I Got To Meet One Of My Film Idols Last Night.... Lloyd Kaufman!!!

ReRun = Awesome!!!

Last night, me and my boy wonder Jeff Bond wandered over to Downtown Brooklyn to the ReRun theater. If you haven't been to ReRun theater, you are missing out. Fellow film fanatic and curator of ReRun Aaron Hillis does a great job choosing some well balanced choices of films that he screens there. He mixes obscure indie releases with cult classics and film gems that make for an awesome overall experience. Plus there is gourmet food and liquor.... yup, ReRun rocks!

Anyway, last night ReRun hosted the 1st EVER public screening of the Troma classic 'Mother's Day' on Blu Ray. If you have never seen this kooky 80's horror flick, get to it immediately (its on Netflix Instant Streaming!!!). It is one of the best films to come out of the Troma stable... but that isn't saying much since Troma has built a reputation for being the #1 creator of "Schlock Cinema". I love all of their films, no matter how weird they are. My favorite horror film of all time is a Troma flick, the masterpiece that is 'Bloodsucking Freaks'. I heard the man behind the Troma empire,  Lloyd Kaufman, was going to be at ReRun last night. I have admired this man for over 20 years, so I had to go meet the man behind 'The Toxic Avenger' and 'Sgt. Kabukiman'. I was not disappointed.

Kaufman held court before the movie started, taking pictures and signing autographs in his own kooky way. You gotta love a legend of indie cinema who takes the time to line people up in the right order to make the pictures balanced and looking better. He also makes an hysterical face in every photo, which is awesome. He took the time to chat with anyone who wanted to talk, and if you purchased any of the Troma merchandise he would personalize it ..no prob. I brought my coveted 'Bloodsucking Freaks' DVD with me in the hope he would sign it. He did... with MY SHARPIE! Apparently Kaufman was Sharpie-less, and used my Sharpie to sign his autograph to mine....everyone else's merchandise. he kept thanking me for bailing him out and lending him the marker, and he assured me he would return it later. He lied... he kept it!!! No prob, because the guy was just so friendly and cool.

Kaufman signing my Bloodsucking Freaks DVD

Before the film started he stepped in to help out Aaron, who was fixing the projector, by chatting up the crowd in an impromptu Q&A. His self deprecating humor and constant insults of his own movies made the conversation humorous and I feel lucky to have been privy to it. He narrated a commercial for his book 'Make Your Own Damn Movie' starring the very sexy Goddess Shea (who was in attendance and HOT!!!) and the preview of 'Father's Day' (which we just covered on CCD a few days back) The screening of 'Mothers Day' was great, and we stayed after for a screening of the Spanish indie thriller 'Kidnapped' (which was intense and I highly recommend!!!). All-in-all a great night. I met one of my idols last night. I got my favorite horror DVD signed. I am a happy horror film geek today. Thank you Aaron for an awesome evening and Thanks Lloyd... your the best!

Left to Right: Kaufman, Goddess Shea, Mike D and Toxie in the front!!!

CCD Interviews Jim Mickle & Nick Damici of Stake Land @ ReRun Theater

I had the pleasure of watching the wonderful post apocalyptic vampire movie Stake Land last month at a press screening and I loved it. When I heard they were having an advanced screening of the movie at my favorite bar/theater ReRun in Brooklyn, I had to make it happen for a second time. I took my boys Joe Fletch and Roc with me, and we were in for a treat. After meeting Aaron, the curator of ReRun, I found out that director Jim Mickle would be there after for a Q & A. This got me even more excited, because I loved his previous zombie movie Mulberry St and also was a fan of Stake Land the first time I saw it. This was gonna be a great night!

ReRun- The mecca of movie watching!!!

We reached ReRun and got into the back room around 6:15. Adam was behind the bar serving up some great food and drinks to the people who turned out for the showing. The gourmet eats and wonderful beer selection make watching a movie at ReRun a reall treat... you gotta get over there asap! Anyway, it was time for the flick and it was even better the second time around.

Vamp takes a stake...

A great take on the tired vampire genre, Mickle really did direct a fabulous movie. His writing partner, Nick Damici, plays the character Mister... and lets justs say he was awesome. Rounding out this interesting cast is Gossip Girl's Connor Paolo, Horror scream queen & CCD's favorite horror hottie Danielle Harris, and former Top Gun bombshell Kelly McGillis. They really bring the movie alive, and I will honestly say that it is one of the better horror movies I have seen in awhile. But after the movie ended,  the real fun started.  

Connor Paolo, Nick Damici, Danielle Harris, and Jim Mickle

Aaron opened the door and welcomed in BOTH director Jim Mickle and Nick Damici walked in!!! This Q & A was gonna get even better! There was a short session between the audience and Mickle/Damici in which everyone gushed over the movie. Once it was over, I walked up to Mickle & Damici and asked them if we could conduct our own on camera interview with the duo. They said sure (these guys were so cool!) and here is what came from it:

Very cool... these guys were great. They even posed for a photo with me in the hall after the interview.

Mike D, Damici, and Mickle  ReRun

The movie opens today at the IFC Center in NYC, so make sure you try to go check it out and support a real good independent horror film. Shout out to Aaron for chosing awesome films to screen at ReRun, to Adam for keeping us hydrated and fed at the screening, to Emily Lu for being the best PR girl EVER, and Jim & Nick for making a great movie... and letting us interview them. All in all a another great night at ReRun. Get out and see this movie!!!!!!!!