Prison (1987)
Directed by: Renny Harlin ( Driven, Cliffhanger, Cutthroat Island, Devils Pass, The Covenant)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Tom Everett, Kane Hodder, Lane Smith, and Tommy Lister.
Writers: Irwin Yablans, C. Courtney Joyner, Renny Harlin.
I love to hunt for killer horror gems from the 80s and 90s. There is something so magical about findings films you only heard about as a kid but never got the chance to experience. One of these lost horror gems from the late 80s “Prison” deserves your immediate attention. “Prison’ has it all from great practical brutal gore effects and a killer cast of genre greats.
“Prison’ is about a wronged vengeful spirit who was accidentally let loose from a walled-up vault inside this rundown prison of death and corruption. Unfortunately for the staff and prison folks, this undead spirit is on a blood-thirsty path of destruction to seek revenge on the warden (Lane Smith) who wronged him. This is a very basic plot that you have probably seen in a ton of films, but “Prison” pulls it off with bloody good results.
This was one of Viggo Mortensen’s first major film roles starring as the prisoner “Burke.” Just like all the films to come after this one for Viggo he really steals the show and eats up the scenes like a hungry wolf. He was a major highlight for me in this film. Also, a fun fact but a lot of the other prisoners in this movie were actual prisoners. That’s gotta keep things super edgy on the set. Good thing they had the late great Tiny Lister to keep shit in check.
The entity itself is represented as a rolling ball of light and electricity. It reminded me a lot of “Pennywise’s” true form from “IT.” This was the only bit of computer-generated effects used in the film. Like I said before almost all of the effects in this film were practical and glorious. The late John Carl Buechler was the effects supervisor and a king of practical effects. Whenever he was on board for a film you knew the gore would flow abundantly. To top all of this off you had the great Kane Hodder in charge of all the stunt work. Dangerous stunts and over-the-top kill scenes, hell sign me up.
“Prison” is a lost treasure that needs a proper audience and a proper release. I hope one day this film gets the credit it deserves. I would also love to see this one on The last Drive-in with Joe Bob. So Shudder if you are reading this that would-be killer. I give “Prison” a solid 8.5 out of 10 score. You can find this one streaming on youtube in all its VHS goodness.
Brainscan (1994)
Director: John Flynn (Lock Up, Out for Justice, The Outfit, Nails)
Writers: Brian Owens and Andrew Kevin Walker
Starring: Edward Furlong, Frank Langella, T. Ryder Smith, Amy Hargreaves, Jamie Marsh.
The early to mid-90s were prime years for really oddball killer horror and sci-fi films. We just left the slasher era of the 80s which is still the best decade for horror in my opinion, but if you didn’t know about these early 90s hidden gems like Brainscan it’s time to go back. Brainscan ranks in my top 20 best films of all time and really melted my brain when I first watched it many years ago. I hope you will get the same or similar effect once you check it out for yourself.
Writers: Brian Owens and Andrew Kevin Walker
Starring: Edward Furlong, Frank Langella, T. Ryder Smith, Amy Hargreaves, Jamie Marsh.
The early to mid-90s were prime years for really oddball killer horror and sci-fi films. We just left the slasher era of the 80s which is still the best decade for horror in my opinion, but if you didn’t know about these early 90s hidden gems like Brainscan it’s time to go back. Brainscan ranks in my top 20 best films of all time and really melted my brain when I first watched it many years ago. I hope you will get the same or similar effect once you check it out for yourself.
Without giving away too many spoilers Brainscan is about this really killer high-tech new computer game where you get to act out your darkest fantasies like murder, robbery, etc. Instead of just watching on your screen you actually live the game almost like a VR experience but much deeper, deadlier, and way more realistic. On top of all of this once you start playing the game you also unlock the monstrous Trickster who is kind of an evil genie-type creature who urges on bloodshed and mayhem. Well, how does all that sound hmm to me it sounds pretty fucking killer?
One major thing that stands out for me in Brainscan is the hard rock/ metal soundtrack. It’s full of killer songs from the 90s from bands like Primus, White Zombie, TAD, and many more. A good soundtrack goes a long way to elevate a film to greatness. Another standout aspect of this film was the great performances from Edward Furlong (Micheal) and T.Ryder Smith (The Trickster). They had very similar chemistry to Fred Savage and Howie Mandel from Little Monsters. The only difference was that Howie Mandel’s character Maurice wasn’t a homicidal monster.
If you want to dig deeper into your darkest fantasies of murder and chaos then it’s time to give Brainscan a watch and release your binding straps of reality. You can find this one for free on Crackle or you can rent it off of Amazon. I give Brainscan a 10/10 score.
The Runestone (1991)
Director: Willard Carroll (Playing by Heart, Tom’s Midnight Garden, Marigold)
Writers: (Mark E.Rogers, Willard Carroll)
Starring: Peter Riegert, Joan Severance, William Hickey, Tim Ryan, Alexander Godunov, Chris Young)
I am really excited to write this review from beyond about one of my favorite 90’s hidden gems “The Runestone.” This was a childhood favorite of mine. I would rent this one over and over on VHS until I was able to buy it used and keep it as my own. I am now and have always been a big fan of creature films. “The Runestone” ranks really high on my list of favorite monster movies even to this day.
Writers: (Mark E.Rogers, Willard Carroll)
Starring: Peter Riegert, Joan Severance, William Hickey, Tim Ryan, Alexander Godunov, Chris Young)
I am really excited to write this review from beyond about one of my favorite 90’s hidden gems “The Runestone.” This was a childhood favorite of mine. I would rent this one over and over on VHS until I was able to buy it used and keep it as my own. I am now and have always been a big fan of creature films. “The Runestone” ranks really high on my list of favorite monster movies even to this day.
“ The Runestone” is about the ultimate battle of good versus evil Norse style. The mighty Fenrir is released from his captivity inside a mythic runestone by a power-mad scientist played by Mitchell Laurance. The only hope of stopping Fenrir and all-out Ragnarok is a brave boy “Jacob” Chris Young and mythical hero “Sigvaldson” (Tyr) played by the late great Alexander Godunov. If this doesn’t sound absolutely killer then I don’t what does.
The story based on the Novella written by Mark E. Carroll is really captivating and oozes the 90s throughout the film in the best way. It’s nothing groundbreaking but for a fan of Norse Mythology like me, it really hits the spot. On top of all of this, the actual creature effects really stand out for its time. Hell even for today’s standards I think it holds up rather well. There is nothing else like a killer practical effects monster running rampant on screen. The way the FX/makeup crew did Fenrir is kind of a mix of werewolf and bigfoot type creature and it came out really killer and intimidating on screen. I really think it was an interesting take on the mythological beast. I should also note that there is plenty of old school gore and mayhem to fill your bloody needs.
“The Runestone” is not a perfect film by far but it is a really fun creature feature that I don’t think a lot of people know about. I don’t believe it has ever even had an official DVD release. It’s a shame that so many films from the past don’t get the proper treatment they deserve. Fortunately, you should be able to find this streaming on youtube. I give “The Runestone” a solid 8/10 score.
Werewolf (TV series 1987-1988)
Directors: (James Darren, David Hemmings, Larry Shaw, Rob Bowman, Lyndon Chubbuck, Richard A. Colla, Bob Bralver, Sidney Hayers, Guy Magar, Jon Pare)
Created by: Frank Lupo (The A-Team, Hunter, Riptide, Raven)
Special Effects: Thomas L. Bellissimo
Werewolf effects and design: Rick Baker and Greg Cannom
Starring: John J.York, Lance LeGault, Chuck Connors, Brian Thompson
When it comes to forgotten killer TV shows of the past, Werewolf ranks among the top. I can remember watching this with my dad when I was young and it blew my young mind. Werewolf and An American Werewolf in London jump-started my love of horror and especially my love for the werewolf genre. The Howling takes the other spot in my heart for propelling my love of werewolf films.
The creature designs in Werewolf were created by the great Rick Baker, In my opinion, the king of werewolf designs. He created some lean mean bloodthirsty killing machines that still do this day have few equals. It is crazy to think that all this was done in the late eighties and remains at the top of the mountain in the genre. It just goes to show you that the eighties were the best times for great horror and the best times for practical creature work that stand the test of time.
Besides all the great creature effects Werewolf shines with a solid and inventive storyline. The acting and soundtrack is also really killer and it all comes together to feed this beast of a tv show. To put things into perspective imagine the hulking Chuck Connors of Tourist Trap fame playing a werewolf. If that doesn’t sell you on watching this then I don’t know what will.
The only negative I have to say about this series is that I wish it was out on Blu-ray or at least DVD in actual DVD quality. As of right now, you can only find episodes on youtube and bootleg VHS quality DVDs. The reason for this is because of soundtrack copyright laws holding this show from having an actual physical release. There is a lot fo talk about Werewolf finally coming out in proper physical release soon. I give Werewolf a 10/10 and you should check it out on youtube or wherever you can find episodes.
Bad Moon (1996)
Director: Eric Red (100 feet, Body Parts, Cohen and Tate, The Hitcher)
Writers: Wayne Smith and Eric Red
Starring: (Mariel Hemingway, Michael Pare, Mason Gamble, Ken Pogue)
When it comes to Werewolf films I consider myself a bit of an expert. I have seen them almost all of them and most of them are not so good. I can say with the utmost assurance that Bad Moon is one of the best Werewolf films ever made. This film has stood the test of time and has won the battle for one of the best creature creations since The Howling.
There is nothing better in my eyes than a badass practical effect Werewolf. They seem to be a dying species in newer films these days. The CGI monster seems to be the new standard in creature features. Yes CGI can hold a powerful place in film but to this day I have not seen good use of it in the Werewolf Genre. There is just something so powerful and visceral in the use of practical effects when creating a formidable beast.
Enough of all that ranting and let’s get back to talking about Bad Moon the 1996 classic. Bad Moon stands out in the crowd with a great story and killer special effects. The main protagonist is a formidable German Shepard named Thor. Its the ultimate battle of David and Goliath. Thor will do whatever it takes to protect his family from this vicious monster. If this small description doesn’t make you want to watch this movie well I don’t know what will.
I recommend this hidden treasure of a movie to the fans of creature features and killer Werewolf films. You can stream this one on Tubi and IMDB streaming app for free. There is also a really killer Bluray floating around out there that you should definitely grab. I give Bad Moon a 9/10 rating.
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Writers: Wayne Smith and Eric Red
Starring: (Mariel Hemingway, Michael Pare, Mason Gamble, Ken Pogue)
When it comes to Werewolf films I consider myself a bit of an expert. I have seen them almost all of them and most of them are not so good. I can say with the utmost assurance that Bad Moon is one of the best Werewolf films ever made. This film has stood the test of time and has won the battle for one of the best creature creations since The Howling.
There is nothing better in my eyes than a badass practical effect Werewolf. They seem to be a dying species in newer films these days. The CGI monster seems to be the new standard in creature features. Yes CGI can hold a powerful place in film but to this day I have not seen good use of it in the Werewolf Genre. There is just something so powerful and visceral in the use of practical effects when creating a formidable beast.
Enough of all that ranting and let’s get back to talking about Bad Moon the 1996 classic. Bad Moon stands out in the crowd with a great story and killer special effects. The main protagonist is a formidable German Shepard named Thor. Its the ultimate battle of David and Goliath. Thor will do whatever it takes to protect his family from this vicious monster. If this small description doesn’t make you want to watch this movie well I don’t know what will.
I recommend this hidden treasure of a movie to the fans of creature features and killer Werewolf films. You can stream this one on Tubi and IMDB streaming app for free. There is also a really killer Bluray floating around out there that you should definitely grab. I give Bad Moon a 9/10 rating.
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Split Second (1992)
Directed by: Tony Maylam (White Rock, Journal of a Contract Killer, The Riddle of the Sands)
Written by: Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: (Rutger Hauer, Kim Cattrall, Alastair Duncan, Michael J. Pollard, Alun Armstrong)
If you were to look up the phrase hidden gem in the dictionary Split Second would be at the top. Holy shit if you have never stumbled upon this film back in the 90s as I did well you are really in for a killer good time. Split Second is set in a post-apocalyptic future full of corrupt creeps, weirdos, and a really nasty satanic monster serial killer but luckily you have Rutger Hauer to set things right.
This movie contains one of my all-time favorite creature designs and it still holds that honor to this day. I don’t want to give to much away but if you are a fan of Venom from the comics well you will really dig the bloodthirsty antagonist. Not only does this film have killer creature effects but I also think this is one of Rutger Hauer’s best performances. I would say this is my third favorite performance from him right behind Blade Runner and The Hitcher.
I can’t recommend this film enough for fans of sci-fi action horror wild rides. There is a little something for everyone who loves the genre in this film. For the 90s kids who know and love this film it really holds up almost perfect after all these years. For the soon to be fans of this film who have not yet checked this one out get ready for an action-packed bloody good time. You can find Split Second streaming on Amazon Prime right now for you viewing pleasures. I give Split Second a strong 9/10 rating and it’s definitely not to be overlooked.
Written by: Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: (Rutger Hauer, Kim Cattrall, Alastair Duncan, Michael J. Pollard, Alun Armstrong)
If you were to look up the phrase hidden gem in the dictionary Split Second would be at the top. Holy shit if you have never stumbled upon this film back in the 90s as I did well you are really in for a killer good time. Split Second is set in a post-apocalyptic future full of corrupt creeps, weirdos, and a really nasty satanic monster serial killer but luckily you have Rutger Hauer to set things right.
This movie contains one of my all-time favorite creature designs and it still holds that honor to this day. I don’t want to give to much away but if you are a fan of Venom from the comics well you will really dig the bloodthirsty antagonist. Not only does this film have killer creature effects but I also think this is one of Rutger Hauer’s best performances. I would say this is my third favorite performance from him right behind Blade Runner and The Hitcher.
I can’t recommend this film enough for fans of sci-fi action horror wild rides. There is a little something for everyone who loves the genre in this film. For the 90s kids who know and love this film it really holds up almost perfect after all these years. For the soon to be fans of this film who have not yet checked this one out get ready for an action-packed bloody good time. You can find Split Second streaming on Amazon Prime right now for you viewing pleasures. I give Split Second a strong 9/10 rating and it’s definitely not to be overlooked.
Neon Maniacs (1986)
Directed by: Joseph Mangine (Smoke and Flesh)
Starring: Clyde Hayes, Leilani Sarelle, Donna Locke, Victor Brandt
Writer: Mark Patrick Carducci
When the phrase hidden gem is spoken by the masses sometimes that hidden gem is hidden coal. Well, Neon Maniacs is definitely not a lump of coal but a true hidden gem and cult classic. I was made aware of this killer crazy ass film from the Shockwaves Podcast. I hear about a lot of films that I have missed or have just overlooked when I check out Shockwaves Podcast. Also, I highly recommend you add this Pod to your rotation its one of the best horror podcasts around.
Neon Maniacs has a Nightbreed meets Digging Up the Marrow feel to it. I’m sure this film played a key role in inspiring Digging Up the Marrow and many other films to follow. Neon Maniacs is a wonderland of homicidal bloodthirsty monsters and you are Alice but instead of coming out of the other side safely you never leave this world of horror and the grotesque.
The special effects are all old school practical because this is an old school practical horror film. Each maniac has its own personality and killer makeup job. There was a ton of trouble on the set so a lot of the actors that played the maniacs in the first part of the film did not play them in the second part. The Makeup and Fx crew did a really killer job hiding that fact they had to use different actors and you can’t even tell unless you look into the back story. The unique kills and gore was definitely killer and fun to watch and very plentiful. So if you dig great kills that you have never seen before well your appetite will be satisfied.
Overall Neon Maniacs is a fun mindless gore-filled good time. If you are watching this one for the oscar performance of the year you will definitely be disappointed. This is not a perfect film by a long shot but its fun and I think that’s something that a lot of the newer films are missing nowadays
You can find Neon Maniacs streaming on Amazon Prime right now. I highly recommend you check it out and have a killer time with this one. I give this film a solid 8/10.
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Directed and written by Neil Marshall (The Descent, Hellboy, Doomsday, Westworld)
Starring: (Sean Pertwee, Kevin Mckidd, Emma Cleasby, Liam Cunnigham)
When I think of my all-time favorite werewolf film list Dog Soldiers holds the number 3 spot. I was really happy to find out that Shudder is now showing this killer monster masterpiece. I try and revisit this film at least once a year because it’s just that dam good.
My biggest problem with a lot of modern-day werewolf films is werewolf designs. They usually end up being a CGI mess or even worse just an actor with a few prosthetics glued to there face. The werewolf designs from Dog Soldiers are some of the best ever captured on film. They were all done with killer practical effects and really well-trained creature actors and it shows. If werewolves were real and who knows maybe they are this is what I imagined they would look like.
Storywise Dog Soldiers is a lot like the classic film Predator but with werewolves of course. A group of soldiers try and stand up against a family of bloodthirsty Lycan killing machines and overcome impossible high stakes. I bet they wished they had a “Dutch” in there ranks to even the odds a bit better but they still put up a great fight. Overall the story is really killer “Literally” and throws a bloody nice twist at you later on in the film.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of checking out Dog Soldiers then now is a great time to catch it on Shudder. This is one movie that should not be missed and even if you have seen it give it another go and let out your inner monster. I give this werewolf tour de force a solid 10/10 score. Link to the film on Shudder below ⚔️
https://www.shudder.com/movies/watch/movie/5462819?autoplay=1
Project: Metalbeast (1995)
Directed by: Alessandro De Gaetano (Neowolf, Scoring, Haunted, UFO: Target Earth)
Starring: Kim Delaney, Barry Bostwick, Kane Hodder)
Written by: Roger Steinmann, Timothy E. Sabo, Alessandro De Gaetano
Now before I get too far into this review I want to go ahead and give you a heads up. If you are looking for an Oscar-winning story and acting well you are in for a disappointment. But if you are into a badass armored skin werewolf played by Kane Hodder, well this one is for you.
Project: Metalbeast is one of those hidden gems you may remember briefly from your childhood if you were a 90s kid like myself. This was one of those films that you would maybe catch late at night on cable tv if you were lucky. I have always been and still am a huge fan of creature features especially werewolf movies. I was really happy to stumble onto Project: Metalbeast while scrolling through Amazon Prime a few weeks ago. The extreme jolt of nostalgia washed over me and sent me back to my youth.
Now after the nostalgia died down a bit I came to realize that this movie is soo bad in the best way. The acting is dreadful and the story is all over the place. That being said the saviors of this film are the killer special effects and werewolf design, as well as the great Kane Hodder performance. Kane absolutely crushed the role of the unstoppable armor skinned werewolf. The movements and pure intensity that Kane brings to this werewolf just dwarfed everything else in this movie. This is what he is known for and he delivers the goods once again.
Like i said this is not a great movie but I think its a must-watch for all werewolf and creature feature fans. This would also make a killer movie night with some friends. That way you are not alone making fun of this movie. I’m not a big advocate for remakes but I would love to see a remake of this one. I think Joe Begos the man behind “Bliss” and “VFW” could do this movie some real justice.
So my final score for Project: Metalbeast is a 7/10. This is one of the best bad movies you need to watch before you die. You can find it right now streaming on Amazon Prime.
www.amazon.com/Project-Metalbeast-Kim-Delaney/dp/B082LSK8YF
Storm of the Century (1999)
Director: Craig R.Baxley (Action Jackson, Stone Cold, Dark Angel, Rose Red)
Starring: Becky Ann Baker, Kathleen Chalfant, Tim Daly, Jeffery DeMunn, Colm Feore and Debrah Farentino.
This is going to be the first of many Retro reviews. I will go over some films from back in the day that maybe you haven’t seen or it’s just been a while since you have seen them. I think Storm of the Century is a great first entry into this series of reviews.
Storm of the Century was written by the great Stephen King, the master of the macabre. This miniseries came out toward the end of the King tv miniseries period of the 90s. I have to say that this and IT are two of the best horror miniseries ever made. You could also marathon these two films pretty easily without all the pesky commercials. .
The atmosphere in Storm of the Century is dark, cold and bleak. Watching this one now and then I still get the icy cold feeling of being trapped on a snowy desolate island in Maine. The cinematography is just as scary as the ravenous story and the downward spiral to hell. This film holds up really well to the test of time.
Now onto one of the best villain performances ever, in my opinion, to grace the screen the demonic Andre Linoge. Colm Feore nails this icy cold monstrous performance. He steals the souls of every scene he enters and terrifies all who watch. I remember being horrified as a kid after staying up late to watch these during school nights I would put Linoge right up there with Freddy Kruger and Pennywise the clown when it comes to haunting unforgettable performances in horror history.
When it comes to the story I kinda took the side of the antagonist Linoge. Almost everyone in the town was really shitty despicable people. There is a reason why Linoge came to this town to look for his next apprentice to learn the evil arts. This pretty much explains the film without not being too much of a spoiler. This timeless evil picks a town of deplorable townfolks to prey upon to get what he wants. If you just give him what he wants he will go away.
If you have never seen this Stephen King miniseries I highly recommend you check it out. Storm of the Century is a classic in my eyes and i think everyone needs to witness the cold madness that went on in this town in Maine. I give Storm of the Century a solid 9/10 and you can find it on Amazon and other VOD sites.
