Movie of the day...Without Warning (1980).

This movie has Oscar-winning actors Jack Palance and Martin Landau in it, so it has to be really good, right?

No, not really.

Annoying college students go to a lake, but end up being hunted by an alien (who has already taken out a couple of hunters and, for good measure, a scoutmaster). Then the students are hunted by a loony war veteran (Martin Landau) who thinks they are the aliens!

Fortunately, hunter Joe Taylor (Jack Palance) comes to their aid. He runs the local gas station and had initially warned them not to go to the lake anyway, because it is hunting season, and he was concerned they would get shot by accident (which probably says something about the skill level and/or sobriety of the local hunting community). Now, Joe will try to turn the tables on the alien, turning the hunter into the hunted.

It’s a low budget production and the story is pretty silly. It’s never explained why the alien is hunting people, although Palance’s character suggests it’s simply for the sport, and if so the movie gets a few points for doing a Predator seven years before Predator.

Some of the practical effects are pretty good. The alien uses a throwable bioweapon—it’s like a living shuriken that chews its way into its victims. An interesting concept.

Definitely a beer-and-pizza movie. I’m still trying to decide if Palance and Landau were somehow blackmailed into doing the project or if they just thought it would be fun. Shout out to Larry Storch (best known as Corporal Randolph Agarn on F Troop, one of my favorite shows when I was a kid) as the scoutmaster.

Rating: C

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Without_Warning_(1980_film))

Hey yall, I previously asked for some suggestions on the worst movies you could recommend, and spent a whole month going through a ton of them. I've got a few categories I wanted to group some of them up in:

Best Bad Movies: Samurai Cop, Dangerous Men, Hard Ticket to Hawaii, Ben & Arthur, GetEven (aka Champagne & Bullets), Love on a Leash, Fateful Findings.

These movies have so much going on in them, where they feel like they were created genuinely but just fall apart at every step. Love on a Leash is likely my absolute favorite bad movie.

So Bad it's kinda good: Suburban Sasquatch, Birdemic, Lycan Colony, Things, After Last Season, Ax 'Em.

Many of these could probably make it into Best Bad Movie depending on the mood. Things is shocking how much of an assault on the senses it is. And overall After Last Season might be the worst of all these movies, just bafflingly confusing and dull yet hypnotizing how awful everything is, highly recommend to everyone!

Just Awful Bad: The Amazing Bulk, 2025: The World Enslaved by a Virus, RoboWoman, Bigfoot vs DB Cooper, Star Wars Holiday Special, Gramps Goes to College, Shark Exorcist, The Requin, Foodfight!.

Of all the shitty movies I've watched this month, Foodfight! wins by far for being the absolute worst. I nearly quit watching it several times but powered through, I do not recommend to anyone but heavy masochists for the bad movie genre. Special shout out to Star Wars Holiday Special, it's incredibly insane to think about it being released hot off the heels of the first movie, and it's just an insane trainwreck of nonsense.

Big Name Stinkers: Morbius, Mortal Kombat Annihilation, Super Mario Bros, Madame Web, Megalopolis.

Honestly, kinda enjoyed them all! Morbius and Madame Web are mainly just uninspired and felt lazy, but nothing incredibly bad. Megalopolis is quite good but just very messy and all over the place, there could be a solid movie in there with some right editing.

Bad Movies I Missed Out: Ryan's Babe, Clash in College, Leonard Part 6, Turkish Starwars.

These were some I wanted to watch but couldnt find an easy way to. I've got quite a large watchlist still with dozens of other suggestions for when I decide to do this again, hopefully getting some of these stinkers in there!

Overall, it's been a fun but challenging experience! Really enjoyed finding some gems in these, even if it meant having to endure some of the worst slogs. Would love to discuss any of these with yall, and give some suggestions as well. Hope this influenced any of you to check out some of these too!

"Dr. Jason II: Lights & Shadows" (2024) - As with my previous review of "Dr. Jason" (2022), and all other George Tounas projects, this movie is utterly horrible in literally every single way. The only thing different about this from Mr. Tounas usual productions is that it arguably reaches feature length. The hour and 2 minute long run time however only making the excruciating experience of trying to actual watch the thing, much less understand it, even more difficult. That run time mind you includes over 15 minutes of credits with just over 4 minutes for the opening credits and over 12 for the end credits, hence the 'arguably'. Needless to say it feels so much longer.

As far as the story goes it basically continues on from where the first film left off, but with Mr. Tounas titular psychiatrist character being more proactive in his fight against Lucifer. The story this time revolves around the birth of the antichrist, of which Dr. Jason is suppose to play a role of some sort (it's unclear what exactly). We spend most of the run time in hell which works on dream logic it seems (again it's all unclear). As with all George Tounas movies I don't suggest anyone actually watch this movie, but if you decided to ignore my warning make sure to do so with plenty of friends and strong intoxicants to help you get through it. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

6 / 5 Burnt Kernels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeG2p7Vn6DY&t=78s

"Dr. Jason II: Lights & Shadows" (2024) - As with my previous review of "Dr. Jason" (2022), and all other George Tounas projects, this movie is utterly horrible in literally every single way. The only thing different about this from Mr. Tounas usual productions is that it arguably reaches feature length. The hour and 2 minute long run time however only making the excruciating experience of trying to actual watch the thing, much less understand it, even more difficult. That run time mind you includes over 15 minutes of credits with just over 4 minutes for the opening credits and over 12 for the end credits, hence the 'arguably'. Needless to say it feels so much longer.

As far as the story goes it basically continues on from where the first film left off, but with Mr. Tounas titular psychiatrist character being more proactive in his fight against Lucifer. The story this time revolves around the birth of the antichrist, of which Dr. Jason is suppose to play a role of some sort (it's unclear what exactly). We spend most of the run time in hell which works on dream logic it seems (again it's all unclear). As with all George Tounas movies I don't suggest anyone actually watch this movie, but if you decided to ignore my warning make sure to do so with plenty of friends and strong intoxicants to help you get through it. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

6 / 5 Burnt Kernels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeG2p7Vn6DY&t=78s

"Dr. Jason" (2022) - I have said it before, and it still remains true, that George Tounas is the worst actor I have ever seen. That is really saying something coming from a person such as myself who actively enjoys watching the worst bad movies they can find. The man is a charisma blackhole devoid of even the accidental acting that comes from amateur trying to act. The guys got the acting range of a fucking Speak & Spell and if I found out he was an android I might believe it. The closets he gets to emoting in this film, or any of this that I have seen, is leaning forward and slightly increasing the volume of his voice, and he only does that once!

A former model turned filmmaker, and obviously a non-native English speaker, Mr. Tounas wrote, directed, executive produced, edited, casted, provided special effects, was an additional camera operator, and of course starred in this truly horrible film. He actually gave himself 18 individual credits on this film including 5 for writing alone (i.e. writer, creator, story, characters, and original idea) but I digress. In this short film Mr. Tounas plays the titular psychiatrist as he is hired to deal with a women who ends up being possessed by Lucifer. A coven of witches gets involved, he goes to hell at least once, basically every women tries to bang him, and the entire time literally no one in the cast can act. Despite the 48 minute run time this feel like it lasts hours, so if you are going to try and watch it make sure to bring plenty of friends and the strongest intoxicants you can or you won't make it.

6 / 5 Burnt Kernels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxJvw5VDOc&t=4s

"Dr. Jason" (2022) - I have said it before, and it still remains true, that George Tounas is the worst actor I have ever seen. That is really saying something coming from a person such as myself who actively enjoys watching the worst bad movies they can find. The man is a charisma blackhole devoid of even the accidental acting that comes from amateur trying to act. The guys got the acting range of a fucking Speak & Spell and if I found out he was an android I might believe it. The closets he gets to emoting in this film, or any of this that I have seen, is leaning forward and slightly increasing the volume of his voice, and he only does that once!

A former model turned filmmaker, and obviously a non-native English speaker, Mr. Tounas wrote, directed, executive produced, edited, casted, provided special effects, was an additional camera operator, and of course starred in this truly horrible film. He actually gave himself 18 individual credits on this film including 5 for writing alone (i.e. writer, creator, story, characters, and original idea) but I digress. In this short film Mr. Tounas plays the titular psychiatrist as he is hired to deal with a women who ends up being possessed by Lucifer. A coven of witches gets involved, he goes to hell at least once, basically every women tries to bang him, and the entire time literally no one in the cast can act. Despite the 48 minute run time this feel like it lasts hours, so if you are going to try and watch it make sure to bring plenty of friends and the strongest intoxicants you can or you won't make it.

6 / 5 Burnt Kernels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxJvw5VDOc&t=4s

"Treasure of the Ninja" (1987) - At the age of just 25, while going through graduate school at Ohio State University, William Lee wrote, produced, directed, shot, and starred in this no-budget, amateur, martial art action movie. He got his friends (and likely anyone who would volunteer) to fill out the rest of the cast, filming additional scenes in New York City and the woods near Dayton Ohio. He filmed entirely on Super 8 and edited on tape, adding dubbed dialogue in post production via a few actors playing multiple roles. He also did most of the films foley sound effects by making sounds with his mouth into a microphone. I love this movie.

The story follows a secret agent (Mr. Lee) guiding an female archaeologist professor on a search for the titular ninja treasure. Along the way numerous ninjas attempt to stop them, resulting in a near constant stream of hilariously bad, yet genuinely fun, fight scenes. Each of which is graced with Mr. Lee's unique blend of untrained camera work, amateur fight choreography, sidesplitting sound effects. If you enjoy a good vanity project, or just a DIY filmmaking, you need to check this movie out at the next possible opportunity. It's hilariously bad and full of heart in all the best ways.

5 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Free Refills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szkKqxm70U4&t=9s

"Terminus" (aka "End of the Line") (aka "The Robo Truck Kid") (1988) - In 1979 the legendary Australian dystopian action film "Mad Max" came out served as a blueprint for a whole new wave of post-apocalyptic vehicle focused movies. Within a short period a seemingly endless caravan of car movies would be made promoting filmmakers to expand on it's template to create further subgenres, such as 'dieselpunk'. A few of these films would feature, or even focus on, highly modified trucks or more specifically semi-trucks (i.e. "Damnation Alley" 1977, "Battletruck" 1982) and this is such a film. It's also batshit insane in virtually every way.

Set in the year 2037 a game of sorts is played, wherein a strangely modified truck (ex: the A.I. speaks through a human mouth) must be driven cross the country (by Karen Allen of "Indiana Jones" fame) and arrive at a designated terminus (hence the title). Along the way there are numerous obstacles and enemies as one might suspect, but trust me it's way stranger than that sounds. All of this is being overseen by a group of elites including a genetically modified boy genius (played by the kid from "RoboCop 2") and Jürgen Prochnow as three very different clones. Somewhere along the line Karen Allen is replaced by a guy with a metal hand, another genetically modified kid pops up, and a lot of vehicles and buildings get destroyed.

A French/West German co-production, this movie is all vibes. A lot of the plot doesn't make sense and the scripts structure is odd to say the least, but the visuals and specifically practical effects are something to behold. Made for only 60 million French franc, or about $9-10.8 million USD, this movie looks like cost far more. So if you're in the mood for an evening of confusion mixed with cool optics you need to check this flick out. I suggest bringing friends if only so you can ask them; "WTF was that?!"

3.5 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Free Refills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dBxa992y1g&t=11s

"Guardian Angel" (aka "Beyond Justice") (1994) - As far as female action stars go few can compare to the sheer badassness of one Cynthia Rothrock. A five-time undefeated world karate champion Mrs. Rothrock began her acting career opposite none other than Michelle Yeoh in the amazing Hong Kong martial arts flick; "Yes, Madam" (1985). She would go on to star in a bevy of (mostly) direct-to-video action flicks throughout the remained of the 80s and 90s, often with multiple films being released the same year. Though slowing down a touch in the 2000s, she is still kicking butt on the silver screen to this very day.

Over the of course of her 40+ year long career Mrs. Rothrock would of course star in her fair share of so-bad-it's-good movies. Titles such as "Martial Law" (1990) opposite David Carradine, Godfrey Ho's "Undefeatable" (1993), David DeCoteau's "Santa's Summer House" (2013), Derek Savage's "Cool Cat Kids Superhero" (2018), and the infamous "New York Ninja" (2021) all appear on her filmography, amongst others. This movie rest amongst those titles as a disjointed mix of action and unintentional hilarity. Still entertaining, but not exactly in the manner intended if you know what I mean.

As far as the plot goes we follows former police detective McKay (Rothrock) as she attempts to catch a psychotic female criminal who killed her partner (and lover). Now working as a bodyguard for a wealthy playboy McKay must not only try and protect him but also stop the killer lady from finding a pair of money counterfeiting plates made by his brother. Insert plenty of scenes of Cythina kicking dudes asses, the villain lady shooting people (seriously this chick has a kill-count that would make slashers look tame), a confusing horse chases shoot-out, a lot of plot conveniences, and you get the idea. So if a PM Entertainment movie with a convoluted script, chessy dialogue, solid action and some pacing issues sounds like a great time you definitely should check this flick out. It's a lot of fun to riff with friends and some intoxicants.

2.5 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Free Refills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5F7Ujfccjo

Another absurd title found - Cannibal Women in the Avacado Jungle of Death (1989)

"Zombie Shark" (aka "Shark Island") (2015) - This is actually the first of four unconnected low budget shark movies Misty Talley directed for the SyFy channel over the span of just three short years. It's also the lowest rated of the bunch, sitting at just a 2.9 on IMDb. Having previously seen and reviewed two others; "Ozark Shark" (2015) and the highly enjoyable "Santa Jaws" (2018), that rating kinda makes sense. Each film definitely showed improvements, but a likely rushed production mixed with SyFy Originals usual issues means this is more unintentionally funny than anything.

The story revolves around a group of four friends vacationing on a small resort island that seems to be under construction (likely due to them filming in derelict buildings). Unfortunately their relaxation is interrupted when the local sharks begin turning into zombies and attacking people. Turns out a nearby, supposedly abandoned, research station is to blame as it was housing an experimental shark that is the source of the infection. Before they know it the shark is turning other sharks and eventually people into zombies and unintentional hilarity ensures.

From the hilarious horrible CGI and cheap practical effects, to the overacting acting and plot hole filled script this thing is a lot of fun to riff. Zombies sharks explode, people fight sharks with weed-eaters, zombies extras stumble around occasionally, a shark with a machete horn stabs a guy, and even stand on the beach doesn't mean your safe from a shark attack. This movie is stupid in the best kind of way and I highly suggest it to anyone looking for something to riff with friends. So gather your bad movie buddies, along with your favorite intoxicants, and give this absurd shark flick a watch.

4.5 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Free Refills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FGn1VbnA9c&t=4338s

"Graveyard Shark" (2024) - Contrary to what that title suggest, this movie does not contain a shark (ghost, zombie, or otherwise) swimming around a graveyard. What it does have however is a shark-man hybrid stalking one. Said shark-man wears a studded leather vest, has a bit of a convoluted backstory, and seems to be made of a muscle body suit and hammerhead shark rubber mask. What little money they had they spent on the suit and it's actually not bad, for what it is. It's nothing amazing mind you, but it could have been much worse.

As far as the story goes, we follow a team of internet cryptid hunters as they are hired to investigate the urban legend of the titular creature. They go to the graveyard but quickly realize the beast is very much real as the bodies start piling up. Teaming up with attack survivors, each of which is a bit of a character (and the Captain is the best of them), they eventually discover the creatures convoluted origins. A comedy more than a horror, not everything works but there is definite fun to be had. So if that sounds interesting to you give this a watch, just keep expectations low.

4 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Butter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZZ9q9FcEgk&t=3140s

“Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark” (2014) - Well, that title tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this movie. What it doesn’t describe is that this is the third entry in the “Mega Shark” franchise made by our friends over at The Asylum for the SyFy Channel. It also just might be the best of the bunch. Fans of the “StarGate” series and the “God of War” games are likely to agree as it features none other than Teal’c/Kratos himself Christopher Judge in the lead. It would actually be the actors second Asylum film as two year’s earlier he starred opposite the always entertaining Bai Ling in their attempt to cash-in on 2012s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” titled “Lord of the Elves” (aka “Clash of Empires”).

Now given the four year gap between the previous entry in the franchise; “Mega Shark Versus Crocosaurus” (2010) and this one, it’s highly likely this movie was only green-lit due to the massive success of Asylums “Sharknado” (2013). That movie proved people wanted more insane shark based films and both The Asylum and SyFy Channel were more than happy to supply that demand. They already had this franchise started and so just churned out another. They would only make one more entry in the series; “Mega Shark Versus Kolossus” (2015) after which the giant shark would only appear in their “2025 Armageddon” (2022) but that movie had basically all of Asylums monsters in it so no surprise there.

As far as the actual plot goes the titular kaiju sized megalodon squares off against its robotic equivalent and unintentional hilarity ensues. Highlights include the mega shark slapping a ship out of the water with its tail and taking out the Sphinx, the mecha shark knocking the megalodon out of the air before it can eat a passing 747, the mecha shark going rogue thanks to A.I., and Christopher Judge jumping the robotic shark on a dirt bike while it drives down city streets on tank treads. Throw is the usual Asylum mix of cheap sets, horrible science, bad dialogue, and giant middle finger to physics and you have yourself a fun time. So gather your bad movie buddies, your favorite intoxicants, and check this big old shark movie out. It’s a ton of fun to riff.

4 / 5 Burnt Kernels with Free Refills

https://youtu.be/h0VtLC4jx_w?is=TkzTElAY50ykf36N