So you think you know movies!

I guess I better quantify this little lot…there are films that are bad, films that are so bad that they are good and there are films that don’t care if they are bad and that gives them an edge. For so many reasons I recommend these films; most importantly they show the many different angles of filmmaking that exist, far beyond mainstream Hollywood. I hope that if you get the chance to see them you will enjoy.

The wonderful world of Troma. Some films have huge budgets, some films have small budgets and some films have no budget at all. That’s where Troma comes in. For over 30 years they haven’t let lack of money get in the way of making a film and while these films won’t win Oscars they are some of the most entertaining works to emerge from America. The films include such classics as: "The Toxic Avenger" "Class of Nuke 'Em High" "Tromeo and Juliet" "Bloodsucking Freaks" "Killer Condom: The Rubber That Rubs You Out" "Rabid Grannies".

“Pink Flamingos” John Waters first 'major' film has to be seen to be believed. I remember seeing the famous ending to this film when I was about 8 (watching a program about Divine, who died that year, with my mother) and it inspired my love of film, as I couldn’t quite believe you could get away with showing drag Queens eating real dog shit on film. Having now since seen the whole film a few times, watching it is almost like having to eat dog shit yourself. The basic plot revolves around a family competing to be the filthiest people alive. Chicken sex, a singing sphincter, egg obsessed old women, yes its all here for you to enjoy! This film is about as bizarre as it gets and while the acting is bad, in terms of pure camp kookiness this film is a must see. Other Waters films to look out for: "Hairspray" "Serial Mom" "Cecil B. DeMented".

“Blood Feast” Herschell Gordon Lewis is the twisted genius of low-grade horror films. Made in 1963, this film was by no means subtle and like John Waters you have to love these films for the pure energy and desire to shock that is intrinsic to their appeal. A serial killer is collecting body parts to help perform an ancient Egyptian rite that will raise a Goddess. There’s no acting in this film, just people reciting lines with a straight face. “Two Thousand Maniacs” is also a Herschell Gordon Lewis must see; again a film with rednecks aplenty which I believe is being remade!

“Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” Russ Meyer, the director of this film, has been called both ‘King Leer’ and ‘The Fellini of the sex-industry’ and while I think the Fellini bit is a touch over-the-top I do think that without him (and everyone else on my list for that matter) cinema would be a much duller affair. Made on the tail end of the swinging sixties “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” was actually co-written with Roger Ebert, the respected American Film Critic. A girl group heads to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune, but instead find the seedy underbelly filled with sex and drugs. While it seems quite tame today, this film was risqué for its time. That aside for me this film has some bizarre plot twist and some of the best dialogue ever; “This is my happening and it freaks me out!” “You will drink the black sperm of my vengeance”. Other Meyer must sees: "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" "Supervixens".

These are just the tip of the Iceberg so I consider this page a 'work in progress'.