Beyond the Drawer

Flashout (2019), directed by Richard Lerner, is a smart, original sci-fi film that will make your head spin. Although it is from the director and producer of the cult film Revenge of the Cheerleaders (1976), this new feature is not just for those who enjoy the cinematic past of the ‘70s and ‘80s. In the story, three young women in a parallel universe play a blind date reality game, InterMate, in order to experience the euphoria of the Flashout. Unexpectedly, they wind up trapped on unfamiliar planet Earth seeking the missing player of their game. This film deserves credit for delivering an original story, interesting characters, and striking visuals. The first impressive quality of this film is the unique, mind-bending metaphysical story. Richard Lerner and his writing colleagues John Powers and Wayne Weber churned out a truly outlandish contribution to the sci-fi genre. It takes the viewer a minute to grasp the concept of the parallel universe, let alone the broader notion of th...

Virginia Minnesota  (2019), directed by Daniel Stine, is a heart-felt film with the right mix of drama, comedy, and adventure. The story is about two young women—Addison (Aurora Perrineau) and Lyle (Rachel Hendrix)—who embark on an illuminating 24-hour journey, unlocking long-forgotten memories and exploring a world of fantastical creatures. There are both comical and touching results along the way. In the end, they realize what it means to truly believe and how their friendship can overcome any obstacle. Viewing this movie is a feel-good experience; this is a story the world needs right now. Addison and Lyle were childhood friends torn apart by a tragedy at the school they attended together. Now, in order for a will to be opened, a group of the former students need to be present at the school. Addison refuses to show up, so Lyle steps up to go get Addison and bring her to the school. The contrast between the personalities of the two women—and their current professions—is appar...

Survival of the Film Freaks is a documentary exploring the phenomenon of cult film in America and how it endures to the present day. Through interviews with filmmakers and fans, the documentary traces decades of film fanaticism from the era of midnight screenings at the cinema to the present digital age. The viewer learns about the factors that define a cult film and gains an understanding of the cultural significance of these films. Right when the documentary starts, it points out that cult films have existed from the beginning of the film medium itself. The people who are attracted to cult films are those who do not see themselves in the big budget mainstream box office films. Films that become cult classics are typically independent efforts with modest budgets. Because of that, they often rely on shocking storylines, outlandish action, and special makeup effects as a way to stand out in the crowded landscape of movies. The documentary examines changes in technology, and h...

Killer Kate!  (2018), directed by Elliot Feld, is a horror comedy about a woman who gets invited to her estranged sister’s bachelorette party. The weekend is spent in a remote cabin booked on a home-sharing app. What is supposed to be a weekend of fun turns into a fight for life as four girls face a family of intruders intent on killing them. The film features an innovative story, suspense, and a great performance from the lead actress. The opening credits and the moody music remind one of John Carpenter’s Escape from New York  (1981). The kills and Kate’s blood splattered face were reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead  (1981). The opening scene involves a malicious family brainstorming ways to murder the unwitting guests of their short-term rental house. The motive is a big reveal at the end of the movie—a much broader theme that belies the seemingly simple plot. Kate, played by Alexandra Feld, is a kindhearted young professional who has feelings...

The Initiation of Sarah (2006), directed by Stuart Gillard, is an ABC Family remake of the 1978 ABC TV movie of the same name. This teen horror drama is about twin sisters Sarah (Mika Boorem) and Lindsay (Summer Glau), who have always been at odds with each other. They hope to put the past behind them and start new lives at Temple Hill University. Sarah has mysterious supernatural powers and appears to be “the One”. She soon finds herself caught up in an ancient battle between good and evil involving two rival sororities—Pi Epsilon Delta (“P.E.D.”) and Alpha Nu Gamma (“Alpha Nu”). The movie is not scary or exciting, but it does have an interesting plot, pretty actresses, and good usage of CGI effects to complement the action. The film opens with a dramatic scene in which a dark-haired young woman is brought to an altar to be sacrificed. She is surrounded by dangerous flames and ominous red-hooded figures. The knife stops short of stabbing the woman, as if controlled by a supe...

Night School  (1981) was released during the height of the slasher boom, but this movie has an adult sophistication rarely seen in the genre. The story—written by Ruth Avergon—involves a helmeted, leather-clad killer performing ritualistic decapitations of victims. The victims are young women enrolled in the evening curriculum at Boston’s distinguished Wendell College. The homicide lieutenant investigating the murders suspects a well-known anthropology professor at the school, as well as his live-in female assistant. The film has a very involving story, haunting score, and standout performance from lead actress Rachel Ward. This remastered edition DVD release from the Warner Archive Collection looks great, and the label has recently re-released this title on Blu-ray. The director, Ken Hughes, gives the film a balance between drama and slasher elements. He also creates suspense as the viewer wonders about the identity of the killer and wh...