Last Seen 70s/80s Movie

[bamahorrorfan87]

A nightmare on elm street

[bamahorrorfan87]

The Burning

[Bloof]

The Burning

Bit of a favorite of mine.

[bamahorrorfan87]

The initiation

[bamahorrorfan87]

Halloween

[hammerfan]

Taste the Blood of Dracula
Dracula A.D. 1972
Halloween

[FryeDwight]

SCREAM BLACULA SCREAM (1973). On my 12th Bday, had some friends over and after dinner/cake/presents, the night was wrapped by seeing a movie. Most of my guests wanted to see TORA! TORA! TORA! (1970), but since it was MY Birthday, We went to SBS instead.

If I had contacts for them, would apologize for putting them through this. Had seen BLACULA a few months before and truly enjoyed it...some good scares as well and I feel it's held up reasonably well. Figured the sequel might be good as well...

Alas, very hard going. The Voodoo angle becomes a millstone and it's difficult watching Pam Grier be such a shrinking violet when She kicks all kinds of ass in many films (particularly COFFEY). William Marshall is good as always and some funny (without meaning to be) lines, but overall, there are better films You can spend Your limited time on. Kind of cool spotting three actors who were on ALL IN THE FAMILY. *1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Blood nasty

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Evil Dead Trap, 1988. 7/10,

Director; Toshiharu Ikeda

https://64.media.tumblr.com/51e3de8d2dce86eb9727dd372020517f/bde0f2627322aa12-d2/s640x960/6a8aacf320730e3f09f4f497181fc717b743c2c5.gifv

[FryeDwight]

THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT-1973. Deliriously goofy tale of twin brothers, the more carefree one visiting a castle with a bad reputation. Of course, going to a castle in any horror movie is recipe for evil thoughts and evil doings I liked this and feel it's worth a look or two. With Mark Damon (PIT AND THE PENDULUM, CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD) and ultra hot Rosaba Neri (who was also in LADY FRANKENSTEIN). ***

[huiyaming]

THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT-1973. Deliriously goofy tale of twin brothers, the more carefree one visiting a castle with a bad reputation. Of course, going to a castle in any horror movie is recipe for evil thoughts and evil doings I liked this and feel it's worth a look or two. With Mark Damon (PIT AND THE PENDULUM, CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD) and ultra hot Rosaba Neri (who was also in LADY FRANKENSTEIN). ***

I will be looking this one up. It does sound quite good.

[FryeDwight]

VAULT OF HORROR (1973). I believe this was the last of Amicus's anthology films (??) and while it has its moments, it's truly the least, with THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD, ASYLUM and TALES FROM THE CRYPT just kicking its ass (Not seen TORTURE GARDEN, so can't comment on that). With the many first rate EC stories to pick from. this should have been much better. Still, like all the others, VOH has a first rate cast, which helps. Best story for Me is the second with Terry-Thomas as an incredibly anal Neat Freak; others don't pack the same punch, although there are good moments. **1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

The velvet vampire

[NightOfTheLiving_Sam]

The last 80s horror movie I watched was The Burning.

[FryeDwight]

DRAGONSLAYER (1981). Don't pass this by because of the Disney name...extremely gritty and well made . A King has entered into a bargain to keep a Dragon at bay and some of the locals enlist the aid of a sorcerer for help and end up getting his apprentice instead. I'm sure parents expecting the usual Disney film for their children were dismayed to find somewhat gruesome parts and brief nudity (important to the plot and not for sensationalism) as well as the Dragon itself...magnificent work done to create it. Very recommended. ****

[Sculpt]

DRAGONSLAYER (1981). Don't pass this by because of the Disney name...extremely gritty and well made . A King has entered into a bargain to keep a Dragon at bay and some of the locals enlist the aid of a sorcerer for help and end up getting his apprentice instead. I'm sure parents expecting the usual Disney film for their children were dismayed to find somewhat gruesome parts and brief nudity (important to the plot and not for sensationalism) as well as the Dragon itself...magnificent work done to create it. Very recommended. ****
Saw on the big screen. Excellent film. Really has a unique look and feel to me. Impressive effects.

I don't think it's a great film, as the story has off-kilter feel through out, and the ending not exactly leaving a great satisfying feeling. It's been a long time since I've seen it (and only twice)... I think the reason for the off-kilter feeling is partly because the characters are not intimately understood; or otherwise lack backstories, depth or superseding great performances which make them innately understandable. Just my opinion.

Kinda funny, I saw Dragonslayer as part of a double-feature with my folks, and my brother and I each brought a friend. The next film was Body Heat... so my folks walked us out pretty quick into the film. ::big grin:: A friend of the family recommended Body Heat to my folks, and it was a good film, but I don't think they knew anyone was planning on bringing kids to it. Also not a proper double-feature matching. ::sad::

[FryeDwight]

Saw on the big screen. Excellent film. Really has a unique look and feel to me. Impressive effects.

I don't think it's a great film, as the story has off-kilter feel through out, and the ending not exactly leaving a great satisfying feeling. It's been a long time since I've seen it (and only twice)... I think the reason for the off-kilter feeling is partly because the characters are not intimately understood; or otherwise lack backstories, depth or superseding great performances which make them innately understandable. Just my opinion.

Kinda funny, I saw Dragonslayer as part of a double-feature with my folks, and my brother and I each brought a friend. The next film was Body Heat... so my folks walked us out pretty quick into the film. ::big grin:: A friend of the family recommended Body Heat to my folks, and it was a good film, but I don't think they knew anyone was planning on bringing kids to it. Also not a proper double-feature matching. ::sad::

I saw DRAGONSLAYER on a big screen as well...a few years after its release at a Matinee and quite impressive.

That IS quite an odd Double Bill::shocked::...BODY HEAT was pretty spicy with what I remember...definitely not for Kiddies::big grin::

[bamahorrorfan87]

Deathdream

[FryeDwight]

TRILOGY OF TERROR (1975)

[Sculpt]

TRILOGY OF TERROR (1975)
Did you know this was written by Richard Matheson, who also wrote the stories for movies to be I Am Legend, The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Legend of Hell House, Somewhere in Time and A Stir of Echoes?

[bamahorrorfan87]

Blood rage

[FryeDwight]

Did you know this was written by Richard Matheson, who also wrote the stories for movies to be I Am Legend, The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Legend of Hell House, Somewhere in Time and A Stir of Echoes?

You betcha!...do like Me some Richard Matheson. Have read the books You mentioned and truly enjoy THE SHRINKING MAN and I AM LEGEND.

He also wrote some very good short stories , including "The Distributor", "Duel", "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" and the excellent "The Test"

WILLARD-1971

[classic_horror_fan]

Schlock! is a comedy horror film from the early 1970s parodying the bad and corny schlock horror films! It is also one of John Landis's early films! It is about an ape running loose in the area that the locals believe to be a "banana monster," then a scientist discovers it is an animal, only to then believe it is the "missing link." This film is meant to be stupid and campy looking, but funny and it is fun and entertaining in that sort of over the top way. Fans of John Landis can look at this with those expectations, realizing it is also one of his earlier projects, and get a kick out of this one. Fans of "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," "Popcorn: The Movie," "Terror Vision," "Blood Diner," and the like should also get a kick out of this one as well. ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

DELIVERANCE (1972)

[FryeDwight]

HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD (1971). More humorous than scary, still an enjoyable Amicus anthology about a Detective investigating an actor's disappearance and discovering his home has a rather unsavory past (Lovely home it is as well). As usual, cast makes it worthwhile with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Denholm Elliot, Jon Pertwee (Dr Who himself and very funny) and Ingrid Pitt::love::::love::::love::::love:: who looks absolutely smashing in here. A couple of good "Inside" jokes; ie, Chris reading a Tolkien book a few decades before the LOTR films and Jon Pertwee having a dig at another actor-in the same film!-and a rival studio. ***

[Bloof]

Silent night, Deadly night 1984

Good Santa horror.

[Sculpt]

Silent night, Deadly night 1984

Good Santa horror.
I've actually never seen Silent Night, Deadly Night 84 (SNDN). I see you liked it. I heard it's pretty unique.

I remember seeing ads on TV. I was just reading some of wiki on it, "Television advertisements, which aired between episodes of family-friendly series such as Three's Company and Little House on the Prairie, led to parents complaining that their children were terrified of Santa Claus." During Little House on the Prairie? That's really funny. I wonder why they chose that slot? Makes you wonder if they were trying to get a reaction that would lead to some free publicity? If so, it worked.

I suppose the execs who ran the ad during Little House probably should have considered if it was appropriate for the children who'd be watching the TV show.

LOL! Oh, did they just refer to Three's Company as "family-friendly"? What kid would watch 3 Co with their parents? Who wrote this?

There were some street protests and the producers pulled the ads and pulled the film from theatres after about a couple weeks, despite good sales.

During the 'At the Movies' film review Siskel and Ebert read the names of the companies, writers and producers and said they should be ashamed of themselves. Wow.

I guess the general idea was, "An editorial published in Variety stated: "Most protests were generated by the feeling that the depiction of a killer in a Santa Claus suit would traumatize children and undermine their traditional trust in Santa Claus." "Undermine their traditional trust in Santa Claus"? What does that mean? Trust Santa about what, not to kill them? "Trust in Santa"? What an odd thought.

My folks never told us there was a Santa Claus. They let us know the gifts were from them! ::big grin:: I'm certain I never asked if he was real; but if I had they wouldve told me he wasnt. Personally, I dont think you should lie to your kids. I never found it offensive for depicting Santa as the 80s Santa is mythical, though there was a real St Nick.

There was a short window where I might have wanted to see SNDN. Cause of my age I wouldnt have been able to see it in the theatres (R), as I wouldnt have asked my folks to see this. The local theatre did allow my friends and I see some Restricted films, but my friends wouldnt haven gone for SNDN. By the time I could rent it, I think I had soured a bit on some of the 80s horror 'crudeness for crudeness sake' stuff, just wasnt my personal taste anymore. Course, I'm just making some assumptions about SNDN... I noticed every film is different.

[Bloof]

I've actually never seen Silent Night, Deadly Night 84 (SNDN). I see you liked it. I heard it's pretty unique.

I remember seeing ads on TV. I was just reading some of wiki on it, "Television advertisements, which aired between episodes of family-friendly series such as Three's Company and Little House on the Prairie, led to parents complaining that their children were terrified of Santa Claus." During Little House on the Prairie? That's really funny. I wonder why they chose that slot? Makes you wonder if they were trying to get a reaction that would lead to some free publicity? If so, it worked.

I suppose the execs who ran the ad during Little House probably should have considered if it was appropriate for the children who'd be watching the TV show.

LOL! Oh, did they just refer to Three's Company as "family-friendly"? What kid would watch 3 Co with their parents? Who wrote this?

Its funny you say that. My 7 year old grandson likes watching the "Three's Company" reruns with my husband. He doesnt watch it but likes to have it as background noise while he plays.

Silent Night, Deadly Night part 2 1987

Really just a rip off of the first one.

[Sculpt]

Its funny you say that. My 7 year old grandson likes watching the "Three's Company" reruns with my husband. He doesnt watch it but likes to have it as background noise while he plays.

Silent Night, Deadly Night part 2 1987

Really just a rip off of the first one.
That's funny, I was around 7 when I started watching it. I was a Three's Company fan, loved John Ritter, Susanne Summer, Joyce DeWitt. Ive seen pretty much ever ep, except for probably the last 2 seasons. But I most definitely did not watch the show with my parents. Especially the early years were one sexual inuendo after another. But the actors were obviously loving people, it really came out. It's easy to see why a 7-yr-old would like the show.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Alligator was the type of schlocky B-movie that manages to balance between hilarious and brilliant. A perfect fit for a film that fits the slew of Jaws knock-offs that popped up in the late seventies.

Robert Forster is great as the rogue cop with the troubled past. The love intrest scientist is as predictable and typical as you would expect. And the kills are as comedically over the top as one would hope.

Ps: Also funny to see a kid wearing a t-shirt that said "I'm a pepper". Reminded me of what sculpt posted about David Naughton. ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

I've actually never seen Silent Night, Deadly Night 84 (SNDN). I see you liked it. I heard it's pretty unique.

I remember seeing ads on TV. I was just reading some of wiki on it, "Television advertisements, which aired between episodes of family-friendly series such as Three's Company and Little House on the Prairie, led to parents complaining that their children were terrified of Santa Claus." During Little House on the Prairie? That's really funny. I wonder why they chose that slot? Makes you wonder if they were trying to get a reaction that would lead to some free publicity? If so, it worked.

I suppose the execs who ran the ad during Little House probably should have considered if it was appropriate for the children who'd be watching the TV show.

LOL! Oh, did they just refer to Three's Company as "family-friendly"? What kid would watch 3 Co with their parents? Who wrote this?

There were some street protests and the producers pulled the ads and pulled the film from theatres after about a couple weeks, despite good sales.

During the 'At the Movies' film review Siskel and Ebert read the names of the companies, writers and producers and said they should be ashamed of themselves. Wow.

I guess the general idea was, "An editorial published in Variety stated: "Most protests were generated by the feeling that the depiction of a killer in a Santa Claus suit would traumatize children and undermine their traditional trust in Santa Claus." "Undermine their traditional trust in Santa Claus"? What does that mean? Trust Santa about what, not to kill them? "Trust in Santa"? What an odd thought.

My folks never told us there was a Santa Claus. They let us know the gifts were from them! ::big grin:: I'm certain I never asked if he was real; but if I had they wouldve told me he wasnt. Personally, I dont think you should lie to your kids. I never found it offensive for depicting Santa as the 80s Santa is mythical, though there was a real St Nick.

There was a short window where I might have wanted to see SNDN. Cause of my age I wouldnt have been able to see it in the theatres (R), as I wouldnt have asked my folks to see this. The local theatre did allow my friends and I see some Restricted films, but my friends wouldnt haven gone for SNDN. By the time I could rent it, I think I had soured a bit on some of the 80s horror 'crudeness for crudeness sake' stuff, just wasnt my personal taste anymore. Course, I'm just making some assumptions about SNDN... I noticed every film is different.

I saw SNDN in the theaters the first week after its release when all the
controversy was beginning to boil over. Liked it back in 1984, but seeing it almost 30 years later, really not that good. And Bloof is right about the first sequel...avoid. Not worth your time, especially when almost half of SNDN2 is rehashed from the original.

[FryeDwight]

Alligator was the type of schlocky B-movie that manages to balance between hilarious and brilliant. A perfect fit for a film that fits the slew of Jaws knock-offs that popped up in the late seventies.

Robert Forster is great as the rogue cop with the troubled past. The love intrest scientist is as predictable and typical as you would expect. And the kills are as comedically over the top as one would hope.

Ps: Also funny to see a kid wearing a t-shirt that said "I'm a pepper". Reminded me of what sculpt posted about David Naughton. ::cool::

We were trying to find this yesterday on HULU! No luck, so We watched...

HARRY IN YOUR POCKET (1972). Not a classic, but worth watching. Neophyte pickpocket Michael Sarrazin (how happy my wife was::love::!) with new girlfriend Trish Vandevere (How happy I was!::love::) who He meets trying to snatch her watch take the advice of a fence and team up with two "Pro" pickpockets (James Coburn and Walter Pidgeon.

Good performances by the four (especially Walter ), although what they are doing is despicable. Sort of frightening to see the techniques used to snatch other people's property and in an era where Credit cards weren't the norm and no worry about losing Your Social Security card or other ID.
Also nice to see locations other than the obvious (like NYC, LA, etc) and We get good footage of Seattle WA, Victoria BC and Salt Lake City UT. **

[TaeKwonZombie]

Halloween 3

[Sculpt]

Halloween 3

Halloween 3... what'd ya think?

[bamahorrorfan87]

Home sweet home

[FryeDwight]

CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (1972). Fourth film in the APES saga , revealing how Simians rose above Humans in the pecking order isn't bad, although budget restraints were beginning to show, especially in crowd scenes. Very fine performances by Roddy McDowell and Ricardo Montalban, but film seems more violent than earlier ones and pretty mean spirited throughout. ***

[bamahorrorfan87]

New year’s evil

[bamahorrorfan87]

Bloody new year

[bamahorrorfan87]

Fatal games

[bamahorrorfan87]

Curtains

[FryeDwight]

DIARY OF A TEENAGE HITCH-HIKER (1979). MFTV movie of a group of girls, whose mean parent's won't buy them cars, so they "Have" to hitch-hike to get places, despite news reports of unknown predators attacking vulnerable teens.

Most of the fun of these films is the cast; this one has Charlene Tilton (DALLAS), Dick Van Patton (EIGHT IS ENOUGH) and Katherine Helmond (SOAP) as her parents, Craig T Nelson (POLTERGEIST and kind of scary in his scene), Christopher Knight as Charlene's boyfriend (and still wearing BRADY BUNCH style clothes) and Dominique Dunne (POLTERGEIST) whose fate in here is eerily prophetic..

Honestly, this hasn't aged well and doesn't resonate as it did at 17. Main reason I watched it back when was, while my contemporaries were drooling over Cheryl Tiegs/Farrah Fawcett-Major, I thought Katherine Helmond was quite hot, so would watch anything she was in. **

[bamahorrorfan87]

Frightmare 1974

[bamahorrorfan87]

Axe

[Sculpt]

DIARY OF A TEENAGE HITCH-HIKER (1979). MFTV movie of a group of girls, whose mean parent's won't buy them cars, so they "Have" to hitch-hike to get places, despite news reports of unknown predators attacking vulnerable teens.

Most of the fun of these films is the cast; this one has Charlene Tilton (DALLAS), Dick Van Patton (EIGHT IS ENOUGH) and Katherine Helmond (SOAP) as her parents, Craig T Nelson (POLTERGEIST and kind of scary in his scene), Christopher Knight as Charlene's boyfriend (and still wearing BRADY BUNCH style clothes) and Dominique Dunne (POLTERGEIST) whose fate in here is eerily prophetic..

Honestly, this hasn't aged well and doesn't resonate as it did at 17. Main reason I watched it back when was, while my contemporaries were drooling over Cheryl Tiegs/Farrah Fawcett-Major, I thought Katherine Helmond was quite hot, so would watch anything she was in. **
That the one with the station wagon with the passenger door lock missing? lol I saw that MFTV.

I cant say i thought Katherine Helmond was hot. Tiggs and Faucet? I kinda went for Erin Gray, Lindsay Wagner, Cheryl Ladd and Karen Grassle.


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmonterreylive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2Fdominique-dunne-2-696x452.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[FryeDwight]

That the one with the station wagon with the passenger door lock missing? lol I saw that MFTV.

I cant say i thought Katherine Helmond was hot. Tiggs and Faucet? I kinda went for Erin Gray, Lindsay Wagner, Cheryl Ladd and Karen Grassle.


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmonterreylive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2Fdominique-dunne-2-696x452.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

I have to agree with You on Cheryl Ladd::love::..she was gorgeous, as well as Suzanne Somers and Lynda Carter. I still think Katherine was hot-maybe watching GILLIGAN'S ISLAND in First Grade and seeing Tina Louise slinking around caused the "Older Woman Admiration Society" I am part of::wink::

SCARS OF DRACULA (1970)-SOD suffers from the budget tightening Hammer was experiencing, but it's actually better than it's purported to be and better than I remembered. Although He still looks less than thrilled to be there, Chris Lee looks younger in here and his Count is truly a Monster, especially with Lackey motivational control! More violent than previous DRACULA's , with an especially gross resurrection scene and attack aftermaths. Also of note is how a part from Stoker's novel is used in the film.

Remember seeing the ads for this and HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN in the paper at time of release and than getting a chance to see it some years later. Was pissed that it was rated "R" and I couldn't see it. The main reason listed was a "Nude Scene" and all that really was is a Tushie moving in one direction, than the other. A nice tussle, to be sure, but nothing worth getting upset over. ***

[bamahorrorfan87]

Airplane

[bamahorrorfan87]

Airplane II the sequel

[Sculpt]

I have to agree with You on Cheryl Ladd::love::..she was gorgeous, as well as Suzanne Somers and Lynda Carter. I still think Katherine was hot-maybe watching GILLIGAN'S ISLAND in First Grade and seeing Tina Louise slinking around caused the "Older Woman Admiration Society" I am part of::wink::

SCARS OF DRACULA (1970)-SOD suffers from the budget tightening Hammer was experiencing, but it's actually better than it's purported to be and better than I remembered. Although He still looks less than thrilled to be there, Chris Lee looks younger in here and his Count is truly a Monster, especially with Lackey motivational control! More violent than previous DRACULA's , with an especially gross resurrection scene and attack aftermaths. Also of note is how a part from Stoker's novel is used in the film.

Remember seeing the ads for this and HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN in the paper at time of release and than getting a chance to see it some years later. Was pissed that it was rated "R" and I couldn't see it. The main reason listed was a "Nude Scene" and all that really was is a Tushie moving in one direction, than the other. A nice tussle, to be sure, but nothing worth getting upset over. ***

Never seen Scars of Dracula. Sounds interesting. Actually, never saw House of Dracula either. For Gilligan's Island Tina Louise was attractive, but I think she had so much makeup, hair, customs and acted so outrageous it was hard to see her. Now Mary Ann... ::love::

[FryeDwight]

Never seen Scars of Dracula. Sounds interesting. Actually, never saw House of Dracula either. For Gilligan's Island Tina Louise was attractive, but I think she had so much makeup, hair, customs and acted so outrageous it was hard to see her. Now Mary Ann... ::love::

I saw HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN when I was 14 and later on VHS. It's a remake of CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN and one that tries to be funny...and really isn't. First time as the Monster for Dave Prowse and also Kate O'Mara ::love:: along with Veronica Carlson::love::::love::.

At this stage of life, I would pick Mary Ann as well. Maybe Ginger appealed to the Prurient interest of my Grade School self when first watching it.

THE GREAT HOUDINI (1976). Saw this back when (around Halloween, which is when Houdini died) and better than Your average MFTV film with more impressive production values, a decent story and what a cast! Paul Michael Glaser (STARSKY AND HUTCH, although He looks very much like Adult Actor John Leslie here::shocked::), Sally Struthers (ALL IN THE FAMILY, good as Houdini's patient loving wife), Adrianne Barbeau (MAUDE::love::), Bill Bixby (MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER and a year away from THE INCREDIBLE HULK), Clive Revill (LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE), Maureen O'Sullivan (TARZAN films in the 30's), Wilfrid Hyde-White (TEN LITTLE INDIANS -1965), Nina Foch (RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE), Geoffrey Lewis (SALEM'S LOT), Peter Cushing (as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-'nuff said!), Ruth Gordon (ROSEMARY'S BABY and stealing scenes again) and Vivian Vance (I LOVE LUCY-VV is terrific here).

Only real dig I can put in here is it focuses more on Houdini's occult leanings and some of it is not entirely factual, especially in the relationship between his Catholic wife and Jewish mother; I've read they got along reasonably well. Also, HH is SUCH a Momma's Boy here. Would like to have seen more of his escapades, but not a bad intro. ***

[bamahorrorfan87]

Back to the future

[Sculpt]

I saw HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN when I was 14 and later on VHS. It's a remake of CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN and one that tries to be funny...and really isn't. First time as the Monster for Dave Prowse and also Kate O'Mara ::love:: along with Veronica Carlson::love::::love::.

At this stage of life, I would pick Mary Ann as well. Maybe Ginger appealed to the Prurient interest of my Grade School self when first watching it.

THE GREAT HOUDINI (1976). Saw this back when (around Halloween, which is when Houdini died) and better than Your average MFTV film with more impressive production values, a decent story and what a cast! Paul Michael Glaser (STARSKY AND HUTCH, although He looks very much like Adult Actor John Leslie here::shocked::), Sally Struthers (ALL IN THE FAMILY, good as Houdini's patient loving wife), Adrianne Barbeau (MAUDE::love::), Bill Bixby (MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER and a year away from THE INCREDIBLE HULK), Clive Revill (LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE), Maureen O'Sullivan (TARZAN films in the 30's), Wilfrid Hyde-White (TEN LITTLE INDIANS -1965), Nina Foch (RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE), Geoffrey Lewis (SALEM'S LOT), Peter Cushing (as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-'nuff said!), Ruth Gordon (ROSEMARY'S BABY and stealing scenes again) and Vivian Vance (I LOVE LUCY-VV is terrific here).

Only real dig I can put in here is it focuses more on Houdini's occult leanings and some of it is not entirely factual, especially in the relationship between his Catholic wife and Jewish mother; I've read they got along reasonably well. Also, HH is SUCH a Momma's Boy here. Would like to have seen more of his escapades, but not a bad intro. ***

Yep, I remember seeing this on TV. Not bad. I appreciated the slant to his occult/seance interest. I think I read he liked ferreting-out the fakes because as an escape-artist designer he knew the mechanical tricks sometimes employed.

Yes, Ruth Gordon is such a powerhouse actress. Quite the cast in Houdini!

[Partial Artist]

The Changeling (1980)

I find this psychological horror gets overlooked often, but George C. Scott is amazing in this movie playing a tormented man.

Speaking of George C. Scott, The Exorcist 3 is a very underrated film that many avoid because of the absolute garbage that is The Exorcist 2 but don't let it deter you. It is a psychological thriller more than a possession movie. Also, Brad Dourif (the voice of Chucky) puts on one of the best villain performances of all time. The way he uses his words is more chilling than anything the camera could show.

[FryeDwight]

DIE HARD (1988). This actioner of NYC cop Bruce Willis trying to get back together with estranged wife (The always welcome Bonnie Bedelia) and then trying to save the day when Her Office is attacked by a Terrorist group whose motive is not quite what it seems.

DH has held up amazingly well all these decades later...still exciting and humorous with great turns by Bruce Willis, Paul Gleason, William Atherton and Reginald VelJohnson. Also extreme Kudos to the late Alan Rickman in his first role, I believe, as the Ruthless yet affable leader of the group. ****1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Back to the future part 2

[FryeDwight]

THE COMPLEAT BEATLES (1982). A Cliff Notes version of The Beatles history at two hours-but honestly, it could be triple that and still barely scratch the surface- that still brings up the important moments, has some great footage (The Royal Command Performance, parts of "Yesterday" and "If I Needed Someone" live) and while the usual shrieking mobs are shown, there is also one-on-one interviews with some of the fans, the girl with the Oil painting standing out. Good narration by Malcolm McDowell and many interviews also with People who were there, with George Martin standing out.

A Good start if You want to know more. Sadly, Paul McCartney bought the rights to this so it wouldn't compete with the upcoming ANTHOLOGY, which I feel is kind of a Bitch move by Paulie, so TCB is hard to find. ****

[TaeKwonZombie]

alot of horror movies i watch are some of the ones i rewatch, this time is city of the living dead, i love the fucked up priest in this, he actually is pretty deathly looking

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Deathdream, 1974. 8/10

Director: Bob Clark

https://alibi.com/image/pix_id/32105/Everythings-fine-Bob.jpg


Curtains, 1983. 7/10

Director: Richard Ciupka

http://68.media.tumblr.com/67fee40f14c887f3fcc4a445640e2090/tumblr_oojvh8C9241tr6ni8o2_500.gif


Shock Waves, 1977. 7.5/10

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

https://assets.fontsinuse.com/static/use-media-items/125/124834/full-480x260/5fa00b55/Shock_Waves-480.gif

City of the Living Dead, 1980. 7.5/10

Director: Lucio Fulci

https://media0.giphy.com/media/xTiTnwhEiT9yXNzVDi/giphy.gif?cid=790b76112dfb63283b867c437ffc1545e96e 21c4ea01a973&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[Bloof]

Deathdream, 1974. 8/10

Director: Bob Clark

https://alibi.com/image/pix_id/32105/Everythings-fine-Bob.jpg


Curtains, 1983. 7/10

Director: Richard Ciupka

http://68.media.tumblr.com/67fee40f14c887f3fcc4a445640e2090/tumblr_oojvh8C9241tr6ni8o2_500.gif


Shock Waves, 1977. 7.5/10

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

https://assets.fontsinuse.com/static/use-media-items/125/124834/full-480x260/5fa00b55/Shock_Waves-480.gif

City of the Living Dead, 1980. 7.5/10

Director: Lucio Fulci

https://media0.giphy.com/media/xTiTnwhEiT9yXNzVDi/giphy.gif?cid=790b76112dfb63283b867c437ffc1545e96e 21c4ea01a973&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

Love all of these.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

A Bay of Blood,1971. 8/10

Director: Mario Bava

https://64.media.tumblr.com/a80e98938ba252a5644f3e752f0d8734/4577c496e13943c5-50/s500x750/eacd1cd8c59898ca53e9bb014e2da6b89ced695c.gifv

[FryeDwight]

PROM NIGHT (1980). Another slasher that came out after the success of HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY, THE 13th that has a fan following, but I found it sort of dull.... way too many cast to keep track of and really no excitement other than watching Jamie Lee Curtis boogie on down and Leslie Nielsen, still considered a "Serious" actor at the time. **

[Bloof]

Squirm 1976

A local worm farm becomes the source of killer worms. Schlocky but not without a bit of charm.

[Bloof]

The Howling 3 : Marsupial 1987

[TaeKwonZombie]

PROM NIGHT (1980). Another slasher that came out after the success of HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY, THE 13th that has a fan following, but I found it sort of dull.... way too many cast to keep track of and really no excitement other than watching Jamie Lee Curtis boogie on down and Leslie Nielsen, still considered a "Serious" actor at the time. **


I have a love hate relationship with this movie and you nailed it, it is alil dull,.... but i really like the kills and ending,

[FryeDwight]

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)

[bamahorrorfan87]

Adventures In Babysitting

[FryeDwight]

BEER (1985). Comedy about a struggling Beer company who hires an aggressive Advertising exec (played by Loretta Swit a couple of years after MASH), coming up an Ad campaign featuring three guys who are at a crossroads in their lives. This doesn't always hit the mark, but the commercials that are shown are actually pretty funny, especially when David Allan Grier is on. Sort of a USED CARS of the Suds set. ***

[TaeKwonZombie]

evil dead 2 never gets old!

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Blood Link, 1982. 6/10

Director: Alberto De Martino


https://pics.filmaffinity.com/Blood_Link-626766406-mmed.jpg


Hunters Blood, 1986. 7/10

Director: Robert Hughes

https://64.media.tumblr.com/85780003f3def114bad3ae6d5f043cea/tumblr_ospvnxuCyF1rgmfmpo5_400.gifv

[FryeDwight]

INN OF THE FRIGHTENED PEOPLE (also known as REVENGE)-1971. Any photos I've seen from this usually try to make it a sexy flick with Joan Collins in her undies. It's actually a pretty grim and taut film of a grieving family (daughter murdered and suspect let go) that with a friend, decide to resort to Vigilante justice without considering all the complications arising from such an action. ***

[Sculpt]

INN OF THE FRIGHTENED PEOPLE (also known as REVENGE)-1971. Any photos I've seen from this usually try to make it a sexy flick with Joan Collins in her undies. It's actually a pretty grim and taut film of a grieving family (daughter murdered and suspect let go) that with a friend, decide to resort to Vigilante justice without considering all the complications arising from such an action. ***
That is some interesting subject matter. I don't think i've ever seen a serious film on the complications from revenge.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

INN OF THE FRIGHTENED PEOPLE (also known as REVENGE)-1971. Any photos I've seen from this usually try to make it a sexy flick with Joan Collins in her undies. It's actually a pretty grim and taut film of a grieving family (daughter murdered and suspect let go) that with a friend, decide to resort to Vigilante justice without considering all the complications arising from such an action. ***


Watched the trailer, this looks great! Thanks for the rec.

[FryeDwight]

Watched the trailer, this looks great! Thanks for the rec.

Hope You enjoy::smile::

ERASERHEAD (1978). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Debut film from David Lynch is probably the most coherent work He has done. Although there many scenes that are weird and/or vague, the story line is more linear. Henry (the late Jack Nance-His hair style is..interesting and even more so considering He kept it for the 5 years it took Lynch to raise the $$ to finish) in a nondescript sort living in a crumbling city who gets an invite to dinner at his Girlfriend's. When there, He finds out that the Girlfriend has had a baby and pressured by her Parents to marry. The baby itself is grotesque-sort of a skinned Turkey and ET combination- that never stops crying, putting incredible strain on the couple. However, that's not reason enough to condone what happens later on the film...
Lynch is very secretive about everything, but what I could check on, I have read that He was living in a very run down section of Philadelphia PA and his newborn child had special needs before He began this. So maybe it could be a parable for living that situation. Some commendable camera work (especially the iconic shot that appears on posters and T-shirts) helps move the story, but again so much that is all but incoherent can make this a challenge to view. I know many people love this, but for Me, it's **1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Prom night

[bamahorrorfan87]

Hello mary lou prom night II

[bamahorrorfan87]

Sorority house massacre

[FryeDwight]

BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (1973). Final film in the original APES series is probably the weakest one in the bunch. Not much in the way of the plot and extreme overacting by Claude Akins as "General Aldo"-the mean side of Me can't help but think it was ideal casting. Decent effects and Roddy McDowell is good as always with support from Austin Stoker, but it definitely was time to call it a day. John Landis (the Director) is one of the human's in the coral and neat seeng Colleen Camp in her first film as a servant. **

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Inn of the Frightened People, 1971. 7/10

Director: Sidney Hayers

https://www.allhorror.com/public/uploads/2021/10/ijvaCYX0x2mCALr5No6RnTTODKD.jpg

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Scarecrows, 1988. 8/10

Director: William Wesley


https://horrornews.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Scarecrows-movie-1988-4.jpg

[Sculpt]

Hope You enjoy::smile::

ERASERHEAD (1978). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Debut film from David Lynch is probably the most coherent work He has done. Although there many scenes that are weird and/or vague, the story line is more linear. Henry (the late Jack Nance-His hair style is..interesting and even more so considering He kept it for the 5 years it took Lynch to raise the $$ to finish) in a nondescript sort living in a crumbling city who gets an invite to dinner at his Girlfriend's. When there, He finds out that the Girlfriend has had a baby and pressured by her Parents to marry. The baby itself is grotesque-sort of a skinned Turkey and ET combination- that never stops crying, putting incredible strain on the couple. However, that's not reason enough to condone what happens later on the film...
Lynch is very secretive about everything, but what I could check on, I have read that He was living in a very run down section of Philadelphia PA and his newborn child had special needs before He began this. So maybe it could be a parable for living that situation. Some commendable camera work (especially the iconic shot that appears on posters and T-shirts) helps move the story, but again so much that is all but incoherent can make this a challenge to view. I know many people love this, but for Me, it's **1/2
Yes, as far as the narrative goes, you could call it avant-garde. Like with some song lyrics the narrative I sense is meant to be ambiguous, enhancing the likelihood of multiple, or individualized, interpretations. Or it's totally Freudian-subconscious disseminations ::big grin::

I know two folk who thought it was pro and anti abortion each... which highlights the multiple interpretations.

[Bloof]

Evil Dead 1983

Always stays young. ::love::

[bamahorrorfan87]

Slumber party massacre

[bamahorrorfan87]

Slumber party massacre II

[FryeDwight]

SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN (1970)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>POSSIBLE SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Saw this featured in a magazine when I was a young FD where it, CRY OF THE BANSHEE and COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE write-ups gave Me the serious urge to see how great they were (::sad:: none of them really are). Saw SASA a few years later on TV and found it pretty incomprehensible.

Viewing on YOUTUBE, it's still pretty incomprehensible. So fragmented with several story lines; a almost Totalitarian Government, Missing body parts, a serial killer with vampiric tendencies, Govt coverups, Secret lab work, an almost Mr Spock method of persuasion etc. Biggest disappointment is Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price are in the film and really just a tease. Peter has ONE scene and while good as always, really anyone could have done it. Chris seems distracted and only one scene with Vincent towards the finale. Vinnie just chew the scenery as only He could::love::, but not enough to save this. Also has
Christopher Matthews (SCARS OF DRACULA), Michael Gothard (THE EVILS) and Yutte Stensgaard (LUST FOR A VAMPIRE). *1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Don’t go near the park

[bamahorrorfan87]

The Unnamable

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Alligator, 1980, 7/10

Director: Lewis Teague

https://www.filmpostergallery.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Alligator-Australian-dayill-movie-poster-7.jpg

[FryeDwight]

MALIBU HIGH (1979). Coming from Crown Studios and a title like this, You would expect the usual low grade T&A, sketchy plot and "Comedic scenes". Not this time...>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Things don't seem don't seem to be going well for Kim (Jill Lansing in her first and last film)....She's flunking out of High School, not getting over Father's suicide, contentious relations with her mother (and also just about everyone else), can't get a job and Boyfriend dumped her for the rich girl in town. She decides She is going to turn her life around...
Instead of buckling down, She ensures passing grades by seducing her teachers for blackmail, becomes a prostitute for $$,eventually moves up to a richer pimp and after killing a John in legitimate self defense, finds She's also got a knack for assassination::shocked::.

Truly audacious and sleazy, MH is worth a look. ***

[bamahorrorfan87]

Sole survivor

[Bloof]

Return of the Living Dead 1985

[hammerfan]

Return of the Living Dead 1985

I love this movie!

[Bloof]

I love this movie!

Ticks all my boxes as well!

[FryeDwight]

Ticks all my boxes as well!

Mine as well::smile::::smile::.

THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT (1977). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Based on the popular novel by Sidney Sheldon, 20th Century Fox spent a fortune on this (almost three hours, exotic locales) convinced it would do big business. The only proviso they offered theaters was the theaters had to exhibit simeltaneously another Fox film which was costing a lot more money to make than a cheap Sci-Fi film should have been. A cheap SF film called STAR WARS...

TOSOM certainly looks good, but such a campy mess of a film. Innocent Noelle meets a American Flyer working for the Canadian Air Force in pre WW2 Paris-John Beck is SO smarmy; You'd wash Your hands before and after meeting him -gets impregnated and abandoned by him. After "fixing" the problem, She becomes a famous film star and the mistress of a wealthy Greek Tycoon (all I could think of was Aristotle Onassis ).
At the same time, Beck meets somewhat giddy Susan Sarandon (looking very adorable) and marries her using the same come on lines He used on Noelle. After WW2 ends, Beck has trouble keeping a job until He's hired by Noelle to be her personal pilot where She treats him with utter disdain. Of course, the old attraction picks up and the rest of the film reveals how they remove any obstacles.

A mess, like I said, but I found this entertaining and while it's bad, it's still worth a watch. Marie -France Pisier is OK as Noelle, but She doesn't have the charisma to carry along the whole story, even with the frequent nudity (Alas, She is just a little too slim for my morbid tastes). As Noelle rises in the world, she reminds Me a lot of Joan Collins and actually, I think JC could have carried this quite well. Even other reviews of the film have mentioned this. ***

[Sculpt]

Phantasm II (1988)
6.5/10

My first time seeing it. It was fun. Got to see it with a buddy who's familiar with the original. I laughed lots of times. Had some fun scenes with practical effects and melee fighting.

We were surprised it was made as late as 1988. I think I got the TV ads for the original mixed up with the sequel.

Compared to the original, it's much slower at the beginning and a much weaker narrative. Very disappointing that it didn't add anything to the lore of the original. We don't get to know the characters, as characterization is almost non-existent, and they aren't particularly strong exuding characters and actors. So it's really just a string of fairly fun scenes.

[bamahorrorfan87]

When a stranger calls

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Frightmare, 1974. 9/10

Director: Pete Walker



https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8YCWfXIPMg1uFRL-iluZEdtLrQn_0ryepmeVK-5oZCFcS7lcN3giVZUCguPSQQv8mL_c&usqp=CAU

[Korovox]

The Hills have Eyes (1977)

7/10

"The lucky ones died first" creates false expectations... especially as the first victim burned to death wtf...

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Damien: Omen II, 1978. 8/10

Directors: Don Taylor, Mike Hodges


https://c.tenor.com/ceUL6mclpZIAAAAd/damien-thorn.gif

[FryeDwight]

REFLECTION OF FEAR (1972). Strange unsettling film, with an almost REPULSION-ish atmosphere throughout, but seriously stymied by a plot twist towards the finale that somewhat invalidates many of the themes brought up. The same plot twist was used in a 80's franchise- sorry, but I'm not telling which franchise it is::devil::. Good cast with Sondra Locke (creepy here), Robert Shaw (JAWS), Mary Ure (WHERE EAGLES DARE and Mrs Shaw), Mitchell Ryan and Sally Kellerman ::love::, the last two passing just a few weeks ago. **1/2

[mozdok]

I am big fan of Dario Argento. I was surprised that in looking at his entire filmography somehow I skipped Profondo Rosso. And it turned out that I served myself the director's greatest work for dessert. Like Suspiria, this is the film that lands in my top horror movies of all time

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Exorcist, 1973. 10/10

Director: William Friedkin


https://64.media.tumblr.com/9146c3f0b7f70bd165b97c74251769f4/f8f6460bd43bba16-34/s400x600/4be58a9d0a2330caa8b7ce1e5bb8129fa15ce9c9.gifv

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

REFLECTION OF FEAR (1972)



Thanks again for the rec!

I adore 70's films. I am always searching for hidden gems. I really liked this.


A Reflection of Fear, 1972. 7/10

Director: William A. Fraker


https://sfmoma-media-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www-media/2019/05/30165652/a-reflection-of-fear_Sony2.jpg

[FryeDwight]

Thanks again for the rec!

I adore 70's films. I am always searching for hidden gems. I really liked this.


A Reflection of Fear, 1972. 7/10

Director: William A. Fraker


https://sfmoma-media-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www-media/2019/05/30165652/a-reflection-of-fear_Sony2.jpg

You're Welcome::smile::!

LUST FOR A VAMPIRE (1970). This sequel to THE VAMPIRE LOVERS gets lots of criticism from just about everybody, particularly those who worked on it. The biggest detractors were Director Jimmy Sangster (replacing Terence fisher), Actor Ralph Bates (replacing Peter Cushing)and nominal Star Yutte Stensgaard, with the script and the inclusion of "Strange Love" sung by "Tracy" getting the most complaints.

Although Yutte tries hard, she is clearly out of her depth and Ingrid Pitt would have had the chops and charisma to carry it off. However, She was filming COUNTESS DRACULA at the time and it was felt She might be too old (at 32, no less::confused::).

So, not one of the better Hammers , but honestly, it really isn't that bad. Some decent atmosphere, Suzanna Leigh as the voice of reason is pretty good and DJ Mike Raven has presence, even if his voice is dubbed -::confused::- and the close ups of bloodshot eyes clearly belong to Christopher Lee.

Of course, the biggest draw for "Youngsters"-in age and in "heart"- is the MANY showcases of the three "B's"... namely, Beautiful Bare Breasts. Can't ever recall any of the films from the studio, even in the more relaxed '70's having so much nudity. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Curtains, 1983. 7/10

Director: Richard Ciupka

http://68.media.tumblr.com/67fee40f14c887f3fcc4a445640e2090/tumblr_oojvh8C9241tr6ni8o2_500.gif

[bamahorrorfan87]

April Fool’s Day

[FryeDwight]

IN THE SHADOW OF KILIMANJARO (1986). Missed this in the theaters and got a disc from VIDEO SCREAMS. An area around a Kenyan mine is experiencing a severe drought and mysterious murders which are revealed to be hunger/thirst racked mobs of baboons! Cast gives it the old College try (particularly John Rhys-Davies), but the whole thing is so reminiscent of JAWS and the finale, while intense, ends up silly. Not bad, but could have been better. **1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Trilogy of terror

[Tommy Jarvis]

Don’t Look Now (1973) ★★★★½

Say what you will, but the best seventies films had an aesthetic that has since then never been rivaled or paralelled.

There is a lot to say about this film.

I don't know if the story it was based on was set in Venice. I kind of hope it was not, because it would make it a stroke of genius. The setting gives the story an undeniable beauty. Maybe one of the best commercials for visiting Venice, outside the season.

From there, it's a small leap to the storytelling and the performances by the actors. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland share a chemistry that I cannot remember seeing in a romcom or a self-professed romantic movie. It shows two people that really love each other and both deal with their trauma in a different way. Julie Christie's character seems to want to embrace her trauma, while Sutherland's character seems to want shut himself off. Only to see it turn into something that would now be considered close to PTSD.

For a horror, it has a relatively small death toll. But the final kill does offer a beautiful scene. With a Saw-like quick editing, suggesting his life flashing before his eyes.

A beautiful story. Well recommended.

[FryeDwight]

Don’t Look Now (1973) ★★★★½

Say what you will, but the best seventies films had an aesthetic that has since then never been rivaled or paralelled.

There is a lot to say about this film.

I don't know if the story it was based on was set in Venice. I kind of hope it was not, because it would make it a stroke of genius. The setting gives the story an undeniable beauty. Maybe one of the best commercials for visiting Venice, outside the season.

From there, it's a small leap to the storytelling and the performances by the actors. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland share a chemistry that I cannot remember seeing in a romcom or a self-professed romantic movie. It shows two people that really love each other and both deal with their trauma in a different way. Julie Christie's character seems to want to embrace her trauma, while Sutherland's character seems to want shut himself off. Only to see it turn into something that would now be considered close to PTSD.

For a horror, it has a relatively small death toll. But the final kill does offer a beautiful scene. With a Saw-like quick editing, suggesting his life flashing before his eyes.

A beautiful story. Well recommended.
It's been awhile since I saw this...will have to check it out again.
And like You, I'm very pleased the Board is up and running. Good to see Your reviews again::smile::...Sculpt, Hammerfan and Bloof...where are You?

SEASON OF THE WITCH (1972). Early George Romero film that was marketed as a Horror movie and all but disappeared. Watching it again on YOUTUBE, it's better if You view it more as a character study. An unappreciated Wife/Mother decides to spread her wings and may have bitten off than She could chew. Very much a Woman's Lib film, it has some unnecessary scenes and vagueness that Romero could indulge in during his early period. But worth seeing and better than I remember it being. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

It's been awhile since I saw this...will have to And like You, I'm very pleased the Board is up and running. Good to see Your reviews again::smile::...

Thanks for that. I have six or seven months of catching up to do, so you can expect plenty of copy pasting. ::big grin::

[Tommy Jarvis]

SEASON OF THE WITCH (1972). Early George Romero film that was marketed as a Horror movie and all but disappeared. Watching it again on YOUTUBE, it's better if You view it more as a character study. An unappreciated Wife/Mother decides to spread her wings and may have bitten off than She could chew. Very much a Woman's Lib film, it has some unnecessary scenes and vagueness that Romero could indulge in during his early period. But worth seeing and better than I remember it being. ***

Sounds good. I'll see if I can find it on YT.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Slugs (1988) ★★★

This was 80s horror fun in all it's zany glory.

A goofy premise that somehow manages to deliver on the gore side and some fun, over the top kills. Pity this movie's Evan Stone did not get a more graphic kill.

Needless to say, a bit of chemical waste is involved and the city is putting up a mall there, because of course they are. And it all ends with a spectacular finale and a bit of sequel bait. Hurray.

Ps: Between this one and Alligator, there are a few films with sanitation people. Maybe Ray Patterson was more crooked than we all thought he was.

[bamahorrorfan87]

The house where death lives

[bamahorrorfan87]

Silent scream

[bamahorrorfan87]

The slayer

[FryeDwight]

MAYBE I'LL COME HOME IN THE SPRING (1971). I saw this on its TV premiere while in Third Grade and really liked it, even if I didn't understand all that was going on. Runaway Sally Field returns home after deciding sleeping rough, panhandling, dumpster diving and watching her hippie Boyfriend freak out during a Drug episode (David Carradine would be the perfect choice for this) are not the best way to live. However, old tensions with her "square" parents and her younger sister don't always make things easy. Campy so many years from now, but has held up pretty well. Sally Field has long hair in the beginning and looks very much like a young Linda Ronstadt (who by coincidence, sings the theme song::shocked::!). ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Curfew (1989) ★★

This turned out to be a crossover between a poor man's Cape Fear and Of mice and evil men. With some teenage drama to*boot.

It went through pretty much all the clichés, with no memorable kills. A lot of dull machetes. Pun intended.*

The only thing going for it is that I have seen worse. And it makes for good material for a Cinema*Snob-episode.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Cat’s Eye (1985) ★★½

A trilogy of Stephen King short stories that shows one thing. When Stephen King-adaptations hit the mark, they are brilliant and when they don't, they are pretty silly. This one was more on the silly*side.

Not that it was all bad. The final story - with a very young Drew Barrymore - had a good build up and the scene on the ledge was kind of intense. And I wonder if the second story featured an uncredited cameo by Jamie*Farr.

[bamahorrorfan87]

Happy birthday to me

[Tommy Jarvis]

Bloodbath at the House of Death (1984) ★★★★

Bloodbath at the House of Death was a brilliant British horror comedy with a good concept, laugh out loud moments and good kills. With characters that would not be out of place in Clue and a tone later returning in the Scary Movie*franchise.

The kills look good (with the tin opener kill being my personal favorite), but even there, the focus was noticably more on the humor than on the horror and the*scariness.

As a comedy, it genuinely works with a fair share of laugh out loud moments. Wether it's with the nod to Alien or the 12 days of Christmas parody. And a few others. And a partridge in a pear tree.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Hellraiser (1987) ★★★★

During the premiere, Clive Barker's mother felt tears well up when his name appeared on the screen. His response: things only go downhill from here,*mum.

And it sure did. With gore and sadism and bondage, S&M, backstabbing and deceipt. A classic in the monster/gore genre. Simple as that. You opened it, we*came.

Sometimes, that's all you*need.

[NightOfTheLiving_Sam]

The 80's Horror Movie I watched was The Stuff. I've never seen it before, but I loved it, it's cheesy but I love the horror movie so much that I bought it on Blu-Ray. This is what I love about 80's horror movies.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cj64hNb9Clw/VLU_0KZV59I/AAAAAAAAXlc/sl_XrIrzvIo/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/the%2Bstuff%2B2.jpg

[FryeDwight]

BACK TO SCHOOL (1986). This Rodney Dangerfield comedy of a Self Made man attending college to be closer to his son, further his education and party hard after divorcing his wife has aged quite well. Honestly, the funniest bits are Rodney just being Rodney.

He really was one of the greats-good support by Ned Beatty, Keith Gordon and lovely Sally Kellerman. ***1/2

[bamahorrorfan87]

Home Sweet Home 1981

[FryeDwight]

FLASH GORDON (1981). Very cheesy and campy film, but quite a bit of fun and certainly worth seeing. Sam Jones is kind of wooden as Flash, but He gets great support from Max Von Sydow (Ming The Merciless), Topol, the lovely Melody Anderson AND Ornella Muti as well as the extremely hammy Brian Blessed (Prince Vultan of the Hawkmen. A lot of the silliness comes from the script by Lorenzo Semple Jr (TV's BATMAN and King Kong 1976) and the bombastic score from Queen-see if You don't find yourself shouting out "FLASH! Ahh-AAAH!" ***

[bamahorrorfan87]

Blood Rage

[FryeDwight]

THE DOLL SQUAD (1973). Very low budget film that Aaron Spelling must have seen for the idea of CHARLIE'S ANGELS-the leader here is also named Sabrina (Francine York, who did lots of TV, is a knockout), the ladies gets instructions and some James Bond-ish elements one into place. Silly, but enjoyable and nice to see Michael Ansara and Tura Satana (FASTER PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!). ***

[Sculpt]

BACK TO SCHOOL (1986). This Rodney Dangerfield comedy of a Self Made man attending college to be closer to his son, further his education and party hard after divorcing his wife has aged quite well. Honestly, the funniest bits are Rodney just being Rodney.

He really was one of the greats-good support by Ned Beatty, Keith Gordon and lovely Sally Kellerman. ***1/2

Well said! Back to School was a very nice surprise. Had a great mix of comedy and seriousness. Excellent casting. Helped put Morton Downey Jr back on the map, who had a mesmerizing bit part.


FLASH GORDON (1981). Very cheesy and campy film, but quite a bit of fun and certainly worth seeing. Sam Jones is kind of wooden as Flash, but He gets great support from Max Von Sydow (Ming The Merciless), Topol, the lovely Melody Anderson AND Ornella Muti as well as the extremely hammy Brian Blessed (Prince Vultan of the Hawkmen. A lot of the silliness comes from the script by Lorenzo Semple Jr (TV's BATMAN and King Kong 1976) and the bombastic score from Queen-see if You don't find yourself shouting out "FLASH! Ahh-AAAH!" ***

Agreed on all that; that's exactly how I remember it.

On the big screen it zipped along at a fast pace. Definitely wacky, but gratefully didn't seem self-aware at all. It's all very familiar but doesn't linger.

I think I tried watching once more on the small screen, and it felt like a film you might only want to see once.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Friday the 13th (1980) ★★★★

If you look at arguable things like effects, budget, lack of originality (ie unashamedly ropping off other films like Halloween and Carrie),... there are plenty of reasons why this film should not*work.

And yet it does. Even if it's just with the anticipation of mark out moments like when Bacon gets it or the introduction of Crazy Ralph. And credit where credit is due, Betsy Palmer does show her action chops. Even if the script was a piece of...*dreck.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) ★★★½

Things you notice on the umpteenth rewatch: Vicky's frog in a blender joke drowns out Vandenberg's joke about Beethoven. And while Jason is often portrayed with a chainsaw in pop culture... the only time it's actually used, he falls victim to it. Go*figure.

Pretty much a rinse and repeat of the first one, but Jason's entry and the kills add to the*fun.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Friday the 13th Part III (1982) ★★½

The shoehorned in 3d bits do get more annoying with time and some of the acting is more than questionable. Case in point: Shelly's*deeaad.

But Jason did get his iconic mask and we got the handstand kill. So there's*that.

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) ★★★★

Things you notice on the umpteenth rewatch: Rob "Oh god, he's killing me"-'s name? Dyer. That's a bit on the nose, don't you*think?

Or the look in Feldog's eyes as he is chopping away at Jason. Makes you wonder if he was really imagining chopping away at Joseph*Zito.

Still one of the best entries in the series,*though.

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) ★★

Over the years, I have grown to be more mild towards this one as I was in my childhood. It's not as terrible as I thought before. It even has a few bits that were kind of cool and funny in their own campy way, like Violet's girlie robot dance, the classic Regi scream or Tommy bringing back his masks. White trash Rhea Perlman was kind of funny too. And, lest we forget, them damn*echilladas.

Demon, are you okay?
Demon, are you okay?
Are you okay, Demon?
You've been hit by
You've been struck by
Them damn*enchilladas!

That said, it's still pretty bad. It still has a lot to be desired. The horny couple gets ok kills, but most kills are off screen and the some of the ones on screen - like the greaser with the flare - look more cartoonishly silly than creepy. And of course the sleazy atmosphere, where the director cared less about the*actors.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) ★★★★

Things you notice/wonder on the umpteenth*rewatch:

- Knowing this film (supposedly) inspired Kevin Williamson to write what later became Scream makes you appreciate the self parody bits more: the Bond intro, the dead meat conversation, American*Excess

- Am I the only one who thinks Sheriff Garris kind of looks like Xander*Berkeley?

- Is the scared little girl camper supposed to be a nod to*Poltergeist?

- Alice from part 1 is a way better drawing artist than Megan*Garris.

[FryeDwight]

Friday the 13th (1980) ★★★★

If you look at arguable things like effects, budget, lack of originality (ie unashamedly ropping off other films like Halloween and Carrie),... there are plenty of reasons why this film should not*work.

And yet it does. Even if it's just with the anticipation of mark out moments like when Bacon gets it or the introduction of Crazy Ralph. And credit where credit is due, Betsy Palmer does show her action chops. Even if the script was a piece of...*dreck.

This one will always be my favorite of the series, despite all its liabilities...maybe they were a help? Indeed, Betsy was awesome in this.

Did You watch F13-F13:PART6 in one sitting? Although I don't think much of the sequels, You brought up some interesting observations that may change how I see them.

MOONSHINE COUNTY EXPRESS (1977). Decent drive-in fare of three lovely daughters (one being Maureen McCormick of THE BRADY BUNCH) of an assassinated Moonshiner taking over the family business and getting even and ahead over the corrupt town that did the deed. Good cast includes Claudia Jennings (who made her bones in many movies like these), William Conrad (looking a lot like Civil War General Ambrose Burnside) and John Saxon playing a Southern Good Ol' Boy, even with his "Noo Yawk" accent front and center. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Indeed, Betsy was awesome in this.

"Kill her, mommy. Kill her." Great stuff.

Did You watch F13-F13:PART6 in one sitting?

I started last friday the 13th with Never Hike Alone and then went through the series at a rate of like one per day. I also threw a few fan films into the mix.

You brought up some interesting observations that may change how I see them.

Glad to be of service. ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

NIGHT OF THE COMET (1984). A passing comet has deleterious effects on Earth including the Los Angeles area where the action takes place. A couple of weapon savvy Valley Girls (who can't resist shopping as a cure-all after the disaster) and a trucker make the best of things while unknowingly being observed by not so noble scientists. Some good laughs and engaging story, despite the low budget. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) ★★½

Looking back, this had the potential to be one of the better entries in the*series.

The Jason vs Carrie finale was great stuff. Kane shows his talent as a stunt man. If the MPAA had not butchered the kills, this film could have gotten a lot of delayed praise.*

Sure, together with Trent from the remake, Melissa and Bad News Cruz complete the top 3 douchebags in this franchise, but a more satisfactory kill would have made that worthwile. At least Maddy was likable, David had a bit of a Marty from cabin in the woods-vibe and, in my opinion, Robin is one of the prettiest girls in the*franchise.

Now you just end up with a half ruined film that could have been. And the übersilly ending with the resurrected father does not help either. Woulda coulda*shoulda.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) ★★½

How can the Friday the 13th franchise offer both the most honesty and the biggest rip off in one and the same*film?

Honest because it's the most self aware so far. Delving into the silliness deeper and more willing than the previous installments ever did. And the rip off? Instead of "taking Manhattan", Jason strolls past Times Square and then teleports to Canada. And most New Yorkers are too aloof and uninterested to*notice.

This is the first one where you don't watch for the story. The Jason resurrection scene is as Troma as one hopes and the kills are over the top and cartoonish with the boxer decapitation as the topper. Also funny how the kills have poetic justice: the cokehead gets killed with a mirror shard, the junkie gets pierced with his own needle, the abusive swimming teacher gets drowned, the guitar playing girl, well ...*

Even Kane Hodder kicking Ken Kirzinger's ass is a nice touch in*retrospect.

And then there's the passage on Times Square and the rock star reception Kane Hodder got. Makes a part of me wish we had crowdfunding back*then.

And what better way to finish this*than:

- Look, you don't understand. There is a maniac trying to kill us.
- Welcome to New*York.

[FryeDwight]

THE STEPFORD WIVES (1975). A family leaves NYC for the quieter and safer village of Stepford CT. Everyone is friendly enough, but the wives seem a little..."out there" and their ultra-focusing on household/matrimonial duties seem very strange to quite liberated new residents Katherine Ross and Paula Prentiss (very good here). Quite campy throughout, but an edge of creepiness forms when the truth of the town is being found out, especially towards the end...quite an image.
Also with Tina Louise (GILLIGAN'S ISLAND-she's pretty good also) and a very young Dee Wallace as "Nettie". ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Last House on the Left (1972) ★★★★½

For a movie with this reputation, it was kind of odd to see the end credits. Seeing all that sweetness and merriment, knowing what had happened just*before.

But make no mistake about it. This is a classic in the horror genre. A very intense and scary film, built on atmosphere, terror and torture. Not with your typical horror monsters, but with man itself at its cruelest and most*depraved.

Krug Stillo is one of the classic horror villains. A man so detached and callous he can watch his son commit suicide without batting an eye. Or rape a young woman, only seconds after carving his name in her chest. Props to David Hess for that*performance.

As a viewer, you are in terror, feeling for Mari and Phyllis. Or their parents, the moment they see the hanger and put the pieces together. Prompting a piece of revenge that was later echoed in I spit on your*grave.

Not without their troubles, though. Krug first toys with the father, showing off the brute strength that allows him to get away with his cruel acts. And when they finally get them, you as a viewer feel that this revenge will probably come a high*price.

A horror classic, but no cozy popcorn flick. At*all.

[FryeDwight]

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (1979)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


The first 20 minutes of WASC are incredibly suspenseful, even if the surprise factor is gone and the final 15 minutes are good as well. The biggest problem is how to fill out the rest of the story and focusing everything on Duncan just takes the wind out of the films sails. He really isn't interesting enough for Us to care what happens to him. The story may have worked better in an Anthology film, maybe about Urban Legends , which the plot line certainly is. **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

City of the Living Dead (1980) ★★★★

Fulci vs Argento, the Kirk vs Picard of horror*nerds.

Later some day, I'll knock out a proper review and give this film its*due.

For now, I'll just content myself in reveling in its unique esthetic and its amazing*gore.

[classic_horror_fan]

This is a feature length Italian giallo horror film with Lucio Fulci portraying himself having a breakdown with the boundaries of what he films and directs vs. what is actually real. He begins to imagine things happening when something similar but different is actually happening, and eventually sees a shrink for it, the gets hypnotized, only to have the problem get worse. He then believes to be killing people while under a trance. There are lots of twists and turns in this film, maybe even more than in "The Night Evelyn Came Out Of The Grave." This is also one of Fulci's better and more intense films. Fans of his stuff and the Italian giallo horror sub-genre should not be disappointed with this one. ::danger::

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Sleepwalker, 1984. 7/10



Director:

Saxon Logan





https://i0.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sleepwalker-1984-1.jpg?resize=768%2C416&ssl=1





This was a weird and fucked up film. <3

[FryeDwight]

HANDS OF THE RIPPER (1972). Although the setting is a Gothic milieu with bloody killings, the Hammer film is a little more restrained than a lot of their offerings at the time (ie; No Nudity). Eric Porter is quite good as an early Freudian champion studying an almost placid Young girl (Angharad Rees) to see why her homicidal tendencies are released. Worth checking out, although the only performer I was familiar with here was Jane Merrow (THE LION IN WINTER).***

[FryeDwight]

ROMANCING THE STONE (1984). A timid novelist wishes She could have an adventure as Her characters do and gets certainly gets it flying to Columbia to aid her sister. She has to rely on pluck She never knew She had and with the aid of an Exotic Bird Smuggler, finds thrills and chills galore.

Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas have good chemistry together and the film is good, but a little overrated. Most of the comedy comes from Danny DeVito and a truly funny scene in a small village looking for transportation. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Dogs, 1977. 7/10

Directed by Burt Brinckerhoff

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0598/2925/products/Gm7D16L.jpg?v=1520293441

[FryeDwight]

THE RUNNING MAN (1987). I hadn't seen this in ages, but it has aged pretty well. Arnold has great one liners, an awesome cast and Richard Dawson is delightfully smarmy. ***1/2

[Sculpt]

ROMANCING THE STONE (1984). A timid novelist wishes She could have an adventure as Her characters do and gets certainly gets it flying to Columbia to aid her sister. She has to rely on pluck She never knew She had and with the aid of an Exotic Bird Smuggler, finds thrills and chills galore.

Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas have good chemistry together and the film is good, but a little overrated. Most of the comedy comes from Danny DeVito and a truly funny scene in a small village looking for transportation. ***

Agreed. Romancing the Stone is a gem. It's all the little details... nice cinematography and direction. It's light comedy that plays like a novel adaptation. It has a lot of clever funny writing and it's quite lively in delivery.

[FryeDwight]

TRUCK TURNER (1974). Decent Blaxploitation with Isaac Hayes ("Mr Hot Buttered Soul" himself!) playing a Bounty Hunter tracking an escaped Pimp who has a veritable army of gunmen. Violent a lot of times, but Isaac and Alan Weeks as his partner have good chemistry, an appearance by the always welcome Scatman Crothers and also welcome Yaphet Kotto, who has a pretty cool send off here; at least it's filmed in a different fashion than what You would expect. The most surprising part of TT is Nichelle Nichols (the classy Lt Uhara from the original STAR TREK) playing an extremely hateful and foul mouthed Madam! ::shocked::***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Maniac, 1980. 10/10

Directed by William Lustig

https://64.media.tumblr.com/75c6d4b191e088db70aa6439a1b86f5c/tumblr_nhud0tJ6ez1s1v3r1o1_500.gif



Taste the Blood of Dracula, 1970. 7/10

Directed by Peter Sasdy

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w780/k7jof1uh3UcxMVarKpEz5dpJgfs.jpg

[hammerfan]

Maniac, 1980. 10/10

Directed by William Lustig

https://64.media.tumblr.com/75c6d4b191e088db70aa6439a1b86f5c/tumblr_nhud0tJ6ez1s1v3r1o1_500.gif



Taste the Blood of Dracula, 1970. 7/10

Directed by Peter Sasdy

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w780/k7jof1uh3UcxMVarKpEz5dpJgfs.jpg

My favorite Hammer Dracula movie!!!

[FryeDwight]

SNOWBEAST (1977). TV movie obviously inspired by JAWS; a ski resort is about to have a big event, which could be jeopardized by mysterious killings nearby and the financial repercussions could be fatal. Decent turns by Bo Swenson and Yvette Mimeux , but lots of slow spots and payoff really isn't worth the time invested. **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Thing 1982 ★★★★★

A five star (genre) classic, no doubt about that.

From the very start, it does what it sets out to do, certainly for those who understand enough Norwegian to recognise the Norwegian word for "imitate". Wonder how Norwegian viewers felt when they first saw the film. How much of the cat was out of the bag at that point?

For the others, it's the mounting paranoia that gets to you. You can not trust anyone, because anyone or anything could be the thing. The tension never lets up, a feeling supported amazingly by Ennio Morricone's amazing score. A sound like a beating heart to make you more paranoid. All while rooting for one of the biggest badasses in horror history. R J MacReady can hang with Brodski and Ash.

Sooo...

Childs: Well, what do we do?
MacReady: Why don't we just... wait here for a little while... see what happens.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Curse of the Devil 1973 ★★

Curse of the devil holds the balance between the less good seventies horror and the better seventies campiness.

It shows in the special effects, which are terrible and kind of fun at the same time. The transformation scenes are very forties in the seventies. But I see a certain charm in it.

And at least, Bill The butcher's badly dubbed cousin was not fucking around.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Prom Night 1980 ★★

For all the ominous music in the score, this movie sure takes a long time to get started with the kills. Not to mention the fact that the killer is by far not as efficient as Jason or Michael Myers. Demonstrated best when tonight's Chris Hargensen gets it. Off screen, though. Luckily, her knuckledragging boyfriend gets the most explicit kill.

That said, the kill count does not go up that high. And while it fits the sex, drugs and death trope, it was kind of sad to see disco Jonah Hill get offed.

Jamie Lee Curtis carries the film, making for a good scream queen. Best moment is her sadness when she recognizes the killers. Sadly, the overall movie could have done better. But at least, it has straight faced Leslie Nielsen to tide you over.

Girls Nite Out 1982 ★★★½

Girls Nite Out is a very enjoyable slasher.

The story is par for the course, though the twist reveal at the end is enjoyable. The cast is a gang of friends, goofballs and douchebags.

But it does have the delightful Lauren-Marie Taylor and nothing makes me hate a slasher killer like killing her character. But Hal Holbrook is also around and he gets (most of) the dun dun dun moments.

The kills are not that graphic, but I like the suit and the weapon looks nice.

Fun stuff for slasher fans. If you have not seen it yet, check it out.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Faces of Death 1978 ★

While rewatching, I soon came to my conclusion: the age when I could have somewhat enjoyed this has come and gone.

I'm sure numerous pages have been filled calling this immoral and perverted. This is neither of those. Nowadays, It's just dull. A non stop montage of carnage. The question "real or not" does not grab me anymore and the narration can often be summarized with "sheesh, ya think?"

Dawn of the Dead 1978 ★★★★★

One of the best, if not the best zombie movie ever.

A wonderful insight in a world falling apart during an apocalyps. With the chaos in the newsroom as the perfect illustration. Or with the line about how the rednecks are enjoying themselves. You make your own parallel with later events here.

All this with an excellent score by Goblin, both adding beautiful music and an eerie atmosphere where the stress and the fear never let up.

Meanwhile, Romero manages to bring likable main characters to the story. As a viewer, you sympathize with Roger, Peter, Stephen and Francine. You feel happy for them when they find a place to stay, with plenty of food. And guns? Well... "The only person who could miss with this gun is the sucker with the bread to buy it." Boom.

The crushing feeling when Roger gets bitten or when zombie Stpehen comes out of the elevator is both sad and devestating. Further demonstrating the world ending feel.

The zombies look cool - with a particular mention for zombie Maynard James Keenan. While his character may have been a jerk, Tom Savini delivers a badass performance. Both as an actor and as a make up artist. And his buddy Taso gets one of the coolest, most gruesome kills in horror history.

A must see for every horror fan. In every cut available.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Day After 1983 ★★★★★

I wish I could be a fly on the wall in different households the eve this first was aired. The closest thing I have now is this report.

This should not be judged by the same standards as other films. To be perfectly honest, the only movie person observation I made is that it was striking how two of the cast members went on to earn their chops in comedy.

It should just be experienced and the viewer should just be immersed in what's going on. It is one haunting image after another. Between the build up with the news always getting worse and scarier, the hospital performing operations under flashlights, the image of Stephen and Denise in the basketball field,...

Together with Schindler's List, this is probably the most relevant film of the past fifty years. To be seen and not forgotten.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Scars of Dracula, 1970. 7/10

Directed by Roy Ward Baker


https://i.imgur.com/ULZQ3mR.gif

[FryeDwight]

The Thing 1982 ★★★★★

A five star (genre) classic, no doubt about that.

From the very start, it does what it sets out to do, certainly for those who understand enough Norwegian to recognise the Norwegian word for "imitate". Wonder how Norwegian viewers felt when they first saw the film. How much of the cat was out of the bag at that point?

For the others, it's the mounting paranoia that gets to you. You can not trust anyone, because anyone or anything could be the thing. The tension never lets up, a feeling supported amazingly by Ennio Morricone's amazing score. A sound like a beating heart to make you more paranoid. All while rooting for one of the biggest badasses in horror history. R J MacReady can hang with Brodski and Ash.

Sooo...

Childs: Well, what do we do?
MacReady: Why don't we just... wait here for a little while... see what happens.

Absolutely true! I saw THE THING at my local theatre for a dollar and got in as the dog is breaking into the camp and was just amazed at how tense the film got and marveling at Bottin's still amazing work. Also, Morricone's score is so effective in its simplicity. I was astounded after reading how the film didn't do well, but it probably was ahead of its time. Very happy it's recognized as the classic it is,

[FryeDwight]

Faces of Death 1978 ★

While rewatching, I soon came to my conclusion: the age when I could have somewhat enjoyed this has come and gone.

I'm sure numerous pages have been filled calling this immoral and perverted. This is neither of those. Nowadays, It's just dull. A non stop montage of carnage. The question "real or not" does not grab me anymore and the narration can often be summarized with "sheesh, ya think?"

Dawn of the Dead 1978 ★★★★★

One of the best, if not the best zombie movie ever.

A wonderful insight in a world falling apart during an apocalyps. With the chaos in the newsroom as the perfect illustration. Or with the line about how the rednecks are enjoying themselves. You make your own parallel with later events here.

All this with an excellent score by Goblin, both adding beautiful music and an eerie atmosphere where the stress and the fear never let up.

Meanwhile, Romero manages to bring likable main characters to the story. As a viewer, you sympathize with Roger, Peter, Stephen and Francine. You feel happy for them when they find a place to stay, with plenty of food. And guns? Well... "The only person who could miss with this gun is the sucker with the bread to buy it." Boom.

The crushing feeling when Roger gets bitten or when zombie Stpehen comes out of the elevator is both sad and devestating. Further demonstrating the world ending feel.

The zombies look cool - with a particular mention for zombie Maynard James Keenan. While his character may have been a jerk, Tom Savini delivers a badass performance. Both as an actor and as a make up artist. And his buddy Taso gets one of the coolest, most gruesome kills in horror history.

A must see for every horror fan. In every cut available.

I couldn't get through FACES OF DEATH, especially after the monkey and can't imagine why anyone would want to bother.

DAWN OF THE DEAD....so much has been said, but You still came up with solid observations that make Me want to check it out again, in all three cuts I have::cool::!
I was just crushed when Roger is bitten, although He really wasn't as focused as He should have been. I also love Peter's quote about that high powered rifle He picks up. And despite all the viewings, I still get a laugh when Steven and Peter are looking at the food and Peter picks up the huge loaf of bread, says "Mine" or "Mange" (not sure and subtitles would help) and laughs::big grin::

[FryeDwight]

ZUMA BEACH (1978). TV movie involving a singer (Suzanne Somers, hot from THREE'S COMPANY) having problems following up from a successful single goes to her favorite beach to chill and consider her options. While there, She befriends some younger people and has a good time, but there is no mention of what decision She has come to by the end.

ZB reminds Me very much of a Crown Productions film-good production values, OK music and almost all the guys are jerks- without the T and A. Still, plenty of bikinis here and a great cast including PJ Soles, Michael Biehn, Rosanna Arquette, Kimberly Beck (F13 PART 4and looking smashing) and early roles for Timothy Hutton and Delta Burke. Also some story ideas by John Carpenter right before HALLOWEEN.

PJ mentioned in a SHOCK CINEMA interview that Suzanne was standoffish and may have been insecure with all the younger actresses in the film. But She looks lovely in her blue one piece and her vocalizing over the end credits isn't bad either. ***

[Sculpt]

The Thing 1982 ★★★★★

A five star (genre) classic, no doubt about that.

From the very start, it does what it sets out to do, certainly for those who understand enough Norwegian to recognise the Norwegian word for "imitate". Wonder how Norwegian viewers felt when they first saw the film. How much of the cat was out of the bag at that point?

For the others, it's the mounting paranoia that gets to you. You can not trust anyone, because anyone or anything could be the thing. The tension never lets up, a feeling supported amazingly by Ennio Morricone's amazing score. A sound like a beating heart to make you more paranoid. All while rooting for one of the biggest badasses in horror history. R J MacReady can hang with Brodski and Ash.

Sooo...

Childs: Well, what do we do?
MacReady: Why don't we just... wait here for a little while... see what happens.

You mean Sergeant Brodski from Jason X?

Yes, The Thing 82 is definitely one of the best horrors. Best practical effects in horror too.

[Tommy Jarvis]

You mean Sergeant Brodski from Jason X?

Yup. ::cool::

[Tommy Jarvis]

DAWN OF THE DEAD....so much has been said, but You still came up with solid observations that make Me want to check it out again, in all three cuts I have::cool::!

Thank you for those kind words. Enjoy the rewatch.

Now that I think of it: zombie movies like Dawn could go well with beef jerky or licorice. What do you think?::big grin::

[Tommy Jarvis]

A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984 ★★★★½

- Please, God.
- This... is God.

People like referencing the more silly, one liner filled sequels, before pointing out that the original was genuinely scary. And I can only concur with the last part. And I love Freddy's sense of humour.

Wes Craven shows his genius in the genre. He wastes no time before grabbing you by the back of the neck. First with the fingerknives - one of the scariest and most intriguing weapons in horror. It just looks so cool and menacing and efficient at the same time. Everyone who saw this wants/wanted one. Full disclosure: Yours truly has a plastic replica at home as well.

Then with Tina's first nightmare. Proving that the danger can come from literally everywhere. Only letting up for small portions of time. Allowing the viewers to catch their breath before taking it away again.

The kills are all compelling and intense. You are drawn in and you feel for the characters. Even for Rod. He may be a jerk, but you don't want him to die nonetheless. Tina's death is still as scary as ever and I will never get tired of the death bed. Especially hearing the backstage stories, with Heather Langenkamp cheerfully reminiscing on how rickety everything on the set was. Making it even more impressive that they managed to make it work as well as it did.

The humor that colours the sequels is far away here. The closest thing to funny bits are the cassette bit with Depp and the hallpass moment. Or a dude looking like eighties Bill Hader reading Shakespeare. Speak up, man. We can't hear you over your shirt.

A must see for any horror fan. Hands down.

Tenebre 1982 ★★★★½

Dario Argento is a genius and this is a masperpiece.

His unique mix of beautiful imagery and exciting music immediately draw you in. Making you think that in the ideal world, you can walk down the street with an Argento soundtrack playing, with the same level of cool as Travolta did in Staying Alive.

The story like with many Giallos is a rather complicated murder mistery with a few red herings thrown in to keep you guessing.

But that's not really what you are there for. In order to fully enjoy an Argento-film, you must be completely immersed: in the music, in the gorgeous imagery, in the beatifully filmed kills,...

Daria Nicolodi once again delivers a great performance, though she did not have as much to work with as in, say, Deep Red. She still outshines the actor playing Peter Neal, though. And it has John Saxon as (a bit of) a shady publisher. What's not to love about that?

Well recommended.

[Tommy Jarvis]

A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy’s Revenge 1985 ★★★½

I remember that I was not as enthusiastic the first time I saw this one. Not to say that it was really bad. I think it was after I had seen some of the later sequels. Perhaps I missed the creativity of the kills and Freddy's humour back then more. Did the theme not resonate with me? Maye that too. Maybe I did not get it back then.

One of the things that struck me during this rewatch was how "down to earth" Freddy was in this one. No puppets on strings or Freddy worms, the fingerknives do more than their fair share or slashing and stabbing. Also, the line between the dream world and reality seems more blurred, with things like the toaster catching fire or the exploding bird. And of course, there's Freddy coming into the real world during the pool party. With Lisa's dad flipping burgers and playing Benny Goodman. Would a reboot feature a soup nazi-reference? No burgers for you! Haha.

Of course, there is the much discussed gay undertone of the film. From the very start, there are hints at Jesse being "different". Starting with the line "why can't he wake up like other people?". And we should not forget all the Schneider-scenes. Or the Grady-scenes.

We see Jesse struggling with what's happening. Sometimes explicit - he often expresses his fear and his confusion at what is going on - and sometimes more with facial expressions and body language, showing all sorts of conflicting emotions. Good job by Mark Patton there. In hindsight, some of the images in ANOES 2 can also serve as a metaphor for things like inner demons and self hatred.

The parents were a good metaphor for the eighties. The mother inadvertently makes him feel worse, but at least she's trying. The father, on the contrary, is one of those old-timey stern father types. Not saying things are perfect now, but I doubt many people would want to go back to that.

We also see the budding (b)romance between Jesse and Grady. Two buddies giving each other shit and hanging out. The subconscious effect on the viewer? Not sure. Side note: say what you will, but Grady has a bitching taste in music.

Lisa is more than the supportive girlfriend. She does the detective work on Freddy and she manages to keep the exposition short and sweet. Good on the screenwriter and Kim Myers there. That said, she does stick with Jesse until the very end, encouraging him to defeat Freddy in the end. Side note: If Kim Myers was really cast to look like Meryl Streep, it would in hindsight be funnier if her character was called Sophie. Maybe throw in a subtle nod to Sophie's Choice. Anyway.

All these things make me all the more interested in seeing Pattons documentary Scream, Queen. See and hear his version of the events. How much did Robert Rusler and Kim Myers know at the time? How did they handle that knowledge? Is Marshall Bell in this one? What's his story?

Final note: the grandmother-line keeps getting funnier every time I hear it.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Duel 1971 ★★★★

A good illustration of the type of movie that gets by on the mistery. It starts off relatively normal, with an argument between the main character and his wife. Thus giving him the motivation to get home asap.

Then it goes south quick. The main question being: why? What did he do to deserve this? What did he do to irk this truckdriver? And how come all he does only ends up making him look crazier? A plot that somehow paved the way for Rutger Hauer's moment of glory in The Hitcher. Who woulda thunk it?

The tension works well, though I remember the ending being more somber when I watched it the first time.

Well worth a watch. Even if only because it's the debut of one Steven Spielberg.

Deep Red 1975 ★★★★★

Argento's masterpiece starts off with jazzcats. Great.

Then, like the best freejazz, it goes off the rail and off the chain in amarvelous way. The kills – especially the first one – are filmed within an inch of their lives. The horror maestro always finds a way to add an echanting beauty to everything he films. As gruesome as what you see may be.

The two leads take the cake. David Hemmings as the stylish, yet sometimes immature Mark Daly (if he were real, could he be on The Daily Show? Bah dum tss) and Daria Nicolodi as the feisty, energetic Gianna Brezzi. She knows what she wants and when she does, she goes for it, not taking no for an answer. Her boisterous laugh only makes her all the more adorable.

Since this is an Argento-film, one can not go without mentioning the breathtaking soundtrack by Goblin. Groovy, awesome, automatically sweeping you up in the atmosphere of the scene. Leaving you wondering wether they used a theremin (probably) and how some bits were echoed in a Quentin Tarantino-film. Then again, with Quentin Tarantino-film school being a thing, what is not echoed in his films?

This never gets old and I loved it.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Manitou, 1978. 6.5/10

Directed by William Girdler

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Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde, 1971. 6.5/10

Directed by Roy Ward Baker


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Hatchet for the Honeymoon, 1970. 8/10

Directed by Mario Bava


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[FryeDwight]

Thank you for those kind words. Enjoy the rewatch.

Now that I think of it: zombie movies like Dawn could go well with beef jerky or licorice. What do you think?::big grin::


I would have to go with licorice...Red of course::wink::::big grin::!

HOT DOG:THE MOVIE (1984). A goofy comedy in a decade that was fun of them with a "Snobs VS Slobs" plot and skiing being the crux of it.
Goofy it may be, but there are some funny parts, amazing skiing stunts and plenty of 80's T&A , especially provided by PLAYBOY's Shannon Tweed (11/81) and Crystal Smith (09/71). **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Scream Blacula Scream 1973 ★★★★

From what I understand, this falls into the blaxpoitation genre, with a black Dracula, appropriately called Blacula.

I like what they did with the main character. You can tell it still relates to the classic Lugosi portrayal of the iconic vampire and Blacula speaks the posh English of a wise man. Not unlike Vincent Price's better moments.

That said, they do put on some different nuances. In my opinion, using voodoo to bring the vampire back to life was a very nice touch. The surrounding also mentions small tidbits of African culture and heritage, which adds to the story, making it more believable. Though I have to admit that I did not understand (most of) these references.

One scene that particularly struck me was the clash between Blacula and the pimps. When he tells them that they are “making their sister into a slave”, welll... there certainly are more subtle metaphors. But it is also a part of his character, noted in his protectiveness over Lisa, portrayed by Pam Grier.

Just like I was struck by the storyline in the beginning about the power hungry “heir” who wants to be the leader by any means necessary. Which ends up being his undoing. Now he has to live as Blacula's underling, a Smithers to his Burns. That does, however, also bring one of the funniest moments in the film when he is all mopey because he can't see himself in the mirror.

Pam Grier is stylish as always and William Marshall does a great job, portraying Blacula as a distinguished gentleman. Especially at the end, with a sole look conveying despair, betrayal and heartbreak, all at the same time. Great stuff there.

Recommended for fans of Vincent Price, vintage horror and blaxploitation.

De kollega’s maken de brug 1988 ★★

This movie is based on a Belgian tv series that was very popular in the late seventies and early eighties. The story centers around a group of public servants who don't really do much and thus have a lot of time to loaf about. That gives the chance to focus on the dynamics between the characters, resulting in a tone sometimes similar to what Ricky Gervais later did in The Office.

The story in a nutshell: a prankster puts a note about a day off strategically, knowing that the person responsable will probably forget to read it. He does so and everyone shows up on the day off. Once they find out, they want to leave, only to find that both the elevator and the stairs are out of order for different reasons. Ie, they're stuck until someone frees them.

It's a typical eighties-film, by which I mean that it has not aged very well. The story is not as captivating as it used to be and upon this rewatch, some of the characters seemed to be (a lot) meaner than I remember them being. Also, for a show considering itself dramady, it has quite the bit of drama (a marriage falls apart, a metoo incident occurs) and very little to laugh at. Apart from the scene where the two pranksters argue after a long dinner about who is more chablis-terated.

A document of its time. No less, no more.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Demons 1985 ★★★★½

The perfect load of outrageous, gory, fourth wall breaking fun. Every minute of it is a veritable feast for a horror fan. With Natasha Hovey as (what looks like) a great final girl and Bobby Rhodes as a badass pimp.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Prom Night III: The Last Kiss 1989 ★★★★

I was looking for something silly and stupid and boy, did this deliver.

The concept? The closest thing that I can think of is: imagine if the blowjob dream scene from Ghostbusters came alive and was stretched into a 90 minute Prom Night sequel. What would that be like?

You would end up with a main character having sex with a ghost and then waking up naked, wrapped in the Stars and Stripes for no apparent reason. Or the inexplicable POV shot of a character being buried.

That should give you an idea of where this movie is heading, complete with a silly plot, funny and creative kills and hilarious dialogue. For one, listen principal Weatheroff's odd speech. He has nothing on Lassard. Or the main character calling his parents in the best “they're not even trying”-phonecall I have heard in a long time.

It should also be noted that the script was probably written by someone who clearly has (more than a few) frustrations about his time in school. What with lines like “Who will miss another science teacher?” or “It was not a person, just a guidance counselor.”

One more thing that struck me: a sequel to Prom Night only works up to said prom when they are over half way through. The prom itself is only the last 20-25 minutes, complete with a Guns n Roses knockoff, the zombies clapping for the Prom King and Queen and the death of tonight's Artie Ziff.

Well recommended for those in the mood of something they can cackle their ass off at and not take it too seriously. Because, hey... if you want something dumb, then at least have something that does dumb well.

Piranha 1978 ★★★½

As much as it is a cult classic in its own right today, Piranha started off as one of the many Jaws-knockoffs that the late seventies spawned. It makes no bones about it with among others the computer game in the beginning. Or the crooked business man replacing the Jaws-mayor. A suit with anchors on it? I would not put it beyond him. Would you? Much like its "muse movie", it also shows no mercy towards children.

That said, better well stolen than poorly made up. And this one does have qualities. The kills get more and more gruesome and bloody as the story continues. Some of the beats of the genre, like the scientist making the heroic sacrifice, are actually well done. Or the scarety cat kid ending up saving people.

And let's not mince words, the bit where the main characters try to get the raft to shore in time was genuinely scary. The piranhas eating away at the chords, the logs breaking off and floating away one by one,... Good stuff. The decisive sequence, though tension filled as well, even looks a bit pale in comparison.

Two thumbs up. Or at least as far away from the water as possible.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Miss Marple: 4.50 from Paddington 1987 ★★½

Two trains cross and one passenger from the one train just happens to see a murder being committed in the other one. And she just happens to be friends with Miss Marple. Who woulda thunk it?

Enjoyable, but not memorable. Your typical Agatha Christie story with all the tropes: red herrings, the dramatic outburst followed by the big cough,... Also, does every single Agatha Chrstie-story have a character named Edmund?

[FryeDwight]

THE TOY (1982) . The spoiled son of a ultra-Millionaire decides to make a black employee his new "toy". Painfully unfunny "comedy" that follows the plot of how friendship must be earned and not "bought"-not even Richard Pryor can get much of a laugh here. As offensive as the main plot is, there is also a scene involving Ned Beatty (one of my favorite character actors) being told to "...Take off Your pants" that must have been uncomfortable for him, considering He had to do that in an earlier (and much better) film that also showed off his humiliation. *

[Tommy Jarvis]

THE TOY (1982) . The spoiled son of a ultra-Millionaire decides to make a black employee his new "toy". Painfully unfunny "comedy" that follows the plot of how friendship must be earned and not "bought"-not even Richard Pryor can get much of a laugh here. As offensive as the main plot is, there is also a scene involving Ned Beatty (one of my favorite character actors) being told to "...Take off Your pants" that must have been uncomfortable for him, considering He had to do that in an earlier (and much better) film that also showed off his humiliation. *

Boy, I'll tell you, mister Hat. Movies in the 80s were... weird.

[FryeDwight]

ESCAPE TO WITCH'S MOUNTAIN (1975). Two siblings with extraordinary powers escape from a millionaire who wants to exploit them and return "home".
While the premise isn't bad and there is some lovely California scenery, this is a Disney film. And as such is overloaded with far too many "cutesy" and "ha Ha" moments that really aren't.
It is nice to see Donald Pleasance in a big budget film playing the aide to Ray Milland, who was typical for this time plays an abrasive rich asshole. **

[classic_horror_fan]

"Cannibal Campout" is a 1980s grindhouse style horror film about a group of teens out camping in the rural mountains, not knowing there is a family of young brothers who are bloodthirsty and flesheating cannibals already camping in those hills, and the cannibals are always out looking for other campers to turn into their next victims. There are a lot of beautiful artsy nature shots throughout this film. There is also a lot of good humorous dialogue and well developed characters. The kill scenes are overall intense with good fake blood and make up fx. Those into the old school done right grindhouse horror films should not be let down by this one.

::danger::

[classic_horror_fan]

"Video Violence" is another 1980s grindhouse style horror film about a married couple who just moved from New York City to a small secluded town after the husband owned his own movie theater in New York City and now owns his own local video store in the small town they moved to. The video store begins to receive home made snuff videos of people getting tortured and murdered in a lot of sick cruel bloody ways from random customers, and the local police department refuses to get involved. The husband then loses a worker who gets abducted from his own store, then tries taking matters into his own hands. The victims turn out to be those who are passing through, only to get abducted by locals who do the torturings and killings. This also has a lot of good dialogue and well developed characters, along with the kill scenes being overall well done. Those into the old school done right gory and artsy grindhouse style horror films should also find this one worth a look.::danger::

[classic_horror_fan]

"Woodchipper Massacre"is actually a comedy horror that is meant to be stupid and campy looking but funny, parodying the grindhouse style horror films, and it is entertaining in that sort of over the top way. The dialogue is overall very humorous in over the top ways, and the characters are well developed, also in over the top parody ways. Even the kill scenes, despite very bloody and gory, are also silly but funny in creative satirical ways. This one is not great but still funny for those into those sorts of comedy horrors and maybe those into the grindhouse style horror films, if they can go without taking this one seriously.
::devil:: ::danger:: ::cool::

[Tommy Jarvis]

Asylum 1972 ★★★

Asylum was an anthology film with stories about patients in a mental hospital.

The build up, the main idea and the twist are all reminiscent of Patient Seven.

It will not blow you away, but it's a good way to spend 90 minutes. Even if only for all the British celeb actors of the time. With horror icon Peter Cushing in a starring role and appearances by Britt Ekland and others.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Ghostbusters 1984 ★★★★★

First of all, there seems to be a group of people that consider this movie as horror. My question to them: what are you smoking? Because I want some.

From the first minute, this is an amazing comedy. Just things like the confrontation with the first ghost. How Ackroyd and Ramis glance at Murray and he gives a “oh, for fucks sake” sigh and rolls his eyes before going in. Or the “we should split up” dialogue. The uberdry delivery by Murray when he goes “yeah, we can do more damage that way”. Brilliant.

Ghostbusters has all the things an entertainment classic should have
laugh out loud moments: the are you a God-moment
excitement and spectacle by the pound
a villain you love to hate
cameos for easter eggs. Is that Ron Jeremy? And holy shit, it's the dad from Family Matters.
And so on, and so on

Five stars across the board. Well deserved.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Hitcher 1986 ★★★★½

From the very first shot, the movie sets its gloomy, somber tone. You immediately know what you are in for.

The same goes for our main character. From the moment we see him, John Ryder gives out a menacing appearance, making Jim uncomfortable as hell. To then further up the ante with the coll, dry delivery of his actions and his threats. This is one scary dude. The late Rutger Hauer was at one of his peak moments here. Unrelenting, killing everyone in the way of him tormenting and torturing poor Jim. Even a small victory like throwing Ryder out of the car turns out to be only temporary.

And it never lets up. The moment you start to feel the slightest bit of comfort, you had better buckle up, because something scary is coming. Like the shot with the teddy bear. Jim's response just makes him look like Crazy Ralph's cousin. Or the moment in the diner where he's eating and then... wow. Talk about fish fingers.

The setting and the tone are simply amazing. The vast landscapes and the seemingly never ending roads make you feel like you can escape and yet, the danger can come from anywhere. Granted, you need a good spoon of suspension of disbelief, but with a movie this scary, you happily accept that.

Final thought: I don't care what imdb says here. The fear of hitchikers along with the eeriness and dark ending make The Hitcher into a horror film. And a great one at that.

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child 1989 ★★

Without a doubt the worst in the series. Bland across the board.

The kills were better than I remember, but the goofiness kept them from being really good.

The only upsides were the take on me-kill and Freddy screaming "It's a boy!". And I may be in the minority, but I kinda like Super Freddy. Still better than Aquaman.

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child 1989 ★★

Without a doubt the worst in the series. Bland across the board.

The kills were better than I remember, but the goofiness kept them from being really good.

The only upsides were the take on me-kill and Freddy screaming "It's a boy!". And I may be in the minority, but I kinda like Super Freddy. Still better than Aquaman.

Child’s Play 1988 ★★★½

Let's rewind all the way back to march of 1976. A promsing, young actor named Brad Dourif is at the Academy Awards, at what is undoubtdely the highlight of his career so far. Imagine pulling a Back to the future on him at the afterparty. No, Brad. Your career defining role will be thirteen years from now. When you play... a killer doll. Correction: a ginger killer doll.

You know, it's uncanny. Not only how the Chucky-franchise managed to last as long as it has so far – crossovers, reboot and all. But also the impact Chucky has had, with people calling him scary as hell and with professional atheletes (like soccer players Roman Yaremchuk and Hirving Lozano) being nicknamed after him.

And all this based on a movie that should not even be all that good based on the premise: a serial killer in the body of a what? A three foot tall doll?

The transition in the opening scene is silly and Brad Dourif's delivery of the line “Oh God, I'm dying”? Well, it's... something. That's for sure. And a child with a doll getting a train ticket just like that? That's not very believable either.

In all fairness, the movie does have qualities. Some of the scary moments do work. The kills are well done and they turn the premise into an advantage. Because of the silly premise, the makers need to be creative in how they let Chucky kill people. And they are. Throughout the franchise.

And you have to admit: the bit where the doll holds a voodoo doll is pretty funny.

Brad Dourif is great as Chucky, positioning himself as one of the icons of the genre and Alex Vincent overcomes his challenge as a child actor to deliver an adorable performance. In a role he would regularly revisit later in his career. Talk about growing up with a character.

Child's Play, for those who have already seen it, it's always good for a laugh and a good time. And if you have not seen it yet... what are you waiting for?

The Omen 1976 ★★★★

A movie like The Omen deservedly belongs in the canon of classics of the broad seventies (an era which in my opinion starts in the late sixties with Night of the living dead and ends somewhere in the early to mid eighties with... maybe The Fly?) and is also one of the better religious horrors out there.

One of the main reasons is the casting. Having an experienced class actor like Gregory Peck helming this project. He gives Robert Thorn the class and dignity that elevates this character above the rest. With the rest of the cast being no slouches. They are all in their place. With miss Baylock being suitably scary as the replacement nanny and father Brennan getting just the right dose of sombreness and perceived madness. He is aware of the looming danger, yet unable to articulate his feelings without sounding like a madman.

That is shown in the scary moments. With the first whammy being a big one. The glee in the eyes of the nanny as she commits suicide... brr. Or the chase scene with the rotweilers in the graveyard. Bone chilling and edge of your seat intense. And of the course, there is the decapitation scene for the gorehounds. Holy crap, that hit hard.

And of course the final glance and wave. The knowledge that evil has won. Brr indeed.

Ps: fun fact: I only found out today that the actress playing Miss Baylock was the lady behind the fascist-hag exchange in Hot Fuzz. Her very last role, no less. So... the more you know.

House 1985 ★★

House is a funny little bit of eighties horror. Not in the least because of the number of recognisable actors: Creighton Duke and Bubba from In the heat of the night as the two requisite starstruck cops (and I could swear I recognised the other cop from somewhere), George Wendt as the comic relief, the later Frau Ferbissinau even had a small part. In the starring,we have William Katt, whose smile still delivers the charm as when he played Tommy Ross.

What is this movie's main problem? Hard to tell. On the one hand, you can tell that it's dated. It really looks very eighties in the special effects and the tone and what not. On the other hand, it never seems clear what this movie really wants to be.

We know one thing: while the sequels went full on goof, this one was in essence at least (trying to be) somewhat serious. But otherwise? Are they going for scares in the vein of Poltergeist? Or are they going in a more horror comedy direction, like Evil Dead? Heck, one or two moments even had a Back to the future-like vibe to them.

The villain looks cool, but not scary and the Vietnam-link and the missing link never really managed to capture me.

It has not aged well, but it remains a nice bit of campy fun. I recommend watching it with a few friends, because it makes for good drinking games. Example: every time you see Wendt, someone shouts “Norm!” and the others do a shot.

[FryeDwight]

POSSESSION (1981). Art film by Andrzel Zulawski is lovely to look at, but an extremely weird story that will have You scratching Your head trying to figure it out. Early Sam Neill as a spy trying to work out an extremely toxic relationship with his wife, the lovely Isabelle Adjani, all sorts of odd goings on and involving a plot of what I can guess to be doppelgängers. Definitely not for all tastes. **

[classic_horror_fan]

"Mountain Of The Cannibal God" is an Italian giallo jungle and cannibal themed horror film from the 1970s, directed by Sergio Martino. It is about a lady an her brother searching for her missing husband who was last seen on a search expedition for highly valuable natural products deep in the jungles of New Guinea! The government believes he got killed in the depths of the jungles, where there is a lot of dangerous and deadly wild life and cannibals out there. The lady and her brother say they do not want to give up on the search unless they can find out for sure that the missing husband is actually dead. They meet an American guide who currently resides out that way and is an expert on the jungle and wildlife, and knows that certain jungle real well. He also has a good amount of natives who know and life him. They agree to guide them on the expedition, searching for the missing husband, but encounter many surprise attacks from crocodiles, long venomous snakes, cannibals, and the like. They even lose the natives to those attacks pretty fast, but the lady and her brother insist on continuing. The lady also gets caught by a cannibal who tries to kill her, but then gets saved by another American guide who happens to be on another expedition out that way. He also agrees to help guide on that search because he is also very familiar with that jungle and wildlife, along with how dangerous and deadly it can be out that way. This movie has a lot of action and adventure to it with plenty of good stunt work and staged combat. It also has a lot of good drama and dialogue, and well developed characters. It even had a good well developed plot and story line. There is also a lot of artsy and amazing looking nature and wildlife shots throughout the whole film. Even the kill scenes with a lot of blood and gore are still done in good artsy and creative ways. There are also plenty of good twists and turns in the story. Out of the cannibal and jungle themed horror films, this is definitely one of the better ones out there.

[classic_horror_fan]

"The Case Of The Scorpion's Tail" is an Italian giallo horror film from the 1970s, directed by Sergio Martino. It is about a wealthy man's widow inheriting a million dollars after he dies in a plane explosion, only to have stalkers threatening her, saying they are entitled to large amounts of that inheritance. They even go to extents of hiring lawyers and even hitmen to break into hotel rooms she is staying at in attempting to kill her and/or steal the money. Even investigators working on the case have to deal with people breaking into hotel rooms they are staying at in attempts to kill them as well. There is also a lone masked killer who breaks into places to kill a few of the ladies involved in the case. There are a lot of twists and turns in making it look like the killer is one person, only to have that person get it next, or having that person talking to another person off camera, not showing who the other person involved is. There is a lot of great action and suspense in this film, along with a lot of great drama, dialogue, and well developed characters. This film also has one of the bigger shockers on who the killer actually is, of all films that have surprise endings on who the killers actually are. Those into murder mysteries and the Italian giallo horror era should not be disappointed with this one.

[FryeDwight]

THE HONEYMOON KILERS (1970). Sleeper film based on the "Lonely Hearts" killings of the 1940's, although some of the facts were tweaked Shirley Stoler is great as Martha, the unhappy and overweight (in the articles based on the case, it seemed that Martha's weight was always listed) nurse looking for some companionship. She answers an ad and gets involved with a Giglio/Con Man (Ray)who courts lonely women and absconds with their money. Martha joins the act as Ray's sister, but her extreme jealousy and nasty temper tend to make things complicated. ***

[Poejsic]

The Strangler of the Swamp (1946) I have never even heard of this one before. It was run on "Lord Blood Rahs Nerve Wracking Theater" (the host is pretty knowledgeable about films) A number of swamp land men have died by strangulation and the inhabitants believe that an innocent man they hanged is seeking revenge on all of the male descendants of those responsible for his death. Maria, granddaughter of the guilty ferryman, decides to operate the ferry service. Chris Sanders, a son of one of the men who did the hanging, and Maria fall in love. I found it to be enjoyable. However, most of the scenes take place in the titular swamp, which seemed rather claustrophobic for the actors.

[FryeDwight]

TWINS (1988 ) Comedy that has aged quite well with Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger having great chemistry together and Kelly Preston at her most appealing. Look for a young Heather Graham. ***1/2

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Messiah of Evil, 1974. 7/10

Directors: Willard Huyck, Gloria Katz

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[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Dead Are Alive, 1972. 6/10

Director: Armando Crispino


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[Tommy Jarvis]

Clownhouse 1989 ★★★

Clownhouse is an enjoyable slasher about three mental patients disguising as clowns.

The kills are mostly offscreen, but the creepy atmos and the score make up for that. And the clowns do look pretty scary. Especially the leader.

Good stuff. Worth a check.

Fun fact: The douchy brother Randy saw Sam Rockwell (he of Vice-fame) in one his very first roles.

Less fun fact: The bigger horror took place behind the scenes. No need to go into details, but those who want to know more can suffice by googling the director.

The Devil’s Men 1976 ★★★

The devil's man is one of those fun little gems that pop up every now and then when browsing Netflix. Proving that finding your own way through the algorythm is better than believing the birdbox.

It stars Donald Pleasance as a priest with both gravitas and, at times, a bit of humor. At least when confronted with reckless drivers. He investigates a satanic cult lead by Baron Corofax (played by Peter Cushing). Okay, Corofax is a pretty British sounding name for someone claiming to be from the Carpathians, and why the satanists look like fashionable klansmen is beyond me. But what the hey.

Pleasance teams up with Milo, portrayed by Kostas Karagiorgis. Milo is a New York detective in the stereotypical sense of the word: brash and loud. Is that the worst stereotype in the movie? No.

Also, what's up with that Father Ted-hairdo he's sporting?

Overall, this is a nice flick. The plot is your generic Satan-sacrifice bladibla, with holy water saving the day. Even though it looks more like nitroglycerine. But okay, sure. Fine. Whatever.

The acting is solid and the soundtrack composer got free reign to indulge in all his seventies synth related quirks. Resulting in an odd yet somehow fascinating score and a theme song worthy of cult status.

A nice addition for fans of Pleasance and Cushing.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Lost Boys 1987 ★★★½

For a vampire movie, this one has surprisingly little bitey action.

It was however well paced and entertaining and Kiefer Sutherland finds the right balance between cheeky and menacing. And Corey Feldman makes for a good comic relief.

Also nice to see Alex Winter pop up.

Misery 1990 ★★★★

I can't get the review out of the cock-a-doodie keyboard!

Anyway...

Misery falls into that category of movies that somehow managed to elude me for a long time. Somehow, the timing never seems right or something else gets in the way. Some of you will know what I mean.

However, I finally got around to relaxing and watching and it delivered on all levels. The master Stephen King delivers a compelling story about a phenomenon all successfull artists will know all too well: the obsessive fan who does not take too kindly to them choosing a different direction. And who go a little overboard in their response to that.

Like a lot of the better King-stories, this one relies mostly on characters. Thus giving the actors an opportunity to shine.

Especially Kathy Bates. Boy, did she deserve that Oscar. She really made Annie Wilkes believable as that insecure psychopath with every innocent word capable of making her snap. Which is especially scary with that sugarcoat of friendliness and homeyness on top. You can tell that she loves baking cookies and be generous and giving. And then she turns on a dime and kills you.

James Caan... I always remember that story that Rob Reiner told on 100 scariest movie moments. I can just imagine Caan being like: Oh no... I'm in bed? A-gain? Really? Wonder if that was frustrating for him. Nonetheless, he delivers a great performance here. Emoting very well the fear and the insecurity that Paul feels. Especially in that one pivotal scene that pretty much everyone knows and talks about. You know what's coming and still... oh... my... goodness.

And while ninety percent of the movie relies on Caan and Bates, it would be remiss of me not to give a nod to the performances by Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen. They share good chemistry, even though Sternhagen does not get a lot of screentime. Farnsworth shines as the small town sheriff who slowly but surely works out what's going on.

The only point of criticism might concern the final jumpscare. From a superficial point of view, it might feel unnecessary and could easily be cut. And I am more than willing to believe that this is one clear example of “the book did it better”. But it does fit the point King wanted to get across. A part of me even tends to think this was one of the first moments he had in mind while writing this novel and somehow worked up to it. But that's just the fan boy spitballing and speculating.

Four well deserved stars.

Amsterdamned 1988 ★★★★

I got the idea for this rewatch from a Letterboxd-member who claimed this to be “the most Italian non-Italian giallo I’ve ever seen”.

And you know what? He could be on to something. Some elements come back that remind me of giallos I have seen.

- The score: very seventies and the bit just before the car chase definetily has some Goblin vibes in there.
- The colors: in certain shots, they definetily give off that sensation
- The cast: With his five o'clock shadow and his posture, Erik Visser may pass for a southern macho. And Martin does look like a giallo killer. In that aspect, I liked how they kept him ambiguous until the end.
- The imagery: There were more, but the ones I have written down include the mortician holding the blade, the shot of the bookcase with Laura in front of the cd-player, Martin playing the piano or the killer preparing for another honest day's work. Part of me wants to include Willy in front of the candle, but now that I think of it... giallos never really had many kids in them, did they?

Sure, some of the story is silly and goofy, but there is still plenty to enjoy.

The kills were either suitably elaborate (the house boat) or brutal (the knife between the legs or the shot of the first victim sliding over the boat).

The banter between Eric and his daughter is funny – the shot with the cat food never misses to get a chuckle out of me. Or the way Anneke berates for forgetting the ha-gel-slag.

Credit where credit is due: the opening shots of the killer swimming through the canal and the final confrontation right before the big reveal do have a dose of creepiness. I also love the shot with the Chinese kitchen at the start. You don't have to understand their language to hear the chef going “where's the damn knife?” and the other guy “huh?”. “Where's the fucking knife?!” “How the hell should I know?” *bicker bicker*

And let's not forget the cheesy cop movie jokes and last but not least, a speedbot chase scene through the bloody Amsterdam canals. With a speeboat jumping over a bridge! How cool is that?!

This movie has a special place in my heart and there is no way it will ever gets less than four stars.

Final note: beschuitlul might just be one of the best insults ever.

A Bay of Blood 1971 ★★★★

The opening credits immediately have the snarks covered. Paola Rubens? Is there something to Pee Wee Herman that we do not yet know? Some Angela Baker-ish backstory? Moving on.

The plot sometimes feels a tad messy and complicated, but that's not the point of these movies. It's all about style and atmos. And kills, obviously. And they are fittingly brutal. Especially that decapitation. Holy fucking shit, that's awesome. Or the ending? Wow. Did NOT see that coming.

But that meatcleaver kill? Ugh. Such a rip off of Friday the 13th part 4. You will not catch Steve Miner with this kind of silliness. Boy I'll tell you.

I also liked how they threw shade on pretty much everyone. Like the Burt Reynolds-looking Simon, with the creepy laugh. And of course in true giallo style, the movie is full of beautiful shots and gorgeous women.

Great stuff.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Crazies 1973 ★★★★

This George A Romero jumps straight into the action. An opening scene with two cute children in a house finding a crazy man tearing up the place. In fear, they look for their mommy and... oops.

What Romero does very well is show the chaos that comes with a crisis of this type. In 2022, we can not help but be reminded of the pandemic. But other than that? The inept reponse, the lack of adequate at the place where it is needed,...

Or the bureaucratic top secret hoo ha with the voice recognizer, much to the chagrin of Doctor Watts, a role in which Richard France already shows a few traits that would later come back in Dawn of the dead. One could even argue that The Crazies is sort of a proto-version of Dawn, with this one focusing more on the chaos that ensues (the epithomy of whcih being the scene where Doctor Watts gets quarantained after a misunderstanding), while Dawn starts with the pandimonium and focusses on what comes afterwards.

I was also struck by the sympathy I felt for some of the characters. I felt the same type of sympathy for the Fauci's of this world. I empathise with Peckem, a man doing an unrewarding job under difficult circumstances, with people seemingly existing to make your life a living hell. The frustration of the mayor is understandable and the scene where the policeman dies in a skuffle. He feels awful about it, even when he knows he did the "right thing". And I as a viewer feel for him.

The main characters are a pregnant nurse escaping with her fiancé and two people they come across. Whereas the characters in Dawn get a bit of relief, the air never clears for these people. With the threat coming from either the soldiers looking to kill or quarantaine them or the threat from the virus. Is this person traumatized? Or are they infected? Maybe, maybe not.

Throughout this pandemonium, Romero shows the horror and the creativeness, best shown with the nitting needle kill. All while remaining entertaining.

Well worth watching.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde 1971 ★★★½

If I had any recollection of really getting in touch with the Hammer films, than it disappeared from my memory. I think I saw one or two before, but I cannot for the life of me remember which, let alone when.

So for comfort's sake, I will consider this one as my introduction to Hammer films. A Dr Jekyll-Jack the Ripper crossover set in nineteenth century London. Now that I think of it, there is a tv film on Jack The Ripper with Michael Caine that also features Jekyll and Hyde. Wonder if this parallel goes any further.

I must say, for an early seventies horror, the special effects are already a tad bit underwhelming. I realise it's not fair (It's still six years until Dawn), but even more than ye old English, the old time stabbey fun give it more of a vintage vibe. This looks more like it was filmed in the (early) fifties than in the seventies. Apart from a few good looking hand transformation scenes.

This puts the emphasis more on the drama and the characters and that is well done. First of all, the Sister Hyde-idea adds a nice twist to the classic Jekyll and Hyde story. Secondly, and in hindsight more importantly, it inadvertently opens up the possibility to interpret this as a pro transgender movie. A lot more than, say, Sleepaway Camp.

The upstairs neighbours see Sister Hyde and just accept her at face value. She looks like a woman, eats like a woman, walks like a woman and (probably) swims like a woman, so it's probably... Howard even makes out with Sister Hyde and never is the wiser.

The story also decides to make Sister Hyde a killer as well, perhaps even more ruthless and vicious than Doctor Jekyll is. From her stance and inflection, you can deduct that she would have no trouble dealing with the seedy types where Jekyll acquires his “research material” or putting them in their places.

The movie owes a great deal to the actors. Ralph Bates and Martine Beswick do the best as the disturbed Jekyll and the wicked Hyde. The rest were perhaps not great, but not terrible either. The costumes also add to the athmosphere, as well as that typical English. The only line missing was something akin to 'I say, old girl, you just stabbed me. Stuck ya throat cutter in me neck, you did.' And, lest we forget, a nice dramatic conclusion with perhaps a nod to King Kong.

A good start for my Hammer exploration and a recommendation for every Hammer enthusiast who has not seen this one yet.

Alien 1979 ★★★★★

For someone so used to streaming and watching TV at your own tempo as I am, spending the weekend with relatives does have its perks. Like reintroducing you to watching linear tv. My face when I think “oh cool, Alien is on”. The anticipation, the aimless channel flipping to kill time. Also, the downers. If you doze off during the film, there is no rewinding here, baby. Haha.

To be honest, I thought I had already written my review for this one, but maybe I was mistaking. Perhaps partly because the first thought on my mind was “What can I say or add”. And that in itself says a lot. Alien is one of those tried and true classics that stood the test of time and never gets old. Even on a fifth or tenth rewatch.

From the very start, you can tell the difference. Where Star Wars and other films were grand and majestuous and clean, this one is dirty and grimey. The main thing is the cargo and the crew's comfort is not all that important. Hence, the banter and complaining about the food. And subtly foreshadowing the later reveal.

The tension is palpable. Partly due to the fact that the danger can come from pretty much everywhere and that there is neither an escape route or help coming. In space no one can hear you scream indeed. And that's supposing anyone would want to send help in the first place. As Mother puts it after some pushing by Ripley... “crew expendable”. And Ash? Well, he's a robot anyway, so, you know... but still, that reveal scene still stands as well.

Another reason is the nature of the Xenomorph. The speed with which it evolves and grows, its size, the fact that you cannot shoot it or that its “blood” easily melts through the floors and ceilings,... and once it gets you, you're a goner. Like when Dallas gets it.

But the first kill is the most iconic. John Hurt convulsing in agony, not knowing what is happening to his body before the Alien bursts out. A terrifying way to go. Reinforced by the reactions of the other crew members. Horror afficionados probably already know the story of how Ridley Scott deliberately kept the crew in the dark about the specifics of the scene in order to make the terror on their faces as genuine as possible. Poor Veronica Cartwright, whose face was completely covered in blood.

However, she is not the main star of the movie. That honour goes to Sigourney Weaver. She can convey the determination and the take no crap-attitude that makes her the badass she still is. Not to mention being right all the time. Don't bring in Kane with the facehugger still on him... Oh crap, they did. Motherf...

And the ending sequience in the escape pod... phoah. You feel for Ellen as she gets in her suit with fear pulsating in every part of her body. Or how she rallies herself by singing “lucky star”. As much as I can empathize with Ridley Scotts frustration (spending the entire production penny pinching and arguing about money and then in five seconds a truckload of money heads out the door), even he has to admit in hindsight that it worked. And her relief as she signs off is the perfect ending to a timeless.

A must see for every horror fan and every cinephile in general.

Christmas Evil 1980 ★★

Two Christmas movies, only suitable for the time of year. Although, this one...

Being a non-American, I have never had the “pleasure” of watching a faith based movie in general, let alone a Pureflix movie. But based on their reputation and things I heard on YT, this one approaches their levels of what the fuckery.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Return of the Living Dead 1985 ★★★★½

What a way to celebrate New year's Eve. Wolfing down (cult) classics.

I absolutely love this one. It has more ham than a parmesan butcher and so many screams even Shaggy and Scooby would say that it's a bit too much.

And does The English patient have 45 grave on the soundtrack? I believe not.

Return of the Living Dead Part II 1988 ★★★

All in all a fun watch, but not the over the top balls to the wall fun that part 1 was.

Invitation to Hell 1984 ★★★

When shitty days come up with a nice surprise. Like stumbling across a Craven-flick you never heard of before.

Invitation to hell is tv movie and it shows. The title being but the first example. The intro being a good second. A guy in a car just mowes down a lady in the middle of the road. She gets up without a scar or bruise, points her fingergun at him and shoots him on fire. Leading to him burning to death in agony. And of course offscreen because tv movie. What the hell?

A family moves to silicon valley where the dad gets a big job at a tech company. So you would think that they have it made. Nope. In order to really go places, they have to join the... country club. A country club of course run by the killer lady from the opening. That has more to it than meets the eye.

It's not up there with his classics like ANOES or The hills have eyes, but it's still solid. Even under these circumstances, what with the drabness of the story and the limitations in the effects, Craven manages to entertain and deliver a decent flick with a fairly smooth pace, while at the same time ticking off all the tropes.

[FryeDwight]

NIGHTMARE SISTERS (1986). Three less than glamorous College girls hold a seance which turns them into sexy killing machines.
Direct to video release scores by having three premier "Scream Queens" in the cast; Linnea Quigley, Brooke Stevens and Michelle Bauer (the prettiest one for Me), but scenes just drag out, especially those involving the leads get naked and while the "Queens" have charisma (and long careers to boot), the rest of the cast is horrid and it's honestly difficult to make it to the end. *

[Tommy Jarvis]

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 1986 ★★★★½

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.

Ferris Bueller's day off is one of the staples of 80s comedy. Along with Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, Gremlins,... they will never get old and never lose their sting. At least not to my generation.

A great outrageous comedy with plenty of quoatable lines and laugh out loud moments:

the phone call with “mister Peterson”
Jeannie knocking out principle Rooney
Cameron debating on wether or not to go
the post credit scene with Ferris in the shower
Jeannie hooking up with a young Charlie Sheen (who looked low on tigerblood here)
Vito from Do the right thing joyriding with the precious rare Ferrari...
Cameron standing up to his father (side note: At the time or writing I noticed an interesting contrast. Here, the rebellious teenager is the climax after starting off as a good boy. In the much more movie that started my evening (Fall), it starts off with rebellion and ends up with reconcilliation. Sign of the times? What do you think?)
...

A must watch comedy with, at the core, a message of enjoying life and taking the moment

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

[Tommy Jarvis]

Basket Case 1982 ★½

Eighties cornball fun that for some reason managed to spawn sequels.

The concept is goofy, the acting is questionable and the kills are sometimes downright laughable.

Campy fun with beer and joints.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Basket Case 1982 ★½

Eighties cornball fun that for some reason managed to spawn sequels.

The concept is goofy, the acting is questionable and the kills are sometimes downright laughable.

Campy fun with beer and joints.


Wait. What. One and a half stars??

https://64.media.tumblr.com/79d903abf5fc1391465188200901f778/tumblr_nusrxyw2eO1s1v3r1o1_400.gif

Masterpiece. ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

Wait. What. One and a half stars??

https://64.media.tumblr.com/79d903abf5fc1391465188200901f778/tumblr_nusrxyw2eO1s1v3r1o1_400.gif

Masterpiece. ::cool::

I don't think I would call it a masterpiece, but certainly 1/2* is too low....at least a ***.

CAN'T BUY ME LOVE (1987). Decent comedy of a nerd paying his gorgeous neighbor money to pose as his girlfriend for a month, so He can be part of the "cool" crowd. His social stature rises, but He loses sight of who He really is and the price for that loss is quite sobering. Better than I thought with Patrick Dempsey ("McDreamy" from GREY'S ANOTOMY) pretty good. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Down by Law 1986 ★★½

A not too terribly interesting Jim Jarmusch-movie. Apart from a few funny moments, like the we all scream for icecream raindance, it was not very memorable.

Benigni was pretty funny, though.

Cheerleader Camp 1988 ★★

A slasher from the end of the eighties slasher era. Formulaic and by the numbers. Based on the opening shot, you would expect a much bigger kill count. Now we stick with a half dozen.

At least the bitchy contest leader – or whatever you want to call her – gets it.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Dune 1984 ★★★★

A bewildering (it's Lynch, so duh), but intriguing movie. David Lynch had an interesting venture into sci-fi. Lynch tapped into the majestic type of sci fi and added an artsy, philosophical layer that I certainly want to explore further sometime in the future.

Kyle McLachlan was good in this and it was fun seeing a pre-Picard Patrick Stewart.

Also, this has a scene in which Kyle McLachlan kills Sting. And you just know... that somewhere ... Stewart Copeland is going "Yaaaassss!!!"

Horror High 1973 ★★

Seventies horror with a suitably groovy score. Sadly, the story was not very intriguing and the kill count was a tad lowish.

One or two good kills saved it, though.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Unlocking 2022 ★★★

A nice little short film about a man locking the door to keep out the bad guys.

At the behest of his therapist, he unlocks the door with catastrophic results.

The monster looks good and the bullying with the chopped off hand is kind of funny. But the hamburger phone keeps the fourth star at bay.

A Quiet Place Part II 2020 ★★★½

The biggest quality of the Quiet Place movies is that they are horror movies for family people. If you rate family above anything else, this is the stuff for you.

Before really kicking off, part 2 takes a quick detour back to day 1. Not really sure why they had to do that, other than to introduce Cillian Murphy's character and give John Krasinski a bit of screen time. I did like the introduction of the monsters and the back and forth between the deaf daughter and the father. One second, you hear nothing and the next, you hear everything. Very off putting.

From there, we pick up where part 1 left us. The mother and the children leave their house and start travelling, only to end up scattered in different places. Not sure if Krasinski was actually inspired by The walking dead, but the island where they end up does give away a bit of an Alexandria-vibe as the safe haven. Or the people outside the island trying to keep them from crossing.

If there is one thing Krasinski can do, it's character writing. He really presens credible characters that suck you into the story and he shines when he gets to describe the relationships in a family. Also a special mention to the Emmett character, his carefullness and wearines of others, resulting in him at first mostly wanting to get rid of this family.

His second major quality is creating tension. The scene before they meet Emmett is probably the best example because you don't know what's going to happen (the scene at the end somehow felt less threatening because you felt the last minute saviour coming). Somebody has them in their vizer, ready to shoot. The threat of the monsters is still looming and then the boy gets caught in a bear trap and understandably screams in agony. Proving once again his mastery of “family horror”. Great performance by Emily Blunt there as well. You can tell all the mixed emotions she feels and the internal conflict between what she wants to do (comfort her child) and what she has to do (tell him to keep quiet). Another example is the moment when Emmett discovers the boat. After all, you had a sense of security about how the monsters could not get to the island and then... they're heee-eere! Good stuff, that.

That said, the movie felt a tad too much rinse and repeat from the first one. You can tell that Emmett was written as a replacement for John Krasinski. There is the self sacrifice element that comes back. Sometimes, it just felt a bit too repetitive.

Good nonetheless, though.

To Hell and Back: The Kane Hodder Story 2017 ★★★★

A very touching portrait of a man who has come a long way.

From his childhood days being bullied (and badly too) to finding what would later become his love of horror movies.

How an honest mistake nearly resulted in his career almost being over before it full well began.

Or the story of how he landed the part that gave him his career (Jason Voorhees) and how he in turn gave new life to that character. Not in the least by his tireless efforts on the con circuit, giving thousands, if not millions of fans memories that will last them a lifetime. And let's not forget the whole Freddy vs Jason-hoopla. Not even an explanation.

It's a brutally honest story. Hodder portrays himself very openly, openly talking about the dark thoughts that haunted him after the near fatal accident or how his OCD drove his family away. A story that gave me goosebumps and brought me close to tears on more than one occasion.

A great documentary. Well worth checking out.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Scanners 1981 ★★★★

I love being bewildered by Cronenberg's imagery and surreal themes.

Classic sci-fi horror to which I will come back for a more extended review.

But the exploding head always gets props.

The Lift 1983 ★★★

Compared to the more humor laden material that followed, this is probably the most serious film in Dick Maas' filmography.

The strange thing about it is that it's not an either or story. The premise of artificial intelligence messing with us sounds good, especially in the early eighties. That said, the goo-like “bad chips” do look a bit silly, as is the notion of a man “fighting” a lift.

Does that take away from the film's qualities? Not really. It still had creepy passages. The decapitation still looks pretty good, except for maybe the final shot where the plastic head is is a bit too obvious. The shot of Felix crawling out of the elevator shaft at the end makes for a very solid image with the pale hand reaching out for dear life. And I'm sure the scene with the little girl and the doll had audiences wonder wether they were really going to go there.

I don't really see the point in the subplot with the jealous wife and the supposed adultery, especially since it has no real pay-off apart from isolating Felix further in his obessesion with the lift.

A solid eighties horror thriller with a few flaws that are not too hard to overlook. Check it out.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Eaten Alive 1976 ★★★½

Tobe Hooper stays in similar water as with his absolute masterpiece, Texas Chainsaw. A white trash killer, scum characters (from the corner of my eye, I think I saw Rob Zombie take notes) and bloody kills.

The alligator is pretty scary – certainly the bit with the little girl – but the main killer is not all that memorable since I've seen this before. Seeing RobertEnglund in a role without tons of make up was a nice change, though. His Buck – and yes, he has that roll eye line that rhymes his name with the f word – is the sort of scum you want to see die more than anything else. He makes you hate him with all your might and he dies a terrible death at the hands of the alligator.

Not memorable, but certainly entertaining and I liked the poetic justice element to Judd's end. Three and a half stars.

Eaten Alive! 1980 ★★★½

A groovy cannibal movie with a bit of Jonestown thrown in the mix for good measure.

It has a good dose of gore, a good pace and I liked the actor who portrayed the cult leader. Very enjoyable seventies flick.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Doom Asylum 1987 ★★

No masterpiece by any means. But an enjoyable piece of silliness with suitably bad acting and plenty ofwhat the fuckery. Preferably watched with friends and complementary substances.

The dull plot did not keep my attention, but the movie has a few good kills and suitably weird characters.

First of all the band. The only reason for Simon Cowell to turn around would be to tell them to stfu. Not to mention blonde Cyndi Lauper and her blonde bandmate and their inexplicable hysterical laugh.

A Cary Elwes-lookalike with a gf who call him mom. (Ronald Reagan: And then people call me weird)

The Paul Pfeiffer of the group. He gets the coolest kill after paying for his obsession with his Wade Boggs (Lord Palmerston!).

Or the Velma-like character. Did she get a cool kill? I already forgot. That's this movie for ya.

One more fun thing was the killer spending his time off watching vintage horror. Just a shame they drag it too long.

A few good ideas, nut either they go nowhere, or they are stretched out too long. That's this movie in a nutshell.

The Goonies 1985 ★★★★

After the emotional moments at the Oscar-ceremony – the teary eyed Goonies never say die – I felt a certain moral obligation to rewatch The Goonies. I'm sure I saw it one time or another but I definetily not put my finger on where.

It delivered on every level. This is for all the eighties nostalgics who wants to go back on a trip to their youth. A perfect bland of cu-razy adventures and the type of cartoonish over the top villains you would expect in akids film. That last one is no surprise when you cast the mama from Throw mama from the train? But Cypher cartoonish? Or Robert Davi? The Bond villain who feeds FBI-agents to a shark and puts a traitor in a laundromath? Actually, you know what? He might be overqualified.

Not to mention the cheekiness that kids have and get away. Tailor made for Coray Feldman. (On a sidenote: Imagine him doing Franco's part in Spring Breakers. What would that be like?)

And of course the portrayal of a budding and lasting friendship. Friends who don't let each other down and do everything to look out for each other. Especially touching when you know the real life friendships that are rooted in the shooting of this film. And by the end with the predictable popping up of the ship, you are good and ready for a good sob. And who is not entitled to that every once in a while?

[Tommy Jarvis]

Return to Horror High 1987 ★★★

The type of 80s slasher that's best enjoyed when you do not take it all that seriously. A perfect watch for when you are a bit uner the weather as yours truly is today.

A dull killer reveal, but also pile of campy fun with a few good kills (if not fake) and the meta nature because of the film set.

And lest we forget Clooney's glorious mullet.

I Spit on Your Grave 1978 ★★★½

When watching the 2010 remake, it occurred to me that I had never seen the original. So I kept it in the back of my mind and last night, while rummaging through my watchlist and streaming services, the opportunity popped up.

Seeing the film got me thinking about an impression I get from similar ventures, being a horror classic from the seventies getting a reboot in the naughties (or later). The reboot often seems to be more slickly made while also more explicit on the gore. The original, on the other hand, is perhaps less explicit on the blood and guts, but more gritty and/or mean spirited. Proving that it stems from the decade that spawned Taxi driver and Last house on the left.

The premise may look and feel sleazy and the low budget production makes it look "less good". I get that. From a certain mindset, you could indeed call this a poor man's Deliverance and simply move on.

For me, it did not look that way.

The script and the cinematography really got across Jenny's innocence and how she just went about her business. In shril contrast with the thick headed (at times even primitive) single minded way of thinking of the men involved.

The execution of the rape scene was discomforting on various levels. As a viewer, you sense the pain that she must be in. In a stroke of genius, the movie seems to let up for a minute, only to land a second and a third punch, each one somehow harder than the one before. Leaving you as a viewer shocked, apalled and thoroughly disgusted.

From the remake, I remember that the revenge scenes were more drawn out. Here it is shorter, with more time focused on how she gives the men involved a false sense of security. The result, however, is still the same and you can still tell that Jennifer relishes in her revenge. Either from the way she toys with Stanley and the speedboat or from the way she lures in Matthew. Special mention for the way Johnny gets it. A good example of "what you don't see is scarier than what you do see".

Well recommended for fans of gritty seventies stuff.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Total Recall 1990 ★★★★

Ah, the joy of seeing a classic pop up out of nowhere. That's the plus of tv streaming with their ever changing program.

One thing is for certain. Paul Verhoeven and Ahnuld go together perfectly well. Together, they got the tone for this one perfectly down. It does not take itself too seriously, and yet it does not become overly cheesy as well.

Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as Douglas Quaid. At first overwhelmed by what's happening to him and then morphing into the catchphrase spewing hero we all love. And this one has more than enough of them.

The action scenes are great. Verhoeven keeps you on the edge of your seat and the bits with the cab are pretty funny. And the cast? Sharon Stone riding her wave of fame after Basic Instinct, enjoying those years where she was on top of the world. Michael Ironside makes a great secondary villain, albeit looking more cartoony and less scary than he did in Scanners. And is there a more eighties villain than Ronny Cox?

Classic stuff. See you at the party, Richter!

[Tommy Jarvis]

Who Saw Her Die? 1972 ★★★½

An early seventies giallo that in theme and, at times in tone, feels reminiscent of Don't Look Now. Don't let that fool you. The at times somber, whistful tone of DLN does not compare to this one here.

The opening already makes that quite clear. With an image of a muredered child being covered in snow in order to hide the body. That'll cause some nightmares for some people.

The main story however, is a murder investigation after the daughter of an artist (George Lazenby with a seventies mustache) is killed. Said investigation having everything to keep you entertained: incompetent and seemingly not too interested cops, a witness being murdered, a kill in front of a bird cage (all that effort and all for the birds),...

The acting is okay. Lazenby is solid as the passionate artist. But, to me, the real star is Ennio Morricone's amazing score with a haunting children's choir. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Who saw her die. A hidden gem for sure. Check it out.

The Fog 1980 ★★★★½

Back to the end of the seventies. John Carpenter delivers one of his better movies, both in atmos and in score. The man sure can compose a solid bit of movie music.

The movie itself is a different stroke. To call it a slow burn would do it injustice, but it does take it's time in setting up the characters and their story arcs. The fidgety local politician, the single mom who has her own radio station by the sea, the hitchhiker who ends up getting more than she signed up for,...

The fictional town of Antonio Bay is anticipating it's 100 year anniversary, only to find out that it's heroes were actually killers. And now the ghosts of the victims are coming back to haunt them and reclaim their gold. With kills interspaced enough to be close to a small burn, but not quite enough. We still get our beaks wet enough to be spontaneously invested. They save most of the tension for the ending. When the ghosts take over the town and go on their killing spree. Polite ghost killers, though. They wait for the kid to quit whining and head on up the stairs before offing his babysitter.

But Adrienne Barbeau terrified on the radio as her son is in danger, the people in the church trying to fight off the ghosts, Jamie Lee's character and her impromptu crossing the town and saving the kid, Barbeau fighting off the ghosts,... Great stuff, that. You're on the edge of your seat throughout it.

The kills themselves are closer to Halloween. Not as gory as Jason does it and, apart from The Thing, Carpenter has never really been a man of special effects and gore. He's more about moods and atmosphere. Or at least, that's the impression I have of him.

As far as the characters are concerned: now that I think about it... It features among others a single mom and a sex positive hitchhiker, and everybody's cool with that. No negative sound or anything like that. The single mom DJ even has her fan club among the fishermen. I'm not sure if woke is the fitting term, but it did strike me that a seventies movie went there (in an era where slutshaming and other forms of shaming were common than they are today) and in some ways is perhaps more modern than you would intuitively give it credit for. How much of that came from Carpenter and how much of that came from Debra Hill?

Hal Holbrook is solid as the priest, Adrienne Barbaeau is solid and kick ass as always. Jamie Lee Curtis does a good job as the happy go lucky hitchhiker and the same goes with Janet Leigh as the ever nervous politician. Come to think of, every other seventies or eighties film would probably have her be a chain/stress smoker, yet this movie does not.

Also funny to see Holbrook and Carpenter share a scene in the beginning with dialogue (“Can I get paid?”) that, in real life, is more likely to be the other way around.

Not for the ADD prone among us, but recommended for all other horror fans and cinephiles looking for a solid horror.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 1977 ★★★★★

What makes Steven Spielberg such a great director? Not saying that there is a simple, straightforward answer. It's probably a combination of factors. But one key element is his capability to merge movie magic with topics that appeal to a mass audience. Dinosaurs came later in Jurassic Park, but here he explores space for the very first time.

While ET was later to be more family firendly, this is all about the mistery, the wonder, the discovery. The feeling of holy moly, something is out there! And they might be closer than we all think!

The opening immediately has you covered with the mistery of the 1945 airplanes. What the hell is going on? Really no (cinema) sin to be found? Well...

Sin 1: This movie does not feature David Duchovny (ding!)
Sin 2: Or Gillian Anderson (ding!)
Sin 3: And no sign of The Lone Gunmen or the Cancerman (ding!)

All kidding aside, there is not much room for comedy here. The words that come to mind are more likely to be terms like bewilderment, obsessiveness and (no pun intended) alienation. Keep in mind: this was the era where merely investigating and believing in alien life was more seen to be reserved for fruitcakes and general weirdos.

The bewilderment when you encounter something something that your mind does not and cannot comprehend. And the subsequent obesessive search in order to do so. Best example: Roy Neary is so obsessed with finding out about the aliens that he does not even notice how half his face is sunburnt. Or of course the infamous mashed potato scene. Interesting how this scene became iconic, since it is not the oddest thing he does while still in the family house. Maybe it's because this one still has somewhat of an attachment to everyday family life?

And lest we forget, the alienation. It's not difficult to see how this behaviour alienatesNeary from his family, even with his wife trying to be a good sport about it all. Until, eventually, even she reaches her breaking point. Richard Dreyfuss brilliantly portrays a man getting more and more detached from society, up until the point where he only has a few diehard fellow travelers/believers left.

Which brings us to the moment where the aliens arrive. I found it really touching to see how the two species found a common ground for communication in a form of music. The five tones we first hear in the massive group chant undeniably have a musical element to them and for reasons I cannot explain, it's comofrting to feel that music could accomplish that.

I was also struck by the way of communicating. To me, the aliens using tonal vocabulary fits perfectly with the notion that one of the oldest languages in the world – Mandarin – is based on tones rather than words or verbs and conjugations. And it adds to the wonder of the Western characters discovering a manner of communicating most of them are completely unfamiliar with. Trying to discover patterns in what the others are saying. A base for talking, getting to know each other. Also also, how nice is to see people meet aliens and actually smiling? How you can have different species meeting and the overall sentiment is curiosity and wonder? How no one feels the need to blow up literally everything?

The fact that this is “snowed under” by movies like Jaws, Schindler's List, ET or Jurassic Park only serves to show how amazing mister Spielberg's filmography is. And this is still a marvelous piece of cinema that you should see when you get the chance.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Maniac 1980 ★★★

I had the pleasure of seeing this one via the YT channel of Creature Features. It turned out to be a fun introduction to both concepts.

That goes with an interview with director William Lustig and the British guy with a bit of a What we do in the shadows/Richmond from the IT crowd-vibe about him. And of course the movie.

Not to put the original down, but this is one of those cases where the remake improves on the original. Joe Spennell's performance may have been scary for seventies audiences (and again, he's far from bad), but by now, I have seen too many of these characters for this to really stand out.

Third star for Tom Savini's cameo and his special effects.

[Sculpt]

The Goonies 1985 ★★★★

After the emotional moments at the Oscar-ceremony – the teary eyed Goonies never say die – I felt a certain moral obligation to rewatch The Goonies. I'm sure I saw it one time or another but I definetily not put my finger on where.

It delivered on every level. This is for all the eighties nostalgics who wants to go back on a trip to their youth. A perfect bland of cu-razy adventures and the type of cartoonish over the top villains you would expect in akids film. That last one is no surprise when you cast the mama from Throw mama from the train? But Cypher cartoonish? Or Robert Davi? The Bond villain who feeds FBI-agents to a shark and puts a traitor in a laundromath? Actually, you know what? He might be overqualified.

Not to mention the cheekiness that kids have and get away. Tailor made for Coray Feldman. (On a sidenote: Imagine him doing Franco's part in Spring Breakers. What would that be like?)

And of course the portrayal of a budding and lasting friendship. Friends who don't let each other down and do everything to look out for each other. Especially touching when you know the real life friendships that are rooted in the shooting of this film. And by the end with the predictable popping up of the ship, you are good and ready for a good sob. And who is not entitled to that every once in a while?

I saw Goonies in the theatre. And I wanted to leave. I'll never understand the love for Goonies, too bad for me. I can't imagine trying to see it again. The type of humor just grates on me, and all the screaming. ::big grin::

[Tommy Jarvis]

Bloody Birthday 1981 ★★★

Bloody birthday is a bit of an odd duck between the ream of eighties slashers. First of all, it makes no secret of the identity of the killers. And the killers themselves, well... not to spoil anything, but I can say that it's reminiscent of the Eve 6 episode in the X-files. Similar intelligence, similar pyschoticness and meanspiritedness.

That makes up for the lack of originality with some of the kills. Not saying that I long for blood in this context, but in the average slasher, you are not really waiting for a few shootings. That said, the burial kill and the bow and arrow kill kind of make up for that.

Good stuff if you are a slasher fan looking for something different.

Body Double 1984 ★★★½

Solid thriller from Brian De Palma. A tad predictable and for some reason a lot less bloody than I recall.

But decent overall and solid for what it sets out to do.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Deadly Spawn 1983 ★★★★½

This is the stuff that Slither poked fun at and at the same time paid hommage to. Even literally with the aliens falling from the sky and the guy poking it with a stick and getting eaten.

This is the stuff you watch for the B-movie schlock. Like the eating noises from the spawn that sound more like that one tube the dentist puts in your mouth. The attacks are mostly offscreen-ish, but when they are not, they are gloriously silly and ludicrous. As in the tea party scene. Or what happened to the guy who looks like Christopher Lloyd. The special effects fit the mould with their cheesiness.

Needless to say, this was the right movie at the right time and I loved every minute of it. highly recommended for fans of Critters and the like.

The Gate 1987 ★★★★

This was a fun little crossover between The Goonies and Evil Dead.

Stephen Dorff made me go “oh yeah, he was a kid once” and Louis Tripp is well placed as the know it all best friend.

The rest of the cast are no great shakes, but I mostly enjoyed the campy fun that looms over this picture.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Monster Club 1981 ★★★

The Monster club is a great anthology film that does not overstay its welcome.

The best part is the surrounding story where Vincent Price introduces John Carradine to the monster club. And not without the poignant final monologue on how humans are the worst monsters of all. We are just the worst.

I can also not go without mentioning the bands performing. Move over, saxophone player from The Lost Boys. These bands got you beat. Also, Vincent Price and UB40 in the same film? Are you kidding me?

The individual stories are tales about classic monsters and ditto tales.

The first story is a solid variation on the principle that spawned Freaks. Predictable, but okay.

The second story with the vampire would now serve as the premise for a sitcom, especially based on the last twist/joke.

The third and final story is about a film producer only to find ghouls, or something akin to that. Predictable, especially the false sense of security. In my opinion the least of the three. Though I did enjoy the meta humor in both this one and the surrounding story.

All in all a fun little romp. With a who's who for a cast and an absolute icon as your host.

Look out for it on either Tubi or youtube.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Graduation Day 1981 ★★★

I must say that, upon this rewatch, I was much more mild towards this eighties slasher.

Sure, it had your run of the mill premise – a tragedy occurred, this time during a track event and now someone is out for revenge – but I must admit that the overall story and the kills had a certain campiness and goofy idea to them that endeared the movie to me more than it did on the previous viewing.

The kill with the football has you wondering how that could possibly work. Linnea Quigley's character gets decapitated after a drawn out chase scene and the polevault kill is simply hilarious. I also like the touch of adding the timer to the kills, taking as long as it took for the original girl to die. Or the checklist marked with lipstick.

The main characters are your standard horny teens, but the teachers fare no better. From the skeevy arts teacher who gets seduced by one of the students to the principal running away from the angry calls about missing children. Or the cops: one hates being there and the other smokes pot to deal with the stress of his job. And, of course, the final girl. Her not taking shit from males is a positive and I know what the ending was trying to emulate, but it's still odd seeing a marine run like that.

The reveal of the killer is accompanied by a nice Pyscho-esque score, which goes along well with the final reveal. The final girl circuit is also kind of funny with the aformentioned running and the way the polevaulter is displayed. Almost like Bill from the original Friday. Making this killer either very methodical or very lazy. That said, we could do without the nightmare sequence at the end. About as unnecessary as the ghost leaping out at the end of Unfriended. I'm guesisng studio note as well here.

Graduation Day. Good for a rewatch or people discovering the slasher genre.

[FryeDwight]

Horror High 1973 ★★

Seventies horror with a suitably groovy score. Sadly, the story was not very intriguing and the kill count was a tad lowish.

One or two good kills saved it, though.

My brother and I saw this quite a few times, but the version We saw was titled THE TWISTED BRAIN. Not a bad film, certainly a clear case of the worm turns and poor Vernon, with mean teachers, jock assholes, a clearly psychotic janitor and an almost COLUMBO investigator.

My Brother corresponded with Pat Cardi (Vernon) and I was lucky enough to meet the late Austin Stoker (The Detective) at my first CHILLER. I mentioned I saw HH under the title TTB and he almost looked like He was in pain from hearing the title, but I told Him He was good in it and He laughed and lightened up.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Theater of Blood, 1973. 7/10

Directed by Douglas Hickox

https://media.tenor.com/jOLulWPpLgYAAAAC/theatre-of-blood-1973.gif

[Tommy Jarvis]

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! 1978 ★★★★★

This is the perfect recipe for a cult classic status.

Start with the grating “sound that the tomatoes make”.

Add the custom fit for B movies attack scenes.

Pour in the characters: from the weird scientists, the inept congressmen, the paranoid flyboy Fenlitter, the black Hitler,...

Sprinkle in some moments that are odd (even by this movie's standards) and hilarious and you got yourself a great movie.

[Tommy Jarvis]

TerrorVision 1986 ★★★½

This bit of eighties cornball fun had everything I was looking for. It was a fifties movie made with eighties money. With an amazing theme song. Which reminds me: between this one and Attack of the killer tomatoes, I have recently seen two movies with their own theme song. Some parallel.

The best example of this thesis would be the alien/monster. The plastic cheapness of the fifties mixed with eighties gore. But the concept of an alien coming in through the satellite dish is a good example as well.

And between this one, Troll 2, The Garbage Pail Kids and other masterpieces... Is it me or was there an unwritten rule that this type of eighties romp always had to contain some sort of shenanigans involving either goo or snot or other forms of slime? The characters being (borderline) wear a helmet dumb on the other hand just fits the cartoonish nature of the plot.

While the cast did not look memorable (apart from the foster father in Child's Play 2). The grandfather is a conspiracy nut, the child is on pills and has “attacks” as his parents call it. His sister is a mall chick dating a dunderhead rocker with looks to rival with the rocker-bounty hunter from Critters. The dad says he looks silly and I'll let his swinger costume speak for itself.

A perfect fit for people looking for campy, cartoonish fun.

[FryeDwight]

ALIENS (1986)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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One of the best films of the 80's or any decade, this sequel to 1979's ALIEN moves like an out of control Roller coaster and still remember the huge adrenaline rush I got seeing it in the theaters. Watching it again, still think the film is marvelous, but thought to myself how so many MOMENTS make the film (and I'm talking the Directors cut with almost a half hour more footage)...Ripley's reaction over her daughter, Bishops trick with the knife, Sargent Apone's interactions with the troops (and how bad I felt when He is killed), Hudson's showing off, the moment the aliens come out of hiding after the colonists are found, Riply and Newt being terrorized by the face huggers, th moment the group realizes they overlooked an area where the aliens are, the discovery of the Queen )I LOVE the part when Ripley cocks her head) and the final Mano a Mano onboard the SULACO.

Also, SO MANY GREAT quotes..."I don't know...Is there anything You can do?", "I heard that!", "Looks like love at first sight to Me!", "Stop Your grinning' and drop Your linen!", "LET'S ROCK!", "Aw..that;s great! That's just fuckin' great!",
"Not bad for a Human" and most especially..."Get away from Her, You Bitch!" Now and always *****

[Sculpt]

ALIENS (1986)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


One of the best films of the 80's or any decade, this sequel to 1979's ALIEN moves like an out of control Roller coaster and still remember the huge adrenaline rush I got seeing it in the theaters. Watching it again, still think the film is marvelous, but thought to myself how so many MOMENTS make the film (and I'm talking the Directors cut with almost a half hour more footage)...Ripley's reaction over her daughter, Bishops trick with the knife, Sargent Apone's interactions with the troops (and how bad I felt when He is killed), Hudson's showing off, the moment the aliens come out of hiding after the colonists are found, Riply and Newt being terrorized by the face huggers, th moment the group realizes they overlooked an area where the aliens are, the discovery of the Queen )I LOVE the part when Ripley cocks her head) and the final Mano a Mano onboard the SULACO.

Also, SO MANY GREAT quotes..."I don't know...Is there anything You can do?", "I heard that!", "Looks like love at first sight to Me!", "Stop Your grinning' and drop Your linen!", "LET'S ROCK!", "Aw..that;s great! That's just fuckin' great!",
"Not bad for a Human" and most especially..."Get away from Her, You Bitch!" Now and always *****

Aliens was a great film. It was definitely funny too. Great lines like, "They can bill me!".

I remember in the film review TV show Siskel & Ebert, Ebert suggested maybe the movie had too much fast action at the end. I think he was wrong, but films would go on to having over extended action sequences, thinking of the Hobbit. And Siskel actually gave it a thumbs down. He was put off by the long constant monster attack ending and was morally offended that they used a child in peril as an emotional device.

It was interesting to hear Ebert say he was waiting for the reveal that Newt had been egged the whole time. One of Alien 3's flaws to manifest. lol

Now that you mention it, I've never seen the Special Edition version. I checked the runtime, and I see this has 17 more minutes. That's a fair amount. I look forward to it.

Extended films so far tend to be more interesting than superior. Thinking of the Lord of the Rings and Alien. One exception would be Dune (1984), which really changed the emphasis and meaning of the film in a positive way.

c1y6QhZaUG4

[FryeDwight]

Aliens was a great film. It was definitely funny too. Great lines like, "They can bill me!".

I remember in the film review TV show Siskel & Ebert, Ebert suggested maybe the movie had too much fast action at the end. I think he was wrong, but films would go on to having over extended action sequences, thinking of the Hobbit. And Siskel actually gave it a thumbs down. He was put off by the long constant monster attack ending and was morally offended that they used a child in peril as an emotional device.

It was interesting to hear Ebert say he was waiting for the reveal that Newt had been egged the whole time. One of Alien 3's flaws to manifest. lol

Now that you mention it, I've never seen the Special Edition version. I checked the runtime, and I see this has 17 more minutes. That's a fair amount. I look forward to it.

Extended films so far tend to be more interesting than superior. Thinking of the Lord of the Rings and Alien. One exception would be Dune (1984), which really changed the emphasis and meaning of the film in a positive way.

c1y6QhZaUG4

Thanks for showing that...boy, those two could squabble like an old married couple::stick out tongue::!

I think they missed the fact that Newt became a surrogate daughter for Ripley and the mention of Newt being infected is almost a teaser for ALIEN3. I saw that on opening day with a friend and what a tremendous downer the first few minutes are::mad::!

When I lived in the Chicago area (1976-79 at Fort Sheridan, sandwiched between Highwood and Lake Forest), my Dad got the CHICAGO TRIBUNE and I used to read Siskel's reviews, but He could be hard on many scary/edgy films, where Ebert was a little more accommodating.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Don’t Torture a Duckling 1972 ★★★½

A bit of Fulci tonight with 1972's Don't torture a duckling.

The story centers around the kidnapping of young children in a village in southern Italy. It's filled with the typical images of that type of rural life where the virtues of hard work and christianity are extolled.

The investigation is lead by the police, but the one(s) booking the most results are a reporter named Martelli and a city girl named Patrizia. At one point, a supposed killer is caught (and she confesses), but that turns out to be a red herring in light of the final reveal. Which, apart from maybe a few glances, seemed to come out a bit out of nowhere.

Fulci focusses less on the gore and more on the drama. The only real gory scene is when the fathers of the victims take their revenge on the supposed killer. You can safely add her struggle to get to help, which only ends up beside the road where the passing can't see her or ignore her. This movie is no 90 minute bloodbath, but it takes no prisoners nonetheless. Like the POV shot of a child being strangled. Yep, they went there.

The story sometimes lags a bit, so it may perhaps not be a four star masterpiece, but it has enough to keep you entertained. Maybe a rewatch will sway me towards that fourth star. Who knows?

[Sculpt]

Thanks for showing that...boy, those two could squabble like an old married couple::stick out tongue::!

I think they missed the fact that Newt became a surrogate daughter for Ripley and the mention of Newt being infected is almost a teaser for ALIEN3. I saw that on opening day with a friend and what a tremendous downer the first few minutes are::mad::!

When I lived in the Chicago area (1976-79 at Fort Sheridan, sandwiched between Highwood and Lake Forest), my Dad got the CHICAGO TRIBUNE and I used to read Siskel's reviews, but He could be hard on many scary/edgy films, where Ebert was a little more accommodating.

Well of course they would have missed Newt was a surrogate daughter because all mention of her having a daughter is removed from the theatrical version. When Ripley has a heart to heart with Newt, they edit out the convo about Ripley having a daughter.

I just saw the Special Edition and the mention of Ripley's daughter surprised me. The daughter plot does play well in Aliens, but I don't know that it was necessary.

When I saw the scene where Burke shows Ripley a pic of her daughter who died much older than Ripley, it was kinda weird for me, because in Alien, Ripley is 29, and she's doing long transport missions, so long they put the crew in stasis. Would a mother, apparently a single mother, being doing that with a young child? Seems unlikely.

The Special Edition (SE) did cover an apparent plot hole in the theatrical version (TV). In the TV Ripley says Burke was responsible for the deaths of 157 colonists. But in the corporate inquiry meeting we learn people have been on the planet for 20 years. Nobody knew about the danger until Ripley was found. But Ripley told Burke that Burke "sent them to the ship without warning them". In the TV I didn't know what she was referring to, actually, I didn't even think about it at the time. In the SE there's a couple scenes where we see Newt's parents were sent to specific coordinates for exploration/salvage, and officials okaying the parents can claim what they find. The parents find the ship and the father gets a face hugger. So, we have to put those together to guess Burke requested those coordinates to the alien ship based his review of Ripley's Nostromo story account.

I think we can also guess the face hugger Newt's father brought back was the queen. Otherwise, the colonists probably would not have laboratory face huggers in tanks. If it was just one non-queen alien, it would have gone like the Nostromo incident, the colonists would just be wiped out (with no lab face huggers), or they would have killed the alien.

[Sculpt]

What would you do? Aliens

Would you nuke the planet and wipe them out?

In Aliens, when Ripley and Hicks get back from their first encounter with the Aliens, they decide, "Let's nuke the planet from orbit, it's the only way to be sure." They decide to wipe out the Aliens, possibly the only remaining in the universe.

Would you nuke the planet and wipe them out?

Once they get back the ship, they're safe. The Alien animals have shown no signs of any technological knowledge. They don't have a spaceship, they haven't even invented the wheel, and we have no indication they ever will. They're stuck on the planet and can be studied.

We'd also have to assume there isn't any wildlife on the planet, and so the Aliens will starve to death in a matter of days. The eggs in the ship will last as long as the ship's batteries are active.

Ripley may be trying to keep Burke's corporation from retrieving the Aliens for their weapons division. Is that a good enough reason to make them extinct?

[FryeDwight]

What would you do? Aliens

Would you nuke the planet and wipe them out?

In Aliens, when Ripley and Hicks get back from their first encounter with the Aliens, they decide, "Let's nuke the planet from orbit, it's the only way to be sure." They decide to wipe out the Aliens, possibly the only remaining in the universe.

Would you nuke the planet and wipe them out?

Once they get back the ship, they're safe. The Alien animals have shown no signs of any technological knowledge. They don't have a spaceship, they haven't even invented the wheel, and we have no indication they ever will. They're stuck on the planet and can be studied.

We'd also have to assume there isn't any wildlife on the planet, and so the Aliens will starve to death in a matter of days. The eggs in the ship will last as long as the ship's batteries are active.

Ripley may be trying to keep Burke's corporation from retrieving the Aliens for their weapons division. Is that a good enough reason to make them extinct?

I'm supposing after her two ordeals with the species, Ripley probably have no sympathy for them. For Me, it's the same as ticks. I don't like to kill any animal, but I find ticks dangerous, destructive and disgusting. No mercy where they are concerned.

FULL METAL JACKET (1987)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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This Vietnam War film seems to improve with age, as do many of Stanley Kubrick's films do. It's really two stories in one opening with boot camp training and being in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive and focusing mainly on "Private Joker" (Matthew Modine), a sardonic and cocky correspondent who is not as bad ass as He might think, especially towards the end, which is full of tension.

Of course, the main reason people remember FMJ is the excellent first part dealing with boot camp training under the harsh, extremely profane Drill instructor and his particular "motivating" of "Private Pyle" who can't seem to hack it. oddly enough, most people don't mention how "Joker" gets some mental and physical abuse from the DI as well.

As Sargent Hartman, R Lee Ermey (a real life DI) set his career forever mainly playing the same type of person. His profane tirades actually are funny, although I sure would not to be on the receiving end. Vincent D'nofrio playing the hapless Pyle is very good and at times Your heart will break for him (despite his endless screwups) particularly what is described as a "Blanket Party".

I do like the scenes where Pyle seems to have gotten the gist of what to do and find Ermy's tone in "What's this weapon's name Private Pyle?" to be almost paternal, although things do go back to "A World of Shit" and the film does decline after the exits of both of them. ****

[Sculpt]

I'm supposing after her two ordeals with the species, Ripley probably have no sympathy for them. For Me, it's the same as ticks. I don't like to kill any animal, but I find ticks dangerous, destructive and disgusting. No mercy where they are concerned.

FULL METAL JACKET (1987)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


This Vietnam War film seems to improve with age, as do many of Stanley Kubrick's films do. It's really two stories in one opening with boot camp training and being in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive and focusing mainly on "Private Joker" (Matthew Modine), a sardonic and cocky correspondent who is not as bad ass as He might think, especially towards the end, which is full of tension.

Of course, the main reason people remember FMJ is the excellent first part dealing with boot camp training under the harsh, extremely profane Drill instructor and his particular "motivating" of "Private Pyle" who can't seem to hack it. oddly enough, most people don't mention how "Joker" gets some mental and physical abuse from the DI as well.

As Sargent Hartman, R Lee Ermey (a real life DI) set his career forever mainly playing the same type of person. His profane tirades actually are funny, although I sure would not to be on the receiving end. Vincent D'nofrio playing the hapless Pyle is very good and at times Your heart will break for him (despite his endless screwups) particularly what is described as a "Blanket Party".

I do like the scenes where Pyle seems to have gotten the gist of what to do and find Ermy's tone in "What's this weapon's name Private Pyle?" to be almost paternal, although things do go back to "A World of Shit" and the film does decline after the exits of both of them. ****

It's funny, I don't even remember the second part of the film.

[hammerfan]

Return of the Living Dead

[FryeDwight]

BEING THERE (1979)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Based on the novel by Jerzy Kosinski, BT is about "Chance" who is described as "Simple Minded" in some reviews, but I think "Child Like"is a better description. Chance lives in a big house where his main tasks are tending to the garden and watching TV. In fact, He's never been off the grounds of the house and anything He 's knows is due to television.

When his benefactor dies, Chance hs to leave the grounds, gets involved in a minor traffic accident and is taken in a DC power couple. They introduce him to their inner circle (including power brokers and the POTUS) and his quiet ways and answering questions using analogy of gardening and TV make everyone around him think He is a genius and there's talk of making him a VIP.

I liked the books better and BT suffers from a too long run time, but good performances by Peter Sellars (His last) and Melvyn Douglas (Oscar winner) help out and there is a charm to the whole loony affair. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Bloodbath, 1975. 7.5/10

Directed by Silvio Narizzano

https://img.rgstatic.com/content/movie/f1997fa9-3e2b-46a8-9727-827f628e7532/backdrop-1920.jpg


Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, 1973. 6/10

Directed by John Newland


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Maniac Cop, 1988. 8/10

Directed by William Lustig

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Alligator, 1980. 7/10

Directed by Lewis Teague

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[FryeDwight]

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)

[Tommy Jarvis]

Trilogy of Terror 1975 ★★★½

As its title suggests, Trilogy of terror presents three separate horror stories that each span roughly the length of sitcom episode.

I do however like the idea of how the makers cast Karen Black as a main character in each one of the stories and this for two reasons.

First of all, the makers at least try to make her look somewhat different in each story. If you have seen most of her films before, you will probably find it easier to recognize her. But as someone who not that familiar with her work just yet, it gave the desired effect.

It also gave her an opportunity to show off her verstaility as an actress. She does a solid job in the three parts, not making it feel as “oh here's so and so doing her schtick again”.

I will not go into the stories themselves, since I think it's best to go in unprepared. Suffice to say that we are dealing with three (relatively) slow burns. The first two end with a nice and well set up twist. The third one while ppredictable does offer some fun action and a cool final visual.

Maybe no Texas Chainsaw level classic, but definetily worth a watch. Check it out.

[Tommy Jarvis]

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)

Is that the one with Andre the giant?

[Tommy Jarvis]

Licence to Kill 1989 ★★★★

A local TV station is plowing through a number of James Bond-films. Good for me, because they later end up on their streaming platform.

I like this one. It has Bond as a venging angel after the mutilation of Felix Leiter. Dalton makes for a good gritty Bond (especially with the way Sanchez dies), though he does not have the dry wit of Connery. Come to think of it, imagine a combination of Dalton's determination and Moore's joke delivery. On second thought, let's not and say we did.

Robert Davi makes for a good Bond-villain with the right balance between charm and ruthlessness. The kind who, one moment, can be chitchatting with someone and the next, he can give the order to cut out their eyeballs while he looks on, not blinking once. Well complemented by a young Benicio Del Toro. This movie has two Bond-girls, but neither of them are memorable.

Fun fact: one of the DEA-agents played a boxer on Police Squad!, with the poem “roses are red, violets are blue... I'm gonna break your face”. (I love these moments “wait, he looks familiar... imdb... dot... com... oooh, riiigght!”)

I also like the action set pieces. Take for example the bit in the beginning where they catch Sanchez. Just the right balance between nonchalantness (everything is under control) and impressive (holy crap, he is just sitting down on the tail of flying plane, in mid flight.)

Maybe not top 5 Bond of all time, but always a fun watch when it comes on.

[FryeDwight]

Is that the one with Andre the giant?

Yes


COUNT DRACULA (1970). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

According to the review of CD on the great website 1000 MISSPENT HOURS (which I recommend) by "El Santo" (and what I've read), by the end of the 60's Christopher Lee was bitching constantly how Hammer wasn't doing Dracula right and no doubt, Hammer was sick of his complaining. Another company contacted Chris about how THIS film would be the "Definitive" version.

The only trouble was that Jess Franco, who could be wildly erratic even at his best, was scheduled to direct. And truth to tell, parts of the film are very close to the source novel, especially the early parts in Transylvani-great atmosphere and Lee very good. But then the effect is hampered by foolishness or taking liberties with the story. Van Helsing, in here, delegates more than He does anything else and a scene where He protects Mina from the Count involving fire is pretty weak, although it's a gem compared when the men invade Carfax Abbey and see all kinds of stuffed animals on the wall. What follows is absolutely ridiculous and makes You wish more of the film could be like the interesting opening. **

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Pin, 1988. 8/10

Director: Sandor Stern


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[Sculpt]

Connan the Barbarian
5/10

Some nice special effects here and there, but it was really tough to sit through over hours, so I skipped around.

[FryeDwight]

COTTON COMES TO HARLEM (1970). Decent action comedy about the search for a large sum of cash hidden in a bale of cotton that has sold to a Junk man (Redd Fox, probably prepping for SANFORD AND SON a couple of years later) and then bought back. Not bad with a truly funny ending. Good cast, but Redd all but steals every scene he's in. ***

[FryeDwight]

HALLOWEEN 3 :SEASON OF THE WITCH (1982). Michaels Myers is out and Celtic mythology is in....kind of a strange film and it might have done better without the HALLOWEEN franchise name. On it's own terms, it's not bad with some good performances, a creepy motive behind the plot and decent grue.

On the Plus side, Tom Atkins is pretty cool in here and even more so when I met him at HORRORFIND in June 2006 and had him sign a photo and pose with Me for one. I was very tempted to ask him what it was like to smooch lovely Stacy Nelkins::love::, but decided not to.

Biggest downer for H3:SOTW is the damn song that plays frequently::mad::***

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Hills Have Eyes 1977 ★★★★★

Wes Craven delivers an absolute masterpiece in horror.

From the start, he sets up the terror, with the gas stop guy actually being a competent version of Crazy Ralph from the original Friday. And they still don't listen. Ugh... people, am I right?

Between the eerie images and the gleeful cackling of the gang watching upon this typical family (you never used that kind of language before you moved to NYC... timeless.), it really immerses you in the impending doom and terror. It's coming and the only question remaining is when things will go south.

When they do, it's an absolute feast of carnage, traumatic experiences and humanity at its worst and most primal. Pluto fighting the dog, Mercury raping the daughter (in fact, just the whole camper invasion, my goodness), or the crushed hope when they reach what they hope is the army base,... I hope you took in some air before the start of the mayhem, because this movie won't let you catch any before the end.

I up my rating from last time. Straight up five star masterpiece.

[FryeDwight]

The Hills Have Eyes 1977 ★★★★★

Wes Craven delivers an absolute masterpiece in horror.

From the start, he sets up the terror, with the gas stop guy actually being a competent version of Crazy Ralph from the original Friday. And they still don't listen. Ugh... people, am I right?

Between the eerie images and the gleeful cackling of the gang watching upon this typical family (you never used that kind of language before you moved to NYC... timeless.), it really immerses you in the impending doom and terror. It's coming and the only question remaining is when things will go south.

When they do, it's an absolute feast of carnage, traumatic experiences and humanity at its worst and most primal. Pluto fighting the dog, Mercury raping the daughter (in fact, just the whole camper invasion, my goodness), or the crushed hope when they reach what they hope is the army base,... I hope you took in some air before the start of the mayhem, because this movie won't let you catch any before the end.

I up my rating from last time. Straight up five star masterpiece.

I saw this some time back; should give it a re-watch.

DON'T LOOK NOW (1973). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After the loss of their daughter, a grieving couple go to Venice (which looks crumbly and deserted) where He is helping with a church restoration. His wife (well played by lovely Julie Christie) meets a pair of women, one who has second sight and gives her some hope, but will it matter if the husband is kind of dick-ish.
This film looks absolutely fantastic (very much an art film) and a excellent score by Donnagio. However, I found DLN meanders and hard to understand at time (also the fact that Criterion never has subtitles certainly didn't help), but it has aged well and worth seeing.
The controversial "Sex scene" really goes by so quick that it may have been people thinking what they THOUGHT they saw that caused the fuss. Also, why Julie would actually "do it" with Donald Sutherland (who usually doesn't inspire kind feelings in anything) when dating Warren Beatty at the time doesn't mesh. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

I saw this some time back; should give it a re-watch.

DON'T LOOK NOW (1973). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After the loss of their daughter, a grieving couple go to Venice (which looks crumbly and deserted) where He is helping with a church restoration. His wife (well played by lovely Julie Christie) meets a pair of women, one who has second sight and gives her some hope, but will it matter if the husband is kind of dick-ish.
This film looks absolutely fantastic (very much an art film) and a excellent score by Donnagio. However, I found DLN meanders and hard to understand at time (also the fact that Criterion never has subtitles certainly didn't help), but it has aged well and worth seeing.
The controversial "Sex scene" really goes by so quick that it may have been people thinking what they THOUGHT they saw that caused the fuss. Also, why Julie would actually "do it" with Donald Sutherland (who usually doesn't inspire kind feelings in anything) when dating Warren Beatty at the time doesn't mesh. ***

Very much enjoyed this one. The horror of the trauma and how both characters experience it.

[Sculpt]

I saw this some time back; should give it a re-watch.

DON'T LOOK NOW (1973). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After the loss of their daughter, a grieving couple go to Venice (which looks crumbly and deserted) where He is helping with a church restoration. His wife (well played by lovely Julie Christie) meets a pair of women, one who has second sight and gives her some hope, but will it matter if the husband is kind of dick-ish.
This film looks absolutely fantastic (very much an art film) and a excellent score by Donnagio. However, I found DLN meanders and hard to understand at time (also the fact that Criterion never has subtitles certainly didn't help), but it has aged well and worth seeing.
The controversial "Sex scene" really goes by so quick that it may have been people thinking what they THOUGHT they saw that caused the fuss. Also, why Julie would actually "do it" with Donald Sutherland (who usually doesn't inspire kind feelings in anything) when dating Warren Beatty at the time doesn't mesh. ***
I've never seen this, mostly because I think I'm going to have to be in good mood to get through it. It's not easy to watch films that "meanders", especially if they are essentially maudlin, morose or even nihilistic. So, is this a horror film? ::big grin::

[FryeDwight]

CONRACK (1974). THE WATER IS WIDE by Pat Conroy has been a favorite book for almost 50 years. Conroy went to Yamacraw Island (when I went there, it was called Dafuskie) near Hilton Head SC to teach at an all Black school where all the children were seriously lacking in any educational skills. He eventually got through to them by an unorthodox method of teaching, all but ditching the syllabus and angering his principal and the Board of Education.

This tries very hard, but I find Jon Voight extremely bland and several events in the film did not happen in the book as well as the timeline out of sync. You truly learn to appreciate what Conroy tried do, but read the book instead. **

[Tommy Jarvis]

History of the World: Part I 1981 ★★★★★

- (pouring wine) Say when
- 8:30

If this type of silliness is not for you, then it's better to give this one a skip. For the rest of you, get rest to cackle your ass off at the rapid fire on Comicus, Ceasar's Palace,...

- (Checks pants) Jewish, ey?
- He was nervous!

Mel Brooks did not bother too much with things like political correctness, so some fragments will not go over well with the current generation. Though some of them will on the other hand get a kick out of the Bea Arthur cameo.

The Wicker Man 1973 ★★★★½

From the golden age of horror. Undeservedly underrated at times, but more and more recognised as the masterpiece that it is.

While at first, this seems like a classical police investigation, this devolves into a psychedelic nightmare-like scenario as Sergeant Howie becomes more and more baffled at the behaviour and the habits these people display. From the dirty songs over the bar fights to them being... let's just call it very sex positive. Not to mention the self evidentness with which they dicuss these topics.

Why of course. Why not? What else? What of it?

In my opinion, the horror is in the isolation. First from the rest of the island, then from the rest of the world as someone clearly tampered with his plain. Throughout the film, he becomes more and more frustrated and frightened, with the culmination being the May fest where the “giant” reveal takes place. The terror on Woodward's face as he realises that there is no way out. Or his desperate pleas for his Christian god. All to no avail. Not in the least because of the matter of fact-ish delivery by Christopher Lee. This genre icon perfectly cast as Lord Sommerisle.

Thanks to the people behind Midsommar for (inadvertently) bringing this gem back to attention. It deserves the attention and praise it gets now. And then some.

[FryeDwight]

History of the World: Part I 1981 ★★★★★

- (pouring wine) Say when
- 8:30

If this type of silliness is not for you, then it's better to give this one a skip. For the rest of you, get rest to cackle your ass off at the rapid fire on Comicus, Ceasar's Palace,...

- (Checks pants) Jewish, ey?
- He was nervous!

Mel Brooks did not bother too much with things like political correctness, so some fragments will not go over well with the current generation. Though some of them will on the other hand get a kick out of the Bea Arthur cameo.

The Wicker Man 1973 ★★★★½

From the golden age of horror. Undeservedly underrated at times, but more and more recognised as the masterpiece that it is.

While at first, this seems like a classical police investigation, this devolves into a psychedelic nightmare-like scenario as Sergeant Howie becomes more and more baffled at the behaviour and the habits these people display. From the dirty songs over the bar fights to them being... let's just call it very sex positive. Not to mention the self evidentness with which they dicuss these topics.

Why of course. Why not? What else? What of it?

In my opinion, the horror is in the isolation. First from the rest of the island, then from the rest of the world as someone clearly tampered with his plain. Throughout the film, he becomes more and more frustrated and frightened, with the culmination being the May fest where the “giant” reveal takes place. The terror on Woodward's face as he realises that there is no way out. Or his desperate pleas for his Christian god. All to no avail. Not in the least because of the matter of fact-ish delivery by Christopher Lee. This genre icon perfectly cast as Lord Sommerisle.

Thanks to the people behind Midsommar for (inadvertently) bringing this gem back to attention. It deserves the attention and praise it gets now. And then some.

I find Mel Brooks kind of an acquired taste, but give him credit for a long career though.

Re, THE WICKER MAN-absolutely correct on all counts. It really is a slow burn and it is extremely frightening at the climax when Howie realizes what's in store for Him. Also, Ingrid Pitt::love::::love:: and Britt Eklund::love::

EYE OF THE NEEDLE (1981). Decent WW2 espionage film involving a German Spy (Donald Sutherland; better than usual) who ends up stranded on an island and getting involved with the wife (Lovely and vulnerable Kate Nelligan) of an embittered and hateful husband, injured in an accident. A true connection, but will it survive War time realities? ***

[FryeDwight]

ALONE IN THE DARK (1982). This doesn't hit all the high notes, but has a lot of great moments that will keep You watching. An asylum run by Donald Pleasance (a decent turn by DP, although some of his methods are a little out there) suffers a power failure enabling three psychotics to escape and target a new psychiatrist they feel murdered a past therapist. Two of the escapees are future Oscar winners, Jack Palance (kind of deadpan, but he has some great moments towards the end) and a scenery chewing performance by Martin Landau; he's awesome!
One of New Lines first movies, there is a touch of serendipity involving a disguise worn by one of the escapees that will remind You of a franchise from another studio, although said franchise ended up on New Line. I'm surprised Paramount didn't squawk over that. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Garfield’s Thanksgiving 1989 ★★★★

Only a good 20+ minutes, but very enjoyable for what it was. A bit of innocent, wholesome family friendly fun with my favorite fat cat. I have always had a place in my heart for Garfield, so seeing the specials pop up on Letterboxd gave me enough of an incentive to start (re)watching them.

The story is pretty much what you expect. A lot of the typical jokes about food, diet and dating that the comics give you. I like the comics, so I quite enjoyed this special. The only new thing that I can add is that you can now watch it for free on the joetoebz. Enjoy!

Halloween 1978 ★★★★★

Annie: Now, you are seeing men behind bushes.

So Laurie was chased by Moe Szyslak. Who knew?

Halloween... it's totally a five star classic.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Stage Fright 1987 ★★★½

What struck me on this rewatch?

As much as it is classified as a giallo, this movie does tread its fair share of slasher territory. Even if just for the lack of mystery surrounding the killer. It's clear fairly early on who it is.

Nonetheless it's a pretty entertaning Italian slasher. Michael Soavi delivers a solid plot with a good flow of action and some pretty good kills. Not to mention a nice looking killer with the owl mask, a good mask and some good tense moments like the one with the key.

The characters are written well enough to keep you invested, the acting is okay and the dubbing is not that bad either. The movie does not overstay its welcome and the ending is well delivered and executed.

Nice little addition to your slasher collection.

[FryeDwight]

MISCHEIF (1985). While this follows the basic tenet of "Teen Movies" (AKA getting Nookie), it actually has more heart than most of them. Granted, all the characters do dumb things here and there, but no real malice and I enjoyed the Friendship angle between the two guys, although initially, there isn't much in common. While it's most known for Kelly Preston's nude scene (very spicy, I must say::love::), her performance is pretty good, as is the ones by Catherine Mary Stewart and Jami Gertz. ***

[FryeDwight]

ANGEL (1984). Grimy story focusing on a High school Honors student who is a Street walker to afford the tuition to her upperclass school. Along with the unpleasant people She encounters (and thankfully, We don't see much of that), there is also a deranged killer stalking her and her friends.

Donna Wilkes is pretty good as the title character and does look very much like a young teen, although she was in her 20's when this was made. Some good support by Dick Shawn and Rory Calhoun.

And when the killer is in the porno theater, it is an actual XXX playing called SWEET ALICE that came out shortly before this. **1/2

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Burnt Offerings, 1976. 8/10

Director: Dan Curtis

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