Night of the Creeps a.k.a. Russ from European Vacation Fights Zombies

Although styled a horror/zombie film, 1986 's "Night of the Creeps" is anything but scary or creepy.  However, when the opening sequences of the film features teletubbie-esque, aliens,  and a fictional "Corman University",  you know you are in for a so bad it's good treat.

Set initially in 1959, when the aforementioned teletubbie aliens jettison an experiment to earth, the film quickly jumps to 1980s, Corman University (an apparent tribute to Roger Corman), where Jason Lively, best known as Russ from National Lampoon's European Vacation, is a nerd student. Russ and and his sidekick's effort to join a fraternity ultimately leads to the release of a zombie virus, when they break into a secret laboratory.  The zombie virus which is spread by worm like creatures quickly infects the campus, and its up to flamethrower wielding Russ, a comely sorority girl, and grisly detective to save Corman University.

While not scary, the film has all the hallmarks of a fun 80's horror film including:

Attractive Sorority Girls
Zombies
ample nudity
Jill Whitlow
cheesy one-liners

So if you are in the mood for a mindless, but entertaining popcorn flick check out Night of the Creeps.

80s Classic--April Fool's Day

From the "two Debras", surprise ending, and iconic poster, "April Fool's Day" is classic 80s horror at its finest. With April Fool's day fast approaching nothing could be more timely than spotlighting this film.

As a kid perusing the video aisle the poster alone was enough to make me and countless others rent this film. While there is no need for the obvious spoiler alert, the film's "two" endings places the film above others in the slasher genre.

No discussion or tribute of this film would be complete without mentioning the two Debras of the 80s Deborah Goodrich and Deborah Foreman. Both were staples of multiple teen and twenty something films of the decade.  They both give standout performances as scream queens.

So if your in the mood for some campy slasher fare then look no further!

1981 Horror Classic--Deadly Blessing

Before I get to the spotlight film "Deadly Blessing", I wanted to give a brief plug to some great horror actress friends, Dawn Duverger and Rhiannon Silk, who will be attending the Midsouth Horror Con in Memphis next weekend. If your in the area be sure to stop by and say hello.

"Deadly Blessing" is early 80s horror at its finest. First, a bevy of beautiful actresses including a young Sharon Stone, Maren Jensen (Athena in the original Battlestar Galactica), and Susan Buckner provide plenty of eye candy. Second, the always creepy horror icon Michael Berryman, gives the film instant horror cred. Third, the great Ernest Borgnine is cast as a creepy Amish Elder, which is entertaining to say the least. Last but not least, the film was directed by Wes Craven--what more could a fan ask for.

Undervalued and underappreciated is about the best way to characterize the film. The talent level alone raises the film above standard horror fare of the era. Unlike, a typical 80s slasher film, the horror is largely atmospheric with strong elements of supernatural and religious themes. While, there is ample eye candy even by today's standards, there is probably not enough gore for most.

The only complaint is the rather bizarre and disjointed ending. A perusal of imdb comments on the film echoed my problem with the ending. If nothing else the film is worth viewing just to see a young Sharon Stone, and Marin Jensen, who by all accounts gave up acting after this film to live with Eagles great Don Henley.

Best Forgotten Slasher Films List

As readers of this blog know, I am big fan of forgotten or overlooked horror films. Luckily, the advent of netflix and amazon direct has breathed new life into some underappreciated horror films.  While, I consider myself a diehard fan, I constantly amazed at the films I have either forgotten or were not even aware of.

Like the author of the below list, for everyone "Halloween" or "Nightmare on Elm Street", for whatever reason there are a host of other films that fall through the cracks and don't get the attention they deserve.

With titles such as "Frogs" , " Razorback", "Hellnight", and "Deadly Friend" this list will not disappoint. While, they are not all necessarily slasher films per se, they are all entertaining in their own way.

Best Forgotten Slashers

As an aside, if you haven't already please be sure to check the Angry Bros Shock-O-Rama on IHTV. Jack Angry, Inferna, Ash, Ghoulia will not disappoint.

Mountaintop Motel Massarce--So Bad It's Good!

Perusing Netflix's B-Horror category, I stumbled upon this unknown drive-in gem titled "Mountain Top Motel Massacre", that I wanted to share.  To say this films is so bad it is good, would be an understatement.  This movie shot in the woods of Louisiana, where there are no mountains that I am aware, has a decided early 1980s campy flair, despite not being released until 1986.

With its setting at a secluded motel, which happens to look like an redneck version of the Bates Motel, and an elderly killer the film is a wannabe hybrid of Psycho and the original Friday the 13th.  Despite it's best intention, for an 80s slasher there is very little blood, no sleaze, save for a unbelievable wet t-shirt sequence, and multiple survivors.

While its missing some key slasher elements the films is still enjoyable from a campy perspective. The acting while bad is fun to watch, the characters are sufficiently weird that you are compelled to keep watching, and the sickle wielding grandma is entertaining.  I also, enjoyed the use of the tunnel, and the film's repeated prominent featuring of  the lead actor's car phone. The featuring of the dinosaur phone screamed 80s like nothing else in the film.

So if your in the mood for a campy hour and half, I recommend you check this movie out. Some fan has graciously uploaded the entire film to youtube for your viewing pleasure.

I wanted to give a plug to the Angry Bros in Omaha, NE, "Monastery of Mayhem" show  if you haven't had a chance to catch it on  IHTV, you don't know what your missing. The hosts and gorgeous co-hostess are not to be missed.  Lastly, wanted to thank horror actress Julie Ann Prescott for informing me of the upcoming Days of the Dead horror con.

Forgotten Slashers of the 80s

Perusing the web for all things 80s horror, I came across an article titled "Forgotten 80s Slashers" on whatculture.com, and was immediately intrigued. As usual I am constantly amazed despite being a huge fan, how many great films I have missed, especially from the early 80s.  One film in particular, stands out, "Alone in the Dark". The film features screen legends Martin Landau, Jack Parlance, and the great Donald Pleasance.

How can a horror film go wrong when Donald Pleasance aka Dr. Loomis is in the cast?  I am looking forward to seeing this film and will share a review in the near future. Without further adieu here is the article and list:

Forgotten Slasher List