i can summarize this cinematic experience with one word: PAIN. every minute of this movie will make you feel like you crossed the yellow line, and by the end you'll be pleading for it to stop the intestination. despite a brilliant attempt to save the film by the rubber-faced Lincoln Kilpatrick, the acting is worse than atrocious. as far as the plot, words escape me. how exactly is paying to keep people locked up, fed, clothed, and boarded for 31 years less of a burden on society than having a second kid? the overhead that must be involved in running this prison is mind boggling. this is one of many questions you will ask yourself as you ride the roller-coaster of emotions this film provides. others may include: who decided the perfect soldier is a slow, clumsy, awkward animatronic plastic man with no lower jaw? if it is as easy to get to Mexico as driving through a single 15-foot fence that falls over in a stiff breeze, why did they bother to try to go through customs? why did it take until 1993 for humanity to discover that intestination is the most fantastic word ever invented? ultimately, this would have been a far better movie if it had had the benefit of being MST3Ked. As it is, you're better off going with the Mind Wipe.


This is a brilliant, charming film. To the poster wanting "Merci Simca" to become a common well-known phrase- I totally agree. This movie has it all- wit, charm, great acting, clever script, great use of flashbacks, inventive crimes, great car chase thru the 70's streets of Paris- an almost perfect film. This movie is easily the equal of other classic French crime films of the time- it's a shame it is so little known. You may be thrown a bit (as was I) when characters are doing things out of character, not realizing it's a flashback, but that only adds to the experience- I'd rather be confused for a few minutes than have some obvious corny announcement that a flashback is coming, like squiggly dream lines appearing on screen. I had heard nothing of this film and had no expectations, and was blown away. This film was 25 years ahead of its time, it's kind of a forerunner to comedy/crime films such as Pulp Fiction, True Lies, Go, etc., but superior to all those.


Trintignant is brilliant, aided by a terrific supporting cast, as a nihilistic but debonair professional thief. The plot is very clever with many surprising twists and turns, and this is combined with a philosophical spirit that transcends description. The film within a film angle has never been handled with more panache. I just saw it this week after not seeing it since the 70's, and the film stands the test of time marvelously -- still as fresh, funny, and involving as when I saw it originally. I recommend this overlooked jewel very strongly.


Claude Lelouch was at the top of his career when he conceived this immensely satisfying thriller. Not having seen it, we caught with it recently thanks to finding it in DVD format. The only bad aspect of the disc we watched was the poor sound track it had, we had to keep pumping up the volume during the dialogs and lowering it whenever the musical number of the film-within-the-film was shown. As with most of his movies, Mr. Lelouch relied on Francis Lai to create the score. The most amusing scene happens when Simon is being interrogated by the police and the inspector tells Simon about a "man and a woman" and Simon, without missing a beat begins to sing the music from the real "A Man and a Woman", a film by Mr. Lelouch, where the same actor, Jean-Louis Trintignant appeared.

The film will probably confuse some viewers because there is no clear indication that after Simon meets Jeanine and goes to see Martine at the park and his subsequent escape to either Spain, Switzerland, or Genoa, the narrative will go back to tell the real story in flashbacks. Other than that minor incident, "Le Voyou" is a perfect movie about a caper and the people that planned it.

Jean-Louis Trintignant was also at one of his best moments in the French cinema. He is a joy to watch as the slick Simon, who is always a step ahead of everyone else. Danielle Delorme, Christine Lelouch, Charles Gerard, Yves Robert and Charles Denner, do excellent work for the director.

Another interesting fact is that Claude Lelouch did the interesting cinematography in the film. His camera angles, especially when the inspector is interrogating the Galloises after their son has been kidnapped, he shows the couple on both sides of the police, of whom we only see the back of his head. The chase scenes are cleverly done, showing cars speeding through the Parisian streets.

This is a highly recommended film for fans of the genre and Mr. Lelouch.


This is a film that I remember fondly from the 70s. A great caper movie with several twists and turns. Betrayal and counter betrayal and a conclusion that makes you laugh out loud! Usually a serious actor in political or psychological films - Jean Louis T. tries some lighter than air 'hey-presto' and proves that he can do comedy as well. I wish more people would know this film so that the satirical line "Merci, Simca" would be a household word - to diffuse Regis' line "Is that your final answer".

Of the several themes the film explores, none is more relevant than the theme of the popularization of greed. A 'kidnapage' is effectively carried out during a televised game show, whilst the parents are instructed to repeat the sponsors name, hence they repeat "Merci, Simca", the name of the car they hope to win.


Lelouche and Trintignant combine for a deft, lighter touch than their normal weighty collaborations. Full of wry touches, there is never a pause in the mind's contribution and nothing conventional to help you catch your breath. This is the kind of movie that you wish Hollywood could make but it never does, full of layers of complexity and wit, this mini-masterpiece improves with each repeated viewing.


Thanks to other reviewers on IMDb. I picked up this pleasant surprise. The opening musical had me worried a little. But soon the clever plot revealed itself. This movie is witty and funny, several steps above a lot of Hollywood movies in the same genre today. It still looks incredibly fresh today.

The flashback is so seamlessly inserted that I watched the movie again just to find out exactly where it begins. There are moments that make you smile or laugh out loud: the movie-in-movie poking fun at the genre, the mentioning of LeLouch's another film  "un home et une femme", the kidnapping plot, the little details about the characters,etc. LeLouch's direction is fluid and stylish. The naturalistic acting is great and spot-on from the top down. I didn't know that Trintignant could be funny!!! In this movie, he is charismatic, charming, and ruthless all at once and never once goes over the top or shows any movie star self-awareness we usually see today.

This is a fantastic movie that can be watched again and again.


I watched lately this movie and enjoyed a lot. I love old French movies anyway. But this one had kind of nice storyline in it also. It was directed quite well. Picture didn't jump around and kept in line with story. It had even some musical touch and it was nice to hear old French songs. It didn't to become boredom though. It stopped singing fast enough. Movie was filmed around cities in different European countries and scenes were pretty. Also acting work was professional level and much more robust than Hollywood acting. Less sugar coating! I would recommend this movie to any Francophile and also crime movie liker! It is really fun to watch and something different from nowadays.


i LOVE this movie. I couldn't open the comment board so wrote my raptures on the message board. Please read that because i really want people to discover this lovely film. You may read the DVD cover and get an idea of the story. It's a lovely story but like all the great filmmakers say: it's not the story but how you tell it. I saw this movie and immediately watched it again with my assistants. I told them, Hollywood makes some superb films....but they can awe and intimidate you with their sheer mastery of the medium, technique and superior budgets. French cinema on the other hand can truly liberate you. This film has such a delightful casualness and yet is strongly plotted and has superb performances and full of ideas and technique that is decades before Quentin T and co.

And anyone who can get me Claude Lelouch's email id or contact address....i'd be very grateful. Need to send a two word mail or letter. Wow and Thanks. And i recommend Happy New Year to all those who love this picture. Find it, watch it.


I watched this film on DVD and absolutely loved it--nearly as much as other European crime classics such as RAFIFI, BOB LE FLAMBEUR and GRAND SLAM. The acting was amazingly realistic--particularly from Jean-Louis Trintignant in the lead. The direction is generally excellent and the writers showed that they could make an intelligent and well-constructed film that is timeless. And the film just screams quality is nearly every respect.

Despite how much I loved the film, the editing was very odd, in that the scene transitions from the present (1970) to 1965 and this transition is not at all smooth. You figure it all out very quickly but you are left with the distinct impression that you missed something. As I had the DVD, I went back and reviewed this transition where the two male crooks are eating at the home of the lady Jean-Louis Trintignant met at the theater in 1970 (after his prison escape). Suddenly, his old girlfriend is seen driving up to a house in the country and it's "pre-crime"--and long before he goes to prison. It appears to be a mistake and I can't see why the director would have chosen this otherwise.

So one final comment about the film. The movie succeeds in hooking you because the plot is pretty entertaining and complex and I strongly recommend it. Oddly, however, the DVD box says it's a comedy. I wouldn't agree--it's not at all funny, though it has some ironic twists (that you're bound to like) and has a somewhat light mood at times.


On the loose again after escaping from prison, Tritignant, known as "the Swiss" for his precision and his habit of working alone (?) is a suave criminal who avoids capture and carries out a successful kidnapping (in which he does not at all work alone but has three or four accomplices). The film has a bright look and a pleasing sense of watching a smooth, gentlemanly crook at work, though there is never any sense of danger, and comparisons with Tarantino seem very wide of the mark. The action has momentum and charm, but things become a bit confusing due to oddly placed flashbacks. There is a focus on the role of publicity and media involvement in kidnappings, which allows the "crook" to successfully blackmail a bank for a million dollars, and features a gullible couple who give up their small boy because they think they've won a Simca car. We're suckered by ads, Lelouch is saying, and look what it can come to. Charles Denner of Elevator to the Scaffold and Life Inside Out/La vie à l'envers is effective and strange, if not real, as a minor bank official. A typical Lelouch touch is bookending the film with a musical film-within-the-film called "The Crook"/"Le Voyou" and it is all very amusing,stylish, and light. But somehow it leaves you flat, and the main event, the kidnapping, cheats the audience: we aren't told the setup.


I was pleased to find this gem of a film and appreciated its subtle, quirky and "watch"able (no pun intended) take on OCD and how the choices we make affect our lives.

It reminded me of Hal Hartley's films- most notably "Trust" - tho these characters, at least Emily, are not quite so dysfunctional and there seemed to be a slightly more positive vibe (or rather less bleak outlook) to this film than Hartley's. Or maybe they seem similar cuz of the synth music ;) which was perhaps my only major criticism of this film which had good acting, camera-work and editing. Being an indie film shouldn't preclude you from having cohesive musical themes for characters or situations across the movie tho. Some of the music felt out of place. But that's my own personal pet peeve.

Overall the movie certainly struck a chord for me at the parallels between Emily and Nick and their kinds of stealing and internal drives. And despite wanting a romantic ending for them - the way things turned out *felt right* as their motivations and ultimately their integrity were wholly incompatible and Nick deserved his fate. The parallels of Nick being a criminal like her father left had me wondering about the real truth about her father's life and her happy memories of him as it was obvious the OCD came from her mother's side.

There were a few loose ends to this script as the Austin reviewer said but they weren't enough to sway me away from liking it. I also liked Michael Nouri's small role as the amusing & warm psychiatrist- a nice casting touch.

I say watch out for Thomas Trail he's up for a promising career! I will certainly look out for more of his films.


In 1991 in Nicaragua, an American reporter recognizes four soldiers he met in the World War II who have not aged. He realizes that the group is a vampire platoon. The premise of "The Lost Platoon" is very interesting, and there is a good camera work that recalls "Evil Dead". However, the screenplay is silly and direction and the performance of the cast is very weak. The ideology hidden in the plot, defending the intervention of the American government in the Civil War of Nicaragua is also a crap. The cover of the DVD is very attractive and probably is the best of this forgettable flick. My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "Pelotão Vampiro" ("Vampire Platoon")


I had watched this movie years ago and for some reason I taped it. I watched it again recently and wondered why I taped it. I do love vampires but there are guidelines for vampires such as not walking around in daylight. These guys (and girl) do that.

The main good vampire is Jonathan Hancock (I'm thinking Harker) and the villain vampire is Vladimir (I'm thinking Dracula) and they look and talk totally different. Vladimir has his Dracula accent (sort of). Anyway near the end of the movie you find out they are brothers. Brothers!! I didn't know Dracula had a brother!! Wow!! You find that out before Jonathan kills Vladimir. I do like it when Jonathan cries after having to kill his brother. That was touching.

My favorite line in the whole movie is "You don't want to live forever, do you?"


The idea of immortal vampire soldiers is fascinating, and the mystery is quite well-kept for a while ; but once the idea is exposed, there's nothing left. A bit better than Prior's usual fare, this one keeps the militarism and racism ideology rampant in his "works" - it seems normal that American soldiers would feed on poor South Americans.


I have seen this film but it was many years ago, when myself and a friend used to rent videos from the local store and there were certain ones we would rent again and again.

This film (Along with "Trick or Treat" & "Killer Clowns from Outer Space") was one of the few that we could watch umpteen times without getting sick of it.

It may have been the "implied" vampirism, as we were big horror fans, or just that at the time we were into war films ("Platoon", "Jacob's Ladder", "Full Metal Jacket", that sort of thing)

I have been wondering if I could get a copy of it from somewhere. I loved it, and would love to know if it has ever been released on DVD.

Would anyone with information about it being released on DVD please contact me. Thanks.


One day, a guy went to see his brother and said: "Hey'um bro! I just went and seen a motion picture film show called Near Dark." And his brother said: "Well, I jest saw me a movie called Platoon." Then the two brothers began describing their individual flimic experiences at the same time, talking over each other louder and louder until it seemed they were talking about the same film.

Then they wrote it all down on the back of a Piggy Wiggly bag and called it "The Lost Platoon." The Lost Platoon is proof positive that no matter where you go, everyplace looks pretty much the same as everyplace else. In this case, France and Nicaragua both look pretty much like Turkeycrap Alabama.

With great steaming hunks of inane right-wing dialog ripped bleeding from the pages of Soldier of Fortune magazine and salted with ill-remembered scenes ripped off from the poorer Schwartzenegger films, The Lost Platoon inches it's way through 86 minutes of alternating hilarious and tedious footage.

By all indications, the bring-your-own-fatigues invitational shoot was a huge success, judging from the number of obese loser militia types that showed up to be filmed firing off their M-16s with near orgasmic glee. Adding to the film's woody setting is the acting, which at least is semi-obscured by the amateur-nite direction.

But even more offensive to even the most brain-dead movie goer is the film's near incoherent grasp of history. Dates are bobbled. Uniforms glaringly inaccurate. At one point a picture supposedly taken during WW II clearly shows a WW I vintage tank.

Die-hard fans of both vampire flicks and '80 style action should avoid this film with extreme prejudice.


The plot is somewhat typical of a scifi movie, yet could've had potential: in the past, a crazy woman hijacked a ship carrying enough explosive chemicals to destroy a world. She rigged it so that whoever discovered the ship and reactivated it in the future would be stuck on it in a collision course with Earth. Jump ahead: the ship, thought long lost, reappears and a salvage crew goes to save the contents and make a profit. Unfortunately the second half of the team turns out to be terrorist hijackers with no social conscience who slaughter most of the first half, leaving only two survivors to stop the ship from it's final destination. Sounds exciting, right? There's even a wicked plot twist wherein the crazy woman has recorded video footage of herself reciting Shakespeare quotes that you have to complete every few minutes in order to continue accessing the computer system. Even the characters sound good: a tough-talking female salvage pilot; the naive bartender/wannabe space explorer; the pilot's ex boyfriend, a man so drunken with greed that he'd risk an entire planet to try and turn a profit. The effects are fairly good as well. So why then does this movie fail so horribly? Because the dialouge is some of the worst scriptwriting EVER. An example: Bad Guy With Gun Pointed at Door - "Little Pigs, Little Pigs, Let Me In! (BLAM!) Or I'll Huff! (BLAM!) And I'll Puff! (BLAM!)" You get the idea. The incredible talented of Sandra Bernhard and Laura San Giacomo (left with the incredible task of free-associating Shakespeare with a mentally deranged space woman) are wasted in this film that's so bad you might just enjoy it if you're in the mood to mock it while you're watching.


This picture is nowhere near as rancid as "Space Mutiny", which will cause psychological damage without the superb MST3K treatment, but "The Apocalypse" can have effects with apocalyptic results on the human psyche. I was actually able to tolerate the entire movie. It's something I would not want to watch again unless I wanted to give myself an excuse to commit suicide. I even actually own the movie on LaserDisc! But, it's a great deal, considering that it was given to me, or would that be a curse? The acting is just terrible, with parts either overdone, or simply bland. The props is what you'd expect from a low budget production, with stuff that looks like it was assembled with packing materials and done in a warehouse, looking worse than a high school production of "The Technicolor Dreamcoat". The video monitor displays were obviously VHS videotape, since one of the special effect for those displays was just simply visual searching back and forth throughout the scenes, with parts of the video sequences showing dropouts, probably because the tape was being worn out through excessive use during production. The music will make you want to plug your ears in pain as it makes the Macarena sound like a masterpiece. The visual effects? What visual effects? I've seen better visuals on a "Three Stooges" skit. It amazes me how the company that was responsible for the production actually had enough money left over to distribute this garbage, even on LaserDisc of all things. A DVD version is also a waste of material. The videotape version would be best, since you probably will be able to celebrate when the VCR decides to eat it. This is a production where the source material deserves to be locked in a vault and left to rot, fade, and be eaten by fungus and mold. - Reinhart


If you manage to get through the entire film and give it more thought than it warrants, you may find seeds of what could have been a good film scattered throughout.

Sandra Bernhard did a fair job with her leading role, only to be let down by the rest of the cast, the writing, directing, and effects (I suppose the sets were passable). Laura San Giacomo gives possibly the worst performance, completely over the top spouting incoherent snatches of Shakespeare. It appears that her part was filmed later and edited in, as she never interacts with the other actors and the "hacker" uses male pronouns when referring to her and her image.

This seemed as if several amateurs each directed a couple randomly-selected scenes without regard to each other's work, as characters are played very differently in adjoining scenes with no sense of development. The film ends suddenly and poorly, as if someone with an eye to the budget yelled "Cut, print!" the instant that the money ran out.

Perhaps this film itself was a salvage operation, where the shoot terminated prematurely and the studio edited whatever had already been filmed into something they could release upon an unsuspecting public.


A crazed computer genius named Goad (Laura San Giacomo) sets a spaceship named the Agamemnon, loaded to the gills with an highly unstable substance, on a collision course with the Earth! The Agamemnon has been encoded by Goad to start on its preprogrammed destination once it is revived by a salvage team. J.T. Wayne (Sandra Bernhard) is the Captain of the Salbor, the salvage ship that undertakes said mission. Things go awry for the Captain however when a portion of her assembled crew lead by her former lover, a cutthroat type named Vendler, double-crosses her and looks to gain the valuable Solarium aboard the ship for himself. However he didn't count on Goad's reprogramming of the ship's systems. Yet even in the face of defeat, Vendler refuses to give up his hold on the ship or listen to reason or logic. Now as the clock ticks down to a collision with the Earth, Wayne and her new crewman, a former bartender named Lennon (Cameron Dye), must try and find a means of stopping the Agamemnon or millions on Earth will die!

Well I have to admit this is competently made. They keep the action moving nicely along and the visuals often prove distracting and interesting. The whole concept with Goad shows some level of originality and I enjoyed Laura San Giacomo's performance as a crazed computer programming genius who has a God complex and an obsession with quoting Shakespeare. Where this falters is when our story changes its focus to J.T. Wayne, played by an horrifically miscast Sandra Bernhard who constantly uses the catchphrase "And Don't You Forget It!" and basically goes all out to put off any male in the movie, including the man who is supposed to be her love interest. The failed attempts at humor in the film are far more likely to make viewers shake their heads in disbelief than cause them to laugh. In fact, this film frequently has this effect on any viewer who can manage to sit through the whole thing. To me, it is this element of "I just cannot believe what I am watching" that makes this so bad it's almost good.


Even though I checked this movie out for free, it was a huge waste of my time. Pathetic acting, terrible special effects, and a plot that goes nowhere are the BEST things about this movie. Don't waste your time.


I just watched this movie on the Sci-fi network. Let's make one thing perfectly clear: there has never, ever been a quality film or television show that has used the phrase `It's on a need-to-know basis'. Once you hear that phrase, and its subsequent follow-up phrase `believe me, I need to know', you can rest assured you're watching something written by someone with absolutely no creativity.

Sandra Bernhard is terribly miscast in this five hundredth derivation of `Alien'. Whining and sneering her way through this movie, she sounds ridiculously unconvincing spouting the technical mumbo-jumbo necessary for science fiction films. She aint no Sigourney Weaver, that's for sure. How someone so marvelous in something like `Roseanne' can be such a bad actor in films like this and `Hudson Hawk' is one of the mysteries of life.

This film has the production values of a high-school play: cheap-looking sets, bad lighting, and clumsy-looking props. The spacesuits look like second-rate rejects from Joe's Army Surplus. When Sandra comes back into the ship after a spacewalk, she flips the visor lid up, and there's no seal around it! The flimsy visor looks like it was made from a clear plastic pie-cover from Safeway. There are no special effects, unless you call an exterior shot of the spaceship a special effect. They couldn't even spring for some fancy flashing lights or decent music; tapping military-style drumbeats punctuate some of the scenes, while someone practicing a bass fiddle provides the rest of the music.

Typical of bad films, during the shootout scenes, many many shots are fired in all directions, but it is only coincidental that anyone gets hit, even at point-blank range. Is it wise to fire a gun onboard a spaceship while you're surrounded by all kinds of machinery that is keeping you alive?

Most of the film consists of close-ups of people standing around talking or arguing while sepia-colored walls float in the background. I'm convinced that the dialogue was written by a thirteen-year-old boy after watching video games for eighteen hours straight: `she belongs to me', `it's stuck in a loop!', `you don't drink martinis!', and so forth. You get the idea.<br /><br />As if that isn't bad enough, a videotaped Laura San Giacomo rocks back and forth spouting Shakespeare. Good thing she had `Just Shoot Me' to fall back on.

The only way to describe the quality of this film is that this is the kind of movie they show on Saturday afternoons when the football game is pre-empted. The television station figures `what the hell, there's no one watching anyway.' It's either that, or an infomercial.


This film could have been interesting, but it wasn't. The thing that seemed most odd about this film was that a few times during the movie, the group started fighting with the guy who was trying to figure out the puzzles and save the ship. I suppose they figured that if he was beat senseless he could solve the problems more efficiently. Anyway, I try to find some reason to see a movie in most of my reviews, so you might consider this movie if you're interested in weird uses of Shakespeare.


It wasn't even GOOD male bashing. There are no words for it. I'd much rather watch LOGAN'S RUN for the 50th time, or PIGS! Maybe kick back, drink some kerosene and have a little smoke. Sandra Bernhard is so harsh, she's long since left off being funny.


The day I watched this movie was the dullest day in my life. I was sick, I was alone at home, the PC was being fixed, and there was ABSOLUTELY nothing else on the TV. Otherwise, there is no way I'm watching this movie. Now, thinking back, I wonder why I watched the whole crap... It's more than just stupid. It is stupidity and beyond. And... Sandra Bernhard appears to be the name, is so ugly, it's unbelievable. And I ask you? Who funded this peace of garbage? Who was dump enough? They didn't even tried... They use motorbike helmets with some plaster on them for the space suits!!! I can go on and on about how much this movie sucks, about the clichés, about the stupid bloopers, but... what's the point? The point is that if you haven't, than you should NEVER watch this film, unless you're a complete and total idiot. It's not even funny in it's stupidity... damn...


I remember early in the year 2000 listening to a local AM Talk Radio Station in Los Angeles (I believe it was Phil Hendrie). The topic of the hour was "What's your favorite TV Show currently on the air?" For the next hour I heard a lot of references to two shows: "Malcolm in the Middle" and this other show, "Popular." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had already seen "Malcolm" and knew it was hilarious. But what about "Popular?"

The commercials made it look like a typical weekly teeny-bop High School show, a la "Saved By The Bell," but in Prime-Time (lest we forget Zach did go to college in the evenings though). The amount of praise I heard for "Popular" made me check it out.

The advertisements were wrong.

What I found in this show was a sleek, hilarious, dramatic, clever, filled to the brim with 80's references show not about kids in High School today (circa 1999-2000), but if kids from my generation were to go to High School today (yes, I went to High School in the 80's).

I think the failure of "Popular" was the advertising I referred to earlier for the show...it was going after kids in high school for ratings. But the show was made for (I feel) an entirely different generation. If only the ones it was made for had watched....it would probably still be on.

This is one of the few programs I have ever seen that managed to balance outright slapstick comedy with serious drama...and it did it so well in my opinion that I seriously mourned the loss of the show when it was canceled.

My favorite Season Two moments -

1) Mary Cherry's (Leslie Grossman) audition for judges, including Jim J. Bullock (way before "American Idol" became a household name). "Rock Me Amadeus, by FALCO!"

2) Nicole Julian's (Tammy Lynn Michaels) "rise" to Class President (one of the most clever and complex episodes ever written for television -- flat-out incredible comedy).

3) Every scene with Michelle Phillips ("Abra-abra-cadabra!!!!").

4) The "Gay" episode about Bobbi Glass (Diane Delano) - it gave me chills and again proved how the writers were almost magically able to juggle comedy and drama every week.

The casting of the show was simply brilliant. Everyone did an incredible job and I am pleased to see several of the cast riding other roads to fame as of 2008 (Christopher Gorham on "Jake 2.0" and then the successful "Ugly Betty").

The only thing I can pray for at this point are either reruns (Lifetime or Oxygen I'm guessing...but maybe Comedy Central?) or, *gasp* -- A DVD Release. Then a lot more people can have a chance to see a show that I firmly believe should have been "Popular."

*EDIT* Both Seasons are on DVD now. There really IS a God!

My personal thanks to the callers of that Los Angeles AM Talk Radio Program who touted the praises of this show. You got it right, and I'm glad I saw of it what I did.


In opposition to the previous reviewer (what the hell were you watching - a rerun of Dawsons' or a home video??)

Anyways, Popular is without a doubt one of THE best teen tv shows to hit screen in the US/UK.

The show has just the right mix of comedy and drama which is reminiscent of Heathers. Even the music used with the show sounds like the same music that was used in Heathers.

Yes, the show spoofs 'teen issues' but, also adds its own unique take on them.

I think you just have to be able to know when to take it seriously and when to laugh - take note previous reviewer! You need a BRAIN.

Anyway - just wish they'd get on with it and put it on DVD. It's the least they could do since they unceremoniously ended the series without a proper resolution (b*****ds!)


Popular is most certainly worth your time and money. This show has intelligent story lines, great characters, and an atmosphere of high quality comedy.

The show is well cast and addicting to say the least. Popular is not your pre-teen comedy that belongs on Disney Channel, but rather is geared for older teen/young adult and older. The theme is mature(sex/drugs), while still being light hearted and funny.

What I love most about Popular, besides the addicting characters, is that each episode has a theme or purpose, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, cheating, STD's, body image, sexual harassment, meaning of Christmas, and of course the underlying theme is the meaning of Popularity and what people will do to be POPULAR!

Although Popular only aired for two seasons, the reason the season two finale was a cliffhanger, was because there was originally going to be a third season, but the show was suddenly canceled, with no time to re-write the ending into a more satisfactory explanation. I was disappointed as well.

I did some research and here is a list of what would have happened in season three....

Brooke breaks every bone in her face after being in the accident. Yet when the bandages are revealed, she's exactly the same - except brunette. (Brooke was hit be Nicole)

Harrison Chooses Brooke-then dates other eligible ladies

Nicole says she was driven to alcohol (and driving drunk) after being sexually abused by Mike McQueen.

Josh's addiction to cockfighting/gambling ruins his relationship with Lily, so he moves in with Harrison.

Mary Cherry is accidentally sent to the pound and put up for adoption. She is claimed just before being put to sleep by Cherry Cherry after her twin B. Ho is gunned down in her "hood".

Cherry Cherry starts teaching at Kennedy High--a little course called Madonna 101. Sugar starts a club for people that are discouraged about their weight to help them out.

Brooke and Nicole become united once again to stop exchange student Unique Jones from ruling the school.

Carmen becomes a nurse after the tragedy that happened to Brooke and becomes Sugar's girlfriend.

Kennedy High is then sold and converted into a nursing home, forcing the students to leave for college early.

Five years later - the 3rd season finale - Mary Cherry buys Melrose Place, where the entire gang live, spoofing that series.

Murphy has also revealed that he and the WB entered into talks about a potential spin-off called "The Cherrys" which would have starred Delta Burke and Leslie Grossman as Cherry Cherry and Mary Cherry. Unlike Popular the show would have been a half hour sit-com and follow the Cherrys as they try to rebuild their lives after losing all the money and wealth.

ABOVE IS COPYIED FROM-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_(TV_series)


Considering that there's a fair number of reviews already, I doubt anyone will read this. I wanted to write a short one for popular anyway and I seriously encourage everyone to watch this show. It somehow managed to combine humor and drama perfectly into one episode. Some of the episodes were honestly laugh out loud, but could also make me cry at the same time. Mary Cherry was hysterical! Popular seems like its filled with stereotypes with the typical cheerleader but really the characters are really well developed that it becomes a lot deeper than that. I loved all the characters and believed in all of them. The only negative thing I have to say is that the last few episodes got a little weird in terms of character motivations but other than that it is a fantastic show.


I watched this show when I was much younger, 10 or maybe 11. I always loved the show and found it really funny, although watching it now (8 years on) I know there's a lot in it I probably didn't get back then. Either way, it taught me a lot about life in a way that made me want to listen. I really believe I'm a better person for watching this show when I was young - that may be a bit deplorable but there you go. I can't believe they took it off the air! I blame that for the corruption of todays youth =P

things the show taught me about: mean people, racism, homophobia, sex, STDs,alcoholism, animal cruelty, transsexuals, homelessness, leukaemia, relationships, prejudice, exorcism, that overweight people have feelings too, working, teen marriage, that sometimes conjoined twins might want to stay attached, about chickens, pregnancy, adoption, substance abuse, blackmail, ulterior motives........and the list goes on

even if it had taught me nothing I'd still have loved this show - maybe even just for Mary cherry =D

it annoyed that there was the 'in group', who were meant to be superficial and uncaring and the 'out group', supposedly the opposite. But the two groups were exactly the same. perhaps this was the point, i don't know.

next, the one character who was supposed to be individual because that's just who she really was was actually just trying to be different because she couldn't be popular or to seek revenge for petty stuff. i always hated her. but couldn't help but be mesmerised because she's beautiful

lastly, a really petty point - by the end everyone gets along. real life isn't like that. unkind people usually stay unkind. it shows kids the truth about so many aspects of real life and then goes and does that.....shocking.

the reasons it didn't get a 10


One of my favorite shows. I started watching Popular and I felt myself being sucked in by the powerful emotions encountered in this show. The acting is believable, but one thing I found about this show is that it is somewhat exaggerated. I don't know how high schools are now, but I still think that some of the themes explored are slightly misleading, and stereotypical. Nevertheless, a good show, capturing the heart of the confusing whirl of emotions in the high school experience, and I would recommend this show to anyone open minded. Mind you, the first time you watch this show, you will be confused, but give it a few episodes, then you will agree with me. It is very different from other shows that I have watched.


I was an avid watcher of the television show Popular since its debut and followed it until the end. It was grossly unappreciated and not given the time on the air it deserved. Not only was it ahead of its time (the antics of Mary Cherry are some of the funniest scenes I have ever seen on television), but it was a true homage to teen life in the late nineties. It tackled every issue on any teen's mind: sex, popularity (or lack thereof), alcoholism, step-siblings, eating disorders, racism, adoption, poverty, pregnancy, cheating, etc. and accomplished it with comedy and heart. AMAZING SHOW. I suggest anyone who comes across the DVD set to purchase it immediately.


Okay this show is better then any I have ever seen. it is unique every character is different, the actors are absolutely AMAZING. I didn't like the last episode it wasn't s proper ending. i think they should continue on and make a third season! I'm DYING to know what happened to Brooke and also who Harrison chose. This show has made me, Laugh, cry, smile, frown. There has never been a show I loved more. My favorite Characters are Sam, Brooke and Marry Cherry. I think Sam is absolutely gorgeous. as is Brooke. Marry Cherry makes me laugh SO HARD! If I got to meet the cast I would faint. their all so amazing. If this show came back it would be the greatest thing ever. So please bring it back. it does have a very very good fan base. Please bring it back, and cure the horrible curiosity that is making many teens and fans of the show, wonder and yearn for answers. thank you.=]

Christina. <3


Well, what can I say about my favorite show? I don't know- I have been reading the reviews, and I've seen fans and anti-fans. Popular was an original show, I gotta admit it... it had everything, from those stupid jokes, to sarcasm laugher, tears and serious problems- that's what made this show unique. Life is not only tears, and it's not only laugher... life is a combination of suffering, pain and also love and happiness. Nothing is black or white; everything is gray- that's what the program used to show. Some people just don't get it; they misunderstand it and take it personally. I wanna see Popular again, but it's up to people I don't even know who they are. KEEP POPULAR ALIVE COZ' POPULAR IS SWEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!


First of all I have to state that popular is a simply amazing show! ALL the characters are hilarious and each has a great story behind them.

When I first started watching popular my first thought was "how great another average teen comedy-drama about popular and unpopular teenagers in a stereotypical high school" which was, I am sure, many other peoples first impression. But as I continued to watch I realized that popular is definitely NOT your typical teen comedy-drama.

Popular is often satirical and sarcastic as well as incredibly heartfelt and dramatic. It does everything in its power to sort of push the boundaries of popularity and prove that nobody is perfect, even blonde beautiful cheerleaders.

I really believe that popular should have made at least another 2 seasons, it certainly had enough potential! There are plenty of TV shows that are not nearly as good as popular and that have made Way more than 2 seasons!! The entire cast is incredible and if more seasons had been made maybe more people would have realized these actors potential and they would have become as famous as they deserve to be. Carly Pope in particular is strikingly beautiful and very talented. Tammy-Lynn Michaels and Leslie Bibb are also amazing and deserve more roles.

Bottom line: watch popular, it will make you laugh, cry and you see yourself in at least one, if not all the characters :)


I love the show too,, And I was really made that they ended it right where they did, because we never get to figure out what happens like if Nicole really ran over Brooke or if she stopped just in time or if Brooke ran out of the way. I hate how they canceled the show right at that point, it drives me nuts thinking about it.I wish they had of even starting filming the 3 series with those actors now, even though most of them are in their thirties and a few of the older actors are dead, but it would still be interesting. And i definitely would watch it. I still do watch it every night, I'm addicted, i cant stop watching that show, i love it too much!


I think that " Popular" is a great show and that you should bring it back!!! I have both seasons and i would buy the 3rd season if there was one. the show is great and i really enjoy watching it. It is a funny and dramatic and love watching it. You should bring it back!!!!!! My favorite characters are Mary Cherry and Sam McPherson. I think George and Sam make a great couple same with Brook and Harrison. The t.v show involves really problems that teenagers deal with every day. The t.v show is very realistic. It is my favorite t.v show and i think it is better than any other t.v show on t.v right now. I think they should continue this show because they left the 2nd season on a cliff hanger and now i am wondering what happened. I think that "popular" should start up again!!!!


Omg! I love the show Popular!! I've probably watched the whole series over 10 times and I still watch t every night! I think I missed a few episodes though, like the 2nd last one. I'm so mad that it ended. I have so many questions. I've read the "3rd season outline" but t doesn't answer anything. I wish they would bring t back! The story was awesome and so were the characters! Even if they started the whole thing over with a bit of the same story and different actors (same characters) I wouldn't really mind, as long as their good! I wish we could make a petition to bring it back 'cause it was the best teen show I've ever seen!


In the midst of a wasteland of "Millionaire" and "Friends", I finally started to watch television again. I record it every week, and I'm over 30. The writing is brilliant and it is THE most talked about show at my office water cooler. Definitely the prince on the frog network. Unfortunately, looks like the WB isn't capable of marketing a show properly or standing by one long enough to build an audience. Just want to say thank you to the forces behind Popular.


This show is so good, it has everything and it is freaking hilarious. It has teen angst, like humor and like everything a show needs, i love it. Brooke rules and Nicole is funny. Everyone is excellent. I love it, I'm addicted and now loads of my friends r addicted too. It is such a good show. I like how the show is stereotypical also, like it's how high school really is. Sugar Daddy and Merry Cherry are way funny in it. Lily is cool, I'm a vegetarian also. Sam does annoy me, because she always makes assumptions, which aren't always right. I used to watch this show ages ago when I was like twelve and now I'm eighteen and watching it again, because it's really good and I adore it.


um do you guys know the entry song?along with the credits?. i really find the songs very good and would to hear the WHOLE song.so does anyone? cause this would be greatly appreciate.!

Thank you.=)

Also this show is like really freaking awesome. i loved it..i watch it every night at 10 pm. this show really represents a lot of lives today,and i find it such an impact on me.

Also on the Other question,is there going to be anymore seasons/newer shows coming out?.i never saw past the show when Harrison made that request Wishing he was never born..because it started from the whole thing again.


This is a visually alive romantic and mysterious ski film that you might want to watch twice to really get all the sub stories and relationship nuance. The film was shot in High Definition and looks like you could step right into it with your skis. I was interested in the eclectic music in the film and discovered after listening to the commentary that the music was composed by Doug Robinson and individual songs were written by the writer/directors as well as the lead actor who played the role of Easy. Easy is portrayed by musician composer Mark Collie and he is "Easy". He is so natural in the role that I am looking forward to seeing him in more films. The story portrays a gathering of a group of skiers who all end up in the same lodge. The lead character Kat, begins to have flashes of an unclear past that seems to come to the foreground as her fog lifts. They are all involved in a sudden event that is life changing for them all. Here is where it is important to view the alternate ending and take a look at a most unusual look into the transition that these characters go through. There is animation in the alternate ending in which the characters piece together all the unanswered questions that they have had and find themselves in a wonderfully colorful mystic place where all their quests are put into perspective. This film viewed in it's fullest with the alternate ending could gain a cult following of people looking to explore the vale of what lies beyond. It's fun, great music, attractive cast.


Dear IMDb-ers, This B-movie, which was originally titled "Peak Experience" and then "Lost Lake", may be a new genre of movies, let's call it 'Promance Movies", because it has elements of porn in it, but its actually very romantic, so abridge that categories of p(orn)romance into 'Promance' as a new film category which the Adams (the married director team of this movie) may have inadvertently invented. Porn is brutal; this new type of film you can have your date watch with you. No XXX stuff here per se,(although it has an incandescent hot tub scene with Ms. Angel Boris, who was the Miss July 1996 Playboy centerfold model, and a great actress, which is worth the price of the DVD alone)but you connect emotionally with the thespians and their spiritual growth or whatever, but everyone complains about the storyline. I got a possible explanation of this peculiar storyline, which is that they all were experiencing a 'paradigm shift' of reality itself, in which the forces of life and death, order and chaos, good and evil, arranged catastrophic events around them, because like the calm eye of a hurricane, it was required that they all survive in a central zone of safety while the whole world shifted around them, apparently because they were all 'prime movers' in the future history of humanity,(this belongs on the SciFi Channel) which the forces of darkness were trying to eliminate, while the forces of good shielded them, noticeably with 'Pre-Javu', the opposite of 'De Javu' where you flash backwards in time, they 'flashed forward' to get a heads up of their immediate future to avoid it subtily. This storyline might have worked better if the film was twice as long, and with some deux ex machina like a talking laptop hotlined to heaven, to make those details apparent, and loaded with a lot of SciFi apocalyptic or doomsday CGI effects, but making the flick twice as long, would have made this movie too long, commercially, for the mainstream audience's attention span, it wouldn't have sold. Maybe they could do that with a new DVD release with the thespians doing things in a 'Blue Screen' room, (they couldn't use the same setting, because apparently this was a story they created, that was wrapped around a brief availability of a mountain skiing lodge, and they may not be able to get the set again, although they could 'MacGyver' a virtual version of the same original sets in the CGI 'Blue Screen' room, to superimpose later) for an alternative or extended ending with more CGI special effects added to make the storyline stronger. That version would do well as an mini-series on the SciFi Channel. Still,overall, I recommend it!


Lost Lake (initially titled Peak Experience) has wide appeal with adventure, awesome scenery and romance involving beautiful young people. The actors are totally suited to their roles, and Angel Boris looks like a young Natalie Wood. The music is contemporary and appropriate for the time, place and mix of characters. The plot is a romantic comedy that is not a formula. The element of reincarnation is thought-provoking for those with open minds and welcome for the believers, and polls show there are lots of believers. The skiing is superb and the humor is light and fast like the skiing. Lost Lake is upbeat, fun and never offensive. Lost Lake is an excellent movie for young adults and adults who are young at heart.


I dug this movie. It looks great, it takes chances, and it surprises you every now and then. The DVD has an alternate ending that is really trippy, too. I found the lead actress, Angel Boris, to be very appealing, beautiful in a racy, modern way. The actor who plays EZ was also excellent. He has a great drawl in his speaking voice, kind of a combination of Willie Nelson, Billy Bob Thorton and Wilford Brimley. There's a song in the soundtrack that he wrote and sings as well--talented guy. I also enjoyed the ski and snowboarding photography, and would have liked to see even more of it. I admire projects like this that don't fall into lockstep with every other predictable romance flicks.


If you like movies that are difficult to predict. This is one of them. Plus it is the only skiing-re-incarnation movie I know of. The ending does not follow logically, but for me it asks the question: What is next? The performances by the actors were fun. There appeared to be on-set tensions that were inscrutable. I felt the whole production was fresh. There are no doubt many who are used to chewing the chewed as far as film drama goes...perhaps they will find this approach confusing. But how does the truly unexpected enter our lives? Should we always expect to see the unexpected in the same old way. THAT would be truly illogical.


Peak Experience brings together some quirky and intriguing characters for a ride of their lives. They are diverse and attractive, and even balanced and likeable. The setting is gorgeous and production values are relatively high. The let down is the bizzare sci-fi twist to the story that really de-rails any hope of a satisfactory resolution to the conflict between the characters. This element to the story is entirely unnecessary and ugly. A real shame as the film would otherwise have real appeal and market-ability.


Immediately banned in many countries after its release, Joe D'Amato's Italian Gore Classic "Antropophagus" of 1980 is a truly disturbing and immensely scary video nasty, and fans of ultra-violent and nasty Horror should not be disappointed. Potential viewers have to be warned, however: You need a strong stomach for this! The uncut version of "Antropophagus" features some of the most graphic and disturbing and goriest acts of violence you will ever see in a movie, and if there was a ranking of the most disturbing gore scenes ever brought to screen, this sick little flick would easily make it in the top 10! I don't want to give the most shocking scenes away, but I assure that anyone about to watch this flick can prepare for extremely horrid gore scenes.

A couple of tourists travel to a Greek island which they find deserted at their arrival. It quickly becomes clear that something evil is haunting the place. Something with an appetite for human flesh...

Whether you like it or not, "Antropophagus" is a movie that you will not forget quickly! In case you don't like gore this is not your type of film, but in case you do, avoid any censored version and watch this extremely scary Cult-sicko uncut. There is simply no point in watching cut versions of Exploitation-King Joe D'Amato's movies, and "Antropophagus" in particular is a movie that is intended to shock, so the uncut version is essential. Apart from its shocking violence, "Antropophagus" maintains a very scary atmosphere, and its cast includes many familiar faces for Italian Horror fans, such as Tisa Farrow and George Eastman (whom Spaghetti Western fans might also know).

In case you are easily offended, avoid this movie! But if you're a fan of Italian Gore films and Exploitation, you should certainly not miss this one! I advise my fellow Horror-fans to get a beer, lean back and start to enjoy the sick imagination of Joe D'Amato... When the movie reaches its climax, you will only be using the edge of your chair!


I finally got to see this gem, my first taste of Joe d'Amato's work. I was struck quickly by two things. One, that the film is quite slow moving, as many have criticised it for. It is probably a tad too slow, which is why I can't give it the highest score, since if it had been say, five to seven minutes faster I wouldn't have had to check my watch a couple times to see how long was left. However despite the slow pace, the film, for me had a vice like unnerving grip at many points, with its flashes of grue, desolate island locale and of course the promise of some legendary gore to come. With Tisa Farrow (Zombie Flesh Eaters) and Zora Kerova (Cannibal Ferox) among the tourists present, somewhat unfortunately on this doom laden place the film is a feast for Italian horror fans, even without George Eastman lurking. Eastman, when he gets to really shine towards the end makes for a truly vicious and maniacal adversary but ingeniously, is slightly more shaded a character than your average murderous terror, giving a whole lot more interest and even an odd sort of sympathy. Sure he's evil, but one gets the sad feeling things could have been better for him. Nothing to complex, but it does go a little beyond generic yar boo hiss the evil monster territory and George Eastman conveys it brilliantly. As to the two real famous bits, well, if the principle sounds really gross to you than the scenes probably will be, though if jaded like me, they'll most likely just make you grin. I can't right now recall if there was nudity, but it doesn't matter, this is less sleaze and more a spooky horror piece. Some will no doubt find this boring, overrated, silly, etc, all the usual criticisms of this sort of thing. Personally, though not quite my top Italian horror outing, I thought this was really rather awesome stuff. At the very least, give it a whirl (uncut only).


I first watched this movie under the title of The Grim Reaper. Most of us fans of the movie probably have as well. Surprisingly, I had never heard about this movie until a few years ago. I remember watching it and think that there was something about this movie that was above most of its competition. Of course, I hadn't seen the uncut version of the film yet so I was just going off of the atmosphere. When I was told what I was missing in the uncut version I had to find it. Obviously, I did. And it wasn't through Shriek Shows new DVD.

A group of people, including Tisa Farrow of Zombi 2 fame, set sail to a secluded island. Upon setting shore, they notice that no one is in site and begin to find dead mummified bodies throughout the town. They don't realize that an extremely impending figure has murdered everyone on the island and they are next.

Sounds simple and it is. George Eastman who plays The Monster even says in an interview that this movie was only made to make money. There was nothing artistic about it. But, nevertheless, the movie is great. Obviously, this movie is not for everyone as some find it boring and over-hyped. I happen to love this film. The sense of impending doom covers this movie from top to bottom. And the 2 particular controversial scenes are great. Sure, the special effects are terrible but it is the thought of what is happening that makes you realize how sick this really is.

I am not a huge fan of D'amato's works but this movie is excellent. For any real collector of horror, this is a must have. By the way, I did end up picking up The Shiek Show release of the movie. It is well worth having. But, if you can find the original American version of the movie I would get it also, under the title of The Grim Reaper. The music selection in certain scenes are different. 10/10


D'Amato's horror film is notorious from its placement on the UK's video nasties list, and certain scenes in it do push the viewer into the outer reaches of stomach churning disgust. The film also has a reputation as one of the worst films on the list, with accusations that it is boring, inconsequential, absurd. It doesn't even seem to be popular amongst D'Amato aficionados. Yet it's a striking work  full of atmospheric tension, horrific visions and the caustic misanthropy about contemporary society which was D'Amato's stock-in-trade.

The film begins in the luxurious setting of a Greek island, where a couple of German tourists  swim-wear clad and equipped with the mod-con accoutrements of the early 1980s  are sunbathing and swimming only to be attacked and murdered by a mysterious figure. This offers a prologue to the main action, in which the same attacker menaces a larger group of Italian tourists who are island hopping and who happen to stop on the killer's island because they've picked up a boat-hiker who is going to be working there as the companion of a blind girl. As usually happens in a stalk-and-slash film, the killer  a giant cannibal played by regular D'Amato collaborator George Eastman (who also scripted)  picks the tourists off one by one and murders by munching into their necks and chomping on their flesh.

The tourists are a typical bunch of middle-class twenty-somethings, concerned with sightseeing, their relationships and grabbing some sun. One of the party happens to have an interest in Tarot cards, and she reads those of one of her companions, a pregnant woman. Unhappily, she sees nothing in the cards, which she takes to suggest that the querent has "no future." This prophecy has an echo of the Sex Pistols' corrosive refrain in their God Save the Queen, a song which predicts the same "No Future" for English consumer society of roughly the same era. And like the Pistols' great anti-Monarchist song, D'Amato's film identifies the cause of no future as coming from those at the top of the social pile. We discover that the cannibal is a scion of a wealthy merchant family, who live in what looks like a typical mercantile, colonial mansion on the Island. This fellow has been involved in a shipwreck, and found himself forced to squabble with his wife in a lifeboat over the body of their son, whose carcass was now the only meat they had. The wife objected, and the man stabbed her in a desperate struggle for survival, after which he seems to have developed a taste for human meat which he satisfies on his murderous spree. But there's something about the scene in the lifeboat which is emblematic of the struggle for survival, the Darwinian survival of the fittest which Capitalism foists on us all. In encountering the cannibal, the tourists are encountering the truth about the system which allows them to afford such luxurious holidays in the first place.

D'Amato emphasises this sense of characters encountering the truth about themselves through their encounter with the cannibal by a series of shots in which they see themselves reflected shortly before seeing him. The German tourist sees himself reflected in the cannibals knife, the first dead Italian confronts a mirror shortly before death and later the boat-hiker has to smash a huge mirror in which she is reflected in order to find her way into his lair and discover his secrets. The cannibal, as in Sondheim's contemporaneous 1980 Broadway musical Sweeney Todd (later filmed by Tim Burton) is a ideal image of a Capitalistic society in which man devours man, a rampage of anthropophagy which ends here with the cannibal literally chewing on his own entrails, a self-devouring monster.

The film's most infamous scene depicts the fate of the pregnant woman, whose unborn baby is ripped from her by the cannibal and the foetus devoured, fresh from the womb. There can be no more visceral an image of a child born into the world of No Future than this, yet those who see it as mere unnecessary nastiness on D'Amato's part might reflect that it has a partial real life analogy in the treatment meted out to Sharon Tate's unborn child in the Manson gang murders as well as a rather more classical forebear in the famous Goya painting of Cronos devouring his child (in D'Amato's film, the father looks on as his child is eaten by the cannibal, but if the mirror analogy holds, he is looking at an image of himself).

Often in D'Amato's films, white Europeans are seen as cursed with a culture which is deadly, cannibalising and exploitative. In setting Anthropophagus on a Greek Island, D'Amato traces that cannibalistic tendency back to its source in the classical civilisation of the Greeks, here stripped of its Romantic, idealized associations and seen as a devouring demon  a Minotaur in its island lair, feasting upon the young who are delivered by ship for sacrifice.


The ideas and atmosphere of this film come from great, universal horror themes: a secluded and creepy Greek island, lost tourists, the tragic-horror story of a man who had to eat his wife and child in order to survive while lost at sea, a scary old mansion ...all wonderful horror (and with a genuinely tragic monster, the backbone of all great horror). The scene in which Tisa Farrow is hanging in the well and George Eastman (the cannibal monster) is reaching out to grab her is masterful suspense, and the scenes of Eastman eating the fetus and his own entrails remain shocking today, 25 years later. I've found myself comparing many different secluded-island horror movies to this one, most recently Stuart Gordon's "Dagon," but also "Shockwaves," both great but neither quite evoking the atmosphere and classic horror that Antropophagus does. The Greek folk music piece early in the film draws me back, whenever I hear it, to the dark side of the seclusion of the little islands in the Aegean Sea (the only other film in which I have heard this song is "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ...needless to say, the use of the song in MBFGW came off as terribly irritating to this gorehound). Though the cuts I have seen of Antropophagus could stand to be cleaned up (and converted into one language throughout the film), these cosmetic problems should not be translated into "slow" and "dull" to modern eyes. This film is spirited and delightful, with all of the suspense and grue of its era packed into 90 minutes. Absolutely essential viewing for the Eurohorror fan.


A group of young adults go to a Greek island, where things go from bad to worse when they find that everyone on the island -- with the exception of a blind girl -- has been killed. Clearly, they didn't see the exploitation film "Island of Death" to learn why Greek islands are bad. What they encounter is a man who is more beast than anything, with an insatiable thirst for human blood and flesh.

This film has floated around under various names -- "Grim Repaer", "Man Eater" and the misspelled "Antropophagus" to name a few -- for quite some time, gaining notoriety for its banned status in England and two scenes which had to be cut when it was finally released (one involving a man eating his own intestines and the other with a baby being ripped from a womb and devoured). The hype is more than enough to get people to see the film, though it's tame by today's standards. (I hate to reference "Island of Death" yet again... but if you want to be shocked, the goat scene in that one easily outdoes anything shown here).

I enjoyed this one. There's something about older horror films, even those with poor film quality, that have a value to them modern films lack. And the cannibal, played by George Eastman, is a disgusting creature in his own right. Even without the publicity or the previously cut scenes (now restored in many versions) Eastman is convincing and works well. (For what it's worth, the blind girl is also pretty cool -- on par with the blind girl in "Castle Freak" -- and I'm very glad they scripted her in to this one.) Decent plot, decent characters, decent blood and gore. Unless you're impatient with older films, this is one that is worth your time and I can see myself seeing it again and again if the opportunity presents itself. Make sure you get an uncut copy. You don't need those extra scenes to enjoy this film, but if you're going to view it, you may as well get the full effect and see what lead to the banning in the first place. You'd be surprised what gets people riled up.


An group of tourists offer to give an American, Julie(Tisa Farrow), a ride to an island village where pals of hers(..a French couple we see killed at the opening of the film)were supposed to be waiting for her. Deciding to remain on the island for a spell, the group find the village without people, providing quite an ominous suspicion that something's amiss. When the sailboat they were riding is sent away mysteriously into the sea adrift, the group ponder why, holing up in the home of Julie's friends, awaiting for the night to fall, hoping that the boat would return to shore. The remaining members of the group do find a person in the village, but she remains elusive warning for them to leave the village. They then find the French couple's blind daughter who is deeply traumatized. But, what none of the visitors plan on is encountering a dangerous, psychopathic cannibal(George Eastman, in hideous make-up, with unhinged eyes..his build works to enhance how scary he looks as he approaches victims)without an ounce of humanity. He seems devoid of anything remotely civilized and there's a reason revealed later involving his son and wife in a raft isolated in the middle of the ocean.

Aristide Massaccesi(Joe D'Amato)and George Eastman craft quite a sickening tale which has given "Antropophagus-The Grim Reaper" an assured following. "Antropophagus" is the very definition of a slow-burner as it idles along showing the tourists walking throughout the village(..modeled after the Greek Islands and looking eerily similar to Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's "Island of the Damned")attempting to find any citizens. I love horror films which show visiting outsiders finding a complete village abandoned like a ghost town as if they just vanished off the face of the Earth, and seeing our cast moving throughout and finding no one certainly worked for me. I think this beautifully sets up just how monstrous the film's predator really is..such a menace that he empties a city of it's people. I think Massaccesi's decision to not show the killer until 50 minutes in will test the patience of many, but I felt that the director was building the dread of his arrival. I mean, we know that someone is on this island somewhere and I felt that Massaccesi wishes to keep him hidden for as long as possible. His impact to the film, when he does arrive, is immediately felt when Eastman's fiend bites a plug of skin from the neck of a victim. He'll also bite a chunk of flesh from a throat later in the film when he pulls a victim's face through the hole of a mansion's ceiling. The most infamous death concerns the removal of a fetus from a pregnant victim's womb(..Massaccesi said it was a rabbit)taking a bite out of it. You also see the aftermath of a cleaver stabbed into a victim's face. Massaccesi even pays homage to Spielberg with an underwater attack at the very beginning reminiscent of Jaws. There's even the eating of intestines that will leave many jaws dropping to the floor in dismay. Massaccesi has shown(..as Buio Omega will prove)that he isn't afraid of making films with disturbing subject matter and scenes with (in)human behavior that shock. I think the film's finest moments occur when Massaccesi shoots the use of candle-light at night through the darkened rooms of the French couple's home with Julie and Bodin's Daniel encountering a frightened innocent hiding from Eastman's monster, and specifically the Roman catacombs where Eastman's lair of eaten bodies is located(..this is very akin to the work of Lucio Fulci with the presence of remains, corpses, skulls, bones & red-eyed rats running about). The film also has a nifty sequence where Julie finds a hidden room where Eastman's sister kept many of his first victims through the breaking of a mirror, in the mansion of a family who worked for the village. Also, cool is a suicide where a woman decides to hang herself, and Julie, at one point, is trapped in a gated graveyard by a jealous Carol(Zora Kerova; who was upset because Daniel preferred Julie over her). A young Serena Grandi has an early role as the pregnant victim, Maggie, who is found by her husband in the catacombs. I think "Antropophagus" is very similar to Fulci's works at the time(..from "Zombie Flesh Eaters" into his more sadistic 80's gore flicks)and just as willing to push buttons, repelling weak-hearted audiences. To those of us who have seen a bunch of these movies, though, the impact isn't as severe, but I find his unflinching ability to shock rather amusing. But, I think it can be sensed, here, that when inspired, Massaccesi can create a sense of atmosphere. With the amazing setting, Marcello Giombini's often haunting music score, and Enrico Biribicchi's lush cinematography, Massaccesi had all the tools to make quite an impression. Unlike many, I didn't have any problem with the pace because my eyes were taking in the location and how it was brought to the screen. And, Eastman is quite an impressive beast.


A perfect example of a "notorious" film that has been canned by many and seen (uncut) by few. As I have been in the latter bracket for years, I thought it was high time I chucked in my two cents worth.

Not only do I like "Antropophagus" very much, I think D'Amato has been unfairly maligned. His "Emmanuelle and the Last Cannibals" (see my review), for example, is classic trash, and never less than enthralling. It zips along and delivers everything the ad art promises. It isn't dull and it's nicely shot, too. His "Beyond The Darkness" (see review) is also righteous exploitation, a shameless look at a deliciously revolting subject.

Which brings me back to "Antropophagus". Often criticized for being boring, badly made and slow, it is none of those. Its island setting is atmospheric, D'Amato creates creeping suspense, and George Eastman, as the flesh eater, is memorably hideous. And the scene involving the removal of a fetus and its ingestion is just want genre fans ordered.

There is a creeping sense of death and decay surrounding this fine horror entry and I, for one, appreciate its stench.


Being a rather jaded horror/exploitation fan, rarely do I find anything that actually shocks me or scares me to the core (although there are some D'Amato films I refuse to ever watch!). I was rather disappointed with his "masterpiece" Buio Omega, so I didn't have high hopes for this one, either. But when I found a copy of Anthropophagus, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I popped it in not expecting to be all too wowed by it, and boy, was I surprised. This is the first movie in a long time that I can honestly say scared the life out of me. Most D'Amato sleaze isn't worth a second thought, but I found myself engulfed by Anthropophagus. Not very often do you find exploitation films that are actually scary, as they're usually just shocking and grotesque. This makes D'Amato's film very unique to me. What I think he did better than most schlock was that he used actual tricks of the scary movie trade, rather than just thinking of the most vomit worthy ideas imaginable (which are still present here). He uses horror techniques such as great cinematography, character development, and perhaps the best part, one hell of a fear inspiring monster.

The horror starts in the opening scene, when two teenagers on a beach are killed in a very gory fashion. We learn more of these two later. It cuts to the main characters, a group of family and friends: Andy, Maggie, Daniel, Arnold, Carol, and a kind stranger, Julie, who they decide to let come along. They're all heading for a small island in the Mediterranean for some vacation time, except for Julie, who's there to meet up with those two killed on the beach. They arrive to a mysteriously deserted town, save one woman who disappears from sight often. As night falls, the group soon fears that something horrible is happening, and they begin to panic when a pregnant Maggie goes missing. They decide to search the house they're staying in when they find Rita, a blind girl who is a friend of Julie's. She says something has killed everyone on the island except her, because she is the only one who can sense when the killer is coming and is able to hide. Later, when Carol finds Julie and Daniel kissing, she runs off and locks Julie in a cemetery, while all but Rita and Daniel go to find her. Unfortunately for those two, Rita senses the killer later that night, and Danny is butchered. The terrified survivors then set out to unravel the mystery, rescue the still missing Maggie, and find the strange disappearing woman. One by one, the victims fall to the Grim Reaper, leaving Julie and Rita alone with the slowly approaching monster. Can they escape?

Anthropophagus manages to be a very effective scary movie without any flash or special effects by going back to the basics. Simple techniques like creaking steps or strange sounds in the basement helps build tension, and the release is some of the scariest jump moments I've ever experienced. The scene where the group is searching the basement is one of the most eerie in the movie, and then, completely unexpectedly, Rita jumps out of casket with a knife in her hand. I literally jumped from my chair. After these scares, it manages to keep the atmosphere, because whatever is stalking them, whatever this monster is trying to kill them is still an unknown to the audience. When he's finally revealed in the bedroom, my stomach dropped out. His appearance is so strange, so grotesque, that it makes him one of the most fear inspiring creatures ever in movies. What makes him scary is that you can see that he's still just a man. He's not some strange sea creature or alien. He's an insane, disfigured, and emotionally tormented human being running rampant (he's actually a very sad character). Instead of having him kill everyone in an insane, bloody onslaught, he chooses his victims carefully, stalks them, and dispatches them in unexpected and disgusting turns of events. Included are some of the most appalling scenes ever thought of, most notably the bite out of the fetus. Displays such as this not only make Anthropophagus a legitimate scare fest, but keeps it as hardcore horror. D'Amato really works his magic with this one.

Of course, nothing's perfect. A big problem with Anthropophagous is long, drawn out scenes of characters slowing walking around the island, either doing nothing or searching for survivors. These scenes are extended within an inch of their lives, and are meant only to pad running time. That's what I found wrong with Buio Omega: too much filler, not enough action. When you get to the last half hour, then the movie flies into gear and knocks you out with a punch, but other than that, there are some notable events here and there, but it's mostly rather dull. Still, just that last half hour makes it one of my favorite thrillers of all-time, and personally, one of the scariest movies ever. Of course, this is unusual, because not only is D'Amato not known for thrillers, but this movie is usually considered simply dull, gross, and an over-the-top video nasty. Too often are movies cast aside simply because of grotesque content, with no other aspects considered. This is never included in lists of actually good movies, so most people are probably going to disagree with my review. I'll say it boldly and proudly; Anthropophagus is one hell of a horror movie, and is one of the scariest movies ever made.


This is the only Joe D'Amato film I have seen without it's trademark explicit sexual content,but this does not mean it is not as extreme as,let say,"Emanuelle in America".A group of tourists arrive on a Greek island,without knowing it is inhabited by a demented,cannibalistic killer.The movie contain some graphic and very disturbing murders,especially in the last minutes,when the maniac eats a fetus and then devours himself.Add a good dose of suspense,great make-up for George Eastman and ,surprisingly,a very sad story behind his character.So,if you want to see a truly horror classic I recommend "Anthropophagus",even for those with a weak stomach.


Much is written about The Grim Reaper. Immediately banned in a lot of countries, been heavily cut, hard to find an uncut version. Well, indeed, it's hard to find an uncut one, mostly they clock in at 88 minutes, my version was the double disc from Schriek Show. Clocking in at 91 minutes, even that it is written on the cover that it's 88 minutes, a mistake. So what can you expect from this much acclaimed flick. A good start, then a slow and a bit boring in between and it's only the last 15 minutes that makes it worth watching. It isn't gory at all, and the blood flows not very often. as said before, only the beginning on the beach is worth watching and of course the two scene's that have been removed from most versions who are in tact on the double disc, it's the removal of the fetus and the eating of his own intestines. It was never frightening and some effects are really poorly done as the head in the bucket and the death of the blind girl, when they zoom in on her you still can see her breath. Anyway, as the forums are saying, a must have if you are collecting video nasties or much spoken flicks. You've been warned.


A group of friends make a new acquaintance in Julie (Tisa Farrow) while vacationing in Greece; as they travel by boat, she convinces them to make a stopover on an island where she's supposed to meet some friends. But when they get there, the local town is deserted, and there are no real clues as to what happened. When night falls, they will start falling victim to the depraved monster responsible.

I'll get some of my minor beefs out of the way so I can get to the good stuff. It drags in some places, although the build-up of suspense that would have been created by director Joe D'Amato is largely diminished by a music score that most of the time is just plain bad.

That said, this movie doesn't make a tired old plot seem fresh and new, but what it does do is create a real sense of mystery and foreboding. The deserted island truly does look intimidating. The exotic locale is most welcome; the scenery and location work are impressive and it's all very well photographed by Enrico Biribicchi. Characters are reasonably likable; however, it's George Eastman, definitely very creepy here, that comes off the best as the hulking killer.

What really makes this movie are the outrageous scenes - one in particular is very memorable - taking place near the end, which I dare not spoil for those yet to see this. Gore fans are bound to get a real kick out of these.

This foray into horror for the late prolific sleaze director D'Amato is overall a worthy viewing for die-hard fans of the genre. Suffice it to say, it definitely has its moments.

7/10


Creepy and unsettling Italian slasher that without being pretentious pays homage to American slashers and at the same time capitalized the success of the American style back in the early 80's.

The Uncut version has raised controversy mainly because of two gruesome sequences including the cannibal eating a woman's fetus and the later being his demise when he tries to eat his own guts after being slaughtered. Two magnificent scenes for lovers of gore.

Still, the movie is not all about blood, gore, or brutal death sequences. "Antropophagus" is a suspenseful movie that creates a creepy atmosphere based on an eerie Greek ghost town, an easy to follow but interesting plot, and believable performances (specially by Tisa Farrow and George Eastman).

The score is also perfect and creates the other half of the movie's atmosphere and dark vibe.

By any means a let down, I'd say it's a worth Italian slasher with excellent gore, perfect creepy atmosphere, and terrific art direction.

A must see for those who enjoy good gore and tension.


Going into Antropophagus aka Man-Eater (man i have a tough time, pronouncing that) I knew a couple things about it. I knew it was a classic of euro horror and I knew that it was supposed to be pretty gory. And I would say both are true. While watching the opening credits I also found out that it was directed by Joe D'Amato, big time sleaze/horror director. After seeing Buio Omega and this one really gets to know his style of directing.

Antrophoghagahasus....Man-Eater is about a few wealthy people taking a vacation and visiting an island. What they don't know is that the island people have all vanished, thanks to one of the coolest villains in horror history. No joke. So obviously they arrive to the island, and bad things start to happen. Simple but fun.

I hear people find this movie dull, and I can totally see where they're coming from. In the beginning especially there were a few instances I caught myself not even paying attention. But these day-dream episodes didn't happen again and I was pretty happy with the following results. The movie (uncut) isn't full of gore, but it has it's fair share, especially the ending which was funny as hell. It's one of those moments where you're telling yourself - He's not gonna...he's not...Awesome! - Actually there are two moments in this film that gage that type of reaction.

If you're into euro horror, you've most likely already checked this out, but if you're just a horror fan looking for something different, this is one flick I would definitely recommend. It has D'Amato directing, pretty girls, cool gore, some nice suspense and a pretty badass villain. 8 outta 10


The hype surrounding this film is just that, hype. It is quite honestly the most boring 'horror' film I've ever seen (and I've seen Oasis of the Zombies!) if you can even call it that. The whole stigma of the film and its controversy was the fetus eating scene which, quite frankly, was not all that spectacular. The version I saw was the recently released 2 disc 'uncut' edition from media blasters/shriek show and I swear that it was still cut. Even so, unless they cut out a huge helping of gore and interesting plot, it would still suck hard. I had been waiting to see this film, uncut, for about 10 years. The anticipation was killing me and when I saw the 2 disc uncut edition for 10 bucks I had to get it. What a waste of 10 dollars that was. Before I discuss the plot let me set the record straight: I LOVE horror films, B-movies and anything that the average person would dub as complete garbage (ie: anything released by Troma). That said, this movie was still the most boring, uneventful piece of trash I've ever witnessed. The plot was so sluggish I wanted to shoot myself (there was plenty of fast forwarding after sitting thru the first 30 minutes), the gore was limited and/or nonexistent, the fetus eating scene looked like it was cut and it was still boring as balls. I know Joe D'Amado is hit or miss, and I've enjoyed a number of his films, but unless you want to see his worst movie ever then stay away from this film. Anthropophagus, more like Anthropo-wheres my f'n $10 back for this crappy movie? End review.


The thing about D'Amato, is he can take the most straight-forward film and make it over-the-top and sleazy...and that's why he's one of my favorite directors. He always goes just a little "too far" and I commend him for that. In ANTHROPOPHAGOUS - ol' Joe is up to his old tricks - but this time, he saves his over-the-top elements til the end for maximum impact, and otherwise weaves a pretty atmospheric (yet admittedly slow-paced) horror film. Not the constant shock-fest of BUIO OMEGA, nor the all-out sleazy exploitation of EROTIC NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD - ANTHROPOPHAGOUS is more of a serious horror film with some "shocking" scenes thrown in for good measure.

This one starts with a group of vacationers who decide to head to a secluded island for some R&R. Turns out the island is nearly uninhabited, and when the vacationers get stranded there - they start to piece together what happened to the original inhabitants of the island. Turns out a cannibalistic weirdo still roams the island, just waiting to pick off anyone who crosses his path. And soon enough, the vacationers will get to meet him face-to-face...

A lot of people down ANTHROPOPHAGOUS for it's slow pace - which I can't really argue - but overall, the film is handled competently. The story is drawn out slowly and the island sets and backdrops are simultaneously beautiful and yet still creepy and atmospheric at the same time. The "bad-guy" is also suitable creepy and bugged-out looking - and the gore scenes at the end make up for the slow pace as the last 20 minutes or so are pretty fast-paced. There are some decent throat-bitings with tons of blood - a decent intestines-eating, and of course, the notorious fetus-eating scene which is the reason that the un-cut version of this film is so sought after. That scene is pretty cool - but is very short and still appears to be cut down. Overall, not my favorite D'Amato film - I'll still stick with BUIO OMEGA or EMANNUELLE IN America - but ANTHROPOPHAGOUS is worth a look too, if you go into it knowing that you'll have to wait a while for the "pay-off"... 8/10


A boatload of tourists go to a deserted island and run afoul of a vicious deranged cannibal (a genuinely creepy performance by the hulking George Eastman). Director/co-writer Joe D'Amato makes inspired use of the remote lush tropical setting, expertly creates and sustains a strong mood of pure flesh-crawling dread, and handles the extremely disgusting gore set pieces with lip-smacking nasty brio. Wile the opening third is laboriously slow and drawn out, the story fortunately picks up steam and really starts cooking when the boat passengers reach the island: The island location projects a profoundly unsettling feeling of isolation and vulnerability, the cannibal's filthy corpse-strewn underground lair is a truly scary place, and, of course, the moments of intense hardcore splatter deliver the disgusting goods (stomach-churning highlights include a meat cleaver to the face, a severed head in a bucket, a couple of torn out jugular veins gushing blood, the infamous fetus eating scene, and the gloriously gruesome climax with the cannibal munching on his own intestines). The cast do a decent job with their roles, with acceptable turns by Tisa Farrow as the appealing Julie, Severio Vallone as nice guy Andy, Serena Grandi as the pregnant Maggie, Margaret Mazzantini as the blind Henriette, Mark Bodin as the amorous Daniel, and Zora Kerova as the jealous and superstitious carol. With his brawny build, hideously malformed face, greasy, stringy hair, heavy breathing, and snaggle teeth, Eastman registers well as a very menacing and frightening bogeyman figure. Enrico Biribicchi's pretty and picturesque cinematography gives the picture an attractive sunny look and makes nifty occasional use of a hand-held camera. Marcello Giombini's wonky synthesizer score does the spine-tingling trick. But it's the movie's fiercely pronounced and unapologetic element of deep-seated sickness which gives the proceedings an extra rough and scuzzy edge; the mean and morbid atmosphere is so powerfully rendered that it's sure to make you squirm. A worthwhile Italian horror splatter item.


I remember seeing this movie in theatres back in the 80s. But I don't remember it being this lame. The Media Blasters/Shriek Show is a heavily edited version. Most infuriating is the fact that the trailers provided on the DVD show some of the gore that has been edited out.

A group of friends decide to take a vacation on a Greek island. But first there's the a long intro kill. A couple goes to the beach. The girl goes swimming and sees a boat, swims to the boat looks in it and sees something that makes her scream. Whatever she sees we don't get to see. Then we see blood appearing in the ocean. The guy is listening to music on the beach and his head will meet an axe.

Back in Greece, our group goes to the posh house at which they stay, but there something wrong. Some ghostly woman appears but hides from them. In the basement they find a hysterical woman covered in blood, who warns them of someone. Finally, in minute 52 (!) we finally meet our flesh eater who spends time in some real underground catacombs associated with some church. There we get to see one of the two decent gore scene in the movie.

Our villain dispatches a couple of our friends but eventually meets meets a cruel and ironic death.

This movie in its rated version is painfully slow, with very little worth seeing. One can't care about any of the characters. One good things is that we get to see why the anthropophagus became an anthropophagus. Presumable there's some connection to the opening scene, but since we don't see that in its entirety, as it is, part of that intro is pointless. The scenery is great, being filmed on beautiful and fascinating locations.

I can't recommend the rated version.


For horror fans, this is one of the original slasher/video nasty films, and therefore carries a little respect, and a little consideration for it's failings.

My copy is the slightly edited "Grim Reaper" as opposed to the original and supposedly un-cut "Antropophagus". It is annoyingly dubbed, whereas I would prefer subtitles were it in a foreign language. Strangely I couldn't quite be sure of this... the blind English girl is definitely speaking English.. but as for the others?? Oh well, I digress! Much of the movie is badly lit... the screen is too dark, and although this could be construed as being spooky or mystifying, I think it's rather unnecessary. Likewise the music is confusingly dramatic, seems to appear in all the wrong places. Maybe this is a technique designed to unsettle the senses, but either way, makes viewing difficult at first.

Basically, a nutball psycho is loose on an island, and some people visit the island. Slash, stab, chew, gore, mess. Surprise, bluff, suspense, inevitability. What more could a slash/horror fan want??

In two words "nostalgic value". I rated a "4" for originality.


This is The Horror, that makes You scream all the time, all the way!

Damatoe's masterpiece has mad a higher level, in the gore-hound horror feast in the early 80's.

The brutal scenes, George Eastman amazing performance, and the unspeakable creepy atmosphere makes this movie an all time horror classic! A must see one!

Love it or hate it, laugh on it, or scream on it, Antropophagus is a timeless and unforgettable movie in the horror area! So many director tried to make a copy one, so many film has built on its style.

Unique and amazing: The Grim Reaper is one of the best horror film, was ever made!


SPOILERS AHEAD ...The late film director, Aristride Massaccesi had more pseudonyms than I can even begin to remember. One of his most famous was `Joe D'Amato', beneath which he produced numerous sexploitation films, mostly starring Laura Gemser (Black Emmannuel) followed by a string of gruesome horrors, the first of which was The Erotic Nights of the Living Dead.

Antropophagous: The Beast remains banned in the UK today as being liable to deprave and corrupt. In all honesty, it is just a gruesome, one-man zombie film. A family are shipwrecked and, in order to survive, the father suggest eating the offspring. Not very pleased with this idea, his wife throws herself onto his fishing knife. He eats them both and by the time the dinghy arrives at a Greek island he has become a cannibalistic maniac, butchering and eating all those who get in his way; definitely worthy of the name, The Beast.

A group of travelers arrive on the island only to find it abandoned. That's one hell of an appetite the Beast has. He chows down on the group until only two remain. He's about to murder one when the other comes along and kills him with a pitchfork. Refusing to die with an empty stomach, the Beast decides to munch upon his spilt intestines before he falls to the ground, dead.

The gore highlights include A) one chap who is so enraptured in his own walkman (check out those headphones) that he fails to notice the Beast creeping up on him until a hatchet is planted in his skull; B) another chap has his throat torn out by the Beast's ferocious bight; C) a severed head turns up in a bucket of sea water; and D) Zora Kerova (Cannibal Ferox & New York Ripper) has her throat sliced. Don't let Antropophagous: The Beast's reputation, plus these gory factors fool you though. In its entirety the film can occasionally be quite tedious. The music, cinematography and script really aren't much to brag about so certain horror fanatics may feel disappointed with the film.

I intentionally left out the infamous baby fetus-eating scene from the aforementioned gore list. Why? Because this is probably the reason the film is banned over here. During this incredible scene the film takes a huge leap down the ladder of taste to a far more disgusting level. I, for one, lost control of my jaw when I initially saw this. It isn't that gory but the idea of such an act, which thankfully was never repeated in another film, still has the potential to disturb.

Worthy of its cult following, if you're into this sort of thing. A lot of people preferred the sequel, Absurd (AKA The Monster Hunter) which more an Italian version of Halloween than a sequel to this standing-by-itself horror movie. Whatever you do, avoid the Madusa release of Absurd cause it's cut to pieces. Go for the uncut Monster Hunter version.


This movie is great. An absolute ten. It could be considered somewhat boring the first part of the movie, but the only time I think of that is when I watch it with friends, and they say "isn't anything going to happen?"...you really should watch b-horror alone or with friends with the same taste. Anyway, the gore scenes in the movie are innovative and well executed. George Eastman is perfect as the beast. The music is awesome too, by the way.


How anyone can say this is better than its sequal "Absurd" goes beyond me. I saw this film (uncut) straight after Absurd and kept wondering when it was actually going to start - there is one initial scene where a guy on a beach gets a meat cleaver through his head (extremely unrealistic effects) and then the next "excuse of gore" is a head in a bucket which is so pathetically unreal I nearly split my sides with laughter !!!! The so called famous fetus eating scene is about the only thing that could atract anyone to watch this film and even that is poorly done. The whole concept behind the idea is definatly sick if you sit there and think about it but the effects really are poor and as for everyone talking about suspense and quality music - oh dear, I don't think you watched the same film as me. There is far too much cheesy greek "plate smashing" music, too many scenes done in the dark - to the extent where you can't actually see half of the film - and just no need to watch it - not even out of curiosity !!!! Trust me, do not waste 90 mins of your life watching this one - it is dire !!!!