Here’s a fun news article that came out in association with the recent theatrical screening of the Zen Film, Guns of El Chupacabra.
Don’t blame me, I didn’t write it.
Cult Classic “GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA” Continues to Captivate Audiences with Its Unconventional Vision.
Over two decades since its initial release, the genre-defying cinematic experience, “GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA,” co-created by the visionary duo Scott Shaw and Donald G. Jackson, continues to solidify its place as a quintessential cult classic. Known for its audacious blend of martial arts, sci-fi, spaghetti western, and monster flick tropes, this 1997 independent masterpiece remains a testament to “Zen Filmmaking” and a beacon for fans of the truly bizarre.
“GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA” plunges audiences into a cosmic odyssey where Space Sheriff Jack B. Quick (played by Scott Shaw) is dispatched to Earth. His mission: to eradicate the legendary, bloodthirsty creature, El Chupacabra, unleashed by a nefarious intergalactic villain. What unfolds is an unpredictable, acid-tinged narrative that defies conventional storytelling, embracing improvisation, campy humor, and non-stop action.
Lauded by some as “Fellini meets the Coen Brothers,” the film’s unique charm lies in its spontaneous creation process, a hallmark of Scott Shaw’s “Zen Filmmaking” philosophy. This approach results in a cinematic journey that is as much about the unexpected as it is about its titular monster. From kung fu battles and monster chases to intergalactic rock concerts, “GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA” delivers a singular, high-octane spectacle.
The film boasts an eclectic cast of independent cinema icons and cult favorites, including Penthouse Pet and B-movie queen Julie Strain as Queen B, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman as King Allmedia, and the unforgettable Robert Z’Dar as Z-Man Lord Invader. Joe Estevez and Conrad Brooks also contribute to the film’s distinctive allure, making it a must-see for aficionados of unconventional cinema.
“We set out to create something truly different, unbound by traditional scripts or expectations,” says Scott Shaw. “‘GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA’ is a pure expression of spontaneous creativity, and its enduring appeal to a dedicated fanbase proves that sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most unique and cherished cinematic experiences.”
Since its debut on April 20, 1997, “GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA” has garnered a passionate following among B-movie enthusiasts, exploitation cinema devotees, and fans of Scott Shaw’s extensive filmography. Its unapologetic weirdness, over-the-top action, and absurdist scenarios have cemented its status as a beloved oddity in the annals of independent film.
About Zen Filmmaking: Zen Filmmaking is an improvisational approach to cinema developed by Scott Shaw, emphasizing spontaneous creativity over traditional scripts and rigid planning. This method often results in films that are unconventional, raw, and uniquely entertaining, fostering a distinct style that resonates with a niche audience.
