R.I.P Andy Sidaris

Andy Sidaris, the low budget auteur behind the late-night cable staples Hard Ticket To Hawaii, Picasso Trigger, Hard Hunted and the classic Savage Beach, the man who lived by the "Three B's" – Bullets, Bombs and Breasts – has passed away.

I cannot even begin to tell you how saddened I am by this.

Sure, other, less-innovative filmmakers will continue to attempt to emulate the Master's sure-fire formula of incoherent espionage plots, semi-exotic locations, buck naked Playboy and Penthouse models, soap opera studs, toy helicopters and Erik Estrada – but none of those pretenders will ever pull it off with the same panache.

And that is a tragedy for heterosexual male insomniacs everywhere.

And before anyone thinks I'm goofing on Sidaris or his films, I assure you that I am sincere in my appreciation for the man and his works. The guy was a genuine exploitation genius and a decent director, and I love his movies – especially Hard Ticket to Hawaii and Savage Beach (two of the best movie titles ever!).

I used to faithfully scour the cable guide for their Skinemax showings and now have the entire Sidaris canon on DVD.
Hell, I even have the two films his son, Christian, directed – mildly disappointing entries which proved that regardless of genetics or how carefully one followed the formula, it was the senior Sidaris who best knew how to wring the most entertainment value out of the "family recipe!"

My condolences go out to his family, especially his wife and producing partner Arlene. Rest in Peace, Andy. You'll be missed.