Vinegar Syndrome Review: Murder Weapon / Deadly Embrace (1989)

  “They lust for revenge... They do it at night... And they're more than lethal.”

When mobster daughters Dawn (Linnea Quigley, CREEPOZOIDS) and Amy (Karen Russell, VICE ACADEMY) by chance meet in an insane asylum, the pair hatch a plan to free themselves. They do this by manipulating and downright blackmailing their psychiatrists Dr. Randolph (Lyle Waggoner, WONDER WOMAN) and Dr. Gram (Lenny Rose, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND). Once successfully free, the pair decide to celebrate their freedom by holding a little get together. They decide to invite their ex-boyfriends Kevin (Stephen Steward, SHOCK CINEMA VOL.4), Eric (Michael Jacobs Jr, DIE WATCHING), Cary (Allen First, AMERICAN RAMPAGE), Billy (Richard J. Sebastian, DREAM A LITTLE DEVIL), Jeff (Eric “Garbage Day!” Freeman, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2), Bart (Rodger Burt, LADY AVENGER) and Al (Allen Tombello, EVIL OBSESSION) to celebrate their release and hopefully get a little of welcome home action. Although something of a sausage fest, the party is going well and everyone is having a damn good time. Unfortunately however, things take a sinister turn when the boys slowly start getting picked off one by one in bloody and gory fashion by a mysterious clad killer. Is this the work of rival crime families? Maybe there's some jealousy between the male party guests? Could the father of one of the girls be involved or could it just be the girls getting their revenge on past lovers?

  I have to say that going in to this film, I really wasn't expecting too much. Thankfully, what I got was a damn good time. First of all, the story is simple, but works well. It's a solidly written effort from Ross A. Perron (this and AMERICAN RAMPAGE being his only credits) and the use of flashbacks to further the story and answer some of the twists and turns is quite refreshing in such low-budget schlock of its time. There's not too much to some of the characters, but it doesn't matter too much and never hurts the film. Performances through may not be Oscar worthy, but again, it doesn't matter and what are you really expecting? For me, one of the greatest surprises with Murder Weapon is the violence and gore. I was expecting the occasional fit for purpose cheesy gore gags here and there, but what we have instead are a collection of genuinely nasty and quite shocking moments of gore. David P. Barton (300) and his team do a very impressive job indeed with the practical and make up effects. Another quite thing is the fact that the violence and gore is used sparingly adding that punch that most films would lack in that regard. Editing and cinematography are both solid enough and the only slight problem I had with the technological aspects was the sound. Even that is a minor gripe because the only time it was a real issue was when Del Casher's (TROPICAL HEAT) score would be playing over some of the dialogue. Like I said, a minor gripe. All in all, it's far from a perfect film, but it's a damn enjoyable one. It may be a little light on the sleaze and erotic elements, but Karen Russell and Linnea Quigley are a very potent combination so you smut peddlers out there will appreciate that aspect!

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“When adultery turns to obsession, the climax may be murder...”
Chris Thompson (Ken Abraham, HOBGOBLINS) is your typical teenage college student. He's got himself a stunning wannabe actress girlfriend named Michelle (Linnea Quigley) that he wants to spend the rest of his life with. One day at college after listening to a lecture from rich sleazeball Stewart Moreland (Jan-Michael Vincent, AIRWOLF), Chris finds himself getting a gardening and housekeeping job from said rich sleazeball (it's not what you know, it's who you know!). The only condition is that he has to stay at the residence which isn't too bad of a thing because Moreland's wife is the lonely and horny Charlotte (Mindi Miller, BODY DOUBLE). With her husband away and getting his jollies with his secretary DeDe (Ruth Collins, DEATH COLLECTOR), it's only natural that her cougar sights are set on the fresh meat her husband has bestow upon on her. With a heartless husband and a madly in love girlfriend thrown in to the mix, this could make for a steamy affair or even a deadly one.

  I'd say I hate to surprise you, but I think you know already that it will be the latter. I won't be a prick and completely ruin it for you, but I will say that the final third is probably the strongest aspect of this whole film. The problem with a film like Deadly Embrace is it's not amazing or terrible, it's juts a bit dull. Richard Gabai's (KICKBOXING ACADEMY) script is solid enough, but really doesn't do anything too unique. It's safe to say that you will have seen this film made multiple times in terms of its narrative. The build up to the finale and the psychological aspects however are satisfying, but it's too little too late. Acting is above par and actually a lot more solid than most erotic thrillers of its time and budget, the standout for me being Mindi Miller who plays the bored and lonely housewife perfectly. You sympathise her situation perfectly. The erotic elements of the film work well, mainly in that so bad it's good sort of way. There are those moments where people will be grinding against each other with underwear still clearly visible, but again seeing the likes of Quigley and Miller do make up for that (yes, I'm a pig!). All in all, there's really not too much to talk about with this film. It's your typical 80's softcore erotica, just a tiny bit bland and needing some much spice! Just how was this one of DeCoteau's biggest selling films?

Regardless of what I think of the actual films, this is another winner of a release from Vinegar Syndrome. Both films look and sound great and are presented in 2k from the original 16mm camera negatives. Films of this niche could be seen as undeserving of the restoration they receive, but I for one am thankful that labels like Vinegar Syndrome exist and do exactly this job. The only real imperfections found in the sound and visuals come mainly from the films themselves and the way they were shot, but with that being said, they are both very accomplished productions. Both films come with commentaries from DeCoteau and Quigley, director introductions, a video trailer for Murder Weapon, outtakes for Deadly Embrace and some striking original artwork with some nice gory reversible art for good measure. Yeah, Murder Weapon completely outshines Deadly Embrace for me, but if you are either a fan of DeCoteau, Quigley or cheap erotic 80's schlock – you are in for a breast, blood and cheesy synth filled treat.

Murder Weapon & Deadly Embrace are available as a DVD & Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome.
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Vinegar Syndrome Review: Nightmare Sisters (1988, David DeCoteau)

  “Sex isn't their only weapon...”

Melody (Linnea Quigley, SAVAGE STREETS), Marci (Brinke Stevens, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE) and Mickey (Michelle Bauer, LUST FOR FREEDOM) are your typical geeky college girls who just can't seem to find a man. When their fellow sorority sisters leave to have parties and spend time with their significant others, the nerdy trio are left to their own devices and decide to have a little party of their own. With slim pickings in the male department, they call the equally geeky Kevin (Richard Gabai, DEMON WIND) to come over with his friends Freddy (Marcus Vaughter, THE VISITANTS) and Duane (William Dristas in his only role). It seems perfect; three boys, three girls and a house to themselves. That is until they decide to have a séance with a crystal ball that flea market obsessed Marci bought earlier that day. The group unfortunately summon a succubus, possessing the girls in the process and turning them in to beautiful sex crazed demons who are hungry for blood. Thankfully, the boys have some breathing space when a trio of their overbearing frat housemates crash the party and find themselves on the receiving end of the beautiful yet deadly succubi. This gives them time to call rent-a-exorcist Perrin (Jim Culver, LADY AVENGER) to hopefully help them get out of this bind and defeat evil. College should be a safe space after all!

Now before I get in to what I think of the film, it should be noted that the film was shot in around four days using a script that took seven days to write and was shot using loose ends of film from DeCoteau's previous film; Sorority Babes in the Sliemball Bowl-O-Rama. With that out of the way, I have to say that Nightmare Sisters wasn't the greatest cinematic experience I've ever had. For an erotic horror comedy, it didn't really deliver on any of those aspects. Sure, there is a hearty amount of nudity, but it really didn't do too much for me, even though the female cast are easy on the eyes and probably the best thing about this movie. Although overly long, the scene involving nubile bath action did stand out however. Comedy wise, it was your typical schlock humour with more jokes missing than hitting. Aside from one genuinely clever and well executed reference to the The Exorcist, there's really nothing there that will even raise a chuckle. What this film does have going for it is a somewhat intriguing story penned by Kenneth J. Hall (CRITTERS) that ultimately suffered with pacing issues, but did bring something unique to the table. There were also moments that reminded me of Evil Dead that I got a kick out of. That's really all that I can say about this film to be honest. It's one of those films that isn't awful, but just quite dull. However, I will say that under the circumstances, they pulled off a film that actually looks like a film. So it's not all bad.

  Although the film is something to be desired, props should be given to Vinegar Syndrome for not only giving this obscure cheapie a proper release, but for giving it a release it probably shouldn't really have. The film is presented in 2k from the original camera negative. It looks and sounds great with the only visual issues coming from some the film's actual cinematography in places. In terms of extras there's a director's introduction and an intriguing commentary from DeCoteau and Quigley that is more enjoyable than the actual film. To compliment that, there is an alternate TV version of the film that pretty much tones down the sleaze factor and uses alternate takes, an interview with Hall, outtakes, bloopers and some really cool alternate artwork. If you're a fan of this film or those involved, you probably already own this. If not, you have to buy it. Those looking for an entertaining piece of 80's teen sex comedy, you may want to give this one a miss.

Nightmare Sisters is available as a DVD / Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Dr. Alien (1989)

"She has the cure for growing pains..."
There comes a time in every boys life where they experience the problem this piece of educational film making covers. That moment where all of a sudden your hormones, the testosterone completely takes over and next thing you know, you are beating the women off left right and centre. OK that is completely bullshit and that has nothing to do with this film but I needed your attention. Sit down and shut up because class is in session!

Dr. Alien is another film by prolific cheese director David DeCoteau from 1989. What we have in this fine effort is a teen comedy in which a socially awkward, intelligent teenage boy gets wrapped up in an intergalactic breeding plot when his biology teacher has an accident and his replacement is a stunner of an alien (would a female alien technically be called alienne?) who is trying to secure the future of her planet. The experiment makes our likable lead become a pussy magnet with a rather nasty looking fleshy antenna on his head.... so damn hot! As he's beating the women off with a stick (not literally, it's not one of those movies... sicko!) his heart is for one girl only and boy is she a cutie! No big twists or turns in this one folks!



Because I am good to you sleazehounds out there, let's get the main reason you are going to buy this film out of the way first, the women! Oh yes gentlemen (and ladies of course) we have a fine display of treats on offer! The big names I was glad to see where of course Linnea Quigley and even better, Ginger Lynne! Of course I have to mention Judy Landers who plays our teacher and last but by no means least, my personal favourite of the film, Olivia Barash who plays as the adorable love interest. Of course this film is littered in pure, unadulterated female nudity so if that's your thing then this a perfect film for you!

This film has more than just eye candy though. Our main guy is a genuinely likable chap even when he lets his new found sex appeal get to his head (literally... I'm hilarious!). You genuinely root for him when he gets mobbed by gangs of nubile young things and you want him to get the girl at the same time. It's a genuinely funny film which like most films of this type and era, don't take themselves too seriously. There is a never a dull moment and that's what I really enjoyed most about this one, especially when you look at modern teen comedies which are just crude, unfunny pieces of crap.

The story is nice and simple and the characters are all a joy to watch. You get a real sense that this was a fun film to make and there's something about films from the 80's in high schools and colleges that just appeal to me. The film has many memorable moments including the various dreams our stud has, the awesome gig scene towards the end of the film, a rather fun scene that involves a mobbing in the girls showers and a great climax. Of course, the film is littered with gems and it would do a great injustice to just tell you and not experience it for yourself.

Overall I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves a good cheesy ride... and of course bodacious boobs by the spacecraft load. If you are looking for that outlandish strong stinking bishop style cheese however, you might not fully get that experience but I'm sure you connoisseurs out there know this already. Once again 88 Films have put a great package with the trailers, reversible artwork and of course the bonus film which in this case is a rather interesting oddity from the early 1970's called Auditions which is kinda like a 70's version of a porno casting couch video... only the wannabe stars don't get humiliated by the redneck behind the camera!

Had to end on a high note!

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