Anthropophagus AKA: The Grim Reaper (1980)

[D-Man]

I don't know what it is I love about cheesy horror movies from the late 70's-early 80's "Video Nasty" era...maybe its the laughably bad synth music, or the acting and editing that lends itself to wonderful MST3K-esque commentary.

Actually, it could be the pointlessly gruesome death scenes, which sometimes serve to satisfy the insatiable gorehound I've become over the past few years.  Yes, I love good movies too, but sometimes I just want to see blood and guts fly, so I can go "ooooooooooohh!" in a nasal, high-pitched tone.   

Anyway, lets get to the film.  Wonderfully simple story about a group of tourists trapped on an island, who are attacked by a cannibalistic Greek sailor who was lost at sea for a long time.  There wasn't enough gore to really keep me more than mildly interested, but the scenes this film DOES have are unforgettable.  I won't spoil them here. 

It's not great by any means, but it's still a fun rent around Halloween.  Just be sure to find the uncut version, if you can. 

[Nukie 2]

I heard that was one of Joe D'Amato's few good films which wasn't porn!
Way to go Joe!

[indianasmith]

When I was 17, that movie scared me so badly I walked out of the theater!!!

Saw it last year and wondered what I was so upset about.

[retrorussell]

Yeah, I remember that flick.. pretty worthless.  Any movie starring Tisa Farrow is to be avoided like a smelly homeless guy that just peed himself.

But 2 scenes are definitely gold.  You'll know which specific ones when you see them. 

[Joe the Destroyer]

Meh, a few scenes are worth watching, but on the whole the movie was boring.  George Eastman was pretty good as the killer, though.

[BoyScoutKevin]

I heard that was one of Joe D'Amato's few good films which wasn't porn!
Way to go Joe!

Another one of Joe's better non-porn films is one he made in 1982. It goes under several titles, but the English title is "2020 Texas Gladiators." It's like the "Road Warrior" on steroids, and it's like nothing you've ever seen.

[Psycho Circus]

Does anyone one know which is the actual uncut version of this movie? Like, what distributor/cover is used? There's a recent 2-disc version (Italian I think), that I was planning on buying but I can't seem to find out much info on it.

[claws]

Shriek Show's 2-Disc SE is uncut and looks like that:



However, the English audio track is kind of poor quality but the disc comes with optional English subs.

[Psycho Circus]

Thanks claws! I've found a copy on Ebay. 

[akiratubo]

I thought this movie kinda sucked but, judged on a curve against other Joe D'amato movies, it's bloody brilliant.  George Eastman's startlingly effective performance as the monster makes the entire movie.

[Psycho Circus]

I thought this movie kinda sucked but, judged on a curve against other Joe D'amato movies, it's bloody brilliant.  George Eastman's startlingly effective performance as the monster makes the entire movie.

From all I've seen and all I've read, it seems to be a very slow paced film. But I'm pretty much sold on it thanks to George Eastman. He's looks damn creepy and it seems to at least have decent atmosphere, plus it was a "video nasty". Been waiting a long time to get hold of an uncut copy.

[SPazzo]

I saw it (on a 35mm print) at a midnight movie back in January.  It's not bad; it's just a slower film.  Although it does get genuinely creepy at some points.  I liked it, and if there were a cheaper DVD, I'd buy it.

[The Burgomaster]

Shriek Show's 2-Disc SE is uncut and looks like that:



However, the English audio track is kind of poor quality but the disc comes with optional English subs.

I have this version.