Death Race 2050 (Review)

Title: Death Race 2050
Director: G.J. Echternkamp
Writer:  G.J. Echternkamp, Matt Yamashita
Cast: Manu Bennett, Malcolm McDowell, Marci Miller, Burt Grinstead, Folake Olowofoyeku
Year: 2017
Min: 90

 In the year, 2050 the latest Death Race, a race in which one gets extra points by running over pedestrians, is happening in a large arena. Reigning champ and cybro-gentically enhanced Frankenstein (Manu Bennett) is among the competitors. But, he has some stiff competition including the vein and genetically enhanced Jed Perfectus (Burt Grinstead) and the insane and deadly Tammy the Terrorist (the lovely Anessa Ramsey) who has her own religion/ cult that centers around her. Helping Frankenstein out is his proxy the gorgeous Annie Sullivan (Marci Miller), though from the get-go he is annoyed by her presence. The rebellion try to stop Frankenstein, because of the fact that he is loved by the spectators. Meanwhile, the evil Chairman (Malcolm McDowell), who is running the whole race, is treacherous scum. This all leads to what will be the most difficult and dangerous race of Frankenstein's career.

Death Race 2050 is the sequel (yes sequel, not remake) to the Roger Corman (who also produced this flick, of course) produced cult classic Death Race 2000. Unlike the more serious tone of the wild and ultra-violent big-budget remake from 2008 (which was also co-produced by Corman), this film is much closer in tone to the original movie. It's campy, bloody, and filled with political satire. The later, of which, is very welcome in the current political climate. It should be noted that you do not need to see the first movie to see this one, but why the hell wouldn't you see that movie? It's fucking awesome!

That being said, it is never as good as either of those two movies. I can't compare it to the two sequels the 2008 film had, though, as I never saw those. But, I digress. 2050 is wonderfully blatant in its proudly campy manner. This doesn't necessarily work all the time, as the humor, sometimes, comes off a little forced or is just not funny. However, a good amount of it does work and is really quite hilarious.

The CGI is pretty bad, but somehow it just adds to the camp factor. It helps it look and feel cheap, which in this case is a welcome. I would venture in saying that I enjoyed the bad CGI here, more than I enjoy a lot of the shitty CGI featured on movies that air on SyFy. The cars look wild and are very much in tone with the first film. The gore FX are wonderfully over-the-top. Included among the mayhem are bodies getting run-over (of course!), exploding bodies, impaling, decapitations, splattering blood, flying entrails, and more. Nothing is ever done in a serious tone or manner so there is never a morbid or mean-spirited feel to it.

Being a Corman movie you will wanna know if it succeeds in the other exploitation staple: nudity. And, I can happily say that it does! Various babes show ample T&A, but the only central character to show the goods is the quite nice ass of Anessa Ramsey in her as Tammy. That said, Marci Miller does wear a sexy, tight outfit that shows off her ample curves.

The acting is, admit ably, good. Manu Bennett, best know for Spartacus and playing Deathstroke on Arrow, seems to be having a hell of a good time playing Frankenstein. He is great at both the action scenes and playing with the humor of the movie. Malcolm McDowell is equally fun as the evil Chairman, who is an excellent and welcomed parody of now President Donald Trump, right down to the ridiculous, parted hair. Like I said this movie has great social commentary for our current state! Miller adds some bombshell sex appeal, and killer curves, with her role of Annie. She, too, is great at combing said sex appeal with humor. The rest of the cast is equally fun and good at their roles.

Death Race 2050 doesn't always work or hit all of its goals. But, when it does it is quite a good time. With its campy and silly feel, it can be quite funny at times. Throw in some wild bits of ultra-violence and some welcome babes, it succeeds in its exploitation based heart. The biting social commentary is funny and scarily fitting today's world. Despite this, much of the movie has a breezy mentality that is perfect to just lie back and chill with it. The fact that it is currently on NetFlix means there is no reason you shouldn't being see it.

2.5 out of 4

(Video) Piggy at WinterCon 2016 and Tod Emko Talks to Us

My favorite booth at last month's WinterCon 2016 in Queens, NY had to be the one for Piggy Emko the 3-Legged Pup. Walking by, I saw this beautiful and adorable three legged doggy laying down so calm and friendly. He drew a crowd of onlookers and fans who would marvel at his sweetness and cuteness. They came up and petted him, as did I. Soon, I learned from those working at the booth, that he had his own comic-book, which is for a good cause. After learning this Piggy's beautiful and inspiring tale, I had to interview Tod Emko, the comic's creator and co-writer.

 

I, myself, have a very deep love for animals, especially dogs, and his whole story touched and warmed my heart. The comic, itself, which I got and Emko autographed for me at the con, is adorable and has amazing art.

The interview is below. Please check it out.

 

 

 

Please be sure to stop by http://www.piggytale.com/ and pick up this awesome, sweet, and fun book.

Photography by Freddie and myself.
Camera work and video editing by Negative Pop.

The 10 Best Movies of 2016

First and foremost, happy New Year everyone! This past year was a great one for horror movies, in particular, as many became box office hits and were actually good flicks. The proof is in that there are a couple of them that made my list. Comic book and geek flicks were big, too, but as you'll see it's Marvel and Star Wars that still rule this list, sorry DC fans. As always I remind you that my movie list is not like any other top 10 movie list out there.

Honorable Mentions:
I Am Your Father
Finding Dory
The Conjuring 2
Zootopia
Scherzo Diabolico  

10. The Shallows- It's been ages since someone has made a good killer shark horror flick. With movies like Sharknado making them look silly and aiming for laughs, it was about time that terror came back to the seas. This nail-biting yet simple flick is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable horror movies of the year. It's suspenseful and builds to truly exhilarating and exciting climax. The gorgeous Blake Lively (who both was inducted into this site's Horror Crushes and earned the silver medal in the The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016) might be the year's best final girl of the year. She pulled out the best performance of her career and the bonus of her little feathered friend Steven Seagull made for the duo you most wanted to cheer on and feared for the safety of this entire year. And, bonus points for making a PG-13 movie that pushed the rating the hardest that it has been pushed in decades.

9. Sausage Party- Holy shit was this movie ever funny! I actually cried from laughing so hard. Setting out to be the adult Pixar flick, it most certainly succeeds at it. Very politically incorrect and over the top, it pulls no punches in its humor. Drug use, a douche being a douche, a lesbian taco, living food dismemberment, references to religion, and more, this one has it all. Truly one of the best adult animated movies, ever.



 

8. 10 Cloverfield Lane- Semi-sequel to one of the best found footage horror movies ever, Cloverfield, this expertly acted flick will have you clenching on to your seat handles. Your heart will race as the tension builds and builds till it hits the exciting climax. John Goodman is one of the most scary villains of the year, while the beautiful Mary Elizabeth Winstead is great and very likable as the film's protagonist. They play so well against each other and really help solidify this as an early horror hit.


 

7. The Nice Guys- This mix of neo-noir, comedy, and action is one of the finest films that you probably didn't see this year. And, if you did then you know what I am talking about. The acting from Ryan Golsing and Russell Crowe is excellent and the script by Anthony Bagarozzi and director Shane Black is one of my favorites of the year. It's filled with witty and funny dialogue and great plots twists and turns. The 70s setting is just plain fucking awesome. In all, this is one is even better than Shane Black's own Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.


 

6. Green Room- A violent and intense as fucking hell horror thriller, has a punk band trapped in a neo-nazi club. Great acting from everyone, especially Patrick Stewart who as the leader of the neo-nazi gang who gives one of his best performances ever, as a fucking villain! Dude is just intimidating and pure fucking evil. The violence comes hard and graphic and the climax is one of the most intense of the year. It all gets rounded off by some great music and music references, to make this a punk-horror/ thriller masterpiece!


 

5. The Secret Life of Pets- As a pet/ dog owner and lover, this one was one my most anticipated films of the year. And, I am glad that it more than delivered. It's one of the most fun and the most hilarious movie of the year. The script is witty and if you have pets you will really appreciate the humor. Even if you don't, you will still have a blast with it. Then there the characters, who are all, from main to supporting, memorable. Sure it bites off of Pixar's Toy Story, but who gives a fuck when it is done this good. And, while I won't say it's a better movie than that classic (it ain't), I like it more.




4. Don't Breathe- In a year filled with great horror movies, this one is the best one. Full review: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2016/08/dont-breather-review.html








3. Captain America: Civil War- This one is more an Avengers movie, than an actual Captain America flick. But, it doesn't really matter. What does is  the solid script, exhilarating action scenes, and solid acting from the cast. Despite the huge cast of characters, it never feels like it is has too much going or bloated, unlike many other similar comic-book flicks. It also gives us such cool moments that characters like the Scarlet Witch, Ant-Man/ Giant-Man, the Black Panther, and Spider-Man really shine. And, speaking of Spidey, THIS was the Spidey we all wanted and needed. I CAN'T wait for this year's Spider-man: Homecoming! Also worth mentioning is how the Captain America movies keep getting better and better as the franchise moves forward. In all, the third best Marvel Studios flick.
 
2. Deadpool- The best R-rated superhero movie ever, is also one of the best in the superhero movie genre, ever, regardless of rating! Funny, action-packed, and filled with ultra-violence, this is the Deadpool movie we all wanted and demanded. The script and its dialogue are utterly priceless and will be quoted forever by comic-book fans. And, make no bones about it, Ryan Reyonlds IS Deadpool!! I adore this movie, enough so that I saw it twice in the movies, that's something I almost never do. This one would've been number one, where it for the next and final flick on the list...

 

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story- The first stand alone Star Wars is the finest entry in the franchise since The Empire Strikes Back. Very dark but also thrilling, this finally puts the WAR in Star Wars. Up and until this point, we have never seen a film like this in the series. It felt fresh and mature. While, I liked The Force Awakens, a lot, it rehashed too many ideas. This one didn't. It also had great characters both good and evil (all portrayed excellently by the awesome cast). CGI Tarkin (played in A New Hope by late, great horror actor Peter Cushing) was fucking awesome. Also awesome were all the other winks and nods through in for the fans. Oh and then, there is Darth Vader!! He was badass!! And, the action scenes were killer! Oh, how can I forget how beautiful Felicity Jones is! And... wait let me stop, I sound like a raving fanboy, you get the point. Best film of the year!

The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 7: 10-1

10. Romi Rain (last year #61)- The incredibly beautiful and sexy Romi Rain sky rockets up the list thanks to giving one of my most popular and best interviews of 2016 at the Adult Entertainment Expo. The interview was a massive hit with you guys becoming one of my most read posts of the entire year. She also scored many awards and nominations. Combine that with her exquisite beauty and intelligence, and you know why Romi is not only one of my favorites in the biz but a favorite of many.





9. Bella Heathcote (new)- This breathtaking Australian beauty (those big, blue eyes!) makes her debut on the list ranking in at top ten thanks to her performances in two horror flicks this year. One was the most underrated horror movie of the year, Pride + Prejudice + Zombies, and the other was the year's most beautiful horror movie, The Neon Demon. She was great in both of them, both in terms of her acting and her immense beauty.





8. Carter Cruise (last year #13)- Carter Cruise continues her steady climb on the list. Her performance as Supergirl in Supergirl XXX: An Axel Braun Parody is a big reason for that. She was perfect as one of my favorite DC heroes ever. But, it's not just her beauty and hot sex scenes that has her rising higher and higher in these rankings. Her tweets are some of the funniest and snarky in the whole Twitter-verse. In short, Carter fucking rules, and I think will keep on ruling in 2017!

 


7. Melissa Benoist (last year #8)- I don't know if this season of Supergirl was better than the first one; it kinda feels like about the same. But, even in the weakest of episodes, I simply adore Melissa Benoist as the title character. She is so beautiful with such a cute personality, that she steals every single camera frame that she is in. And, how awesome was she in the DC CW TV crossover?! And, yes this does mean that two Supergirls made the top ten! Something like this has NEVER happened!





6. Deborah Ann Woll (last year #7)- Like Benoist, the gorgeous Deborah Ann Woll moves up one notch. A long time favorite of this list, Woll was fantastic on the amazing second season of Daredevil. Perhaps the biggest highlight of it all was how she interacted with my favorite comic-book hero of all time, Frank Castle, AKA the Punisher. And, of course she looked absolutely beautiful throughout. The fact that she will be on The Punisher series has even more pumped for it debuts!




5. Evan Rachel Wood (new)- The highest debut of the year comes in the form of one of my long time favorite babes, the absolutely beautiful Evan Rachel Wood. Wood is simply phenomenal as Delores on Westworld. Said show is without a shadow of a doubt one of the greatest sci-fi shows ever. Wood gives show a complex performance in it. And, throughout it she is a true embodiment of beauty.






4. Jen & Sylvia Soska (last year #2)- The Soska continue to be the mistresses of horror. Their TV game show Hellevator entered its second season. And, they were even up for an Emmy for best TV hosts. Beyond that, it was revealed that they would be directing the remake to David Cronenberg's cult classic Rabid (which starred golden porn goddess, the late, great Marilyn Chambers). It will be fascinating and interesting to see what they do with it. I am one who usually gets pissed at remakes being made. But, I am pumped for this, for sure!

3. Dani Daniels (last year #6)- In my very humble opinion, Dani remains the best porn babe in the skin biz. I had been wanting to interview her for forever. And, having done that this Jan at the Adult Entertainment Expo was a true year highlight. She was so fun, sweet, and, of course, naturally beautiful, that it made for a great one on one, even with its short length. And, goddamn every time she posts a pic on social media my eyeballs pop out of my socket, like some dude in Total Recall! With her huge popularity with fans and critics, alike, all her awards and nominations, she will continue to rule skin world in the year to come.
 

2. Blake Lively (last year ranked 2011 #62)- This perhaps is the biggest return a babe has ever done on this list. Blake Lively comes back after a five year absence to achieve the silver medal. And, honestly it was bound to happen. Her beauty is simply on a level that is impossible to believe. But, it would be nothing if not matched by her excellent acting prowess. Her performance in The Shallows (one of my favorite horror movies of the year) ranks as my favorite final girl of 2016. I've liked Lively for what seems forever, but, since this movie, I absolutely adore her.




1. Taylor Momsen (last year ranked 2014 #36)- Taylor Momsen returns with a vengeance! After a two year absence she takes the top spot! And, with her sexy rocker babe style and flawless looks that combine with her musical prowess, it is easy to see why. Her voice is just amazing, her lyrics are some of the best in all of rock, and then there her live performances. No one that I have ever seen live is sexier live. This was beyond proven at the The Pretty Reckless show that I went to last month. Their album Who You Selling For is the best hard rock album of the year and one of the finest rock albums of 2016 overall. I simply adore this blonde rock goddess, and it is with all that I just mentioned that she rules the list of 2016!!


The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 6: 20-11 
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 5: 30-41 
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 4: 40-31
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 3: 50-41
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 2: 60-51
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 1: 70-61 

With that ends the last post of 2016. I have the 10 best movies coming up very soon, so look for that in a day or three. This year hasn't been a good one for many of us, but I always hope that these lists help to highlight the good of any year. Regardless, I wish you all a very Happy New Year's! May 2017 be a great year for all of us. And, I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight and stay safe. 

And, one final thing, thank you so much for all of your continued support. This year saw this site expanded coverage gain a huge following and support from you all. I honestly am humbled by that and remember, I couldn't do any of this without you all. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 6: 20-11

20. Elizabeth Olsen (last year #47)- I think I fall more in love with the beautiful Elizabeth Olsen after I see each new movie of hers. I was completely and utterly captivated by her in this year's phenomenal Captain America: Civil War. Not, only did she look truly enchanting (pun intended) and breathtaking but her take on the Scarlet Witch made her one of my favorite characters in the movie.






19. Katrina Law (last year ranked 2014 #27)- Admit ably the lack of Nyssa (Katrina Law) on Arrow has been one of the few crappy things about this otherwise fine season. But, meeting Law at Heroes and Villains in the summer was a highlight of 2016. She was so nice and my pic with her was one of most epic pics I that I ever took with someone ever! Just check out my write-up for proof: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2016/07/heroes-and-villians-ny-2016.html





18. Jane Levy (last year ranked 2013 #69)- I absolutely LOVED Jane Levy's performance in the magnificent Don't Breathe. I also loved how beautiful she looked. Enough so that she returned with a vengeance after a three year absence and sky rocketed up this list. She also had the distinct honor this year of being added to this site's Horror Crushes: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2016/08/horror-crush-jane-levy.html






17. Trillium (new)- I am not gonna mince any words here, Trillium is one of the best newer girls in the porn biz, today. In fact, she, currently, is my personal favorite young girl in skin flicks. This naturally beautiful and sexy as fuck blonde is breathtaking. When I saw her in person at this year's Adult Entertainment Expo, I was captivated by her beauty. And, her scenes are always volcanic!!






16. Whitney Moore (new)- I don't think I even knew who she was till she began appearing on MetalSucks videos, but I love her now! Funny, blonde, beautiful, and a fellow metalhead, she is total future wifey material. And, her hosting the Week in Metal on that aforementioned metal site's YouTube is one of the greatest things on that whole social media video network!


15. Jessica Cameron (last year #23)- This blonde scream queen and horror director continues her upward movement on the list. With so many hotly anticipated projects that her fans await to be released, her constant presence on social media (including ALL those awesome YouTube videos that she posts), and her kick ass roles, it is to see why. The stunner managed to make the holidays all the better by appearing on the bloody and awesome Christmas slasher All Through the House, which as available to watch and own this year. And, which I reviewed and loved! But, aside from her beauty, hard work ethic, and love for the genre, there is her love for cats and dogs, which proves she is beautiful inside and out.

14. Asta Paredes (last year ranked 2014 #15)- This dark haired beauty returns to the list after a one year absence thanks to her excellent role in Rich Mallory and Ruby Larocca's awesome Sociopathia. Another lady whose outer beauty is matched by her inner, Paredes is one the genre's best and most beloved current horror actresses.







13. Vera Farmiga (last year #6)- Farmiga remains as stunning as ever and as talented. Her performance on Bates Motel was as amazing and as complex, as ever. All of which made it that more tragic and shocking when (SPOILER!!!) her character gets killed by her son Norman Bates. in the later part of this season.

 




12. Amanda Schull (last year #11)- Amanda Schull's character of Dr. Cassandra Rally on 12 Monkeys remains one of the best characters on all of TV. Cassie went through so much this season and her character had to go through so many different feelings. It's a complex role that this truly breathtaking beauty takes with all of the gusto and talent need and well beyond.
 




11. Tatiana Maslany (last year #10)- This season of Orphan Black started out kind of weak then hit its stride. The season finale was all kinds of awesome and as always the gorgeous Tatiana Maslany was able to handle all of her roles with incredible acting ability. She is truly one of the finest (acting and looking) actress in the history of TV.







The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 5: 30-41 
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 4: 40-31
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 3: 50-41
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 2: 60-51
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 1: 70-61 

The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 5: 30-41

30. Rose McIver (last year #60)- iZombie THE greatest zombie show on TV was fucking amazing last season; including some episode that really upped the horror level. McIver remains one of my favorite lead actresses on a TV show, and it has just sucked waiting for the new seasons to start. But, it's coming, and I am on pins and needles waiting for it!!







29. Riae Suicide (last year #28)- She is still one of the most popular of all the Suicide Girls. And, anytime she posts a pic on social media, the world is a better place for it!









28. Alison Tyler (new)- Alison Tyler has one of the hottest bodies in all of porn. Tall, sexy, curvy, and gorgeous, she was the perfect choice to bring Wonder Woman to life in Axel Braun's porn parody of Batman V. Superman. And, I think, she is a hotter, and a physically better pick than Gal Gadot is. There I said it, again! I actually met Ms. Tyler at AEE this year, and she is breathtaking in person, as well, as quite friendly.






27. Marisa Tomei (last year ranked 2009 #50)- Never in my life did I ever think I would be drooling over and lusting for Aunt May. But, Marisa Tomei changed all that with her portrayal of the character in Captain America: Civil War! For that reason alone, not only did she return to the list, but did so at number 27!







26. Will Holland (last year #38)- I think I fall more in love with Will Holland with every season of Arrow. This season saw her retire from being a superheroine. And, with she went through the shitty season before you can understand why her character did that. But, she went back to her Speedy costume for the awesome Invasion DC/ CW TV crossover event. Her emotional scene with Ollie was a series highlight, as she wished to stay in a false world where their parents still lived.





25. Tristan Risk (last year #24)- Tristan Risk might be the sexiest women in horror movies, today. She is more than likely the most badass. And, she combines that in her role in Frankenstein Created Bikers. And, this is all caped off by her intelligence, making her fucking perfectly awesome!


24. Tamzin Merchant (last year #16)- She might be the cutest babe on Salem. Her complex character of Anne Hale is certainly one of the most interesting characters on the show. While, she seems to turn more and more evil, there are moments of the sweet girl, she was once. It makes it very hard to hate her, honestly.

23. Claire Coffee (last year #27)- Next year will be the end of Grimm. Goddamn it, does that ever suck! But, I have been LOVING Coffee's character of Adalind's relationship with Nick. They best not end or change that! On a side note, with this last season being severely short, I am suffering from withdrawal of not seeing Coffee's beauty grace my TV!


22. Elise Eberle (new)- The sexiest babe on Salem, Elise Eberle as Mercy, is fucking hot as, well, hell. A very bad girl, it's hard for me to cheer against her, no matter how evil she might be. In fact, I am team Mercy, all the way! Eberle is excellent in her role, and I just crush on her more and more with the passing of time.







21. Aly Michalka (last year #44)- Let's not mince any words here, I absolutely love Aly Michalka. And, I complete love her character of Peyton on iZombie. Last season was a great one, both for her character and the show, in general. Michalka is so naturally beautiful and sexy, as well as a great actress, that it fills me with utter joy whenever she is being featured, if even for a split second, on an episode.

The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 4: 40-31
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 3: 50-41
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 2: 60-51
The 70 Hottest Babes of 2016, pt. 1: 70-61