kevin_robbins

I recently watched the Troma Films picture Chopper Chicks in Zombietown (1989) on YouTube. The storyline follows a female biker gang that rides into the wrong town, only to find the streets crawling with zombies and a handful of desperate survivors in need of help. Can the bikers and locals team up to kill the undead and save what's left of society?

This picture is written and directed by Dan Hoskins (Pretty Smart) and stars Jamie Rose (Just Before Dawn), Catherine Carlen (Doom Patrol), Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade), Lycia Naff (Lethal Weapon), and Earl Boen (Terminator).

The film feels like a mash-up of grindhouse and From Dusk Till Dawn in a lot of ways. It's very 80s in terms of characters, circumstances, outfits, and dialogue. The writing is a bit painful, with mediocre acting and lines that often feel unnatural. The hero overacts to the point of being annoying as the movie goes on. That said, there are some hilarious one-liners-one involving a certain "I remember that smell" sex reference had me cracking up. The zombies are laughably bad, leaning way more toward comedy than horror. Everything is played over the top, which oddly works to keep your attention as you wait to see what ridiculous thing happens next. On the plus side, the soundtrack is great. Also... what exactly is Billy Bob Thornton doing in this?

In conclusion, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown is the kind of film that will be "so bad it's good" for some viewers. I'd give it a 4/10 and only recommend it if you go in with the right expectations.

I recently watched Satan's Cheerleaders (1977) on Tubi. The storyline follows a high school janitor who secretly works for a local Satanist. When tasked with finding a virgin for sacrifice, he kidnaps the cheerleading squad-only to discover that one of them is a witch who won't go down without a fight.

This picture is directed by Greydon Clark (Angel's Brigade) and stars John Ireland (All the King's Men), Yvonne De Carlo (The Ten Commandments), John Carradine (Stagecoach), Jack Kruschen (The Apartment), and Kerry Sherman (48 Hrs.).

The concept is wild-a strange but entertaining blend of coming-of-age elements, witchcraft, and comedy. The cast was better than I expected, but the special effects haven't aged well. The leading ladies were gorgeous, and there's the expected nudity along with a decent shower scene. Unfortunately, the kills were weak, and the witchcraft-vs.-cult finale was a letdown. This could have been much better.

In conclusion, Satan's Cheerleaders had the cast and setup to deliver more than it did. I'd score it a 4/10 and only recommend it with the right expectations.

I recently rewatched The Soloist (2009) on Tubi. The storyline follows a newspaper reporter who unexpectedly encounters a homeless musical genius. Intrigued, he decides to interview the man and his family, ultimately writing a story about his life. In the process, he uncovers a tragic childhood and the many challenges the man has faced, and he sets out to help him turn his life around.

Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement), the film stars Jamie Foxx (Ray), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Catherine Keener (Capote), Jena Malone (The Neon Demon), and Nelsan Ellis (Get on Up).

This movie captures your attention right away-not only because it's based on a true story, but also because the narrative feels fresh and unpredictable. The acting is outstanding, and the portrayal of the characters' circumstances is steeped in realism. The plot has numerous twists and turns, and the performances are so strong that you can feel the weight of every scene. While the reporter's level of effort to help may feel over the top at times, it's also a thoughtful reminder of how difficult it can be to consistently do the right thing. The film doesn't shy away from showing just how hard life can be.

In conclusion, The Soloist is a compelling character study about human nature-unique, moving, and well worth your time. I'd give it a solid 7/10.