Current Influence - Noboru Iguchi and Japanese Splatter
Still from Tokyo Gore Police
If we are friends online or you follow any of the social media outlets I post, you know, currently I am watching A LOT of Japanese Splatter films. It was an obsession years ago, but recently stuck a chord with me again. Why? No idea, but I am so glad it did. Sure, this is a pretty niche sub-genre but it's over the top special effects, insane use of weapons and buckets and buckets of blood make me so happy to sit and watch them.
Iguchi-San sporting his House shirt
There are plenty of directors behind these films, but for me, I'm somewhat enamored by the genius writer/director of some of what I've fallen in love with, Noboru Iguchi. He's wacky, weird and quite honestly, wonderful. He uses the 3 "B" formula for success - Blood, Broads and Beasts. I must be upfront and say this, his movies aren't for everyone. They lack in "real world" type of actions, but I feel so strongly in this style of filmmaking, it's almost obsession.
I know, you're like who?? Maybe you've seen ABC's of Death and watched F is for Fart. Yep, that's my guy. His films tend to contain Japanese school girls, bullying, sometimes Yakuza and just my kind of zaniness. I can't recommend watching these enough, and going in with an open mind. Let's also remember, I'm currently writing a new script for our project "SQUARE" that I pitched to Matt 2 weeks ago and all he could say was "wow...thats crazy." You're damn skippy its crazy.
Let's name some films that you should see:
Still from Gothic Lolita Battle Bear
First and foremost, I think my favorite out of all I've seen thus far is Tokyo Gore Police. The score, the style, the gore, it has me completely captivated. I LOVE this film. Next is RoboGeisha, as anytime a girl/robot turns into a tank and attacks a walking mountain...well, sign me up. The Machine Girl is also a really great adventure. I grabbed the 3 disc steelbook version, which has making of and plenty of extras including the spin off short film - Machine Girlite (Shyness Machine Girl). Now, as wacky as The Machine Girl is, the short film is even more insane. Imagine, you get embarrassed and a machine gun pops out of your ass? Yep.
Iguchi-san and Zaborgar
I never hide my love for Tokusatsu (think a show like Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, Ultraman or maybe even Inframan). I can never get enough of the series that mix Sentai and Tokusatsu and this is where my love really takes off for Iguchi. He created Karate-Robo Zaborgar and is it ok to think, this was just for me? Haha, I can't help it. It has action and just a great mix of why I love tokusastu films and series. If you watched Kikaida or Kamen Rider, this is a must see for you.
Also, make sure you check out Mutant Girls Squad, as this also was a lot of fun. Swords for boobs, a chainsaw out of your rear? Yeah, these are my kind of ladies. Plus, make sure you look for Dead Sushi. This one I actually haven't seen yet. My Netflix rental queue is jam packed with all kinds of gory goodness (currently I have Tokyo Zombie and Meatball Madness) but trust me, it's coming. Other films to look for Zombie Ass - Toilet of the Dead which used to be streaming on Netflix, but now its down. I'm really just offering titles that are more well known, but google his work, watch and enjoy.
The film I'm most anxious to see has yet to be seen by many titled Nuigulumar Z (Gothic Lolita Battle Bear) which quite frankly looks to be a mix of Ted and Power Rangers. Below I've attached the trailer. Thank you to Iguchi-san for being a writer and director and having imagination that is pure heaven for some of us. You are a blessing to us (at least some of us.)
Those are the words that I feel best can describe my battle with depression. About six months ago, I looked in the mirror and decided to make a change. My life was in a downward spiral and from that experience came; “No Clowning Around”. We can never win the battle against depression but, I believe, we can look into its eyes and face it, head on.
“No Clowning Around” is a Horror short film based on one man’s fall from grace. Ed, who once was beloved by his hometown as Mumbles the Clown, is now a party clown who battles depression and addiction. His last shed of light in his life is Trixie, who has struggles of her own. Being pushed from all sides, who and what will stop the endless spiral of sadness?
How did this come about?
Some might know me from Late Night at the Horror Hotel, Pro Wrestling, Monster-Mania Radio or the Extreme Odd Couple Podcast, but I really feel I developed the creative bug from reviewing movies. I’ve always loved the horror genre but I felt I wanted to be a bigger part of it. When you review movies, you expose other’s vulnerability but now, I’m the vulnerable one.
The last year I’ve learned that exposing my life can have a good affect on others. I had a rough battle with depression about a years and a half ago. Maybe it was my mid-life crisis, but home life was bad, I had no direction and from that, came this film project.
The film is personal for me, even though it’s extreme in relations, it’s still has plenty of metaphors to my own life. The process only took me about two days to write and once on paper; I knew this was the movie I wanted to make.
What is this NOT?
I'm glad you asked...this is NOT a Killer Clown movie. I've wanted people to know that from the start. There are plenty of Killer Clown films out there...like 100 Tears, Fear of Clowns, Killer Klowns from Outer Space or even Killjoy. While Ed is a clown, that's not the story. The story is about being pushed...and finally having a breaking point. Sometimes when your back is against the wall, you have no choice.
How did you chose who is involved?
I wrote about a 15 page treatment, kind of like a sketched out script, but just the basics. The first person I showed was my Wife, Kim. Kim and I have been together for over 21 years and it was important for me to make her the Trixie character. Once you see the film and I can relate the two, you will see why. She rehearsed countless days and worked very hard, it paid off.
The next person I wanted involved was Steve Corino. Corino is easily my best friend, from offering me a place to stay, to always being there when times were tough. We both helped each other during rough times..you know how misery needs company sometimes? Well, he’s my misery partner. The role of Lenny was his as soon as it was written. He took it extremely serious and made sure he was not the typical “wrestler in a movie” role. He’s believable.
Matthew Burd was the next choice, since his work on Late Night at the Horror Hotel; he proved his artistic vision to me on that project. I sent him the story and he wrote the screenplay and I could see the movie from his expressive script, I loved it immediately. Matt has included myself in several of his previous short films including Cuts Right Over that is making the rounds on some film festivals now. Matt and I worked great together and we each had ideas and it made for a smoother shoot. Very happy he wanted to be a part of it.
Sal Valente was a later addition to the project. I sent him the script and he loved it. Some will know Sal from his work as Pigamortis from our show. We have good chemistry, he’s funny and I knew he dug the project so it made perfect sense to have him aboard.
What can we expect?
We are aiming for a December release. It will be available on DVD, plus we will have a Limited to 50 VHS release. I will be focusing on Film Festivals and trying to have as many eyes on this project as possible. Debating on how well this is received, will lay out the future. Ideas are about a feature or a possible sequel short for “Mumbles”. I think that the character has enough oddity and is relatable to many that he has some likeability and a future.
I really want to thank those that have helped donate to make this possible. You truly made a boyhood dream come to reality. I also want to thank those that helped, our crew, those who offered advice and those who listened to me complain. It was a long four days, being on set for sixty hours, but I know it will be worth it. I’m proud of this.
For more information or to order merchandise, visit www.NoClowningAround.com or www.RobDimension.com
After an amazing weekend at Monster-Mania Con, I was finally able to start going through my swag, merch and assorted goodies. Now, I've always been a "toy guy", collecting and selling all kinds, from Star Wars to Horror action figures. NECA kind of took over for McFarlane in the Horror toy department several years ago. The great thing is NECA seems to care...A LOT.
As I sat, scanning the loot, I decided it's time to be an "opener" and crack open the Friday the 13th Jason figure, modeled after Part 3. The packaging is colorful and is the sealed clamshell type which is impossible too open, but I'm assuming it's keeping Jason in (for OUR protection of course).
After I grab some scissors, it's time to crack this killer open! One twist-tie and Jason is out.
This Jason might have more meaning to me, as I remember seeing Friday the 13th Part 3 in theaters back in the early 80's. It was my first real experience for 3-D films. I always though Richard Brooker always did a decent job as everyone's confused, deformed, mongoloid summer camper, but that's my opinion.
Ok, let's discuss the "Facts of the Figure" - The figure stands approx 7 inches tall. with decent articulation. Knees and arms bend, plus the shoulders swivel. The figure is available in two models - The Regular and the Battle Damaged versions. Neither seem too be rarer as of yet, but I grabbed the "Clean" version...but now after opening, I realize I need both version. The Clean version comes with a Spear Gun and Machete accessories, while the Battle Damaged version comes with an Axe and the Machete.
The paint job is excellent, as Jason is sporting some 80's style stone washed jeans...haha..ok, maybe that's me wishing. Anyways, his paint scheme seems to be spot on in comparison to the film. His posture is what really got me, as they captured his hunched shoulders fantastic, It really resembles him. The biggest benefit, as the pictures show, his mask is removable! I've had problems in the past with removable masks, especially Jason's, since the straps on the hockey mask tend to break...but so far, so good.
I would give this figure an A. It was an instant winner for me. It looks great, poses and stands very easily and is a keeper. I will say, for me, this is an opener. I don't think you can really enjoy the detail or sculpting unless Jason is out free...roaming your toy shelf, looking for pre-martial sex havers!!
If you would like to purchase these figures, our any of the other NECA Horror Figure line, please visit my friend Kevin at House of Mysterious Secrets. Kevin is top notch retailer and has extremely competitive prices.
