So, the sequel to Tobe Hooper’s “Texas Chainsaw” wasn’t the sequel. They were sequels, but perhaps there’s a parallel Sawyer family out there somewhere. Maybe there’s a Leatherface A and a Leatherface B? The stories from parts two, and three in the eighties that followed Tobe Hooper’s original “Texas Chainsaw” were all nonsense that–I’m presuming–were just Nam flashbacks told by a hippy or something. Maybe there were “What If?” storylines. Or perhaps they were scenarios about what became of the Sawyers after Sally managed to escape Leatherface’s clutches. In truth, it’s just hackey studio tinkering that works best if you ignore it. At this point the “Texas Chainsaw” series is more convoluted and confused than “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm Street.”
The PC Thug: Arrivederci, Zombie
No one will ever really accuse “H2″ or “Rob Zombie’s Halloween” of ever being a masterpiece. I mean, while they do have the vision of a man who has something to say in the horror genre, they’re not the indicators of someone who can firmly grasp what a remake is supposed to be. John Carpenter’s “The Thing” worked so well because he had source material to work off of, and re-imagined the Howard Hawks original in creative ways. Zombie’s “Halloween” movies felt like repackaged leftovers disguised as a meal. Heck, I don’t think Zombie ever grasped what filmmaking was supposed to be.
Joe Bob Goes Back to the Drive-In [Paperback]
“I will never do anything that violates my personal and professional code of journalistic ethics. However, I will do anything for money.”
Joe Bob enters the video age! Don’t worry, though, he’s still all about the drive-in. It’s just Joe Bob is now in the era where studios are sending critics screeners, and half of the book is mainly reviews for drive-in movies, and movies on VHS that Joe Bob either really liked or really hated. He’s hardly ever middle ground. As his loyal readers express anger at his changing of format for the sake of keeping his job, Joe Bob devotes a column in the book to explaining why he’s suddenly reviewing VHS tapes, and of course it’s a necessary evil.
I mean it was the late eighties after all. And during this time, Joe Bob was no longer just cruising drive-in movies, as now he was being sent VHS tapes, and was going to cable television for his famed show on The Movie Channel in US cable television. But hey, Joe Bob is still the same guy. And he’s still as funny as ever. In this second compilation, Joe Bob spares no one with his rants about the government, and public education, while reviewing movies that he feels warrant mentioning for his reader.
What Dreams May Come (1998)
It’s pretty shocking that a film meant to be life affirming is probably so depressing it likely drove most of its original audience to suicide. I get that Vincent Ward’s movie about the after life is trying its hardest to assure audiences that no matter how sucky your life is, there are rewards in heaven, but come on. “What Dreams May Come” is by no means an inspirational fantasy film, so much as it is preachy religious hokum that turns the after life in to Middle Earth.
Our Favorite Moms of Pop Culture
I have the best mom in the world. She has been an amazing mother since I was born. So while there is no competition for my mom, these are ten of the best pop culture moms that almost stack up to my own mother. Whether twisted, comedic, or loving, these mothers are some of the most memorable and iconic, and they’re examples of forgiveness, strength, courage, and love. Here are ten of our favorite pop culture moms. Happy mother’s day to all the mom’s out there including my own.
Fantasy Battle Royales We'd Love to See
Every fan has their dream match ups, the heroes or villains from different pop culture sensations that they’d love to see do battle. And we’ve seen them all over the course of many decades. Superman met the Xenomorphs, Batman fought Dracula, GI Joe teamed with Transformers, and did you know Archie battled The Punisher? Yes, that was a dark time where comic companies were out of ideas. Good thing they’re filed with amazing new ideas today–er–never mind. In either case, I, like every other fan boy, has his ideas for fantasy battle royales. And here are ten that I think would be quite incredible.
Whom among these competitors would be your choice for victor among these battles? And what individual or team would you pair in a fight?
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Articles, Movie Reviews, Lists, and more, celebrating the greatest, the latest, and the most obscure of the Grindhouse!