Anyone that watches bad movies, knows what THE ASYLUM is, if you don't then you're a poser.
I don't know how many Asylum films I've seen, I'd guess most of them, some are passable, most are a effort to cash in and ride on the shirt tales of some blockbuster. At least the ones of late, now I don't blame anyone for trying to make a buck but some of the recent Asylum releases have made Sci-Fi originals look good, and that's hard to do.
So let's take a look ...
The Asylum on the left, major release on the right.
I am Omega = I am Legend
War of the Worlds = War of the Worlds
100 Million BC = 10,000 BC
30,000 Leagues Under the Sea = 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Journey to the Center of the Earth = Journey to the Center of the Earth
Oh and so many more ... The Asylum has released a few good films and a few unique films, but here in the last couple of years or so they seem to be focusing on cashing in on the hit of the moment more so than before. Riding the shirt tales so to say.
So has The Asylum scrapping the bottom of the barrel? They've always made crap, "Scarecrow" franchise comes to mind, but occasionally they produce something fairly decent like "The King of Ants" but while most of their stuff is crap, some of it was watchable crap, but anymore I haven't seen anything really worth watching from them. The last 4 or 5 I've seen could be classified as torture. So when I pick up a movie that looks cool, look good, looks cheesy and I flip it over and see the words "The Asylum" ... I think "Oh man ... and set it back down." So if anyone form The Asylum reads this, get up off your butt and make something worth watching even if it's bad.
What say you?
The Black Night (About a mysterious slasher),
Steel Man (About an alien robot),
The Amazing Hulk (...),
It's Happening (Some disaster movie),
The Z-Files: Beyond Belief (About random Men in Black guys fighting random aliens),
Franklin (About a guy who becomes a superhero),
hellman (About a demon who goes around killing teens),
Wanted: Dead or Alive (Western with zombies in it),
Homecoming Night (About a slasher who goes around on homecoming night),
Ancient Ruins (About ancient demons or zombies being awakened),
Missing Children: The Village (Conspiracy film about kids kidnapped by the government),
The Intruders (Film about killers... who intrude),
P3 (Same as P2 except on P3 and less suspenseful/well-made),
Untrackable (About a random serial killer who they say is "untrackable" somewhere along the line)...
Hilarious. As you know, however, the universe of cult/exploitation films is chock full of imitations of successful films and franchises. But I go back to it's dependent on the time period in which it was made. You probably won't find too many cult film lovers who wouldn't enjoy watching imitators from the '70s/early '80s (Great White - "Jaws", Starcrash - "Star Wars", Galaxy of Terror - "Alien", the list goes on...), but watching anything from the late '80s, '90s, through to today has absolutely none of that pop culture charm, and is often complained about as wasted time, which I concur with.
Quote from: Film Ranch on July 31, 2008, 11:00:58 AM
Hilarious. As you know, however, the universe of cult/exploitation films is chock full of imitations of successful films and franchises. But I go back to it's dependent on the time period in which it was made. You probably won't find too many cult film lovers who wouldn't enjoy watching imitators from the '70s/early '80s (Great White - "Jaws", Starcrash - "Star Wars", Galaxy of Terror - "Alien", the list goes on...), but watching anything from the late '80s, '90s, through to today has absolutely none of that pop culture charm, and is often complained about as wasted time, which I concur with.
True but many were on the edge of being soft porn or just really bad in a good way of that era. Such as ...
"Please Don't Eat my Mother" - "Little Shop of Horrors" rip.
"Konga", "The Mighty Gorga" and many more were "King Kong" rips
"One Million AC/DC" - "One Million BC" rip
"Kiss Me, Quick" - "Dr Strangelove" and few others rip.
and as you said the list goes on.
But yes these had charm, they had style or the lack thereof. Most of the rips they release today will never achieve the cult status of many of these early films I don't believe. They do not seem to have the same passion behind them ... or maybe it's because the new ones aren't shot on Super 8.
Hollywood has been spoofing and ripping other movies since the first film was released, but Asylum seems to be taking to a new level of crap. As they try to release a copy-cat movie nearly on the same day as the blockbuster. Like I've said nothing wrong with trying to make a buck, but at least try to make something worth watching.
I currently have a 10 Asylum film I haven't watch yet, IMDB rates them all at around 1 out of 10. Granted I take their rating with a grain of salt, or a block as the case may be. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that much pain as to watch all 10 of them anytime soon.
(Why do I have them ... got them for a $1 each at a sidewalk sale. Not even I can pass that up.)
It's tough to find an unwatchable "bad" movie from the '70s/early '80s. Most if not all are a delight to experience (soft-core porn included) from the ones you mentioned to Flesh Gordon and beyond. I'm sure The Asylum's heart is in the right place, but I think a piece of the puzzle is something you had mentioned - the fact that many of these neo-cult features are shot on video without successful attempts to make them look as much as film as possible. I understand it's way more economical to execute the production of a film using video (I'm guilty), however keep in mind that if just one shot looks like video (if you're trying to achieve a film look), you've blown the illusion.
And I think a major part of what fascinates cult movie lovers about the films are the pop culture of the time. The leisure suits and sideburns of the '70s, the hippie-chic of the '60, the greaser look of the '50s, and the punk/New Wave charm of the early '80s. Beyond that, what's there to cling to? Britney Spears? Nirvana? Reality TV? Miley Cyrus? Paris Hilton? RuPaul? Beavis and Butt-head? The Real World? Sorry, guys, that's not the stuff that blends with cult, and until we improve that situation, many filmmakers' attempts to create a perennial cult movie are not going to succeed.
I don't think that it's fair to call Asylum "rip offs". Yes, they deliberately make movies that are "related to" and timed for release with major Hollywood films. But hey, they're independent film makers doing their thing and they figured out a way to stay afloat. They do make some original films but the reality of the biz is that those films are not going to put food on the table if the company doesn't strategically figure out how to get it's label on the shelves of Blockbuster. I've been working in distribution (direct-to-video) for a couple years now and I can't hate on the Asylum. I give them mad props, actually.
EDIT: And the reason I say they aren't "rip offs" is because a rip off is something that steals an idea but claims originality. Asylum doesn't do that. If you don't know that something called "Snakes on a Train" is self-aware of what it's emulating then you're crazy. If they attempted to conceal their "riding of the coat tails" then I'd call them a rip off.
No offense, but that's what I think the whole problem is. From a film maker's standpoint, it's better to turn out remakes and "stay afloat", but from the audience's standpoint, we'd be much better off with film makers expressing their creativity through their work, and if they fail, then somebody else comes along and expresses their creativity through their work, etc. This whole "stay afloat by being 1/2 accountant and 1/2 film maker" only creates a body of mediocrity. Without taking chances, new things are never created and the whole thing just sits and rots. Film making is a creative field, and without that it really loses its reason for existing.
It's exactly the same with music, TV, etc.
Quote from: The Dungeonmaster on July 31, 2008, 11:45:04 PM
EDIT: And the reason I say they aren't "rip offs" is because a rip off is something that steals an idea but claims originality. Asylum doesn't do that. If you don't know that something called "Snakes on a Train" is self-aware of what it's emulating then you're crazy. If they attempted to conceal their "riding of the coat tails" then I'd call them a rip off.
Would you prefer the term, "Cinematic Parasite" or "Theatrical Leech"?
If an idea lacks originally no matter how blatant and knowing it is, it's a rip-off. If a movie attempts to cash in on the popularity of another movie in not so much as a spoof or parody, but as in a attempt emulate it, it's a rip off.
Call it what you want, The Asylum hasn't had a original idea in a long time. I'd prefer to see a original poorly made low budget movie, than a poorly made low budget movie that lacks originally.
It's simple there are at least a dozen people on this forum if not more that could offer Asylum an original script with an original idea for a movie with out trying to pretend to be something it's not.
Audiences are as much at fault as the filmmakers concerning remakes. If they'd vote with their wallet, I think you'd be seeing a lot less of movies like Snakes on a Train, but I don't see that happening. As long as remakes such as Prom Night rake in box office gold - there will continue to be remakes galore. And I'm sure producing remakes makes the studio's marketing department's lives much easier as well.
Ultimately, I agree with CheezeF., remakes are in general (with some exceptions) an easy way out - a shortcut, and not appreciated by real film fans. That being said, there are some remakes I really like; Cat People (1982) is but one.
Quote from: Film Ranch on August 01, 2008, 09:55:30 AM
Audiences are as much at fault as the filmmakers concerning remakes. If they'd vote with their wallet, I think you'd be seeing a lot less of movies like Snakes on a Train, but I don't see that happening. As long as remakes such as Prom Night rake in box office gold - there will continue to be remakes galore. And I'm sure producing remakes makes the studio's marketing department's lives much easier as well.
I'd say audiences are entirely at fault. Filmmakers are just giving the people what the vast majority want: safe entertainment they've already seen before and already know that they like.
Mockbusters! The movies we love to hate because they take bad to new lows. Let's see if I were to take a wild guess at what spoofs/knock-offs could be made of recent Hollywood tragedies I'd probably take a stab at making something like. . .
Sisterhood of the Transmorpher Pants - When a close knit group of gal pals discover a pair of pants that fit them all perfectly they soon discover that there is far more to the tranformative power of these magical pants than meets the eye.
Kung Fu Santa - Santa's been checking his list and he's pi$$ed!
Hellbroth - A preternatural action adventure about a legended magic potion that turns out to be more potent than anyone expected. There's thrills, chills, and lots of skyclad witches!
Hellbroth II: Walpurgis Nacht Boiling - The broth is back! There's more thrills, chills, and skyclad witches and demonesses drenched in blood!
VAMP-E - Animated (?) futuristic "last vampire on Earth" adventure.
Don't Mess with the Yahoo - A comedic horror western that starts with a wet T-shirt contest and ends in a blood bath o' gore and death.
Get Mongol Gold - A hilarous time-tripping adventure that follows an unlikely time agent's attempt to keep history on track.
Get Smog! - This will either be a movie about a group of mid-sized adventurers that take on an angry dragon or a "green movie" about a wooden politician who likes to take credit for stuff other people did while he tries to become President of Earth, or some such nonsense.
Tomb of the Dragon Mummy - An adventuress sets out to unlock the mysteries of the Tomb of the Dragon Mummy but unleashes sinister supernatural forces! Will she defeat them?
The X-League - A strange cross between X-files, the X-men, and Hancock.
Chronicles of Pornia: The Pizza Guy, the Nerd and the Girls Sumo Wrestling Team! - Use your imagination.
Chronicles of Pornia: Princess Sappho - This time with an ALL GIRL cast!
Okay so the last two may have wandered off point a bit but you know you'd watch 'em! :wink:
Quote from: CheezeFlixz on August 01, 2008, 09:19:25 AM
Quote from: The Dungeonmaster on July 31, 2008, 11:45:04 PM
EDIT: And the reason I say they aren't "rip offs" is because a rip off is something that steals an idea but claims originality. Asylum doesn't do that. If you don't know that something called "Snakes on a Train" is self-aware of what it's emulating then you're crazy. If they attempted to conceal their "riding of the coat tails" then I'd call them a rip off.
Would you prefer the term, "Cinematic Parasite" or "Theatrical Leech"?
If an idea lacks originally no matter how blatant and knowing it is, it's a rip-off. If a movie attempts to cash in on the popularity of another movie in not so much as a spoof or parody, but as in a attempt emulate it, it's a rip off.
Call it what you want, The Asylum hasn't had a original idea in a long time. I'd prefer to see a original poorly made low budget movie, than a poorly made low budget movie that lacks originally.
It's simple there are at least a dozen people on this forum if not more that could offer Asylum an original script with an original idea for a movie with out trying to pretend to be something it's not.
The Asylum knows and expects it's audience to know what their movies are. Is Scary Movie a rip off?
@Jack - No offense, but you probably haven't ever tried to get your "original" idea out on retail shelves. I know and understand what struggling film makers go through just trying to get their movie made and out there. I'm one of them myself. But I can't hate companies like The Asylum because they're making money making movies. If their movies weren't absolutely shoving it in your face what they are, then I'd agree with you.
I've seen ideas stolen. I've seen good, talented, hard-working and creative film makers get swallowed by demons who steal their ideas. So no, I can't call The Asylum ripper offers. Their is far worse out there.
And I understand completely the argument that film makers should push their originality and put an end to the mediocre junk that crams the shelves. But that comment is simply from someone who has never really put a movie together. It's not cheap to make a film and it's god damned hard to make that money back. Which makes investors angry. Which makes your first film your last. There is a balance between art and marketability that has to be worked delicately.
Don't get me wrong, I hate that the movie business makes it so impossible for new and creative ways. But The Asylum really is a lesser evil.
Quote from: The Dungeonmaster on August 10, 2008, 06:56:05 PM
Is Scary Movie a rip off?
It's a spoof.
QuoteI've seen ideas stolen. I've seen good, talented, hard-working and creative film makers get swallowed by demons who steal their ideas. So no, I can't call The Asylum ripper offers. Their is far worse out there.
That's why they make lawyers, copyrights and contracts.
QuoteSo no, I can't call The Asylum ripper offers.
Ok they're not a rip-offer, they just make movies that have that same name or nearly the same name and are released at about the same time as the big budget counterpart. It's just a coincidence.
QuoteDon't get me wrong, I hate that the movie business makes it so impossible for new and creative ways. But The Asylum really is a lesser evil.
No one said they were evil, I enjoy their movies. I just wish they would get an original thought. If they can make a cheap, but watchable movie that just happens to look a lot like another movie, then why not make something original? Facts are the reason the name of the movie is so much like the big budget movie, is product placement ... it's marketing at it's lowest common denominator, puts it on the shelve next to the popular movie.
What's the point of this argument? :twirl:his thread was supposed to be super happy fun speculation about what sort of mock buster; say it with me: M-O-C-K B-U-S-T-E-R; the Asylum might release next. Besides ideas can't be copyrighted. And thank goodness for it otherwise NO MOVIES would ever get out of the pre-production stage due to lawsuits.
Now can we please get back to poking fun at the terrible movies we love and/or love to hate?
Let me demonstrate--
Pinetree Express: It's a formulaic "buddy" movie about two inept wannabe cheerleaders who get into trouble, seek help from their friend (a chemistry nerd) and her brother (a lazy stoner), and end up getting sent back through time via cheezy CGI SFX to the middle ages where they have to use their cheerleading skills to rally the troops for. . . William Wallace!
See how easy that was?
The black knight
Wruce Bayne is a millionare, who's alterego is Ratman. He is trying to save Totham city from a menacing klown, from outer space.
Quote from: The Dungeonmaster on August 10, 2008, 06:56:05 PM
@Jack - No offense, but you probably haven't ever tried to get your "original" idea out on retail shelves. I know and understand what struggling film makers go through just trying to get their movie made and out there. I'm one of them myself. But I can't hate companies like The Asylum because they're making money making movies. If their movies weren't absolutely shoving it in your face what they are, then I'd agree with you.
I've seen ideas stolen. I've seen good, talented, hard-working and creative film makers get swallowed by demons who steal their ideas. So no, I can't call The Asylum ripper offers. Their is far worse out there.
And I understand completely the argument that film makers should push their originality and put an end to the mediocre junk that crams the shelves. But that comment is simply from someone who has never really put a movie together. It's not cheap to make a film and it's god damned hard to make that money back. Which makes investors angry. Which makes your first film your last. There is a balance between art and marketability that has to be worked delicately.
Don't get me wrong, I hate that the movie business makes it so impossible for new and creative ways. But The Asylum really is a lesser evil.
Well, considering that the Asylum is the only independent studio that is really embracing this remake thing, how are they the "lesser evil"? The other independents aren't doing it. At least not to such a large degree. Seems to me they're the "greatest evil" in the independent market. I certainly don't consider them evil by the way, I actually have several of their DVD's and enjoy them a lot, though I don't have any of their remakes. I really don't "care" if they make remakes, I'm just not interested in them and certainly not applauding them for it. If they deserve applause for staying afloat with remakes, don't the other independent studios deserve much greater applause for staying afloat with original material? I would certainly think so.
I also don't understand this connection you're making between struggling film makers getting their first big break and the Asylum's remakes. These movies are made by people who have been in the industry for a while, nobody's getting a first big break or anything. They've got some first time actors of course, and some last-time actors, but so do all the small studios in their low budget productions. If they make more money with remakes, that doesn't make any difference to me as a member of the audience. I don't choose which movie to see based on how much money it made or how many people were employed during its filming. I just wandered into the "independent" section because I was looking for something different - remakes? Hollywood puts them out by the hundreds. That's what I was trying to get away from. I thought that's what independent cinema was there to do, provide the film goer with options.
They're a "lesser evil" because they aren't taking great stories and ideas away from people who then never end up getting any credit.
My connection to film makers trying to get their big break has less to do with The Asylum and more to do with how the business works in general. I do think it sucks that more original and bold films don't get the exposure that films "related to" current and hot trends do. But it's just the way it is. And it's not the business men who are making this happen. It's the moviegoers. Everyone on this forum and all of your friends might appreciate, pay for and enjoy new takes in the independent world. But films cost so much to make that their dollars are not enough to make the film break even or repay their investors. But the millions who will watch re-packaged garbage because it stars Angelina Jolie will.
And the good indie films are being made. Many of them do break some ground, get exposure, make money and make the film makers a success. It just doesn't happen very often. So this is why I don't consider The Asylum to be a bad company or think they're just really bad people ripping off others. I know someone personally who wrote the original story for "Monster House" and had it stolen after it was optioned. And that, is the kind of stuff that I consider to be the "greater evil".
Looks like we were ALL wrong. Asylum's next steaming turd is going to be: MERLIN AND THE WAR OF THE DRAGONS (http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=149)
Jack and The Dungeonmaster you may find the following review interesting: http://www.dreadcentral.com/node/25684
Quote from: Kester Pelagius on August 13, 2008, 11:32:07 PM
Looks like we were ALL wrong. Asylum's next steaming turd is going to be: MERLIN AND THE WAR OF THE DRAGONS (http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=149)
Jack and The Dungeonmaster you may find the following review interesting: http://www.dreadcentral.com/node/25684
So they're doing a late Dragon Wars name-steal?
So, what about upcoming movies? Anyone predict the names for those ones?
Orange Lane- Half-assed stoner movie, advertises lots of nudity.
The Watchers- About a secret society bent on taking over the world and one man wanting to stop them.
Tropic Storm- Disaster movie.
Doom Race- About men racing on a remote island for a chance at some kind of insanely high cash reward.
Quote from: Kester Pelagius on August 13, 2008, 11:32:07 PM
Looks like we were ALL wrong. Asylum's next steaming turd is going to be: MERLIN AND THE WAR OF THE DRAGONS (http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=149)
Jack and The Dungeonmaster you may find the following review interesting: http://www.dreadcentral.com/node/25684
I find the Dread Central article to be pretty funny.