Monday 1 February 2016

Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews_B C Butcher

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
01 Feb 2016
Uncle G's FUN Movie Reviews
Spotlight: B C Butcher (2016 Troma Entertainment)

By Gary "Uncle G" Brown
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816


                                    B C Butcher Movie Poster 

Those who read any of my previous FUN motion picture reviews, already know that I luv independent Horror and Science-Fiction B films. Besides that, I'm a fan of comedy, and anything that might stimulate my mind some; anthology shows, documentaries, stand up comedy, music concerts, etc..Now say it's a new movie and I find out it comes compliments of Troma Entertainment. Is now just a matter of time before I view it.

I got turned onto independent film studio Troma Entertainment, whose been is business for 42 years now, sometime in the early 1980's. I am thinking it was cable television, on how I saw my first Troma movie. Back then, I lived in New Jersey. If not cable TV, it could have been via Beta / VHS? I was a married young adult back when Troma released a film that helped carry the franchise to where it is today; The Toxic Avenger (1984). All I'm certain of is I was hooked when I saw that. Been a loyal Troma viewer ever since. Does it make my opinion, bias if reviewing a new Troma film? Not really. One thing about myself is, I'm a truthful individual. Besides, why would I waste time concentrating on negative thoughts, thus writing a bad review, when I can amuse myself much more commenting about things that I honestly LIKE? 


As a youngin' back in the 1960's, and early 1970's, I grew up living in New Jersey, watching television that originated from, New York City. Every one of the six channels our house received, originated from, The Big Apple. That is when late at night, on the weekends, I watched Creature Feature, and Chiller Theater. Witnessed such things as the wrath of a 50 foot woman. I watched 'The Blob', staring Steve McQueen at least a dozen times. Main reason because it kept getting repeated. Worthy of repeat views. A classic independent 1958 B Horror / science fiction film.

Then came cable television. I'm now in my twenties. My guess is I was super wasted (pot_booze) one night, turned on the TV, and stumbled onto Toxie. And then over the years, all it's sequels. 

From there, other Troma films caught my attention; Class of Nuke 'Em High (1986), it's sequels, and now it's remake Return To Nuke 'Em High Vol. 1? It's second part, Return To Nuke 'Em High Vol. 2, is coming out this September I believe. And I can go on and on. Lots of solid entertainment containing much gore, unbelievable stories, and plenty of laughs, either intentional or not. Considered over all, as adult humor. Be that as it may, throw in ample amounts of gratuitous nudity.

Funny, speaking of, I read online long ago, and might have mentioned in a previous story on Troma, that some people believe the name Troma stands for; "Tits Are Our Main Attraction." To this day, that makes me smile. As an observer of Troma movies I can say I believe it to be that when in front of a Troma camera, that females somehow feel the need to be without a vast amount, or all of their clothing.

BE WARNED …NOT in B C Butcher!

Professionally I doubt it's true, and really not even worth asking Lloyd about. Still I might bring it up one day, should we again be in each others company. And I lacking anything else of substantial substance to ask the legendary co-founder of Troma Entertainment; Lloyd Kaufman. When not doing the normal day to day Tromaland activities, Mr. Kaufman can also be credited as an actor, screnewriter, director, and a pleasure to meet in person. I imagine Lloyd and Michael Herz are very proud of the business they created. Troma Entertainment is quite a success story. I dig, and equate to Mad Magazine in the way that their seriously serious, about not being taken that serious. Devotion and dedication being vital ingredients in both Mad Magazine and Troma Entertainment sticking around for as long as they have.

I watched so many Troma movies since the 1980's, that I got it down to an art form to how to prepare myself for such an occasion. When viewing at home, I secure some good food, a fattie, get naked, and I'm all set. Maybe a cold one or two? Beer works, but so does a chilled glass of sangria. Especially if settling in, and not having to drive anymore for the evening. In that case, forgo the glass, and just drink it out of the bottle. Less mess if you think about it. And I did say we're watching a Troma offering, right?

Ready, set, here I was all ready, and not without clothing for it gets chilly in the mountains where I just relocated to. Had my shoes off if I'm remembering correctly. I pressed the play button. Here comes, B C Butcher. An hour later, and I'm thinking what I just saw, was actually pretty good. Be forewarned long time Troma fans. All I can say is expect, the unexpected.

Uncle G discusses … B C Butcher (2016 Troma Entertainment)

I LIKE the poster art for B C Butcher; pretty cavewomen, all outside in the broad daylight, and a menacing male character in the far away background carrying what appears to be yet another stone age female. Upon closer inspection … wait … wait a little more … she's UNCONSCIOUS! Remember, I'm already sold. Got the Troma name on it. Toxie's worth the loyalty.

For the record, I think there is a difference in what theatrical masterpieces Troma makes in house, and what they add to their catalog of kick ass films that they distribute / sell on the side. I'm only being honest, for it's my experience that not all films with the Troma name stamped on it, are what yours truly would call; "10 star films." Hey, all worth investigating if into this type of entertainment. I will say / warn you that you'll see things courtesy of Troma Entertainment that I dare say, you won't anywhere else. Example, how about a prehistoric slasher film? Silly me, that's B C Butcher. A brand new film, directed by a then 17 year old female teenager whose name is; Kansas Bowling. The young lady will be twenty years old this coming August (the 2nd). If that's not wild enough, she also produced, helped conceive the story, and co-wrote the script.

Executive producer of B C Butcher; Lloyd Kaufman. Story goes Miss Bowling meets Lloyd for lunch, so she could get his assistance with her film, and it worked. A check was cut to get the film to the finish line. Thank you Mr. Kaufman!

Because I don't feel a need to rewrite it …

Troma - Press Release Description for; B C Butcher (2016 Troma Enterainment)

"The story begins with an act of dissension by a member of an all female cave-tribe that leads to her sacrifice and mutilation by her fellow tribeswomen. When a beast of mythical lore uncovers the body, he falls in love at first sight and what follows is his homicidal rampage to avenge the death of his corpse-bride. Starring, O.J. trial superstar Kato Kaelin as an ambiguously gay
philandering cave-fop, featuring, Rodeny Bigenheimer, “The Mayor of Sunset Strip” and a performance by Los Angeles rock-n-roll group, "The Ugly Kids", " B.C. Butcher" is a superlative example of a well-crafted story set within the cinematic spirit of Troma tradition. The hit song “Alley-Oop”, adds to the unique retro feelings of the film.

Note: Troma Entertainment Award: Kansas Bowling is the first inductee into, “The Troma Institute for Gifted Youth”

Uncle G comments continue … I can't be any more impressed with Miss Bowling herself, or the film she made.

First off, I luv the type of humor the whole movies centers itself on; camp. Think the Batman TV show from back in the 1960's, or the 1982 shortly lived sitcom; Police Squad. Silly, yet intelligent at the same time. A comedy of many levels. I have been seeing people compare B C Butcher to The Monkees TV series (1966-1968). Back in the day that was always a fun one to watch. I luv'ed the Monkeemobile.

As with anything else with the Troma stamp on it, I expected to just press play, chill, and be entertained. While viewing B C Butcher, I took nothing seriously from the beginning, and just continued that way all throughout. Worked for me, because if you don't shit such as a questionable timeline, plastic bottles, women in makeup, and if you really pay attention, a tiny house / shed can seen seen in the background while characters trade dialogue. Forget what you learned, or have come to believe what is true about early man. Reason being because there are mostly women in this movie.

ATTENTION LONG TIME TROMA FANS

No real cursing, or nudity. I don't wanna say it's a kids movie. Think about it, Kansas Bowling's 'B C Butcher' did win Troma's FIRST EVER prestigious gifted youth award. I didn't know that till afterwards. Still, I appreciated B C Butcher for what it was. A funny yet tragic story of broken friendships, because one after the other tribe members get murdered, and you can't really continue a friendship relationship with a corpse unless, YOU'RE THE BUTCHER!

I am totally amazed by first time filmmaker Kansas Bowling. At age 15, her and a teen friend (Kenzie Givens) coming up with the idea for the film. Apparently nothing stopped Kansas from there. Having to be a jack of all trades, Kansas stayed focused all the way. She raised money. Shot the film at age 17, in the daylight so it is cheaper. Such a clever young woman. Connected with Troma Entertainment / Lloyd Kaufman. Is very fortunate to be able to have family members / friends supporting her. Surrounded herself with other clever people, who all together made this wacky independent B comedy / horror film, that will go on as being said to help launch the career, of not only Kansas, but all those others involved as well. Everyone involved doing an awesome job! Shows in the results. A few honorable mentions if I may...

Kato Kaelin: Gives a rememberable performance. Made the most of his screen time. Leaves a positive impression.

Molly Elizabeth Ring: Played her part (Poppy) well enough that a viewer in very little time, could develop some emotional attachment. That's and she's a very pretty lady. I have always been a sucker for redheads. Am hearing lately being PC is getting old. Figure I'd test the waters. Nothing disrespectful intended. All that aside, Molly comes across as a very good actress, making the unbelievable, believable. Her, and others associated with this production (B C Butcher), should have promising futures in the entertainment business.

Devyn Leah: Again, like Molly, skilled enough so I felt bad (emotion) for her character, being visually impaired. Made it totally believable. Am hoping blind people don't protest the film for not using a real blind actress in the role. Unlikely since they probably could not find the theater. I digress. In B C Butcher, it's a dangerous world out there. But Devyn, it looked like in one scene where you had previously survived a tongue piercing. Way risky in B C Land. After all, anti-bacterial mouth rinse
has not been invented yet. I could be wrong in that observance. Side effects of the fattie perhaps?  

Dwayne Johnson - nice job playing the confused but loveable BUTCHER. Like Kato Kaelin, it was a very memorable performance. 

Leilani Fideler - A memorable performance as well. 
Job well done!! 


               B C Butcher's STARS; Leilani Fideler and Kato Kaelin
                             Photo Credit: William Preston Bowling

Same can be said for everyone else in front of the camera. All actors played their parts very well. Behind the scenes, congrats! You, along with your first time director, Kansas Bowling, created a low budget gem! 

Fun B C Butcher Fact: Was shot on 16mm as a homage to director Tobe Hooper and his slice of horror film history; The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

               Photo: Kansas Bowling behind the camera directing; B C Butcher
                                               Photo Credit: William Preston Bowling

Soundtrack / Score: The Ugly Kids scores, as the Hollywood Argyles doing an excellent performance of Alley Oop. Tip of the hat to Vicky and the Vengents. 


Uncle G Rating

Using the same one to ten star rating system the famous movie website IMDb uses, whereas one star means it's dinosaur shit, up to 10 stars which means you can safely watch / spend your hard earned money on, Uncle G give's Kansas Bowling's directorial debut B C Butcher … 10 stars! In the land of independent comedy / horror B films, if it holds my attention, so I can focus and let what's on the screen entertain me so I can at least temporarily forget about life around me, plus makes me laugh, it did what it was intended to do. From having a cool narrator (Kadeem Hardison), to a righteous score / rock n' roll soundtrack, B C Butcher has everything I need to help unwind after a long day of doing much of nothing. I'm a writer. Those of you who do a 40 … all work and no play makes you dull. Decompress. Make some popcorn, do a bowl, and enjoy the award winning laughs.

Note: For the record Uncle G does not encourage 'getting wasted' for those under the age of 21, in any way, shape, or form. When over 21, unwinding is important … in moderation. I do. Use your smarts and be safe. Dead people can't watch Troma films.


Cool Website Links

Troma Entertainment: www.troma.com  
Official Kansas Bowling Website: http://kansas-bowling.com/

                                       B C Butcher - A film by Kansas Bowling
                                       Official Theatrical Trailer

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