The Tromasterpiece Collection continues with the grossly underrated slasher gem -- The Last Horror Film The infamous Joe Spinell, best known for his iconic role in Maniac, delivers his 'career defining performance' (Bill G... more »ibon, DVD Talk) as an depraved, obsessed fanatic. Vinny Durand (Spinell) trails beautiful actress Jana Bates (fellow Maniac-alum Caroline Munro), to the Cannes Film Festival determined to have her star in his first film. As Durand's disturbing fascination grows, a mysterious killer begins slaughtering all people in Jana's entourage. Is the obsessed fanatic and the psychotic killer one in the same? Will this be Jenna's Last Horror Film? This stellar treatment of this forgotten classic, includes engaging Spinell-memorializing supplemental material, and is a must-own for any horror film enthusiast.
Special Features:
My Best Maniac: An afternoon with Joe Spinell's Best Friend, Luke Walter
Audio commentary with Luke Walter
Buddy Giovinazzo's short MR. ROBBIE, a.k.a. MANIAC 2, starring Spinell in his last film appearance
The Last Horror Film, Something Wonderfully Different
Ron | Canfield,OH | 04/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Last Horror Film" aka "Fanatic", is about a taxi driver from New York named Vinny who's obsessed with the famous actress, Jana Bates. He leaves his mother after getting up money to go to the Cannes Film Festival to try and get her into a moie that he wrote, the only problem is he can't get to her. Now what do you do in a situation where you're obsessed with an actress but you can't get close because of heavy security? Go to anyone associated with her. He comes in contact with many people around her including her ex-husband, agent, producer, and others. And wadya know, they all turn up dead, starting with Jana's ex and director, but no one does much about the deaths because they think they're all just part of a joke. Now that everyone around her is dead Jana is free for Vinny's taking and it all comes down to the superior ending!
This film is great! It's definantly not your typical independent film. It's more! Alot more! You see the main character Vinny start to slowly crack and descend into complete madness. He calls his mother from time to time and breaks down. This film has less gore but more story than "Maniac". Definantly worth checking out, I recomend it to anyone."
The film itself outstanding, the transfer not so much...
Stan J. L. Hutchinson | Sacramento, CA United States | 08/24/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Insane guerilla filmmaking at its finest!
I'm still not over the last Troma release I reviewed, "Getting Lucky", but that's an ENTIRELY different review which I encourage you to check out for your self. In terms of "The Last Horror Film" I must give it 4 stars only because the print and transfer are relatively poor (the rarity of this film should be considered, however). That said, if you want to enjoy this film--which IS highly enjoyable--I suggest you purchase this DVD as it is unlikely that an improved version will be available for quite some time.
In terms of the film proper, it may even outshine "Maniac" as a vehicle for Joe Spinnel's acting prowess and its representation of maniacle obsessiveness. The suspence is coupled with a film-within-a-film playfulness that may have provided inspiration for films such as Wes Craven's "Scream." Stylistically, this film shines as it plays on the conventions of the traditional slasher films while adding its own iconography (you must see Spinnel dressed in drag or touching himself with the starlet's image projected on his bare chest to understand) ...
Those who enjoy finding that hidden gem should flock to this title. It's very difficult not to have fun watching this film. It's also nice to have the option of skipping Llyod Kaufman's introduction, which provides nothing more than boring fluff. The extras are sufficient with an introducing "conversation" with one of Spinnel's closest friends, trailers, and a director's commentary.
Fans of 70s/80s cult films should add this film to their collections, just remember that the DVD transfer/print is below average."
Awesome!
M. Lawrence | New York, NY USA | 05/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i am a huge fan of horror and this film did not dissappoint. at first this film appears to be nothing more than a generic slasher flick, but it turns out to be so much more. joe spinell provides an amazing performace as the psychopathic taxi driver that longs to be a director. and the film is only enhanced by the gorey deaths brought to those that cross him. not to mention the amazing ending. a must see for any horror fan."
Thankfully This Wasn't The Last Horror Film
Ben Wasden | Uriah, AL | 08/11/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I bought The Last Horror Film without having even seen it first, because of the good reviews. I'm a huge slasher movie fan, so usually if others like a slasher movie I will too. Sadly, I didn't like The Last Horror Film. It has three things going for it: Caroline Munro, the awesome music, and a surprise ending. Everyone else from the script to the low body count is a bore. If you want to see a fun slasher movie starring Caroline Munro, rent Slaughter High instead."
Amazing, get it get it get it!
R.A. Cervantes | San Diego | 08/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Holy S#!t this movie was fantastic! Everything about it was top notch great directing, brilliant performances, and fantastic score! There's nudity, gore, and an epic story about a stalker/ fanatic!!
And something I have to mention is that THANK YOU TROMA for finally figuring out how to release a DVD! Features are amazing! I can cream on and on but it won't make any good, buy this film now and experience it for yourself! You won't regret it, seriously.