While we anticipate the arrival of the last Gods of Aazurn: Army of the Dead chapters I'll do a lightning round of quick movie reviews inspired by Joseph A. Ziemba's hilarious reviews in the book Bleeding Skull! A 1980s Trash-Horror Odyssey.
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Believe me, I was there: you had to be a real dweeb to not score women in bars in the '80s. In Director Michael Krueger's Mind Killer (1987) (or Mindkiller, as it is sometimes listed) his hero Warren is a dweeb, a library worker who hopes self-help videos will improve his game.
Warren discovers a manuscript that increases his mind power beyond sanity.
Mind Killer has its problems, but is not a bad movie. Stupid technical glitches, like the background volume sometimes overpowering the dialogue, disappointed me. The actors do a good job. There is a good amount of comedy in the script and (wonder of wonders!) we even sympathize with the characters.
I also enjoy a reason to revisit those crazy '80s. Mind Killer is free with ads on TubiTV.
https://tubitv.com/movies/465971/mind-killer
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Ziemba is way more entertained by The Last Slumber Party (1988) than I am. Writer, Director and Actor Stephen Tyler's mess of a script is only the first problem with this film. A trio of teenage girls celebrate the last day of high school with a slumber party, this much I know. Much of the rest of the plot is up in the air.
However, there are pretty girls and a slasher. That may be enough to pull you through. I would have liked to see either a tighter script or a full-out, balls to the wall, tripped out, bonkers version.
I don't see The Last Slumber Party anywhere legally free right now. You can find it privately posted -- don't bother paying for it. It may be even more entertaining for you to read the Bleeding Skull review here.
http://bleedingskull.com/the-last-slumber-party-1988/
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The Carrier (1988) also has its problems but is by far the most interesting movie listed here. Director/Writer Nathan J. White shows how ugly people can become when they're scared and arguing.
A mysterious plague shows up in a small, isolated town. Science takes time to figure things out -- meanwhile the otherwise reasonable populace freaks out and turns on each other.
I don't see the 1988 movie The Carrier anywhere legally streaming right now, so I feel justified to recommend finding it privately posted. Heck, I'd even pay to rent this one, if I could find it. You can also read the Bleeding Skull review here.
http://bleedingskull.com/the-carrier-1988/
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Criminally Insane (1975) has that gritty, '70s B-horror look to it that I think ramps up the scary factor. The plot is simple but effective and has an unforgettable ending. Blood flies everywhere (Thick, thick blood. What, was everyone on Vitamin K?)
Ethel leaves a psychiatric hospital to live with her grandmother, who tries to put her on a diet. Ethel strongly disagrees.
No, I don't approve of the portrayal of overweight people, or battered women, or the mentally challenged. The cartoony simplicity of the characters helps the movie breeze along. I think Writer/Director Nick Millard has a small horror gem here.
Criminally Insane is on Prime Video, or to rent from Amazon for only $1.99.
https://www.amazon.com/Criminally-Insane-Priscilla-Alden/dp/B0073ZW3PK
You can read the Bleeding Skull's comments on Nick Millard movies, including Criminally Insane, here.
http://bleedingskull.com/satans-black-weddingcriminally-insane-1975/
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Today is the day! Go soak up some of that sunshine vitamin D, because winter is indeed coming. So is Christmas, hot toddy, and more Gods of Aazurn (promise!). Because I spend a lot of time contemplating the alternative, I can honestly say life is good.
In glorious service to our Aazurn overlords,
Gary Scott Beatty
http://strangehorror.com/
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