| Minor Gems |
| Just thought I'd cover a few flicks that are better than their rep... Tower Of Evil (Horror On Snape ISland) Pretty creepy opening shot of a fog shrouded lighthouse on a rocky island lets you know there are some thrills on the way.This is a little ahead of its time as far as the old hat "have sex and die" plotline goes. The movie starts off with 4 frolicking nude teenagers on a supposedly deserted island(Snape Island). Well quite a few end up beheaded,sliced and diced as they aren't as alone as they thought. A private investigator joins a museum group to Snape Island.They are looking for Phoenecian treasure.He wants to clear the name of the only survivor of the massacre.The two avenues for the trip eventually tie into each other.But not before a few more brutal murders spices up the pot. What is bad about this flick:Well the horny teenagers are basically cannon fodder for the killer(or is it killers).They do serve their purpose in getting the PI there.Some of the acting really bites but the older hands do well with their material.The hip 70's slang really is a giggle."Do you want to turn on?"one dope smoking character asks. Something about the island sure makes a lot of folks horny.Yeah, it is cold, rainy,foggy and rocky. Big crabs are scrambling all over the place. Hey, let's get naked!There seems to be an over abundance of flammable paraffin on the island.Say about three acres worth but it sure burns up pretty. The sets are creepy enough,especially the light house and the island itself.Many nasty looking corpses with crabs skittering around(hey get the butter!)on them are unnerving.There is a real overwhelming sense of claustrophobia to this movie.A slice & dice above average. The Day Mars Invaded Earth Don't kid yourself as this is a very low budget shocker.But it is a shocker and a pleasant one at that.99% of the film is shot in one location but what a location! A scientist with a troubled marriage sends a probe to Mars.Unknown to all concerned the probe sends back a little something,namely Martians as invisible energy beings.They become doppelgangers of the scientist and his family. Their mission is clear;to stop earth from travelling to Mars.(They like their high property values obviously).The Martians play havoc with his home life until the very end.The invasion although on a small scale is rather creepily handled. A small budget flick with an appealing cast of old pros.Quickly paced and well written by Harry Spaulding.Even a downbeat ending to add to the menace.Better than average and worth a look in a forgiving mood. Attack Of The Mushroom People (Matengo) We have a yacht cruise that wrecks on a deserted island. We have a skipper;a goofy first mate who constantly wears a hat;a singing/movie(?) star;a plain down to earth girl; and wait a minute! This isn't Gilligan's Island! But now we know where the "inspiration"(rip off)came from! This movie has a bad rap and it is undeserved. When I was growing up it was on about 8 times a year on saturday afternoons.Upon repeated viewings you can see what you missed when you were younger. Claustrophobia,reverting back to savagery madness,the ever present rain with its shadows of hopelessness and those rassin' frassin' mushrooms!! Got to admit the walking mushrooms are quite funny. But this movie packs quite a punch as it races to the end. The last 10 minutes will stay with you for a while.It is available on VHS. |
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