Kent Perkins Movies

All the disgusting possibilities presented by the age-old science fiction plot of aliens coming to Earth to seek human mates are explored in rude detail in this direct-to-video sleazefest. The story involves an investigation into a series of bizarre and violent rapes of young women throughout New York City -- all of which turn out to be the work of a rampaging alien who is able to change into human form at will. A police detective and a young doctor join forces to round up clues, which range from the bizarre accounts of the traumatized victims (all virgins, it turns out) to an unknown residue left on the victims' bodies. They eventually stumble on a network of catacombs beneath the streets of Manhattan, through which the zombified victims return to the alien's lair to take a mutual dip in the world's most nauseating Jacuzzi. This cheap, misogynist exploiter features hideous performances from virtually every member of the cast -- as well as loads of naked female flesh, disembowelments, exploding heads and alien goo -- and seems quite proud of its own tackiness. The alien scumbag even has its way with an elderly bag lady! Released as part of Wizard Video's "Too Gory for the Silver Screen" line, which also included such huggable classics as Headless Eyes. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Despite mixed reviews and a disastrous initial release that dumped the film into theaters for a week in the midst of the 1984 Summer Olympics, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eight Dimension went on to become one of the major cult films of the 1980s, developing a rabid following after its release on videotape. Drifting between satire and improbable sci-fi adventure, the film stars Peter Weller as Buckaroo Banzai, the son of an American mother and Japanese father who is a combination physicist, neurosurgeon, martial arts master, secret agent, and rock star who travels with his band of assistants/backing musicians, The Hong Kong Cavaliers. As the story opens, Buckaroo is driving his car through a mountain to test his new invention, the Oscillation Overthruster. However, a race of boorish aliens called the Red Lectroids have been waiting for such an item to become a reality, as they need it to return to the distant planet they call home. One of Buckaroo's arch-enemies, Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow), who has been possessed by the Red Lectroids, attempted to created a similar device decades before; now escaped from an insane asylum, he is back at work with the Lectroids on a plan to control the world. Throw in Rastafarian aliens, unscheduled travel between dimensions, and the odd inexplicable watermelon, and you get a film that defies conventional synopsis. With its fast pace, quotable dialogue ("No matter where you go, there you are"), and barrage of gags (subtle and otherwise), you won't be bored even when you're not sure what's going on. The supporting cast includes Jeff Goldblum as New Jersey, a Cavalier with a snappy cowboy outfit, and Ellen Barkin as Penny Priddy, the twin sister of Buckaroo's late wife. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Director Jackie Kong, who later made the cult favorite Blood Diner (1987), directed this terrible monster movie for exploitation pioneer Bill Osco, who stars under the pseudonym "Rexx Coltrane." The plot concerns a mutant child who has become a monster after being exposed to toxic waste in a small Idaho town. Mortimer (Osco) wants to investigate a series of disappearances, only to have his efforts stymied by the town's mayor (José Ferrer), who is worried about the potential economic impact on the local potato industry. This abysmal horror film was made in 1980 and shelved for three years despite a cast which includes Oscar winners Ferrer and Dorothy Malone, Martin Landau, and Kinky Friedman. Other featured performers are Ruth Buzzi, Murray Langston ("The Unknown Comic"), and Kenny Rogers' wife (at the time), Marianne Gordon. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide

This off-beat comedy offers viewers the rare opportunity to view two movies nearly simultaneously. It is set in a small Texas drive-in and chronicles the fascinating and funny shenanigans of the various patrons. The drive in feature, a send-up of epic disaster films, is also a genuine hoot. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide