In the radioactive, post-apocalyptic future (remember during the 1980s the Cold War between the USA and Russia was still going, thus a lot of films showcased the American public's fear of nuclear annihilation) Sam Hell (Piper) is one of the last fertile men on the face of the planet. However he is seized by the female military organization called Mech Tech, who plan to use Sam for their ultimate mission: to rescue-and impregnate-a group of fertile virgins who are being held captive by the evil amphibian ruler of Frogtown. Accompanying Sam on this deadly mission are team leader Spangle (Bergman) and Centinella (Cec Verrell) but unbeknownst to our heroes they are being followed by a mysterious being known as Count Sodom (William Smith), who plans on sabotaging their rescue mission and settling an old score with Sam Hell.
The screenplay was written Randall Frakes, who Jackson met while at New World Pictures, which legendary director/producer Roger Corman founded in 1970 but then sold in 1983. The film marked the on screen acting debut for Piper, who was more famous for wrestling colorful characters like "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and Mr. T. Jackson did assign an acting coach for Piper, but his wrestling persona just fills up the screen, which makes it so much watching him. So while he doesn't have that many lines, his bad ass persona is felt in the film (one year later Piper becomes a cult movie superstar with the release of John Carpenter's THEY LIVE). Bergman brings intelligence and sexiness to her role as Spangle, along with some very nice lingerie. Yup, things were a lot simpler back in the 80's.
While in high school, Jackson actually wanted to be a comic book artist, but during a football game he was given a movie camera and was asked to film the game. He switched career goals and soon was directed a total of 35 films. His comic book storytelling came in handy when he would draw the storyboards for his films. For FROGTOWN, Jackson's directing is very smooth, precise and really polished. Then in 1995, Jackson was diagnosed with leukemia. His doctor told him he had anywhere from six months to six years to live. He beat the odds and lived for the next eight years, all the while making his films. However he did lose his fight against leukemia and passed away on October 20, 2003.
What makes the Anchor Bay edition so wonderful is that contains an audio commentary with Jackson as well as Frakes. The commentary was recorded in 2001 and is one of the last commentaries he ever did. This DVD also contains the film's original theatrical trailer and film is presented in the widescreen format. In September of 2011, Anchor Bay discontinued several of their horror and cult titles, with HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN being one of them. Image Entertainment scooped up the majority of these titles and has began reissuing them under their "MIDNIGHT MADNESS COLLECTION." However these DVDs are released without any of the Anchor Bay special features and some cases, have been released in full-screen formats. Also, these transfers are also very poor and do not deserve your money. The Anchor Bay editions are now out of print, but they're not that expensive and they're worth your time and money. For this reviewer, it was great to hear Jackson's voice on the audio commentary track, giving some awesome trivia facts about the making of the film, how he got his start, and how he come up with the idea to make the film. Trust me when I say that this is the DVD version to own and cherish.
HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN is a bona fide cult classic! The film was only the second full length feature film Jackson made, and he made it count! The film spawned three sequels, but this is the film that is required for your DVD collection. Just make sure they're no frogs watching it with you.
HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN the Anchor Bay DVD is currently available at the Amazon website. So click here to purchase your copy today. Remember these editions are extremely limited. Once they're gone, they're gone forever!
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!
I must say this sounds rather interesting :) I wish it were available out here. Thank you for the review, sweetie. It sounds like a fun movie!
ReplyDeleteIt is a fun movie babe. But like I said, track down the Anchor Bay version. It was really nice to here Donald Jackson's commentary. The way he told stories, it reminded me of my grandfather. He was so full of life and you can hear it. He may be gone, but I can still hear him on my DVD.
DeleteWe miss out on so many wonderful opportunities out here from movies to concerts etc. I wonder if my secret little horror store can get this in for me...Might ask them tomorrow :)
DeleteYou had me at Rowdy Roddy Piper, under-appreciated B Movie gem if you ask me. My second review for my blog was of They Live and as I mentioned he's nothing but appropriate for these kinds of films. And like you said his presence brings a sort of kick ass aroma to the screen. I shall be renting this, again another great review. :p
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the kind words. Like I said track down the Anchor Bay edition. If there's a cool independent video store by you, chances are they will have it. And have fun watching it! =)
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