Search - Just For the Hell of It/Blast-Off Girls on DVD

Simple but effective tale of exploitation in the music biz.

K. Brown | Walnut, Ca USA | 03/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Blast-Off Girls, a little known art film that spins the web of a music promoter's need for power, delivers in true Americana fashion. Finally on DVD, true Athenian irony presents itself as a rock promoter tries to steer the career of an up and coming rock & roll band. The cane wielding promoter's intent readily unveils itself. He merely wants control and loyalty above everything else, even above his wallet. Rumored by Guajardian literary critic Miguel Hansoo to be the work that inspired Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." Whether that be the case or not, this film is worth viewing simply for a cameo by American fast-food icon Colonel Sanders, in which he proudly clucks ", OooEEEEEEE! We DO serve fried chicken!" The band in the movie plays an improvised concert for Sanders in exchange for a bucket of chicken. Read into this apparent comedy relief closely though; Sanders places the bucket of chicken before the boy band whilst they play, then dances a step or two away from their performance. The Colonel may have done some ad-lib here to make a subtle declaration: that the free exchange of old school culinary treasure for modern day subversive rock music results in an unbreakable union that thwarts the possible resurrection of McCarthy like tactics that nearly destroyed the great Artisans of the USA. The contributions this underrated gem possesses is worth the price. Some may write this off as just another B-Movie, but look closely and you will find so much more."

Amazing Juvenile Deliquent Epic from H.G. Lewis...

Matthew Jaworski | Detroit, MI | 01/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(note: the below review is strictly for 'Just For The Hell Of It')



H.G. Lewis was on quite a roll in the late 60's... In fact, he directed

11 films (!) in '67 and '68. I realize that Lewis has his share of

detractors. Many consider him a no talent hack who relentlessly

regurgitated disposable entertainment at a disturbingly prodigious rate

during the mid-to-late 60's. They often bemoan the nailed-down camera

work, wooden acting, and ridiculous situations depicted on screen.

Interestingly, these are the exact elements that make Mr. Lewis's films

so endearing to me...



When I watch movies, I do so for two main reasons. Either I want to be

entertained and amused; or I want be pulled out of my comfort zone, and

placed in a mental area in which I am forced to think about and ponder

various facets of life. This film entertains in a big way. In fact,

most H.G. Lewis films never fail to entertain me and bring a big smile

to my face...



Mr. Lewis is best know as being the Godfather of Gore. Not many

film-goers realize that Mr. Lewis was an incredibly versatile movie

making machine; dipping into children's films, morality tales,

hillbilly musical comedies, juvenile delinquent tales, nudies,

roughies, and other assorted ephemera...



'Just For The Hell Of It' is H.G. Lewis's juvenile delinquent

masterpiece. These are some bad kids...



The film starts out with a bang, and within 45 seconds a reckless

groups of youths can be found laying waste to and completely trashing a

house. These bad boys (and girl) are led by Ray Sager(as Dexter). The

entire film is dedicated to the exploits of Dexter and company, as they

terrorize a town and it's inhabitants. The pranks and mischief start

out relatively harmlessly (setting newspapers on fire, dousing citizens

with water, destroying laundry, trashing a restaurant), become more

bizarre and off-color (putting a baby in a trash can, beating a blind

man with his own cane), and of course become very malicious (gang rape

and murder)...



I really enjoyed this film quite a bit. With subsequent viewings, it

has never ceased to put a smile on my face. I also liked that Mr. Lewis

didn't try to justify or explain the actions of the rowdy youth- they

did it all 'Just For The Hell Of It'.... they did it for the kicks...

In fact, You should watch this highly entertaining piece of nostalgia

for the same reason..."

Amazon has been payed off

Matthew Jaworski | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was great, for Lewis. However, it was Steve White who wrote the tunes, was the lead singer of the opening act...in 'Blast off Girls' and was the evilest person (Denny Fortune)in 'Just for the Hell of it', we ever saw in a movie by Lewis. Ralph Mullen and Tom Tyrell weren't in those movies for 5 minutes. He (Steve)was in both movies on the same combo video and they (Amazon and Something weird video) do not give him enough credit, because of his original deal, with Jimmy Maslon ( owner of the distribution rights) and his (Steves) marching, at the time, to end the Viet Nam war. He also marched with Martin to assist the situation then also, IN SELMA. I, as others, have the pictures. They (Amazon)also screwed him out of credit on FOOD'S FOREVER IS A DREAM, the lead singer and wrote most the tunes, also sold on this site. Any purchaseable copy writers out there?.......yes. Appreciate pure talent and evil, or meet it and not make money off it."