Bloodtype Online

    When it comes to the good people at Camp Motion Pictures, they are instrumental in releasing some really great shot on camcorder flicks from the 80's into the early to mid 90's.   They've managed to roll out films like "Cannibal Campout", "Video Violence", and "The Wood chipper Massacre" among others.  Their newest entry in the Retro 80's Collection (although this one is actually from 1991) would be Jill Zurborg's "Beauty Queen Butcher".

    "Beauty Queen Butcher" is about Phyliss Loden, an overweight, unpopular girl at the local high school.  One day she receives a letter informing her that she's a participant in the local beauty pageant called the "Slivis Slough Queen Beauty Pageant".  Of course when she shows up for the first day with the other contestants they are immediately crude to her as she's overweight and not quite what you would expect from a beauty queen.   From this point on you see a "Carrie"-like storyline (although with much more comedic elements mixed in) although it comes through much differently.  

    The movie has it's moments and although it has some very humorous moments in it, this would probably be the worst of the bunch that I've seen from Camp's releases.   That's saying a lot though because I've really enjoyed what they've released up to this point.  The major problem that I had with this movie is the running time.   At 118 minutes, its just way too long and by the end of it you find yourself not really caring anymore.  If they would have trimmed about 20 minutes or so off of this one it would probably be a pretty good flick.  

    The acting in the film is what's to be expected, but I found Rhona Brody decent enough in the lead role of Phyliss.   Other than that the group of girls that are against Phyliss are all pretty good in their "shit don't stink" roles as well.  One of the queens is played by stand up comedian/Last Comic Standing contestant Tammy Pescatelli and a pretty good role too.   To be perfectly honest the majority of the humor in this that works comes from the queens as they are obnoxious as can be and it works. Other than that it's basically just a cast of characters, none of which are noteworthy outside of Phyliss's nerdy friend.  

    Unfortunately for fans of Camp Motion Pictures, "Beauty Queen Butcher" just isn't a good movie.  There's a severe lack of gore, no nudity, even though this one could have used boatloads of it considering what we're dealing with, and it's just not that entertaining.   It goes alright for awhile, but eventually you find yourself just wanting it to end.  Overall I wouldn't recommend checking this one out unless you have already went through Camp's catalog and even then I can't say for sure if that would be a good idea.   Unless you like overly long and boring films shot on no budget, knock yourself out.

Rating - **

-Ed Demko