1980 – The Crazy Bunch (D’Wonder Films)
[original Tagalog title: “Hepe”]
Director J. Erastheo Navoa Story/Screenplay Manuel Ramirez Cinematography Pedro Manding Jr
Cast Nino Muhlach, Rey Malonzo [billed as “Reginald King” in the export version], Eddie Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Amy Austria, Donna Villa, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, Ed Villapol, Tsing Tong Tsai, Dexter Doria, Don Pepot, Palito, Danny Rojo, Jimmy Santos, Arturo Moran, Larry Esguerra, Paquito Salcedo, Romy Nario
[released in 1982; Italian title "Isola del Piacere"]
Director Michel Risaud Screenplay Danielle Gauthier Exective Producer Dick Randall Producers Phillippe Donation, Denise Lascene Cinematography Jean-Jacques Lenoy Editors Jean-Jacques Lenoy, Dario DeSantis Assistant Editor Olga Tanferna
Cast Mike Monty, Nadine Roussial, Dominique Martin, Laura Santos, Nelly Garcia, Brian Smith, Michel Montague, George Gynesis, Pierre Puget, Don Gordon [Bell], David DeMartin, Romano Velasquez, Russell O'Brien, Angie Jagunos, Virginia Gonzales
1981 - Invaders Of The Lost Gold (production company unlisted in credits)
[also released as Horror Safari, Greed, Safari Senza Ritorno]
Director Alan Birkinshaw Producer Dick Randall Story Dick Randall, Bill James Screenplay Bill James, Alan Birkinshaw Music Francesco De Masi Cinematography Roberto Forges [Davanzati] Editor Roger Crook Art Director “Art Nicado”/Ruben Arthur Nicdao Makeup Cecille Baun Assistant Director Ulysses Formanes Stills Alessandro Carlotto Continuity Claire Felicen Location Manager Jim Gaines Project Coordinator Bill James Dubbing Editor Peter Goddard Special Effects Supervisor Eddie Ayay Production Manager K. Angus Robertson
1981 - Alfredo Sebastian (Supreme)
[Philippines release date 18th April 1981; released on German DVD as “Frisco King”]
Director Leonardo Garcia Screenplay Enrique Dimacali Music Tito Arevalo Cinematography R. Herrera
Cast Ramon Revilla (Alfredo Sebastian), Bambi Arambulo, George Estregan, Eddie Garcia, Mona Lisa, Ruben Rustia, Rosemarie de Vera
Synopsis from the German DVD cover: “Tony, the only son of a Mafia Boss from
1981 - Commander Lawin (Sunny Films/Davian International Ltd - also listed on Tagalog poster as Bathala Productions)
[Tagalog title: Renato Solidum…Kumander Lawin]
Director Eddie Nicart Story/Screenplay Bonnie Paredes Executive Producer Naty A. Almanza Production Manager Baby Alvarez Director of Photography Bhal Dauz Editor Nap Montebon Assistant Director Mando Pangilinan
Cast Dante Varona, Bonafe Estrella, Danny Rojo, Rommel Valdez, Robert Miller, Usman Hassim, Maritess Castillo, Rene Romero, Bobby Oreo, Mando Pangilinan, Dardo Lungsod, Joe “Kaka” Balagtas, Rene Salvador, Bert Cayanan, Rico Mercado, Tom Alindogan, Mike Kirkwood, John Nigger, Digos Anderson, Manny Doria, Ryan Singson
1982 – Deadly Commando (Emperor Films International)
[distributed internationally by Atlas Films, also released as “Suicide Force”; released on German VHS as “Das Selbstmord-Kommando”]
Director “S.C.”/Segundo Ramos [Nick Cacas sometimes listed as co-director] Producer Prima Pascual [sometimes listed as Jimmy Pascual] Screenplay Donald Arthur English Dialogue/Post Production “The Voice Of America” Joe Ellison Cinematography Danny Bustos Music Derek Valasquez Editors “S.C.”/Segundo Ramos, H. Schulhof
Cast Johnny Wilson, George “Pallance”/Palance, Bill James, Vic Vargas, George “Regan”/Estregan, “Ray”/Rey Malonzo, Archer Vergel, Rex Lapid, Efraim Reyes Jr, Ramon Zamora, Suzy Garret, Jimmy Santos, Freddi Yance, Ray Tomenes, Danny Riel, Tony Tacorda, Buddy Lanusa, Elly Perez, Nestor Brillantes, Danny Amador, Matt Fullosa, George Tormida, Omar Indasan, Boy Sta. Maria, Jimmy Margallo, Cezar Andaya, [uncredited] Rodolfo “Boy” Garcia (Professor), Elisabeth Rope (Adora)
Review from the Critcon Online website:
A crack unit of Amy soldiers (known as The Savage Six) are sent to rescue a kidnapped ambassador in this surprisingly expansive Filipino war action film, filled with stunts, gun battles and explosions. They successfully rescue the ambassador and celebrate at a bar, where they get into a (prerequisite) fight with a group of drunk patrons (one of the soldiers beats up half the bar using nothing but a food plate!) which ends with them being sent to the stockade. When an Army general agrees to a peace talk with some opposition guerillas, he's kidnapped by a group led by someone called the Professor (Boy Garcia). The crack unit is sent in to rescue the general in a commando raid, but first they must be freed from the stockade. The Professor's sister, Adora (Elisabeth Rope), agrees to work with The Savage Six from the inside (she's a guerilla, too, but it doesn't agree with her brothers politics), while the commandos parachute out of a helicopter and land behind enemy lines. The Professor is well aware of their presence and puts his camp on alert. When the Professor refuses to listen to his sister's plea for peace, Adora and her group join forces with The Savage Six, but when they raid the Professor's camp, it is deserted. The Professor then puts out word that his sister is a traitor and calls for all the guerillas in the area to kill her and her group as well as the Savage Six. Almost immediately, they are ambushed by the enemy and must fight their way out of a sticky situation (and amazingly, walk away without a single casualty). The Savage Six rescue the general in a cave, but become trapped there when the Professor and his guerillas surround them. The finale finds the Savage Six and Adora fighting impossible odds to bring the general back to safety. After the Professor is killed by a mortar round (he blows up real good) and our heroes make it to safety (with only one casualty!), an off-screen voice tells us that the general's mission was a success and both sides signed a peace treaty.
This early 80's Filipino action film, directed by Nick Cacas, (FORGOTTEN WARRIOR - 1986) and Segundo Ramos (DEATH RAIDERS - 1984), is more political than most Philippines-made actioners (script by Donald Arthur). This may be because some real-life Army generals and personnel portray themselves here, as the Americans are portrayed as understanding, willing-to-make-a-deal patriots, while the guerillas (one of them sports a mohawk!) are depicted as trigger-happy thugs (when one of the Professor's men suggests to him in the finale that they should surrender, he shoots him!). While the violence isn't all that bloody (just plenty of bullet hits, a couple of head shots and some stabbings), the action comes fast and furious. Particularly striking is the final scene of the film, a long shot in slow-motion of our heroes escorting the general down a hill while it is repeatedly bombarded by shellfire. It is a striking scene, almost poetic in it's execution. The opening raid on the bad guy's house to free the ambassador is also a triumph of execution, as the mansion the bad guy lives in is quite a set piece and is not the usual choice for explosions and carnage. While the middle portion of the film drags a little (politics, passion and pathos comes into play at this time), it's still fun watching a cast of Filipino pros, including Johnny Wilson, George Pallance and George Estregan (billed here as "George Regan") playing members of the Savage Six. Estregan, in particular, is a hoot, as he plays a ladies man who finds time to makeout with a female guerilla in the middle of a firefight! All three would basically reprise the same roles in Ramos' DEATH RAIDERS. Also starring Ray (Rey) Malonzo, Vic Vargas, Archer Vergel, Jimmy Santos, Red Lapid, Efraim Reyes Jr. and "Joel Sandoval's Group" of stuntmen. Originally known as SUICIDE FORCE, which is somewhat of a misnomer since only one member of the Savage Six actually dies. An International Video Presentation, Inc. Release. Not Rated.
1982 - Zimatar (Larry Santiago Productions)
Directors Ric Santiago, Jose [
Cast J.C. Bonnin (Zimatar), Ace Vergel, Al Tantay, Michael De Mesa, Leo Delfin, Jing Abalos, Tony Carreon, Rosemarie Gil, Leila Hermosa, Lucita Soriano, Ruel Vernal
1982 - Magindanao (East West Films International)
Director/Writer Diego C. Cagahastian
Cast “Mohamad Faizal”/Muhammad Faisal, Laarni Enriquez, Rhoy Flores, Rex Lapid, Charlie Davao, Philip Gamboa, Muhamad Jallil, Dinah Dominguez, Nancy Delos Santos, Butch Sanchez, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Romy Diaz, Dick Israel, Tony “Carrion”/Carreon, Joaquin Fajardo, Willy Dado, Amay Bisaya, Felix Torralba, Vilma Vitug, Dennis Javier, Mario Flores, Jess Burgos, Nerrissa Jabonita, Jun
From the Vomit Bag Video catalogue:
Extremely rare 1986 Philippine war-action flick, with lots of fighting scenes. A group of guerrillas unknowingly have a spy in their unit, tipping off the government when they plan to kill their leaders. It's someone they'd never suspect! Lots of shootings, fights, explosions, etc.
1982 - Raw Force (Ansor International Pictures)
[also released as “Kung Fu Cannibals” and “
Director/Screenplay Edward D. Murphy Producer Frank E. Johnson Executive Producers Rebecca Bella, Lawrence Woolner Music Walter Murphy Directorof Photography Frank E. Johnson Editor Eric Lindemann Fight Co-Ordinator Mike Stone
Cast Cameron Mitchell (Captain Harry Dodds), Geoffrey Binney (Mike O'Malley), Hope Holiday (Hazel Buck), Jillian “Kessner”/Kesner (Cookie Winchell), John Dresden (John Taylor), Jennifer Holmes (Ann Davis), Rey King (Go Chin), Carla Reynolds (Eilleen Fox), Carl Anthony (Lloyd Davis), John Locke (Gary Schwartz), Mark Tanous (Cooper), Ralph Lombardi (Thomas Speer), Chanda Romero (Mayloo), Camille Keaton (Girl In Toilet), Maggie Lee (Gun Moll), Garry McClintic (Steve), John Rosselli (Male Stripper), Joe Pagliuso (Milt), “Robert Dennis”/Dennis Edwards (Man In Toilet), Janelle Pransky (Girl With Balloons), Tony Oliver (Bill), Robert MacKenzie (Clyde), Steve Elmer (Religious Freak), Jewel Shepard (Drunk Sexpot), Michael P. Stone (Bartender), Judi Brooks (Girl With Tattoo), Edward Talbot 'Chip' Matthews (Passenger), Kurek Ashley (Drunk With Cake), Brad Barnes (Passenger) Hoods Gerry Bailey, Don Gordon [Bell?], Chip Westley, Bob Campbell, Willy Schober, Maurizio Murano, Roger Capilitan, Phil Guerrero Monks Vic Diaz, Mike Cohen, Binney Villanueva, Bayani Balingit, Louie Florentino, Frank Aguila Corpses Geoff Wood, Tony Beso, Frank Belgica, Jimmy Navarro, Ely Refuerzo, Nilo Fortez, Jess Bonzo, Rolly Tan Hookers Anna Torino, Evelyn Beso, Violeta Beso, Evelyn Yap, Vicky Abad, Baby Serrano, Zenaida Luciano, Nannette Caragay, May Bacosa, Sonia Cervantes Crewmen Fred Strong, George Gyenes, Jay Bumpus, Peter Schultz, Roger Searcy Girls In Cabin Mary Miller, Britt Helfer
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
A group of passengers on a cruise end up stranded on Warrior's Island, a treacherous place inhabited by exiled martial artists and a group of cannibal monks with the power to raise the dead (what a combination!). The passengers, including an L.A. S.W.A.T. team member (Jillian Kessner) and four male martial artists, not only run afoul of the island's inhabitants, they also interfere with a white slaver's business of selling young girls to the monks in exchange for baskets of raw jade. The monks eat the young female flesh and gain the power to raise dead martial artists from their graves (the cruise ship director calls the island, "The Potter's Field of Kung Fu."). While the passengers try to find a way off the island, they must endure gun battles, kung fu fights (with both the living and the dead), cannibalism and the nasty laughing monks (led by Filipino horror staple Vic Diaz). It all ends on a happy note, as most of them escape in the white slaver's plane (he is eaten alive by a school of piranhas) while an end scrawl reads, "To Be Continued...".
This is terrific B-movie stuff. It has loads of nudity and plenty of bloody action, including impalements, explosions, an axe to the back and a decapitation. Star Cameron Mitchell (NIGHTMARE IN WAX - 1969 and countless others) seems to be having a good time here and doesn't walk through his role as he has done many times before. Co-star Geoff Binney also appeared in the kung fu comedy HOT POTATO (1976), while Jillian Kessner was the star of Cirio Santiago's FIRECRACKER (1981) and recently appeared in Gary Graver's awful ROOTS OF EVIL (1991). She is a pretty thing! Jennifer Holmes also co-starred with Mitchell in the abominable film THE DEMON (1979). Director Edward Murphy later made the forgettable actioner HEATED VENGEANCE (1984). RAW FORCE (also known as
1982 – Stone Boy (Cinex Films Inc/D’Wonder Films Inc)
[release date 23rd June 1982, original Philippines title "Rocco, Ang Batang Bato"; also released internationally as “Boy God”]
Director J. Erastheo Navoa Executive Producer Alexander Muhlach Story/Screenplay Joeben Miraflor Music Ernani Cuenco Cinematography Hermo Santos Editor Joe Mendoza Assistant Editor Edgar Gutierrez Sound Effects Danny Sanchez Sound Supervision Rudy Baldovino Foreign Adaptation Jess Ramos
1983 - The Gunfighter (Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions)
[
Director Romy Suzara Story/Screenplay Tony Calvento Music Jun Latonio Production Manager Cayetano B. Lalic Sound Engineer Vic Macamay Editor Augusto Salvador Cinematography Rey Lapid, Bhal Dauz Post-Production Coordinator Leonides Laya Assistant Cameraman Efren Lapid Assistant Director Mike Mariano Special Effects/Routine Instructor Eddie Nicart Sound Effects Jun Martinez Assistant Editors Toto Natividad, Efren Salvador, Boy Gloria Dubbing Director Jess Ramos Opticals Amano Buencamino Unit Manager Murray Ord
Cast Lito Lapid (Tejan), Connie Angeles (Wawona), Chuck Biller (Frank Smith), Cole McKay (JJ), Paul Jones (Lex Jake), Marlene Chavez (Mother of Tejan), Rey Lapid (Father of Tejan), Vernell Dizon Arquero (Lito The Kid), Brad Fletcher (Desperado), Bret Davidson (Desperado), Kurt Campau (Desperado). Rooster Cortez (JJ’s Henchman), Terry Reynolds (JJ’s Henchman), Don Moody (JJ’s Henchman), Greg Willowman (JJ’s Henchman), Jerry Hall (Sheriff), Emil Varga (Judge), Linda King (Saloon Keeper), Rod Casteel (Store Keeper), Ken Wilson (JJ’s Man), Warren Simons (JJ’s Man), Mike Valentine (JJ’s Man), Mark Janco (JJ’s Man), Eddie Nicart (Chief Aide) Indian Village People Bonnie Delgado, Mary Patino, Mary Melina, Rory Delgado, “Baby” Casey Delgado, Anita Cruz, Armin “Chico” Sanchez, Frank “Don” Hogya Indian Warriors Bill Porter, Larry Bruce, Chico Sánchez, Don Hougie Stagecoach Passengers Joe Anderson, Frank Blakeney Indian Girls Cassandra Delgado, Mary Petino Wife Of The Judge Soakie Chacolla, Vicky Varga
1983 – The Killing Of Satan (Cinex Films Inc./F. Puzon Film Enterprises Inc)
Director Efren C. Pinon Story/Screenplay Jose Mari Avellana Producer Pio C. Lee Executive Producer Conrado 'Boy' Puzon Associate Producer Francisco C. Puzon III Director of Photography Ricardo Herrera Editor Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao Musical Director Ernani Cuenco Sound Supervision Rudy Baldomino Sound Effects Jun Martinez Field Soundmen Ruben Gatchalian, Ricardo Toralba, Albert Rima Opticals Supervisor & Animator Gerry Garcia Assistant Editors Willy Asuncion, King Casinao, Richard Aning Art Director Cornelio Ramirez Props & Setting Men Joseph Angelo, Erning Escobar, Jovani Lotivio Unit 1 Cameraman Culoy Salcedo Unit 2 Cameraman Freddie Medes Unit 3 Cameraman Roy Sangco Location Co-ordinators Boy Banaag, Manny Tibayan, Romy Misa, J. Janding Baritua Assistant Production Manager Glenn Parian Transportation Manager Leo Awatin Set Hands Arthur Amarante, Ding Arcilla, Loreto Malpas Assistant Cameramen Ver Duaz, Rene Pacheco, Oyet Capulong, Winny Abracia, Daniel Delena Prosthetic Makeup Cecile Baun Plain Makeup Medy Alpa Assistant Prosthetic Makeup Cora Ballesteros Assistant Plain Makeup Helen Santos Special Effects Jun Gapo Marvella
Cast Ramon Revilla (Lando San Miguel), Elizabeth Orospesa (Lagring San Miguel), George Estregan (Enchong), Paquito Diaz (Pito), Cecille Castillo (Luisa), Erlyn Umali, Charlie Davao (Satan)
Review from the Critcon Online website:
Wild Phillipine horror/fantasy film which doesn't skimp on the gore effects. When Lando (Ramon Revilla) is shot in the head protecting his family from a gang of thugs, he miraculously recovers when the bullethole disappears. Meanwhile, half a continent away, Lando's uncle (who has magical powers) dies of a bullet wound to the head but not before naming Lando as his successor as protector of the village. Lando inherits his uncle's powers and he is going to need them, for as soon as he sets foot in the village his daughter is kidnapped by the Prince of Magic (Charlie Davao), who plans to give the girl to Satan for carnal pleasure. Lando follows the Prince of Magic into his huge underground lair where he must battle snakemen, the Prince's minions, the Prince himself and, finally, Satan to save the virtue of his daughter. Extreme gore (a face ripping, a chest bursting, a man crushed by a large boulder) and cheap optical effects somehow make this a highly watchable film. Viewing this film is like having a dream while running a 105 degree fever. It doesn't make much sense but it does pack a wallop. A cult classic begging to be discovered. Also starring Elizabeth Oropesa, George Estregan, Paquito Diaz and Cecille Castillo. Directed by Efren C. Pinon (ENFORCER FROM DEATH ROW and BLIND RAGE - both 1978).
1983 - Over My Dead Body (Sunfilms)
Director Arsenio Bautista
Cast Tony Ferrer, Efren Reyes Jr, Raoul Aragon, Anna Marie Gutierrez, Lolita Ayala, Bembol Roco
Review from the WTF DVDs online catalogue:
Very rare and obscure Filipino film - yep you saw it here first - about a Mafia hitman who cleans for another Mafia bigshot who wants to rid the area of any rats who may leak information to the police. Next thing you know, there’s a war between the major mafia bosses in Asia. Lots of great action including shootings, fights, police brutality, etc…
1983 – W (Cinex Films Inc./F. Puzon Films Enterprises Inc)
[released on US VHS as “W Is War” on Spanish VHS as“W Significa Guerra”, French VHS as “Vendicator W”, Canadian VHS as “W: La Vengeance Des Sauvages”, West German VHS as “Firestorm - Die Letzte Schlacht”, and Finnish VHS as “Kersantti W - Kykyajan Mad Max”]
Director/Writer Willie Milan Musical Director Ernani Cuenco Cinematography Apolinario Cuenco Supervising Editor Joe Mendoza Production Designer Arthur Amarante Art Director David Harrison Makeup Artist Gloria Vidallon Special Effects Robert Naelgas Wardrobe Designer Waldo Masconi English Adaption Noel Mallonga Effects Editor Jun Cabralles Assistant Editor Cesar Baltazar Sound Supervision Rolly Ruta Sound Processing Magna Tech Omni Titles Boy Quilatan Graphics Vic E. Velasco
Cast Anthony Alonzo (W2, aka Wally Lucas), Paul Vance (Praxis), Joonee Gamboa (Chief Najir A. Medina), Alicia Alonzo (Alice), Ada “Huber”/Hubert (Pratingst), Ann Marrie (W2's wife), Bing Davao (V1), Richard Jones (Pentagon), “John Montero”/Johnny Monteiro (Nesfero)
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
Outlandish Filipino actioner. A gang of bald-headed, chopper-riding drug peddlers (even the female members are bald!) roll into town and get into a fight with police sergeant W2 (Anthony Alonzo). He ends up shooting one of the gang members and his boss, Major Medina (Joonee Gamboa), suspends W2 from the force. The gang members steal their comrade's dead body from the morgue and bring him back to their leader, Nesfero (Johnny Montero), who declares war on W2 because the dead gang member happened to be his brother. The gang attack W2 and some police buddies (they all have single letter names followed by a number) at a restaurant using machine guns, but W2 and his buddies escape. Things really go south for W2 on his honeymoon, where Nesfero and his men castrate W2 and rape his wife (Ann Marrie). When W2 wakes up in the hospital, discovers that his package is a little light and realizes that he will no longer be able to satisfy his wife, he vows revenge (Later on, he watches his naked wife masturbate in the shower and totally loses it. He screams to his wife, "I'm useless! I'm a eunich!"). Nesfero is expecting a huge shipment of opium and the Syndicate is worried that he is fixating too much on W2, so Nesfero kidnaps W2 and tortures him (he's strung-up and hung horizontally by ropes between four posts). He is rescued by female gang member Pratings (Ada Hubert), who tells W2 that Nosfero raped her and that he's the Devil ("He's gone mad!"). Major Medina assigns Lieutenant V1 (Bing Davao) to find the missing W2. So what's the first thing V1 does? Why he goes swimming in flesh-colored Speedos with W2's horny wife and then makes love to her! W2 returns home and catches them in the act (She says haltingly, "I really don't know what came...over us!") and throws his wife out of the house. Pratings tells W2 about Nesfero's upcoming opium shipment, so W2, Pratings and some buddies intercept and steal the shipment, which puts Nesfero in hot water with Syndicate boss Praxis (Paul Vance). What Nesfero does next is truly brain-busting. He and his men take an entire Catholic nursery school hostage and threaten to kill all the children unless the opium shipment is returned and W2 is delivered to them! Police reporter Alice (Alicia Alonzo, Anthony's real-life sister) gets involved in the case when she finds out her daughter is one of the hostage children, but her stupidity gets her daughter killed. W2 comes out of hiding (after he creates an armor-plated car, body armor and a hand-held rocket launcher) and faces Nosfero and his gang in the explosive finale.
This crazy Philippines-lensed action flick, directed and scripted by Willie Milan (ULTIMAX FORCE - 1986), is one wild ride. The plot makes absolutely no sense and looks like it was edited with a chainsaw (some violence and nudity seems to have been cut out in this version, especially noticable in the shower masturbation scene), but this film is so perverse and out-there (A castrated man as an action hero? Who would have thought?), you'll wonder what alternate universe this film was made on. Filled with hilarious dialogue (When one of the cops asks Major Medina where they should look for the missing W2, he snaps back, "Search in Hell if you must!" or W2's rant to Major Medina when he won't lift his suspension: "I put my ass on the line while you sit back and polish your medals!" That line of dialogue is repeated at least three time while Major Medina has a crisis of conscience in his office!), and mindless violence, including explosions, multiple gunfights, child killing and W2's assault on Nesfero's beach compound in the finale, where both he and Pratings don handmade steel helmets, which make them both look like the Rocketeer! Hey, this isn't rocket science, but W (also known as W IS WAR) is a mindless, fun action romp the Filipinos excelled at making. Director Willie Milan made a sort-of sequel in 1985 called CLASH OF THE WARLORDS. Besides a couple of the same actors appearing in similar roles, it really has nothing much in common with this film (For one, the sequel is a post-nuke film and this one isn't). Also starring Richard Jones as Nosfero's henchman Pentagon, who thinks he can outfight a machine gun. He can't. Not to be confused with the 1974 thriller starring Twiggy, which shares the same single-lettered name.
1984 – Mad Warriors (JPM Productions)
[release date 4th January 1984, also known as "Mad Warrior" and released on UK VHS as “Clash Of The Warlords”]
Director Willie Milan
Cast Anthony Alonzo, Jennifer Kirkham, Willie Williams (Rex), Robert Marius (Malsam), Tom Romano, Gabby Parro (Maria), Johnny Monteiro, Paul Vance, Rey De Gusman, Teresa Hunt, Joan Durst, Ching Zabala, Waldo Masconi, the "W Stuntmen"
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
CLASH OF THE WARLORDS (1985) - In this sequel to director Willie Milan's W (aka: W IS WAR - 1983), warrior Rex (Willy Williams) is forced to fight his best friend gladiator style in an arena by evil warlord Malsam (Robert Marios), who is holding Rex's young son prisoner and will only free him if Rex kills his friend. When Rex kills his friend and Malsam renegs on his deal, he and his son escape with the help of a friendly female. Malsam orders his men to recapture Rex and his son (He says, "Find them and don't come back until you find them!" What!?!), but the trigger-happy henchmen kill Rex's son and the helpful female when warrior Maria (Gabby Parro) comes out of nowhere to help Rex fight the bad guys. As Rex and Maria walk through the post-nuked terrain, they are captured by a group of people and led to the town of
This is strictly lower-tier Filipino action cinema that's pretty rough going for the viewer. I guess it would help to view the first film (which I didn't at the time of this review), but I really doubt if it would make a big difference. The Greek subtitled version I viewed edits out most of the gory footage and the English dubbing is so bad, it's almost surreal. Most of the impalements, axe fights (which seems to be the weapon of choice here) and gun battles end abruptly and those edits get quite annoying after a short period of time. We don't watch these films for the storylines, you know, so editing out all the gore kind of defeats the whole purpose of watching it in the first place. I'm sure director Willie Milan (ULTIMAX FORCE - 1986) didn't mean for this film to be as awful as this edition makes it out to be, but the atrocious dubbing (the word "arena" is pronounced "areener" and the dubbing crew can't seem to make up their minds if Gabby Parro's character name is "Maria" or "Reya") and lack of bloody violence in this version makes it a tough sitting for the viewing audience, even if it's only 73 minutes long. The only interesting (and weird) points this film has to offer are Malsam's aversion to the moon (which is quickly dropped) and counting how many times you spot people standing around in a circle (which is a lot!).
1984 – Tatak Magnum (Solar Films)
[Released internationally as Calibre .357, Burning Power and in
Director Eddie Nicart Producer Jesse G. Chua Music Pablo Vergara Cinematography Val Dauz Editor Edgardo J. Vinarao
Cast Nelson Anderson, Jean Saburit, Azenith Briones, Malou Bendigo, Johnny Wilson, Renato Robles, Romy Diaz, Beth Sandoval, Elena Marie, Carol O’Neil, Mario Marasigan, Dan Alvaro, Robert Lee, Ulysses Tzan, Ernie Ortega
Review from the “Return Of The Ninjas” website:
BURNING POWER is a straight 1980s B-trash-flick, without any surprises, that takes itself a wee bit too serious. Still, I enjoyed it quite much as the movie is packed to the brim with fights, shootouts and a few minutes of Ninja action where those Japanese fighters fall like flies. Whenever there’s an opportunity for Nelson Grant to fight… you can bet your ass that he seizes the opportunity and starts beating the shit out of his opponents! This is Filipino low budget action without sense and reason. The story is just a peg for countless fights that are pretty well choreographed and quite tough. Even Ninjas can’t stop him, the tagline screams, and this is spectacularly shown in the flick’s undisputed highlight when Nelson Grant wipes the floor with several members of this Japanese killer force in a great sequence that last ten to fifteen minutes. This really is great fun, but sadly the rest of the movie can’t keep up with this inspired Ninja bashing. Anyway, BURNING POWER is a very sympathetic B-movie that has a certain charm that makes it stand out against other low budget action flicks. It’s not a good movie, but it’s entertaining and definitely good fun when you’re in the right mood. I like it and so I can’t help but recommending it… but most probably you will never have the chance to see it as it sadly is incredibly rare. BURNING POWER was directed by Eddie Nicart, and according to the Internet Movie Database it was his last movie as director to date. His most famous film is probably the wonderful spy-spoof FOR YOUR HEIGHT ONLY (1979), starring the unforgettable Weng Wang as a mini sort-of-James Bond. He also directed COMMANDER LAWIN (1981) and THE IMPOSSIBLE KID OF KUNG FU (aka NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE; 1982), a sequel to his undisputed masterpiece. While BURNING POWER sadly isn’t nearly as great and entertaining as FOR YOUR HEIGHT ONLY it still is enjoyable video-fodder for undemanding action movie fans.
1984 - Johnny Rambo Tango (Entertainment Phils. Inc)
[released in the
Director Ricky Santiago Executive Producer Rickman Cinematography Rudy Quijano
Cast Redford White, Liz Alindogan, Cachupoy, Nanette Inventor, Palito, Roderick Paulate, Victor Garcia, Seratin Fernandez, Isidora Pitago
Review from the Internet Movie Database:
I cannot believe I am commenting on this one, I saw it quite a long time ago and I don't think I can find it now. As far as I recall it was a pitiful parody of the Stallone movie, but sometimes I miss this turkeys. The same actor made other movie "Rocky Tango 4", I never saw it but sure it was even worse. To sum up, this was incredibly cheesy, jokes was just unbearable including a reference to the delightful song: "We are the world" but despite everything I do not know why Spanish freaks don't recover this, for the freaky fans, this is a must. And oh!, I was about forgetting about it but the acting is the most atrocious I have ever seen, specially the Gay character.
1983/84 - Death Raiders (Emperor Films International Inc/Atlas International)
Director Segundo Ramos “Dialogues” Larry Dolgin [IMDB lists Ramos & Daddy Gomez as writers] Cinematography Danny Bustos Musical Director Pablo Gomez Editors Danny Gomez, Heinz Schulhof
Cast Johnny Wilson, George Pallance, George “Regan”/Estregan, Robert Lee, Ramon Zamora, June Ariston, Rodolfo Boy Garcia, Renato del Prado, Joel Alano, Raquel Montesa, Nina Sarah, Boy Sta. Maria, Tony Martinez, Benny May, Jolly Jogueta, Rudy Rivera, Bobby Oreo, Tony Beso, Allan Garcia, Buddy Lanuza, Big Boy Gomez
Review from the Critcon Online website:
A provincial Governor and his two daughters are kidnapped by the evil Karamat and his trigger-happy men. After a treacherous trek through the jungle, Karamat and his prisoners finally arrive at his fortress, which is heavily fortified with men with guns and a series of maze-like caves. The government deems an air attack or a full-on ground assault too dangerous, so they reform the Death Raiders, a small group of Black Ops. soldiers headed by Captain Barone, to penetrate Karamat's fortress and rescue the Governor and his daughters. So begins this enjoyable (sometimes for the wrong reasons) action film from the Philippines, as Captain Barone rounds-up all the ex-members of his squad; from a disco (with the prerequisite bar fight), a police hostage situation (with the prerequisite attempted rape scene) and helping an alcoholic member free his girlfriend from a mafia whorehouse. Meanwhile, Karamat's son, who disagrees with his father's political views, unsuccessfully tries to lead the prisoners to freedom. When Karamat catches him, he ties him up in the middle of town and beats the stuffing oput of him with his bare hands in front of all the citizens. This does not sit too well with Karamat's wife, who secretly plans a revolution with a sympathetic rebel in town. After Captain Barone and his men train to get into shape, they set out on their mission to Karamat's stronghold. They make it to the cave where the Governor and his daughters are being held and they get an unexpected hand from Karamat's wife and son. From then on, the group try to make it through the jungle to safety, before the Army does a full air and ground attack on the compound. Members will be lost on the way as Captain Barone and his men must fight an inexhaustable supply of Karamat's soldiers, even as some of Barone's men return to Karamat's compound to rescue innocent women and children.
Directed and co-written with a lot of intentional humor (check out the disco and whorehouse scenes) by Segundo Ramos (SUICIDE FORCE - 1982), this film has a lot going for it (especially the early martial arts fights, including an inventive, almost comic book-like, use of a spinning bar stool), but stops dead in it's tracks every time it goes back to the Karamat father-son conflict. This film works best when it concentrates on the Death Raiders themselves and their comradarie, which seems natural and unforced (it's apparent these actors, including Johnny Wilson [DEVIL'S THREE - 1979] and George Estregan [CLASSIFIED OPERATION - 1985], here using the name "George Regan", have worked together many times before this film). As with most Filippino action films, this one contains more than a few scenes of attempted rape (but, surprisingly, no nudity), including a comical scene where a bunch of Karamat's soldiers fight each other in the middle of a lake as they try to rape one of the Governor's daughters. While most of the action in the latter-half of the film is basically gunfights and explosions, the film has a kinetic energy that's infectious and fun to watch. I was taken aback by the abrupt ending, but that's a small complaint to an otherwise highly watchable film and, at 80 minutes, it doesn't overstay it's welcome.
1984 – Clouds (Oro Vista Films)
[released 25th December 1984, original Tagalog title “Alapaap”]
Director Tata Esteban Screenplay Rei Nicandro Music Rey Ramos Cinematography Joe Tutanes Editor Abelardo Hulleza In-Charge of Production Alma Regala Production Manager Michael Regala Assistant Director Jerry O’Hara Second Assistant Director Ahliz Galang Art Director Rodney Estonactoc Layout Artist Vic Delotayo Assistant Cameraman Mollie Delino 2nd Assistant Cameraman Modesto Collado VTR? Director Marlon Castro VTR? Cameraman Val Galendez Jabbar’s Trainer Sonny N. San Pedro Special Effects Joe Cadores TDV Effects Fabian Piloton Makeup Artist Rhoda Perez Location Manager Noli Landingin Production Accountants Atty. A. R. Camacho, Gene Cirulano Stillman Felix Cardona Propsmen Freddie Virinia, Samuel Uyat, Edgar Buron, Gerone Naray, David Callejo Schedule Master Popoy Riyos Carpenter Temyong Sound Man Louie Guimpayan Boom Man Arsenio Collado Clapper Man Modesto Collado Chief Electrician Johnny Mendoza Generatorman Jose Cortez Crew Men Boyet de Guzman, Melchor Taladtad, Florencio Collado, Jesus Bacoro Rerecording Mixer Willie Islao Projectionists Abel Granados, Paul Cudiamat Transportation Captains Jose Cortez, Danny Escalora, Robert Picasso Chief Security Benny Resurrecion Utility Man Edgardo Buron Director’s Boy Ricky Swede? Post Production Supervisor Jon Garcia-Arbo Assistant Post Production Supervisor Ching T. Dacuycuy Post Production Manager Norman Rico Assistant Editors Jess Aning, Triny Samson Sound Effects Editor Jun Cabrales
Cast William Martinez (Juke), Mark Gil (Dave), Michael de Mesa (Donald), Tanya Gomez (Baeg), Isadora (Cristine), Ed Villapol (Mr Donged), Rosemarie Gil (Mrs Vergara), Liza Lorena (Doctor), Jabbar (Jabbar), Jose Cortez, Benny Resurrecion (Rapist 1), Jerry O’Hara (Rapist 2), Rez Cortez (Rapist 3) [other sources also list Eva Rose Palma]
1984 – Search For Vengeance (Cinex Films Inc/Twin Dragon Films/F. Puzon Film Enterprises)
[also released as “Night Of Fire” and on French VHS as “City Warrior”]
Director “Raymond”/Rey Malonzo Music Snafu Rigor Cinematography Ver Dauz Editor Joe Mendoza Sound Rolly Ruta Sound Effects Editors Jhun Cabrales, Rudy Cabrales Assistant Editor Rogelio Betez Titles Rudy Quilatan
Cast "Reginald King"/Rey Malonzo (Vito), Charlie Davao (Bono), George Estragen, Johnny Wilson, Fred Param, Liz Allen, Anne Marie, John Reed, Ricky Moreno, [uncredited] Beth Bautista
Review from the Critic Online website:
This incoherent Fillipino action film opens with one of the worst hostage dramas to hit the screen. Four thieves are caught by the police robbing a bank so they take a blabbering old woman hostage. The police shoot tear gas into the bank and one thief is shot trying to escape. Two more surrender and the last one is shot in the head by Vito, the head of the cop squad, as the thief tries to get away using the old woman as a shield. Vito and his squad get a lecture from the police chief telling them not to use their guns to kill any more. In what can be best described as the worst case of retaining information, Vito and his squad are next seen gunning down dozens of drug smugglers and then Vito shoots and kills the local mob boss' son in a bar fight. Vito is suspended from the force for not listening to the police chief. The mob boss is not so pleased losing a million dollar shipment of drugs to the police, but he's more mad about losing his son, so he vows to get revenge on Vito. He sends a package bomb to Vito's house, but it only kills Vito's wife. Now Vito vows revenge. The rest of the film is a series of shootouts and fisticuffs as Vito and the boss' gang go after each other. Vito becomes legendary and the populace consider him a modern day Robin Hood! That is, until the mob boss makes Vito look like a ruthless killer which force the people catch him and crucify him on a cross! Only an impassioned plea from Vito's young son saves him and then Vito faces the mob boss one-on-one. The mob boss has a few knives up his sleeve in his climatic battle with Vito in a graveyard.
Put your brain in neutral and be prepared to be sent on a very surreal voyage. The kind of voyage where bars play an instrumental version of Michael Jackson's "Beat It", there's an awkward martial arts fight every 10 minutes and the dialogue has to be heard to be appreciated. Director Raymond "Rey" Malonzo, who also acts in this film as Vito using the name "Reginald King" (and also directed CLASSIFIED OPERATION - 1985 [aka FIRE DRAGON]), also tries to inject sappy sentimentalism into the mix, as the scene where we are introduced to Vito's wife and son. Vito gives his son some money to go out and buy candy so he can do the down 'n dirty with his wife, only to have his son say, "Dad, I don't like candy!" I had fun counting the times the mob boss' cowardly gang would plead, "Please don't kill me!", whenever Vito would beat them in a fight. It's also filled with hilarious dubbing, such as, "Stone that son of a bitch!" and "Take him down from the cross. Relieve him from his suffering." I believe Malonzo was also trying to put some religious subtext into this film, but it gets lost among the gunshots and badly-staged fights. This film has a weird type of energy to it, such as the scene when Vito's son pleads for his father's life only to get shot in the arm by one of the boss' goons for his good deed. That alone is worth at least one viewing.
1985 - Classified Operation (Cinex?)
[released on French VHS as Fire Dragon]
Director “Reginald King”/Rey Malonzo Writer Arthur Simon Producer Conrad C. Puzon Music Snafu Rigor Cinematography Jess Barouleo
Cast “Raymond”/Rey Malonzo (Ramon), Romy Diaz, Don Pepot, Marilou Bendigo, Mariane Reeves, George “St. Regan”/Estregan (Commander Falcon), Maxie Dudale, Jose Romulo, Conrad Poe, Robert Miller, Andrew Tsien
Review from the Critic Online website:
Another outrageous actioner as only the Filippinos can make them. After a successful raid on a jungle hideout where Ramon (Rey Malonzo starring as "Raymond Malonzo") and his Army cohorts save women hostages and kill all the guerrillas (including Ramon's amazing acrobatic backflip off the side of a cliff where he shoots the head guerrilla square in the face while in midair!), Ramon is called to be by his mother's side in the hospital. Before she dies, she makes Ramon promise to quit the Army. Torn about his promise, Ramon decides to take his wife and son on a vacation to visit his old hometown and his Uncle Jose. As soon as they get into town, Ramon gets into a fight with a bunch of street thugs, simply for asking directions. Ramon soon discovers that his old hometown is now under the strict rule of Cmdr. Falcon (George Estregan as "George St. Reagan"). Every family must pay their "taxes" (which include their virgin daughters for sale to the slave trade) to Falcon. If they don't, the men will be beat-up (or killed) and the women raped. It's not long before Ramon is knee-deep in shit as the police chief is too scared of Falcon to be any help. Ramon takes on Falcon and his gang single-handedly and suffers a great personal tragedy in the process. Shamed into action (by Ramon's son), the police chief and the town spring into action to save Ramon (who for some reason is now called "Cmdr. .45").
Viewed as a companion piece to 1984's SEARCH FOR VENGEANCE (which was also directed, like this one, by star Rey Malonzo using the pseudonym "Reginald King"), CLASSIFIED OPERATION is the weaker of the two, but not without it's charms. Besides the already-mentioned cliff stunt, there's also an hilarious scene where Ramon shows his quickdraw skills on a gang of gun-toting goons. The incidental dialogue (by screenwriter Arthur Simon) is also a hoot. When a gang of guerillas is walking through the jungle, one can be heard saying, "I killed four men today," like it was a normal thing for him. When Falcon is interrupted while fooling around with two women, he turns to them and says, "Keep it hot while I'm gone. OK?" There's also plenty of hand-to-hand combat (with exaggerated sound effects), numerous gun battles (Ramon likes to shoot people in the face for some reason) and too many explosions to count. Hey, this isn't Shakespeare, but it sure as hell isn't boring. Try not to smile as Ramon does the final barrel-roll stunt with the succession of .45s lying on the ground.
1985 - The Day They Robbed
[
Director Manuel 'Fyke' Cinco Story Roger Saulog Screenplay Jose N. Carreon Producer Charo Santos-Concio Executive Producer Simon C. Ongpin Associate Producer [Atty.] Rizal Guerrero Cinematography Ely Cruz Music Jaime Fabregas Musical Arranger Nonong Buencamino Supervising Editor Augusto Salvador Production Design Ricky Brioso Associate Director Jojo M. Lapus Sound Supervision Gaudencio Barredo, Rudy Baldovino Production Manager Hernan Robles Stunt Coordinator Baldo Marro Special Effects Mariano Garcia Technical Consultant David Anderson Art Director Randy Gamier Associate Art Director Bert Habal Set Man Jose “Pipoy” Reyes Jr Propsman Blandino Habal Wardrobe Master Rome Gonzales Wardrobe Assistants Dannie Lopez, Gener Brioso Makeup Artist Amparo Carolina Assistant Cameraman Culie Suriao Gaffers Edgardo Cruz, Leni Beltran Second Unit Cameramen Edmund Cupcupin, Pablo Bautista Field Soundman Willy Antonio Film Editor Toto Natividad Dubbing Editors Ben Salvador, Eddie Hucom Assistant Editor Danny Gloria Sound Effects Editor Danny Sanchez Production Assistant Kess Burias Field Accountant Beth Ajardo Schedule Master/Post-Production Coordinator Boy Dionisio Utility Edgar Almazan, Jun Villarama Service Drivers Adrian Abelino, Jo Vitacion Stills Nilo Odiaman Titles/Opticals Manoling Buencamino, Bonnie Austria
Cast Rudy Fernandez (Ruben Martirez), Rio Locsin (Rose), Donna Villa (Carol), Robert Arevalo (Martin), George Estregan (Putol), Edu Manzano (Bobby), “Deborrah”/Deborah Sun (Marissa), Arnold Mendoza (Eddie), Bomber Moran (Ambo), Jimmy Santos (Zosing), Ernie Forte (Elyong), Abbo dela Cruz (Doming), Roger Saulog (Dodong), Ruben Rustia (Mang Terio), Jose Romulo (Hepe), Johnny Vicar (Tenyente), James Acheson (Duke Carson), Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia (Dolfo), Robert Talabis (Junior), Dick Israel (Bungo), Dave Brodette (Cardo), David Anderson (Marine Captain), Willy Williams (Ensign Smith), Tony Tacorda (Kabo), Alma Lerma (Ruben’s Mother), Rose Ann Gonzales (Ruben’s Daughter), Boy Soriano Jr (Ruben’s Son), David Light (Carson’s Friend), Bill James (Base Commander) Martin’s Men Fred Moro, Nonoy de Guzman, Ben Datu, Ding Mendoza, Big Boy Gomez, Roger Moring, Ding Sibal Bobby’s Men Belo Borja, Joey Padilla Cardo’s Men Boy Padilla, Pilo Puruganan Holduppers Tikboy Fernandez, Pempe Padilla III, Raul Armea Hostage Adora Avila Informer Jojo Lapus Investigators Nigel Hogge, Nick Nicholson US Servicemen Philip Gordon, David Doe, Ramon Jimenez, Henry Baynes, George Maxwell Policemen Vic Belaro, Edgar Santiago, Pol Lopez, Boy Salvador, Buddy de Leon, Jolly Jugueta, Nemie Gutierrez, Ver Sagum, Manny Montalbo, Gil Mandong, Paquito Marcate Gate Guards Arthur Nieto, Rafael Nunez, Mamo Burgos Banktellers Randy Gamier, Melinda Villa del Rey
Review from the Critcon Online website:
Outlandish Philippines-lensed production that's pretty hard to categorize. It's part war film, part heist film and 100% off-the-wall. The film opens up with soldier Duke Carson (James Acheson) watching VC soldiers shoot his nurse girlfriend when he refuses to answer their questions (He screams out a long "Nooooooo!"). The film then switches to a hostage situation at a restaurant where cop Robbie (Rudy Fernandez) shoots and kills hostage taker Junior. Junior's father Martin (Robert Arevalo), a local crime lord, retaliates and sends his men to kill Robbie, but they mistakenly shoot and seriously injure his father instead. Robbie quits the force and decides to go after Martin on his own. Meanwhile, Duke is reassigned to an American military base as an MP, close to where Robbie lives. Robbie's friends plan to rob the Bank of American Express on the military base and they want Robbie to join them, but he declines. Duke gets into a fight with local gunrunners at a bar where Robbie is having a drink. Robbie notices Duke's fighting abilities and compliments him on them. When Robbie learns his father is going to need an expensive operation, he has no choice but to join in on the bank robbery, but he brings in friends Boiler (a marksman) and Sausage (the brawny muscle) for extra insurance. Martin has his men burn down Robbie's house, nearly killing his wife and kids. Robbie grabs a machine gun and systematically begins gunning down Martin's men, nearly missing the robbery start time. They finally perform the robbery, sneaking into the military base disquising themselves as sandwich men. As they are robbing the bank, they are caught off-guard by Duke and the MPs, which leads to a shootout (Boiler, the marksman, is the first to die) and a hostage situation. Duke's new girlfriend Carol (Donna Villa), a bank teller, is taken hostage by Ronnie, which leads to a short car chase and another shootout. Duke rescues Carol as Ronnie and his gang disappear into the jungle. Robbie buries the money and disappears, as Duke goes commando and begins killing all the robbers one-by-one. The finale finds Duke and Robbie shooting it out and neither one comes out unscathed.
1985 – Blasting Bullets (LL Films/David International Ltd)
[release date 6th June 1985, original Tagalog title "Hari Ng Gatilyo"]
Directors Eddie Nicart, Manuel Lapid
Cast Lito Lapid, George Estregan, Rebecca, Jean Carlos, Romy Diaz, Bomber Moran, Max Alvarado, Robert Talby
1985 – Jimbo (Golden L)
[release date 5th December 1985, released on French VHS as “US Commando”]
Director Eddie Nicart Cinematography Rey Lapid Music Rey Ramos Editor Toto Natividad
Cast Jess Lapid, Cristina Crisol, George Estregan, Melinda Mendez
1985 – Revenge For Justice (Sittis Film Exchange Philippines Inc)
[Released in the
Director Manuel “Fyke” Cinco Story Dave Brodett Screenplay/Associate Director Jojo M. Lapus Producer Hadja Sitti Aiza Ummar H-545 Associate Producer/Casting Director Hadji Mohammad Ali Ajihil H-536 Executive Producer Hadji Usman Ummar H-555 Cinematography Edmund Cupcupin Editor Augusto Salvador Music Jaime Fabregas Musical Arranger Nonong Buencamino Sound Supervision Rolly Ruta Production Designer Orlando Tolentino Art Director Rolly Sto. Domingo Production Managers Dante Javier, Eddie Castillo Stunt Coordinator Baldo Marro Opticals Carlos Lacap, Bonnie Austria Titles Dick Gonzales, Manny Bueno, Oscar Manzon Post-Production Manager Johnny Leoncio Assistant Editors Danny Gloria, Efren Salvador, Boy Gloria Special Sound Effects Danny Salvador Makeup Artist Lerma Calara Schedule Masters Andy Pomasin, Domingo Bautista Talent Coordinator Julio Garcia Scriptgirl Continuity Lydia Aclo Stills Sambas Ajihil, Boy Listangco Sets/Props/Effects Rolly Sto. Domingo, Boyet Sto. Domingo, Nestor Nano Ptico Catering In-Charge Mohammad Utonoh Ajihil In-Charge Of Production Yusuf Salim Ajihil Production Supervisor Mohammadnur Ajihil Sales In-Charge Abdua Usman Office Manager Bayani Penus Office Secretary Tessie de Leon Production Utilities Rey Manoling, Isnine Kulot
Cast Rudy Fernandez (Bobby), Donna Villa (Malou), George Estregan (Police Lieutenant), Ronnie Lazaro (Younger Brother), Fauzi Omar, Yusuf Salim (Sergeant), Paquito Diaz, Perla Bautista, Johnny Wilson (Atty Dayao), Bomber Moran, Dick Israel, Dave Brodett, Tony Bernal, Melinda Mendez, Leon Pajaron, Yashin Mohd. Nur, Paula Palanca, Philip Gamboa, Max Alvarado, Victor Bravo, Renato del Prado, Juco Diaz, Rodolfo “Boy” Garcia Cops Ali Al-Hadz, Nick Alladin, Tony Tacorda, Rey Tomenes, Eddie Tuazon, Vic Belaro, Pol Lopez Dayao’s Men Sonny Valencia, Joe Baltazar, Ding Mendoza, Sammy Brillantes, Danny Labra, Boy Sta. Maria, Raymund Vargas Benjie’s Men Ernie Forte, Joey Padilla, Tony Concepcion, Nonoy de Guzman, Avel Acosta, Intoy Waray Mike’s Men Belo Borja, Jess Bonzo, Bebeng Amora, Boy Padilla Beerhouse Goons Robert Miller, Ernie David, Rene Romero, Vic Santos, Larry Esguerra, Roger Moring, Bobby Oreo, Ronald Asinas Gambling Den Goons Romy Nario, Romy Romulo, Boy Salvador, Buddy de Leon, Danny Amora Bank Robbers George Wendth, Dante Rijalde, Waldo Reyes Bank Tellers Olive Madridejos, Alice Montemayor, Adora Soriano Guest Stars Bebong Osorio, Nick Lizaso, Rolan Montes, Luis Benedicto, Nuno Ajihil Bukas Kotes Gang Mel Arca, Joe Andrade, Art Veloso Featuring Rene Hawkins, Eddie Gicoso, Eris Navarro, Pilo Puruganan, Alex Labay, Boy Antiporda, Big Boy Gomez, Ramon Lee, Ding Sibal, Pempe Padilla III, Frank Dumalagan, Lito Acuna, Eddie Samonte, Roger Belaro, Manny Jacinto, Fred Quidlat, Rey Abella, Benny May, Nestor Brillantes, Mat Fulluso, Totoy Magno, Tony del Prado, Professional Stuntmen
1985 – Silip (Viking Films International)
[released internationally as “Daughter Of Eve” or “Daughters Of Eve”; released on Italian VHS as “Deflorazione”/“Flowers of Virginity”]
Director Elwood Perez Producer “Willy”/Wilson Tieng Executive Producer Wilson Tieng Associate Producer Lucy T. Cabuchan Screenplay Ricardo Lee Music Lutgardo Labad Director Of Photography Johnny Araojo Assistant Director Jimmy Reyes Editor Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao Production Designer Alfred Santos Art Director Gerry Pascual Production Manager Gunding Lopez Field Soundman Pete Nicolas Gaffer Romy Mendoza Assistant Cameraman Romy Onofre Associate Editor Samuel Domondon Assistant Editors Totoy Vinarao, Jun Calaguan Laboratory Consultant Tony Caminto (?) Publicity Stills Ben Nollora Live Effects Rodel Caoule Sound Engineer Vic Macamay Animation, Credits & Opticals Gerry A. Garcia Graphic Artist Arnold V. Villasis Layout Artists Cecille Tiu, Bing Santos Makeup Kokuryo Hair & Makeup (Ms Lopez) Cecile Del Mundo Jr Makeup (Ms Emmanuelle) Patrick Rosal Dubbing Supervisor Vangie Labalan Production Accountant Lilia “Mynne” Mesa Field Custodian Pilar Wee Talent Co-Ordinator Roger Macapaga Co-Ordinator for Laoag City Jun Mandac Makeup Artist from Kokuryo Baby Divina Gracia Setman Buddy Camposano Propsman Rey Samosa First Utilityman Miguel Palacios Second Utilityman Rolando Samosa Caterer Nene Lopez Service Fleet Drivers George Lobitana, Joe Ching, Tito Canlas, Felix Avaoag Security Officer Corporal Bernie Montano Fight Instructor Jimmy Reyes Special Effects & Prosthetics Ben Otico Creative Associate Arthur Casanova
Cast Marie Isabel Lopez, Sarsi Emmanuelle, Myra Manibog, Mark Joseph, Daren Craig Johnson, Michael Angelo, Arwin Rogelio, Jenneelyn Gatbalite, Pia Zabale, Jimmy Reyes, Gloria Andrade, Arthur Casanova, Chabeng Contreras, Cherriebee Santos, Lea Zabale, Eduardo Recto, Jun-Jun Santos, Emiliano Lopez, Letty De Guzman, Eric Ong, Chelsea, Laybana, Leo Llanes
1985 -
Director Danilo Cabreira
Cast Michael James, Don Gordon [
1985 – Outlaw Inferno (Cine Suerte Inc)
[release date 7th March 1985, original Tagalog version “Ulo Ng Gapo”]
Director Nick Lizaso Screenplay Tony Calvento Executive Producer Ben Yalung Cinematography Sergio Lobo Sound Rolly Ruta Editor Edgardo "Boy" Vinarao
1985 - Raiders Of The Paradise (Sunny Films/Davian International)
Director Romy Suzara
Cast Connie Angeles, Dick Israel, Julie Ann Fortich, Eddie Garcia, Vic Vargas NO OTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE
Review from the Vomit Bag Video catalogue:
Very OBSCURE 1985 Phillipine action-sleaze flick, with rich young girls held captive by terrorists for ransom on an isolated island. Lots of machine-gun fights, stabbings, beatings, rapes, catfights, etc. Stars Eddie Garcia as one of the girl's fathers who tries to rescue them. Fun stuff!
1985 - Wild Force (Davian International Ltd/Sunny Films/Tee-Jay)
[release date 2nd May 1985]
Director /Story/Screenplay Francis “Jun” Posadas Executive Producer Lita T. Buenaseda Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Editor Oscar Dugtong Associate Director Ruben de Guzman General Manager Hildo Jose Production Consultant in Mindanao Billy Yu
Cast “Yusuf”/Yusif Salim, Robert Talby, Danny Riel, Ben Morro, Nick Alladin, Hasmin Hassan, Roy Flores, Mike Cohen, Barbara Peers
Review from the AV Maniacs Forum website:
To paraphrase Johnny Carson, there's an exciting 30 minutes of plot spread over an hour and a half. A group of commando's, including one female, are recruited for a mission to rescue Professor (doesn't-have-to-call-him) Johnson and his secretary from rebel dirtbags. Unfortunately, the soldier's monotonous trek across rugged mountain terrain wastes about two-thirds of the running time. Still, there are some nuggets of bad movie gold along the way. Typical of low rent Asian action movies, many of the Filipino soldiers have accents like the Bowery Boys. Moments of inspired stupidity, some Ed Wood Hall of Fame dialogue, and several sequences of bullet ballet virtuosity rescue Wild Force from the fast forward/eject button.
There are some terrifically terrible moments that clumsily cloy at the heartstrings. For example: In a skirmish with rebels, one of the commando's takes a bullet to the kneecap. Rather then bog down the mission, he most graciously agrees to kill himself. While holding the other soldiers at gunpoint, he engages in a hysterical suicidal rant. He can end it all with a short n' sweet bullet to the brain, but why waste ammo? Instead, he makes a decision to go for maximum entertainment value, and tosses himself off a jagged cliff. He bounces his way to an agonizing death, and much to his chagrin, is still breathing at the bottom. A few moments later the tortured soul succumbs. The other soldiers share a few moments of grief and vow to complete the mission in his honor. There's no cracking wise about the dearly departed idiot.
The staging of the final gun battle is commendable. Even minor characters and extras eat lead with a James Cagney bravado. (I really miss the ham handed flourish of old school movies in this regard. Chop-chop editing has largely eliminated the art of playing dead with gusto).
1985 – The Lethal Hunt (Cine Suerte Inc/Davian International Ltd)
[originally released in the
Director/Story Ben G. Yalung Screenplay Tony Blacksmith Producers “Horace”/Haracio G. Yalung, Roman G. Yalung Editor Augusto Salvador Assistant Director Santiago Garcia Art Director Ann Maria Campbell Cinematography Sergio Antonyo Production Designer Bobby Jensen Production Manager Lito Lopez
Cast Fernando Poe Jr (Ben Serrano), Miguel Rodriguez, Eddie Arenas, Bing Davao, Alex Leviste, Michael St. James, George Estregan (Mayor Ledesma), Bomber “Morgan”/Moran, Amay Bisaya, Alan Bautista, Armida Siguion-Reyna (Dona Lucila), Paquito Diaz, Greggy Liwag (Greggy), King Guitierrez, Fred Moro, Shalimar Alcantara, Candy Crisotomo, Jeffrey Picar (Rico) [other sources list Romy Diaz, Marilyn Bautista]
Review from the Critcon Online website:
Here's a little-seen Filipino actioner that's bloody as hell. Police detective Ben Serrano (Fernando Poe, Jr.) and his partner break up a robbery in progress, which results in Ben's partner being killed when he takes a shotgun blast to the face (Just before he dies, he says, "Ben, I'm not feeling good. I'm so badly wounded! Well, tonight I will not be able...to taste your wife's cooking!"). Ben gets even by shooting all the bad guys in the head, but he gets shot in the arm when one bad guy turns out to be not as dead as he thought. As he is recuperating at home (where his nagging pregnant wife begs him to quit the force), he is attacked by some more bad guys dressed as garbage men (When Ben asks one of the guys why he is knocking on his front door to collect the garbage, the bad guy replies, "We've improved our service!). Ben manages to shoot all the bad guys (one even takes a bullet to the groin) as his wife cries uncontrollably. Back on the force, Ben gets into a car chase/shootout with a bunch of robbery suspects, which results in Ben crashing into a Mercedes Benz containing rich bitch (and Mob connected) Dona Lucila (Armida Siguion-Reyna) and her daughter Leslie, who is killed in the crash (Dona Lucila orders her driver to run a red light, by saying, "It's only a foolish old red light!", so the crash is really her fault).
Dona Lucila uses her money, family and influence to exact revenge on Ben, paying off a top cop to lie in court so Ben gets convicted of vehicular homicide and is sentenced to twelve years in prison. To cover her tracks, Dona Lucila has the lying cop killed after the trial is over so he can't recant his testimony. While in prison, Ben's wife dies while giving birth to a baby boy. Two years later, Ben is paroled from prison for good behavior, which doesn't sit too well with Dona Lucila. After firing her lawyer, Dona orders her people (including her sons) to kill Ben, but he has moved from busy Manila to his brother's farm in a small town in the mountains, where he hopes to raise his young son, Rico (Jeffrey Picar), in peace. As you can probably tell, that's not going to happen. Not only does Ben have to deal with Dona Lucila and her goons, he must now contend with evil Mayor Ledesma (George Estregan), since Ben's brother is running against him for mayor in the upcoming election. When Ben's brother and dozens of his supporters are viciously gunned-down in an ambush, Ben puts away his newly-acquired pacifist ideals and straps on the guns again, looking for some well-deserved revenge. By making the chief villian in this film a woman, director/co-scripter Ben G. Yalung (ZUMA 2: HELL SERPENT - 1987) has crafted a memorable, if ludicrous, action flick that contains plenty of bloody violence (mostly of the bullet kind, although one guy gets a spear through his neck and another gets one in the gut) and even more badly-dubbed hilarious dialogue. Dona Lucila is a bloodthirsty broad who holds grudges for life, even though she's chiefly responsible for her daughter's death. She has no problem putting her own sons in harm's way to achieve her revenge.
Long-time Filipino film star Fernando Poe Jr. (LANGIT AT LUPA - 1967; ANG ALAMAT - 1971; LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE - 1977; ANG PADRINO - 1984; MUSLIM MAGNUM .357 - 1986) spends a good portion of his screen time shooting people in the legs or head (some bad guys get both) or grieving over the loss of loved ones, but he does have a screen presence that can't be denied. I can see why he was one of the
THE LETHAL HUNT (original title: PARTIDA) is the type of low-budget Filipino action film that's low on logic (Ben has only been in prison for two years, but when he gets out, his son looks to be at least four years old!) but more than makes up for with mindless violence and a high bodycount. Also starring Michael St. James, Miguel Rodriguez, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Shalimar Alcantara, Candy Crisotomo, Eddie Arenas, Bing Davao and King Guitierrez. The print I viewed came from a Greek-subtitled VHS tape. Not Rated.
1985, 1986 or 1988 - Not Another Mistake (International Film Entertainment)
Director/Producer Anthony Maharaj Line Producer Ursula Marquez Executive Producer Gerard (Gerald?) Milton Co-Producer Michelle Marshall Production Executive Dino Stroppa Music Ron Jones Cinematography Johnny Araojo Casting Donald Paul Pemrick Stunt Co-ordinator Glenn Ruehland
Cast Richard Norton (Richard Straker), Michael [John] Meyer (Soleri), Daniel Dietrich (Pappas), “Don”/Donald Paul Pemrick, Eric Hahn (Varda), Wren [T.] Brown, “Steve”/Stephen Young, Glen Ruehland, James Clevenger, Warren McLin, Franco Guerrero, Angel Confiado, Paul Holmes, Judy Green
1986 - Revenge Of The Street Warrior (F. Puzon Film Enterprises?)
[also released as "Street Warrior"]
Director/Writer “Wilfred”/Willie Milan Producer Conrad C. Puzon Music Snafu Rigor Cinematography Apolinario Cuenco Editor Joe Mendoza
1986 – Jailbreak...... 1958 (Cinex Films Inc/F. Puzon Film Enterprises Inc)
Director/Screenplay “José Antonio”/Anthony Alonzo Producers Conrad C. Puzon, “Pierre”/Pio C. Lee Cinematography “Policarpio”/Apolinario Cuenco Music Lutgardo Labad Editor Joe Mendoza Production Design Pete Manansala Sound Mixer Rolly Ruta Assistant Director Sonny Saret Script Supervisor Noel Mallonga Production Manager Johnny Leoncio Assistant Editors Vergilio Betez, Bonnie de Guzman Sound Effects Editors “Jhun”/Jun Cabrales, Rudy Cabrales
Cast Anthony Alonzo, Paul Vance, Mariane Reeves, “Daniel”/Nick Nicholson, Mark Joseph, Fred Montilla, Renato Del Prado, Mary Walter, Tita Muñoz, Alicia Alonzo, “Jonee”/Joonee Gamboa, Jonjon Hernadez, Den Montero
Review from the WTF DVDs online catalogue:
Cool Filipino film in English about a man who sets out to take revenge against the drug dealers who turned his nephew into a drug addict. He raids their mansion packing a machine gun killing several and must take them all out - that is, until the cops nab him. Then he sets a plan into action to escape from prison to finish what he already started. The first 20 minutes of this film is filled with trashy language and women beatings as this fucked up or should I say dysfunctional family screams, yells and beats each other, it’s a total laugh riot if you ask me and the rest of the film is pretty good too…
1986 - Ninja Kids (Viva Films)
[released on UK VHS as “Ninja Kids Phantom Force”]
Director Pablo Santiago Story Jose Javier Reyes Screenplay Tommy C. David, Jose Javier Reyes Executive Producer Vic del Rosario Jr Producer Ramon Salvador Cinematography Ding
Cast Herbert Bautista (Dodo), J.C. Bonnin (Anton), Francis Magalona (Tone), Ramon Christopher (Ninja 3), Dennis da Silva (Kenneth), Keno (Louie), Ricky Rivero (Charlie), Elizabeth Oropesa (Lotus), Ernie Ortega (Master), Protacio Dee (Naguchi), Lea Salonga (Yoko), Mia Prats (Mariko), Yani De Veyra (Teach), Max Alvarado, Victor Bravo, Marissa Delgado, Manjo del Mundo, Paquito Diaz, Joaquin Fajardo, Lito Garcia, Liza Lorena, Bomber Moran, Mely Tagasa
1986 - Forgotten Warrior (Interwood Films)
[now distributed by Marchini’s Romarc Inc; released on German VHS as “Commander Rainbow” and French VHS as “US Warrior”]
Directors Nick Cacas, Charlie Ordonez Writer Tom McKenzie Music Stephen Shing Stunts Romy Blanco, Bert Cayanan, George Tormida
Cast Ron Marchini (Steve Parrish), “Quin Frazier”/Quincy Frazer (Major Thompson), Sam T. Lapuz (Col. Minh), Joe Meyer (Sergeant), Marilyn Bautista (Maila), Sonny Villanueva (Van Diung), Vilma Vitug (Minh Li), Angel Confiado (Chieftain), Mark Joseph (Bayh), Rose Marie Alvarez (Maila's Girlfriend I), Violy Manalastas (Village Midwife), Hadji Paisal (Village Sorcerer), Ernie Ortega (Samurai Fighter), Roland Dantes (Stick Fighter), Art Veloso (Sgt.Ldr. Judo Fighter), Romy Blanco (POW Torturing Officer), Mike Monty (Lt.Col. Harris), Mike Cohen (U.S. General), Jeffrey (Baby Boy), Dindo Cacas (Tortured Village Boy), Bert Relucio (Col. Minh's Bodyguard), [uncredited] David Light (General's Aide)
Review from the Critcon Online website:
In 1974
This Philippines-lensed companion film to JUNGLE WOLF (also 1986), directed by Nick Cacas and Charlie Ordonez (SUICIDE FORCE - 1982; Ordonez also single-handedly directed JUNGLE WOLF), is very violent, as people are shot (lots of bullets to the head), stabbed, shot with arrows, impaled on spikes or blown-up. Luckily, Ron Marchini (DEATH MACHINES - 1976) doesn't have to do much emoting (he's not a very good actor), but he does make a good action star. He's very athletic, is good with a sword (there are a couple of lengthy sword fight here) and knows his martial arts (he's a real-life Sensei with a 6th degree black belt). He also produced this using his full name, Ronald Lee Marchini, as he does with most of the films he starred in. While nothing special, this film (which clocks in at a scant 76 minutes) is never boring or lacks for action. Hardly a minute goes by without someone getting killed in one way or another (there's a nasty spiked boobytrap-to-the-groin gag late in the film) and there's some good use of slow-motion photography during some of the action scenes. I've seen a lot worse than this so, if you see it anywhere, give it a chance and pick it up. Marchini would return as Steve Parrish for a third (and final) time in RETURN FIRE: JUNGLE WOLF 2 (1988), a filmed-in-California (mainly in
1986 – Ultimax Force (F. Puzon Film Enterprises? Cinex?)
[released in
Director “Wilfred”/Willy Milan Writer “Joe Avalon”/Joe Mari Avellana Producer Pierre C. Lee Executive Producer Conrad C. “Boy” Puzon Music Willie Cruz Cinematography Joe Tutanes Casting Eric Hahn Production Design Ronnie Cross Art Director Benjie Kamaya Special Effects Edilberto Naelgas
Cast
1986 – Bodyguard (Viking Films)
[Full onscreen title “Masyong Bagwisa Jr Bodyguard”;
Director/Writer Mike Relon Makiling Executive Producer Wilson Tieng Associate Producers Lucia Tieng Cabochan, Willy Tieng Cinematography Christopher Jones Lobo Music Emil Losneda Editor Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao Production Manager Emiliano “Gunding” Lopez Assistant Director Johnny Ramirez Routine/Stunt Director Baldo Marro Special Effects Jun “Gapo” Marbella Sound Effects Danny Salvador Sound Engineer Rolly Ruta Assistant Editors Francis Vinarao, Ben Tala Assistant Production Manager Nestor “Boy” Lopez Production Design Gerry Pascual Art Director Hector Petilla Wardrobe Tasi Stills Ben Nollora Layout Artist Bing Santos Sound Man Rolly Donozo Assistant Cameraman Edgar Lavarias Boom Man Ohdie de Leon Clapper Boy Tony Trinidad Electrician Simon Primian Unit Driver-General Jay-Ar Ramos Crew Arnel Donozo, Butch dela Cruz, Danny Tindella, Dave Cosico Schedule Master Raul Rios Makeup Artist Clarita Maceda Props & Setting Salvador Camposano, Reynaldo Samoza Service Drivers George Lobitana, Alejandro Canlas, Pedro Canlas Utility Boys Jerry Estrada, Rolando Samoza, Julie Marcelo Field Cashier Lilia “Mynne” Mesa Assistant Field Cashier Juliet Cabanag Title Design Rolly Sante? Graphics Joe Yap, Abe Ampayo, Rene Canlas, Jordan Nogo? Animation Camera Supervisor Oscar Manzo
1986 - Soldyer! (Arte)
[release date 27th August 1986]
Director Angel Labra Screenplay J.O. Tirazona, Woodrow Serafin Cinematography Rey de Leon Music Rey Ramos Cinematography Rey de Leon Editor Pepe Marcos Art Director Rolly Sto. Domingo
Cast Redford White, Pugak, Pia Moran, Marilou Bendigo
1986 - Jungle Wolf (Romarc Inc)
[also released on US VHS as “The Wolf” and on French VHS as “Terrorist Commando”]
Director Charlie Ordoñez Story Ron Marchini [as Ronald L. Marchini] Screenplay David Donaldson Producer “Ronald Lee”/Ron Marchini Cinematography Ramon Marcelino, Don Starnes Editors Garrick Huey, Augusto Salvador Foley Mixer Larry Oatfield Sound Editor Jan Van Tassell Stunt Co-ordinator Bert Cayanan Stunts Rey Abad, Totoy Barez, Rony Bocina, Romulo Caparas, Garling Conde, Aris Cuevas, Roy David, Willy Ebanes, Doming Ebrada, Bobby Esguerra, Boyet Esguerra, Joey Francisco, Bax Gabun, Crispin Lipa, Monching Manadoc, Archo Monis, Tom Olano, Vic Oliva, Phoy Organis, Billy Pagan, Charlie Patenio, Mar Perez, Danny Rabina, Ador Redaso, Jing Remias, Jun Roxas, Nester Sacem, Sammy Sacos, Rene Salem, Ricardo Santos, Roger Santos, Nilo Sauta, Fred Singson, Alberto Sobrino, Arthur Tongohan
Cast Ron Marchini (Steve Parrish), Laura Abeyta (Maria), Joe Meyer (Murdock), Romy Diaz (Hernandez), “J. Antonio”/Tony Carreon (Ambassador Worthington), Joonee Gamboa (Isidro Zapien), Paul Vance (Agent Conover), Rudy Meyer (Paco), Alfred Burt (Agent Hargrave), Dax [Nicholas] (Zak), Ernie David (Phony Padre), Tony Tacorda (Captain Garcia), Mike Bristow (Agent Murphy), Julius Pelicardo (Veco), Fred Pajarillo (T.V. Host), Eddie Nicart (Thug One), Rey Solo (Thug Two), David Donaldson (Limo Driver), David Heath (Helicopter Pilot) Rebels Zaldy Adolfo, Marvin Amiana, Nick Bayron, Obet Beltran, Bert Cayanan, Rey Conde, Johnny Davantes, Nestor Diqueto, Roger Flores, Fred Galang, Roberto Grefardo, Roy Gutierez, Tini Herrera, Jun Jillanueva, Reynald Laranjo, Virgie Locsin, Eddie Manilac, Eddie Baldo Marro, Timi Nerrera, Mark Ona, Celso San Pedro, Pong Pong, Pilo Purunganan, Ador Quaresma, Boy Queme, Boy Quenee, Leo Ramos, Jimmy Rodero, Jun Romero, Teodorico Sandoc, Jojo Togonon, Rolly Velarde, Jun Villaneuva Soldiers Basilia Banate, Dante Belen, Rene Camba, Panfilo Cordero, Fernando Cruz, Eddie Daguman, Brandy Ecantoca, Noel Escalante, Alfredo Hermonsura, Ferdinand Jarcia, Peter Jarcia, Rommel Lamera, Danny Lim, Jorge Logue, Johnny Magpali, Teodorico Martinez, Al Nanca, Eddie Ortiola, Rey Palenzuela, Bernardo Dela Pena, Emilia Rivera, Lito Salita, Nilo Salita, Larry Salvador, Hardy Shoemaker, Freddie Shoemaker Jr, Allan Tan, Damilo Tan, Bogart Vargas, Boy Zapata
Review from the “Return Of The Ninjas” website:
Aaaahhh… the 1980s! The sheer unbelievable Ninja craze! More cheap but cheerful Namsploitation flicks you can shake a severed foot at! Insane post-nuke mayhem! Yeah, those were the days… Enter Wilfred (aka Willie)
Produced by Pierre C. Lee and written by Joe Avalon, ULTIMAX FORCE is at least good if dumb fun, provided that you lower your expectations immensely. PLATOON (1986) it ain’t – it has much more in common with the MISSING IN ACTION trilogy (1984 - 1988), only cheaper, sillier, and less spectacular. So our Ninjas (who have really cool names like Chris Burton, Dick Foster, Bill Norton and Mike Dobson) stroll through the jungles, talk stupid things and bump off Vietcongs by the dozens. Not in that order, necessarily. Mostly they rely on their machine guns to wipe out their enemies, but sometimes they also use grenades, chains and – of course – their swords. There are a few shootouts (often spiced up with the sight of unfortunate men being riddled with bullets), punch-ups, fights and explosions, but it’s neither spectacular nor the least bit memorable. Sure, it’s entertaining, in a naïve, trashy way, but it’s far from being great. At least ULTIMAX FORCE is a real Ninja movie, in contrast to all those chaotic Joseph Lai/Godfrey Ho/Tomas Tang patchwork flicks. The British DVD has got a very poor picture quality, and – to add insult to injury – it is supposed to be cut too! ULTIMAX FORCE was also released on tape in
1986 – No Blood No Surrender (Jonrox Films/Larry
Director Rudy Dominguez Writer Ernie Ortega Producers Kado & Uro Executive Producer Jonrox Films Line Producer Rosanna Manalaysay Production Manager Wilfredo Mendoza Assistant Director Marcial Sorita Music Carlos Rodriguez Cinematography Rudy Quijano Editor Samuel Domondon In Charge Of Production Mennen P. Santiago Sales Manager Lauro Romero Assistant Sales Manager Ador Baligaya Unit Facilities Larry Santiago Productions, RSL Productions Laboratory MP Laboratory Fight Instructors Ernie Ortega, Ruben Ramos Assistant Editors Arsenio Collado, Danny Collado Sound Engineer Bing Santos Sound Effects Bert Santos Assistant Cameraman Rodel Quijano Soundman Boy Dominguez Makeup Eddie Valeriano Setting/Propsman Mamerto Balerio Stills Giant Hilario Effectsman Concordio Achay Materials Trustee Rogelio Pallones Animation Rolly Santiago Layout Eddie Domer Titles Lauro Romero
Cast Palito (Samson), Panchito, Max Alvarado (Mayor Mercado), Janice Jurado, Brandy Ayala, Sheella Mari, Michelle Aquino, Ernie Ortega (Police Chief), Ruben Ramos, Eddie Llanita, Eddie Valeriano, Bondying, [uncredited] Fernando Poe Jr
1986 - The Hell Raiders (Ferde Grofe Films Inc/Rockport Productions)
Director/Writer Ferde Grofe Jr Executive Producer Guy E. Coombs Producers Ferde Grofe Jr, Keith Lawrence Associate Producer Joseph Zucchero Cinematography Jun Dalawis Music Caite Mullin, Steve Roach Editor Billy Schlueter
Cast Roger Kern, Franco Guerrero, Guy Doleman, James Wainwright (“Boom Boom” Callahan)
1987 - The Third Hand (company unknown)
[also released as “Judgement Day”]
Director/Writer Ferde Grofé Jr Producers Ferde Grofé Jr, Keith Lawrence Stunts Dean Raphael Ferrandini
Cast Ken McLeod (Charlie), David Anthony Smith (Pete), Monte Markham (Sam), Peter Mark Richman (Priest), Cesar Romero (Octavio), Gloria Hayes
WL Paynecraft’s review on the HorrorWatch website:
Judgement Day is a great little flick from the late 80’s, era of hair bands and proficient guitarists. Anyway, Judgement Day isn’t about this. It’s about some unlucky backpackers that get caught in a cursed Mexican town at the wrong time of the year. During this time, Satan and his evil minions run rampant on the streets lashing whips and torturing people. This “weekend of Hell” is more of a parallel universe then a bad time of year though and merely enduring it isn’t enough. You need to get out of town before it’s over or you are stuck there for another year. Not a good place to be. Whilst there, our sojourners meet up with some hospitable “persons of interest” that appear to be stuck in this dimension on a permanent basis. These people give them a hand and explain some things to them, but our hikers are more or less on their own.
Man, do I dig this movie. The dialogue of the two main characters is hokey at times and some of their decisions don’t seem altogether realistic. Still, there’s something about it. There’s lots of tension and excitement. The concept behind the story is extremely intriguing to me. I like the concept that Hell is this actual geographic region and, in some rare cases, mortals can travel in and out of it, not unlike the world of Hades in Greek mythology. Of course there’s no guarantee that you can walk right back out once you walk in…
I could tell the budget wasn’t big by the caliber of actors, but they made it work. Hell was convincing and scary and miserable. Great atmosphere and scenery. It reminded me of a Full Moon flick in how they were able to stretch a dollar.
Overall, this is a “Wendigo Lazarus Paynecraft favorite”. No real gore, but pretty violent themes nonetheless. There is even a boob shot or two thrown in for good measure. The storyline is one of the most original that I’ve seen. I was never bored, though I was groaning a couple times at the hokey dialogue in the beginning. I give this movie 8 out of 10 old ladies that I couldn’t figure out the math on how old she really was.
1987 - Action Is Not Missing: Crack Platoon (RVQ Productions)
Director Angel Labra Writers Woodrow Serafin, Roy Vera Cruz Cinematography Armando De Guzman Jr.
Cast Dolphy, Paquito Diaz, Carlos Padilla Jr, Max Vera, Tsing Tong Tsai, Edgar Quizon, Ricky Brown, Pebbles de Asis, Che Che Sta. Ana, Atong Redillas, Francis Magalona, Nick Nicholson
1987 - The Fighter (The Walanar Group/Cari-Phil Pictures)
[also released as “The Kick Boxer” and “The Kickboxer”; released on Turkish VCD as “Dövüþçü”]
Director/Producer/Story Anthony Maharaj Screenplay Noel Gough [other sources list “Noah Blough”] Producer David Heavener Line Producer Ursula Marquez Executive Producer Gerald Milton Music Ron Jones Cinematography Johnny Araojo Editor “Bass”/Gervacio Santos Executive in Charge of Production Dino Stroppa Production Co-ordinator Domingo F. Go Production Manager Arnold A. Go Jr Production Secretary Dolly V. Miguel Assistant Director Bill Baldridge Script Supervisor Cleo de Leon Continuity Anita Ramirez Talent Co-ordinator Delfin Pante Cameraman Romulo Araojo Clapper Boy Manuel Assistant Cameraman Mel Dapilos Assistant Cameramen Jaime Fornillos, Mel de la Paz Gaffer Jess DeSamparo Best Boy Joseph Salagan Stills Jess Baruelo Special Effects Nestor Yadao, Bobby Peralta Graphics Vic Velasco Art Director Gentz Inarda Set Designer Ferdie Pinzone Set Designer Robert Abihay Props Dindo Marcos, Celso Aquino Costume Designer Noel Ribaya Wardrobe Lits Lasa, Ike Mangubat, Freddie Mesa, Eden Liggayu Make-up Artist Ely Paguio Titles Boy Quilatan Sound Recordist Bing Santos Sound Engineer Rollie Ruta Boom Operator Gilbert Cordovan Military Liaison Doming Fabon Stunt Driver Greg Rocero Stuntmen Alex Flores, Blandino Giganluca Fight Choreographers Richard Norton, Benny Urquidez, Glen Ruehland
Cast Richard Norton (Ryan Travers), Erica Van Wagener (Katie Travers), Franco Guerrero (Chai Wat), Glenn Ruehland (Zach), Steve Rackman (Bodo 'Cage Fighter'), Benny “Jet” Urquidez (Jet), Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr (international boxing referee), Nello Nayo (Wan The Beggar), Angel Confiado (Quan), Helen McNeely (Mrs Travers), Doc McCoy (Mr Travers), Ursula Marquez (Doctor), Graham Monro (Shipyard Manager), Tommy Romulo (Ring Announcer), Ramon d’Salva (Pinai), Shirley Tesoro (Girlfriend), Nick Nicholson, Ashley Laurence, Tony Ferrer Syndicate Tony Laxa, Karim Kiram, Bert Vivar, Greg Rocero Shipyard Fighters Bebeng Amora, Jess Bonzo, Rene Romero, Eddie Bakal Bar Thugs Bebot Davao, Dardo Lunsod, Joseph Pedro
1987 - Mission
Director Peter M. Mackenzie Screenplay Peter M. Mackenzie, Sally Marie Hallam Producers Peter M. Mackenzie, Gene Marcus Huggens, Joseph H. Zucchero Executive Producers Guy F. Coombs, Terence K. Osemen, Russell Lousich Music Nicholas Pike Cinematography Les Parrot Editor Drake Silliman Additional Songs David Bluefield, Freddie Aguilar Production Manager Hernan Robles Production Coordinator Jaime de la Rosa Location Manager Norma Japitana First Assistant Director Bobby Greenwood Second Assistant Director Richard Brioso Continuity Monika Heck Secretary Alice S. Garcia Production Assistants Alex Nolte, Randy Gamier, Emmanuel Ignacio, Juliet Santos, Gino Miralles Accountant Mariel Batulan Co-Accountant Nilda De Leon Bookkeeper Eva Vincente Legal Advisor Clarence Stills Roger Robles Videotape Operator Jimmy Corpuz Art Director Ramon Casenillo First Assistant Director Henry Dar Juan Second Assistant Director Ma. Cristina Javelona Carpenters Alberto Mabutol, Joel Adesas, Arnel Gabion Painters Marcial Anorma, Ding Habal, Adolfo Colinayo Key Grip Ding Legaspi Assistant Key Grip Johnny Cecogo Best Boy Ruben Desaresa Grips Alex Santiago, Edgar Argulla, Johnny Adigue Utility Head Aldemar Colegado Utility Cely Oca Goyagoy, Vincente Lagdameo, Medina Banadera SPFX Supervisor Danny Dominguez Armory Nestor Yadao Prop Master Alan Robles Prop Assistants Lordio Ayunan, Pablo Prieto Set Dresser Roberto Habal Assistant Set Dresser Jose 'Pipoy' Reyes Wardrobe Master Romeo Gonzales Wardrobe Assistants Edwin Gonzales, Genaro Brioso Seamstress Marietta Ramos Makeup Violy Manlangit Prosthetic Artist “Cecile”/Cecille Baun Hairdressing Lita Raagas Head Electrician Pepito Mirador Sr Electricians Felipe Caranto, Edwin Manlangit, Ed Manipol, Noel Bernalde Best Boy Pepita Mirador Jr Stunt Coordinator Norberto Ricahuerta Assistant Editors Kerry Michael Tym, “Tim”/Timoteo Bismark Supervising Sound Editor Leland R. Thomas Sound Editors Robert Glenn, Donlee Jorgensen, Mark Roberts Sound Assistant Cathy McKelvey Byrnes ADR Editor Stephen A. Isaacs Foley Walkers Kim Fowler, Duane “Hinsel”/Hensel Re-recording Engineers T.A. Moore Jr, Don MacDougall, Jeff Gomillion Music Engineer Michael Jay Stereo Consultant Bob Weitz Camera Operator “Jun”/Leodigario B. Dalawis Jr Assistant Cameraman “Mel”/Hermel Dapilos Focus Puller Daniel Delina Loader/Lifter Robert Dalawis Clapper “Jun”/Epifanio Moreno Jr Sound “Nitoy”/Juanito Clemente Boomman Florentino Corpuz Cable Boy Mer Argulla Transport Captain Nicolas Arguelles Mechanic Ramon Escano
Cast Larry Wilcox (Web), Robin Eisenman (Susie), Sam Hennings (Tony), Al Mancini (Costelo), Tetchie Agbayani (Maria), Neil French., Maria Isabel Lopez (Jessie), James Wainwright (Harrison), Willie Williams (Luke), Nigel Hogge (Andy), Jack S. Daniels (Sam), Harry Taylor (Danny), Gene Huggens (Leo), Jenny A. Andrada (Jenny), Goliath (Himself), Miniong Acosta (Cesar), Henry “Strykowzki”/Strzalkowski (Guard), Freddie Aguilar (Hobbit House Singer)
1987 - Tigershark (Chappell Productions Inc/Manson International)
Director Emmett Alston Writers Ivan Rogers, Mike Stone Executive Producer C.A. Chappell Producer Lana Lee Jones Associate Producer Fred Pierson Music Quito Colayco Cinematography Robert Ebinger Casting Tim”Timoteo Bismark Art Direction Lito Nicdao Makeup Zeny Marcelo, Yolly Unabia Production Manager Sammy Interno Production Supervisor Victor Ordoñez First Assistant Director Arturo “Boy” Soquerata Second Assistant Director Joel Apuyan Property Master Loreto Capili Set Dressers Greg Itonc, Jummie Manicque, Jesher Quezon, Noel Sanchez Assistant Property Masters Filoje Lustre, Boboy Manicque, Tata Quezon Construction Supervisor Pablo Tan Manigque Sound Re-recording Mixers John Anderson, Neil Brody, Roger Heman [Jr] Production Sound Mixer Bill Fiege Sound Mixing Engineer Dick Lewzey Boom Operator Leonardo Sta. Maria Sound Coordinator Marty Stein Armory Technician Jackie Celestino Special Effects Supervisor Jesse Sto. Domingo Special Effects Crew Roger Siason, Mariano Torrente, Totoy Torrente Stunt Coordinator Renato Morado Stunts Eddie Nicart, Ely Perez, Ben Romano Electricians Roy Baldana, Joel Canita, Luis Congson, Teofilo Loreto, Miguel Pasion Assistant Camera Benny Buenaflor First Assistant Camera Eddie Buenaflor Second Assistant Camera “Osmond”/Osmundo Bautista Best Boy Quirino Jacinto [Jr] Key Grip Jorge Jardelisa Grips Ferdinand Llenareses, Andy Revisi, Leonardo Roncales Clapper Loader Jaime Manguni Camera Loader Manuel Manguni Gaffer Celso Morante Best Boy Grip Lee Nugas Generator Operators Marcelino Tolentino, Albert Ufil Stills Rhual Victorino Costumer Roy Austria Wardrobe Assistants Cuttie Bullen, Menet Lustre, Olivia Manicque Seamstress Sarah Sempron Music Supervisor John Caper Jr Transportation Conrad Acapay, Andy Acijas, Ricky Alidon Vehicle Coordinator Nancy Dimayuga Bookkeepers Leah Arnuco, Alberta Ocio Production Assistants Rose Arnuco, Romy Garcia, Joel Lacura, Ondoy Manicque, Taina Manigque, Bernardo Pilayre Utility Assistants Herminigildo Ayuban, Lucio Epe, Chris Javier, Jesse Manallo, Viol Responso Extras Coordinator Chuck Bismark Field Assistant Armando Cabaltera Utility Supervisor Ricardo Capili Script Supervisor “Tess”/Teresita A. Crisostomo Crowd Controllers Soy Cubero, Carroll Pahang, Elmer Medina, Suzie Tabuno Production Advisor Wally De Zura Snake Wrangler Gelacio Erica Production Secretaries Gina Gagelonia, Helen Pahang Production Liason Jun Juban Nurses Helen Lalusis, Yazmine Sarmiento Field Assistant Processo Lazaro Military Consultants Capt. Rene Luspo, Maj. Joseph Sevilla PA Carerers Marietta Manigque, Jonalee Uy, Baby Buencamino Security Officers Mike Manigque, Justo Robante Karate Trainer Richard Robago Fight Choreographer Mike Stone Airport Coordinator Belinda Tablante
Cast Mike Stone (Tava Parker), John Quade ('Cowboy' Dave Reynolds), Pamela Jean Bryant (Karen), Vic Silayan (Colonel Barro), Roy Alvarez (Tony), Roland Dantes (Ponsok), Jaime Fabregas (Vladimir), Lana Lee Jones (Jan Carter), Rosemarie Gil (Madame Claude), Kasey Antonio (Aloha), Jerry Bailey (Sonny), Eva Winnercrans (Sherry), Jimmy Luspo (Reynaldo), Taina Manigque (Lolita), Zsa-Mae Garcia (Aloha as Girl),Mila Ferniz (Woman), Misi Ferniz (Child), Suzano Ingking (Skinny Prisoner), Jim Brunner (Hula Man), Pablo T. Manigque (Rebel Leader), Gemeniano Mansalay (Blind Man), Sally Resuello (Bar Hostess) Karate Kids Butch Teosala Glenn Sasahara Mark Brunner Jena Sasahara Lori Stone Polynesian Dancers Al Ebanghelyo's Dance Troupe
1987 - Sparrow Unit: The Termination Squad (Cine Suerte Inc/Davian International Ltd)
[listed variously as “Target Sparrow Unit” and “Sparrow Unit: The Extermination Squad”]
Director Ben Yalung Story/Screenplay Tony Capo Producer Romy Yayung [Yalung?] Executive Producer George Amber Production Manager Louie Michaels Cinematography Dominic Blacksmith Music Themescore Production Supervisor Antonio Bridge Art Director Brian Drake Editor Stephen Soul Post-Production Supervisor Julie Viray Sound Effectsman Jun Martinez Props/Special Effects Danny Abadeza Sound Supervision Tony Faustino Assistant Editors Ciriaco Itim, Popoy Crisostomo Field Cashier Jimmy Bacar Script Girl Keya J. Flores Production Assistant Pam M. Olviga Storyboard Artist Ben Barrameda Assistant Cameraman Mel Dapilus Soundman Rudy Teope Clapper Armando Mariano Camera Lifter Bernabe Valdez Boom Man Chito Almacen Electrician Eddie Quintana Driver/Generator Man Johnny Ramirez Grip Mark Bali-Balita Crew Cesar Abulok, Gilbert Villaverde, Eden Pobe, Rolly Tolentino Props/Setting Lando Enriquez, Lito dela Cruz Utility Danilo Din, Ansel Ramirez Titles/Opticals Rolly Santiago Optical Supervisor Boy Quilatan Optical Assistant Egay Marcello Schedule Master Ben Rojas Makeup Artist Tita Dominguez Assistant Makeup Flor Navarro Catering Marina Yalung Service Drivers Andy Razon, Bogart Villanueva, Nato Oronos Loopers Inong Encarnacion, Randy Crisostomo
Cast Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, Ronnie Ricketts, Debbie Miller, Sonny Parsons, Dick Israel, Allen Balman, Ernie Ejercito, King Gulliver, Bomber Moran, Vic Diaz, Mario Kasser, Romero Rivera, Robert Tame, Ernest Forte, Fred Moro, Jimmy Reyes, Johnny Vicar, Jose Romulo, Connie Angels [Angeles?], Rocita Summers, Rey Tomenes, Bebot David, Lito Francisco, Boy Media Villo, Dante Abadeza, Boy Sta. Maria, Ben Padria, Renato Tanchingco, Joe Estrada, Mario Fernandez, Thunder Stuntmen
Review from the Video Junkie catalogue:
Super violent and bloody Filipino actioner with great cheesy moments, a Vic Diaz cameo and did I mention bloody? Sheesh! Nobody dies a clean death here! Certain provinces have taken a strong dislike to the military and are pushing to break away from the government. To do this, they decide to send squads of guerrillas called “sparrow units” into
1987 - Jungle Rats (Pacific Media Film Group)
Director “Irvin Johnson”/Teddy Chiu Writer Jim Gaines Producer Tessie Monteverde Music John Miller Cinematography Vittorio Anders Editor Edgar Vincent Production Design Rod Davies
Cast Romano Kristoff (Lt. John Smith), Jim Gaines (Sgt. Pete Rayo), Jerry Bailey (Sgt. Randy Ellis), Michael Welborne (Cpl. Jim Benson), Richard King (Kit Scout), Marilyn Lang (Mai), Ronnie Patterson (POW), Nancy Hung (Votimo), David Anderson (CIA agent), Mike Monty (Gen. Douglas Corad), Eric King, John Miles, Richard Foster, Michael Ladasky, Gwendolyn Mayers (Mai's mother), Mel Davidson (POW), Paul Vance (POW), Bill Kipp, Thomas Cooke, Rick Thomas, Gerry Bailey
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
When a convoy, that includes General Douglas Conrad (Mike Monty) as a passenger, is ambushed by the VC in
This Filipino war action film, directed by Teddy Page (BLOOD DEBTS - 1982), using the pseudonym "Irvin Johnson", is a pretty good action flick that has lots of firefights, explosions and even a few surprisingly graphic bits of male and female nudity. Filled with plenty of familiar faces in Philippines-lensed action films, it's nice to see Jim Gaines (RESCUE TEAM - 1981; COMMANDO INVASION - 1986) get a big role for a change, probably because he wrote the uncredited screenplay. Since he's the protangonist of the group (he doesn't trust anyone and wants to kill everyone and everything that gets in his way), he gets the best lines and does the most outrageous things (including the rape of Votimo, whom he brazenly kills before she can tell them the General's location and the cold-blooded murder of fellow squad member Ellis, whom he shoots just for being injured by enemy fire!). When he finally goes full-tilt crazy in a spider hole and tries to kill Smith, his death becomes one of the film's strangest moments. His story is the film's most engaging and director Page wisely devotes the lion's share of screen time on him. You're really not to sure what to make of him until the rape/murder of Votimo, when he reveals that he's nothing but a psychopath in a military uniform. If you like fast-paced war films, with plenty of bullet squibs and explosions (the slow-motion shot of Smith outrunning shacks blowing up behind him in the finale is quite impressive, as is Benson's self-sacrifice, where he takes out a slew of gooks while holding an active grenade), you could do a lot worse than JUNGLE RATS. The plot to this film was rejiggered a bit and remade as BATTLE RATS the following year. Also starring Ronnie Patterson, David Anderson, Eric King and John Miles. Never legally available on home video in the
1987 – Kris Commando (Sunny Films)
Director “Wilfredo”/Willy Milan Story/Screenplay Pete Pascua Producer Sunny Lim Executive Producer Naty A. Almanza Music Robert Andres Cinematography Jani Sioson Music Robert Andres Production Designer Danny Javier [listed as “Daniel Martin” on the VHS cover] Production Manager Tony Viray Editor Stephen Soul Routine Instructors Ver Quirante, Mardy Fuentes Special Effects Gorgonro Tible Schedule Master Jojo de Leon Production Assistant Allan Almanza Makeup Artist Liway Zuniga Setmen Arsanio Salvo, Omeng Olgasan Stills Rudy Ramos Assistant Editors Boy Manang, Robert Andres Props Man Boy Donato, Edmond Guiwan Shooting Unit 2 Bukand Liwalway Production Executive Baby Alordogan Production Secretary Rosendo Drapo Credits Leay Ocampo Supervisor Dennis Estrella Catering Supervisor Remedros Alavae Drivers June Ocampo, Lito de Vera, Leopoldo Manaul Utility Boyet Zamora
Cast Dante Varona, Eddie Garcia, Ronnie Ricketts, Philip Gamboa, Aurora Sevilla, Kristel Romero, John Regala, Fred Gamboa [listed as “Fred Moro” on the Dutch VHS cover], Tom Oliva, Lucita Sorano, Dexter Doria, Manny Doria, Eric Robles, Edgar Duval, Rico Tarman, Lt San Juan, Dave Moreno, Princess Punzalan [listed on the VHS cover as “Princes Pascua”]
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
Here's a strange one: A Filipino morality tale about Muslim vs. Christian beliefs disguised as a war actioner. A group of Muslim rebels, led by the hot-headed Kiram Sali, attack Christian Philippine Army outposts every chance they get, which angers not only Army General Alfredo Basco (Eddie Garcia; THE WOMAN HUNT - 1972), but also Kiram's peace-loving teacher brother, Omar (Dante Varona), who doesn't believe killing is the answer, even if he doesn't agree with the Christian way of life. The Manila Tribune sends earnest, but wet behind the ears, female reported Mitch Vasquez (Aurora Sevilla) to the troubled region to get the real story and she ends up witnessing more than her young Christian mind can handle. General Basco sends his best man, Captain Reyes, to talk to Omar about amnesty for his brother and the rebels, but when Omar talks to Kiram about the offer, he turns it down. General Basco then personally goes to Omar's village to try and talk some sense into him and Kiram, but it turns out to be a deadly trap orchestrated by the village's evil mayor, who wants the Muslims and Christians to continue fighting for his own personal monetary gain. General Basco is slain and, of course, Kiram and the rebels are blamed, which leads to an all-out holy war between the Muslims and the Christians, resulting in the deaths of many innocent women and children. Omar gives up his peaceful ways when the Army kills Kiram and some of his own schoolchildren. Omar becomes the leader of the rebel forces and unites all the different rebel clans into one fighting force. The first thing Omar does is kill the mayor for his treachery (and we find out that Omar is actually the bastard son of General Basco!) and then he leads his fighting force on attacks against the Army. General Basco's real son, Raoul, becomes a Muslim-hating killing machine who leads his Army unit on many Muslim village raids (even members of his own unit believe Raoul is taking things too far, letting his hatred blind his humanity). The two half-brothers will eventually have to face each other in final combat. Who will be the winner? Are there any true winners when it comes to senseless war?
Those expecting a typical balls-out Filipino war actioner are going to be severely disappointed, because KRIS COMMANDO, directed by Wifredo "Willie" Milan (W - 1983; CLASH OF THE WARLORDS - 1985) and written by Pete Pascua, is more interested in theological warfare than battlefield warfare. Sure, there are plenty of gunfights and bloody deaths (including small children being murdered), but the viewer is also bombarded with plenty of Muslim and Christian ideology, some of it pretty heavy-handed, especially Mitch's plea to her soon-to-be Muslim-hating Mother-In-Law (General Basco's wife) on why she wishes Muslims and Christians can put their differences aside and live in a violence-free Philippines. Not all the symbolism is bad, though. There's an excellent sequence where General Basco is being killed in the enemy trap, intercut with scenes of Mitch, Raoul and the rest of the Basco clan celebrating Mom's birthday in
1987 - [also released as “Return Of The Kickfighter”]
Director/Producer Anthony Maharaj Screenplay “Joe Avallon”/Jose Mari Avellana Executive Producer Gerald Milton Co-Producer Michelle Marshall Line Producer Ursula Marquez Executive In Charge Of Production Dino Stroppa Music Ron Jones Cinematography Johnny Araojo Foley Artist Gregg Barbanell Sound Re-Recording Mixer Tom Gerard Location Sound Mixer George E. Mahlberg Production Coordinator (LA) Pat Brooks Location Manager Glen Parian Assistant Director Bill Baldridge Script Supervisor Sonny Saret Continuity Girl Cleofe Parayo Casting Director Warren McLean Assistant Cameraman Eddie Buenaflor Camera Assistants Mel dela Paz, Jaime Formillos Gaffer Jess Dessamparo Special Effects Nestor Yadao Miniatures Javier Peralta Editors “Bass”/Gervacio Santos, Noah Blough Production Designer Jose Mari Avellana Art Director Ronnie Cruz Set Supervisor Ferdie Pinson Set Decorators Max Paglinawan, Jason Arididos, Dante Dizon Utility Julius Salagan, Rhodora Cruz Propsmen Carlo Academia, Johnny de Leon Costume Designer Boyet Camaya Wardrobe Noel Ribaya Make-up Ely Paguio Orchestrators Ron Jones, Frank Denson, Jerry Grant, Matt Ender, Greg Edmondson, Brad Dutz Music Supervisor John Caper Jr Music Coordinator Ezra Kliger Scoring Engineer Bill Cobb Synthesizer Tracks Recordist Steve Hallmark Computer Music Input Tom Howard, Laree Jones, Larry Rench, Orion Crawford Supervising Sound Editor Noah Blough Assistant Sound Editors Mark Boisseau, Chris Jackson Sound Apprentice Kevin L. Poor Sound Effects Editors Sandy Gendler, Victor Grodecki, Zack Davis, Bill Van Daalen, Richard Villa Catering Maria Perez, Connie Borja
Cast Richard Norton (Colonel Brad Cooper), Dick Wei (Bad Brother), Franco Guerrero (Captain Anan), Rex Cutter (Colonel Ted Ryan), “Lu Shao Lung”/Bruce Le (Quan Nhien), Paul Holmes (Moudares), Judy Green (Nancy), Warren McLean (Collins), Henry Strzalkowski (Jenkins), Ernie Ortega (The Sensei), Irene Go (Vietnamese water bearer), Nick Nicholson (Animal), Willie Williams (Pollack), Steve Rogers (Soldier), Ramon Robles (Queen’s Cobra), Jun Garcia (Queen’s Cobra), [uncredited] George E. Mahlberg (General Brady)
1987 - Firebird Conspiracy (F. Puzon Film Enterprises)
[also known as Firebird Connection; released on Finnish VHS as “Tornado II: Firebird – Salaliitto”]
Director/Story Vittorio De Romero Screenplay Vittorio De Romero, Rod Davies Producer “Pierre”/Pio C. Lee Executive Producer Conrad C. Puzon Cinematography Jun Rasca, Conrado Baltazar, Nonong Rasca, Ricardo Remias Music Lutgardo Labad Production Design Ruben Arthur Nicdao Assistant Director Rodolfo Dabao Jr Production Manager Bien C. Puzon Art Director Victor Dabao Special Effects Jun Marbella Supervising Editor Vittorio de Romero Editor Joe Mendoza Sound Effects Editor Jun Cabrales Assistant Editors Cesar Baltazar, Rogelio Betez Sound Engineer Antonio Faustino Sound Mixer Willie Islao Titles Rudy Quilatan
Cast Warren Fleming, Bianca De Lorean, Stephen Douglas, Patrick Burton, James Corman, Arthur Chamberlain, Valerie Alda, [uncredited] Joonee Gamboa, Vic Diaz, Nick Nicholson, Mike Monty
Email from Nick Nicholson:
The film started out with Bruce Baron as the lead and he complained so much that the producers asked me to find a way to kill him off and introduce another lead into the film. I was the military Adviser and an actor on this film. Originally, Jun Gallardo was the director. However, Boy Puzon asked a pompous, new film school graduate, to look at what they had, and act as the producers’ rep. yep! It was Vitt Romero! Before you knew it, Jun got canned and Vitt was the next Director.
It took us eight months to finish the film. It got to the point where I didn't give a fuck anymore. Vitt had great plans - the only thing is, he never shared these plans with anyone but Bugsy Dabao who, besides being a co-writer with Art Nicdao, was also the 1st AD. One day we wrapped early, and Vitt and Bugsy failed to inform everybody that we would be doing a shoot later in the evening - The Big Scene! Complete with blasting and gunfire! Hahahahahaha… So we wrap and go back to the Sacramento Resort in Tanay. When we arrived there, Peta Whittle (lead Actress, former Aussie Playboy Bunny and a great gal) suggested that we play a game of Monopoly as, besides swimming or tennis, was after all the only thing one could do to keep one’s self amused.
While playing, we noticed that the owner of the resort had stocked up on Gilbeys Gin. So we started drinking and continued to drink into the evening. All of a sudden our vehicle pulls into the parking lot and Bugsy appears telling us we have to go back to the set to shoot! Oh boy! Mayhem ensued. We got to the set, and each and every one of us was stinking drunk! I fell off of a cliff and broke 3 ribs but continued to work. We were blocked on the side of a hill and supposedly escaping fro artillery and mortar fire.... Vitt screamed ready from another hill, and at that moment Paul Vance collapsed with his head between my feet and started to puke. I shouted back, "No! We're not ready! Paul's puking!"
Well, needless to say that the whole scene turned into a cluster fuck. People were falling down left and right. People who should have died were standing up and people who should have lived were falling down. Later we went to see the dailies and Vitt was complaining non-stop to Boy Puzon. For the most part we laughed our asses off. Vitt would look at the screen and almost in tears would tell Boy, "There's the drunks!" Boy would look at the screen but the scene would change and he would say, "They don't look drunk!" This went on all afternoon. So you get a better idea, Vitt is oh so gay and a butterball! One day when we were doing a river scene Peta and Vitt got into an argument. Vitt screamed at her, “You're nothing but a bunny!" Peta replied, "Well you're nothing but a big fat fucking walrus." Whereupon, Vitt trashed the hailer! After that he had to scream out all of the directions till he couldn't talk anymore. Oh man... what a mess...
‘‘If you fail, never come back !’’
Firebird, a microfilm containing indicting information of American forces corruption in
A small detachment of American soldiers led by Captain Beck must baby sit an important Vietnamese chief diplomat, travelling with his young daughter and pet dog! The chief being the man who may or may not just so happen to be transporting the Firebird microfilm!? Along with a female reporter Captain Beck and his loyal men have their work cut out for them, particularly as their path to the border is through Vietcong jungle territory. This is where the rumble in the jungle takes no prisoners!
It is not long before Beck’s convoy is set upon and what follows in quick succession are multiple incursions resulting in severed limbs, bloodied stumps, and casualties all about as mortar attacks fire in from all around. Helicopters swerve and weave to bring assistance to no great avail and the explosive Action quota fills the screen with realistic effect.
Fleeing the encroaching Vietcong force Captain Beck leads his party through the perilous jungle, which takes victims of its own as some fall prey to the multiple death traps along the way. Swinging spikes of death flail through surprised victims with lethal accuracy, with a resultant residue synonymous with the blood letting witnessed in the infamous earlier produced cannibal movies. Whenever the Action kicks into top gear the body count rises, and here the film makers spare no one as both women and children get caught up in the scenes of death deliverance along with male counterparts.
There is an unusually high quota of sexual soft core material here. The female form is displayed with little reservation, and the soldiers waste no time in raising their American flags!
With the Vietcong hot on their heels Captain Beck and his now rag tag party of diminishing numbers meet up with a small unit of Navy Seals, sent in to retrieve them by the American military. It’s no plane sailing though as the ramshackle Vietnamese junk they attempt to flee by water to the border is little match for the might of the Vietcong resources. The odds against Captain Beck and those under his protection become overwhelming and the astonishing revelations surrounding the Firebird bring about even more testing situations to contend with.
This is forward thrusting film making at its most refreshingly entertaining. Well staged big Action scenes deliver the goods by the handful, and the level of realistic ‘NC17’ rated situations of death and adult themes make this stand out from the abundance of similarly themed genre movies. The conclusion to ‘Firebird Conspiracy’ is a corker, and unravels a couple of original twists and turns to highlight the refreshing originality of this well made Asian Action Adventure flick.
1987 - Get The Terrorists (F. Puzon Film Enterprises)
[also listed as “Get The Terrorist”; released on German VHS as “Cobra Force II”]
Director Dominic Elmo Smith [IMDB lists Jules Foster] Writer Stephen Trevor Producer Pierre C. Lee Executive Producer Conrad "Boy" Puzon Casting Vic Saad Art Direction Jun Sancha Makeup Artist Malou Talplacido Assistant Makeup Artist Francis Perez Production Manager Glen Parian Assistant Director José I. Aguilar
Cast Craig Alan (Strobe Walker), Leonard Oliver, George Nicholas (Madaglen), Chris O'Hara, Gerald Fox, Robert Marius (Klaus), Frank Dux (Brock Towers), Mark Kristofferson, Judy Green (Nikki), Jacqueline Landau, Mel Davidson (Senator Murdock), Nick Nicholson (Pierre), Frank Juhas (Manolo), Ernie David (Bigman), Willie Williams (Wagner), Elizabeth Foreman (Senator's Wife), David Anderson (Russian Officer), Jeff Griffith (CIA Man), Daniel Freeman (Raul), Brad Goreman (Mr. Braden), Dorothy Simpson (Mrs. Braden), John Evans (VTR Operator) Pierre’s Group Benjamin Langdon, Timothy Henson, Adam Kater, Gregory Daniels, Arthur Reagan Terrorists Peter Gordon, Sam Thomas, Chris Ford, Logan Henderson Restaurant Customers Bill Morris, Judy Hart, Lynda Peters
Paul Cooke’s review from the AV Maniacs forum:
‘‘We are trying to put the terror back into terrorism’’
Before Peter Jackson painted cinema screens a lush shade of New Zealand green, with the epic saga that is ‘The Lord Of The Rings’, the battle cry of Orks was super ceded by the mighty war bellows of ‘Commander’ (1988) star Craig Alan. Steely jawed, and ripped like a Rambo replica, here he goes toe to toe with a band of crazed terrorists in a role that demands he get the job done. A vengeful faction named People For Freedom sends a terror message to the
An explosive opening sequence sets the vitriolic tone as a member of the People For Freedom, irreverently dressed in an all black priest tunic set off with a dark foreboding wide brimmed hat, makes a telephone call to the national press from a phone booth across the street from the Overseas Bank Of America. The message is received loud and clear as moments later the bank is detonated in a fireball of mass destruction. Sermon and last rights delivered by the miscreant man in black!
The American government calls upon ex special forces elitist Brock Towers, played by martial arts legend Frank Dux, and offers him $250,000 to head up his own hand picked team to head on into South America and bring down Randalph Maclaghlen, the People For Freedom’s leader. Maclaghlen is a fanatical communist with a personal grudge against his homeland of
This is one of only a handful of in front of the camera roles that Frank Dux made as his martial arts skills clearly are his forte beyond that of acting. One time friend of Jean Claude Van Damme, and the apparent inspiration behind Van Damme’s hit movie ‘Bloodsport’ (1988), Dux often worked as a movie fight coordinator, and indeed assisted Van Damme in this respect on the Muscles From Brussels’ feature ‘Lionheart’ (1990).
Given just seven days to complete his assignment Brock Towers sets out, like Yul Bryner’s character Chris Adams from ‘The Magnificent Seven’ (1960), to locate some old fighting buddies from his military past. Klaus the German mercenary is discovered fighting off local’s looking for trouble in a bar in what turns into a well staged brawl. Next on Towers list is Strobe Walker, a one man army, incarcerated in a bars and bricks prison. Craig Alan plays the affable martial arts fighting machine, sporting a T-shirt that sums his character up perfectly ‘‘Kill ’Em All And Let God Sort Them Out”.
The three reacquainted seasoned professionals go outward bound to locate the next recruit, a weapons and reconnaissance expert named
Klaus infiltrates the People For Freedom’s jungle militia camp, whilst Strobe Walker lays down some airborne firepower cover aided by Nicki’s abilities as a helicopter pilot. Randalph Maclaghlen arrives at the scene to witness the assault as his small army of men run around like headless chicken. Alan Craig comes into his own here as the star Action hero Strobe Walker, eating up the screen and spewing bullets by the barrel load into the bad boy battalion.
Bullets and brawn match with heroic bravado Strobe Walker style as he shoots his way through the enemy line, on a direct course to head to head with his nemesis Randalph Maclaghlen. In the field of battle the two bulls of war take testosterone trade off to a new level, and Strobe Walker goes hell for leather to ‘Get The Terrorist’!
1987 - Magic of the Universe (Aces Films)
[also released as "Monster Of The Universe"]
Director Tata Esteban Writer Grace Hill Serrano Music Rey Ramos Cinematography Joe Tutanes Editor Pat Ramos Assistant Production Manager Lar’ San Assistant Directors Joy de la Cruz, Brillante Mendoza, Grace Hill Serrano Assistant Cameraman Molly Delino Schedule Master Larry Santos Company Secretary Daisy Santos Production Assistants Boyet Daguio, Wingky Gonzalez Assistant Editors Randy Brien, Nelson Ramos Stills William Tan Setting Ricky Sujede Props Hermando Samson Wardrobe Oscor Mansao
Cast Michael De Mesa (Lolo Omar/Professor Jamir), Tanya Gomez (Lovina), Tom Tom (Bojok), Sunshine (Freza), Armida Siguion-Reyna (Mikula), Liza Lorena (Kleriga), Gina Alajar (Siddha), Odette Khan (Madera), Dick Israel (Arbutus), Rene Johnson (Tumok), Turko Cervantes (Ahura), Nonong de Andres (Akay), Rex Roldan (Krug), Sonny Erang (Drago), Ricky Sujede (Swamp Thing), Bobby Beso (Ukko), Ruben Rustia
Paul Cooke’s review from the AV Maniacs forum:
‘‘I am an animal , that’s true. But I rule !’’
It's freaky Filipino fairytale time in this incredibly bizarre offering that conjures up a nightmarish world of dark creatures that would not look out of place in a Jim Henson work shop at Halloween.
A circus magician named Jamir sees his own daughter disappear for real during his stage act and has to seek guidance from a greater power to retrieve her from the other side. Jamir goes deep into a mist enshrouded forest to locate the high priest of mystical magic, the one known as The Prophet. His magic mojo is most powerful , but boy could he do with a hut cleaner with a magic mop to clean up after him! The Prophet leads the way into the realm of black magic by inducing the spirits of the occult brought on by munching down on monkey brains. Cerebral sorcery or just plain old monkey business it matters not as Jamir gets a glimpse of what lies ahead in getting his daughter back. The grey matter gets passed around for a monkey munch down with an extra big portion for The Prophet, it is after all his supper time!
Soon Jamir’s wife is also snatched away into the alternate universe leaving just him and his young companion to go forth in search of the dark realm. A world where freakish man monsters and twisted creatures inhabit and a powerful queen rules over human kind. Queen Mikula seeks revenge over the birth line of Jamir’s family tree, back to his grandfather who imprisoned her for practising the black arts. Mikula was Jamir’s grandfather’s disciple who learnt all she could from him before choosing to take the path of evil. Cast out to the alternate dark universe Mikula spent a hundred years embracing evil and planning revenge, holding the Jamir family accountable in her dark heart for her imprisonment. The personification of embitterment her faded looks and pulsating forehead give away her rancorous intentions.
With an old school horror Universal Studios overlay special effect the ghostly apparition of Jamir’s grandfather appears to him to tell him what he must do in order to save his wife and daughter, as well as ending Mikula’s hold over them. Arming him with an amulet that forewarns of danger, and the ability to glow when close to Mikula’s realm, Jamir prepares to continue his trek with his newly gained state of the mystical art global tracking system. The path ahead has many dangers though and when a behemoth of a man wielding a giant sword jumps out to attack Jamir needs more than a flashing artifact to show him the way to safety. Out of the forest mist steps the forest guardian, Mother Nature’s answer to Xena warrior princess. Sporting a Linda Evans set of shoulder pads from the Dynasty left over bins lady Kleriga comes to Jamir’s aid and takes down the giant with her magical eye lasers. Blink and you’ll miss it, she blinks and heaven knows what those lasers might do!
Like the White Witch from ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ Kleriga points the way for Jamir to take and with a click of her heather heels she pops off , no doubt back home to cook a nice fruits of the forest soufflé for Mr. Kleriga. Meanwhile a glimpse into the world that queen Mikula rules supreme conjures up an evocation of Dante’s inferno, as a hellish hue of Technicolor terror regurgitates itself in a pulsating pit of purgatory. Sets of garishly garnished colouring add to the bizarre themed visuals, complimented by suitably tacky Halloween costumes and multi layered lashings of mouldy make up. The myriad of monster masks completes the murky mirage of this fabulous flip side of ultra low budget movie making , and one to revel in its intentionally craptastic inventiveness.
This is high camp horror humour at its highest form that dares not to take itself serious at all. Highlighted perhaps in its true intentions with the bizarre rendering of a monster mash disco party down at queen Mikula’s den of despair, where the monster band plays its funky jive upon instruments made out of human bones, and a karaoke king creature M.C. gets on down to the ghoulish groove.
Jamir eventually gate crashes the party and armed with a magical laser throwing weapon of his own has an energy beam ‘blast’ dance with Mikula. Watch that head of hers pulsate to the blasting beat and Jamir groove on down to the elements of truth and justice as he combats the forces of evil.
1987 - Hill 171 (Davian International Ltd/Sunny Films)
[also released on UK VHS as "Hill 171: Tour Of Duty"]
Director Romeo Montaya Producers Ann Hung, Sunny Lim
Cast Yusuf Salim, Robert Miller, Alfred Talby, George Camero, Johnny Farris, Ben Aladin, Philip Castel, Robert Buharis
*** NO OTHER CAST OR CREW LISTED IN CREDITS ***
1987 - Vengeance Squad (company unknown)
Director Jett C. Espiritu Producer Teejay Executive Producers Lita Buenaseda, Baby, Ann & Thet Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Music Carlos Rodriguez Editor Oscar Dugtong Assistant Director Russel Castillo Assistant Editors Joe Ramirez, Joe Buenconsejo Props & Special Effects Boy Sto. Domingo Layout Bing P. Santos Titles Angle B. Corros Special Live Effects Francisco Espinosa Sound Supervision Gabby Castellano Fight Instructors Fred Esplana, Rey Solo Secretary Erlinda Tolentino Sales Manager Mario Cajucom General Manager Hildo Jose
Cast Jimmy Santos, Ronnie Valle, Gil Guerrero, Robert Talby, Robert Miller, Danny Riel, Charlie Blackspoon, Ronnie Patterson, James Gaines, Kristine Erlandson, David Light, Robert Marius, Fahed Rupp, Fred Esplana, Rey Solo, Tony Lao, Boy Ibaites, Boy Castellano, Tony Tacorda, Joel Dinero, Jay Grama, Amor Villa, Ramon Zamora, Franco Rivero, Liza Riosa
Vengeance Squad: proof that some Tagalog action films should STAY in Tagalog... (review by Andrew Leavold)
Competing groups of Filipino “rebels” and foreign mercenaries are hired by kewpie heiress “Mrs Robertson” (played with supreme indifference by Scandinavian expat Kristine Erlandson) to track down her husband’s killer. Told via flashback, the holidaying couple are kidnapped by so-called rebel Gamorr; she is ravaged, he is tortured and shot. She mistakes her captor for his half-brother Godiss, a former cohort in the revolution who’s since seen the light and returned to the side of goodness and order (read: the Marcos regime. Poorly disguised propeganda, or is the
And here lies one of the film’s fatal flaws. Rogrigo? Alexander? Blackwell? Gamorr? There’s way too many Goons competing for screen dominance, it’s painful to keep up with who’s who, let alone care - you cut off one head and another five appear. And yet each of those heads are infinitely more compelling than our bland, uninspiring hero Godiss: a relentlessly wordy and maudlin would-be-philosopher and Christ figure (God? Godiss?) with a not-so-subtle white cross painted on the back of his jacket.
Once Godiss is captured, Mrs Robertson settles on a Human Hunt, and offers $25,000 of her dwindling inheritence to the one who brings back his head. Not the smartest idea, pitting one group of relentless opportunists against each other, but it does give the narrative focus and and some poorly needed screen time for Blackwell’s out of control chimp gang, described somewhere buried in the script as the “scums of the earth”. They’re native English speakers, yet they spit out strained dialogue in staccato pigeon English like a constantly jamming rifle. Bobby Suarez regulars Robert Marius (Searchers Of The Voodoo Mountain) and Jim Gaines (from countless Kinavesa titles) help put the “cheese” in “macheesmo” with their few enjoyably D-grade tough guy lines, like “let’s give them some shit!”
Here’s another flaw: there’s just not enough cheese to go around. I don’t expect much in life, but I DO want more from dumb action films - shameless, consistent, mindblowingly entertaining dumbness. And some genuinely clever camerawork from another Suarez veteran, Arnold Alvaro, can’t disguise the fact that Vengeance Squad just isn’t stoopid enough.
Jim Gaines on Vengeance Squad: Its a typical local film plot with a hoard of chopsuey cast. (Thats why Jett Espirito's mind was in a limbo, rewriting lines and script by trying to give everybody as much screen time possible). Producers and director just did not have enough sense that most of the cast are virtually unknown out side P.I. Well they tried anyways.
1987 - Phantom Soldiers (Regal Films)
[released on French VHS as "Commando Phantom"]
Director “Irvin Johnson”/Teddy Chiu Story/Screenplay Rod Davies, Jim Gaines Cinematography “Victor Anders” Music James Fabre Art Director Edward Lambert Production Design Alfred Lowry Editor Edgar Vincent Production-in-Charge Joy Tunners Production Manager George Will Production Assistant Leah Bianca Liason Officer John Seymour Location Manager Albert Winston 1st Assistant Director Rod Davies 2nd Assistant Director Martin Casey 3rd Assistant Director Andy Wilson Script & Continuity Connie Leslie Dialogue Coach Max Thayer 1st Unit Cameramen Thomas George, Robert Sullivan 2nd Unit Cameramen Jim Black, Andrew Newman 3rd Unit Cameramen James York, Adrian Hayes Camera Assistants Ronald Porter, Nelson Holmes, Sandy Welch, John Harold, Stephen Howard, Tom Banner Boom Operator David Robertson 1st Assistant Editor Mark Vincent 2nd Assistant Editor Fred Coger 3rd Assistant Editor David Gates Stunt Coordinator Dhan Habel Assistant Stunt Coordinators Ryan Smith, Dick Shaw, Jayson Edward Set Designer David Alpen Construction Coordinator Adam Sean Standby Carpenters Robert Rivard, Russell Watson, Mark Whitaker Standby Painters Nelson Dixon, Stephen Smith, Patrick Bradbury Gaffer Al Anders Costume Supervisor Brian Powers Wardrobe Designer David Herbeck, Jake Davidson Wardrobe Assistants Evan Thomas, Alex Seamann Best Boy Electric Felix Bass Electricians John Whitman, Ross Shawn, Conny Windwood Key Grip Lincoln Spencer Best Boy Grip George Jardell Grips Martin Burke, William Drew, Sam Selbert, David Tyler Special Effects William Marbach Special Effects Assistants Alexander Burger, Pete Axthelm, Sammy Taylor Armory Ross Leyton, Frances Saint, Richard Simmon Loader David Wyland Focus Puller Thomas de Frank Field Sound Mixer Edwin Lindsay Studio Sound Mixer Rick Thomas Music Editor John Conway Sound Effectmen Anthony Cohen, Christopher Dickey, Ray Elliott Casting Ed Davidson Field Cashier Annabel Bentley Transportation Manager Lyon Osward Generator Man Philip Barclay, Stephen Danbury Property Master Joseph Dwyer Property Assistants Pinn Fox, Sidney Jones Makeup Artist Katrine Ames Assistant Makeup Artist Elisa Williams, Jennifer Wainwright Hair Dresser Lynn James Stills Willy Anders Caterer John Parker Vietnamese Dialogue Interpreter Veronica Lili
Cast Max Thayer (Daniel Custer), Jack Yates (Colonel Hammer), “Corwyn”/Corwin Sperry, Jim Gaines (Red Legs), Richard King (KY), David Light (Hammer’s Aide), Mike Monty (Colonel Barker), David Anderson (Captain McFarland), Edward Burnett (Cook), John Fulch, Howard Fineman (Radio Operator), Dave Swanson (Navy Lieutenant), Willy Tang (Taxi Driver), John Alexander (Interrogator), Dave Owen (Jail Guard) Green Beret Team Michael Welborne, Don Holtz, Jeff Griffith, Jim Moss, Robert Clinton, Warren Smith FDA Agents Richard Steels, Thomas Manning, Joseph Coenza, Bill Powell Bar Goons Ted Slate, Peter Prescott, David Gates, Archer Speers Pilots Gerard Smith, Guy Cooper, Bob Aaron, Larry McNeil Phantom Soldiers Darell Adams, Joseph Arena, Martin Burke, Ron Kennedy, William Phanon, Andrew Eckmann, Gary Faulkner, David Friedman, Michael Hudson, Renee Daniels, Kenneth Seggerman, Sam Seibert, Ronald Wilson, Richard Elman, Rudolph Adam Jr, Christopher Dickey [uncredited] Eddie Gaerlan (Colonel)
Max Thayer on Phantom Soldiers from his interview on the Nanarland website:
I was called back to the
1987 -
Director Clark Henderson Writer Thomas McKelvey Cleaver Producers John Schouweiler, Isabel Sumayao Executive Producer [uncredited] Roger Corman Music Samuel Ascunion Cinematography Jun Pereira Editor “I.C. MacKendrick”/Clark Henderson Production Design Mariles Gonzáles
Cast Richard Young (Sgt. Mark Stryker), P.J. Soles (Jean Lassiter), John Allen Nelson (Timothy Bryant), “Jimi B. Jr”/Jimmy Bridges (Pfc. Will Thomas), Spanky Manikan (Jon Toi), Joonee Gamboa (Nguyen Huu Tri), Willie Williams (Gary Richards), Crispen
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
This film spends little time addressing the Vietnam War, even though it takes place in
While far from perfect (there's evidence of post-production tampering by adding narration by Richard Young to walk us through some scenes, which were probably never finished or didn't contain enough footage to survive without an added explanation), director Clark Henderson (who also gave us the god-awful WARLORDS FROM HELL [1985] and the so-so PRIMARY TARGET [1988]) at least tries to deliver something different, mixing action, mystery, political intrigue, corruption and racial tensions into a heady little brew. You've got to admire a film that opens with a Vietnamese rock band (actually Filipino group "The Eurasia Band") grooving to "House Of The Rising Sun" and "Midnight Special" while a group of American GIs (led by Nick Nicholson) and Vietnamese locals face-off in a bar. The script, by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver (THE SISTERHOOD - 1987; THE TERROR WITHIN - 1988), is much more political than most films in this genre and the backdrop of cultural differences does manage to generate some genuine suspense. This film also tries to play fair with both sides of the political coin. Scripter Cleaver portrays the occupying American forces and the native Vietnamese as flawed human beings with passions that turn out tragically for both sides. Sure, there are villians here, but most of them pay for their sins with their lives. Tim's death is probably the film's most dramatic, kind of what law enforcement calls "death by cop", where Tim leaves his buddies no choice but to kill him, even though his sniper rifle is out of ammunition. To Tim, this is a hero's death. He would rather his friends kill him then spend the rest of his life in prison. Director Henderson fills the film with plenty of bloody bullet squibs (including scenes of children getting killed), explosions, chases and nudity, so action fans will not be disappointed, but this film has loftier ambitions than a straight-ahead action flick. Give it a try. If I didn't know better, I would say that Filipino director/producer Cirio H. Santiago had a hand in this (it's full of his people, both in front and behind the camera), but his name is nowhere to be found in the credits.
1987 - Get Victor Corpus: The Rebel Soldier
[original Tagalog title “Victor Corpuz”]
Writer Jose F. Lacaba Producer Charo
Cast Rudy Fernandez (Victor Corpuz), Jay Ilagan, Sandy Andolong, Dang Cecilio, Rowell Santiago, Ricky Davao, George Estregan, Berting Labra, Raoul Aragonn, Johnny Vibar, Charlie Davao, Fred Montilla, Dedes Whitaker, Ernie Zarate
Email from screenwriter Jose “Pete” Lacaba 09/01/09:
I dealt only with Vanguard Films, a now-defunct company, then headed by Simon Ongpin, with whom I have lost touch. The two other companies you mentioned may have been distribution companies.
The film OPERATION: GET VICTOR CORPUS, THE REBEL SOLDIER is based on the real-life story of Lt. Victor N. Corpus, a graduate of, and subsequently instructor at, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA, the Philippine equivalent of West Point) who in 1970 defected to the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the
Six years later, he was reported to have been captured by government troops, and he was believed to have spent the next 10 years as a prisoner in a military camp. It was only after I had completed the second draft of my script, and after he read it, that he publicly admitted he had surrendered to the Marcos martial-law regime. In fact, it was in a letter to me that he made this public admission, and I had my five minutes of front-page fame when his "Dear Pete" letter came out in the media, leaked out, I suspect, by Vic Corpus himself. The letter is reprinted in the prologue of Vic's self-published book SILENT WAR (1989).
More about Victor Corpus here and here
After that "Dear Pete" letter, in which he explained the reasons for his surrender, Vic was reinstated in the armed forces. He was a brigadier general when he retired.
Rudy Fernandez won a FAMAS (Filipino
1987 - No Dead Heroes (Cineventures Inc)
[released on French VHS as "Commando Massacre" and on German VHS as "Geheimcode Leopard"]
Director “J.C. Miller”/Danilo Cabreira Writer Nick Nicholson?
Cast Max Thayer (William Sanders), John Dresden (Harry Cotter), Nick Nicholson (Ivan, KGB officer), Dave Anderson (General Craig), Mike “Monte”/Monty (Chief of the CIA), Toni Nero (Barbara), Steve Rogers (Green beret), Paul Vance, Warren McLean, Harry Lausman, Joe Collins, “Erik”/Eric Hahn (Green beret), Gerald Tosco, Ronnie Patterson, Bill James Haverly 
1988 - Mannigan's Force (company unknown)
[also released in Germany as “American Wardog”]
Director John Ryan Grace Stunt Coordinator Ben Romano Stunts Dan Bell, Ed Boyce, Ron Norton
Cast George Nicholas (Jack Mannigan), Eric Hahn ( Roberto Aranda), Mel Davidson (Tim Ross), Tsing Tong Tsai (Hang Sang Kook), Jeff Griffith (Howard Smith), Jim Moss (Bill Peters), David Anderson (Frank Stack), “Khorshied”/Khorshield MacHalle (Lucrecia), Anthony East (Randall), Mike “Monti”/Monty (General Alfuero), Doc McCoy (General Bradley), Gabriel Terry (Diaz), Gerard Donlon (Hernandez), Oscar Daniels (Alcazar), Mark Coaster (Augusto), Anthony Tanner (Padre Antonio), Andrew0 Joseph (De Leon), Eduardo Villapol (Robles), James Gaines (TV Newscaster), Elizabeth Dane (Girl Hostage), Eddie Gaerlan ( General), Ruben De Castro (Paolo), Sally White (Newspaper Clerk), Gary Penny (Club Floor Manager), Silvio D'Santi (Church Sacristan) Syndicate Members Frank Campbell, Tony Collins, Brad Peters, James Hun Chu, Peter Crestell, Howard Kane American Gunrunners Joe Little, Ron Roberts, Jigss Bauer Club Bouncers Roy Williams, Fred Jackson Club Dancers Marilyn Diaz, Michelle Daniels, Liza York Club Girls Betty Brown, Alice Goldwyn, Cynthia Dixon , Susanna Dale Village Guides Danilo Prado, Pedro Sánchez Foreign Correspondents Margie Young, Cherry White, Luisa Terry, Ron Gabol, George Smith, James Gardner, Alfred Pearson, John Small, Ted Baker, Richard Snow Kidnappers Frank Bergen, Joe Watts, Harry Holmes, Rick Rogers
Gunter Mueller’s review at the AV Maniacs forum:
This violent actioner (known in
The first 15 minutes of this flick are insane: first the mercenaries attack a village and kill everyone in sight with their guns and bombs. There's a jaw-dropping stunt sequence where a tower explodes and out of the explosion (in a few metres height) jumps a burning man. Holy shit! After the village is wiped out (dozens of men are dying in hails of bullets - nice squib F/X) the mercenaries return to their hiding place in order to celebrate their victory. The enemies strike back with a vengeance, mercilessly killing as many as possible. The bodies of young children are riddled with bullets, and in one ultra-nasty moment a small boy is shot in the head, with blood spurting out of the wound.
But with this, it seems, the movie has shot its powder. Because from then on it's just average low-budget action stuff, albeit with a few interesting twists and turns. Mike Monty co-stars as the villain, while George Nicholas (Giorgio Albergo?) stars (not too convincingly) as the titular Mannigan. The director is John R'yan Grace... never heard of him.
Still, all in all it's a pretty good and very violent action flick, well worth checking out. If you should happen to stumble upon it, I advise you to rent or buy it cheaply.
1988 – Hostage Syndrome (F. Puzon Film Enterprises)
Director Dominic Elmo Smith Screenplay David Benton, David Brass Executive Producers Conrad C. Puzon, “Pierre”/Pio C. Lee Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Music Marita A. Manuel Editors Amang Sanchez, Mark Tarnate Production Designer Robert Lee Theme Songs Performed by Jaime Blanch, Susan Reyes Associate Director Joe Towers Assistant Director Jose Aguilar Production Manager Glenn Parlan Casting Director Philip Gordon Art Director Jun Sancha Camera Operators Pablo Bautista, Roy Sangco Script Continuity Millet de la Croix Special Effects Guy Naelgas Set Director Melchor Defensor Set Artist Jun Peregrino Property Master Benjie Lee Wardrobe Master Leonardo Enriquez Wardrobe Mistress Rosemarie Parian Wardrobe Assistant Belen Roranes Makeup Artist Ed Cruz Makeup Assistant Arnold Perez Production Assistant Rodrigo Riyos Gaffers Lito Lapara, Ading Cruz Stunt Coordinators Roland Falcis, Jolly Joqueta Stills Rudy Castillo Schedule Master Jess Aguilar Location Manager Albert Amaranta Transportation Manager Edgar Laguda Sound Mixer Rolly Ruta Field Sound Supervisor Bong Perez Sound Effects Editors Jun Cabrales, Rudy Cabrales Assistant Editors Pat Abad, Ariel Abad Post Production Manager Johnny Leoncio Property Custodian Arthur Amarante Production Comptroller Abraham Edusma Field Cashier Marjorie Camacho Production Secretary Josie P. Almazan Producers’ Secretary Meddy L. Tajonera Bestboys Cinex Boys Titles Boy Quilatan
Cast Brad Zutaut (Grant Vincent), Karen Lundeen (Jean Kirby), Robert Marius (Vladimir Dmilrievich), David Brass (Averill Hunter), “Costa Mandyflor”/Costas Mandylor (Andrei Arbitovich) Carolyn Hudson (Joyce Kirby), Irit Haimov (Jacqueline), Paul Sperry (Trash McCarty), Lars Jorgensen (Edsel), Michael Schnull (Danny Vincent), Andrew Scott (Mick), Neil Larsen (Dr Harold Willis), Arthur Smith (Dr Frank Jenkins), Larry Copeland (Dr Marley), Paul Adams (Edward Slate), Nick Henson (Bodyguard 1), Alex Cohen (Bodyguard 2), Bernard Will (Mort), Ralph Miles (Guts), Eduard Collins (Banger), Anthony Miller (Jerk), William Hart (Shades), Ronnie Peters (Coconuts), Robert Lee (Dick), Harold Anders (Roger), John Douglas (John), Michael Reagan (Flipper), Don Thomas (Zig Zag), Johanna Griffith (Mrs Willis), Christopher Dalon (Rick Willis), Lalaine Williams (Mrs Jenkins), Bernadette Fields (Susie Jenkins) SWAT Team Gregory Reynolds, Richard Taylor, Wilfred Young, Albert Reeds, Arnold Freeman
1988 - Final Reprisal (Solar Films International)
[Released on Turkish VCD as “
Director “Ted Hemingway”/Teddy Chiu Writers Rod Davis, Jim Gaines
Cast Gary Daniels, Protacio Dee, Kristine Erlandson, Jim Gaines, Jeff Griffith, Glaiza Herradura (Vietnamese girl), Richard King, David Light, Frank Wannack, Michael Welborn
Gary Daniels on Final Reprisal in his interview on the Nanarland website:
I think most people know that I started martial arts in
Obviously at that time I was very naïve about the film industry so Jimmy became a kind of mentor and good friend that showed me the ropes. He showed me around
1988 – The Secret Of King Mahi’s
[released on Spanish VHS as “El Secreto del Tesoro”]
Director Leonard Hayes, [uncredited] James Gaines Story Concept William Timmerman Screenplay Eric Hahn Additional Screenplay Leonard Hayes, James Gaines Producer Rhoda L. Freemont Executive Producers Rose Loanzon Flaminiano, Delta V. Lazatin, Donald Davidson Music Mon del Rosario Editor Ronald Santillan Cinematography Joe Tutanes Sound Supervision Silvio de Santos Jr, William Light Casting PEC Casting Ltd Production Design Dante Mendoza Art Direction Don T. Menders Production Manager Lydia de Leone Controller/Production Supervisor Jhet Peters Assistant Director Fred Cummings Preproduction Co-ordinator Dana Dalton Production Co-ordination Arleen de Leone Post Production Supervisor Marie Jessamine Lazzare Sound Effects Editor Gilbert de Santos Set Supervisors Tony Bright, Bill Hawkins Property Masters Jon Cajun, Ric Century Wardrobe Masters Oscar Manzano, Randy Grasse Set Dressers Joe Tex, Radji Abdul Anvil Makeup Artists Virgie Miro, Beth Hammond Assistant Film Editors Dan Ford, Edmund Piper, Allan Borge Negative Cutter Hero Kings Stills/Photos Wilmore Barry Titles/Opticals Rudolf Winkler, Ronald Santillon Special Effects Danny Torrente Talent Co-ordinator Edd Saveittsen Schedule Master Chris Monarch Stunt Co-ordinator Ben Romano Stunt Performers Ed Boyce, Dan Bell, Ron Norton Field Soundman Bing de Santos Unit Sound Man Willie Anton Cameramen Julian Zorre, Henry Richards Gaffers George Tutanes, Ace Romulade Lifters Gerry Proud, Anthony Schroeder Clappers Tony Lolla, Steven Frost Grip Men Richard Oppenheimer, Alvin Horace, Tim Reilly Unit Drivers Randolph Goldstein, Leopold Bruce
Cast Gary Daniels (Chuck), Michelle Frankenberger (Leah), Jerry Bailey (Brent), James Gaines (Tony), Tsing Tong Tsai (Kimo), Kurt Otto Frankenberger (Joe), Anthony East (Ben), Michael James Welborn (Marino), Jim Moss (Bo Browning), Avel Morado (Chief), Alan Klem (Matt), Boy Clinton (Boy), Fred Cominos (Fred), Majid Jadali (Erick), William Romero (Black Legs), Tony Ogunsanya (Tatu), Gomez (Chief’s Right Hand Man), Vincent Okeke (Witch Doctor)
Gary Daniels on “Secret…” from his interview on the Nanarland website:
The second film I did was called The Secret of King Mahi's Island which was supposed to be an Indiana Jones style action/adventure film but it did not go so well. The original director quit after about 1 week and Jimmy took over but there were many problems and the film turned out terrible. It is not surprising and I am glad that it never received a wide distribution.
1988 - War Camp (Davian International Ltd/Atlas Entertainment Corp)
[released on US VHS as “POW Deathcamp”]
Director Jett C. Espiritu Screenplay Jeffrey Woods, Bonnie Paradez Cinematography Andy G. Goodall
Cast Rey Malonzo (Aviles), Bill Baldridge, Charles Black (Jun), Urs Hardegger, George Estregan, Vilma Vitug, Ronnie Valle, Merilyn Bautista, Jimmy Santos
Fred Adelman’s review on the Critcon Online website:
This Filipino war action film opens up with an on-screen crawl informing us that, in 1966, the U.S. Government planned on ending the Vietnam War by dropping an atom bomb on Hanoi. When the person in charge of that mission, Captain James Brooks, is captured by the enemy, a band of mercenaries, led by
This film proves that not all Filipino action films can be winners. Director Jett C. Espirito (VENGENCE SQUAD - 1987), working with a minimal script supplied by Jeffrey Woods or Bonnie Paradez (since the opening credits lists Woods and the closing credits list Paradez as the screenwriter), doesn't have much to work with here, just a basic premise (that's immediately dropped) followed by lots of shooting and hand-to-hand combat. Ignore the synopsis on the back of the video box, as whoever wrote it obviously didn't watch the film. The only part of the synopsis that's even partly true is that Capt. James Brooks (called "Captain Steiner" on the box) is at the P.O.W. camp that
1988 - Tough Cops (F. Puzon Film Enterprises)
[sometimes listed as "Tough Cop"]
Director Dominic Elmo Smith Writer Bobby A. Suarez Producers Pierre C. Lee, Conrad C. Puzon Cinematography Jun
Cast “Rom”/Romano Kristoff (Det. Nick Carpenter), “Jimi B. Jr”/Jimmy Bridges (Detective Pete Logan), Kenneth Peerless (Fatcat), Mel Davidson (Allan), “Michael”/Mike Monty (Chief Caruso), Anthony East (Carter), Ingrid Erlandson (Stella), Frank “Judas”/Juhas (Scar Face), Warren McLean (Lt. Quinn), [uncredited] Eric Hahn (Police officer)
[NOTE: Bobby A. Suarez disowns the script, and claims producer “Boy” Puzon stole it from him]
Review from the Trash-Online catalogue:
Beautiful, uncut print of this rare Filipino-produced film shot in the
1988 - Lost Command (Cine Suerte Inc)
[release date 5th May 1988, sometimes listed as “Platoon 2”]
Director Ben Yalung Screenplay Tony Calvento Cinematography Ernesto Dominguez Editor A. Salvador Music Jun Latonio
Cast Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr, Paquito Diaz, Jean Garcia, Jenny Lyn [Ramirez], Lala Montelibano
Review from the Vomit Bag Video catalogue:
Very violent, action-packed 1988 Phillipine war-action flick, with the same stars and director of BODYGUARD, Ramon BONG Revilla, Jr.! A group of savage terrorists hold a busload of schoolkids and teachers hostage in the jungle, and it's up to the hero to break in and save the remaining survivors before they're all killed. Some real BLOODY head shots, stabbings, machine-gun massacres, nudity, rape, etc. Definitely COOL! Even the KIDS pick up machine guns and start blasting away!
1988 – Trident Force (Anna Films International)
[Listed on the end credits as “The Ultimate Solution” – possible alternate or working title?]
Director "Richard Smith"/Maria Sarret Story “Joe”/Jose Mari Avellana Screenplay Siegfried Sepulveda, Rosanno Abelardo Executive Producer Alan R. Escano Cinematography Joe Tutanes Music Gabby Castellano Editor Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao Associate Director Rosanno Abelardo Casting Nick Nicholson Production Design Vic Dabao Production Coordinator Norma Adela Gaerlan Production Comptroller Thirdy D. Escano Production Managers Alan Garcia, Siegfried Sepulveda Art Director Rafael Schulz Wardrobe Julie Guzman Wardrobe Assistants Ed Guzman, Joe Panopio Stunt Coordinator Eddie Samonte Routine Instructor Boy Sta. Maria Special Effects Jose Carmona Effects Assistants Mario Carmona Jr, Elmer Lumot, Angel Carmona, Paul Carmona, Emen Picpic 2nd Unit Cameramen Popoy Orense, Rey de Leon, Claro Assistant Cameraman Roy Sangco Property Master Quirino Villanueva Props Assistants Efren Baldezer, Richard Sanchez Post-Production Manager Jay Pineda Assistant Editors Francis Vinarao, Isagani Celis Loopers Jun Vinarao, Edwin Celis Special Sound Effects Rodel Capule Sound Supervision Tony Faustino Music Arranged and Conducted by Domingo Zafe Revolutionary Song performed by Moshen Hassani Layout Artist Vic Delotavo Titles/Optical Effects Ruben Abelardo Opticals Man Boy Quilatan Additional Dialogue Ed Mills, Robert Gaerlan Production Nurse Mercy de Leon Production Secretary Osmen Camps Production Bookkeeper Vicmar Turtal Make-Up Ely Magpali Script Boy Robbie Gaerlan Radio Maintenance Officer Thulskie Orila Production Assistants Jeffrey Gonzales, Poncholo Gaerlan, John Gaerlan, Warren Tiller, Lyle Vorstaken, Johnny Montero Jr, Henry Rivera, Dennis Galang Post-Production Security Tim Hermino, Bam Cate, Rene Villafria Utility Men Jabbar Hilario, Mong Hilario, Michael Reino
Cast Anthony Alonzo (Rashid), Nanna Anderson (Lesley Prentiss), Mark Gil (Ahmed), Steve Rogers (Hawthorn), “Ed”/Eddie M. Gaerlan (Abu Hassad), Ronnie Patterson (Casey), Nick Nicholson (Ox), Willy Schober (Ibrahim Habash), Rafael Schultz (Trident Schulz), Tony Ogumsaya (Trident Robinson), Majid Jadali (Trident Majid), Randy Hrobar (Trident Harel), Jim Moss (Trident Parsons), Tony Lao (Trident Kimura), Gerald Tosco (Trident Dobouis), Carlos Terry (Trident Gomez), Mike Aguas (Trident Aguas), Salah Mahfoudi (Sultan of Quamamesia), Paul Holmes (Israeli Ambassador), Moshen Hassani (Imam), Bahman Borzoo (Ambassador of Jordan), Rebecca Garcia (Human Bomb), Al Alonzo (Rebel Leader 1), Den Montero (Rebel Leader 2), Kristine Erlandson (News Reporter 1), Ingrid Erlandson (News Reporter 2) SAS Officers Mike Monty, Frank Juhaz, Vic Saad Mercs Philip Gordon, Dave Gibberish, Butch Aguas, Miguel Soques, Beth Terry
Email from Nick Nicholson:
“Trident Force!!! Holy Jeebus!!! We did that a long time ago. Our director was Maria Sarret, and our 1st AD was her son Sonny Sarret. ANNA was the acronym for Anthony, Norma, Norma, Alex. Anthony Alonzo (died from AIDS), Norma Gaerlan (if she is still alive she is in Oz someplace), Norma Escano and Alex Escano. Norma and Alex's son Allen Escano owns Road Runner Studio in QC. The Escanos are uber rich! They all come from
“The Gaerlans are a mixture of Spanish and Indian. Ed is Norma’s uncle, others are brothers, nephews and only God knows what! We ended up without a caterer – Norma, she had some sort of illness that ate her tissue. She was in a wheelchair and a real battle axe.
“It was almost like shooting a movie with the Adams Family! Norma was confined to a wheel chair. She had something like leprosy. It was eating her fingers and toes away. She was a real firecracker though. She made sure all of her relatives were involved so that they could suck every cent out of the production. She needed Anthony in a bad way. He was her Joker Card with the Escanos. To keep him happy, she encouraged her 18 year old nephew to hang out with Anthony (he was a Top Gay!) The kid later complained to me that his asshole had become like a pork rind! I think you get the picture. Every day was filled with conflict! I thought I had actually crossed through the Twilight Zone into another dimension. One day I was getting ready to wrap a bunch of extras and I had their vehicle on standby. Ed wanted to use the vehicle to go to
“Towards the end of the shoot, Norma and Maria were absolutely at war with each other. We snubbed the wrap party and fled to
“A couple of months later something even more disturbing happened. Norma had a maid who had a 4 year old son with her at Norma's house. Also living at the house was another nephew who was a Bakla. The Bakla was wired on crank. One night with a full moon, the Bakla stabbed the little boy 13 times in the neck, nearly decapitating the child. He then stuffed the body under the bed in the maid’s quarters.
“Now get this... Tony Ferrer has a mistress and she is none other than Norma's sister Diana!”
Paul Cooke’s review from the Cinema Nocturna website:
Knee deep in Middle Eastern explosive dung a corps of the British army do an
Reinforcement arrives in the form of a battle readied fighter helicopter and the on board big gun soon mows down the enemy below. Now that’s the way to begin an Action movie! Things jump about a bit for a while as the headlines tell the tale of worldwide terrorist activity that springs from
Boot camp is a bigoted ballywhoo where Rashid’s mixed heritage comes into question and sees him singled out by bullying hick drill instructor Ox , played brilliantly by Filipino resident film regular Nick Nicholson. Their relationship is a turbulent one, but one that by the end of the course turns into mutual respect. The training regime is brutal but teaches the unit commando tactics and techniques, along with bomb disposal skills and rescue scenarios. The course involves the use of real ammunition rounds and overcoming lethal set traps. Only the strongest and best survive to become the proud wearers of the red beret of The Trident Force. It’s a testosterone runaway train of an Action movie that spits bullets and bleeds red berets. The kind of movie you know you expect to be entertained by and it doesn’t let you down.
Gleefully for continued viewing plus points Nick Nicholson’s character Ox decides that he now digs Rashid so much that he wants to take on the mantle of a red beret soldier himself and is honoured into the ranks of the Trident Force. The turkey shoot camp closes up shop and the new elite corps are open for business. Their coinage is wrapped up in a full metal jacket and it’s the terrorists who will pay dearly. Prepare to wear a smile as the ‘B’ movie brilliance here on in is propelled into ballistic overdrive. Terrorist leader Abu Hassad is top of the teams hit list and leader Colonel Hawthorne gives the order to lock and unload! It’s not just the rapid fire smile enducing dialogue that hit’s the funny bone, look out for a groovy rendition of spin the skull with a gloriously tacky pointy arrow that calls upon Allah to pick out a traitor. Honestly ‘Trident Force’ could single handedly have been the inspiration behind Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s puppet parody ‘Team
1989 – Narco Dollar (F. Puzon Film Enterprises Inc.)
Director/Screenwriter Jose Mari Avellana Story Tony Mendoza, "Joe Avalon"/Jose Mari Avellana Producer "Pierre"/Pio C. Lee Co-Producer Daniel Sales Executive Producers Conrad C. Puzon, Pio C. Lee Cinematography Richard Remington Music Louie Ocampo Editor Rodolfo Montecajon Associate Director Joe Towers Production Manager Glenn Parian Assistant Director Henry "Stralzkowski"/Strzalkowski Script Supervisor Bobit Macapagal Casting Director Vic Saad Stunt Director Rey Sagum Special Effects Coordinator Juan Marbella Production Assistant Jerry Asuncion Assistant Script Supervisor Rollie Apolonio Dialogue Coach Dan Furnad Production Designer Ronnie Cruz Art Director Boyet Camaya Production Artist Jun Perigrino Wardrobe Supervisors Ron Heri Tan, Raymond Montealegre Head Makeup Artist Norma Torres Prosthetic Makeup Jazmin Sarmiento Second Unit Cameraman Pablo Bautista Camera Operator Osmundo Bautista 1st Assistant Cameraman Roy Sanco 2nd Assistant Cameraman Ricardo Dumigpi Generator Man Jimmy Abalos Lamp Operators Joe Magallanes, Rodel Gunano Electricians Cesar Abuloc, Martin Plaza Key Grip Orlando Lucero Set Grip Rodrigo Wresto Loader Armando Mariano Field Sound Supervisor Bing de Santos Field Sound Mixer Bert de Santos Field Sound Recordist Elpidio Mariscotes Boom Man Mike Curran Cable Man Rudy Bilgeria Chief Gaffer Pablo Bautista Assistant Gaffer Ronnie Nadura Wardrobe Assistant Freddie Mesa Costumers Rosemarie Belo, Rex delos Reyes, Bienvenido Aquino Assistant Makeup Lita Pedido Retouch Artist Sofia Obinque Still Photographers Rudy Castillo, Teddy Bamo Set Construction Coordinator Cornelio Ramirez Carpenters Francisco Ginoo, Romy Tarim Setmen Jerson Arididon, Max Paglinawan, Dennis Aquino, Boyet Marcella Chief Armorer Joel Alcampado Armory Assistants Toto Lagrama, Toto Onupia Stand-Ins Jolly Jugueta, Joe Fernandez Post Production Supervisor Buddy Mendoza Sound Editor Rudy Cabrales Sound Effects Editor Jun Cabrales Assistant Editors Rene Dugtong, Arman Diamante Internal Production Manager Florante Dionisio Pay Master Meddy Tajonera Production Accountant Rita Pontanares Production Secretaries Dories Gallardo, Josie Almazan Transportation Captain Ben Rivera Custodians Fe Herrera, Lito Roranes Caterers Nene Lopez, Reyneth Lapid Best Boy Bulacan Valenzuela Utility Head Jonjon Salazar Utility Assistants Bobby Calceta, Marvin Roranes, Rommel Tarim, Boy Rebustillo Shooting Equipment Cine Suerte Unit, Cine-Group Manila Titles Boy Quilatan
Cast Leo Damian (Mark Steven), Liza Kahofer (Lara Levane), Paolo Tocha (Fabio Escobar), Marcia Karr (Eva Jimenez), Morgan Hunter (Colonel Ted Brewster), Robert Marius (Vinnie Esteban), Bill Campbell Jim Flannigan), Bon Vivar (Domingo Mortera), Koko Tinidad [also listed in the credits as "Koko Trinity"] (Don Aristeo Mojica), Eric Karr (Captain Patrick Dillard), Kenneth Peerless [also listed in the end credits as "Peerles"] (Madero), Marvin Bund (Mosca), Henry "Stralzkowski"/Strzalkowski (Nick Delaney), Nick Nicholson ("Crazy" Jack Kinney"), Mark Fullerson (Timmy Crofton), Patrick Cleary (Billy Jenkins), Ron Austin (Larry), Steve Rogers (Dave), Tim Theeman (Cueball), Cathy Sorenson (Stella Flannigan), Jonathan Sorenson (Danny Stevens), Paul Arthur (Mark's double), "Christine"/Kristine Erlandson (Lara's double), Dave Gibson (Fabio's double), Jason Straub (Danny's double) Fabio's Men Billy Gyenes, Peter Gwenberg, Carlos Terry, Andy Joseph, Albert Bronski, Burnet Edward, Charlie Callejo, Inaki Goitia, Adrian Felix Vinnie's Men Alex Joseph, Miguel Soquez, Raffy Soquez DEA Agents Mike Silva, Anders Karlson, Jim Mokensie, Kenneth Cleslire, Dave Giverson, Jim Dixon Mortera's Men Jerry Centenera, David Allen, David Davood, Hosan Syed, Zia Yousefi, Ahmad Najjarin, Francis Gaumaz, Ghazi Abudanud, Ulanos Zeinau Mosca's Men Peter Afridi, Mood John, Clarence Roa, Philip Gordon, Mostafa Narcs Adolf Raineir, Ben Newman, Harry Lane Cops Carlos Adams, Mike Aguas, Carlos Terry, Allan Karlson, Gerard Silvestre, Anton Aguas Policemen Bernard Towers, Andy Smith, Charlie Davidson, Henry Presley Stuntmen Jack Stuntmen, War Blast Stuntmen
1989 – Blood War (Sulu Films International/Triple "A" Films)
Director Francis “Jun” Posadas Story Mutmaina Kamlon Screenplay Conrad Galang Producer Antonio Hernandez Executive Producer Tari M. Directo
Cast Anthony Alonzo (Basaron), Rosemarie De Vera (Narsheeva), Renato Del Prado (Bashir), Robert Lee, Joonee Gamboa, Fred Moro, Bob Duran, Tony Martinez, Rex Lapid, Dahlia Delgado, Grego Gavino, Ernie Ortega, Naty Santiago, Dave Moreno, Vic Santos, Rene Romero, Marithez Castillo, Mabuhay Shiragi (Child Basaron), Cholo (Omar)
1989 -
Director/Producer “Briggs Benjamin Sr”/Ben Yalung Executive Producer David Hunt Cinematography Joe Fuller Jr Assistant Director Ruben Burd Production Manager Stolits Brown Art Director Andy Vasquez Production Assistant Joe Williams Stills Joey Crame Special Effects Tat Thompson Schedule Master Marco Baker Makeup Sally Kernochan, Mary Brenton Casting Director Philip Gordon Wardrobe Bruce Skerritt Set Dressers Kevin Singer, Antony Smith Propsman Nick Michell Camera Operator Jim Scott 1st Assistant Camera Keith Kleiser 2nd Assistant Camera Jimmy Nitzsche Gaffer John Williams Film Loader Antony Isaacs Production Soundman Philip Lyne Boom Man Alexander Kleiser Chief Electrician Ron Mitchell Electricians Jack Jones, William White, John Fox Key Grip Bill Morris Grips Neil Bozzone, Fred Turman Utility Larry Solomon, Gary Sanders Stunt Co-Ordinator Jack Morgan
Cast Jack Gilbert (Sargeant Bruce Burns), Corwyn Paul Sperry (Captain Rosenblatt), Mylene Nocon (Kama), Paul John (Booth), Louie Katana (Commander Van Dram), Tony Lao (Niguryen Bet), David Gibberson (Kerbie), Albert Dominguez (Montez), Eric Hahn (Beruicci), Chris Castilleios (Gordie), David Anderson (Lieutenant Sullivan), Marvin Bund (Colonel Barston), Tony Cooper (Major General Connery), Lou Smith (Lieutenant Greensfield), Frank Wannack (New TR), Peter Henzelman (New TR), John Crocker (New TR) Special Forces Men Philip Gordon, Jim McKenzie, Kenneth Cheshire, Rafael Soquez, Chris Anderson, Charles Vincent, Gabriel Terry
Fred Adelman's review on the Critical Condition website:
When a platoon of American soldiers are ambushed on the side of the road by a group of young Vietnamese school children (one little tot threatens the soldiers with a hand grenade!), Captain Rosenblatt (Corwyn Paul Sperry) orders his men to slaughter an entire village of Vietnamese men, women and children when they do not tell him the whereabouts of the person in charge of the ambush, who disappeared in the maze of underground tunnels located underneath the jungle. Rosenblatt trains a squad of soldiers to become "tunnel rats", a special force designed to crawl through the tunnels and kill the enemy. In charge of the squad is Sgt. Bruce Burns (Jack Gilbert) and it is his duty to lead his men into the tunnels and capture or kill Commander Von Dram (Louie Katana), who is responsible for most of the ambushes in the area. After a short period of time, where we are introduced to the members of the squad (which also includes a prerequisite bar fight just before shipping off), our tunnel rats get down to business. They enter the first tunnel, where they are attacked by snakes, dismantle some wired boobytraps, are attacked by bats and one squad member is captured and tortured by Von Dram (The soldier says to him, "Fuck you, you slimy goddamned stinking gook!", just before Von Dram pokes his eyes out with his fingers!). Sgt. Burns begins a love affair with VC girl Nama (Mylene Nocum), not knowing that she is a spy for Von Dram. The tunnel rats then raid another village and find another tunnel, which results in the death of some members due to spiked boobytraps, a snake pit and VC ambushes (the rest of the squad members get Purple Hearts, even though they weren't injured!). Sgt. Burns stupidly tells his new gook girlfriend that he and his men will be raiding another tunnel in the morning, so, you guessed it, Von Dram and his men are waiting in ambush. Captain Rosenblatt shoots Von Dram multiple times at close range (while comically repeating, "Fuck you, old man!" over and over), but Von Dram is wearing a bulletproof vest and stabs the Captain several times. Sgt. Burns and his skeleton crew must then blow up the tunnel (it's the VC's main communications base) before they are killed and Von Dram escapes.
While the acting in BATTLE RATS is some of the worst and stiffest I have seen in recent memory (I was howling with laughter throughout the entire film), the violence is so over-the-top, it makes watching this almost seem like you are having a fever dream. This Philippines-lensed action film, directed by Benjamin Bridges (using his "Briggs Benjamin Sr." pseudonym), is full of so much bloody imagery, the acting can be forgiven. People (including women and children) are shot in the head, stabbed, impaled or blown apart. The eye-gouging scene is (pardon the pun) an eye-opener as are most of the tunnel scenes where the VC pop-out of their hidden trap doors in the floors, walls and ceilings and silently slice up the cast with their knives. The subplot involving Sgt. Burns falling in love with Nama is the only real negative part of the film, as the action stops dead in it's tracks while these two non-actors try to convince us they are in love. They fail miserably. The finale, which finds Sgt. Burns facing Nama and Von Dram in the tunnels is one of the most pathetic pieces of acting you will ever see. It is only saved when he happens upon Captain Rosenblatt, who is hanging by his arms with his eyes dangling out of their sockets, as he pleads over and over to Burns, "Shoot me!" (which he finally does). But hey, the bodycount is high, the deaths bloody and the action fast-paced. What more could you want? When it comes to Grade B action films, nothing comes close to the ones made in the
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