8/11/06

Bad Reputation (2005 USA. Directed by Jim Hemphill. Cast
Angelique Hennessy, Jerad Anderson, Danielle Noble, Mark Kunzman, Kristina Conzen, Dakota Ferreiro, Chris Basler, Jennifer Holloway. Approximately 90 minutes). Michelle (Angelique Hennessy) is a troubled high schooler. Not part of the “in crowd” at school and having a bad home life, she seems to be content just getting through it all with “minimal consequences.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be. One of the school’s most popular guys, Aaron (Jerad Anderson) invites her to a party. Nice guy? Nope. He gives her some “roofies” and calls in his pals for a gang rape. Debbie, Aaron’s girlfriend is so angry/jealous that she does what anyone would do. Break up with that foul loser? Nope, she drags the drugged Michelle outside, ties her to a tree, and then, with lipstick, writes words such as “slut” on her. No one helps Michelle. At home, mom isn’t any better (blaming Michelle) and as for the guidance counselor at school--he ends up putting the moves on Michelle! Her response to all of this is to become the “bad girl” she’s now rumored to be--but with a twist. One by one, she seduces and picks off those who wronged her. Despite what it sounds like, this isn’t an “in your face” revenge barrage such as I Spit On Your Grave--nor is it one gigantic finale ala Carrie. Instead, the tone of Bad Reputation is very somber and drawn out. It’s also not very graphic--using emotion more than shocking visuals. While we’re glad Michelle gets her revenge--we can also see her soul dying along with her victims. There are no winners in Bad Reputation. For a first film, Jim Hemphill’s direction is superb. From the opening scene to its finale, he makes us care about Michelle. The entire cast does a great job, especially Angelique Hennessy in the lead role. This actress has presence and the talent to cover a wide range of emotions. We see her meek and quiet, browbeaten at home, the victim of sexual cruelty at the party, and demented in her attacks. Each time, she’s convincing. Hopefully, producers/directors will take note of Angelique Hennessy and offer her more roles. She deserves a shot.

(Bad Reputation has not been released on DVD, yet. It’s still screening at festivals/conventions.).

Pervert! (2006. USA. Infinite. Directed by: Jonathan Yudis. Cast: Mary Carey, Darrell Sandeen, Sean Andrews, Juliette Clarke, Sally Jean, and Jonathan Yudis. Widescreen. 5.1 or stereo. Extras: Trailer, cast/crew section, and photo gallery). Despite its positive buzz from festivals/advance screenings, I was still a bit apprehensive about seeing Pervert!. As a huge fan of Russ Meyer, I was nervous this would be a silly, throwaway spoof. A few laughs but void of substance. Didn’t have a thing to worry about, as Pervert! is one of the coolest flicks of the year and this is a DVD all fans of Russ Meyer need to purchase. James (Sean Andrews) is planning on spending some quality time with his dad Hezekiah (Darrell Sandeen). The two have a very strained relationship. When he gets to his father’s farm, James is surprised to find out Pop is now living with Cheryl (played by porn star/California Republican governor hopeful Mary Carey). Cheryl ends up banging both father and son (at first Dad doesn’t know). Hezekiah is also busy as a butcher--but where is this meat coming from? Why do people keep disappearing? Yeah, the plot might be relatively simple (just like in any Russ Meyer film) but there are plenty of reasons to champion Pervert!. The creative team of writer/producer Mike Davis and director Jonathan Yudis has paid close attention to settings (rural), camera angles, quick cuts, large natural breasts on actresses who like to jump up and down a lot, patriotism, and humor. Pervert! looks and feels like a Russ Meyer movie. Then, there’s the cast. Mary Carey is inspired casting. I’m sure Russ Meyer would have loved to have featured her in one of his movies. Beaming personality, large, natural chest, a smile to die for, and plenty of enthusiasm. Watching her put butter on corn might be the sexiest thing anyone will see in a movie this year! Truly amazing. I know I’ll never be able to eat an ear of corn again and not think of Mary Carey. One can’t overlook Darrell Sandeen as Hezekiah. If Mary Carey is the prototypical Meyer female, then Sandeen might be the perfect choice for a male actor. Gnarly, nasty, and sex crazed--every time he’s on screen it’s over-the-top fun. Sean Andrews and Juliette Clarke (Patty the nurse) also turn in strong performances. Toss in a joke filled screenplay (maybe not all are funny--but, ya know what, the cornball effect makes them ultimately work), a knockout soundtrack (including VC garage faves Fortune And Maltese), and claymation from Corky Quakenbush (somehow I don’t think Russ Meyer would have used the claymation--but I’m not nitpicking as it’s funny and it succeeds.). As a homage to the late great Russ Meyer, Pervert! is an overwhelming success. On its own, Pervert! is sexy and action packed. Pervert! is the perfect drive-in movie. You need to own this DVD!

Satan’s Schoolgirls (2006. USA. Plausible Denial. Directed by Ted V. Crestview. Written by Terry M. West and Ted V. Crestview. Full Screen. Stereo. Cast: Suzi Lorraine, Scott Glenn, Jane Scarlett, Kerri Taylor, Shannon Moore. Extras: Behind The Scenes footage, photo gallery, deleted introduction, and two bonus short films The Striptease and Bath Water): Summer school is in session at this private school for girls. Located in the peaceful country with only four students, what could possibly happen here? Plenty! The students are sex crazed and deceitful, the lone nun, Sister Helen (played by Suzi Lorraine) has a lust for S&M, and the mild mannered, young Father Thomas (Scott Green) has his share of deviant secrets, too. Simply put, Satan’s Schoolgirls is a no holes barred tribute to exploitation films that freely toss in devil worship, plaid skirts, and intentional humor. It also has more plot twists than one could ever think possible and lots of nudity. Satan’s Schoolgirls is far from a great work of art, but that’s not to say it’s inept. Far from it. Jane Scarlett, who impressed us in Terry M. West’s fantastic Flesh For The Beast, again delivers the goods. Suzi Lorraine seems to relish her portrayal of a nun who’s into spanking. Scott Green is perfectly cast as Father Thomas. Kerri Taylor has both cool, distinctive looks and the talent to expect brighter things lie ahead for her. We should keep tabs on her. Director Ted V. Crestview keeps things focused (not easy for its obvious micro-budget and various storyline changes. The story by Terry M. West and Ted Crestview is actually more ambitious than one would initially think.). I can’t say Satan’s Schoolgirls is essential--but those who pick up titles on Seduction Cinema or want to check out Kerri Taylor--will find it to be both fun and sexy. Plausible Denial has also provided plenty of extras--worth watching the behind the scenes featurette and a couple of shorts, The Striptease (with Tammy Parks) and Bath Water, directed by Matthew D. Reel.

DVDs for review should be sent to Chip Lamey c/o Video Crypt, P.O. Box 54, Stone Harbor, N.J. 08247.