Sheep Movie Review: G-Men from Hell (2000) - Another Hole in the Head Film Festival 2017

https://www.ahith.com/

Take a look at another movie featured at Another Hole in the Head Film Festival!

Dead Ant review here

G-Men from Hell (2000)
7 December 2000
Director: Christopher Coppola

Writers: Richard L. Albert, Mike Allred (comic strip), Robert Cooper, Nick Johnson

Stars: William Forsythe, Tate Donovan, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paul Rodriguez, Gary Busey, Robert Goulet
PG-13

1h 38min

Action, Comedy, Adventure

When corrupt FBI agents Dean Crept and Mike Mattress die, they are sent to hell, though they believe it must be an error. They escape by stealing a magical crystal from Satan that sends them back to Earth. Determined to buy their way into heaven, the two perform good deeds despite their ignorance of morality. They set up a private investigation business, and Greydon Lake and his wife, Gloria, both hire them to investigate the other. They attempt to solve the mystery of their own murders and evade the police, led by Lt. Langdon and Det. Dalton, who suspect them of killing their informant Buster. Meanwhile, Weenie Man, a shady informant also sent to hell, tells Satan about their escape; Satan gives the G-Men two days to complete their investigations and return his magic crystal. Along the way, they become involved with the plots of a mad scientist, Dr. Boifford, who resurrects Buster, and a superhero by the name of Cheetah Man.-wikipedia

G-Men From Hell actually came out in 2000 and was based on the characters Dean Crept and Mike Mattress from the comic book Grafik Musik, created by Michael Allred. I guess it is making the rounds again at AHITH Film Festival. Based on the cast (Gary Busey?! Robert Goulet?!) and the cheese factor I had to see it. Check out the trailer below and you'll understand...at least I hope so :)

And boy, was I in for a surprise. G-Men from Hell is about as low budget as a high school production but campy fun. I went through quite a few emotions watching it. I used gifs demonstrate...

The opening prologue scene about how the two FBI agents ended up in hell uses a panel layout like the comic mixing live action and art. It was pretty clever.

Then the movie started. And I got a look the sets, script, and acting I was in for...

But I'm a trooper and stuck with it. Plus it was like the proverbial train wreck. I wasn't sure where the story was going...I don't think the writers did either. It was like one of those stories that get passed around, everyone adding to a new part before sending it on to the next person. 

 

But it was silly fun...there is a sentient puppet.

Then I realized there was plot going on...

Then Cheetaman showed up. Plus there was a mad scientist and a robot.

There was a pretty good mystery developing. I wanted to know who did what and why. The seemingly unconnected and strange subplots started to come together.

And I re-evaluated my earlier judgment of the film.

When it was over I had to admit I enjoyed the quirkiness and absurdity.

I can't believe they made this movie, but I'm glad they did. G-Men from Hell is one hell of a riff-worthy film if you are looking for one. Get some friends together, have a few drinks, and watch it.

3 1/2 "Escape" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Dead Ant (2017) - Another Hole in the Head Film Festival

I love the Another Hole in the Head Festival in San Fransisco.  If I lived nearby I would attend it so hard! But I get the next best thing. Every year we get the opportunity to screen some of the movies featured there. There are soooo many to choose from and I only have time to review a couple. Last year I watched more scary movies. This year I went for the horror/comedies. Check out my review of Dead Ant below, and keep an eye out for my review of G-Men From Hell as well as a bunch of shorts.

Dead Ant (2017)

October 10, 2017
Director: Ron Carlson
Writers: Hank Braxtan (story), Ron Carlson (screenplay)
Stars: Tom Arnold, Sean Astin, Martin Blasick, Jake Busey, Michael Horse
1h 27min
Comedy
When the 1989 "one-hit-wonder" glam-metal band "Sonic Grave" embark on a trip to Coachella in hopes of a comeback, their peyote trip pit stop in Joshua Tree incites an "unworldly" vicious attack, and they must "rock" themselves out of harm's way.

I haven't had that much fun watching a B-movie in a while. If you love those monster insect movies, 80s glam rock-n-roll and a little gory fun then you got to see this one. The soundtrack isn't the only thing rocking in this movie...the script is hilarious and damn good. And there are real actors in this one...unlike some SyFy B-movies where I swear the director let their girlfriend/boyfriend and family members join the cast.

The best part of Dead Ant is the last hour. That's when the ants show up kicking a$$ and taking...limbs. The first part when we meet all the characters is kind of slow, but stick with it! I promise it will be worth it.

4.5 "If this wasn't so scary it'd be awesome" Sheep

SharonS

Another Hole in the Head Festival Movie Review: Nina Forever (2015)

http://sfindie.com/festivals/another-hole-in-the-head-film-festival-2014/

Nina Forever (2015)
Rating: Unrated
98 min 

Genre: Horror, Comedy
14 March 2015 (USA)
Directed By: Ben Blaine, Chris Blaine

Written By: Ben Blaine, Chris Blaine
Stars: Fiona O'Shaughnessy, Abigail Hardingham, Cian Barry
Official Site
Holly wants to save Rob and has fallen in love with him. She is training to be a paramedic and works a dead end job in a supermarket where Rob is the only remarkable thing; lost and angry since the death of his girlfriend Nina. Drawn into a relationship, the first time they're in bed together so is Nina. A tangled and bloody mess of broken limbs, she is very much dead but still here, still talking, still angry... However Holly doesn't freak out and run - she is determined to be the one who heals Rob's wounds. She can deal with the dead girl sharing their bed, their lives, their minds. If it's what Rob needs, it's what Holly will do, whatever the consequences...

After his girlfriend Nina dies in a car crash, Rob unsuccessfully attempts suicide. As he begins to overcome his grief, he falls in love with a coworker, Holly. Their relationship is complicated when Nina, unable to find rest in the afterlife, comes back to life to sarcastically torment them whenever they have sex. The premise of Nina Forever is one that could easily descend into camp or gratuitous territory, but instead deftly walks a fine line as it navigates its story and emotions. Holly (Abigail Hardingham) begins a relationship with supermarket coworker Rob (Cian Barry) as he works through his grief over the accidental death of his girlfriend, Nina (Fiona O'Shaughnessy), and a past suicide attempt of his own. As their relationship grows, things take a turn for the weird when every time they have sex Nina appears, usually in bed with them, looking as broken and bloody as she presumably did at the accident scene that caused her death. 

As odd as the film is, it’s a brilliant odd that gets under your skin and makes you think about the nature of relationships, mourning, and closure. Rob and Holly’s relationship follows a believable progression and while there is a decent amount of nudity and sex, it’s never gratuitous. Instead, it emphasizes their growing romance and just how much of an imposition Nina’s presence is when she shows up. I was pleased that Rob and Holly’s relationship got away from just sex and into issues like learning who a person really is and the trials of moving in together – an event not helped along by Nina’s constant, taunting presence. It’s more of a relationship horror movie romance, but it’s one that has the ability to make you genuinely uncomfortable just as easily as it can make you laugh or empathize for the characters.

The cast is excellent all the way around. David Troughton has some wonderful moments as Nina’s father and Cian Barry brings a believable progression to Rob working through his grief and the strange turns it leads him through. Stand-out performances, though, are definitely O’Shaughnessy as Nina and Hardingham as Holly. Not only is it great to see such unique and multi-faceted women’s roles, but these ladies bring depth to both characters. O’Shaughnessy delivers a deliciously sarcastic performance while still coming off as a looming threat and, at times, genuinely vulnerable. Her physical acting is just phenomenal, as well, and when coupled with the special effects gives a performance that’s sometimes hard to watch but harder to look away from. Hardingham is impressive in the emotional range she showcases as Holly grows from naïve girl who doesn’t want to be seen as too sweet or too young, through the love she pours into her relationship with Rob, to where she eventually ends up. She makes Holly’s decision to not run from Nina believable, and her vulnerable performance makes watching how her good intentions turn around and bite her that much more poignant. At the end of the day, Holly’s journey dominates the film as Rob’s baggage and her insecurities eat away at her the more Nina gets in her headspace, and Hardingham makes it a tremendous journey to watch. Her exchanges with O’Shaughnessy are some of the high points of the movie.

The film showcases the themes of relationship baggage, grief, and self-consciousness, things everyone can relate to. The witty script by Ben and Chris Blaine and killer music are a bonus. The ending is a realistic take on closure, and I appreciated that they went there instead of trying to wrap everything in a neat bow.

4.5 bloody romantic sheep



Guest Reviewer: Selah Janel

Another Hole in the Head Film Festival 2015!

It's time for the annual Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco, CA. Starting tomorrow, I Smell Sheep will be screening some of full length movies! All the details about the festival and the film program guide are below. Keep an eye out for our reviews over the next 10 days.

Our annual festival of horror, sci-fi, dark fantasy and exploitation cinema defies convention to bring you the most outrageous genre films from both emerging and established filmmakers. Ten days of celluloid mayhem not usually found in your local cineplex!

“San Francisco’s original genre film festival is characterized by a scrappy, DIY aesthetic that eschews big studio content and recent trends towards elevated genre. Holehead’s programming remains curatorially committed to the genre’s graphic roots in shockploitation, visceral thrills and gleeful mayhem.” – Michael Guillen, The Evening Class

THE COMPLETE 2015 FILM PROGRAM + SCHEDULE

Download the HoleHead program guide as an app:

Google Play Store Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eric.sfindiefest

Apple itunes Store

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sfindiefest/id937353416?mt=8

AHITH Film: The Book

Another Hole In The Head, Part 8 Film Festival, is taking place in San Francisco June 2-17 at the Roxie Theater. One of the featured films we recently got to review is: The Book.

Storyline:

Ft. Bragg’s Richard Weiss unspools the futuristic sci-fi thriller THE BOOK. It is the year 2284 and bestselling author Alexis is confronted by look-alike aliens who intend to take over his identity and use it to publish their own book. The aliens' book, a potent instrument of alchemy, automatically neutralizes all negative emotions in whoever reads it. No more greed. No more anger. No more fear. No more war. Harmony on the planet. A formula for Utopia? Not necessarily.

Review:

I'll open by saying the special effects and costumes in this movie would make any old-school Star Trek fan proud. Apparently in the future we all wear metallic clothing and clear plastic bowls on our heads.

The Book had a pretty good sci-fi story in there, but it wasn't without issues. It starts out in a Utopian world where a group of rebels gather to pass on their knowledge of how this new world came to be. What is special about these people isn’t realized until the very end of the movie. It's a nice little twist, actually.

There is even some pretty good suspense built as the aliens take the place of the author and his family. The main gripe I have with this movie is that there was a lot of time wasted watching feet move from one place to another. I probably could have edited out 45 minutes of footage (ha!, pun intended) and nothing significant would be lost from the movie.

I spent a good deal of time laughing and rolling my eyes at the made up words, costumes, and “futuristic” props. But, if you ignore all the silly window dressing and focus on the story, you will be entertained and curious to see what happens in the end.

The Book is showing at the Roxie Theater on Wednesday, June 8th at 5:20pm.

Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street @ Valencia in San Francisco.

I give this film 2 ½ salad bowl hat wearing Sheep!

AHITH Film: Karate-Robo Zaborgar

Another Hole In The Head, Part 8 Film Festival, is taking place in San Francisco June 2-17 at the Roxie Theater. One of the featured films we recently got to review is: Karate-Robo Zaborgar.

PART MOTORCYCLE, PART KARATE EXPERT, ALL ROBOT! WHEN THE SAFETY OF THE WORLD IS AT STAKE, ZABORGAR WILL SAVE THE DAY!

Plot:

Following the death of his scientist father, secret police officer Yutaka Daimon inherits a mighty robot warrior named “Zaborgar.” Equipped with an array of super weapons, an expertise in karate, and the power to transform into a motorcycle Zaborgar assists Daimon in his fight against Sigma, the evil organization responsible for his father’s death.

After uncovering a plot by Sigma to steal the DNA of Japanese politicians and use it in a giant robot weapon, Daimon faces off against Miss Borg, a beautiful female robot under the control of Dr. Akunomiya, the twisted leader of Sigma. Despite being on opposite sides of the law, Daimon and Miss Borg fall in love—a development that spells an end to the once inseparable crime-fighting team of Daimon and Zaborgar.

Twenty-five years later, the now-disgraced Daimon has been reduced to working as a chauffeur for corrupt Prime Minister Wakasugi. But Sigma, having at last finished its giant robot, is now preparing to unleash it upon the world. With no one left to oppose them, a worn, middle-aged Daimon is forced out of retirement and into service as a crime-fighter one last time. But will Zaborgar forgive and forget, and aid Daimon in his quest to maintain righteousness and save the world from total destruction?

From director Noboru Iguchi, creator of the international hits THE MACHINE GIRL and ROBO-GEISHA, comes a hilariously over-the-top tribute to the transforming robots of 1970’s Japanese television, and an exciting action/comedy that will stir the heart of anyone who longs for justice dispensed at the short end of a swift robot karate kick!

Review:

What do you get when you combine the coolness of Transformers, the look of the Power Rangers and the cheese of all those 70’s Kung-Fu movies? You get one campy-ass movie!

Unlike some campy movies, Karate-Robo Zaborgar, there is an actual storyline. There is an evil organization called Sigma that is stealing the DNA of politicians to help build giant super robot (to destroy the world, of course). Our hero, Daimon (dude with really bad hair cut) is trying to stop them, but he falls in love with his enemy, Miss Borg. She is a man-hating robot whose head can fly around and can shoot rockets out of her boobs. Daimon’s best friend and partner is Zabogar, a robot built by his father.

Daimon betrays Zaborgar to help Miss Borg and in a fit of jealousy Zabogar grabs Miss Borg kills them both in an explosion, but an egg rolls away from the inferno (was Miss Borg impregnated by our hero?). The villain grabs the egg and some politicians in a little move I like to call Human Hoovering

The movie skips forward 25 years. With the loss of his friend and lover Daimon has hit rock bottom, but he must once again fight Sigma as it finally completes the giant super robot TO RULE THE WORLD!

I had a great time watching and poking fun at this movie, which,was the intention of its makers. Here is a list of reasons to watch this film:

Flying Heads

Samurai Robot with kissy lips that suck out your DNA

Female robots that shoot rockets out of their boobs

Diarrhea Monster Robot that shoots acid out of its ass

Female Robot that has dragon heads come out of her boobs

Female Robot that has a dragon head coming out of her ass

Bikini wearing female rugby robots

A man breast-feeding

What more could you ask for? How about a Happy Ever After ending! Hell yeah! Karate-Robo Zaborgar will be showing on Sunday, June 5th at 5:20pm. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street @ Valencia in San Francisco.

Getting 4 Cheese Covered Sheep