February 9th, 2015 - One of our finest reviews has been found in Germany of all places! We translated it to English for you! Read below:
Fifty years ago Thorne Sherman (James Best) escaped from this island and today he goes back there voluntarily – while on the island a film is being made. A documentary about outdoor hero Johnny Reno (John Schneider). And when the film crew is decimated bit by bit, suspicions suggest the mutant killer shrews are back!.
It was fifty years ago that Thorne Sherman (James Best) visited this island in a performance he defined brilliantly, and does so again more than fifty years after the original Killer Shrews (in Black & White, 1959, original German title "Night of the Uncanny Beasts"). The second part returns to the same story picked up 50 years later and also the original actor is aboard. Thus we have James Best, the hero from the first part also taking the lead in this part (in spite of his advanced aged). On top of that he has co-written the screenplay, an absolutely positive move, because I was surprised by the second film – absolutely positively.
"The Return Of The Killer Shrews" can be found as a single film DVD or as a bonus on the Blu-Ray for the film "Night Claws" and was for me the clear winner of the collection. This is due to the fact that director Steve Latshaw (direction, screenplay) has laid out the whole film as a satire of Creature-Feature/Trash films. The fact that the actors and actresses, besides having a lot of fun, play their roles with pleasure (top of the list is John Schneider who seems to have the time of his life), means this works almost o cast alone.
The creatures (sometimes) are all CGI, as are like the blood and the wounds. The film has "clinically infertile special effects, so to speak.
What makes the film, however, so brilliant, are the cultic digs on these types of films and its own technology. There, for example, two film assistants who discuss that Johnny Reno should climb a palm tree. One of them says: "But here there are no palms. " The other says: " We insert them later by CGI. " The first one wants to know why they don't find real ones. The other answers: " Because CGI makes everything more real." Immediately thereafter, a grotesque, badly-spirited cgi Shrew attacks both of them. Super!
Or an actress who wants to close with a colleague on set, hoping for friendship, asks whether she may sit down next to her, whereupon she is shaken off. Her reaction to the snub? A sad look and the following sentence: "Don't hate me just because I look gorgeous ."
Or John Schneider who has as the best moments as Johnny Reno, a haughty and dumb standard hero. When he finds out that the Director of the documentary is simply incapable, he complains to his manager: "You know, they're making a mistake . They have … me . But they don't use … me . I should run into the picture, fight a wolf and then - RIP MY SHIRT OFF ." The Manager isn't impressed. And Johnny tries it again: " I should run in. Fight a snake. And then – RPI MY SHIRT OFF!"
Sometime later in the film the director has no more ideas and explains to Reno that he should improvise. After long and thorough consideration, Johnny asks if he should rip his shirt off.
And so it goes for the entire running time of the movie - really. With the boxing contest of two "old crackers" (James Best & Bruce Davison) and other things – the film is simply a party for self-referential humor. Perfect brain scolding entertainment. Apart from that fact the film even brings together three of the actors from the Dukes of Hazzard series for the first time in a film again (in a short bar scene nicely presented).
It's a run down Creature feature, which the filmmakers knew. However, they intentionally used the bad effects as a positive, for entertainment and satire. The dialog is great, the women nice (well, most – by the way, the appearance As said – it is a run down Creature Feature with which the doers knew, however, what they do and are the bad effects positive means for entertainment and satire – the dialogs are great, the women nice (by the way, the appearance of "Holly Weber" was absolutely great, she again plays a silly bikini girl in a role similar to the one she played in "Supergator"). And the team kept a smile on my face for the entire duration. And all hail John Schneider, master of comedy timing, who kept a smile on my face for the entire duration.
"The Return Of The Killer Shrews" gets 8.5 of 10 possible stars, a satirical sequel to the 1959 original.
Best-Of-Worst-Case-Judgment (Trash factor: Effects):
A Creature-Feature whose creatures and effects come 95% from computer whose heroes are on the high side of 70 and still more fun than most of the usual Creature Features. A film which one should simply see, with no need for background from the first one. And the nanny goat scene – "we have no goat" – is worth the entire film.
July 4th, 2014 - THE BAMBOO TRADING COMPANY'S STAR OF THE BEACH DIGITAL EP
AVAILABLE FRIDAY, JULY 4th, 2014
The Bamboo Trading Company's digital EP features
Dean Torrence (Jan & Dean) on the recording "Star Of The Beach." Torrence provides lead vocals on the chorus to this little gem about an aged surfer who waxes nostalgic about his younger days. The verse leads are provided by none other than Matt Jardine (son of Beach Boy Al Jardine). This version of the recording made its debut in the film "Return Of The Killer Shrews" in 2012, but wasn't officially released until December 3, 2013 on The Bamboo Trading Company's CD, From Kitty Hawk To Surf City. Dean and Matt are joined by David Marks (original founding member of the Beach Boys) and Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson band) on guitars and backing vocals, and the track was arranged by Gregory.
We are excited to announce some true rock & roll history being made: In the summer of 1964 the hit singles Ride the Wild Surf, Little Old Lady From Pasadena, Deadman's Curve and Sidewalk Surfin' were exploding on radio playlists and Billboard's Top 40 charts, and all from that crazy duo, rock and roll's clown princes, the Laurel & Hardy of Surf City, Jan & Dean! And now, 50 years later, Dean Torrence himself has got a brand new hit EP single release with the Bamboo Trading Company, Star Of The Beach! And I'm especially excited because this new Surf City classic was featured on the soundtrack of Return of the Killer Shrews! Check it out and you could win a genuine Jan & Dean Little Old Lady From Pasadena skateboard if I can find the one I have in my garage. Oh, wait. Sorry. I think I traded that to Doug Workman back in 1966 for his Batman comic collection. Oops. Never mind.
- Steve Latshaw
May 8th, 2014 - ONE OF THE BEST DVD REVIEWS YET! From DVDDRIVE-IN.com link
March 28th, 2014 - THIS IS AWESOME! James Best interviewed by "Ain't it Cool New"s!
March 6th, 2014 - This is just awesome! A review from the world famous "Diabolique" - and they "get it"! Enjoy this read online here.
February 26th, 2014 - This is a great video piece about James Best's upcoming performance in "On Golden Pond"
January 31st, 2014 - "In the Audience" recently posted a fantastic review of our film - as it was day #24 in a #31 day horror film challenge!
"...the filmmakers... were able to successfully revisit the spirit of the original film while updating it."
"The coup de gras is having James Best not only return as our hero, Thorne Sherman, but he also helped write and produce the film.."
January 29th, 2014 - Our Director Steve Latshaw just appeared on the Wilson Beach Radio show to talk about the music of Return of the Killer Shrews. Wilson Beach Radio celebrates the California music scene, including the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean.
Steve talks about working with the Bamboo Trading Company, Gary Griffin, David Beard and Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean to create the right blend of music and comedy for the film. Download here
We are pleased to announce the digital download release of the new EP single SHREWD AWAKENING, by the Bamboo Trading Company, from the soundtrack of Return of the Killer Shrews.
This EP includes new mixes of music from the film: Shrewd Awakening and Tonga Hut, both with special guest Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean. The EP also features a brand new Killer Shrews comedy skit with our own James Best!
Here's a link to the story... LINK
January 21st, 2014 - Read this great email review from radio personality Will Rodgers.
Hello Dorothy, This is Will Rodgers, the Voice Man. I am writing you to sing praises about this awesome movie you produced. My buddy Billy Stephenson showed me a movie he bought called Return of the Killer Shrews. It was extremely hilarious and I enjoyed every minute of it. Great cast, CGI of the shrews, and Jimmy, Rick, and John were in top form. The young heroic producer reminded me of Jesse Metcalfe from Dallas. And the pompous director reminded me of Matthew Broderick. I love that it has the option to see the original movie. The original sounds like a movie that Dr. Shock would play as part of Shock Theater. I also loved how you incorporated scenes from the original movie into this new one. Jimmy and Rick are like Skipper and Gilligan and I loved John as the TV star and the Tarzan yell was better than Carol Burnette's. I look forward to getting a copy for myself. Thank you again for such a fun horror comedy movie. Cheers. Will
January 17th, 2014 - Killer Shrews has come BLU-RAY in Germany! LINK
January 17th, 2014 - Fantastic new interview with our director Steve Latshaw! - LINK
January 13th, 2014 - (updated) Here is a great new review from Digital Macabre - LINK
December 30th, 2013 - GREAT NEW ARTICLE FROM INDYSTAR! LINK
December 20th, 2013 - The Horror Society just posted a fantastic review! You have to read it! LINK
December 8th, 2013 - The actual Killer Shrews Movie Soundtrack CD has been released! Click the album cover to order on Amazon!
October 16th, 2013 - This is a hilarious clip featuring John Schneider!
October 10th, 2013 - Check out this funny Goat!
October 9th, 2013 - Another new clip released today!
October 4th, 2013 - THREE EXCLUSIVE NEW CLIPS RELEASED!
more to come!
Director interview! - Brand new interview out with Director Steve Latshaw HERE IS THE LINK
April 25th, 2013 - Check out the BRAND NEW video for "Shrewd Awakening"!
April 25th, 2013 - This is a great online review by Veronica Scott - read the review
April 23rd, 2013 -
We are pround to announce the release of a BRAND NEW CD featuring four music cuts used in "Return of the Killer Shrews"! Get The Bamboo Trading Company's soundtrack for the summer of 2013 today! VISIT THE BAMBOO TRADING COMPANY PAGE - LINK
October 27th, 2012 - We are pleased to announce RETURN OF THE KILLER SHREWS is being distributed by Mark Lester's AMERICAN WORLD PICTURES, as their showcase feature for the fall. Mark is a big fan of the original KILLER SHREWS and James Best... and loved our movie. We're very excited about teaming up with AWP. Here's our new poster art... and our new trailer will be posted very, very soon!
October 23rd, 2012 - Another rave "Shrew Review" has come out - read it online!
October 9th, 2012 - The Killer Shrews soundtrack is scheduled to be featured on "Visions in Sound" during the Halloween episode - along with Friday the 13th, Halloween and others. Check it Out
October 4th, 2012 - A new article is out about Killer Shrews - read it here
October 1st, 2012 - Listen to this great interview with Director Steve Latshaw on LA Talk Radio talking all about Killer Shrews! LINK
August 25th, 2012 - The latest trailer has just hit the web! Watch it above or on YouTube!
August 4th, 2012 - Check out this footage!
Welcome to the Official Website of "Return of the Killer Shrews" movie starring John Schneider, James Best, Rick Hurst and Jennifer Lyons. This will be your number one source of new information regarding the new sequel to this cult classic film from 1959! Shot in HD this sequel (featuring several of the actors from televisions "The Dukes of Hazzard"- currently the number one show on CMT) - this film is sure to satisfy fans of the original film and scare a whole host of new ones!
Keep up to date with the latest released photos here:
Be sure and add us on Facebook and check back soon. Thank you! Also see us on IMDB!
Check out these great quotes flowing in!
The hook here is that Return features James Best of the original 1959 Shrews.
...the long rumored sequel to the 1959 drive-in classic "The Killer Shrews" is in the works, with original star James Best back in the saddle!
In 1959, a film was made that was both easily forgotten and terrible even by B movie standards. Now, in 2011, a sequel is coming our way. We kid you not. Get ready for RETURN OF THE KILLER SHREWS! Directed by Steve Latshaw and starring John Schneider (of course), Jennifer Lyon, and in a neat turn of events, James Best, star of the original.
The sequel is directed Steve Latshaw, who co-wrote the script with Pat Moran. A cool thing about this flick is that they got James Best, who starred in the original over 50 years ago, to reprise his role. The cast also includes John Schneider, Rick Hurst, Jennifer Lyons (below), and Mel Tillis.
In an age of unnecessary remakes / reboots (Planet of the Apes? Oh, Tim, why did you do it?), it's great to get news of a remake — or at least a reboot — that is likely to result in something worthwhile, namely an upgrade.
The Killer Shrews (US-1959; dir. Ray Kellogg) is one of the most hilarious of low-budget Z-horror films of the 1950s. Its titular monsters — puppets in close-ups and dogs dressed up in ratty fur and big teeth the rest of the time – are nothing if not memorable.
Now, we have Return of the Killer Screws, co-written (with Pat Moran) and directed by Steve Latshaw, hoping to recreate the exploitation enjoyment of the original for a new generation of B-horror fans while pushing the technical quality up a few notches. In a production driven by the original film's main star, Latshaw gets to direct James Best in his reboot; Best will be recreating the role he made "famous" in the 1959 late-night classic.
Killer Shrews had some seriously memorable moments for me in spite of the lack of quality in the production.
Out of respect for James Best, who has been a terrific character actor with many and varied roles besides that of his signature role of Rosco P. Coltrane, I will take a look and actually this sounds like a fun movie. Probably won't be great or even good, but I'll watch it. And being a Dukes fan, having John Schneider and Rick Hurst is icing on the cake.
Remember the character of Thorne is a strong character. He survived the killer shrews and 50 years of standing around and drinking!
Thankfully, this is a full-blown sequel, not a "reboot" as the article says.
It'll probably be fun, like the original.
Not 1. Not 2. But 3 Dukes of Hazzard alumni in the same movie?I can now die a happy man.
Kaiju Search-Robot Avery has been twitching to release news of this production for some time now. Always eager to embrace new independent low-budget films, his enthusiasm for this knows no bounds. I asked him about it.
I remember reading back in the early 2000s about how James Best wanted to do a sequel to The Killer Shrews [he said] ….obviously it never really got off the ground. I think he wasn't totally serious about it at that point…. then when Brett Kelly did his remake of Attack of the Giant Leeches and so many other B-classics were getting remakes, I started wondering what had happened to this project. Also the 50th anniversary of the original film was creepy up fast. This was in early 2008…. I decided to contact Mr Best and shortly afterwards I was let in on the "secret" but sworn to secrecy. James had started thinking more seriously about this project and was working to make it happen. Of course it took some time but James kept me in the loop with updates as the wheels began to finally turn. Then once Steve Latshaw was hired and other producers stepped on board, the project finally got off the ground and things started really happening for the film. Now the film is finally really happening — some 52 years after the original and with the star of the original film, a living legend, returning to reprise his same role. The killer shrews will be introduced to a whole new generation!
