Ghoulies is not the Gremlins rip-off its reputation suggests. The two films were in production at the same time, but budgetary issues delayed the release of Ghoulies. Although it likely benefited from Gremlins‘ success, the similarities begin and end with diminutive monsters. Ghoulies II actually shares more in common with Gremlins, as the first Ghoulies leans more — arguably too much — into the fantasy realm.
From producer Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, the 1985 horror-comedy is directed by Luca Bercovici (Rockula) from a script he co-wrote with producer Jefery Levy. At just over 80 minutes, the film doesn’t waste time trying to make sense of its messy plot.
When Jonathan Graves (Peter Liapis) inherits an old manor from the father he never knew, he does what any 20-something with newfound freedom would do: throw a party. Something wills Jonathan to perform a ritual from an old book he finds among his father’s occult paraphernalia,...
From producer Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, the 1985 horror-comedy is directed by Luca Bercovici (Rockula) from a script he co-wrote with producer Jefery Levy. At just over 80 minutes, the film doesn’t waste time trying to make sense of its messy plot.
When Jonathan Graves (Peter Liapis) inherits an old manor from the father he never knew, he does what any 20-something with newfound freedom would do: throw a party. Something wills Jonathan to perform a ritual from an old book he finds among his father’s occult paraphernalia,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Last year, Umbrella Entertainment gave the 1985 creature feature Ghoulies (watch it Here) a Blu-ray release in Australia that contained three different cults of the movie, and also packaged it with its first sequel. Now Mvd Rewind Collection has announced that they’re giving Ghoulies a special edition release as well – and this one is going to be Blu-ray and 4K Uhd! The street date is September 12.
Directed by Luca Bercovici from a script he wrote with Jefery Levy, the first Ghoulies has the following synopsis: As a child, Jonathan (Peter Liapis) was almost killed by his father, Malcolm (Michael Des Barres), during a satanic ritual. After being saved and raised by Wolfgang (Jack Nance), who has kept him unaware of his background, Jonathan inherits Malcolm’s house and moves in with girlfriend Rebecca (Lisa Pelikan). Through his explorations of the house, he begins unlocking the secrets and latent powers contained within his new found home.
Directed by Luca Bercovici from a script he wrote with Jefery Levy, the first Ghoulies has the following synopsis: As a child, Jonathan (Peter Liapis) was almost killed by his father, Malcolm (Michael Des Barres), during a satanic ritual. After being saved and raised by Wolfgang (Jack Nance), who has kept him unaware of his background, Jonathan inherits Malcolm’s house and moves in with girlfriend Rebecca (Lisa Pelikan). Through his explorations of the house, he begins unlocking the secrets and latent powers contained within his new found home.
- 6/1/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Seminal horror films sure do cast an imposing shadow, especially for others that try to bear similar fruit in its shade; usually what grows is withered and nothing more than a mere husk of what came before. And some films simply don’t give a horse’s patootie. Welcome to Jennifer (1978), the ultimate Mad Libs homage to Carrie (’76) that, while not in the same league, works as a fun (and somewhat observant) high school horror - with snakes. A whole lot of ‘em.
Released by Aip in May, Jennifer opened to mixed reviews at best and indifference from audiences who felt they’d already been there, DePalma’d that. They weren’t wrong of course; Jennifer gulps thirstily from Carrie’s water fountain, but adds a couple other prevalent genre staples of the ‘70s to arrive at something decidedly weird (and vicious) enough to set itself apart.
Our film opens...
Released by Aip in May, Jennifer opened to mixed reviews at best and indifference from audiences who felt they’d already been there, DePalma’d that. They weren’t wrong of course; Jennifer gulps thirstily from Carrie’s water fountain, but adds a couple other prevalent genre staples of the ‘70s to arrive at something decidedly weird (and vicious) enough to set itself apart.
Our film opens...
- 5/12/2018
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
One of the best-remembered dramas of the '70s gives us controversial actresses, a lavish production and a story by the even more controversial Lillian Hellman. Director Fred Zinnemann makes it into a suspenseful, deeply affecting experience. Julia Blu-ray Twilight Time Limited Edition 1977 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 118 min. / Ship Date April 12, 2016 / available through Twilight Time Movies / 29.95 Starring Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, Jason Robards, Maximilian Schell, Hal Holbrook, Meryl Streep, Rosemary Murphy, Dora Doll, Elisabeth Mortensen, John Glover, Lisa Pelikan, Susan Jones, Cathleen Nesbitt, Maurice Denham. Cinematography Douglas Slocombe Film Editor Walter Murch Original Music Georges Delerue Written by Alvin Sargent based on the story by Lillian Hellman Produced by Richard Roth Directed by Fred Zinnemann
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Fred Zinnemann was a cinema activist from way back, a filmmaker of uncompromising convictions. His most frequent theme is anti-fascism, although he began with a very Soviet-styled pro-union film in Mexico, Redes.
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Fred Zinnemann was a cinema activist from way back, a filmmaker of uncompromising convictions. His most frequent theme is anti-fascism, although he began with a very Soviet-styled pro-union film in Mexico, Redes.
- 4/30/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Ghoulies
Stars: Peter Liapis, Lisa Pelikan, Michael Des Barres, Jack Nance, Mariska Hargitay, Scott Thomson, Ralph Seymour | Written by Luca Bercovici, Jefery Levy | Directed by Luca Bercovici
Ghoulies 2
Stars: Damon Martin, Royal Dano, Phil Fondacaro, J. Downing, Kerry Remsen, Donnie Jeffcoat, Dale Wyatt | Written by Charlie Dolan, Dennis Paoli, Luca Bercovici | Directed by Albert Band
For my film-loving friends and I, Ghoulies and its immediate sequel were almost rites of passage growing up – I distinctly remember renting them from not only the local video shop but also that strange guy that used to park on the street corner renting tapes out of his boot (or, if he was more successful, the back of a transit van). You know the one, he’d have the craziest VHS tapes you’d ever seen – Class of Nuke Em High, Black Roses, The Toxic Avenger, Ghoulies… all films that sold themselves on artwork alone.
Stars: Peter Liapis, Lisa Pelikan, Michael Des Barres, Jack Nance, Mariska Hargitay, Scott Thomson, Ralph Seymour | Written by Luca Bercovici, Jefery Levy | Directed by Luca Bercovici
Ghoulies 2
Stars: Damon Martin, Royal Dano, Phil Fondacaro, J. Downing, Kerry Remsen, Donnie Jeffcoat, Dale Wyatt | Written by Charlie Dolan, Dennis Paoli, Luca Bercovici | Directed by Albert Band
For my film-loving friends and I, Ghoulies and its immediate sequel were almost rites of passage growing up – I distinctly remember renting them from not only the local video shop but also that strange guy that used to park on the street corner renting tapes out of his boot (or, if he was more successful, the back of a transit van). You know the one, he’d have the craziest VHS tapes you’d ever seen – Class of Nuke Em High, Black Roses, The Toxic Avenger, Ghoulies… all films that sold themselves on artwork alone.
- 4/5/2016
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Harrison Page, Deborah Rennard, Lisa Pelikan, Ashley Johnson. Brian Thompson, Voyo Goric, Michel Qissi, George McDaniel, Eric Karson, Ash Adams, William T. Amos, Roz Bosley, Dennis Rucker, Billy Blanks | Written by Sheldon Lettich, Jean-Claude Van Damme | Directed by Sheldon Lettich
When looking at eighties action heroes Jean-Claude Van Damme managed to make a name for himself in a genre built upon already big names and even bigger egos. Although A.W.O.L. (aka Lionheart) was released in 1990 I think it is fair to still class it as an eighties movie, the fashions shown on-screen pretty much confirm it (they are bad). Released this week on Blu-ray as part of 101 Films Cult Movie Collection it stands as a perfect example of everything that made Van Damme a star of the action genre.
When Lyon Gaultier discovers his brother is injured and the Foreign Legion with which...
When looking at eighties action heroes Jean-Claude Van Damme managed to make a name for himself in a genre built upon already big names and even bigger egos. Although A.W.O.L. (aka Lionheart) was released in 1990 I think it is fair to still class it as an eighties movie, the fashions shown on-screen pretty much confirm it (they are bad). Released this week on Blu-ray as part of 101 Films Cult Movie Collection it stands as a perfect example of everything that made Van Damme a star of the action genre.
When Lyon Gaultier discovers his brother is injured and the Foreign Legion with which...
- 5/21/2015
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Christian Bale and wife Sibi Blazic Bale at the Oscars Christian Bale and wife Sibi Blazic on the Academy Awards' Red Carpet Eventual Best Supporting Actor winner Christian Bale and wife Sibi Blazic Bale are seen above on the Red Carpet of the 83rd Academy Awards, held on Feb. 27 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The Welsh-born Bale took home the Oscar statuette for his performance as a boxer turned coach and junkie in David O. Russell's boxing drama and sleeper hit The Fighter. His co-stars were Mark Wahlberg (who also co-produced the film), Best Supporting Actress winner Melissa Leo, and Best Supporting Actress nominee Amy Adams. Christian Bale movies The Fighter was Christian Bale's first Academy Award nomination. Among his other movie credits are: The Dark Knight (2008). Director: Christopher Nolan. Cast: Christian Bale. Heath Ledger. Maggie Gyllenhaal. Aaron Eckhart. The Prestige (2006). Director: Christopher Nolan. Cast: Hugh Jackman.
- 5/10/2015
- by D. Zhea
- Alt Film Guide
Though it’s often remembered as one of the many Gremlins rip-offs of the ‘80s, Ghoulies has its origins in 1983 (or a year before Gremlins hit screens), when producer Charles Band and creature effects guru Stan Winston dreamed up a film called Beasties about a bunch of small creatures wreaking havoc on a group of young people. It underwent some changes on the way to the screen: rather than Band directing as originally planned, the film would be helmed by actor Luca Bercovici, who had previously worked for Band on 1982’s Parasite. Stan Winston would not design the creatures, either; those duties fell to John Carl Buechler. And despite what its title might suggest, there wouldn’t end up being very many ghoulies in Ghoulies.
Instead, the 1984 film focuses mainly on a man (Peter Liapis) who inherits a mansion from his father (rocker Richard Des Barres) and ends up conjuring...
Instead, the 1984 film focuses mainly on a man (Peter Liapis) who inherits a mansion from his father (rocker Richard Des Barres) and ends up conjuring...
- 4/11/2015
- by Patrick Bromley
- DailyDead
Welcome back to The Stack! Dave Canfield here comin' at ya with more home entertainment goodness. First up from the good folks at Kino Lorber is the nearly forgotten Carrie (1976) knock-off Jennifer (1978), which even used the tag line, "...makes Carrie look like an angel." Lisa Pelikan plays the title character who is driven to supernatural revenge after being ostracized from her all girls school by the snooty rich kids. Next up is female independence of a different kind in Obvious Child (2014), starring Jenny Slate in a breakout performance that made news this year for its unique handling of the subject of abortion. Lastly the good folks at IFC have given a much deserved home to one of the better flicks to play Fantastic Fest...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/19/2014
- Screen Anarchy
EstroGenius 2014 4th Street Theatre 83 E. 4th St., NYC October 2-November 2, 2014
The EstroGenius Festival, currently in its 15th year, spotlights women artists in theater. It is organized into three separate shows -- Andi’s Night, Deb’s Night, and Sarah’s Night -- that each consist of five short plays totaling about an hour and a half per "Night." At the end of a program, audience members can vote for their favorite performer, writer, and director on a ballot included in the program, and votes can also be cast for favorite play for a one-dollar donation per vote. The winning play receives a special encore performance at the end of the festival.
Andi’s Night opens with Snow White Zombie (by Brent Lengel; dir. Sara Stevens), a light, almost fan-fiction-esque imagining of a zombie plague in the land of classic fairy-tale characters. It includes some fun fight choreography and the nice...
The EstroGenius Festival, currently in its 15th year, spotlights women artists in theater. It is organized into three separate shows -- Andi’s Night, Deb’s Night, and Sarah’s Night -- that each consist of five short plays totaling about an hour and a half per "Night." At the end of a program, audience members can vote for their favorite performer, writer, and director on a ballot included in the program, and votes can also be cast for favorite play for a one-dollar donation per vote. The winning play receives a special encore performance at the end of the festival.
Andi’s Night opens with Snow White Zombie (by Brent Lengel; dir. Sara Stevens), a light, almost fan-fiction-esque imagining of a zombie plague in the land of classic fairy-tale characters. It includes some fun fight choreography and the nice...
- 11/3/2014
- by Leah Richards
- www.culturecatch.com
As we move closer to October 31st, horror fans have several amazing collections and special edition releases to look forward to this week, including the highly anticipated “Black Maria” collection from Dark Sky and Mpi in celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
Universal is also releasing a really cool box set that features a handful of Steven Spielberg’s finest films, Kino Lorber is resurrecting the cult classic Jennifer in high-def this week, and the indie horror comedy Witching & Bitching makes its way home on DVD as well, all in time for Halloween.
Spotlight Titles:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition (Mpi Home Video/Dark Sky Films, Blu-ray)
40 years ago, five youths on a weekend getaway in the Texas countryside fell prey to a butcher in a mask made of human skin and his cannibalistic family, and horror cinema would never be the same.
Universal is also releasing a really cool box set that features a handful of Steven Spielberg’s finest films, Kino Lorber is resurrecting the cult classic Jennifer in high-def this week, and the indie horror comedy Witching & Bitching makes its way home on DVD as well, all in time for Halloween.
Spotlight Titles:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition (Mpi Home Video/Dark Sky Films, Blu-ray)
40 years ago, five youths on a weekend getaway in the Texas countryside fell prey to a butcher in a mask made of human skin and his cannibalistic family, and horror cinema would never be the same.
- 10/13/2014
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Kind of a shame the Carrie remake wasn’t a bigger hit because part of me would like to believe that might lead to a remake of the obscure 1978 knock-off Jennifer. Thanks to Scorpion Releasing, “The Snake Goddess” will be reborn on Blu-ray.
Jennifer is the movie that answers the question as to what you would get if someone combined the bullied high school girl with magic powers seeking revenge on her cool kid tormentors premise (i.e., Carrie) with the social misfit with the ability to make animals do their bidding to get revenge against their tormentors trope (i.e., Willard).
Lisa Pelikan starred in the film (also known by the title Jennifer the Snake Goddess) as a shy young woman from a poor, rural family of Pentecostal snake charmers who finds herself the target of conniving rich kids at the snooty private school she attends via scholarship. They finally push her too far,...
Jennifer is the movie that answers the question as to what you would get if someone combined the bullied high school girl with magic powers seeking revenge on her cool kid tormentors premise (i.e., Carrie) with the social misfit with the ability to make animals do their bidding to get revenge against their tormentors trope (i.e., Willard).
Lisa Pelikan starred in the film (also known by the title Jennifer the Snake Goddess) as a shy young woman from a poor, rural family of Pentecostal snake charmers who finds herself the target of conniving rich kids at the snooty private school she attends via scholarship. They finally push her too far,...
- 7/30/2014
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
When the current theatrical reboot (a sequel and toothless TV remake had already come and gone) of Carrie was announced, there was a lot of teeth gnashing and cries of "leave the classics alone!," mostly by me. But as details began to leak out, the prospect became more intriguing. Gay director Kimberly Pierce gave us the masterpiece Boys Don't Cry, and the fabulous Julianne Moore signed up to play Carrie's psychotic fanatical mother. Chloe Moretz doesn't look anything like Stephen King's Carrie, but then neither did Sissy Spacek, so I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Carrie was supposed to open in March, but the studio has pushed it back to October, which means they're either hoping for Halloween dollars ... or it's a sign of a troubled production.
But while we wait to rain judgment down on the new version of our favorite telekinetic teen, let's take...
Carrie was supposed to open in March, but the studio has pushed it back to October, which means they're either hoping for Halloween dollars ... or it's a sign of a troubled production.
But while we wait to rain judgment down on the new version of our favorite telekinetic teen, let's take...
- 1/22/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
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