Drive-In-Freak

I wanted to like it. I really did. It would seem to me that it had all of the ingredients that should make for an interesting flick. All of the elements are there...nudity, sex, and violence. Dare I say it's even somewhat historically relevant as it takes thing a step further than the "roughies" that came before it.

The only problem is that it's incredibly dull. Seemingly endless scenes of walking around in circles followed by more of the same. The soft-core scenes were...well, I've never seen anything like it. It's almost like they were afraid of each other, or had never even seen people together let alone done anything with anyone themselves. Kinda like what maybe a six year old would think people do. It's not that I was looking for hardcore sex as much as I don't think I've ever seen anything less erotic that's supposed to be erotic.

There is a substantial amount of nudity (sometimes full frontal at that). The women are quite attractive too. You'd think that would be enough to keep everything afloat, but after a while it grows thin. Yea...I know. I wouldn't think it was possible either, but they managed to find a way.

Well there's always the violence, right? Not really. The idea behind it, perhaps, but the execution left a lot to be desired. What should be the most simple of effects comes off about as poorly as possible.

I'm very forgiving of low budget flicks. Hell I'm not only tolerant of them, but usually take a great deal of pleasure from what I call the "cheeze element". Sadly even that's not enough to save this one.

What could be better than Dave Friedman and Herschell Gordon Lewis lampooning themselves and the sexploitation industry? Well...OK, fine.. a lot of things, but it's fun to watch just the same.

Two aspiring filmmakers get their start in the "nudie cutie" business after watching a Daughter of the Sun w/ The Adventures of Lucky Pierre double feature (two previous Lewis/Friedman productions).

" A great picture. One of the worst I've ever seen" "Sensational. I don't know when I've seen such...lousy acting or phony scenery" "I'll bet we could make a movie as good as that..or as bad" "The posters are more important than the pictures anyway"

With that off they go to produce a flick. Only everything that could go wrong does. Cheezy comedy and seemingly endless footage of T&A ensues.

Friedman and Lewis leave the nudie cutie business with a bang. They saved the best for last. If you're curios to see their early work this one is a good place to start.

It's blatantly obvious Andy Milligan is not to blame for this awful flick. He was used as a (believe it or not) promotional tool. His name appears no less than eight times on the VHS box. There's even an unflattering picture of him on it's spine.

None of the usual Milligan trademarks are to be found here at all..none of his usual themes or caricatures. He was a hired hand working with someone else's (Sid Caplan and Sherman Hirsh) awful screenplay. It's almost like the writers where looking for someone to blame even after trying to cash in on his name....read the review titled "SURGIKILL should have been better. Andy Milligan does not deserve all the blame" written by someone who claims to be Sherman Hirsh. I have no reason to doubt he is who he claims to be, after all who would fake it?

While it's true that Milligan may not have been the best director, or technically savvy filmmaker, this film goes far beyond that. You just can't make chicken soup out of..well..you know the rest. Even Steven Spielberg couldn't have helped the almost painfully bad script and screenplay.

The worst part of it all is that this was the last film to have Andy Milligan's name attached to it..even if it's not really his film. Admittedly it would be hard to tarnish his image (after all he had to work with the limitations of extremely low budgets..often under $10,000..during his entire career), but this film managed to do just that. I think he deserved to go out on a much higher note than this. It's a shame really.

An (almost ?) complete (i.e. 47:52 long) version of this once long lost flick has been discovered and is finally available from the fine folks at SWV. This review is of that version.

WOW!..I'm almost left speechless. How can I possibly describe this just as bizarre as obscure flick? Think of it as a rather intoxicating cocktail that's part Blood Feast part Orgy of the Dead (unfortunately sans nudity) with ten gallons of blood and a big pile of dime-store gore...mixed together in a coconut shell with a sharpened stick by six sadistic bikini clad blood thirsty nymphomaniacs. Yep, it's that surreal.

It opens with a rocket launch..sort of. What we see is an oscilloscope, open reel tape deck, and the console of an AM radio station while the sound of the control tower is heard. This just may be the lowest budget rocket launch sequence in the history of film (the launch in Nathan Shiff's super-8 home movie "Weasels Rip My Flesh" is more elaborate). Mmmm...delightfully cheezy. The rocket ship crash lands into the sea and the Astronaut (Fred Rogers, yes really.) washes ashore. He lands on what appears to be a pre-destroyed 1963 (or so) Florida beach..before the condos ruined the scenery. There he is met by six scantly clad women..sadistic women who make him their love and labor slave. Lotsa pool frolicking, and hitting Mr. Rogers with a stick ensues.

What will happen when he can no longer satisfy their wants and needs? You could ask the last guy, but his head's on a stick. It got up there via a gruesomely detailed flashback sequence.

Will Fred meet the same fate? See this wonderful early '60s Floridian exploitation classick and find out for yer self.

Oh..and..did I mention that this flick was directed and produced by the then owner of the Tunderbird Drive-In in Ft. Lauderdale (Richard Flink)? The Tunderbird is not only still going, but it's the biggest drive-in on Earth with 13 screens, rides, and even a circus!

8/10 on the Drive-In-Freak-O-Meter....that's good stuff.

'Ya ever wondered what would happen if someone made a horror flick wile on a heavy speed binge? If you have than Last House on Dead End Street is the movie for you! The idea behind this twisted classick is a bit different than most. A pornographer gets out of jail and makes flicks for people's private collections(this was back before video tapes). After being criticized by his clients who want 'something different', he decides to do just that....make snuff films with his clients being the subjects. Sound deprived enough for you? Add to the mix some of the strangest images ever caught on film and you have a one of a kind production. We are treated to a woman with black face beaten with a whip to entertain guests at a party, The strangest use of a severed deer hoof of all time, a rather nasty dismemberment/operation scene, and hand held camera work that fits into the 'snuff' idea quite nicely.

Sure it was made with a budget of $64.97 by someone who was wired out of his mind, but that just adds to overall tone of it in a very good way.

If you are a fan of the strange, ex flicks, or even just horror in general you should no doubt check this one out...if you haven't already. This one IMO is a must see.

8/10 on the Drive-In-Freak-O-Meter....a must see!

You just might think you have seen the worst film ever. "Manos" the Hands of fate, Plan 9 form Outer Space, Monster-A-Go-Go, or even House of the Dead....Trust me when I tell you that you do not know real pain until you have seen the thankfully almost unknown Night of Horror.

If would be different if something happened at all in the film...it does not. Just try to think of Curse of the Screaming Dead/Curse of the Cannibal Confederates WITHOUT ANY ZOMBIES. Yes, I am serious. That is just what this film is.

Honestly...this is the worst movie of all time, and I don't mean that in a good way at all. Let's put it this way I LIKE "Manos" the hands of fate, and even I can hardly take "Night of Horror". I have now seen it twice and will never ever watch it again for any reason.

I can tell you of only one slightly entertaining thing about this flick....a lens smudge It is by far the highpoint in the film and when it went away I was sad to see it go. At least while it was on screen it took my attention away from the movie.

*********************SPOILER***********************************

Not bad but haven't we seen this done a few hundred times before? It's your cookie cutter "teens at a camp go into the woods and get killed off one by one". I will admit to likening this stuff more than I should, but you can only see the same set up so many times before it goes stale.

The story goes that "Madman" Marz Gave his kids and wife 40 whacks with an axe one night and the local townsfolk did the same to him then strung him up a tree. The next day his body could not be found.

Sounds like a good place to start right? It would have been it they would have done something with the idea, or even shown more than 5 min of it as a flashback. Hell that could have made for an interesting movie all on it's own....but nooooooo. We have to stick to the camp/slasher format so this thing will sell! Don't get me wrong it did have some good points. The cheezy hot tub scene with the incredibly bad and downright hilarious song "Don't Need Words to Know". I know what your thinking..Hot tub scene. Alright nude woman scene! Nope. No naked goodness unless man ass is you thing (not that there is anything wrong with that). Admittedly not a bad looking man ass, but where are the breasts? At least a side shot or something is almost a requirement is stuff like this isn't it? Oh well. Wasn't I supposed to be pointing out the good things about this film now? There where a few good kills ,but the gore was rather lacking for my gore hound tastes.

Did I at least learn something form this flick? You bet: One handy tip for all of you maniacs and mechanics out there. Come to find out that an engine will not start if there is a severed head under the hood! Who knew? The nest time you car won't start make sure nobody has stuffed a head under the hood...just a friendly tip for your sick friend Drive-In-Freak.

The end? There isn't one! How will there be a Madman 2 if there is an ending to the first one? You mean there never was a Madman 2?....Oh well...Who cares anyway?!!! The cheeze factor is way up there on this one making it good to bust on with your cheeze loving friends. It's bad but just not quite bad enough to put into the "so bad it's funny" category, but it's damn close. I think the filmmakers took themselves a little too seriously for the type of film this is.

Slasher and cheeze freaks just might want to check this one out just so they can say they have, but for the most part..yawn.

After watching this you just have to ask:Who did what to whom to get this thing distributed? Was it blackmail or something? Why? I like bad movies as much as the next masochistic freak out there,but you just have to draw the line somewhere.The only thing I can honestly say was more painful to watch is "Night of Horror". If you just have to watch it just to say you survived the trauma,then I understand.Otherwhise stay far far away from it.

It's nice to see some folks get together and produce something.I think all of us have had dreams of getting a movie together,so I really can't blame the folks responsible for "Back Woods". Unleashing it on the general public on the other hand was uncalled for.My brain still hurts.

Oh... all right... it was rather funny at times,so it's not a total loss. Don't say I didn't warn 'ya though...8)

3/10 on the Drive-In-freak-o-meter.I'd give it a 2/10 ,but that's just too mean for something that made me laugh.1/10 is reserved for the hell that is Disney films and musicals...shudder

*******************

After watching this one a few more times...yes really...I've changed my mind.It's grown on me and now I feel bad for blasting it! I had fun watching this film. Yes it's cheezy. Yes it it true that it is far from professional and "good", but it is fun and amusing.

The filmmakers had a good sense of humor and it does show. The more I see it the funnier I find it, and for that I have to give credit where credit is due. I too am drawn into the powers of Mangina!

so...I take it back. I'll give it a 6 on the Drive-In-Freak-O-Meter...If you are a fan of the really cheezy,check it out!

This is a direct to video release called "Drive In".You just can't expect too much out of it.I found a $5 VHS copy at a backwoods truck-stop and couldn't get it up to the cashier fast enough.

It's it "bad"? You bet,It has to be doesn't it? It was mostly shot at a drive-in with a video camera with about the same budget as the price of a popcorn and a large Coke at the snack bar.A (well...let's just call him "slow" to keep from being too unkind about it) teenage boy has spent most of his life locked in his room by his ashamed mother with no contact with the outside world.All that he knows about people is from his mother and a house keeper who are quite cold and cruel to him.Outside the window of the room he is locked in he can see the screen of the local drive-in that runs nothing but Troma and horror films( Sounds like heaven on Earth.Anyone got the address? I'll be there as fast as I can!). One night he finally can't stand it anymore so he breaks free and kills everyone he sees buy.....well.....he...uh..kills them by what ever he can find.I can only guess because we don't get to see anything! Bummer. It works out like this: He swings the speaker around by the cord walks toward the next victim and...and...nothing.CUT.The filmmakers didn't have the budget for any gore.It looks like they where going to cut it in later and never did.Did the local butcher shop close or something? Oh well I guess ya just can't have it all.

All in all I liked it.But, if it wasn't for it being shot at a drive in with Troma films playing on the screen,and a nacho cheese version of the fast food fun game "bobing for french fries" it would be pointless.For big time drive-in fans only.

If you love drive-in cheeze from the early '70s you will just love this one.How could you go wrong with a low budget film about bloodshed in a lunatic asylum? You can't! Crazy folks and sharp objects are always an entertaining combination.

The film looks like it was shot inside someone's house for about $320.65. For me that just ads to the fun of watching this type of stuff.The gore is a bit mild compared to others of this ilk,but there is enough to keep us bloodthirsty sickos (like myself)happy.Some horror films drag in parts and leave you waiting for something to happen.That's not the case here.The characters are entertaining enough to make every frame quite enjoyable.There is never a dull moment from start to finish.The mind melting climax at the end that is just unbelievable. I liked it so much that right after the end credits I watched it a second time.It's an absolute must see for any self respecting drive-in horror nut.

9.5/10 on the Drive-in-Freak-O-Meter...required viewing

Yea I love you..I DO love you...now take your Thorazine and put your clothes back on...please....8)

About half a reel into the film I was asking myself "Is this 'Sorority House Massacre'"? Mix parts of "Sorority House Massacre","Chopping Mall",and "Hell Night" and you have "The Initiation".I'ts not a bad film, but we've seen it all before.It's one of those films where you sit and think: OK they think they are safe now.... when is the killer going to jump through the wall, window,door,etc..? It's almost like the fine folks at New World Pictures where recycling their own material this time.Folks who are fans of the cookie cutter "slasher" movies (like myself) will have fun playing the "find the cliché" game.Of course there is the required skin,but the gore is rather lacking for my taste.It's a bit tame as if not to be offensive or over the top.That's always a bad idea in my book. Recommended for slasher/body count fans only.

5/10 on the Drive-in-Freak-O-Meter...Not bad but we've seen it all before.

This one has it all.There's violence,sex,car chases,explosions,cheezy '80s music,a '56 Chevy,and most importantly a drive-in! In a futuristic 1990 the government is keeping the unemployed youth locked up in a drive-in and giving them snack bar food,drugs,beer,and all night movies for free.Where do I sign up? Yes it's a bit silly at times,and the premise is unbelievable,but after all it's a "B" film.You just can't expect perfection in films like these,and I (for one) wouldn't have it any other way.There's nothing like stepping back to a simpler time and place.This fine little independent film from Down Under is just like taking a mini vacation in the way back machine.Pop this one in the DVD break out the popcorn and a cold Fosters and enjoy this blast from the past....8)

8/10 on the Drive-in-Freak-O-Meter...ya just gotta check this out!

There must have been hundreds of these things made in the early '80s.If you are familiar with this type of film and New World Pictures you almost know what to expect.

Typical "B" drive-in slasher film shot in the woods of Louisiana for about $5.27.Falls a bit short on the sleaze and gore you might expect such a film to have,but is still interesting enough to keep your attention.Although I found it watchable,it's just not that interesting.As a "B" film it has a cast and crew are a little too good to make fun of in a "so bad it's good" way.To me this takes away from the fun that can be had looking out for the mistakes that make low budget films so enjoyable.I love bad movies,and this one wasn't bad enough.It falls flat right between too bad to be good and too good to be bad.Recommended for lovers of drive-in cheeze,New World Picture fans,and folks who just can't get enough of the early "80s slashers only.

5/10 on the Drive-in-Freak-O-Meter

Can the cast act? Is it supposed to be day or night? Is there any continuity at all? Come on. Give it a rest.It's a Milligan film. It's not perfect,but that's kinda the point. Turn off your mind,relax,and enjoy.The Andy Milligan films I've seen have this strange almost out of this world quality to them that I really like,and this one is one of the strangest.Hal Borske is at it again with yet another set of goofy fake dime-store teeth.This time he's "Frankie" a lovable meat cleaver wielding maniac who chops the bad guys into little bits.Who couldn't love a child like creature who was built in a garage with spare parts from the morgue and animal vet with a red clown wig on? Sounds like fun to me.

What we have in store here is lots of cheezy gore ,violence,and downright hilarity.It's all done with a budget of about $37.62 not including the price of some of the local butcher's left-over guts.I just love stuff like this. Chances are you will too.This one is a real treat for lovers of drive-in cheeze.

8.75/10 on the drive-in-freak-o-meter...a must see 8)

First things first:I'm a huge fan of Herschell Gordon Lewis.He has a very sick sense of humor that just can't be beat.You can tell that he takes great joy in film making.It always looks like everyone is having a ball.You can almost hear him yelling out in glee "More blood!" with a childlike gleam in his eyes. If this is your thing, you won't be let down by "Blood Feast 2". It's all I thought it would be and a lot more. Lots of blood ,guts, and skin...oh, yea,and, it's funny as hell too. J.P. Delahoussaye is almost as over the top as Mal Arnold was in the first one ,or Ray Sager in "The Wizard of Gore".The gore shots linger as Fuad almost affectionately fondles the goo.It's 100% pure Herschell Gordon Lewis directing at it's finest.

9/10 on the drive-in -freak-o-meter P.S.: Where's Sheldon Seymour? lol ;)

The fist time I got to see this film I thought: This is a joke,right? How is this supposed to be frightening? Sorry, I just don't get it.I was too busy laughing my a.. off to be scared.OH NO... look a 12 year old girl possessed by the Devil.No cookies and milk for you.Not when you use such foul language,and do rude things with a cross.It could be because I'd seen so many horror films by the time I got to this one the shock value was over.The writer of this film (William Peter Blatty)was a comedy writer,and it really shows.If you have a sick since of humor, you'll find this side splitting funny.If you are a horror film fan looking for a good fright,look elsewhere.

Just so you know what I'm all about: I love drive-in shlock exploitation "B" films and find most mainstream Hollywood productions to be quite lame and boring...

Not your usual Hollywood garbage,but boring none the less.....Sloooooooow paced crime drama pawned off as a horror film.It has a lame "made for TV" production feel to it.Not what you would expect from the fine folks at Troma at all.The first reel had me thinking it was going to be interesting,then it takes a sharp turn for the worst into a crime drama .Let's put it this way: I'm typing this review as I watch the film,just to have something to do!When is something going to HAPPEN already?Fighting off sleep now....stay awake you can do it...Finally (1:15:00 into the movie) the maniac shows up!Can she save this waste of film?Nope....forget it.Shame on you Troma!....and you thought "Manos" was bad ,at least it was watchable.I can't even say that for this film.....do something more entertaining like stare at a wall.I think I hurt my brain watching this junk.

This total waste of time came in the otherwise watchable 3 DVD set "Toxie's Triple Terror #1" Watch the other 2 DVDs and use this one for a Frizbee or coaster.

1/10 on the Drive-in freak-o-meter The DVD makes a handy coaster.

Another almost unknown '70s "B" cl-ass-sick from Florida.Shot in Dade City for about $5.37.John Carradine has been cut into the film for narration and has nothing to do with the plot at all,a lot like 'the Smoker' in "Blood Freak".It's fun to watch him flub a line or two.What's wrong? Can't read the cue card? Oh well.leave it in.No use in wasting film...Must have been put in later by Troma(?) as he's not in the final credits,which is done with filmed chalk on boards...wow.. guess they didn't want to have to pay a lab!

Cheezy catsup almost-but-not-quite gore,moonshine,cleavage,and bad so called hillbilly dialog are what's in store here.For fans of the "B"/ exploitation/southern drive-in,and hillbilly type films only.Then again,if that wasn't your thing then you wouldn't have known to look up a film called "Demented Death Farm Massacre/Honey Britches " in the first place,right?

I found it to be a fun little film to watch.I could have done without the 'everybody slap the females around for no reason' shots.I don't mind if 'ya wana cut em up into little pieces (sorry, folks none of that here. If that's what your after.) but,let's not be cruel and make it look like normal behavior... please.

Pick one up.Esp. if you can find the $14 "Toxie's Triple Terror vol #1" DVD set with "Curse of the Cannibal Confederates" a.k.a. "Curse of the Screaming Dead"(don't let that scare you away if you don't like it.) "Death Farm..." is a much better film,then again that's not too hard to do..lol, and "Deadly Daphanie's Revenge"(makes a fine coaster)

6.75/10 on the drive-in freak-o-meter....check it out...8)