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Legend. It’s a word possibly overused in a culture of hyper-nostalgia. It’s also a totally rad fantasy movie from director Ridley Scott. But there again, you see my point.

Still, if any man qualifies as a legend, it has to be Fred “The Hammer” Williamson. Hammer was a staple of the blaxploitation genre with standout roles in films like Black Caesar, Boss, and Hell Up in Harlem. In the decades since, he has continued to illuminate silver screens with his radiant aura of irrepressible cool.

He’s also a personal hero of mine, and the fact that we actually got the opportunity to speak with Mr. Williamson is beyond thrilling. For this installment of OneOfUs.SHOW, I am joined by fellow Hammer fan Martin Thomas to chat with Fred about his career, his origins, and his in-development project Old School Gangstas (a sequel to Original Gangstas).

One of the first things over which Martin and I bonded was our shared love of blaxploitation, and it seems only fitting that an Original Gentleman join me for this interview with an Original Gangsta.

Give the interview a listen, and please forgive the less-than-stellar audio quality of this over-the-phone conversation.

Interested in helping to fund Old School Gangstas? Let The Hammer tell you a little more about it, and then visit the film’s Indiegogo page to learn how to donate.

I was lucky enough to catch an early screening of the film Need For Speed a while back, and although I must bite my tongue, meaning that I can’t give you a thorough critique, that doesn’t mean I can’t hint at a few good things you can expect from the film when you go out to go see it! Oh and don’t worry…

Spoiler5B15D-1 — *Get it? Get it?! But seriously, no spoilers.*

1. A Central Character

There has been some speculation concerning of the focus of the characters. The trailers make it seem as if there is a focus on a kind of group dynamic and the camaraderie that is shared among the gang and their love of muscle cars and racing. That element is indeed in the film, however, Aaron Paul’s character is the main focus (sadly, no “bitches” are thrown, so don’t go in expecting to play catch phrase bingo!). Everyone else is a supporting character.

2. Nods to the Video Game

This one is pretty much a given. It’s a film based on a property, so obviously they are going to make references to its own source material to please its fanbase. Although I have a little confession to make: I have only played one of the games, and that was probably 8 years ago. That being said, I went to the screening with a friend who played a lot of the games, and it wasn’t until he pointed out the little details from the film that were references to the game did I realize what they were. There was only one moment where it was obvious what they were doing, but it was done in passing and not much attention was brought to it.

3. A Wink to the Director’s Previous Film

There is literally one shot in this film that is a deliberate reference/wink to Scott Waugh’s previous film. I was surprised that I even caught it because it was such a quick shot, but he made it obvious to those who are even the slightest of ‘film buffs’ and are paying attention to what they are seeing. The funny thing is, I didn’t even know he directed that film. On top of that, I haven’t even seen the film that was being referenced. I just found it odd how a certain shot was framed, with our attention drawn towards a specific object. When I looked up the director, I realized why that shot was in the film. He had some balls to do what he did. One might even say that it was an exploit of bravery. (aren’t thesauruses just grand?)

4. Lots of Driving and Shifting

They do not skimp out on the driving here. If you are expecting a film with lots of racing, weaving through traffic, and close calls, then you won’t be disappointed. Once the film enters the second act, they rarely stop driving. The racing scenes are also filmed in a way that is exciting and well done (you can actually tell what’s going on!). Along the way there is a lot of “shifting” going on, at all different kinds of gears and speeds. I mean that both literally and metaphorically. Let’s just say this film isn’t exactly Pitch Perfect starring Anna Kendrick. However, there is a film the director uses as his influence…

5. Love For Bullit

In 1968, there was a pretty bad ass film called Bullit. A movie about a San Francisco cop who is out to find the man who killed the witness he was assigned to protect. What does this film have to do with Need for Speed? Two things actually: muscle cars and practical stunts. There are no CG car stunts here. Everything from the roaring engines to the destruction of cars are 100% practical. You can tell that the director loved Bullit because he really wanted to capture what that film accomplished in its famous car chase scene. That, and there was a scene at a drive-in theater where Bullit was literally the movie being played on screen.

6. Michael Keaton Eats It Up

I love me some Keaton, and in this movie, he chews up the scenery. I was smiling and giggling every time he was on screen, because it looked like he was having a lot of fun with the role he was given, even though he was barely in it. You know what? They actually released a clip that will give you EXACTLY what to expect when you see him on screen! So I’ll just let Mr. Keaton do the talking:

So USians, hopefully I’ve given you a small idea of what to expect when you go out to see Need for Speed on March 14th! But I give the floor to you guys. Are you looking forward to seeing the film? Comment below and let One of Us know!

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We’re got a rough ride for you this week, Digiphiles, especially if you’re Brian’s voice. Poor guy works so hard for your amusement he’s Tom Waits-ed his voice. But bravely, he gravelly marches on, along with Chris, bringing you the best and worst of the week’s home release titles.

We’ve got rock and roll in Muscle Shoals, we’ll ask ya how ya feel about Nebraska, and the digits on Legit.

Oh, and a giveaway of the week that will make horror fans happy as can be. Don’t miss this week in the Noise Room, and while it’s comparatively of brevity, it’s got twice the levity. Also, rhyming. Check it.

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it.

How To Win This Week’s Giveaway:

1.) Follow @OneOfUsNet on Twitter

2.) Tweet a message to your followers telling them to follow @OneOfUsNet. (“You really should be following @OneOfUsNet” or “Why the hell aren’t you already following @OneOfUsNet?”) You can be creative here

3.) Make sure to add our Twitter handle, but don’t begin your tweet with it. We don’t want this to be a tweet directed at us, but instead go out to your followers.

4.) Add #WeAreUs

5.) We’ll select a winner randomly from a pool of those who send that tweet and contact that winner via Twitter (open to U.S. Residents only)

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When one or two members of The Us get together, that’s merely a gathering. When hordes of Us descend upon one spot to worship at the altar of our geekdom, that’s the moment it becomes…an Infestation. Welcome to Infestation, OneOfUs.Net’s official festival and convention coverage feature.

It’s good thing we’re at Staple, because if Brian’s voice during this recording is any indication, we’re having a hard time keeping it together. Get it? Staple. Together. Yeah, THAT’S how exhausted we are.

But luckily we had plenty to keep us awake on this installment of Infestation. During the last day of the expo, from our base camp in the dusty corner of the Marchesa exhibition hall, One Of Us was fortunate enough to speak with not just one, but a veritable cadre of immensely talented artists, including “Nakatomi” Tim Doyle and Chip Zdarsky of the overwhelmingly-acclaimed Sex Criminals.

For comic book and poster aficionados, THIS is a podcast not to be missed. And with that, we bid adieu to Staple. Many thanks to our gracious expo hosts and coordinators, who can now satisfy themselves that (for now) that the Infestation has subsided.

Breakdown:

Poster artist and Nakatomi, Inc founder Tim Doyle–(2:35)
Shannon Wheeler, creator of Too Much Coffee Man–(28:43)
Marvel artist Paul Benjamin–(48:00)
Godzilla comics artist Matt Frank–(83:02)
Sex Criminals creator Chip Zdarsky–(108:31)

It’s often said that everyone has a price, a willingness to cast off any personal inhibitions or moral concerns for the right amount of money. This maxim is especially evident for the the main character of E.L. Katz’s most recent film, Cheap Thrills. The gist of the film is as follows:

“Cheap Thrills follows Craig (Pat Healy, Compliance), a struggling family man who loses his low-wage job and is threatened with eviction. In an effort to delay facing the music at home, he heads to a local bar and encounters an old friend (Ethan Embry, Empire Records). The two friends are roped into a round of drinks by a charismatic and obscenely wealthy stranger (David Koechner, Anchorman 2) along with his mysterious wife (Sara Paxton, The Inkeepers). The couple engages the two friends in a series of innocent dares in exchange for money over the course of the evening, with each challenge upping the ante in both reward and boundaries. It seems like easy and much needed money, but the couple’s twisted sense of humor pushes just how far Craig and his friend are willing to go for money and cheap thrills.”

You can see for yourself a small portion of what Craig and Vince are willing to do for a little extra cash in this clip from the film:

Even our very own Brian Salisbury is willing to toss his good sense to the wayside when money is involved. For example, here’s a video from last October, in which Steak Plissken himself insults the star of Cheap Thrills, Mr. Pat Healy, during a Fantastic Fest interview in exchange for some extra dough.

Cheap Thrills is available on VOD now and makes its way to theaters on March 21.

How much money would it take to get you to participate in the extreme activities portrayed in Cheap Thrills? How much would you pay Brian to insult another actor, say someone like Jason Momoa? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

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When one or two members of The Us get together, that’s merely a gathering. When hordes of Us descend upon one spot to worship at the altar of our geekdom, that’s the moment it becomes…an Infestation. Welcome to Infestation, OneOfUs.Net’s official festival and convention coverage feature.

Staple is Austin’s now decade-running independent media expo. It’s a converging point for local artists, writers, and general creative types to network, to hawk their wares, and to be reminded that the transition from passionate hobby into lucrative profession is not in fact an insurmountable task.

And then…there’s us. Or more appropriately One Of Us. Nestled in their comfy corner of the main exhibition hall, Brian and Chris weren’t content merely observing the madness. They spread the good word, added new members to Us Nation, and talked with some phenomenal artists and creators. Also among the interviews, you’re bound to hear a familiar voice here and there.

Check out the full broadcast from our first day at Staple.

Breakdown:

Intro Segment/What’s Your Favorite Comic (00:14)
Rage Select’s Jason Murphy Joins Us (15:43)
Brian & Inside the Locker’s J.C. Sneak In A Quick Sports Convo (27:20)
Dragon’s Lair’s Graphic Designer Zach Martin Chats Ghostbusters (31:51)
THEOG’s Martin Thomas Checks In (52:51)
Dan Price, Creator of Masters of the Obvious Visits (67:57)
The Guys Reunite with Richard Whittaker of The Austin Chronicle (77:48)

A couple weeks ago, I caught the first official trailer for The Purge: Anarchy and it led me to ask: was The Purge so badly received that the budget for the sequel was cut even lower? Blumhouse’s high concept home invasion flick was kind of a hit last year. Granted, it was the exact opposite of a hit in the critical circle. Still, for all the money it raked in ($89+ million foreign and domestic) on such a tiny budget ($3 million reportedly), it looks like the studio gave filmmaker James DeMonaco a marginally bigger allowance to play with for the sequel.

I got to thinking about all the films Blumhouse has been helping to put out as of late, along with the slew of really awesome low-budget efforts that reach beyond their limitations to deliver some truly memorable experiences. The trailer for The Purge: Anarchy might take place outside of a dark house this time, but if the trailer is any indication, not much has changed and it does not inspire the hope of low-budget cinema I’ve seen in recent years. The film still looks as if it’s nothing more than a cat-and-mouse chase through dark set pieces, with shots here and there of small rioting gangs. A sequel for a film with a premise like The Purge I was hoping for something really special- something off the wall crazy. Instead it looks like the formula we will get every year from these films (providing they continue to make money) is a new couple/family fighting small roving gangs that chase them throughout the movie only to have a final confrontation right as the annual Purge comes to an end. That’s what the sequel looks like to me, except with direct-to-video production values.

I could be wrong and the film will be a huge improvement over the first, which I didn’t mind all that much, despite its problems. I just don’t see anything that brings to this premise anything fresh and new. Though, to be frank, when I step back and compare this trailer for The Purge: Anarchy or even the first film to recent low budget horror over the last few years, The Purge just does not stack up.

So what’s my point? Blumhouse is successful, but I’m not seeing any risk. Even if a movie that Blumhouse puts out is more enjoyable than most Hollywood horror flicks, it’s generally not very original and tends to come with an overall mixed reaction from audiences. We’re talking about films like Dark Skies, every Paranormal Activity movie, Insidious: Chapter 2, The Lords of Salem, Sinister and a ton of films waiting for release. Not a one of those previously mentioned films received overwhelming praise and you’ll notice that most are sequesl, suggesting that Blumhouse’s model lacks originality.

The sad thing about Blumhouse cornering the market on low budget horror is that there are some gems out there that don’t get a release that they deserve and most people are forced to watch them on their computer screens or God forbid…their tablets or cell phones. I like the On Demand model, simply because I’m able to lay my eyes on a movie I’ve been waiting for quicker than I would if I had to wait for the insanely limited theatrical run (which rarely makes it my way) or the eventual DVD release. Make no mistake, these films sometimes have an equally mixed reaction, but they take more chances than your typical Blumhouse release. The films I had in mind here are releases like V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Saw, Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil and rather you agree with me or not…Red State.

The only reason I kind of wanted to bring up Red State is to mention Kevin Smith’s latest low budget effort awaiting release, Tusk. Tusk is a film with a reported budget of $2 million and is quite literally a premise no person in their right mind would not do a double take on. A man searching for a roommate that is willing to dress as a walrus, but really wants a roommate to actually transform into a walrus. This has potential to be one of the worst ideas to ever be greenlit and really aside from the fact that this does not seem to have a sexual slant, Human Centipede has already trounced this idea to death. I’ll give Smith credit where credit is due though…it’s ballsy.

What I love about low budget horror is that it forces filmmakers to get creative. Even if their premise isn’t all that creative, the journey to making a full length feature requires some inginuity – which brings me to one of the most ultra low budget films in recent memory, The Battery. There are few things in horror movies as of late less original than a zombie flick which is exactly what The Battery is, except on a budget of $6,000 dollars. I saw this film several months ago and have never spoken of it until now. Simply because I don’t like it as much as I’ve seen people gush over online, but I cannot dare speak of it without giving props to Jeremy Gardner for putting this film together on such a shoestring budget. It’s a very DIY type of film and it’s all about the characters and there are some really great moments, but it still left a little to be desired in the end- I do recommend giving it a shot though simply because of it’s low budget spirit.

You needn’t wait for The Purge: Anarchy to drop at your local theater to see awesome low budget horror as we speak. Sure all those previously mentioned flicks- with the exception of Tusk– are available in some capacity right now, but if you’re a Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Brighthouse or Cox cable subscriber you can get on and watch a little film called Cheap Thrills right now. Again, a film being softly released in an even lesser VOD platform than most and on March 21st it will see a very small theatrical release; this is the type of film I want to see more of in theaters. Cheap Thrills for me was a nearly flawless film and a debut film to boot from E.L. Katz. Okay, it’s not fully lodged in the horror genre, but there’s enough sick, twisted and horrific shenanigans to include it and point you in its direction.

So, what are some of your favorite recent low budget horror flicks? Have you seen Cheap Thrills? What do you think of the trailer for The Purge: Anarchy? What are your thoughts on the VOD release model? Sound off below!

I’m a sucker for musical comedy, especially short, goofy, gag songs. Enter Ninja Sex Party (NSP for short), the duo of Danny Sexbang (Dan Avidan) and Ninja Brian (Brian Wecht). Aside from NSP, Wecht is a physics professor and many people may recognize Dan from his work on the “let’s play” YouTube channel Game Grumps with Egoraptor (Arin Hanson). NSP has even teamed up with Egoraptor to form the side group Starbomb, which makes funny songs about video games.

Screw all that other jazz though, we’re here for Ninja Sex Party proper and what they do best, rock. Instead of trying to explain NSP, I think I’ll let Danny and Brian explain it themselves:

Well, that does pretty much sum them up, on to the countdown!

5. Best Friends Forever

Brian just can’t stop a’murderin’. it is interesting to note that Ninja Brian seems happy with the Mario and Luigi comparison in the video seeing as he is Mario and Mario is looked upon as the dominant character. Once the duo is seen as Ash and Pikachu, a relationship where Ash (Danny) is clearly in charge, does Brian really begin to seethe. I also like how Danny isn’t really upset that Brian is a murderer, only that he thinks that Brian is killing too much and might kill him. It’s an uplifting buddy song about two horrible people, which is part of the song’s overall charm.

4. The Decision

One of NSP‘s earliest and simplest songs, and that is what makes it work so well. I love how they start off on equal footing in pursuit of this woman, but as the song goes on Danny Sexbang can’t help but less and less subtly promote himself at Brian’s expense. stretch the joke for all it is worth, milking every bit of comedy they can out of it, and then the song cleverly stops. Sometimes it is how masterfully you do the simple things that shows your true mastery.

3. If We Were Gay

This song in terms of format is very similar to The Decision as Danny and Ninja Brian start off on equal footing but Danny’s enthusiasm and shameless self promotion once again have him pushing Brain too far with disastrous results. Some might consider this song homophobic, but I am of the mind that being able to make this song and video and push it as far as they did is proof as to where Dan and Brian’s hearts truly lie. Danny’s enthusiasm in this is just infectious and it makes for a great watch/listen.

2. Unicorn Wizard

We already established I like comedy songs, but I also dig hero anthems, and that is what this is. This one would make the top of my list just for Ninja Brian as “Princess Handjob,” but the whole song is dramatic and yet hilarious. They really pushed their imaginations on this one and I think it shows in every second of this.

1. Dinosaur Laser Fight

It’s hard to argue with a song that declares “It’s fucking science.” This is probably NSP‘s most well known song, which is kind of odd as while it does have Danny’s usual bit of going into a tale that couldn’t possibly be true, this time it isn’t to impress or trick some woman into bed. Instead it is to “educate” a group of kids after their teacher has gone “missing”. What makes the song for me other than the fact they end the song joyously yelling out “FUCK!” (it gets me every time) is just how much I wish this was real history. It’s every boyhood fantasy I ever had mashed into one concentrated song of awesome.

Alright folks, now I want to hear from you. In the comments let me know what are your favorite 0Ninja Sex Party songs? Also, if you have a musical comedy group you think people should check out make sure to give them a shout out as well. Let’s celebrate music and laughter!

Ahoy there, sports nerds!

As you know, or maybe you don’t know (in which case “this just in”), our weekly geek sportscast Inside the Locker has been engaging in a series of movie elimination tournaments. More specifically, I’m referring to The Inside the Locker Totally Accurate, Desperately Necessary Movie Elimination Tournaments!!!

And now that March is actually upon us, this strange series of March Madness style movie gauntlets is only going to get more intense! INTENSE!

This time around, we are settling once and for all (for this week), which is the very best sword-and-sandal movie. Once again, as with last week’s Die Hard Rip-off Tournament, the collective heads of knuckle that comprise our show hosts have settled on the Sweet 16 of this sweaty, blade-swinging, dude-bulging film subgenre and will not leave Monster Dome until only one is left standing.

Well, more accurately, they have settled on the Sweet 15, leaving the sixteenth seed vacant. That’s where you come in! Vote below on which hopeful genre upstart makes its way into the tournament. Think of it as the NIT of the ITLTADNMET. We really need a shorter name for this.

Cast your votes quick! The tournament is nigh!

It’s Sunday, which means it’s time for another visit to The Strip Club. No, not the one where you throw your money in the air and try to ignore the weird smells. This Strip Club is our new weekly feature in which we post comic strips submitted by you, our faithful readers. Take a look at this week’s selections and enjoy the first day of the week the old-fashioned way.

by Michael-Orian Bockus

We’d love for you to start submitting comics for our Sunday “Strip Club” feature. If you’re interested, please contact us at oneofusnet@gmail.com.

Who Makes The Cut?
	Alexander
	Centurion
	Cleopatra
	Scorpion King

pollcode.com free polls

Martin & Brian Interview Film Legend Fred “The Hammer” Williamson

6 Things You Can Expect When You Go See ‘Need For Speed’

Digital Noise Episode 34: With Apologies To The State of Nebraska

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it.

How To Win This Week’s Giveaway:

1.) Follow @OneOfUsNet on Twitter

2.) Tweet a message to your followers telling them to follow @OneOfUsNet. (“You really should be following @OneOfUsNet” or “Why the hell aren’t you already following @OneOfUsNet?”) You can be creative here

3.) Make sure to add our Twitter handle, but don’t begin your tweet with it. We don’t want this to be a tweet directed at us, but instead go out to your followers.

4.) Add #WeAreUs

5.) We’ll select a winner randomly from a pool of those who send that tweet and contact that winner via Twitter (open to U.S. Residents only)

Infestation: Staple Day 2

Video: No Price Is Too Low In ‘Cheap Thrills’

Infestation: Staple Day 1

Blumhouse Productions And the State of Low Budget Horror

My Top 5 ‘Ninja Sex Party’ Songs

You decide who makes the ITL Sword-And-Sandal Movie Tournament?

The Strip Club: 3/2/2014