edition including bonus Satanic Sluts DVD:
ISBN 978-1-903254-49-3
www.fabpress.com
$49.95
I enjoyed the book thoroughly, for it has some very attractive women in some very compromising photos, some clothed and some unclothed, in shots that give the viewer a glimpse into what type of personality each woman possesses. I found the photos interesting enough, but more for me was the topics discussed and what each Satanic Slut had to say about the highly controversial issues that were brought up, such as abortion, death penalty, immigration, children, religion, and so forth.
Depending on which edition you purchase, the hardcover comes with Satanic Sluts DVD and is limited in pressings. I read the paperback edition which was limited to 666 copies. No surprise there! The pages are of nice quality, thick and richly colored, with very cool layouts, several two-paged pictorial spreads, and quite a few other “spreads”, if you catch my drift! I really do like to see not only beautiful women in provocative photos, but even more interesting is hearing what these women’s jobs are, their music interests, their favorite movies, and getting a glimpse of why they live the lives and lifestyles that they choose to. Calling these girls all “sluts” as the group is referred to may be a little bit misleading for some of the women, but this book is about womens’ empowerment to have the kind of photos taken of them in the manner that they choose, whether it be tasteful or downright raunchy, they are doing it on their terms.
I highly recommend this book and also check out the U.K. based Fab Press for other publications and the Redemption website as well, for more things dark and macabre themed.
If I had any complaints about this book, it was that I wish the book was thicker with more photos and more topics of discussion with each “slut”. I was craving more. Nigel Wingrove puts some of the similar goth or alternative life-syle punk websites similar to this one to shame, for the Satanic Sluts are all women that are not living a life-style to be cool, trendy, or for shock-value- these women really live the lifestyles that their photos portray. Its realism that makes this book so fascinating.
Of the many girls in the book, not all of them are from the U.K., or Europe for that matter. The Satanic Sluts has their own website, www.satanic-sluts.com, and some of the women hail from the U.S.A., some even right from the Midwest! At 165 pages long with 36 women profiled, this book is just a taste for what the website and the Salvation Film Group has in store for viewers.
Women hailing from U.K., Holland, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, Spain, Brazil, New York, Florida, L.A. and my very own hometown Chicago’s very own, Gashley Darcane (model, Metal Journalist, actress, and Hell Barbie), I was hooked on this book.
Some of the other women you will read about are Dominick Destruction, Violet Eyes, Poisoned Venus, Assisted Suicide, Dischordia, Sadistik Virgin, Morrigan Hel, and Gothness. Probably not the names of girls that you would want to bring home to meet the family!
The Satanic Sluts book has opened my views up even more from a perspective that I have failed to realize existed in some women and that gives thought and new meaning to. If the photos of the women aren’t an eye-opener, than the answers they give and their viewpoints most certainly will be one.
HorrorHound Weekend in Indiana!
HorrorHound was a blast! I have to say, I have never found any reason to go to Indiana before, but now I have a solid reason to visit there at least once a year! There is more than corn in Indiana, there is blood and guts!
First off, I hope everyone has seen Day of the Dead (1985) because I met Bub the zombie from that masterpiece. If you have not seen this film, first of all don’t tell me because I will come to your residence and spank you with a steel coil and you will bleed immensely. Bub is one of the most famous zombies of all time! I have never felt any sympathy for a zombie before, but Bub got mine and won me over.
I think that when you finally get to meet an actor you grew up watching as you were a kid and the two of you are about the same age, its like meeting a buddy from back in the day, like in the neighborhood you grew up in as a child. Then add a 12-pack of Budweiser, and it seems even more likely. Well, when I met Corey Haim, I had quite a bit more than a 12-pack of Bud and was a fan of The Two Coreys reality t.v. show. And, of course, still love watching The Lost Boys. I love that film! So when I was drunk and got to “bro-hug” Corey Haim, it was a moment that I will never forget. I also told him I would be his personal bodyguard for the course of the night. Alcohol can do wonders sometimes.
Corey Haim is in Crank 2: High Voltage. Look for him!
I thought these two looked cool! Everyone loves Jason Voorhees but his victims!
And who can forget Amy Steel from Friday the 13th part 2!
And this next photo is SHU-IZMZ and Horror Society with the official SHU-IZMZ Freak of the week….
This fella is named Thomas Shaner, originally from Missouri, and he is a super-fan of horror. We first met him at FangoCon last month and were quite impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the genre. He attended the screening of Better Off Undead at director John Pata’s hotel room as well. Then we run into him at HorrorHound. This guy is awesome! If you run into Thomas at an upcoming convention, know that he is good friends with SHU-IZMZ and Horror Society! See ya next time, Thomas!
Thomas Shaner- Superfan of Horror
Zombie A-GO-GO!!!
If you aren’t going to FANGO Friday night (FOR SHAME!!), then check this out!
Are you ready for..
Click above for tickets for this event. All attendees are invited to dress in their favorite zombie garb, and prizes will be given for best costumes. The Flesh Hungry Dog Show is sponsored by our friends at STEAMWORKS.
Dead Snow acquired by IFC Films
According to THR.com, IFC Films purchased U.S. distribution rights to the Norwegian horror-comedy “Dead Snow.” It premiered Saturday night in the Park City at Midnight section at the Egyptian Theatre, “where interest was high enough that people were turned away,” reports THR.com. Tommy Wirkola directed this film and I had posted the trailer on my blog earlier and thought it looked like a very promising flick. I guess I was not the only one that thought that! Hopefully it will get a release on the big screen and not go directly to video or pay-per-view like so many independent features do!
Portage Theater B-Movie Madness!!!!
Horror Society is back with another B-movie Film Festival!!!
Come on out to the Portage Theater in Chicago on January 17th!!
Better Off Undead
The Driller Killer
The Stalking Hand
It’s My Party, and I’ll Die If I Want To
Each film being played will add a little special something… The feature film, It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To, will feature a “Choose your own adventure” version of the film in which you the audience will be able to participate and choose how you want the movie to play. Not just the ending, but the whole movie. I have never heard of this before and it should be pretty fucking sweet! They will be having giveaways and trailers throughout the festival!
………………………………………………………..
Guests:
John Pata
Lou Vockell
Russ Hurley
Tony Wash
The Scotchworthy Girls
Dr. AC (Horror 101)
and more…
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Vendors:
Jim Kay
Better Off Undead
Scotchworthy Productions
Dr AC and Wild Claw Theater
and more…
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Portage Theater
4050 N. Milwaukee Ave
Saturday, January 17th
5pm – 12am
B-Movie Madness!!!
Ticket are only $15 at the door ($12 online)
go here to purchase tix! http://horrorsociety.com/tickets.html
SO SICK!!!!!!!
I have been sick and slacking on the reviews, kiddies! Reviews to be coming up are [REC], the Spanish nausea film that I barely got through due to frenetic camera action, Let the Right One In- the Swedish vampire indie flick, and the classic Frankenstein with Boris Karloff. I may write a little editorial on foreign films vs. blockbuster Hollywood crap and stuff of that nature.
The people keep coming!
That is me in the red shirt, waiting in line, for Clive Barker to sign my book and to show him my tattoo, courtesy of Deluxe Tattoo, Chicago!!!
Inferno, Burning Man and Tower
My 3 favs!
The gallery is packed
Im in this photo, all the way in the end of the line, by the 3rd post.
1
I really enjoyed Clive Barker’s art show at the Packer Schopf Gallery!
The Grand…not so GRAND!
Ok, I had decent expectations for this film because it had David Cross in it, who is really funny, and started out great. I really was cracking up as they introduced each character…Ray Romano’s character is my favorite! But, it ended up turning into a suck-fest. I was not happy. It was watchable, but started to lose my interest. I had to view it at two different sessions. That is not a good thing. So, its mostly about poker and this big poker tournament. I don’t play poker and know nothing about it. It reminded me alot of that ESPN show that has poker tournaments on it and was set up the same way. Listen to David Cross’ comedy if you want to hear funny shit, but don’t see this flick unless you want to be pissed off. 
Gore galore in Midnight Meat Train!!!!
Clive Barker’s “Midnight Meat Train” was awesome!!! Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, who directed “Versus”, and based off of Clive Barker’s Books of Blood, this movie packed a lot of punch! A little heavy on the CGI and not so much traditional and organic gore effects, it showcased some very unique carnage and mutilations! It had a cool plot and very unique ending. What puzzles me is why this film was in obscure theaters at 2nd rate matinees. I could not find this movie playing anywhere. It was immediately shuffled into the bargain theaters or obscure art houses. IT SUCKED! Only recently have I seen it come to light on Fearnet on cable or in horror film fests, that usually play films already out on dvd or have made their theater run already and the films have played the mainstream market. MMT is far better than most of the crap Hollywood has been regurgitating out lately. Oh yeah, the American remake of “The Eye” is the biggest piece of shit to grace the screen. They put Jessica Alba in it just because she is so hot and even that is no excuse to watch it. The Asian original was SOOOOOO much better. I am sick and tired of American horror trying to recreate hits from Asia, Europe, and everywhere else!! This film is Kitamura’s best to date, in my opinion. Vinnie Jones was excellently casted as the main villain, or hero, depending on your outlook on things.
Go see it!!! I hope Barker gets some decent sales and rentals of it since he was shafted in the movie theater market. 
"Carrie" carried me away…
I am sorry, but I think Sissy Spacek is not very attractive, but she is a damn good actess! How superficial of me,…or I guess Hollywood. It is their fault! They make all these films with hotties trotting all over the screen, so I guess I am expecting it. “Carrie” is, by far, Stephen King’s best film adaptation. I loved it! It was extremely groundbreaking to me. It showed as much “bush” as in “Porky’s”, was extremely vulgar, and had a gym teacher that was the biggest bitch in the world, after the mean, cruel, and sadistic kids of course. It was totally “in-your-face” horror. The opening scene with the credits was incredible, right up until carrie had her first period while taking a shower…ewwww!!!! I was gonna be ill at that scene. The hilarious nice and blissful music was the killer! One of the best endings in horror! Fucking scared the shit outta me! Kinda hard to do that these days! I loved it!!!! A must-see with all the Hollywood franchise sequels and fucking remakes!@!!! Damn, gotta hit the foreign market to see something fresh!! I guess stick with the classics until some really good shit hits the screens!!! oh yeah, john travolta is fucking classic in this!!!!
The Signal is what Im hearing…lol!
Fucking look at this guy! Don’t you wonder where all that blood came from??? Well, check out “The Signal” (2007). This movie reminded of “The Crazies” but on a much gorier and bloody level. Maybe it was inspired from Romero, but its still a decent bloodbath. It has some nice camera-work and gory mayhem. I was pleasantly surprised. Magnolia Home Entertainment put it out and they come out with some creative shit. Worth a look!
Vincent Price CLASSIC!!!!
House of Wax (1953) was phenomenal! I really loved this movie and have a growing fondness developing for Vincent Price! He was great in this. He is so articulate and atmospheric while describing his wax creations for his character. The characters are well thought-out and it really is a must-see for any horror fan. 
13 GAME OF DEATH
Dimension Extremes nails it with another quality horror film. What I like about their films is they have solid plots intertwined with some heavy gore-give or take the amount of gore a bit. Sometimes it may be just a few minutes of intense violence, mixed into a serious plot-filled film. Or it just may be an all-out gore-fest for the sake of being an all-out gore-fest. Too bad the rest of Hollywood can’t see that the foreign market is making great horror flicks and the only American film-maker we really have out there is ROB ZOMBIE, one who is making some seriously innovative films. Neil Marshall is British. The French are killing us with great movies, High Tension, Frontiers, Inside (Dimension Extreme), the creative and gorier remakes done by AJA. Thank goodness for Zombie, really!
So back to Game of Death- its brutal at times. Its intense. Its a movie with substance. Sort of a take on reality game shows us Americans and Japanese are so saturated with on TV. I dont know, maybe the rest of the world is too, but im just sheltered and only know of those countries having them. Oh, and I almost forgot, CLive Barker and Stephen King are still having films made from their novels, and that is a good thing.
anyways my attention deficit disorder reviewer keeps getting off track. Go see this movie and all the others on Dimension Extreme. 
Drama and crime all in one…with a splash of science and horror
“Black Friday” (1940) was quite a change of pace for Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. This film was a crime-drama and reminded me more of a James Cagney flick than the two buddies of horror’s regular fare. I enjoyed it and maybe that is because I love old Cagney Crime Dramas more than I love Classic Horror films. But this film has a little bit of science in it as a mobster is gunned down and nearly killed by his former gang in crime and an unsuspecting citizen is taken into the scene of the crime and nearly killed. Boris Karloff shined for his role as the doctor and “mad scientist” as he gets greedy and delusions of grandeur about what to do with his friend and the thought of becoming filthy rich to pursue his own interests. Worth a look. 
The Invisible Ray
“The Invisible Ray” (1936) starts is a decent film. Dr. Rukh and Dr. Benet, played by Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, respectively, is a sci-fi/adventure film that explores the possibility of Radium being used to cause violence and destruction and also for helping humanity. Dr. Rukh builds a ray-gun and experiments with it, destroying things, melting them to mush. It starts to destroy himself and Dr. Benet is the good scientist and Dr. Rukh is the mad scientist. I enjoyed it very much and it was one of the few sci-fi films that I have seen Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in. If anymore exist, I have not come across them yet. The film sort of dragged a bit at the end, but there was a cool fireball combustion scene that ended the film with a bang!
A Poe Classic!
“The Raven”(1935)was very entertaining and fast-paced. There were no dragging plot-lines or unnecessary scenes. It was well-directed and well-acted out. I thought that Bela Lugosi stole the show as the evil Dr. Vollin. I do not know why Boris Karloff was given the bigger credits on the movie, his character seemed much minor in scope and detail. It was very cool the way they designed Vollin’s house, with all the trapdoors and secret elevators and hidden wall openings. Definitely check it out. One of the better “classics” I have seen.
Diabolical SATANIC RITUALS!!! Oh my!!
Satanic rituals AND a black cat-it doesn’t get any better than this!! “The Black Cat” (1934) stars both Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in equally frightful performances…well..almost. Boris Karloff is super evil in his character and Bela Lugosi is playing a “creepy good-guy”? What??? Anyways, I really liked this film. It had a really cool set design, the ultra-modern home of Boris Karloff’s crazy character. Bela Lugosi screams like a girl every time a black cat walks across the room. The trophies of beautiful women in Karloff’s huge basement were downright cool! Who needs a wife when you have a lifelike one in a glass case that can’t give you any lip!! 
Also a great Iron Maiden song!!!
“Murders in the Rue Morgue” was not the greatest film, but it had its moments. The plot is fairly ludicrous and absurd, but, hey- one of its main characters is a damn ape!! Bela Lugosi plays the creepy doctor that does circus sideshows involving an ape that he claims to be able to communicate with and kidnaps unsuspecting damsels and tries to inject ape blood into their bodies, usually resulting in them dying. He then tosses them over into the sea. I have seen worse films. Like the first Brady Bunch movie. 
Snatching bodies can be PROFITABLE!!!
In “The Body Snatcher” (1945), Boris Karloff gives a most memorable performance in a chilling horror film filled with mystery and suspense. I found Karloff’s character as Mr.Gray to be quite likeable in his fiendish charm. The plot moves right along and this was by no means a “snoozer”! This was the 2nd time I have viewed this film and found it just as enjoyable the 2nd time around. 
