70s Horror’s Uncanny Charm Unleashed

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MOVIE REVIEW
Meatcleaver Massacre
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1976, 2023 101 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Evan Lee, Edward D. Wood Jr.
Writer(s): Keith Burns (original screenplay,) Ray Atherton (original screenplay,) Miklos Gyulai (additional material,) Steve Singer (additional material,) Edward D. Wood Jr. (additional material)
Cast: Christopher Lee, Larry Justin, J. Arthur Craig, James Habif, Robert Clark, Doug Senior, Bob Mead, Alisa Beaton
Where To Watch: available October 23, 2023; pre-order here www.101-films-store.com

RAVING REVIEW: A concoction of horror, revenge, and a dash of unintentional comedy is crafted into a narrative that insists upon its peculiar charm, and the movie serves us a tasty dish of 1970s horror – with all its intricate layers of genuine chills and unintentional chuckles. My initial dive into this abyss of horror was like unearthing a strange artifact from cinematic yesteryears, where the bizarrely compelling and morbidly curious intertwine.

Drenched in the saturated hues and somber tones of 70s horror, MEATCLEAVER MASSACRE bewitches its viewers with a world where vengeance and the occult intertwine with an almost comical absurdity. Embark upon this peculiar journey with Professor Cantrell, whose tragic fate at the hands of his morally-adrift students guides us through an occult-driven narrative portrayed by James Habif. The professor finds himself traversing the dark corridors of his subconscious, harnessing the hostility of the entity, Morac.

One cannot ignore the charm that MEATCLEAVER MASSACRE exudes amidst its explicit violence and perplexing dialogues. It creates a nearly magnetic pull, yanking viewers through sequences of eerie visuals and ghastly appearances, manifesting an unanticipated aesthetic appeal amidst its grotesque imagery.

A storm of subplots explored throughout the movie fills it with eerie visuals and evil acts, creating a strange mix of comic relief and unexpected narrative twists. As we venture into the gloom where morality wanes, and dark intent festers within the students, they unleash a cascade of occult moments, inadvertently nurturing a sinister subtext that veers into the forefront of the primary narrative.

However, Lee’s involvement is disjointed yet mesmerizing, adding a curious, albeit spectrally distant charm, often acting as the bright light among his co-actors. The critically acclaimed Lee becomes less a contributor and more an emblem within this cinematic concoction, indirectly enhancing the gravitas of an otherwise chaotic narrative.

MEATCLEAVER MASSACRE embeds itself within the viewer’s consciousness as an uncanny blend of genuine scares, perplexing narrative choices, and abrupt humoristic dashes. The unexpected divergence between its content, the segments by Lee, and the intermittent enchanting charm of the film elevate it to a cult-like status among ardent horror enthusiasts.

Enveloped by imperfections, MEATCLEAVER MASSACRE cultivates a bizarrely morbid curiosity among its audience. Guiding its spectators through a junction of horror, erratic narratives, and unforeseen humor, it manages to create an experience as bewildering as it is uniquely captivating. This, in a peculiar way, distills a haunting echo through the boundless void of 70s horror, warranting exploration from those daring enough to immerse themselves within its irregular yet mysteriously charming universe.

Special Features:
The Original Cut – THE HOLLYWOOD MEATCLEAVER MASSACRE (77 Minutes)
The Theatrical Cut – Featuring intro/outro with horror film star Christopher Lee (85 Minutes)
The Man. The Myth. The Legend. – Director / Writer Keith Burns on Meatcleaver Massacre
‘The Murder Weapon’ – An interview with actor Doug Senior
‘Searching For Clues’ – An interview with actor Paul Kelleher
Theatrical Trailer
Two Limited Edition Booklets: Axploitation in Blazing Color by Dylan Dean Staley and the original lost script “Professor Cantrell’s Messiah” by Keith Burns.

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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