Jan
22
Raging Stallion, Unzipped Stage “To the Last Man” Premiere
January 22, 2009 | 13 Comments
Raging Stallion Studios and Unzipped Media teamed up to stage a Hollywood premiere for the controversial cowboy epic TO THE LAST MAN. The premiere was held at the Regent Showcase on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood, which is owned by Unzipped Media parent company (for now) Regent Entertainment. LAST MAN runs about six hours in its entirety, but the version that screened last night clocked in at under an hour — and even included brief clips of hardcore penetration. Watching porn on the silver screen in Hollywood! It felt like the old days for a brief moment or three. Chris Ward was just as puzzled, but pleased, that an erotic version of the film was given permission to be screened; co-director (with Mr. Ward and Ben Leon) Tony DiMarco apparently did the edit. I estimate between 130 and 150 people were in attendance, and I don’t know how many of them made it to The Eagle nearby for the afterparty because I packed up my kit bag and went home to bed; daddy had a long day of deadline-crunching. But it was nice to schmooze a bit and briefly touch base with far too many people with whom I share an email or text-only relationship. CLICK HERE for more scoop…
TO THE LAST MAN has engendered controversy for its over-the-top violence — only two characters remain standing at the end, plus a horse or two. But last night the fountains of blood spurting across the screen between cumshots brought whoops and hollers and rounds of applause from the audience.
It seemed from my vantage point that the audience reacted with distaste to only one death — when a character is shot, bludgeoned and then set afire while he is still breathing. One attendee told me that the scene went too far, especially as it wasn’t clear to him (or his boyfriend) why the violence had escalated to such a degree.
Otherwise, as noted, the audience was clearly in a good mood — each performer’s name was greeted with respectful applause during the opening credits, but the loudest reaction was saved for a close-up shot of several cows (!) placidly chewing their cud and staring blankly into the camera.
Ricky Sinz, the film’s black-hat villain, seems to have left the most vivid impression. “This was the first I’ve seen of him,” said one industry vet. “He’s good — mainstream good. I didn’t know he could act.”
I had a chance to connect in person with Mr. Sinz after the screening; he’s another with whom I’ve only exchanged emails. He was outside smiling and shaking hands with fans; in person, he’s kind of sweet, which is not an adjective that comes to mind after you watch TO THE LAST MAN.
Another whose brief appearance onscreen had folks talking was sultry, insouciant and well-hung Jimmy Trips. He’s been under the radar for awhile now; not anymore.
In attendance: a Regent and Unzipped Media contingent, including Angel Benton doing red-carpet duty, Ken Knox and group publisher Dustin Tyner; a full RSS crew, including Mssrs. Leon, DiMarco and Ward with photographer Kent Taylor; photographers T-Ball, Mick Hicks, Jon Royce and Mocha; Drew Warner with his boyfriend, performer Robbie Ireland; and editor Andrew Rosen.
Also seen: directors Phil St. John and Wolfgang Bang; a RandyBlue.com contingent; GAYVN editor Harker Jones; performers Johnny Gunn, Scott Tanner (looking slim and handsome in tight jeans and sport jacket), Rick Powers, Damian Rios, and Josh West. (I know there were more porn actors in attendance, so apologies to whom I’ve left off. I’ll update later when I’ve had some coffee and can decipher my chicken-scratch handwriting.)
Yet another gent with whom I rarely get to spend any time is Mike Stabile of TheSword.com. We are just two ships that continually pass in the night. As usual, he was aiming his video camera at attendees. We embraced, and immediately started in with the bitching about the horrid economy and porn’s death spiral and the usual complaints, like a couple of grizzled war veterans. Then we both stopped on a dime, looked at each other for a beat, and started laughing.
“We haven’t seen each other in ages and the first thing I do is complain,” I said. “I keep doing that to people these days. It’s a wonder I have any friends left.”
“I keep doing it, too! That’s the first thing out of my mouth: ‘Oh, my god, everything’s so awful.’ I have to come up with something snappier and more upbeat,” he mused.
Yeah, I’m working on that.
[Images © Raging Stallion.]
Comments
13 Comments so far
I had such a great time last night at the premiere. The hour edit was very erotic and showcased a lot of good acting. The deaths scenes are being very over-rated. It was all done in accordance to the context of the film. I think people were just so shocked at how remarkably well done a XXX can be done. I hope they continue doing films like these. This is a porn movie you should buy, not just rent. I’m sure most agree and that’s why they sold out so fast.
Ricky Sins was fantastic. Should totally win best acting award for this one. And Scott Tanner should easily get best supporting. There really isn’t any competition out there. And yes, Jimmy Tripps needs a close-up. He’s a very proud man.
The after-party was really going. All the cast attended as did the film goers. A very busy Wed. night before 10pm. And it was totally the appropriate place to have the after-party. It has the edgy dark atmosphere just like in the film.
Great job for all. I want to thank Unzipped for making it possible. I hope more movies can be made this well. It puts the word “star” in “pornstar” which has been so loosely used thes days. Congratulations to Raging Stallion and all involvewd. Once again, a job very well done. Be proud!!!!
Happy XXX Thursday!
Chris
I was there as well. You are right about the applause and cheering at all the blood, and it seemed most often at times that were meant to be serious. But Chris Ward and co. didn’t seem upset afterwards, so all is well? I was also not expecting hardcore sucking, fucking, etc. on the silver screen!!
Alright, so I’m going to have to get the fuck out of Arkansas so I can experience some of this fun. Wish I could have been there. I got to meet Ricky in Chicago this past fall when he was performing at the Bijou. Super nice guy, and not just because he let me suck on his dick some. LOL!!! Looking forward to seeing this movie.
I’ve only seen part one. Ricky is a good actor but the sex is really stretched out in the parts I saw. The first part is 2 hours and 45 minutes with 10 guys. It’s too long for my taste.
Since the moment we have to register our email address we suddenly ge tthis immense pro-raging stallion comments? Set up? Not one dissenting voice??
I saw par tone and was all but pleased, ridiculous movie and like always repetitive and boring sex scenes…..
Frederic – I guess since your post went through your conspiracy theory is shot to hell.
Shame on you Chris Ward. I’m personally boycotting this film. Murder and bloodshed have no place in mainstream porn, and it’s a very dim and troubled imagination that would unearth such homophobic garbage.
Why no pictures of you, JC?
http://www.thesword.com/index.php/skintrade/1977-to-the-last-man-premieres-in-los-angeles.html
I am NOT grizzled!
The movie was great for what it was. Looks like a few of the above people’s only taste is in their mouths.
What it’s poor taste is graphically slicing and dicing gay men, videotaping it, and marketing it as erotic.
BINGO!!!
Attended the premiere and had a blast! Where else can you go to a porn premiere but in Hollywood. Can’t wait to go to some more!