A BLACK SABBATH WITH THE THREE FACES OF FEAR: COMPARING BAVA'S CLASSIC WITH ITS US COUNTERPART --This article is a detailed guide and visual aid comparing the Italian original and the US cut of BLACK SABBATH. Virtually every alternate shot, different scene, edited and added dialog exchange is contained herein. In addition, there's also some side-by-side comparisons between the two films!
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS: NEW YORK CITY SLEAZE KINGS PART 1--This first entry of a possible series covering selected independent companies centers around Aquarius Releasing. Part 1 of 2 covers sexploitation and kung fu flicks distributed by one of trash cinemas most notorious outfits!
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS: NEW YORK CITY SLEAZE KINGS PART 2--Part 2 of 2 covers rampant retitling, wacky promotional practices and an explanation of the various branches of the distributional process by film historian and writer Chris Poggiali!
ANGELS, CHROME & HOT LEATHER: BIKER MOVIES FROM HELL PART 1--Get your motor runnin' for this three part article that looks at the often overlooked Biker movies, a style of exploitation cinema that catered to the trash tastes in us all. A product of the times, this inaugural first chapter takes a look at the big examples that got the genre revved up, the misogyny and racism inherent in the genre!
ANGELS, CHROME & HOT LEATHER: BIKER MOVIES FROM HELL PART 2--This second chapter is all about the Hippies and the frequent plot device of the Disturbed Vietnam Veteran and the use of the war as a framework in the biker films!
ANGELS, CHROME & HOT LEATHER: BIKER MOVIES FROM HELL PART 3--This concluding chapter leaves the others in the dust going on with a bang covering the 'King of the Biker Movies', William Smith, Manson style conceits in biker films, black biker films, the wackiest biker films and the end of the genre as it rode off into the 1980s!
ANIMAL CRUELTY: MONDO MOVIES & THE CANNIBAL CONNECTION--A look at the disturbing animal violence found in the Mondo genre and its bastard offspring, the cannibal film and how it compares to the modern meat-eaters of society!
BEAUTIES OF INFANT ISLAND: A LOOK BACK AT THE SHOBIJIN & THE WOMEN WHO PLAYED THEM, THE--CAC goes to Infant Island for an overview at all the lovely ladies that played the Shobijin, Cosmos and Elias seen throughout Toho's celebrated series of monster movies from the 1960s through to the 2000s. Lots of behind the scenes photos of the women then and now.
BIG BUGS & KILLER KRITTERS: 50 YEARS OF MAN VS. NATURE--This special 500th post at CAC covers the gamut of 'Nature Amuck' movies and how they've both changed and stayed the same over the years. It features dozens of images including rare behind the scenes shots taken from various Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines!
BLAXPLOITATION CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 1--A three part look at Black Action Films of the 1970s, dig it! In part 1 you'll find discussion on Sydney Poitier, SHAFT, SWEET SWEETBACK, Fred Williamson and Jim Brown!
BLAXPLOITATION CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 2--Part 2 covers racially charged movies from both the big studio giants and the independent upstarts and also TRUCK TURNER!
BLAXPLOITATION CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 3--This concluding chapter is all about Precious Pam, Rowdy Rudy and more race hate films such as TICK...TICK...TICK and WHITE DOG!
BOGS, BEASTS & BOGGY CREEK: CREATURE FEATURE CLASSICS AND AQUATIC MONSTERS ON THE CHEAP--This
article covers 14 classic and classless movies that feature all manner
of monster residing in lakes, lagoons and other bodies of blackened,
blood saturated water!
CHANG'S DIRTY DOZEN: THE GORIEST, MOST SPECTACULAR DEATHS SCENES IN CHANG CHEH'S CINEMA--Just as the title specifies, 12 over the top examples of Chang Cheh's brand of blood and heroes during his Shaw Brothers tenure. Included are an additional 6 honorable mentions of gory hero deaths!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 1--An
in depth look at the famed director of Hong Kong Heroic Cinema and the
many bloody action films he made for Shaw Brothers Studio!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 2--Part 2 covers Cheh's three 'Rags To Riches' hero movies and his unofficial trilogy of Eastern Westerns!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 3--This third chapter takes a look at Cheh's 'Cast of 1,000's' epics and his 'Supergroup' movies!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 4--Part 4 catalogs Cheh's mostly overlooked juvenile delinquent movies he did for Shaw Brothers!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 5--The
fifth chapter begins the history of Cheh's Shaw Brothers action films,
the themes of his films and how they change over the years!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 6--The sixth chapter contains many rare behind the scenes shots from Cheh's early 70s productions between 1969 and 1971!
CINEMA OF EXCESS: CHANG CHEH & HIS FILMS PART 7--Part seven focuses primarily within the year 1971 -- one of the directors busiest years. The Iron Triangle are the center of attention here, with a bit on Jimmy Wang Yu in relation to the One Armed Swordsman character leading into the third film in that series. Also THE ANONYMOUS HEROES and DUEL OF FISTS are covered. In addition, there's a feature called 'The Women of the Iron Triangle' included within this article.
CINEMA OF VIRTUE: LIU CHIA LIANG, MASTER OF KUNG FU CINEMA PART 1--This first chapter covers the late, great Liu Chia Liang (Lau Kar Leung), his early life and his entrance into HK cinema. There's moderate coverage of his first three movies he directed for Shaw Brothers -- accompanied by a number of behind the scenes photos. Comparisons with Chang Cheh are discussed, among other things. Also included are brief write-ups on Liu's two other famous brothers, Liu Chia Yung and Gordon Liu Chia Hui.
CINEMA OF VIRTUE: LIU CHIA LIANG, MASTER OF KUNG FU CINEMA PART 2--Part 2 begins with coverage of Liu's famous 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN and carries through to MARTIAL CLUB; all flanked by rare behind the scenes photos. Liu's subverting of genre conventions is covered again, and also a brief write-up on Master Liu's nephew, Jimmy Liu, and also Hui Ying Hung.
CINEMA OF VIRTUE: LIU CHIA LIANG, MASTER OF KUNG FU CINEMA PART 3--The final installment on one of HK's most celebrated filmmakers starts with LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF KUNG FU and continues with his remaining Shaw pictures, and briefly covers the remainder of his career leading up to his death. Lots more rare photos from film sets, his first wife and family, and capsule write-ups on Wong Yu, Hsiao Hou, and Yang Tsing Tsing.
COOL ASS CINEMA GETS EVIL: 15 YEARS SURVIVING THE HORROR PART 1--This four part article covers the RESIDENT EVIL gaming series and my experiences playing them as well as the Survival Horror genre that spawned from its success. Part One deals exclusively with the first game on the Playstation game console.
COOL ASS CINEMA GETS EVIL: 15 YEARS SURVIVING THE HORROR PART 2--Part Two covers the second and third games in the RE series and also RESIDENT EVIL CODE: VERONICA X. It also includes discussion on additional Survival Horror games NIGHTMARE CREATURES and DINO CRISIS.
COOL ASS CINEMA GETS EVIL: 15 YEARS SURVIVING THE HORROR PART 3--This series continues with overviews on the GameCube additions such as the REmake, RESIDENT EVIL ZERO and the superb RESIDENT EVIL 4. Additional Survival Horror titles include THE THING and THE SUFFERING.
COOL ASS CINEMA GETS EVIL: 15 YEARS SURVIVING THE HORROR PART 4--This concluding chapter covers RE 5 and the newest sixth game. The article also covers the claims of racism against the fifth game. Additional Survival Horror games covered are ONIMUSHA and DEAD SPACE. There's also brief coverage of the RE film series.
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 1--The first in a multi-part Tarantino rant where I exorcise my QT demons discussing what I like and don't like about his movies. Part one covers RESERVOIR DOGS and PULP FICTION!
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 2--This second chapter covers PULP FICTION and JACKIE BROWN as well as movies QT has threatened the movie going public with, but thankfully, have yet to be made.
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 3--This third entry exploring my love/hate relationship with the cinema of the bizarre QT covers KILL BILL VOLUME 1!
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 4--The critical KILL BILL coverage continues with KILL BILL VOLUME 2!
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 5--The first of two parts on T Bone's monumental misfire that is DEATH PROOF; an exploitation film without any exploitation.
COOL ASS CINEMA PRESENTS: A SCREENPLAY NOT BY QUENTIN TARANTINO PART MUTHAFUCKIN' 6--This is the second half of the DEATH PROOF double bill peppered with additional imagery from actual exploitation movies, QT pissing off Italian filmmakers and stars complete with quotes, and also the exploitation of T Bone's name to (try and) sell product.
DECADES OF EXPLOITATION: THE ART OF THE MOVIE POSTER PART 1--This article covers the changes in publicity ballyhoo for cinema through the years as well as the exaggerated imagery given to low budget movies to make them seem bigger than they were really were. Also, comparisons are made between import and export handling of promotional materials!
DECADES OF EXPLOITATION: THE ART OF THE MOVIE POSTER PART 2--Part two covers monsters great and small as well as double features and also touches on the tactics used to enhance movies by tweaking the advertising to make them seem more extravagant than they really are!
DECADES OF EXPLOITATION: THE ART OF THE MOVIE POSTER PART 3--This third chapter covers predominantly AIP and their many exquisitely designed posters for their homegrown product as well as their imports and co-productions!
DECADES OF HORROR PART 1--From the beginning of cinema to the modern age and how horror was expressed decade by decade. This multi-part article starts here with an overview and covers the 1920s through the 1940s. The more things change the more they stay the same!
DECADES OF HORROR PART 2--Part two covers the decade of the 1950s including the Cold War, the threat of atomic weapons, alien invasions, big bugs, delinquents and the comics code vs. EC comics!
DECADES OF HORROR PART 3: THE 1960s CHAPTER 1--Part three tackles the naughty 1960s and features the sexual revolution, race riots, assassinations, Roger Corman and Poe and the burgeoning market for sex and violence in movies!
DECADES OF HORROR PART 3: THE 1960S CHAPTER 2--The second and concluding chapter on the 1960s covers a lot of calamity including the Vietnam War, protesters, hippies, changing movie trends and the Manson Family among other things.
FISTS, KICKS, AND KUNG FU THEATER: GROWING UP WITH MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES--Growing up with Kung Fu movies is the subject of this personal article about my long time love affair with Hong Kong martial arts cinema from the days of first seeing them at Drive-in's, to television, collecting tapes, and more. Includes some old mail order ads, and some bloody, HK movie related artwork from back in the early 90s.
THE FLYING GUILLOTINES: HISTORY OF THE SHAW BROTHERS TRENDSETTER, ITS SEQUEL AND IMITATORS PART 1--Part
1 of 2 covers the making of FG and THE DRAGON MISSILE; differences in
script to screen; cast and crew anecdotes; dozens of behind the scenes
imagery; extensive coverage of Jimmy Wang Yu's problems with Shaw
Brothers; his FG clone ONE ARMED BOXER VS. THE FLYING GUILLOTINE and his
Triad activities.
THE FLYING GUILLOTINES: HISTORY OF THE SHAW BROTHERS TRENDSETTER, ITS SEQUEL AND IMITATORS PART 2--Part
2 covers the exhaustive making of FG2 with numerous images of cut
scenes; the making of THE VENGEFUL BEAUTY including images of cut
scenes; cast and crew anecdotes for both films; and extensive coverage
of Chen Kuan Tai's breach of contract with Shaw Brothers and how it
mirrored Wang Yu from several years earlier; FG clones are also covered;
dozens of behind the scenes photos are spread throughout.
FRANCHISE OF FEAR: HALLOWEEN PART 1--This is a possible ongoing feature covering a horror franchise from its bloody beginnings to its brutal ending. Part 1 of this first entry covers HALLOWEEN parts 1 through 3!
FRANCHISE OF FEAR: HALLOWEEN PART 2--This second of three entries looking back at the many changes in the HALLOWEEN franchise covers parts 4 through 6!
FRANCHISE OF FEAR: HALLOWEEN PART 3--The third and final chapter covers the HALLOWEEN films from H20 through the Rob Zombie abominations!
GODZILLA VS. GAMERA VS. METAMORGUS: A 'WHAT IF' SCENARIO--A big screen match-up between Toho's Godzilla and Daiei's Gamera has been a dream match for decades. This story is based on an outline for a possible Godzilla movie I wrote back in 1995, and combined with a Godzilla vs. Gamera vs. Ultraman comic I wrote in 1991 with new material added.
GORE-GEOUS LADIES OF HORROR: THE FEMME FATALES OF TITILLATION & EXPLOITATION, THE--This article covers Scream Queens from the 1930s up to today. It's also a lead-in to a new column highlighting horror and trash cinemas great screamers!
GREAT MONSTER LASER WARS: LOOKING BACK AT THE HEISEI GODZILLA SERIES (1984-1995)--Another article in CAC's two month long daikaiju marathon (March-May of 2014); this one on the Heisei Godzilla series -- what was good and bad about it.
THE HAUNTED CINEMA WORLD OF ROB ZOMBIE: HIS 7 HORROR FILMS & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN--A lengthy article on the horrible movies Rob Zombie made and the ones he didn't make; commentary on what was good and bad about them; and includes a Fuck Meter for every time RZ's favorite epithet is uttered onscreen.
HEROES OF HORROR: NEW BLOOD & OLD HATS PART 1--Part one of a series that covers who's hot in horror, who's not, and who's hanging on. Strictly my opinion, of course!
HEROES OF HORROR: NEW BLOOD & OLD HATS PART 2--Part two covers Foreign Fear Filmmakers from Europe and their influence and horror past, present and hopefully, future!
HEROES OF HORROR: NEW BLOOD & OLD HATS PART 3--This third chapter covers current directors like James Wan, Darren Lynn Bousman, Marcus Nispel and old hats like Wes Craven!
HEROES OF HORROR: NEW BLOOD & OLD HATS PART 4--Part four of this planned five chapter series covers Horror's Big Gun, John Carpenter and others including Ti West, Lucky McKee, and newcomers like Jim Mickle and the Ford Brothers. The currently MIA Greg McLean and crap filmmakers like Uwe Boll and Rob Zombie are also covered here!
INDEPENDENT DVD COMPANIES: BATTLES WITH BOOTLEGS, CHAIN STORES & AN ECONOMICALLY CRIPPLED CLIMATE--An article about the triumphs and travails of independent DVD companies and the problems they endure to bring fans the movies they want. Includes a bonus interview with Synapse Films President, Don May Jr.!
INVINCIBLE ONE: THE EMPIRE OF SIR RUN RUN SHAW PART ONE--Part One of a two part article on the most influential producer of Hong Kong cinema, the late Sir Run Run Shaw. This first installment covers he and his brother Runme's early showbiz career, building the studio, the actors training academy, famous foreign stars visiting the studio, their theater chains and promotional events. Rare photos from old magazines fill out the piece!
INVINCIBLE ONE: THE EMPIRE OF SIR RUN RUN SHAW PART TWO--Part Two concludes the Shaw article. This even bigger piece contains even more rare photos and covers Shaw's kung fu movies, co-productions, his women, his battles with his stars, his alleged iron fisted methods, his charity work, his knighthood, the end of the Shaw Studio in the mid 80s, and Shaw's last few years!
ITALIAN CRIME CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 1--The crime movies of Italian cinema may look like rip offs of more popular American thrillers, but their stories more often than not were taken straight from the headlines cataloging the crime riddled streets of Roman cities! Part 1 covers Italian political thrillers!
ITALIAN CRIME CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 2--The second chapter is all about the mafia in Italian crime cinema!
ITALIAN CRIME CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 3--The much revered Fernando Di Leo and his celebrated crime trilogy classics are covered in chapter 3!
ITALIAN CRIME CINEMA OVERVIEW PART 4--This fourth chapter deals with the most popular Italo crime style--the Violent Cop! All the major principals are covered here!
ITALIAN PEPLUM & FUSTO MOVIE OVERVIEW PART 1--This five part article takes a journey to the much maligned mythological lands of Herculean heroes of Italian cinema!
ITALIAN PEPLUM & FUSTO MOVIE OVERVIEW PART 2--The Men & Monsters of Sword & Sandal cinema!
ITALIAN PEPLUM & FUSTO MOVIE OVERVIEW PART 3--The new breed of peplum heroes from JASON & THE ARGONAUTS to CLASH OF THE TITANS and Luigi Cozzi's HERCULES films!
ITALIAN PEPLUM & FUSTO MOVIE OVERVIEW PART 4--The lovely ladies of Sword & Sandal cinema!
ITALIAN PEPLUM & FUSTO MOVIE OVERVIEW PART 5--This concluding chapter is more of the beautiful women and also popular supporting actors that continued even more success in Italian genre cinema!
JAWS, THE SCARIEST MOVIE EVER MADE AND WHY I LOVE IT--This article is essentially what the title says it is, as well as noting minor details that I think make JAWS an endearingly, and neverendingly special film.
KAGE NO GUNDAN 2 SERIES OVERVIEW--This article covers the popular second series of this Japanese samurai series starring the venerable Sonny Chiba!
KAIJU SIZED MOMENTS OF ABSURDITY, HILARITY, SHOCK & AWE IN JAPANESE GIANT MONSTER AND SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES--15 examples of overt nuttiness in the wild world of Japanese giant monster and science fiction movies. Features entries from Godzilla and Gamera, The Green Slime, Kamen Rider, Yongary, Pigmon, Dinosaur War Izenborg and more!
MARCH OF THE MECHA-MONSTERS: TOHO'S MECHANICAL MARVELS--This article covers Toho's slew of giant robots and cyborgs from Mogera to Mechagodzilla. Additionally this piece contains a write up on small screen giant robot creations!
MEAT & EAT: CONSUMED BY THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE--The author takes a personal look at TCM, from his first experience seeing the movie as a child, and years later on a Texas vacation exploring the locations and comparing them then and now; as well as visiting The Gas Station, enjoying its fantastic BBQ and the actual TCM farmhouse which is now a restaurant serving up everything but YOU as a main course!
MICHAEL GOUGH: THE OTHER GENTLEMAN OF HORROR--CAC pays tribute to the great British character actor, Michael Gough. He headlined a handful of cult horror favorites, but took supporting roles in many others. He's often overlooked in favor of the the more well known Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. This ode to the Gough is peppered with interview quotes and movie quips from the man himself!
MONSTER KID MOVIE MEMORIES PART 1--This three part series is a personal diary cataloging my personal monster memories growing up in the late 1970s through the 1980s. Part 1 covers creature features, cartoons and great TV shows back in the day!
MONSTER KID MOVIE MEMORIES PART 2--Part 2 covers my fascination with videotapes in the early 80s, buying monster magazines and enjoying horror hosts on the weekends!
MONSTER KID MOVIE MEMORIES PART 3--This concluding chapter covers VCR's, tape collecting through mail order catalogs, NWA pro wrestling, CDs and my then preoccupation with drawing superheroes and villains!
MONSTER KID MOVIE MEMORIES REVISITED: COLLECTING BUDGET VHS TAPES--This loose fourth installment in the Monster Kid Movie Memories series of articles is about some of the earliest budget tapes I ever bought from local department store outlets. The tapes discussed are a small handful of videocassettes I didn't realize I still had, and are the last surviving LP and EP mode tapes still in my possession. This is more of an addendum than a full article, and strictly for sentimental reasons.
MONSTER KID MOVIE MEMORIES: THE FINAL CHAPTER--CAC's 1,000th post is another Monster Kid Movie Memories article; and another personal, lengthy look at the various directors, actors, the characters they played, and genres that were major influences on my movie-watching tastes during my formative years and beyond.
MUTE SAMURAI SERIES OVERVIEW PART ONE, THE--Part one of this two part overview of the dynamically gloomy samurai series based on Sergio Corbucci's THE GREAT SILENCE (1968) begins here. Also included are brief write ups on the star Wakayama Tomisaburo and 1-5 of the 10 best episodes!
MUTE SAMURAI SERIES OVERVIEW PART TWO,THE--Part two highlights more positives and negatives of the series, and includes a write up on Katsu Shintaro and 6-10 of the best episodes. All this accompanied by a number of images from the series!
NEGLECTED DIRECTORS OF SHAW BROTHERS STUDIO: MOU TUN FEI--This single, but lengthy chapter in the Shaw Neglected Directors Series is all about the controversial filmmaker, Mou Tun fei who will be best remembered for MEN BEHIND THE SUN (1988). This article covers his five year career at Shaw Brothers with numerous behind the scenes photos and promotional materials for his movies including some that were never released to DVD.
NEGLECTED DIRECTORS OF SHAW BROTHERS STUDIO: SUN CHUNG PART 1--This is an ongoing series covering a number of the lesser known, or discussed directors of Shaw studio. Part 1 of 3 covers the career of Sun Chung.
NEGLECTED DIRECTORS OF SHAW BROTHERS STUDIO: SUN CHUNG PART 2--Part 2 of 3 covers the directors years between 1977 through 1979 during his most well known period.
NEGLECTED DIRECTORS OF SHAW BROTHERS STUDIO: SUN CHUNG PART 3--The concluding article on the directorial career of Sun Chung. This one covers his films from 1979 through the 1980s.
RAY HARRYHAUSEN: MAGIC, MONSTERS & MYTHOLOGY PART 1--This first of a three part overview of Ray Harryhausen's career covers all his works from the 1950s. Included are quotes from, and about the man himself, monster movie memories of Harryhausen and 1-4 of the 'Best of Ray's Beasts' -- scenes and or the monsters made famous in his movies!
RAY HARRYHAUSEN: MAGIC, MONSTERS & MYTHOLOGY PART 2--Part 2 in this trilogy begins with Harryhausen's first Sinbad movie and ends with 1964s FIRST MEN IN THE MOON. In between, there's rare advertisements, magazine photos, and images from the films, as well as 5-8 of the 'Best of Ray's Beasts'!
RAY HARRYHAUSEN: MAGIC, MONSTERS & MYTHOLOGY PART 3--The third and final installment of the Harryhausen tribute article begins with his prehistoric dinosaur-Raquel Welch opus, and finishes up with CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981). The remaining 4 Best Beasts of Ray's movies concludes, as well as a handful of Harryhausen projects that never materialized.
GIULIANO GEMMA: REQUIEM FOR RINGO--This is a tribute to Giuliano Gemma, the great Italian actor of many memorable Euro-westerns, and so many others. It covers his signature films that made him famous, and also covers some of his other talents.
REQUIEM FOR A WOLFMAN: PAUL NASCHY--WEREWOLVES OF POLAND & OTHER MONSTERS--An ode to the late Spanish horror icon!
THE RISE & FALL OF THE ACTION HERO PART 1--A three-parter, this first piece on macho action heroes from their construction to their crumbling begins with guys like Johnny Weismuller, Buster Crabbe and Errol Flynn, and on to Steve Reeves and Sean Connery, and the types of genre pictures these men helped popularize. At the bottom is a link to take you to part two.
THE RISE & FALL OF THE ACTION HERO PART 2--Part 2 brings in some of the big guns of westerns and the 70s cop thrillers they molded into. The influence of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, and Charlton Heston are covered, as well as the black action, and martial arts genres from Hong Kong and Japan with the likes of Richard Roundtree, Bruce Lee, director Chang Cheh, and Sonny Chiba. Follow the link at bottom to part three.
THE RISE & FALL OF THE ACTION HERO PART 3--This three part series closes out with a bang covering the 1980s, the most crucial era of action movie masculinity. Chuck Norris, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis are all accounted for, as well as the ninja craze spurred by action star Sho Kosugi; and others including Carl Weathers, Dolph Lundgren, Steven Seagal, and Jean Claude Van Damme. Coverage includes Tough Guys doing comedy, the big ego's, and the decline of the Macho Hero into the 90s and new millennium.
RUBBER SUIT KINGS: THE MEN & MODELERS BEHIND THE MONSTERS PART 1--One of the most mammoth articles written here at CAC is this two part look at Japanese movie and TV monster suit actors and the men who made them. Part one covers primarily suit performers -- the three generations of Godzilla suitmen; it also includes women and midget monster suit actors, and a sidebar on building a monster suit the old fashioned way. Lots of behind the scenes pics!
RUBBER SUIT KINGS: THE MEN & MODELERS BEHIND THE MONSTERS PART 2--Part 2 covers the major players in the ULTRAMAN series, sidebars on an actual 'Monster Suit Memorial Service', and suit actor accidents. The modelers of the various studio monsters are covered all with lots of behind the scenes photos!
SANTO & THE LEGENDARY LUCHADORES OF MEXICAN FANTASTIC CINEMA PART 1 OF 2--This two part article details the various aspects that make the Lucha Libre genre one of the more entertaining, if underrated cult cinema forms out there. Part 1 looks at Santo and his societal influence, Blue Demon, the economics involved in Mexico at that time, and the impoverished budgetary restrictions of those films.
SANTO & THE LEGENDARY LUCHADORES OF MEXICAN FANTASTIC CINEMA PART 2 OF 2--Part 2 covers more about Santo and how the character changed through the 1970s, English dubbed Lucha movies, the wrestling, the inclusion of elements that might not translate well outside of Mexico, Sex in Santo movies, other comic based superheroes, and a list of 14 films that are among the best and most entertaining.
SCI FI/FANTASY OVERVIEW PART 1--Part 1 covers serials and 50s Sci Fi--the big bugs of the atomic age!
SCI FI/FANTASY OVERVIEW PART 2--Part 2 covers the works of Harryhausen, killer animal films of the 1970s and the monster epics from Amicus and AIP!
SEX, LIES & THE WEISSER-HEIMER: TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES?--A critical and not so kind article on the falsehood filled written word of Thomas Weisser and his partner in crime, Ric Meyers!
SHAW BROTHERS & KUNG FU CINEMA PART 1--This series looks at the influence of Shaw Brothers on the HK film scene as well as kung fu films from other studios!
SHAW BROTHERS & KUNG FU CINEMA PART 2--Shaw Brothers vs. Wang Yu & Bruce Lee!
SHAW BROTHERS & KUNG FU CINEMA PART 3--Shaws big budgets, clones of Bruce and Jackie vs. Hwang Jang Lee!
SHAW BROTHERS & KUNG FU CINEMA PART 4--Kung Fu Mania in America and the gory chivalry of Chang Cheh!
SHAW BROTHERS & KUNG FU CINEMA PART 5--Shaw vs. the independents, Chang Yi, early Wuxia, bashers, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE GREAT ALEXANDER FU SHENG PART 1--This first of a three part Fu Sheng article spanning his career begins with his graduation from the Shaw Training Center to his marriage to singer, Jenny Tseng in 1976!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE GREAT ALEXANDER FU SHENG PART 2--Part 2 details the actors relationship with Jenny Tseng and how they met as well as Fu working on Chang Cheh's mid 70s superproductions. The article also covers his two life threatening accidents and also his films that were put on hiatus, or never got made!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE GREAT ALEXANDER FU SHENG PART 3--This concluding chapter covers the troubled actors last few years before his tragic death in 1983. It contains a fair number of images taken from Fu Sheng's funeral as well as many other candid and behind the scenes photos with this endearing fan favorite!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: SHAW BROTHERS SPY THRILLERS, CAPERS & CRIME PICTURES PART 1--This series of articles covers the lesser known productions from the Shaw Brothers from their action and suspense thriller canon. Part 1 covers their Bond style action-fantasy pictures!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: SHAW BROTHERS SPY THRILLERS, CAPERS & CRIME PICTURES PART 2--Part 2 covers numerous rare Shaw suspensers that never surfaced on tape or DVD as well as a handful of their Hitchcockian murder thrillers!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: SHAW BROTHERS SPY THRILLERS, CAPERS & CRIME PICTURES PART 3--This continuation covers a few hybrids that mix action and crime in a period and modern setting, assorted actors prevalent in kung fu cinema who dabbled in crime features, and a turn towards more gritty storytelling as the 70s wore on. Includes information on an actual kidnapping attempt on Sir Run Run Shaw's son in 1971!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: SHAW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL PART 1--This two parter is an image packed exploration of Shaw exploitation featuring behind the scenes photos and numerous promotional materials for many of the Shaw Brothers horror pictures!
SHAW BROTHERS CINEMA PRESENTS: SHAW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL PART 2--Part 2 continues with more Shaw horror madness and more gruesome rarities, obscurities and assorted HK nastiness from Asia's biggest film library!
SPAGHETTI WESTERN OVERVIEW PART 1--Part 1 delves into the early beginnings of the Italian western and the coming of Sergio Leone with FISTFUL OF DOLLARS!
SPAGHETTI WESTERN OVERVIEW PART 2--Part 2 makes a deal with death and the bounty hunters of the Italian west!
SPAGHETTI WESTERN OVERVIEW PART 3--Part 3 covers the politics of the Zapata westerns!
STOP-MOTION MASTERS: THE AGE OF ALIENS, DINOSAURS, AND MONSTERS & THE ARTISTS WHO ANIMATED THEM--This is a companion article for the Ray Harryhausen three part tribute series. This article is dedicated to the handful of other stop-motion animators who had great careers in their own right, but never attained the level of legendary status as Mr. Harryhausen. Jim Danforth, David Allen, Phil Tippet, Doug Beswick are among those featured. Unrealized projects, a King Kong commercial and advancing SPX technology are explored here!
SUPERMAN 2: RICHARD LESTER VS. RICHARD DONNER--This article is a comparison-breakdown of why I feel the original theatrical version of SUPERMAN 2 surpasses the Richard Donner cut from 2006.
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 1--In this seven part series, CAC takes on Ric Meyers, the so called "leading authority" on martial arts cinema for his 30 year crusade spreading as much Faux Fu knowledge as humanly possible. His rampant mistakes and fantastically made up stories are legendary. He often says "my work speaks for itself", and this expose proves that very thing! Parts 1-7 are linked at the bottom of each article! Or, if you want to skip to a particular chapter, click the separate links below!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 2--The first sequel to Tao of Ric Part One continues with more of Ric's patented brand of making shit up!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 3--Part Three begins Ric's then ongoing tearing down of Sir Run Run Shaw and more Meyers lies than you can shake an 8 Diagram Pole at!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 4--The Shaw Wars continues in this third sequel to the "groundbreaking" (haha) unveiling of the mountainous amount of mendacity Ric Meyers has perpetrated onto a mostly unsuspecting public for over 30 years! Some of Meyers' most shocking remarks are found in this chapter!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 5--Shaw Wars continues in Part Five wherein Meyers claims nobody knew what Chinese kung fu movies were at the time till he came along and educated the masses! 30 more Meyerisms close out yet another classic sequel!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 6--This monumental fifth sequel is the biggest up to this point! Shaw Wars concludes while Japanese Chambara and Ninja cinema invades this article to divulge Ric's equally clueless knowledge of Nipponese cinema! The words of noted Japan-a-cinema celebrity Brick McBurley add an extra layer of authoritative reporting to this piece!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 7--This seventh and "final" chapter in the acclaimed (haha) and revelatory series deals solely with the single worst audio commentary ever conceived! And Ric Meyers is behind it! Revel, marvel and be shocked by the sheer idiocy of the Inheritor of Kung Fu commentary track which features Meyers babbling about the wrong damn movie! Meyers also gets the director wrong, the actors, screenwriter, etc. A precedent of irresponsible reporting is set here! There's nowhere to go but up, right? Not in Meyers' case! See article below!
THE TAO OF RIC: TRUE LIES & A FISTFUL OF MEYERISMS PART 8--A NEW BEGINNING--This latest edition to the Lyin' King's resume of tall tales deals solely with his other "new" book, For One Week Only: The World of Exploitation Films. See a gaggle of guest stars among the many instances of in-faux found in this pretentious and sloppily thrown together tome!
TEN EMOTIONALLY IMPACTFUL SEQUENCES IN JAPANESE GIANT MONSTER MOVIES AND TELEVISION--A sampling of ten somber, poignant, and touching examples of Japanese monster/science fiction movies and television. Featured examples include the original GODZILLA, actor Nick Adams, GODZILLA VS.DESTROYER, and ULTRAMAN!
THAT RAMBUNCTIOUS ROBERT TAI & HIS MAGNANIMOUSLY MORIBUND MOVIES, OR HOW I WRECKED MY CAREER AT THE COST OF ONE TRULY GOOD MOVIE--This is an article that pokes fun of controversial martial arts choreographer and filmmaker, Robert Tai Chi Hsien and the many wild tales he's weaved over the years!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #1: WILLIAM SMITH--Retrospectives of the Bad Men of the Silver Screen begins with the biggest, baddest Tough Guy of them all, William Smith! Smith has literally done it all both on and off screen and you can read all about it here!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #2: HENRY SILVA--Who better to follow the King of the Bikers than Henry Silva? This actor has been in hundreds of television shows and movies of both US and European origin and one of the best examples of the bad guy ever to appear on the Silver Screen!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #3: HWANG JANG LEE PART 1--This special edition of the Tough Guys Files covers Korean super kicker Hwang Jang Lee. There's five parts to this one. At the bottom of each part is a link to the next one, or you can just click them separately. Part One covers his beginnings and films including his two co-starring roles with Jackie Chan. Also, this series covers 14 of the most oft seen examples of kicks done by HJL!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #3: HWANG JANG LEE PART 2--This second chapter covers his other collaborations with the Yuen's including a movie that either was never finished, or has yet to be discovered. Hwang's kicks, 4-6 are featured!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #3: HWANG JANG LEE PART 3--Continuing from part 2, the third installment discusses more about the various other kung fu stars that did multiple movies with the Korean kicking sensation. Kicks 7 and 8 are covered, Hwang's directorial debut, and also a dozen movies that feature the slackest, least believable Hwang Jang Lee deaths at the hands of those films' heroes!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #3: HWANG JANG LEE PART 4--Part 4 covers more movies, stars like fellow Korean super kicker, Kwan Young Moon, Hwang's kicks #s 9-11, his few movies as a good guy, his aborted directorial debut at Shaw Brothers and much more. This one comes fully loaded with lobby stills and vintage magazine scans!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #3: HWANG JANG LEE PART 5--This whopper of a finale goes out in a flurry of kicks covering Hwang's exit from HK and entering Korea once again where he made a slew of flicks for Filmark International among others. It also briefly covers his return to HK, but in more of a supporting status. Wedged in between all this is a Hwang Jang Lee 10 Best and 10 Worst list of the King of the Kicks!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #4: CHAN WAI MAN PART 1--Here's a two-parter on one of Hong Kong cinemas true to life on and off screen bad asses -- Chan Wai Man aka Chen Hui Min! Part One of Two covers much of Chan's early movie and boxing career, unmade films, patchwork productions and 1-5 of a 'Ten From Chen' list highlighting ten of the man's best works!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #4: CHAN WAI MAN PART 2--The concluding chapter includes much discussion on Chen's Triad background in real life and in the movies, more rare films, rare behind the scenes pics, promotional advertisements, and 6-10 of the 'Ten From Chen' list and more!
TOUGH GUYS FILES #5: SHO KOSUGI--The files on big screen Tough Guys continues with the man who made the word 'ninja' a household name--Sho Kosugi. The article covers the man's early years, his movie career, the marketing of Kosugi and everything ninja, the unmade Sho Kosugi movies, and the significance of Sho's career compared with other Asians who broke into the US film industry!
THE UNSEEN FREAKS: LOST SCENES FROM TOD BROWNING'S CLASSIC--This detailed article covers the various deletions, additions, and reworked sequences of Tod Browning's infamous classic, FREAK (1932). The article includes a few images of deleted scenes. Some of the cut scenes explored include differences from script to screen of 'The Wedding Feast' sequence and the notorious finale that hasn't been seen since the initial test screenings.
THE WILD, WILD EAST: DUEL OF THE INDEPENDENT FILM COMPANIES PART 1--The Wild, Wild East: Duel of the Independent Film Companies Part 1 is a look at the entire decade of the 1970s and the HK independent movie industry, as well as both Shaw's and Golden Harvest. Part 1 takes an in-depth look at the life and tumultuous career of Jimmy Wang Yu, broke up into two chapters. In between are a lengthy look at Kao Pao Shu, a female action movie director, and an expansion of Chen Kuan Tai's troubles at Shaw Brothers detailed in a previous article. Opening the piece is an overview of the industry in the 70s and the obstacles those within it had to deal with throughout the decade. Jam-packed with images and box office figures to help add insight into an era that has had little exposure outside of Asia. This five-part series is, while edited down from a much larger piece, the most comprehensive on the Indy scene in English.
THE WILD, WILD WEST SERIES OVERVIEW--A look at the four seasons of this amazing 'James Bond in the West' series!
WILLIAM MARSHALL: THE DARK KNIGHT OF HORROR--Best known for playing Blacula in two AIP horror pictures, this article covers the fascinating career of William Marshall from stage to screen. Covering his most famous Broadway portrayals, his three popular horror roles, and everything in between. It's also a personal look into the authors first time becoming aware of Marshall's iconic portrayal of Blacula; and includes promotional information on how those movies were exploited to attract even more patrons.
WILLIAM SMITH: JACK OF ALL TRADES & MASTER OF EVERYTHING--This companion article to Tough Guys Files #1 on William Smith covers some of the big man's career highlights as both good and bad guys, and some things in between!
YOU BETTER WATCH OUT: AN APPRECIATION FOR SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2--A personal look at SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2 and the growing cult following it has amassed. In addition to the author's experience seeing the film for the first time, there's a list of ten reasons the film has become as popular as it has over the years.