Vice Squad (1982)

Released in 1982, Vice Squad initially came into my orbit thanks to a less than flattering review from Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel that peaked my interest. Didn't make the scene while it played theaters, but I immediately grabbed it for a rental when it popped up in my local video store.

Directed by Gary Sherman (Raw Meat, Dead & Buried, Poltergeist III); Vice Squad delivers a dark, slimy, and violent experience for the viewer. The movie offers more than one might expect from similar genre films and reportedly received strong praise from celebrated director Martin Scorsese.

Taking place on the mean streets of downtown Los Angeles, the film centers on Princess (Season Hubley), a street prostitute who is pressured to aid the police in apprehending the psychotic and hyper violent pimp Ramrod (Wings Hauser) after he murders a prostitute named Ginger; this cameo is played by Nina Blackwood. Of course this simple plan is further complicated when Ramrod escapes police custody with murderous revenge on his mind.

 the trailer

the feature

The Van (1977)

Produced by Crown International Pictures, 1977s The Van is a sex comedy focusing on the exploits of recent high school grad Bobby, played by Stuart Goetz who a few years ealier was seen as the nice guy who Marcia blows off for a football player on a 1973 episode of The Brady Bunch.

Bobby lusts for the shapely blonde Sally but her current beau, tattooed tough guy Dugan is not amused by Bobby's interest. Bobby works at a car wash, where his boss (Danny DeVito) also sidelines as a bookmaker. Along the way, Bobby gets into goofy shenanigans, eventually purchases his dream van, and continues to get into R-rated hijinks in his quest for sex.

The van itself is quite a sight. A heavily tricked out and customized 1977 Dodge D300 Tradesman van, extras found inside include a waterbed, mirrored ceiling, an eight-track player, and a toaster; among other items. It also sports a custom paint job, with "Straight Arrow" emblazoned on both sides.

Musician Sammy Johns provides material for the soundtrack, including his 1975 hit single "Chevy Van" even though Bobby's van is a Dodge. Actor Stephen Oliver would return in his role as tough guy/bully Dugan in Crown International Pictures 1978 feature Malibu Beach.

the trailer

the feature

Hot Resort (1985)

A hot mess, 1985s Hot Resort is a cliche filled, snobs-versus-slobs sex comedy that has no business being as entertaining as it is. Produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus during their free wheeling spree of film creation during the 1980s, Hot Resort was directed and co-scripted by John Robins. Mr. Robins has an extensive career in both film and television, but I'm most impressed by his work directing The Benny Hill Show in the 1970s as well as his scripting of the grim 1980 nautical horror film Death Ship.

The story follows four pals from New York City who have hired on for the summer at a tropical beach resort. Of course they're horny, anxious to meet girls, and they also make pals with some of the other workers, initially in response to their new boss and his drill instructor like demeanor. Amongst this cast there are several familiar faces: Bronson Pinchot, Dan Schneider (Better Off Dead..., Head of the Class), and Samm-Art Williams (Blood Simple, A Rage in Harlem). Also on hand is a visibly tired looking Frank Gorshin playing a game show winner vacationing at the resort.

Also of note is the film's musical score, a great deal of which sounds similar to the generic background music from low budget porn being made during this time period.

the feature

The Candy Snatchers (1973)

Released in 1973, The Candy Snatchers is a sleazy movie that follows a crew of three anti-social miscreants who hatch a plan to kidnap a teenage girl on her way home from Catholic school and then make a pile of loot by making her family pay a substantial ransom for her safe return.

The initial scheme goes off well and in short order the girl is grabbed and buried alive in a field, with only a small tube providing her with air. An autistic and mute boy is a witness to the crime but due to his condition cannot communicate this to his parents. Things quickly go south as the kidnappers discover her step father is not the rich dude they assumed he was, in fact he is rooting for her demise since he stands to inherit money in that scenario. The gang fights among themselves as dread and desperation overtake them and eventually lead to a truly nihilistic conclusion.

the trailer

The Big Doll House (1971)

This 1971 women-in-prison genre defining film is another jewel in the crown of skilled director Jack Hill. The Big Doll House was shot in the Philippines and features Sid Haig. This movie is also notable as Pam Grier's first major film role. She also contributed to the soundtrack, performing the song "Long Time Woman." 

the trailer

the feature

Pam Grier "Long Time Woman" 

Street of a Thousand Pleasures (1972)

Directed by William Rotsler

Joysticks (1983)

Prolific exploitation director Greydon Clark (Black Shampoo 1976, Satan's Cheerleaders 1977, Without Warning 1980, Final Justice 1985, among others) took personal inspiration from the sight of young folks waiting to enter a video arcade and in 1983 he directed the video game themed comedy Joysticks. 

the trailer

  

Uploaded by FanOfMovies123

the feature

Uploaded by SECONDbiggestFAN

Sin in the Suburbs (1964)

 

Joe Sarno was a pioneer and prolific purveyour of sexploitation and adult films. Sin in the Suburbs (1964) is an early standout in the genre of "adult" films. It presents a more intelligent and less a "nudie" film than initial appearance might indicate.

The story includes a teenage daughter who discovers her mother is having an affair and a salacious suburban sex club. While the film lavishes on period kitschy furnishings and decor, the sex club scenes bring Eyes Wide Shut to mind. Also notable is the effective editing.



Sin In The Suburbs by crazedigitalmovies