Welcome to the Weekend Drive-In! Some guys spend the weekends watching sports. I, however, dedicate every weekend to B-movies, classic TV shows, rock n’ roll, comics and other “drive-in” style fare. Stay tuned to this blog for news, reviews and previews of what’s on cable/satellite TV each weekend. Also look for updates from the world of cult films, rock music and similar-minded topics. So, grab a cocktail, kick back and enjoy your visit to the Weekend Drive-In!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!
It's St. Patrick's Day!! Put on your green attire and head out to your favorite Irish bar for a round of emerald margaritas and green Budweiser (traditional Irish spirits).
OR...you can kick back with today's "Leprechaun" marathon on SyFy. This is pretty much an annual event (which I covered last year). The first film in the series is certainly worth watching since it's the debut of Jennifer Aniston.
The real highlight is the premiere of "Leprechaun's Revenge" at 8 p.m. (CST). I am not 100 percent sure if it's an official part of the "Leprechaun" franchise, but it looks promising. First off, it stars Billy Zane, who specializes in B-movie sleaze. William Devane co-stars.
If you prefer super heroes to horror, tune in to my new favorite network Me-TV. A "Green Hornet" marathon kicks off at 5 p.m. (CST). Sure, last year's movie blew, but the TV show still kicks ass. Plus, Svengoolie is hosting the festivities!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Born to Be Wild!!
First of all, don't believe everything you read. "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" has been taking a pounding by critics and fanboys. I had a date night with Mrs. Weekend Drive-In this week, and we checked it out.
I loved it!
Look, any movie about a flaming skeleton demon who rides a motorcycle isn't going to be a cinematic masterpiece. Plus, it's made by the dudes who made the "Crank" movies, so fans have to know what they're getting into.
Yes, the plot is flimsy at times. It focuses on former cycle daredevil Johnny Blaze (Nic Cage at his nuttiest), who made a bad pact with the devil and turns into the fiery, skull-faced Ghost Rider. In short, he's out to save a kid (who is the unwitting spawn of Satan). Joining Blaze is action monk Moreau (Idris Elba - star of two other comic movies "The Losers" and "Thor"), who likes to drink and can handle high-powered firearms. The adversaries are the devil himself (a creepy looking Ciaran Hinds) and Blackout (Johnny Whitworth), a super villain who looks like Edgar Winter. Also, look for Christopher "Highlander" Lambert as a creepy monk covered in tattoos.
The movie is quite a bit darker than its predecessor but never loses its comic book sensibilities. The action sequences are entertaining enough, and Cage steps up the lunacy as he laughs, snarls, growls and mumbles through the movie. Hinds also deserves a hand for playing a well-dressed and deformed devil.
As far as comic movies go, it's pretty cool. Of course, it's no "Iron Man," but I'll take it. Honestly, I had more fun watching this than the "Dark Knight" (an overrated film every that elitist fanboy swears by). I believe "Spirit of Vengeance" clocked in at about 90 minutes, which was perfect! No drawn out chase scenes, no talky interludes, no unnecessary romance angles.
So, call me crazy, but I do recommend "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." And yes, see it on the big screen! We have to support as many theatrical B-horror, super hero flicks as possible!
Forget what every comic movie site tells you. "Spirit of Vengeance" delivers the goods. They might not be Oscar-worthy goods, but they're certainly worth checking out.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Belated Birthday Wishes - Jim Brown!!!
Yesterday, I realized that it was Jim Brown's birthday. I didn't have time to blog about this...but better late than never.
The football Hall of Famer has starred in some of the coolest movies ever made. Coincidentally, several of them are available on IMPACT Action on Demand this month. If you have Comcast, check out some of these classics.
For my money, the "Slaughter" movies feature his best work. Brown plays the title character, a kickass ex-Green Beret. In the first film, he's out to avenge his parents' murder by the mob. He follows the killers to Mexico, seduces the main main bad guy's girlfriend and kicks plenty of ass. Do you really need to know any more??? Stella Stevens plays Brown's love interest, and Rip Torn is at his most despicable as the villainous (and racist) gangster. Beatle buddy Billy Preston delivers the awesome title track.
The sequel "Slaughter's Big Rip Off" is equally fantastic. The mob is out for revenge, but gets more than it bargains for when Slaughter goes embarks on an ass kicking spree. The cast is freaking stellar! Ed McMahon plays the main bad guy and Don Stroud is a sadistic hit man. Plus, Gloria Hendry is Slaughter's girlfriend.
The football Hall of Famer has starred in some of the coolest movies ever made. Coincidentally, several of them are available on IMPACT Action on Demand this month. If you have Comcast, check out some of these classics.
For my money, the "Slaughter" movies feature his best work. Brown plays the title character, a kickass ex-Green Beret. In the first film, he's out to avenge his parents' murder by the mob. He follows the killers to Mexico, seduces the main main bad guy's girlfriend and kicks plenty of ass. Do you really need to know any more??? Stella Stevens plays Brown's love interest, and Rip Torn is at his most despicable as the villainous (and racist) gangster. Beatle buddy Billy Preston delivers the awesome title track.
The sequel "Slaughter's Big Rip Off" is equally fantastic. The mob is out for revenge, but gets more than it bargains for when Slaughter goes embarks on an ass kicking spree. The cast is freaking stellar! Ed McMahon plays the main bad guy and Don Stroud is a sadistic hit man. Plus, Gloria Hendry is Slaughter's girlfriend.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Happy Birthday George Romero!!
The great George Romero turns 72 today!!! Where would zombie movies be without this dude?? Thanks, George! You've delivered some excellent films and influenced generations of filmmakers!!!
B-Movies Headed to Broadway??
Broadway has been adapting movies into stage works for a while ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "The Producers").
I am not a big fan of musicals, but I was pretty stoked to discover that Troma classic "The Toxic Avenger" was transformed into a stage production. In 2008, it started an off-Broadway run and later was produced in Toronto and Calgary. Right now, "The Toxic Avenger" is at Houston's Alley Theatre and possibly headed to Broadway in the near future.
I checked it out last night and am pleased to report that it is awesome!!
The plot centers around Melvin Ferd III (played by American Idol star Constantine Maroulis), an uber-nerd who discovers that the mayor of Tromaville, Babs Belgoody (Nancy Opel), has been taking kickbacks to allow her city to become a toxic dump. Desperate to silence Ferd, she sends her goons Bozo and Sluggo (Antoine Smith and Mitchell Jarvis) to get the job done. Ferd winds up dumped in a vat of toxic waste and emerges as a lumpy, hulking, stinky super hero. In addition to cleaning up the streets of Tromaville, Melvin...or Toxie...tries to win the heart of hot blind librarian Sarah (Mara Davi).
With only five actors in the cast Opel, Smith and Jarvis take on multiple roles...and do so expertly.
The score is pure rock schlock written by Joe DePietro and David Bryan (Bon Jovi keyboardist). It perfectly compliments the play's comic sensibilities.
I like Troma pics and LOVE the Toxic Avenger franchise (even the cartoon). So, I totally dug this musical. It's fast and super funny...not unlike the Troma films.
If you're in the Houston area, check this out before its run ends Feb. 10. And keep your fingers crossed this makes it to Broadway. Who knows? It may inspire a new Toxie movie.
Check out what critics are saying.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Badass Bounty Hunter!!!
Before Duane "Dog" Chapman made bounty hunting hip, Isaac Hayes collected cash for crooks as "Truck Turner."
Of course, Gen-Xers and Yers became familiar with Hayes through his portrayal of Chef on "South Park." Back in the day, the bald badass was a smooth-voiced soul man and could kick ass on the silver screen. This 1974 movie illustrates both of these points as he sings the theme song and takes on a pimp army.
Hayes plays former football star turned bounty hunter, Mack "Truck" Turner. He runs afoul of a murderous madam (Nichelle "Uhura" Nichols). She contracts a killer team of pimps to take out Turner including suave sadist Harvard Blue (the always awesome Yaphet Kotto).
Hayes should have starred in more movies because he's great in this one and delivers some excellent lines: "Before you get that piece out, your ass is air-conditioned!" (Guess you have to see this scene to appreciate the line.)
He's not the only one who's quotable. Nichols is also quite quotable although it's a bit odd to hear the communications officer of the Enterprise use the N-word, P-word, B-word, F-word and a lot of other terms never spoken over Federation airwaves.
"Truck Turner" is one of the earliest gigs for Emmy-nominated director Jonathan Kaplan ("ER," "The Accused").
You can check out this classic on Impact Action on Demand (on Comcast) or track it down on DVD.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Paul Stanley Birthday Weekend!!!!
He's not exactly a film star, but the Weekend Drive-In has to wish Paul Stanley belated birthday wishes. He turned freaking 60 on Friday!!! As the frontman for KISS, Starchild Stanley has been rocking and rolling for decades. While he has limited film credits, Stanley's music with KISS has been featured on several soundtracks.
As an actor, he's best known for the made-for-TV classic "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park." Back in 1978, this was a HUGE deal for kids...myself included. The actual movie is pretty ridiculous but is worth watching. The band is depicted as a hard rocking super hero team, who confront a mad scientist at an amusement park. Stanley (who shoots lasers from his eye) was the best actor of the group. If you haven't seen it, check it out the Kissology Vol. 2 DVD set.
Paul also has a cameo in the excellent "Detroit Rock City." This is a very underrated rock comedy that captures 1970s KISSmania at its wildest. The plot focuses on four KISS fanatics who are desperately trying to make the band's concert at Detroit's famed Cobo Hall. There are several movies that try to capture the spirt of the 1970s ("Dazed and Confused," "The Stoned Age"), but this one is easily the best.
Happy birthday, Starchild! Keep on rockin'!
As an actor, he's best known for the made-for-TV classic "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park." Back in 1978, this was a HUGE deal for kids...myself included. The actual movie is pretty ridiculous but is worth watching. The band is depicted as a hard rocking super hero team, who confront a mad scientist at an amusement park. Stanley (who shoots lasers from his eye) was the best actor of the group. If you haven't seen it, check it out the Kissology Vol. 2 DVD set.
Paul also has a cameo in the excellent "Detroit Rock City." This is a very underrated rock comedy that captures 1970s KISSmania at its wildest. The plot focuses on four KISS fanatics who are desperately trying to make the band's concert at Detroit's famed Cobo Hall. There are several movies that try to capture the spirt of the 1970s ("Dazed and Confused," "The Stoned Age"), but this one is easily the best.
Happy birthday, Starchild! Keep on rockin'!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sci Fi Sunday on THIS!
I've probably started too many of these blog entries extolling the greatness of THIS TV. It's hard not to because you can always find cool action flicks, horror classics, B-westerns and cult TV shows ("Outer Limits") on this channel.
I'm a little disappointed that it doesn't air the revived "Elvira's Movie Macabre" show any more, but B-movie beggars can't be choosers.
On Sunday (Jan. 22), THIS features two classic 1950s era sci-fi features: "This Island Earth" (2 p.m.) and "Tarantula." (4 p.m.).
Based on Raymond F. Jones novel of the same name, "This Island Earth" is a great looking movie. The plot is a little hazy at times. It focuses on big-headed aliens from Metaluna, who are under siege by another alien race. Under the leadership of top noggin Exeter (Jeff Morrow), the Metalunans seek aid from the Earth's top scientists including square-jawed Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) and Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue). It's a pretty forgettable film, but its monsters, the Metlunan Mutants, left an impression on many sci-fi fans (and inspired Halloween costumes). It also was the featured flick in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie."
I clearly recall watching "Tarantula" as a kid. Loved it. I recall freaking out when the lead scientist played by Leo G. Carroll became disfigured. As you can guess, the plot is centered on a giant tarantula terrorizing a desert town. The special effects use a real spider, which looks great in black and white.
I'm a little disappointed that it doesn't air the revived "Elvira's Movie Macabre" show any more, but B-movie beggars can't be choosers.
On Sunday (Jan. 22), THIS features two classic 1950s era sci-fi features: "This Island Earth" (2 p.m.) and "Tarantula." (4 p.m.).
Based on Raymond F. Jones novel of the same name, "This Island Earth" is a great looking movie. The plot is a little hazy at times. It focuses on big-headed aliens from Metaluna, who are under siege by another alien race. Under the leadership of top noggin Exeter (Jeff Morrow), the Metalunans seek aid from the Earth's top scientists including square-jawed Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) and Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue). It's a pretty forgettable film, but its monsters, the Metlunan Mutants, left an impression on many sci-fi fans (and inspired Halloween costumes). It also was the featured flick in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie."
I clearly recall watching "Tarantula" as a kid. Loved it. I recall freaking out when the lead scientist played by Leo G. Carroll became disfigured. As you can guess, the plot is centered on a giant tarantula terrorizing a desert town. The special effects use a real spider, which looks great in black and white.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Weekend of Birthday Awesomeness!
This is a bit late, but the Weekend Drive-In had to salute a few B-Movie birthday boys.
Let's start with David Bowie, who turns freaking 65 today!!! Yes, he forged his career on the rock stage, but the Space Oddity also has starred in a few film oddities as well. Among these are "The Man Who Fell to Earth," "The Hunger," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and everyone's favorite anti-drug flick "Cristiane F." He's so cool, I have to include two movie trailers in his honor.
Today is also Larry Storch's 89th birthday! He's best known for his role on "F Troop," but he won me over in the original "Ghost Busters" TV show (not connected to the Bill Murray classic). I lived for this show when it aired on Saturday mornings back in the 1970s. This short-lived kiddie show reunited Storch with fellow F Trooper Forest Tucker.
Storch also starred in one of the first R-rated movies I saw in the theater, "Without Warning."
Yesterday, the great Nick Cage turned 48. He's made quite a few classics. I even rank "Ghost Rider" among his top films. Plus, I gotta support a dude who ditched a moneymaking name like Coppola and took the name of Marvel Comics' Power Man. My favorite Nick movie? "Wild at Heart!"
And of course, Jan. 6 marked the coolest birthday of all...MINE! Happy birthday to me...Capricorns rule!
Let's start with David Bowie, who turns freaking 65 today!!! Yes, he forged his career on the rock stage, but the Space Oddity also has starred in a few film oddities as well. Among these are "The Man Who Fell to Earth," "The Hunger," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and everyone's favorite anti-drug flick "Cristiane F." He's so cool, I have to include two movie trailers in his honor.
Today is also Larry Storch's 89th birthday! He's best known for his role on "F Troop," but he won me over in the original "Ghost Busters" TV show (not connected to the Bill Murray classic). I lived for this show when it aired on Saturday mornings back in the 1970s. This short-lived kiddie show reunited Storch with fellow F Trooper Forest Tucker.
Storch also starred in one of the first R-rated movies I saw in the theater, "Without Warning."
Yesterday, the great Nick Cage turned 48. He's made quite a few classics. I even rank "Ghost Rider" among his top films. Plus, I gotta support a dude who ditched a moneymaking name like Coppola and took the name of Marvel Comics' Power Man. My favorite Nick movie? "Wild at Heart!"
And of course, Jan. 6 marked the coolest birthday of all...MINE! Happy birthday to me...Capricorns rule!
Busey's Back!
I have a new favorite TV show..."Celebrity Wife Swap." I never had an interest in watching the regular version of this trash TV show, but Mrs. Drive-In Mike turned me on to it last week. Luckily, the episode I watched starred B-movie great Gary Busey.
These days, Busey's known as being a pretty far out dude. Check out last week's "Celebrity Wife Swap" episode for examples of his eccentricities. Some folks attribute Busey's weird behavior to head injuries sustained during a near fatal motorcycle crash.
Nuts or not, Busey always have place in film history for a near flawless performance as the title character in "The Buddy Holly Story."
Anyways, Busey also has had memorable supporting roles in a number of classic action flicks: "Lethal Weapon," "Predator 2," "Point Break."
Busey headlined a pair of forgotten and very cool action pics in the 1980s. Both of these pop up on cable (Impact Action on Demand, THIS), so keep an eye out for them.
"Eye of the Tiger" features Busey as a Vietnam vet trying to rebuild his life. He rekindles the romantic flames with his wife and reconnects with his daughter, but finds trouble with a gang of motorcycle thugs (led by biker film badass William Smith) and corrupt sheriff (Seymour Cassel). It's a lot better than you'd imagine, and Busey's pretty good as the likable hero. Yaphet Kotto plays his sidekick. Of course, the seminal Survivor song is on the soundtrack.
He's also awesome in "Bulletproof," one of the era's better "Rambo" clones. Busey stars as Bulletproof McBain, special agent turned super cop. His nickname comes from the fact that he's survived being shot in the line of action so many times. He's given the task of recovering a stolen attack unit, the Thunderblast, from terrorists. Henry Silva plays the main bad guy, and William Smith plays a Soviet officer (much like his role in "Red Dawn"). This is a pretty wild action flick and requires much suspension of disbelief. Still, I liked it! Busey definitely had promise as a leading action hero. He ultimately would be pigeonholed as a villain in many of his movies. Check out this movie or "Eye of the Tiger" and let me know what you think.
These days, Busey's known as being a pretty far out dude. Check out last week's "Celebrity Wife Swap" episode for examples of his eccentricities. Some folks attribute Busey's weird behavior to head injuries sustained during a near fatal motorcycle crash.
Nuts or not, Busey always have place in film history for a near flawless performance as the title character in "The Buddy Holly Story."
Anyways, Busey also has had memorable supporting roles in a number of classic action flicks: "Lethal Weapon," "Predator 2," "Point Break."
Busey headlined a pair of forgotten and very cool action pics in the 1980s. Both of these pop up on cable (Impact Action on Demand, THIS), so keep an eye out for them.
"Eye of the Tiger" features Busey as a Vietnam vet trying to rebuild his life. He rekindles the romantic flames with his wife and reconnects with his daughter, but finds trouble with a gang of motorcycle thugs (led by biker film badass William Smith) and corrupt sheriff (Seymour Cassel). It's a lot better than you'd imagine, and Busey's pretty good as the likable hero. Yaphet Kotto plays his sidekick. Of course, the seminal Survivor song is on the soundtrack.
He's also awesome in "Bulletproof," one of the era's better "Rambo" clones. Busey stars as Bulletproof McBain, special agent turned super cop. His nickname comes from the fact that he's survived being shot in the line of action so many times. He's given the task of recovering a stolen attack unit, the Thunderblast, from terrorists. Henry Silva plays the main bad guy, and William Smith plays a Soviet officer (much like his role in "Red Dawn"). This is a pretty wild action flick and requires much suspension of disbelief. Still, I liked it! Busey definitely had promise as a leading action hero. He ultimately would be pigeonholed as a villain in many of his movies. Check out this movie or "Eye of the Tiger" and let me know what you think.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Weekend Drive-In Returns!
Well, it's been more than two months since the Weekend Drive-In has been open for business. No excuses on my part. Work and other issues pushed this blog to the back burner. Anyways, it's 2012 and I've FINALLY gotten into the 21st century (thank you, Netflix). So, I have access to more B-movies. Look for more previews, reviews, features, etc.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Zombie Ass Kickers!!!
This weekend, "Zombie Apocalypse" premieres on SyFy (8 p.m. CST, Oct. 29). Admittedly, I am not completely sick of the zombie genre even though it's run its course. Still, I haven't watched one episode of AMC's "The Walking Dead" (I guess, anything that's "critically acclaimed is a turnoff").
On Saturday, I'll definitely tune into this flick from Asylum Pictures (the modern day AIP??).
Of course, a big draw is the presence of Ving Rhames, who battled the living dead in a few other movies. He's definitely one of the top zombie ass kickers in movie history. Consider his rock solid performance in the 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead."
Rhames also starred in another George Romero remake, "Day of the Dead." This movie didn't have quite the impact of "Dawn," but it's still pretty good. Rhames plays a tough soldier caught up in a world plagued by a zombie virus. This straight-to-DVD feature also featured Nick Cannon, Mena Suvari and a pre-"90210" AnnaLynne McCord. A lot of people hated it, but judge for yourself. It's on Showtime every now and then.
Rhames isn't the only skull crushing good guy in the world of zombie flicks. Before Rhames became the go-to badass in "Dawn of the Dead," Ken Foree delivered the goods in the original version of that film. He played Peter, a SWAT cop, who fights the living dead in the projects and in a shopping mall. An imposing guy, Foree's presence in the movie sealed his fame as a horror movie hero. I'll always remember watching this at a midnight screening. The audience went nuts when Foree went mano a mano with the dead hordes toward the end of the film. Foree also has a cameo in the remake.
Before Foree, Duane Jones used brains instead of brawn to survive in George Romero's original "Night of the Living Dead." As Ben, Jones was the sole voice of reason in a farm house besieged by zombies. The character's ultimate fate still leaves audiences reeling when they watch this classic. Jones didn't go on to make any other horror movies, but he set the standard for future zombie movie protagonists.
A few other zombie bashers worth noting:
Patricia Tallman (as Barbara) in Tom Savini's 1990 remake of "Night of the Living Dead": Tallman, a stuntwoman and actress, was like "Ripley" in Alien. Not only was she the only sane voice in a zombie-ridden world, she was a bonafide badass (expertly handling firearms and other weapons).
Mungo McKay (as Marion) in "Undead". This Australian import featured McKay as an odd, gun master who is nearly invincible as he leads other characters against infected hordes of murderous zombies. He's kind of like a laconic version of Ash from the "Evil Dead" movies. Check it out. It's not your typical zombie movie.
I know I am leaving out others including Milla Jojovich as Alice in the "Resident Evil" franchise and Bruce Campbell as Ash in the "Evil Dead" series. Leave a comment if you think of any others worth mentioning.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Burt! Bronson! Nuff said.
Like action? Like moustaches? You'll LOVE two killer action films available on Comcast/Xfinity On Demand. Take your pick from Charles Bronson's "10 to Midnight" or Burt Reynolds "Malone." Both are great 1980s action flicks.
"10 to Midnight" (1983) is the sleazier of the two. It's pretty typical fare from Cannon Films, which churned out tons of B-movies during the Reagan era. The movie focuses on a perverted serial killer. Bronson plays Leo Kessler, a hard ass detective, who will stop at nothing to put this guy behind bars...even planting evidence. It's very seedy, but Bronson seemed to be in a lot of these movies in the 1980s. The killer (who runs around nude most of the time) is played by Gene Davis, who was no stranger to exploitation films ("Cruising" among others). Look for supporting roles from other B-movie vets Andrew Stevens and Wilford Brimley (who also sports a pretty intense moustache). Bronson does what he does best. He curses, shoots, does not follow the "book" and pretty much kicks ass through this entire film.
"Malone" (1987) is the more watchable of these two films. Burt Reynolds plays the titular ex-CIA agent who trys to save a small town from a corrupt millionaire (the recently departed Cliff Robertson) and his army of thugs. This movie was released during Reynolds' "action" period in the mid to late 1980s. Lauren Hutton plays Reynolds' love interest. It's actually pretty good, and Burt is excellent as the stone faced, hard hitting Malone. Great shootouts and fight scenes, and Reynolds sports a pretty thick toupee!
Both movies are available on Xfinity On Demand. Find "10 to Midnight" under Free Movies. Just click Impact Action on Demand under "Pretty Dangerous."
For "Malone," go to Free Movies and go to "Category." Look for "Action" and scroll to "Malone."
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Ultimate Ranger!
In honor of the Texas Rangers making it to the World Series...and coming through in Game 2, the Weekend Drive-in celebrates the ultimate Texas Ranger - "Lone Wolf McQuade."
Before Chuck Norris became a fixture on 1990s TV as "Walker, Texas Ranger," he played maverick lawman McQuade in this 1983 action flick. Apparently, this movie was the inspiration for "Walker," but the names were changed due to copyrights.
Filmed in El Paso, Texas, this movie follows the adventures of the titular Texas Ranger as he tries to take down a nutcase arms dealer Wilkes (played by David "Kung Fu" Carradine. McQuade is quite a bit different than "Walker." He loves to drink beer (Pearl) and pretty much breaks every law possible when apprehending the bad guys. A pretty cool cast rounds out this movie including Robert "Star Trek: Voyager" Beltran, Leon Isaac Kennedy (of the superb "Penetentiary" series) and the always awesome Barbara Carrera. The highlight is a kung fu confrontation between Norris and Carradine, who reportedly refused to use stunt doubles.
Catch the action TONIGHT, Oct. 21 on THIS TV (9 p.m. CST).
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Happy Birthday Bela!!!
Shouldn't Oct. 20 be a holiday?? After all, it's the birthday of screen great Bela Lugosi. This is the guy who brought "Dracula" to life on the big screen, helped immortalize Ed D. Wood Jr. and starred in the world's very first zombie movie. He also inspired an awesome Goth-rock classic!
The Hungarian-born Lugosi has long been an icon in the world of B-movie although his talents far exceeded many of the cinematic clunkers in which he starred.
This month on Comcast/Xfinity On Demand, you can see one of Lugosi's finest works, "White Zombie." Look under Free Movies for this classic. Lugosi plays Murder Legrande, a sinister voodoo master who transforms people into mindless slaves. It's pretty cool, and Lugosi steals the show with his wild eyes and crazed delivery.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Dance! Dance! Dance!
I'll be honest. I was in high school when the original "Footloose" was released. I was pretty much the intended demographic for that movie. Needless to say I never saw it. Didn't see it at the movies or on cable...and Lord knows that its been aired on TV zillions of times.
Anyways, I wasn't interested in the original and am less interested in this remake. That doesn't mean that the Weekend Drive-In can't appreciate dance movies. I certainly think that John Travolta's breakout dance scene in "Saturday Night Fever" still kicks much ass.
Of course, that movie helped set the standard for contemporary dance flicks, but there are B-gems that should not be overlooked.
These include...
"Disco Godfather"(1979): Any movie with Rudy Ray Moore is worth watching. This one is awesome! Moore plays Tucker Williams, an ex-cop turned DJ who screams "Put Your Weight On it!" as he spins records. When he's not delivering the funk, he's out to smash the local angel dust ring. I had the good fortune of interviewing Moore about 12 years ago, and he was very proud of this movie.
"Thank God It's Friday" (1978): This is pretty much the disco version of "Car Wash." My mom took me to see this when I was a kid. Loved it. It follows a crazy cast of characters during a wild night at a disco. Look for Jeff Goldblum as a sleazy disco manager, Debra Winger as a lonely co-ed, Berlin vocalist Terri Nunn and Donna Summer as an aspiring vocalist (she sings the hit "Last Dance). Plus, the Commodores perform.
"Skatetown U.S.A." (1979): This is one of a few roller disco movies that emerged in the late 1970s. It's definitely the wackiest. Plus, the cast is incredible: Patrick Swayze, Maureen McCormick (Marsha from "The Brady Bunch"), Ron Palillo (Horschack from "Welcome Back Kotter"), Billy Barty and Ruth Buzzi. Swayze struts his stuff on roller skates. It's definitely cooler than "Dirty Dancing."
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Get Your Halloween On!
It's October! That means TONS of horror movies all month long...not to mention "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."
In any event, Turner Classic Movies will make Mondays fun again. "Classic Horror Mondays" features old school creature features. This week, the original "The Wolf Man" kicks off the screams at 7 p.m. It's the ultimate werewolf movie and the movie that launched Lon Chaney Jr.'s career.
Upcoming scarefests worth noting include Christopher Lee in "Horror of Dracula" at 7 p.m. (CST), Oct. 17. Many people credit this 1958 classic for reviving the horror genre. Also, look for William Castle's "The Tingler," a film that had a massive publicity push in 1959...thanks to vibrating theater seats that gave audiences an extra jolt of fear. "The Tingler" airs at 10 p.m. (CST), Oct.17.
Charles Napier 1936 - 2011
The Weekend Drive-In remembers the great Charles Napier. Tough guy actor Napier died this week at the age of 75.
Napier's filmography is pretty extensive. It includes both big budget and B-grade drive-in movies including Russ Meyer's "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls,""Rambo,""Silence of the Lambs" and many others. He also lent his rugged voice to several animated series including "Superman: The Animated Series."
His versatile talents also found their way to the small screen. Trekkies will always remember him as space hippie Adam in "Star Trek." That was my earliest memory of the great Napier, but I also recall him as bad guy Hammer in short-lived trucker show "B.J.and the Bear." I also can't forget that he provided the growls on "The Incredible Hulk" series.
So long, Charles! If the Weekend Drive-in ever starts a Hall of Fame, you will be among its first inductees.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Join the Countdown to Halloween!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Forgotten Zombies
Zombies don't die easily. These days, the lumbering undead are featured in commercials, a TV series and countless movies including the upcoming "Zombie Apocalypse" premiering Oct. 29 on SyFy.
Of course, zombie flicks have been around for decades. According to Wikipedia, 1932's "White Zombie" starring Bela Lugosi is the very first horror movie to feature zombies. In that movie, the slow moving creatures aren't undead at all. They're actually drugged slaves.
It seems, however, that the same old dead man walking movies are always on TV: 2004's "Dawn of the Dead," "Resident Evil," etc. Several pretty cool zombie films should be aired more often including these gems:
Zombi 2 Lucio Fulci 1979 TRAILER by soulpatrol
"Zombie" (ake "Zombi 2"): Like gore? You'll love this gross out extravaganza from Italian schlockmaster Lucio Fulci. This was actually billed as a sequel to George A. Romero's original "Dawn of the Dead" (retitled "Zombi" in Italy) across the pond. It's not connected to that movie, but it still rocks. The action takes place on the cursed island of Matool, where the dead are rising and eating/infecting the living. Look for Mia Farrow's sister, Tisa, as the lead heroine. The zombies are pretty creepy. The guy featured on the movie poster (with worms in his eye) freaked me out when I was kid. VERY graphic!!! Lots of blood, guts and gore, so keep your finger on the fast-forward button if you're squeamish. Also, look for a pretty cool shark vs. zombie battle.
"Shock Waves": This is a super low budget 70s flick. The zombies are actually Nazi super soldiers that have been preserved and living on an island. They're all blond, pale and wearing giant goggles. Brooke Adams is the heroine and stars opposite horror vets John Carradine and Peter Cushing. I loved this movie as a kid! I have not seen it in years but can recommend it. Love the tagline on the trailer: "The faster you run...the quicker you DIE!"
"Night of the Comet": This is a very underrated 1980s movie. It's kind of like a low rent John Hughes movie crossed with "The Omega Man." A comet flies over the earth and disintegrates anyone in its path. Only a handful of people who were shielded from its flyover survive. A few unlucky fools, however, have been transformed into murderous zombies. A pair of teen babes are among the survivors and have to fend off the comet killers, as well as raid the mall. A few other non-zombies also show up. Look for Robert Beltran of "Star Trek: Voyager" and B-queen Mary Woronov (Principal Togar in "Rock n' Roll High School). This has been running on THIS TV...but not very often.
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