Island of the Cannibal Death Gods

Island Of The Cannibal Death Gods is a definite throw-back to the B-Movies of the 1960s and 1970s. The film begins with a dedication to Herschell Gordon Lewis, Lloyd Kaufman and Russ Meyer, so you kind of have an idea of what kind of ride you're going on. The plot is simple and the dialog is strong and yet perfectly cheesy in spots. It works. There is just enough suspense, blood, gore, guts, profanity and nudity to fit the genre without going overboard. Technical flaws abound in this film which makes it true B-Movie fun. The two leads in the film; Steven Brack and Derek McLean, possess strong acting chops and deliver credible, mainstream film performances throughout. The rest of the cast delivers your typical, flat, forced, overacted B-Movie performance. That makes it fun and the contrast in skill of Brack and McLean, compared to the others is interesting to watch. Jeff Freeman wrote and directed this picture. A very good story teller I must say. I believe this was his first feature. I look forward to Freeman's sophomore effort. All in all, I got a few laughs from this film and found it to be quite enjoyable on many different levels. If you are a fan of those old, bad, Drive-In Theatre films then you'll enjoy this. Brainless Fun !!

What can I say. This is one of the worst horror films ever made. I'm talking a bore/snore fest of some of the screen's worst acting talent in the history of motion pictures.

The cast of never-weres, never-to-bes,and unknowns, all rate with zero acting talent. The script and the direction are just as bad. Made on a shoe-string budget of about one dollar and fifty cents (I can't believe they even paid these actors for their "performances"), it's the same old horror/terror storyline with a few conflicts, a minor chuckle or two, and some local South Florida locations. It sounds like it should be at least a little fun, but it's not. It's just one long boring, snoring, dull, mess.

But, in this haze of trash, there is some hope. Actor Derek Pixley shines through with a more then credible performance. His rugged good looks and relaxed acting style shows some very clear talent and on screen presence. If he can find a decent role in a decent film, Mr. Pixley just may become a leading man. Not too far behind is Steven Brack. Brack's laid back performance reminds one of James Dean. Brack has the movie star looks, but there's talent there as well. These two actors are the only shining moments in an otherwise stinking mess. I rate this film a 2!

Island of the Cannibal Death Gods is not a beginning to end slasher film. Give this movie time to build. There was thought put into the script and character development. Plus, Florence LeMerle, who plays Robin Murphy the fiery boat captain, carries the beginning of the movie while the male characters argue and bicker. An interesting reversal of roles.

Enter the lady cannibals at about the time you're ready to slap the male characters like a bitchy blonde who usually gets it first in a horror flick. I won't spoil the details of their feast, but I will say that this part of the movie delivers both gore and humor you'll love.

I agree with all the other reviews that this movie delivers a look and feel of the old B-movies of the 60s and 70s. Loving them as much as I do, I appreciate a director who can bring this atmosphere back to life. Jeff Freeman takes it one step further by modernizing and twisting the storyline in a way that truly entertained this lady.

I thought this was an impressive and well-made independent production. I believe that director Jeff Freeman did an excellent job of catching the scope and mood of "B" 1960s films; the types that were produced by Roger Corman. The cast did a well-done job and Steven Brack stood out as an actor to "keep an eye on." Brack reminds me of 1960s cult actor, Mark Frechette (Star of Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point.) Brack brings realism in a laid-back, yet emotional way. He never over-plays a scene; he is at ease, making his screen performance natural and real. Also, Derek Pixley reminds me of another 1960s stand out, Paul Benjamin. Benjamin was one of the stars of the cult classic, Across 110th Street. Paul was another actor whose low key approach to acting brought forth the utmost in realism. Finally, Beau Yotty provided a impressive comedic performance. His delivery and timing were on the spot. If someone views this film as a serious drama, then I believe they will come away very disappointed. However, if one understands that this film is a dedication to the film-makers of the 1960s like Roger Corman, then this will be an enjoyable flick.

I have to admit, the somewhat bizarre title had me figuring this would be a waste of time to see. However, it turned out to be surprisingly well-done for a "B" movie. The movie, I assume was a Black Comedy. As a matter-of-fact, the whole film had a comic air about it. Somewhat dry and demented humor, but it was quite good and very funny. Of course, unless the viewer in tuned to the comedy aspect, they just may look at this as a poorly made horror flick. The acting was fair for this type of film, but there was a standout. Steven Brack reminded me of a young Rock Hudson. Move-star looks, tall, handsome, and with a keen sense of comedy. Brack just might be an actor to keep an eye on. Over all, if you're looking for a few laughs on a rainy or cold night, Island of the Cannibal Death Gods is worth a peek.