Flesh+Blood (1985)

In a more graphic depiction of life in the middle ages, F+B is Paul Verhoeven's answer to over-romanticized medieval films. Gruesome deaths, severed body parts, rape and plague all play their roles in the film. The atmosphere is almost palpable as a ruthless mercenary (Rutger Hauer) and his uncouth gang of ruffians plots reparation after being tricked out of the spoils of war. Despite infamous BTS drama between Verhoeven and Hauer, performances remain genuine. The constant strife of the characters' moral duality is just as fascinating as the character of Agnes (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and her conflicted allegiance. An epic score by Basil Poledouris is a highlight, but some noticeable plot holes and questionable accents knock this one down a peg.

3½ religious misinterpretations out of 5

FORBIDDEN ZONE [1982]

Directed by camp cult director Richard Elfman, Forbidden Zone is like an offensive and outrageously bizarre live action Max Fleischer cartoon.  Filled with racism, sexism, domestic abuse, school shoot-ups, drug use and rape,  it's all stitched together with zany Cab Calloway-esque musical numbers courtesy of Danny Elfman & Oingo Boingo.

The acting, editing, story and direction is terrible yet strangely alluring.  Like a shoestring budget train wreck, one can't help but continue watching until the end.  

2 Dilbert themes out of 5