Last Seen 70s/80s Movie

[FryeDwight]

SLAUGHTERS BIG RIP OFF (1973). Jim Brown is back as the title character trying to seek a more tranquil life after avenging his parents deaths. But a new gangster on the block (said new gangster is also a pimp and played in wild outfits by Ed MacMahon::shocked::::big grin::!!) is miffed at Slaughter's actions from the 1972 film and decides to get back at him, with a vicious hit man, played with gusto by Don Stroud.

Standard blaxploitation, not bad, but not as wild as the original film. Gloria Hendry (LIVE AND LET DIE) is OK as the girlfriend, but really not much to do. **1/2

[FryeDwight]

THE HORROR SHOW (1989). Lance Henriksen is the only saving grace of this horrid film playing a policeman who brings a killer to justice (a very hammy Brion James) . The killer's spirit comes back and begins hassling him and his family. It's also known as HOUSE 3, but more along the lines of a NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET sequel. No chills, no thrills and should be avoided at all costs. 1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Fright Night Part 2 1988 ★½

Forgettable sequel that pretty quickly lost the steam it started with.

The only fun parts were seeing Roddy McDowall and the Alien Bounty Hunter as the main villain.

[Sculpt]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
10/10

After hearing Republican presidential candidate Viveck Ramaswamy talk about bringing mental institutions back to the US, I decided to re-watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. Along with putting the term Nurse Ratched into the American lexicon, it's said to have been very influential in getting mental institutions closed. Many critics in the US and Europe pointed out one of the troubling issues is how people act in these power dynamics. The film definitely highlights this.

The film stars Jack Nicholson as a multi-convicted criminal who may be faking insanity in order to be placed in a mental institution that he feels is a better option than the prison labor camp.

The dialogue is very rich with the characters' real-life issues. And the insight into the wide range of mental disorders makes one wonder if the writer was in an institution. Indeed, Kesey worked part-time as an attendant in a mental ward. Certainly, the research feels extensive. The visceral direction and expert acting make one feel they are really in an institution.

It's not a pleasant experience. And one shouldn't want it any other way. The Nicholson character is certainly an anti-hero; and cast of characters leads one to determine everyone has psychosis on display. The film is not without hope, which does emerge throughout the film.

[Tommy Jarvis]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
10/10

After hearing Republican presidential candidate Viveck Ramaswamy talk about bringing mental institutions back to the US, I decided to re-watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. Along with putting the term Nurse Ratched into the American lexicon, it's said to have been very influential in getting mental institutions closed. Many critics in the US and Europe pointed out one of the troubling issues is how people act in these power dynamics. The film definitely highlights this.

The film stars Jack Nicholson as a multi-convicted criminal who may be faking insanity in order to be placed in a mental institution that he feels is a better option than the prison labor camp.

The dialogue is very rich with the characters real life issues. And the insight into the wide range of mental issues makes one wonder if the writer was in an institution. Certainly, the research feels extensive. The visceral direction and expert acting make one feel they are really in an institution.

It's not a pleasant experience. And one shouldn't want it any other way. The Nicholson character is certainly an anti-hero; and cast of characters leads one to determine everyone has psychosis on display. The film is not without hope, which does emerge throughout the film.

How did you like Dourif in this one?

[FryeDwight]

STATELINE MOTEL (1975)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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Also known as LAST CHANCE, which is the name of the motel the story takes place in. Just after being released from a Canadian prison, Fabio Testi hooks up with his old partner (Eli Wallach, who is pretty good) to rob a jewelry store, which doesn't end in the best way. They decide to split up (Fabio has the jewels) and meet in Vermont the next day. Fabio has an accident and while his car is being repaired, He holes up in the Last Chance, where the older manager has a lovely yet unfulfilled wife (You can probably see where this going::wink::),...

Heavy on THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE motif and standard caper movies, SM actually kept Me interested enough for the end and better than I thought it would be. It also can boast of having two Bond girls in the same film; Barbara Bach (THE SPY WHO LOVED ME) and Ursula Andress (DR NO). While BB is not at all shabby, Ursula probably was her most beautiful during this time and her brief nudity is another reason to watch. ***

[Sculpt]

How did you like Dourif in this one?

I thought Dourif was absolutely brilliant. In his important scenes he's conveying so much with just his subtle facial expressions. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Oscar).

I'd say the same for Louise Fletcher, who won Best Actress. Nicholson won Best Actor.

[FryeDwight]

ZAPPED! (1982). A High School student has an accident in the lab and the chemicals involved give him the power of telekinesis, which He uses to his advantage. His best friend (a TOTAL tool) persuades him (often) to use the powers for said friend's benefit.

I probably would have loved this as a teenager, but found it stupid most of the time, not really funny and almost a rebooting of CARRIE, particularly towards the finale, although there are no deaths and not much injury. Also a nod to THE EXORCIST and a rather odd STAR TREK interlude.

I did find it interesting that the majority of the cast all had fame from television shows...Scott Baio (HAPPY DAYS, CHARLES IN CHARGE), Willie Ames (EIGHT IS ENOUGH; his relationship with Scott here could be considered almost "funny"), Felice Schachter (THE FACTS OF LIFE; she is very appealing here), Heather Thomas (THE FALL GUY; be prepared for disappointment), Robert Mandan (SOAP), LaWanda Page (SANFORD AND SON) and one of my favorites Scatman

Crothers (CHICO AND THE MAN... I got most of the laughs from him and his natural delivery). **

[FryeDwight]

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (1978). Although there is a lot of Hollywood embellishment, this is a solid representation of the amazingly talented musician who could do it all-what a future He may have had, if not for choosing alternate transport so He could do some laundry.
Gary Busey is terrific as Buddy and he gets solid support from Don Stroud (Drummer), Charles Martin Smith (Bass) and Maria Richwine who is quite good as Mrs Holly.
Well worth seeing and I find it credible that the three "musicians" actually learned to play the songs, so You are seeing the real thing during the numbers, instead of lip-synching. ****

[TaeKwonZombie]

Slime City (1988) i love the special effects in this one, the squirting "slime", the blood, and dismemberment, and the stomach that eats with its own set of teeth, fun lil flick.

[FryeDwight]

PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW (1971).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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Very strange film that is part black comedy, part serial killer film and a teen sex comedy about a decade before they were churned out with some regularity. There are murders happening at the local high school and also more sordid things going on.

They truly don't make them like this anymore-in fact, I can imagine the howls of protest if this came out today. Our main character (Ponce), the water boy for the Football team, is still a virgin and visibly tormented by all the displays of flesh at the school. Director Roger Vadim shows lots of leg, short shorts, mini dresses, cleavage, the works. He talks to the Football Coach/Guidance Counselor about his "problem" (ie, priapism) who sets out to help him. The coach is played by Rock Hudson (::shocked::) who is married to beautiful Barbara Leigh (JUNIOR BONNER, TERMINAL ISLAND, VAMPIRELLA), but still finds time to have sex with just about every young starlet that was making the rounds during this time. Rock enlists the aid of a Substitute teacher (Angie Dickinson, who is lovely here) to "help" Ponce; He all but coerces and pimps her out to do so.

To add to the wackiness is Roddy McDowell and Keenan Wynn as befuddled authority figures. And You could almost call this a STAR TREK reunion as PMAIAR was written and produced by Gene Rodenberry and has James Doonan ("Scotty") and William Campbell (in a couple of ST episodes and also DEMENTIA 13). Also, three of the performers here went on to successful Crime TV series. Rock was in McMILLAN AND WIFE, Angie in POLICE WOMAN and Telly Savalas in KOJAK; in fact, He might as well be KOJACK here; except he has cigarettes in place of lollipops. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Live and Let Die 1973 ★★★

James Bond is on the trail of some murderers and then ends up having to fight a young Yaphet Kotto.

The movie itself is less memorable for the story (pretty much your standard Bond song and dance routine) and more for everything surrounding it: the Paul McCartney theme song, the introduction of people like Yaphet Kotto and Jane Seymour,...

That said, it does have solid action set pieces. Special mention for the bit where Bond runs over the backs of a group of alligators is a tense sequence.

Moore delivers a solid performance as Bond. The dry wit and cheekiness he adds to Connery's more brutish take comes to light here. Jane Seymour is a good casting coice as the lady with the gift/damsel in distress. And last but not least the “inflated opinion” line. Still cracks me up.

Three stars. Solid popcorn muncher.

[FryeDwight]

Some old favorites.....


THE SHINING
DAWN OF THE DEAD
SAVAGE STREETS
FRIDAY, THE 13th

[Peter A]

I seen a bit of The House of Exorcism with that guy from Kojak. Originally, this movie was a haunted house flick. The exorcist scenes were added in to copy, well, I reckon you know what.

[TaeKwonZombie]

Cujo, I watch this every once in a while.

[FryeDwight]

THE CENTERFOLD GIRLS (1974)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

While BLACK CHRISTMAS of the same year gets a lot of credit for setting up the ground rules for films like HALLOWEEN, TCG gets a good jump ahead for the templates of the slasher movie boom after the heady success of FRIDAY, THE 13th. A dweeby uptight Andrew Prine is trying to "help" women who have posed in a PLAYBOY like magazine, by stalking, harassing and finally dispatching them brutally.
What made TCG more off beat to Me, is that it's told almost in anthology style ("The First Story"...) focusing on one Month's girl. Jamie Lyn Bauer (lovely and long runs on Soap operas in the 80's) is not only plagued with said psycho, but also picking up the wrong person and dealing with less than desirable house guests. Any help She might get is from a loathsome couple who would be more of a hindrance (Aldo Ray and Paula Shaw who showed as Mrs Voorhees in FREDDY VS JASON) and seriously a downbeat conclusion.
The second story follows the general tenet of slasher films, with hateful people (Francine York lobs out nasty zingers., particularly at Ray Danton, who she did not get along with), lots of nudity and splitting up even with knowing a killer is on the loose.
The final story has Tiffany Bolling (KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS) being a lot more plucky than the killer thought, although she goes through hell; not only with him, but also two sailors in an extremely distasteful part. Eventually>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>More SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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our "final Girl" and the killer go at it . Tiffany's acting was impressive as she showed very well the mounting terror one could experience in a situation, and the look and cries of pure rage as she turns the tables. From what I've read, Tiff was not happy the way her career was going and used that unhappiness for an impressive wrap up. ***

[FryeDwight]

COMING TO AMERICA (1988). Eddie Murphy comedy where He is an African Prince, tired of being pampered and not wanting to submit to an arranged marriage (although said wife to be is a total fox::love::::cool::!); He decides to go to America with an aide (Aresenio Hall), pose as impoverished students and find a girl who loves him for himself.

There are quite a lot of funny moments here (I found most of my laughs came from Eddie's grin), but scenes that drag on and on, so much noise and a lot of objectionable people. It has the earmarks of a John Landis film after THE BLUES BROTHERS, so not surprised to see his name in the credits. **

[Tommy Jarvis]

COMING TO AMERICA (1988). Eddie Murphy comedy where He is an African Prince, tired of being pampered and not wanting to submit to an arranged marriage (although said wife to be is a total fox::love::::cool::!); He decides to go to America with an aide (Aresenio Hall), pose as impoverished students and find a girl who loves him for himself.

There are quite a lot of funny moments here (I found most of my laughs came from Eddie's grin), but scenes that drag on and on, so much noise and a lot of objectionable people. It has the earmarks of a John Landis film after THE BLUES BROTHERS, so not surprised to see his name in the credits. **

Good morning my neighbours! ::big grin::

[FryeDwight]

Good morning my neighbours! ::big grin::

That part WAS funny::big grin::::smile::!


THE STEPFATHER (1987).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I haven't watched this in sometime and I still feel it holds up quite well, with Terry O'quinn very good as the psycho who wants to have the "Ideal" family ALA LEAVE IT TO BEAVER or FATHER KNOWS BEST. Sadly, life doesn't work quite like that, so after being "disappointed", He "takes care of the problem" (quite a creepy scene in the beginning) and moves on to try again.
He is very cheerful (I always thought Terry has an ingratiating smile), but scary when pushed particularly a scene involving "...this house is for families! You know, Home Sweet Home and all THAT crap!"

Shelly Hack (CHARLIE'S ANGELS) is OK as the new wife who suspects nada
and Jill Schoelen is pretty good as the rebellious stepdaughter who is trying to accept the situation, but has issues and can see things aren't quite as they appear to be. I do find the character played by Stephen Shellen is quite annoying running around, although You would expect him to be the one who wraps things up.

While it's a welcome sight, I feel the nude scene involving Jill in the shower is not necessary although Jill was in her 20's at the time, but her character is supposed to be a teenager, so it's kind of off putting. Just a close up of her washing her hair would have gotten the point across, but maybe because Terry has a nude scene in the shower also, the filmmakers decided it was OK. ***1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Savage Weekend 1979 ★★½

Savage Weekend is a bit of a mean spirited slasher about a group of friends going out on a weekend and getting hacked up. Not very imaginative or engaging.

At least the killer has a nice mask and we get a few good kils. Also, extra half star for a young Christopher Allport (Jack Frost and one of Scully's exes) and William Sanderson who would also be on the X-Files, ironically playing somebody who's afraid of blood.

Death Screams 1982 ★★★

Death Screams is a fun little eighties slasher. It starts of promising with a good kill on the standard couple on Lovers lane. How anybody can be comfortable doing that on a motorbike is beyond me, but okay.

It then does the standard character introduction and only treats the viewer to a sparse few kills here and ther, just enough to keep us going. Noteworthy here is how the few kills, like the one with the arrow and the plastic bag, are executed well enough to make up for that sparseness. Also, we get a believable group of friends (though I'm not exactly sure what Kasey is supposed to be), which is not always common in a slasher, and some comic relief, like the kissing booth at the fair.

It's only at the end that the makers go all out with decaptations and dismemberments galore. And revealing the identity of the killer, even though it's not as much of an “ehmagerd” moment as perhaps hoped for.

Three stars. Fun little addition for your slasher collection.

I Eat Your Skin 1971 ★½

Wooden acting, swimming goggle zombies, lame story,... One Ed Wood will do, thank you very much.

[FryeDwight]

Savage Weekend 1979 ★★½

Savage Weekend is a bit of a mean spirited slasher about a group of friends going out on a weekend and getting hacked up. Not very imaginative or engaging.

At least the killer has a nice mask and we get a few good kils. Also, extra half star for a young Christopher Allport (Jack Frost and one of Scully's exes) and William Sanderson who would also be on the X-Files, ironically playing somebody who's afraid of blood.

Death Screams 1982 ★★★

Death Screams is a fun little eighties slasher. It starts of promising with a good kill on the standard couple on Lovers lane. How anybody can be comfortable doing that on a motorbike is beyond me, but okay.

It then does the standard character introduction and only treats the viewer to a sparse few kills here and ther, just enough to keep us going. Noteworthy here is how the few kills, like the one with the arrow and the plastic bag, are executed well enough to make up for that sparseness. Also, we get a believable group of friends (though I'm not exactly sure what Kasey is supposed to be), which is not always common in a slasher, and some comic relief, like the kissing booth at the fair.

It's only at the end that the makers go all out with decaptations and dismemberments galore. And revealing the identity of the killer, even though it's not as much of an “ehmagerd” moment as perhaps hoped for.

Three stars. Fun little addition for your slasher collection.

I Eat Your Skin 1971 ★½

Wooden acting, swimming goggle zombies, lame story,... One Ed Wood will do, thank you very much.

SAVAGE WEEKEND was a good little flick, with some very strange moments.
DEATH SCREAMS was OK, nothing more.
I believe I EAT YOUR SKIN came out in the 60's and got it's name being paired with the wild I DRINK YOUR BLOOD (1971). Your rating of IEYS is dead on...it was particularly wretched.

NORMAN...IS THAT YOU? (1976).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Taking a break from SANFORD AND SON, Redd Foxx plays a curmudgeon

(really, did He play anything else but), who after his wife/business partner runs
off with her Brother-In-Law decides to make a surprise visit to his son and finds out, to his horror, that said handsome son is gay! The rest of the film involves Redd trying to "cure" his son and even the runaway wife (Pearl Bailey) shows up to help. NITY may have worked better as a sitcom episode and there's a lot of slow scenes that really don't do much. Also, Dennis Dugan (He was an actor in MASH,SHADOW CHASERS and also film director) is SO flaming that He's a caricature from the beginning...think of a more over the top Paul Lynde. There is some interesting cast members here like Jayne Meadows, Wayland Flowers (along with his puppet Madame), Sergio Aragones (MAD magazine artist), Tamara Dobson (CLEOPATRA JONES, CHAINED HEAT) and Michael Warren (HILL STREET BLUES and current Father-In-Law to Jessica Alba). Like many 70's comedies, it's got moments, but has not aged well. **

[Tommy Jarvis]

48 Hrs. 1982 ★★★½

For some reason, my mind/memories took the presence of Eddie Muprhy to lump this one in with later comedies like Beverly Hills Cop, Midnight Run and similar eighties comedies. To my surprise, it was a lot more of a gritty action cop film.

An enjoyable action film, don't get me wrong. Nick Nolte does a good job as the gruff and while Eddie Murphy does get his comedy chops in, going from SNL to this does indeed look like expanding… more

Phantasm 1979 ★★★★★

A five star masterpiece from the golden age of horror.

Lots of atmosphere, amazing visuals, great kills – especially the one with what I can only describe as a precursor to what we now call drones – and some pretty damn scary moments. Like the one Bravo made infamous for me, the old man hovering over the bed.

Throughout all of this, the whole story is shrouded in just enough mistery to keep me fully invested in the story. Laying the grounds for a certified rewatch down the line.

Highly recommended.

Blood Beach 1980 ★★½

Be honest, this is a goofy idea (sand eating people, really?) that somehow has some sort of appeal. And in all honesty, it works a (little) bit better than it should based on the premise.

They play it fairly straight, even though Saxon's line about “just when you thought...” (in retrospect) might have a bit of self awareness to it.

Are there things to like about this one? John Saxon is in it, so that's always good. I kind of liked the Bonny Bedelia-lookalike as the lead and what's his face, Paulie from Rocky... he does a good job at playing the annoying a-hole.

Due to the nature of the monster, the kills are mostly offscreen, but the dog getting his head bit off was a nice touch and the rapist getting his dick bit off was kind of sadistically funny.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Play Dead 1983 ★★½

A silly eighties slasher with a goofy premise, and a... gooood boy.

While the kills and the idea of the possessed rottie were silly and stupid, I did appreciate the Child's Play-like creativity that they displayed. After all, having Greta bite them would just blow the cover.

Second star for the Child's Play qualities. Also half star for how the ungrateful master/animal abuser gets her cumuppance.

To be enjoyed with snacks and a spliff.

Beetlejuice 1988 ★★★★★

Burton at his best with this outrageous mix of morbid and twisted humor. Supported by an amazing score by Danny Elfman, not to mention that stellar cast. Though for some reason I thought it was a different Baldwin playing Adam.

Five stars across the board. Day-oh!

[FryeDwight]

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983). Absolutely delightful film about a little boy wanting that "Special Gift" for Xmas and doing his best to convince his parents, teacher and even a Department Store Santa Claus (Little kids might find this part off putting) that it wouldn't be the danger they think it is, despite all of them have the same warning. Add in other travails, such as a low grade, trying to avoid the neighborhood bullies, somewhat false advertising,dares from friends ("I triple dog dare You!") and a truly eccentric family.

Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin are terrific as the parents..I found Darren's constant stream of babble (supposed to be swearing) quite funny as well as his impotent rage about destruction of a prize... " I always thought it was more blather when He yells "Not A Finger!"...

Amazingly, as iconic as ACS is these days, it didn't do good box office at all when released despite decent reviews. Thankfully, like other films, it got a new lease on life with cable and video.

If You haven't seen this, I envy You the pleasure of a first watch. *****

[TaeKwonZombie]

Scarecrows (1988)

Crazy militants vs scarecrows...reminded me of Day of the Dead in a low budget type of way where we see annoying soldiers getting ripped apart by creatures which somehow turn out to be the true heroes.

[TaeKwonZombie]

Return of The Living Dead part 2 (1988)

not as good as the original, but I didnt expect it to be.

[TaeKwonZombie]

Christmas Evil (1980) this movie cracked me up, figured I'd finally watch this seeing as how its that time of the year.

[Tommy Jarvis]

New Year’s Evil 1980 ★★ Watched 11 Dec 2023

A slasher from the last year of the seventies with a big bang of eighties cheese to it. Though the idea of murders exactly one hour from each other on NYE is not all that bad. You can ask (more than) a few questions on the logistics of it all – like: would it not be better to kidnap people before december 31 and hold them hostage John Kramer-style instead of looking for randos on the street on the night? – but it's not that bad.

The killer has a hilarious voice changer – he's got nothing on Ghostface – and the performing bands look amazing: a bit of punk, a bit of vogue, a bit of Bowie, a bit of Billy Idol,... It's a sight to behold.

The reveal of the killer raises more questions than it answers and the final twist veers into silliness again. So that's what they were unsubtly hinting throughout the film when they went back to the son. Sequel bait or just one more kill?

Add some mostly offscreen kills and you're done. Kind of disappointing for a slasher when the kills are a (bit of a) let down.

For those who like their slashers a bit more cheesy.

Twins 1988 ★★★★½

I don't care if it's a cliché... they don't make em like that anymore.

The type of sleaze that De Vito portrays, Arnold expanding on his acting chops (even with the oneliners),...

Sure, it's predictable as hell, but the heartfelt moments (like when Vincent teaches Julius how to dance) are genuinely touching, the mirror image mannerisms are adorable and the Schwarzenegger-De Vito works better than it should.

It's as eighties as a feelgood movie can get.

Cannibal Holocaust 1980 ★★★★½

Is this entertaining/enjoyable? Well... certainly not in the doey-eyed, that's beautiful kind of way you would watch the end of, say, ET. That said, it keeps your attention and you are immersed in the story, even as you watch in total horror.

This cult classic deservedly counts as one of the all time genre greats as it shows just how far the horror/exploitation genre can go. Not to mention that the controversy and subsequent trial surrounding its release makes for the stuff of horror legends. Or that it inspired the career of Eli Roth and now counts as a precursor to what later became the found footage subgenre. After all, the professor literally finds the footage shot by the filmmakers.

Over 40 years after its release, the graphic depiction of the violence is still some of the most extreme stuff I have seen as a fan. This can easily go together with The Human Centipede and other “likeminded” pictures. Wether it's the gang rape, or the turtle or the scene where they murder the children,... from a certain point onwards, the documentarymakers turn into a group of monsters capable of the most horrid things. And all of his with... what provocation? From what I remember, none whatsoever. Perhaps the height of an era where excessive violence and cruelty were denounced by exactly pushing the enveloppe. This and the cheesy score were at least two things Cannibal holocaust has in common with Last house on the left.

Also, cheers to Eli Roth for casting Ruggero Deodato in Hostel 2.

Watch it once, and then watch four movies about cute puppies to recover.

[TaeKwonZombie]

gave Black Christmas (1974) a rewatch, always scary edge of your seat fun.

[Tommy Jarvis]

gave Black Christmas (1974) a rewatch, always scary edge of your seat fun.

Same here, it was amazing.

[TaeKwonZombie]

Same here, it was amazing.

Yeah I agree, one of my favorites, and best.

next up I saw The Jitters (1989) with the infamous hopping Japanese vampires, what can I say a fun little comedy horror. Bad acting, and silly story, but I liked the hopping vampires.

[FryeDwight]

ROLLER BOOGIE (1979). Adorable Linda Blair, a flautist planning to attend Juilliard decides winning a roller skating contest is more important . She meets Bobby (professional skater Jim Bray in his first and last role) and despite their social differences, future plans and the threat of the local skating rink being torn down by mobsters (Mark Goddard from LOST IN SPACE plays the leader), they practice and naturally fall for one another.

A guilty pleasure of the first degree and not a good movie by any means, but if You go into it with that attitude RB really isn't all that bad, almost like a Frankie/Annette beach movie. Better than expected photography (Dean Cundey) and a cool cast including Beverly Garland (IT CONQUERED HE WORLD, PRETTY POISON), Roger Perry (COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE, THE THING WITH TWO HEADS) and lovely Kimberly Beck (MASSACRE AT CENTRAL HIGH and FRIDAY ,the 13th PART 4).

Also, You'll just have to love the car Linda drives (Excalibur SSK) and how she
always finds a close parking spot despite big crowds. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Die Hard 1988 ★★★★★

Let's get this out of the way first: yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Of course. What else would it be?

It's also one of the last in a legendary series of action blockbusters. When John McClane was the believable everyman blue collar hero before he turned into an Expandables-ish caraicature of himself. When action movies focused on followable entertainment, before The Matrix introduced the era of cookie cutter CGI where your brain automatically tunes out after five minutes.

Filled from start to finish with witty and funny dialogue. From the pizza-line to welcome to welcome the party. And of course the infamous yippikayay-line. Uttered by Bruce Willis as a joke, thinking it would never make it to the final cut. It ended up being the signature phrase of the franchise and milked to death in the sequels. How about that?

And last but not least: the villain. The late great Alan Rickman delivers his first career making performance as the suave and ruthless gentleman robber Hans Gruber. Filling every moment on screen with equal parts charisma and menace. – Hans! Boopee! – *Bang*

Did I mention five star classic?

A Garfield Christmas Special 1987 ★★★★

What better day to watch this one.

It's a lot of fun when you know what to expect. Cheesy? Sometimes, sure. But it's the type of wholesome family that perfectly goes with the occasion.

Black Christmas 1974 ★★★★★

What better way to start than the ultimate Christmas horror. With one of the strongest feats being contrasts between the intense and the innocent. Providing some much needed relief in the process.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Cujo 1983 ★★★★

A King-adaptation to kick off the New Year. Sounds like a plan.

The combination of the main character and the slow burn is a good idea. You really get the time to let it sink in. This Saint Bernard, this sweet old slobberpuss. Under the normal run of things, he would not hurt a fly. But then he turns into this vicious killer, all because of a scenario that's very plausible at the setting of book and film. Horror in its purest form.

That said, it is a slow burn, which is no good news for the more impatient among us. So we got an infidelity subplot that's not really essential to the central storyline. But it is well told and keeps you invested. And it's a bit uncanny as well how pairings with Dee Wallace and Christopher Stone at the time always had a bit of irony to them.

When it does get going, the movie wastes no time in getting scary with the killing of Ed Lauter (aka Colonel Belt) and the type of guy you have seen before but cannot put you finger on … (fuck it, IMDB here we come... Oh, he played a racist on an episode of MASH). And holy shit, it's Deep Throat.

I also enjoyed how the emphasis is not set on the beats, but on the constant threat. Every time they stick their head out of the car, the dog can pounce and pose an ovwerwhelming threat. Which is even more amazing considering the simple trickery they used to set up this shot. Not to mention the terror at the end when the child appears to have from dehydration. I was on the edge of my seat. Who does terrorized better than Dee Wallace?

Well recommended.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1989 ★★★★★

What should have been a worthy ending to a very entertaining trilogy.

The chemistry and banter between Ford and Connery are exhilirating and at the same time irresistible. So good I almost forgot to mention to the excellent comic relief provided by Salah and Marcus. Lost in hos own museum, huh?

Connery: I'm only as human as the next man.
Ford: I WAS the next man.

Connery: I didn't know you could fly a plane.
Ford: Fly, yes. Land, no

What keeps the movie interesting are all the little tidbits you find on rewatches. Like how the conselor Friday the 13th: a new beginning ends up bestowing the infamous fedora on our hero. And blimey, is that Alexi Sayle?

Must see, obviously.

Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981 ★★★★½

An amazing introduction to one of the all time greats when it comes to epic heroes. One of the standards for action comedy blockbuster entertainment.

Equal doses of thrills, laughes and occsional scares - I consider the melting Nazi's as my first horror moment - with Harrison Ford on top of his game. Surrounded by a well rounded out cast with great roles by Karen Allen as Marion. Or why not mention Ronald Lacey? Sure, you can say that this portrayal of Gestapo-officers is clichéd by now, but Lacey succeeds in the main thing: making Toth look scary.

Perfect for a night of wholesome entertainment.

[FryeDwight]

Die Hard 1988 ★★★★★

Let's get this out of the way first: yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Of course. What else would it be?

It's also one of the last in a legendary series of action blockbusters. When John McClane was the believable everyman blue collar hero before he turned into an Expandables-ish caraicature of himself. When action movies focused on followable entertainment, before The Matrix introduced the era of cookie cutter CGI where your brain automatically tunes out after five minutes.

Filled from start to finish with witty and funny dialogue. From the pizza-line to welcome to welcome the party. And of course the infamous yippikayay-line. Uttered by Bruce Willis as a joke, thinking it would never make it to the final cut. It ended up being the signature phrase of the franchise and milked to death in the sequels. How about that?

And last but not least: the villain. The late great Alan Rickman delivers his first career making performance as the suave and ruthless gentleman robber Hans Gruber. Filling every moment on screen with equal parts charisma and menace. – Hans! Boopee! – *Bang*

Did I mention five star classic?

We watched this on Christmas Day and You are right...***** all the way, one of the best. I would like to have seen John give Hans a sucker punch to make him let go of Holly, but that's a minor quibble.

TRESPASS (1992). Two Arkansas firefighters are given a homemade map showing the location of gold in East St Louis and decide to get a hold of, not knowing they will end up in a definitely "wrong Place, Wrong Time" scenario; indeed his could almost be a "gangsta" version of THREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE. Some good performances (mostly by the late and still missed Bill Paxton) but a little too long . ***

[TaeKwonZombie]

The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)

The 4th Moreau movie for me, I must say I am starting to see the patterns and what is being added to the movies from the original story. H.G. Wells was a great writer, and this must be one of my favorite stories of his.

[FryeDwight]

JEREMY (1973)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

When I was a pre-teen, my Mother and her friends all raved about LOVE STORY and how sad it was. I saw it in the Spring of '74 and thought it was OK, but couldn't really identify with Ryan O'Neil/Ali Magraw and found them more annoying than anything else.

JEREMY is a love story, but is set in a high school and appealed more to Me as the characters were sort of in my age range. Robbie Benson is good as the painfully shy awkward sophomore who meets and falls in love with the new student (Glynnis O'Connor is quite captivating-in fact, She and Robbie became a couple during filming). Things are going good, but , of course, a major SNAFU comes in.....

While I still like this, it's filmed almost as a documentary and many of Jeremy's intimates are truly no help during a time when He could really use it (I got the Paperback of this shortly after seeing the film and not as bad). Also, the bad news is revealed to Us before Jeremy and it's not as powerful as it is in the book. And, it seems everything is wrapped up way too fast ; maybe this was meant to make You feel more empathy for Jeremy, of how his life is being changed drastically and He unable to do anything. A almost haunting last shot.

So, hasn't;t really aged well, but for those who remember first loves, it's worth seeing. **1/2

[FryeDwight]

HOUSE OF SEVEN CORPSES (1973). The big draw here is seeing old vets Faith Domergue (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, THIS ISLAND EARTH and still looking good), John Carradine and John Ireland. Unfortunately, You have to plow almost through an hour of a "Film Within A Film" with a group of annoying types before problems from beyond the grave show up and cause havoc. Very much like CHILDREN SHOULDN"T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, but not as satisfying a finish. **

[Sculpt]

The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)

The 4th Moreau movie for me, I must say I am starting to see the patterns and what is being added to the movies from the original story. H.G. Wells was a great writer, and this must be one of my favorite stories of his.

Congrats on completing the quadfecta! Was The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)
worthwhile? So, how would you rank them?

[FryeDwight]

COFFY (1973). Pam Grier deservedly became a star with this exploitation classic. She plays "Nurse Coffin" whose younger sister has had devastating life ruining experiences with drugs, so Pam decides to use all the weapons at her disposal to wipe out the whole drug group. mainly using her wits, her cunning, her physicality and her ultra bodaciousness to achieve that. Good cast with Sid Haig, the recently departed Linda Haynes (who learns the hard way not to grab hair during a cat fight), Robert Doqui and Alan Arbus, whose character here is as far removed from Dr Sidney Freeman (TV's MASH) as You could imagine. Lots of outrageous scenes-what an opener-, although one involving the death of a bad guy is quite shocking-even during this time-especially how 15 years after COFFY, it was done for real in Texas, although I couldn't picture the miscreants who did the crime watching a film like COFFY. ***1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Midnight Run 1988 ★★★★

A very enjoyable buddy comedy in the line of Beverly Hills Cop.

De Niro can do good comedies – you would tend to forget that after his more recent comedy productions – and he and Charles Grodin have good chemistry.

The action moves along at a solid pace, the jokes work – I like the banter between De Niro and Kotto – and the delivery is very good. The actors make it work

And last but not least plenty of recognizable faces like Dennis Farina and John Ashton.

Good stuff for fans of eighties flicks.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Martin 1977 ★★★½

Martin is a bit of a mean spirited horror from the late George Romero.

At the start, Martin goes to live with his uncle, a god fearing loon who sticks with his delusions, even thugh Martin at two occasions shows him how this is nonsense (It's just a costume). He keeps thinking that Martin is some kind of demon and at one point even has an attempt at an exorcism. An attitude that leads to Martin's sad demise.

Not that he is entirely wrong, mind you. Martin is indeed a deeply disturbed little boy and there are a lot of things wrong with him. Thus providing nature vs nurture material. How much of this insanity came by nature and how much of it was nurture? Because, as we can tell from the flashbacks, the way he was raised did not help either. He is socially inept and nearly incapable of expressing his emotions or having a fluent conversation. Which oddly lands him the attention of a woman who is sick of all the superficial and unwanted opinions floating around in daily life.

This brings me to the oddest things: his views on sex. Sometimes, he comes across as asexual and at others, you're not really sure what he really wants. I'm pretty sure he himself does not even know what he wants or what gets him off. At the start of the film, he murders a woman in a creepy scene, to then feel some disturbing form of intimacy when he cuddles with the naked corpse. Only to then methodically remove all traces from the scene of the crime. While he may be disturbed, Martin is also disturbingly methodical in his method of killing. He is not chaotic crazy and knows what he is doing.

As mentioned before, a mean spirited little horror with (hardly) anyone to root for. The most “fun” comes from seeing a young (and moustacheless) Tom Savini and perhaps from Martin's odd phone calls with a local talk radio host.

For people who like their horror a bit more outside the mainstream lines.

The Running Man 1987 ★★★★★

My personal favorite Schwarzenegger movie.

An interesting concept, certainly when it came out. Nowadays... well, there are no shows that actually kill people, but the level of exploitation might come closer than we all like to admit.

Highly entertaining and excellently paced action. From the first scene, you are tied to the rollercoaster for a great ride.

Cameos by both Mick Fleetwood and Dweezil Zappa. You guys wanna buy a hot stereo?

And last but not least: Arnold at his most Arnold. Amazing fightscenes and oneliners galore.

Great stuff.

[FryeDwight]

Martin 1977 ★★★½

Martin is a bit of a mean spirited horror from the late George Romero.

At the start, Martin goes to live with his uncle, a god fearing loon who sticks with his delusions, even thugh Martin at two occasions shows him how this is nonsense (It's just a costume). He keeps thinking that Martin is some kind of demon and at one point even has an attempt at an exorcism. An attitude that leads to Martin's sad demise.

Not that he is entirely wrong, mind you. Martin is indeed a deeply disturbed little boy and there are a lot of things wrong with him. Thus providing nature vs nurture material. How much of this insanity came by nature and how much of it was nurture? Because, as we can tell from the flashbacks, the way he was raised did not help either. He is socially inept and nearly incapable of expressing his emotions or having a fluent conversation. Which oddly lands him the attention of a woman who is sick of all the superficial and unwanted opinions floating around in daily life.

This brings me to the oddest things: his views on sex. Sometimes, he comes across as asexual and at others, you're not really sure what he really wants. I'm pretty sure he himself does not even know what he wants or what gets him off. At the start of the film, he murders a woman in a creepy scene, to then feel some disturbing form of intimacy when he cuddles with the naked corpse. Only to then methodically remove all traces from the scene of the crime. While he may be disturbed, Martin is also disturbingly methodical in his method of killing. He is not chaotic crazy and knows what he is doing.

As mentioned before, a mean spirited little horror with (hardly) anyone to root for. The most “fun” comes from seeing a young (and moustacheless) Tom Savini and perhaps from Martin's odd phone calls with a local talk radio host.

For people who like their horror a bit more outside the mainstream lines.

The Running Man 1987 ★★★★★

My personal favorite Schwarzenegger movie.

An interesting concept, certainly when it came out. Nowadays... well, there are no shows that actually kill people, but the level of exploitation might come closer than we all like to admit.

Highly entertaining and excellently paced action. From the first scene, you are tied to the rollercoaster for a great ride.

Cameos by both Mick Fleetwood and Dweezil Zappa. You guys wanna buy a hot stereo?

And last but not least: Arnold at his most Arnold. Amazing fightscenes and oneliners galore.

Great stuff.

TRM is a great little film, certainly an entertaining one. I love all the great one liners..."What a Hothead!" and "He had to split" are favorites and cool seeing Professor Tour Tananka , one of the best Pro wrestling "heels" in here. I would give this ****.

Some good observations on MARTIN...I think it's one of Romero's best. Very creepy and intriguing how it's never determined just what is going on with Martin. I'm leaning more toward what You said...He does know what He is doing...watching him prep and clean up reminded me very much of the TV show DEXTER. John Amplas is very good and was ultra cool when my wife and I met him at HORRORFIND. I'd give MARTIN ****1/2


THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Another extremely mean spirited exploitation drive-in flick that is pretty damn good all the same. A Brother/Sister and their friend kidnap a teenager, (Candy) stuff her in a shallow grave with a limited survival potential and drop off blackmail instructions to her wealthy father who does.....nothing. The one thing that struck me in this is what SHITS just about everybody in here is. The other plot device is the kidnappers are seen burying the girl and observed by a little boy, who I got the impression is autistic. His parents are no bargain, especially his mother, who seems to dwell more on what He's doing wrong than anything else. Quite suspenseful in parts with a somewhat grim wrap-up.
I knew of Tiffany Bolloing, who is pretty good in her, but I've heard she HATES TCS, claiming it "ruined" her career. And in the "Life is stranger than fiction" are Susan Sennett (as Candy-she was also in the racy BIG BAD MAMA and on the ultra wholesome TV series OZZIE"s GIRLS with Brenda Sykes) married Graham Nash of The Hollies and CSN while Phyllis Major who is the "assistant" to the father was married to Jackson Browne for a year or so before committing suicide. ****

[Tommy Jarvis]

TRM is a great little film, certainly an entertaining one. I love all the great one liners..."What a Hothead!" and "He had to split" are favorites and cool seeing Professor Tour Tananka , one of the best Pro wrestling "heels" in here. I would give this ****.

Here's Sub Zero. Now... plain zero! ::big grin::

Did not know he was a wrestler. Thanks for that little nugget. Did he and Jesse Ventura ever have a match together?

Some good observations on MARTIN...I think it's one of Romero's best. Very creepy and intriguing how it's never determined just what is going on with Martin. I'm leaning more toward what You said...He does know what He is doing...watching him prep and clean up reminded me very much of the TV show DEXTER. John Amplas is very good and was ultra cool when my wife and I met him at HORRORFIND. I'd give MARTIN ****1/2

Did not see the parrallel with Dexter, but I can see what you mean.

Martin reminded on something I once read on serial killers either being super organized and methodical or very impulsive and for a lack of a better word, chaotic.

It's certainly a very good horror, but I cannot bring myself to rate it over the original Dead-trilogy.

THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Another extremely mean spirited exploitation drive-in flick that is pretty damn good all the same. A Brother/Sister and their friend kidnap a teenager, (Candy) stuff her in a shallow grave with a limited survival potential and drop off blackmail instructions to her wealthy father who does.....nothing. The one thing that struck me in this is what SHITS just about everybody in here is. The other plot device is the kidnappers are seen burying the girl and observed by a little boy, who I got the impression is autistic. His parents are no bargain, especially his mother, who seems to dwell more on what He's doing wrong than anything else. Quite suspenseful in parts with a somewhat grim wrap-up.
I knew of Tiffany Bolloing, who is pretty good in her, but I've heard she HATES TCS, claiming it "ruined" her career. And in the "Life is stranger than fiction" are Susan Sennett (as Candy-she was also in the racy BIG BAD MAMA and on the ultra wholesome TV series OZZIE"s GIRLS with Brenda Sykes) married Graham Nash of The Hollies and CSN while Phyllis Major who is the "assistant" to the father was married to Jackson Browne for a year or so before committing suicide. ****

Skimmed this one (so no spoilers yet ::wink:: ) and it gives me an excuse to head over to plex some time soon. Thanks for the heads up.

[FryeDwight]

Here's Sub Zero. Now... plain zero! ::big grin::

Did not know he was a wrestler. Thanks for that little nugget. Did he and Jesse Ventura ever have a match together?



Did not see the parrallel with Dexter, but I can see what you mean.

Martin reminded on something I once read on serial killers either being super organized and methodical or very impulsive and for a lack of a better word, chaotic.

It's certainly a very good horror, but I cannot bring myself to rate it over the original Dead-trilogy.



Skimmed this one (so no spoilers yet ::wink:: ) and it gives me an excuse to head over to plex some time soon. Thanks for the heads up.

Here's more info for You, TJ::smile::
I started getting into Pro Wrestling when I was 9 out in the an Francisco Area and about a year later started reading the magazines (I preferred the Weston Mags, like THE WRESTLER and INSIDE WRESTLING, whose covers always featured some poor slob with a blood drenched face on the cover, usually Bobby Heenan). My first one had an article on the feud between Tananka and Pedro Morales and later on, The Prof held the WWWF tag team title with Mr Fuji. To the best of my knowledge, He and Jesse never locked horns in the ring, although both of them are in TRM.

I would rate the DEAD films higher than MARTIN as well, but it and KNIGHTRIDERS are Romero films I quite like.

You're welcome about THE CANDY SNATCHERS...pretty rough, but kept Me interested for sure.

BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA (1972). AIP Women In Prison (WIP) film shot in the Philippines. Two prisoners ; one a Prostitute (Pam Grier) wants to escape with extorted money from her pimp and the other a Revolutionary (Blonde Margaret Markov) cause enough problems at their prison to warrant being sent to a Maximum Security Pen handcuffed together until they manage to escape, but a big problem has them handcuffed together, with different agendas and having complete dislike for one another.

This probably sounds a lot to You as very similar to THE DEFIANT ONES, which it certainly is, but of course, a friendship or at least an understanding builds. Some off the wall moments (How a dog is thrown off their trail, A Prison Matron doing more than just watching Women prisoners in the shower, cheesy dialogue) and another great turn by Sid Haig, who chews the scenery with gusto. Oddly enough, with a big mustache and a Cowboy hat, He looks a lot like Jim Croce! ***

[FryeDwight]

I sent the last review without consulting my notes...I noticed a "X-Rated" Horoscope poster in the Pool Hall scene that I had when I moved into my first apartment. it's a pink color with "interesting" poses for whatever sign is being highlighted.

[Sculpt]

I sent the last review without consulting my notes...I noticed a "X-Rated" Horoscope poster in the Pool Hall scene that I had when I moved into my first apartment. it's a pink color with "interesting" poses for whatever sign is being highlighted.
What a coincidence! Sounds interesting. Probably a collectors item.

Phase IV (1974)
5/10

A sci-fi story about outsmarting evolving ants.

This film's story is a bit slow and plodding with shallow characters. It has a rather surfacy commitment to the sci-fi, in that there's science equipment applied to observing and interacting with the ants, but it's lacking in detail and follow up with any topic presented. There's an implied chess match between the human group and ants; and if the story had dove into that with some detail and suspense, the theme and sets could have provided for a nifty sci-fi thriller, but there was no such devotion.

There's some nice closeup, micro photography of ants, and some artful cinematography.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Here's more info for You, TJ::smile::
I started getting into Pro Wrestling when I was 9 out in the an Francisco Area and about a year later started reading the magazines (I preferred the Weston Mags, like THE WRESTLER and INSIDE WRESTLING, whose covers always featured some poor slob with a blood drenched face on the cover, usually Bobby Heenan). My first one had an article on the feud between Tananka and Pedro Morales and later on, The Prof held the WWWF tag team title with Mr Fuji. To the best of my knowledge, He and Jesse never locked horns in the ring, although both of them are in TRM.

I was totally into it when it was on tv here towards the end of Hulkamania. I remember Heenan and Fuji from that time, both as managers.

By the time the attitude era came around, I had moved on to other things in life, but over the past years, I got into YT channels like Whatculture Wrestling and the OSW review podcast.

I would rate the DEAD films higher than MARTIN as well, but it and KNIGHTRIDERS are Romero films I quite like.

Have you seen The Amusement Park?

BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA (1972).

Pam Grier and Captain Spaulding in the same movie? ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

I was totally into it when it was on tv here towards the end of Hulkamania. I remember Heenan and Fuji from that time, both as managers.

By the time the attitude era came around, I had moved on to other things in life, but over the past years, I got into YT channels like Whatculture Wrestling and the OSW review podcast.



Have you seen The Amusement Park?



Pam Grier and Captain Spaulding in the same movie? ::cool::

I loved the Wrestling in the San Francisco era, then Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling in Norfolk Va, then while living in Panama Canal Zone, the TV stations would show WRESTLING FROM THE OLYMPIC (older matches, I believe filmed in Los Angeles CA) and later WWWF matches when Vince MacMahon was a color commentator. When I moved to Chicago IL, would tune in occasionally but sort of lost interest until the mid 80's when the WWF was all over, really enjoying THE BIG EVENT on TV. I sort of lost interest again after WRESTLEMANIA 4 as the story lines were getting too silly.

I never even heard of THE AMUSEMENT PARK and THANK YOU for pointing it out. I glanced on Wiki and saw lots of familiar names in the Romero canon and will have to give it a look.

Yeah, Pam and Captain Spaulding together...two of may favorites.


SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT (1984).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I've written less than kind remarks on this infamous slasher about a killer Santa Claus which ruffled all kinds of feathers during release with parents worried how children might react to children seeing a "Killer" Santa Claus on TV commercials, probably not remembering how Santa has portrayed as homicidally minded in other films, namely TALES FROM THE CRYPT. While it's not anything I would show to a child who still believes in SC, it's aged pretty well and a decent back story of how Billy is led down his sad path. Being scared shitless by his Grandfather, then the extremely nasty murder of both his parents (especially Tara Buckman almost raped and then slit) and the draconian corporal punishment dished out by The Mother Superior in the orphanage...the poor kid never had a chance! What is sad is MS (well played by Lily Chauvin-who is also in 1960's BLOODLUST) probably feels she is doing the right thing, despite the helpless disapproval from her assistant (well played by Gilmer McCormick, who was also in GODSPELL). So, not great by any means, but better than I remembered. ***

[FryeDwight]

THE CAT CREATURE (1973). TV movie that tries to be an homage of sorts to the Val Lewton CAT films of the 40's, even with Kent Smith of both of the films appearing briefly. A amulet is taken from a mummy leading to mysterious goings on, mostly around an antique shop. Pretty good cast with David Hedison (VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA), Meredith Baxter Birney (FAMILY TIES) and most impressively Gail Sondergaard (lots of 30's-40's films before being blacklisted), who really takes the honors here. It's very heavily implied She may have Lesbian tendencies, but that couldn't really be focused on in the early 70's. Script could be better-apparently time issues, so there had to be some taking out than adding in and honestly, a silly ending. Ok, but not much more. **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Moon of the Wolf 1972 ★★★

If you want to be mean, you can find ways to scoff at this flick. And it's certainly no gamechanger.

But you can you enjoy it for what it is: 1/3 tv movie melodrama, 1/3 whodunnit and 1/3 werewolf sauce for some added flavor. Nothing special, but a good pace, okay storytelling and a good cast. A lot of faces that look familiar somehow, but you cannot quite put your finger on where you know them from.

For who is this? Honestly, I don't know. This may be a (early) seventies movie, but the overall feel is more sexties, if not fifties. And the werewolf make-up even goes back to Lon Chainey's version of The Wolf Man. Conclusion: Something for an evening when you need something a little more lightweight.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Thing 1982 ★★★★★

The infamous scenes with Doc and the blood test are so intense I kind of forgot about the first outing of the thing in the kennel. Holy crap.

Madman 1981 ★★

Uninspired slasher. Annoying characters. Mostly weak sauce kills.

[Tommy Jarvis]

A Nightmare on Elm Street 1984 ★★★★★

When you notice all the details, you really understand why this is a five star classic.

Dracula 1974 ★★★

Time for a take on one of the classics to wrap up this extra long month. February XL, lol.

In this one, Jack Palance takes on the role of Dracula. Let's get the obvious out of the way first. No, he does not have Lugosi's charisma and he does not have to. He does however bring something new to the table.

In what seems like the spirit of seventies action, this Dracula is less a classic aristocrat vampire and more like a general Bond villain, henchmen and all. In the process also turning Dracula into a bit of a bully as well. What with the way he treats Renfield at the start.

But Palance is okay as Dracula and Von Helsing and Arthur were okay as well. And at least, they filled the one gap left by the original masterpiece. Here, Dracula gets the epic death scene a character of his status deserves.

[FryeDwight]

HONKY (1971). With this kind of title, You would consider this to be more of a "Blaxploitation" film, but it's more of a love story/ character analysis/road trip/ unforseen events. Lower middle Class White Boy (John nelson, later in SHARKS TREASURE) spots lovely affluent Soil Sister Brenda Sykes getting high at a Pep rally and a romance develops. Other than the usual problems of a romance during that time are their respective backgrounds; Brenda's family comes from wealth (Her Dad is William Marshall, BLACULA himself!), but she seems to want to deal drugs and rebel from that. John's family are pure Archie Bunker types and it's almost beyond surreal to hear Marion Ross (as his mother) use an ethnic slur. All kinds of events happen and it gets quite gritty towards the end, but not much of a wrap-up. I was interested, but felt it could have finished with more style. **1/2

[FryeDwight]

YOUNG DOCTORS IN LOVE (1982). Screwball comedy that is a parody of TV Soap Operas dealing with medicine like GENERAL HOSPITAL; in fact, quite a few cast members of GH make cameos like Jackie Zeman, Kin Shriner (A girl I dated before Mrs FD told Me I looked like his character::confused::) and I believe Demi Moore's first film. Good cast with Dabney Coleman, Michael McKean, Sean Young and others. It has the aura of just throwing every gag at the wall to see what will stick. A lot of duds, but a lot more that hit the mark and I must say I found this quite entertaining. ***1/2

[JacksGoldRoom]

THE SHINING 1980 - It's a reinterpretation of the "Dies Irae" from Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique". The story that the symphony tells is one of unrequited love and its emotional extremes. By this point, the protagonist has accepted that his feelings for the object of his affection will never be reciprocated. He's attempted to commit suicide via opium overdose, but the amount he took wasn't strong enough to kill him. While under the effects of opium, he experiences a manic fever dream where he has killed his beloved, has been executed, and is now in Hell witnessing a witches' sabbath.

[FryeDwight]

DAY OF THE ANIMALS (1977)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Another "Nature Strikes Back" film that the 70's were so full of, DOTA concerns a group of people being heliported to a high area in the mountains to hike down and live off the land. Right from the start, the local animal population is acting strangely aggressive and turns the trip into one of terror.

Lots of stock characters (The stoic Guide, the newscaster, young lovers, squabbling spouses, divorced mom with kid etc) and the explanation of why it's happening is sort of pat, but lots of cool actors, very good cinema photography, better than expected animal footage and an absolutely wild turn by Leslie Nielsen whose character is SUCH an asshole; You'll be astounded by his final scene. Also for trivia types, the squabbling wife is played by Susan Backline, a stuntwomen who was the first victim in JAWS and the same pattern happens here as well. ***

[FryeDwight]

MANIAC COP (1988). New York City is on edge by a string of gruesome slaying and it seems the perpetrator is a Policeman, causing all sorts of misunderstangs and lack of trust. A group of disparate characters try to find out what's going on. While I wasn't expecting a top notch flick, MC really isn't bad at all and some humor that for once, doesn't impede the story. Some good performances by Tom Atkins, Bruce Campbell and a standout turn by Sheree North as a handicapped embittered policewoman. ***

[FryeDwight]

OF MICE AND MEN (1981).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
TV version of the Steinbeck book with Robert Blake as George and Randy Quaid as Lennie. While it's hard to picture "Baretta" as George, Blake does a decent job, only getting cross with Lenny a couple of times, as compared to the book with him losing patience frequently. One thing I did like about this version is more scenes involving the men at work, showing how big the area is and how much hustling would be involved. Good casting with Mitchell Ryan as "Slim", Cassie Yates (very affecting as Mae, Curley's wife), Pat Hingle as the Boss, Whitman Mayo-Grady himself from SANFORD AND SON-as Crooks) and Lew Ayres as Candy. And although it seems an odd choice, casting Ted Neely (JC himself from Jesus Christ SUPERSTAR) is not the dud You might think. Neely is good, but his Curley is just a horrible bullying asshole, even more than in the book.

While there are good things here, there are scenes included that were not in the book and serve no purpose. Right at the beginning as our two guys are fleeing from the Lynch mob, they go visit Lennie's Aunt Clara (dead in the book). George leaves Lenny there, but comes back for him-no purpose for this scene as well as George beginning to tell Slim how Lenny got them in trouble at a crowded dinner table, no less.. Some parts seem to be rushed over, such as in Crook's cabin and some that really aren't needed.

A lot to commend, but a missed opportunity. **1/2

[FryeDwight]

SUMMER RENTAL (1985). A burned out Air Traffic controller takes his family to Florida for some summer long R&R and the usual SNAFUS occur. John Candy is as engaging as He usually was and good support from Rip Torn and Richard Crenna as the rich snob. SR tries hard, but feels forced throughout and I hate the scene where in an attempt to lighten the load in a boating event, a lot of garbage is tossed overboard. In an odd aside, it seems the following years much funnier ONE CRAZY SUMMER took quite a bit from this. **

[Tommy Jarvis]

Escape from New York 1981 ★★★★½

The master Carpenter at work in this dystopian sci-fi action romp. With a bit of imagery that will probably have some audiences squirmish in the 2000s. Also, Doctor Loomis is now president of the United States. Carpenter went there.

So the story is the template for a lot of dystopian sci-fi action flicks. Anything from Mad Max to Army of the dead if somehow indebted to Escape from NY. So in the near future, Manhattan becomes a giant prison where they somehow manage to capture the president (don't ask) and his only hope is Snake Plisskin, a convicted felon played by Kurt Russell. Russel oozes so much machismo and badassery here that it made me wonder why he was never considered for the Expandables-franchise.

Carpenter turns this into a super entertaining rollercoaster ride with plenty of because of course he does-moments

Plisskin landing on the roof of the World Trade Centre tower (the one where they put all the jerks)
Plisskin stopping just at the edge of the roof
a ring fight where Plisskin kills a huge bald fella with a beard
Plisskin being coerced into the plot with a bomb in his body

Needless to say, the entire cast is on point. Ernest Borgnine as Cabbie, Carpenter regular Adrienne Barbeau, Harry Dean Stanton, Lee Van Cleef, Isaac Hayes, Harry Dean Stanton, Tom Adkins,... And of course Kurt Russell as the shining star. They all know what their job is and they do it excellently.

If you are a fan of action and sci-fi and you have not seen this one yet, look out for it.

A Clockwork Orange 1971 ★★★★

I love this one.

A surreal, dystopian take on society in a near future. Looks like something Black Mirror would take a cue from.

I always enjoy hearing the language and the inflections in this one. Always manages to give it an extra cachet. The visual style makes it all the more thrilling, thus providing inspiration for thrill rides like Trainspotting and Natural Born Killers.

Also interesting how Alex at first is not deterred by the violence, but it's more the presence of Beethoven getting to him.

From reading other reviews, it would appear that the movie in fact has a bleaker ending than the novel. Making me want to read the latter.

A clockwork orange. Timeless masterpiece.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Day of the Dead 1985 ★★★★★

Is Bub the most layered zombie performance in movie history?

[FryeDwight]

Escape from New York 1981 ★★★★½

The master Carpenter at work in this dystopian sci-fi action romp. With a bit of imagery that will probably have some audiences squirmish in the 2000s. Also, Doctor Loomis is now president of the United States. Carpenter went there.

So the story is the template for a lot of dystopian sci-fi action flicks. Anything from Mad Max to Army of the dead if somehow indebted to Escape from NY. So in the near future, Manhattan becomes a giant prison where they somehow manage to capture the president (don't ask) and his only hope is Snake Plisskin, a convicted felon played by Kurt Russell. Russel oozes so much machismo and badassery here that it made me wonder why he was never considered for the Expandables-franchise.

Carpenter turns this into a super entertaining rollercoaster ride with plenty of because of course he does-moments

Plisskin landing on the roof of the World Trade Centre tower (the one where they put all the jerks)
Plisskin stopping just at the edge of the roof
a ring fight where Plisskin kills a huge bald fella with a beard
Plisskin being coerced into the plot with a bomb in his body

Needless to say, the entire cast is on point. Ernest Borgnine as Cabbie, Carpenter regular Adrienne Barbeau, Harry Dean Stanton, Lee Van Cleef, Isaac Hayes, Harry Dean Stanton, Tom Adkins,... And of course Kurt Russell as the shining star. They all know what their job is and they do it excellently.

If you are a fan of action and sci-fi and you have not seen this one yet, look out for it.

A Clockwork Orange 1971 ★★★★

I love this one.

A surreal, dystopian take on society in a near future. Looks like something Black Mirror would take a cue from.

I always enjoy hearing the language and the inflections in this one. Always manages to give it an extra cachet. The visual style makes it all the more thrilling, thus providing inspiration for thrill rides like Trainspotting and Natural Born Killers.

Also interesting how Alex at first is not deterred by the violence, but it's more the presence of Beethoven getting to him.

From reading other reviews, it would appear that the movie in fact has a bleaker ending than the novel. Making me want to read the latter.

A clockwork orange. Timeless masterpiece.

Good overview of ACO-while the violence seems to be the main point of contention, at this point of time, it appears more staged (particularly the "Surprise Visit") and nothing like the bloodbaths that followed in its wake.

One thing not really mentioned is the humor, particularly Alex's treatment of Dim, Alex's whining at his parents and particularly, his "rescue" from the Police-His reaction is priceless as is the use of the word "Well"


WELCOME TO ARROW BEACH (1974). A Hippie girl (Meg Foster-those lovely eyes) becomes acquainted with a guy who lives nearby with his sister and at first, it seems to be nothing more than hospitality. Of course, things are not always as they appear..
This was Laurence Harvey's last film acting and directing, while being ill with cancer. It's more disturbing than anything else-one wonders what exactly is going on between Laurence and his lovely sister, JoAnna Pettit and not much goo, although there is a pretty nasty sendoff, filmed in a different fashion than You would expect. Some name performers help out and WTAB is worth a watch. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers 1988 ★★½

Perhaps the first of the "diminishing returns" but still a fun watch with a young Danielle Harris, a few fun kills and rescue coming from drunk rednecks. Whou woulda thunk it?

[Tommy Jarvis]

Magnificent Warriors 1987 ★★★½

A very entertaining 80s action flick. Looks pretty Hollywood with captivating, fast paced fight scenes and humour reminiscent of Hollywood action flicks.

Last but not least: Michelle Yeoh makes for a great action lead and the comic relief is at least better than Joe Pesci in the Lethal Weapon-sequels.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Horror at 37,000 Feet 1973 ★★★★

Maybe it's the special effects, or the setting or the fact that it was made as a TV movie, but this felt like a precursor to The Langoliers.

That said, it was quite well made and I liked the pace and the cast. Chuck Connors stars as the gruff pilot who for some reason does not slap anyone over the course of this film.

Funnily enough, for later generations the bigger star in this movie would be William Shatner. Even though... his... delivery here... is very... un... Shatner. Also drunk bitter priest William Shatner is a-ma(!)zing. That alone is worth the price of admission, not to mention his bickering with his wife Rosemary (yeah, she has a different name, but I'm calling her Rosemary; you'll see why). Also fun to see Paul Winfield as posh doctor. Or the man who went on to play Jeremiah Smith as one of the leads.

Very entertaining and well made for tv movie means. And it's on Youtube.

[Tommy Jarvis]

*advertising space*

[Tommy Jarvis]

One thing not really mentioned is the humor, particularly Alex's treatment of Dim, Alex's whining at his parents and particularly, his "rescue" from the Police-His reaction is priceless as is the use of the word "Well"

Good call on the humor. I kind of like the more darkish humor that Kubrick shows here.

For me, the visual presentation (the sets, the costumes, the language register,...) is key here. It makes everything else (the violence, the brutality, the whininess,...) look more cool than it actually is. We are supposed to feel sorry for Alex because of his screams during the treatment, but once you look past the surface level, you immediately realise he is not learning anything.

If anything, it's as effective as the anti swearing chip from the South Park movie.

[FryeDwight]

Good call on the humor. I kind of like the more darkish humor that Kubrick shows here.

For me, the visual presentation (the sets, the costumes, the language register,...) is key here. It makes everything else (the violence, the brutality, the whininess,...) look more cool than it actually is. We are supposed to feel sorry for Alex because of his screams during the treatment, but once you look past the surface level, you immediately realise he is not learning anything.

If anything, it's as effective as the anti swearing chip from the South Park movie.

But, He's "...cured, all right". You are right about the visuals-so stunning and the first shot of Alex would make a great poster.

THE SEDUCTION (1982). Pretty good (and somewhat frightening) look of celebrity fandom that can turn quickly into stalking, although not as much attention paid to it back then. Lovely Morgan Fairchild seems to have it all...a plum job as a News Anchor, a smoking house with a swimming pool (where You are treated to nude swims::love::) and a devoted boyfriend (Michael Sarrazin). However, She also has an admirer (Andrew Stevens looking smarmy) who doesn't seem to know about too much attention can backfire, and it seems there's nothing g the police can do. TS remains a compelling view, although the wrap-up is somewhat preposterous. ***

[FryeDwight]

D.A.R.Y.L (1985). A Young boy is adopted by a young couple while awaiting to see if his real parents show up. It turns out there is more to him then being exceptionally gifted. While this is a little too cutesy in the first half, it gets pretty good after that with some good FX and funny moments. It didn't deserve its fate of being all but unknown, although being released in the middle of FIRST BLOOD 2:RAMBO and B. certainly didn't help it. BACK TO THE FUTURE **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

The House That Dripped Blood 1971 ★★★½

The house that dripped blood is a fun anthology with four stories about a house where mysterious deaths and disappearances occur.

About ten years before turning into the man who got lost in his own museum, Denholm Elliott delivers a solid performance as a writer who goes mad when stalked by his own creation. With what you think is a twist before that goes wrong too.

The second story sees a variation on the House of wax with a pretty eerie final shot of Cushing's face. The third one brings us Christopher Lee as a father and a stern one at that. What else, with a voice like his? The climax can be seen coming a mile away and let's just say it's one that the good people at the Good Guy doll corporation would not approve of.

As is common with anthologies, the level of the different stories varies and this one fares no other. The last story is less memorable and the wrap around is wrapped up quickly. That said, the score really a layer of eeriness to the writer story and it's the type of cheesy horror score that I do love. Needless to say, Cushing and Lee are always a joy to watch.

A worthy part of the golden age and a fun addition to your seventies collection.

Saturday the 14th 1981 ★★★

A horror comedy that does an amazing job at being hilariously stupid. I don't know what's better

the Creepshow-esque opening credits
the dad, aka what would happen if Norm MacDonald turned Richard Forster into an SNL-character
the Jaws-theme knockoff in of all things a fricking bathtub
the exterminator: a crossover between Guillermo Del Toro and a huge, awkward nerd
the schlocky special effects that come with a Corman-production (though this time it's Mrs Corman at the helm)
the children from a time where all boys were stupid and all teenage girls were hysterical
the Beetlejuice rejects that make up their family and neighbours
Jeffrey Tambor and Nancy Lee Andrews hamming it up as the vampire
The Van Helsing parachuted in, because why not?

Also a nice touch to have the TV play nothing but The Twilight Zone. It's a TZ equivalent of the time when Homer got to design a car and its stupidity is precisely what makes it entertaining and endearing.

For people in the mood for “a movie that does dumb well”.

[FryeDwight]

MORTUARY (1983-although various dates are listed). Your patience may be tested by this one. Mary Elizabeth McDonough (from TV's THE WALTONS) play a girl who is affected by her Father's murder and has reason to feel the killer is coming after Her-a contentious relationship with her Mother (Lynda Day George) and an ineffectual boyfriend also does not help. Adding to her woes are sleepwalking and being pursued by the killer in a long cloak with a white face-all I could think of was the writer of SCREAM must have seen this. Also, You can figure out who the killer is, halfway through the film; never a good sign.
Mary Elizabeth is appealing and while there is some nudity, it's via a Body double (I remember Judy Morton from the same show has shown all to PLAYBOY and was thinking another Walton girl went the same path). Also Christopher George (in his last film) and stealing every scene He is , is a very young, very skinny Bill Paxton who hams outrageously throughout. **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

Manhattan 1979 ★★★½

Damn, the Simpsons were great. While watching Manhattan, I could not stop myself from thinking: that one line that Flanders had (you know the one) is so on the money it's hilarious. You know what? That's one thing you should do: if you ever plan on watching this one or Annie Hall, you should watch A milhouse divided as a warm-up. Pretty sure, it will add to the enjoyment.

Through 2024 eyes, this felt like a time stamp more than anything else. A love letter to New York City, or at least to the good side. I mean, after all, Woody Allen writes about the type of characters never go to Travis Bickle's side of the city. Heck, they would not even have a Bickle-like cab driver in a Woody Allen-flick. This is the sunny side of NYC during the last carefree days, before HIV roared its ugly head.

Also, not going to lie, but with today's knowledge in the back of your mind, the plot with Tracy does become pretty awkward. Not knocking on the movie or the people who like it, but you cannot really ignore it either.

Because – don't get me wrong – this is a good movie. With a lot of witty dialogue and laugh out loud lines. As a comedy, it still holds up. With lines like “you're so beautiful I can hardly keep my eyes on the meter” or the whole argument between Isaac and Yale. For some reason, I also thought this was the one where Woody brought out the author who then went “you know nothing about my work”. Which one was that again?

Anyways, I can see why it got two Oscar-nods at the time and why Siskel and Ebert would give this one two thumbs up. Their (great)grandchildren... probably not so much.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong 1989 ★★★

When watching this, I was mostly reminded of the unique talent of Louis Armstrong. Well, Lewis or Louis?

How he improved and laid his mark on every band he joined and every movie he appeared in. With the documentary not failing to mention how offensive some of the roles were. You know that saying how you can't polish a turd? Well, Louis came pretty darn close to being able to.

Also how he helped launch people in his sphere or slipstream or under his wing (or whichever term is respectfull enough), like Lionel Hampton, Earl Hines, Milt Hinton and a whole host of others I am now forgetting. Lest we forget his influence on people like Billie Holiday.

Does Satchmo give a complete image of Louis Armstrong? Not really, I guess. If you listen carefully and read between the lines, you also get a sense of a different Louis. A side that this documentary does not really get into. How his infidelity is quickly glossed over. Or the touching remark about marihuana helped form a shield against the pain racism caused.

Some remarks also give an insight into Armstrong's business sense. Underneath that happy go lucky image, we found both a hurtful soul and a savvy businessman who knows well enough to promote both himself and his art.

Not easy to get genuine quotes or images on those themes, since I would imagine that Louis rarely let his shield down. Also because a lot of the people interviewed were not that willing to get into that.

Nonetheless, a entertaining and informative documentary. Fun stuff.

[FryeDwight]

LOADED GUNS (1975). A stewardess -played an absolutely ravishing Ursula Andress- is kind enough to deliver a letter and finds herself in a vendetta between two gangs- almost A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS scenario- one led by Woody Strode (looking quite intimidating). These early portions are ugly as Ursula is beaten quite badly to get information She really doesn't have-You will wonder why it takes so many guys to carry this mission out. However, She is able to turn the tables. After this sort of gritty opening quarter, the goofiness begins with a lot of Ursula nudity (By this time, She was knocking on 40's door, but has the body of a 25 year::love::) and painfully unfunny episodes throughout; Ursula calling about a clogged tub, a pointless car chase and a big gang fight-reminding Me of the Kung-Fu films the time- with the film makers finding it humorous to have a big guy knocked into a fountain and just as He's about to climb out, the same guy karate kicks him back in ...several times. Ha Ha::sad:: *1/2

[FryeDwight]

THE REVENGERS (1972).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I had never heard of this Western until my wife found it on TUBI. William Holden has made a good life for himself some years after The Civil War until a gang massacres his family and steals his horses. After finding out the Gang leaders name, He ventures to a Mexican prison, hires out about six prisoners to help him in his search (THE DIRTY HALF DOZEN-??). Of course, they all become buddies in their quest. Some great photography, a low key Woody Strode, an unbelievably hammy Ernest Borgnine and Susan Hayward's last appearance (and a pretty wasted one). TR reminds lot of THE SEARCHERS with THE WILD BUNCH thrown in, but lots of logic missing, especially when Bill's group injures the gang leader and almost an hour later, finds him and in a true WTF moment, lets him go::shocked::::shocked:: not much point that I can see. **

[NightOfTheLiving_Sam]

https://moviesfilmsandflix.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/trap.png

This has become one of my personal favorites now. I watched this last year and I watched it for the second time this year. Plan on planning this off of Amazon, and adding it to my collection of horror movies that I own.

[FryeDwight]

CLOAK & DAGGER (1984). Very enjoyable film of a video game (dealing with espionage) playing pre-teen who by circumstance finds himself in a real life espionage episode involving government document and cold blooded hit men after him. Sadly, no one believes him;;not his father or the police. It's up to Davey (Henry Thomas from ET) and his imaginary friend from the games, Jack Flack to somehow keep ahead.

This reminded Me a lot of 1949's THE WINDOW about an imaginative pre-teen whose embellishments wear old and no one believes him when He's telling the truth. Pretty suspenseful and some laughs. Some good supporting turns by John McIntyre (whose name, George McCready is the same as a 40's-50's actor who normally played villains), Jeanette Nolan and an absolutely terrific turn by Dabney Coleman as Davey's loving yet occupied father (recently widowed, busy work schedule) as well as Jack Flack himself! ***1/2

[FryeDwight]

THE HOWLING 2: YOUR SISTER IS A WEREWOLF (1985). For years, I've heard nothing but bad about this and after finally seeing it yesterday,I must confess that the negativity was punctuated with too much kindness. H2YSIAW is truly one of the worst, poorly put together and ridiculous films I've ever seen. The acting isn't good (especially the two leads), the werewolf effects look hokey and WHAT is with the awful band being allowed to play the same song so many times. Christopher Lee, in what must have been a "Mortgage" role slums throughout (I came across a website with a review and a photo of him "...looking like He wants to die". Sybil Danning looks lovely and she provides the film with any spark it might have. She had requested not to do so much nudity and a compromise of sorts was reached. Her bit is lovely as always, but the producers pulled a sneaky move and justifiably Sybil was not happy about it. Pass this by and watch the great original. 1/2

[FryeDwight]

THE DEEP (1977). While vacationing in Bermuda, a young couple explores a ship on a reef, discovering what appears to be gold and other items that might mean gold to other people and not so nice ones either...

There are some good things about TD...the underwater photography is stunning, lovely aerial views of Bermuda itself, Robert Shaw is an unstoppable force of nature and wet T-shirt notwithstanding (no doubt a big draw), Jacqueline Bisset is glamorously lovely.

The biggest problem is how the story drags...there is way too much filler-I read NBC added 53 minutes to this for the TV debut and can't imagine having to slog through that. And the single biggest liability is Nick Nolte's character. Nick isn't the kind of guy that engenders good feelings-how much better Jeff Bridges would have been-and his David is a stupid impulsive doofus...there's NO WAY You could picture a regal woman like JB with him. **1/2

[FryeDwight]

DAWN:PORTRAIT OF A TEENAGE RUNAWAY (1976). The always entertaining PSYCHOTRONIC magazine referred to DAWN as "..the Drive-In comes to America's Living Room" as the TV film can get quite tawdry. Dawn (Eve Plumb from THE BRADY BUNCH-!) is fed up with her dull life and alcoholic mother and decides to head to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the streets are tough and finding it impossible to get a job, she has to resort to teen prostitution. Luckily, She has a friend who also is a prostiture, so He can understand her dilemma and offer her some stability, although she sure doesn't seem appreciative. Throughout, she sounds like a snippy Jan Brady::wink::. Some coolness factor added with Bo Hopkins as a pimp, Georg Sanford Brown (THE ROOKIES, STIR CRAZY) as a tough talking yet emphatic Parole office as well as Suzanne Crough (Tracy from THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY) also playing a runaway. Even more coolness factor added by having "Cherry Bomb" by The Runaways playing on the soundtrack. **1/2

[hammerfan]

THE HOWLING 2: YOUR SISTER IS A WEREWOLF (1985). For years, I've heard nothing but bad about this and after finally seeing it yesterday,I must confess that the negativity was punctuated with too much kindness. H2YSIAW is truly one of the worst, poorly put together and ridiculous films I've ever seen. The acting isn't good (especially the two leads), the werewolf effects look hokey and WHAT is with the awful band being allowed to play the same song so many times. Christopher Lee, in what must have been a "Mortgage" role slums throughout (I came across a website with a review and a photo of him "...looking like He wants to die". Sybil Danning looks lovely and she provides the film with any spark it might have. She had requested not to do so much nudity and a compromise of sorts was reached. Her bit is lovely as always, but the producers pulled a sneaky move and justifiably Sybil was not happy about it. Pass this by and watch the great original. 1/2

In a documentary that Christopher Lee did, he said about Howling II "the less said about that the better."

[FryeDwight]

In a documentary that Christopher Lee did, he said about Howling II "the less said about that the better."


I can imagine him saying that::big grin::

J.D.'S REVENGE (1976). Kind of a goofy premise, but quite entertaining tale of a young law student/taxi driver who is persuaded by his wife and their friends to go out to relax. First to a Strip Joint (This wouldn't be my idea of a couple's evening out, but what the heck::big grin::!) then to a hypnotist. While under hypnosis, the spirit of a long dead gangster/black marketeer/all around bad ass enters his body for revenge on the people who murdered him. It's kind of funny seeing Glynn Turman (RAISIN IN THE SUN, SUPER 8 and great as Mayor Royce on THE WIRE) go from a burned out albeit lovable guy into a jive talking , street hustling, hyper sexual, violent Bad-Ass MoFo! You'll love the hair style and outfits He ends up wearing. I had wanted to see this for some time and certainly not bad at all. ***

[FryeDwight]

PUMPKINHEAD (1988). Lance Henriksen is great as a father trying avenge the death of his young son caused by the foolishness of an asshole motorcycle driver and his friends. However, He finds it's not as easy to stop something as it is to start it. The rest of the cast is less than memorable and the story meanders something fierce, although the title monster is pretty cool. **

[hammerfan]

Dracula A.D.1972

[FryeDwight]

TERROR IN THE AISLES (1984). Odd collage of scenes from various scary movies with somewhat dry narration fromDonald Pleasence and Nancy Allen. It goes as far back as BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN up to around 1982. This actually played in the theaters-I saw it a couple of times-and it encouraged Me to seek out some of the films like ALONE IN THE DARK, MS 45, VICE SQUAD, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, plus a lot of the usual suspects. Not necessary, but a fun little watch, especially if You have some background. One Caveat Emptor is TITA is jammed with spoilers or showing "The Good Stuff", so be ready for that. ***

[FryeDwight]

IMPULSE (1974). Absolutely looney film with William Shatner, due to a traumatic childhood experience, has become a leisure suited gigolo/psycho going after affluent widows and not for long term either. Bill sweats and twitches, but the women just love him, although the daughter of the most recent girlfriend sees through him astute She is, but also a TOTAL brat! While Shatner has nothing good to say about the film-very low budget- it's off beat enough to check out. Also with Ruth Roman (THE WINDOW, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, THE BABY) and Harold Sakata (OddJob himself from GOLDFINGER). **1/2

[TaeKwonZombie]

played the Texas chain saw massacre game and was disappointed, so I decided to watch the original movie again to clean my palate, one of my all time favorites, love the opening scene, aswell as the closing, just classic.::love::

[Sculpt]

played the Texas chain saw massacre game and was disappointed, so I decided to watch the original movie again to clean my palate, one of my all time favorites, love the opening scene, aswell as the closing, just classic.::love::

How does the Texas chain saw massacre game go? Do you play someone trying to escape their house or something?

[FryeDwight]

SHARK KILL (1976). TV movie obviously made due to the success of JAWS and even borrowing a good deal of the story from that film. A prickly ichthyologist notices a Great White Shark hanging around an oil rig and despite warnings, the work goes on and a couple of fatalities occur. A bounty is put on the shark and the scientist and the cranky brother of a victim decide to team up collect the reward. An accident happens where they end up in the ocean with the fish out there...somewhere (I'm thinking the makers of 2003's OPEN WATER may have seen this).

Not really bad as TV movies go, but loaded with stock footage and oddly a virtual cast of unknowns. The only name performer I recognized was Jennifer Warren (SLAP SHOT, NIGHT MOVES) and Roxanna Bonilla who was the only actress in the previous year's HARK'S TREASURE. **

[TaeKwonZombie]

gave the classic Silver Bullet (1985) a re watch, love me some good werewolf blood and gore!

[Chevalier]

I just rewatched Hell House.

[Chevalier]

Just rewatched Puppet Master (1989)

[FryeDwight]

THE PHANTOM EMPIRE (1988). Searching a cave, a group of explorers find themselves in another dimension with uncivilized people and ape like creatures as well as a few decent claymation dinosaurs. A pretty cool cast in here as well like Jeffrey Coombs, Russ Tamblyn, Sybil Danning, Robert Quarry and Michelle Bauer.

While I can appreciate the fan boy aspects of TPE, a truly awful script, bad acting and lackluster Fred Olen Ray direction make this a long harrowing ordeal. If You're a fan of the performers, it's worth a look, but not really for much else. *1/2

[Chevalier]

The Fog (1980)

[FryeDwight]

RED SUN (1971). Pretty decent, offbeat western noted for an international cast at the time of release. Charles Bronson helps Alain Delon steal valuables and a samurai sword carried by Japanese dignitaries hoping to present it to President Grant. After a double-cross, Chuck is ordered to assist one of the Japanese ambassador's guards (Toshiro Mifune, who is aces in the film) in a week. Chuck is more interested in finding the spoils and is constantly trying o ditch the samurai, but with no luck. Eventually, they come to an understanding and are later joined by Ursula Andress, who, as usual, is window dressing, but such lovely window dressing. I wasn't totally convinced by the ending, but enjoyed RS enough, although Bronson is SUCH a jerk in this. ***

[Sculpt]

RED SUN (1971). Pretty decent, offbeat western noted for an international cast at the time of release. Charles Bronson helps Alain Delon steal valuables and a samurai sword carried by Japanese dignitaries hoping to present it to President Grant. After a double-cross, Chuck is ordered to assist one of the Japanese ambassador's guards (Toshiro Mifune, who is aces in the film) in a week. Chuck is more interested in finding the spoils and is constantly trying o ditch the samurai, but with no luck. Eventually, they come to an understanding and are later joined by Ursula Andress, who, as usual, is window dressing, but such lovely window dressing. I wasn't totally convinced by the ending, but enjoyed RS enough, although Bronson is SUCH a jerk in this. ***

Never heard of this film. Coincidentally...


Midway (1976)
7/10

Good for a war picture. Has all the big names at the time and to come... Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Ed Nelson, Hal Holbrook, Robert Webber, Toshiro Mifune, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner, Pat Morita, Dabney Coleman, Erik Estrada and Tom Selleck.

It actually mixes stock war footage with 1976 Hollywood cinematography, which really surprised me. It was not seamless, but it wasn't distracting either. I'm curious if they matched the modern film color palette and/or lighting to closer match the stock.

Also, has very interesting side story of Charlton Heston's son, a new navy pilot, asks his high-ranking father to pull some strings... his Japanese fiancé's parents in the US were scooped up in Hawaii to be deported because they had some Japanese magazines the State Dept though were subversive.

It does a nice job telling the story of the Battle of Midway, which is an interesting story to begin with. For 1976, I was a little surprised with all the profanity of "Jesus" and "God damn", as it's sort of an all-American, maybe even family, film.

[FryeDwight]

Never heard of this film. Coincidentally...


Midway (1976)
7/10

Good for a war picture. Has all the big names at the time and to come... Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Ed Nelson, Hal Holbrook, Robert Webber, Toshiro Mifune, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner, Pat Morita, Dabney Coleman, Erik Estrada and Tom Selleck.

It actually mixes stock war footage with 1976 Hollywood cinematography, which really surprised me. It was seamless, but it wasn't distracting either. I'm curious if they matched the modern lighting to closer match the stock.

Also, has very interesting side story of Charlton Heston's son, a new navy pilot asks his high-ranking father to pull some strings... his Japanese fiancé's parents in the US were scooped up in Hawaii to be deported because they had some Japanese magazines the State Dept though were subversive.

It does a nice job telling the story of the Battle of Midway, which is an interesting story to begin with. For 1976, I was a little surprised with all the profanity of "Jesus" and "God damn", as it's sort of an all-American, maybe even family, film.

MIDWAY is a long haul, but it's a good story, certainly an important one. And the cast is impressive-Good to see You back, Sculpt::cool::!

GEMINI AFFAIR (1975)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Pretty cheesy film about a young woman (Marta Kristen from LOST IN SPACE) leaving her small town to Hollywood where She will stay with a friend until the "big break" happens. Of course, things never turn out as planned and a lot of dues paying. GA is quite stagy, but gets its notoriety when the two women after hooking up in California "hook up" in another way. Pretty steamy stuff and worth it for seeing "Judy Robinson" like You wished You could have back when You were watching LIS.
Pretty forgettable other than Marta, who I was able to meet a convention in 2006. Very nice and still lovely...I'm wondering if anyone would have the nerve to ask her about this one. **1/2

[Sculpt]

MIDWAY is a long haul, but it's a good story, certainly an important one. And the cast is impressive-Good to see You back, Sculpt::cool::!

GEMINI AFFAIR (1975)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Pretty cheesy film about a young woman (Marta Kristen from LOST IN SPACE) leaving her small town to Hollywood where She will stay with a friend until the "big break" happens. Of course, things never turn out as planned and a lot of dues paying. GA is quite stagy, but gets its notoriety when the two women after hooking up in California "hook up" in another way. Pretty steamy stuff and worth it for seeing "Judy Robinson" like You wished You could have back when You were watching LIS.
Pretty forgettable other than Marta, who I was able to meet a convention in 2006. Very nice and still lovely...I'm wondering if anyone would have the nerve to ask her about this one. **1/2

Thanks, FryeDwight! Good to see ya! Yes, I definitely had a little crush on Marta Kristen as Judy Robinson from lost in space. She was always so stoic. I guess her role was "oldest" and "big sister", especially when the show decided to focus on the youngest child Will Robinson (Bill Mumy).

[FryeDwight]

BEN (1972). Another film that was better in my early adolescence. The sequel to WILLARD starts out as a recap to lead into this story, where Ben, an intelligent black rat becomes the defect leader of a whole bunch of rodents-I must give praise to Moe Desesso and help who trained what looks like at least a 1000 rats. I give give much praise at all to the horrid script and the extremely uneven acting, particularly Lee Hartcourt Montgomery, playing Ben's sickly friend. You are almost hoping against hope that He'll be eaten...the film just screeches to a halt every time He's on screen and hearing him talk/sing/play harmonica to "Ben" (which we hear Michael Jackson sing on the credits) will just astound You how bad it is. Also a young Meredith Baxter and longtime character actor Kenneth Tobey. I must also give credit for a pretty wild scene involving rats in a grocery store (No alarm? in Los Angeles especially::roll eyes::!) and all sorts of product placement. Proceed with risk. **

[Sculpt]

BEN (1972). Another film that was better in my early adolescence. The sequel to WILLARD starts out as a recap to lead into this story, where Ben, an intelligent black rat becomes the defect leader of a whole bunch of rodents-I must give praise to Moe Desesso and help who trained what looks like at least a 1000 rats. I give give much praise at all to the horrid script and the extremely uneven acting, particularly Lee Hartcourt Montgomery, playing Ben's sickly friend. You are almost hoping against hope that He'll be eaten...the film just screeches to a halt every time He's on screen and hearing him talk/sing/play harmonica to "Ben" (which we hear Michael Jackson sing on the credits) will just astound You how bad it is. Also a young Meredith Baxter and longtime character actor Kenneth Tobey. I must also give credit for a pretty wild scene involving rats in a grocery store (No alarm? in Los Angeles especially::roll eyes::!) and all sorts of product placement. Proceed with risk. **

Does Lee Hartcourt Montgomery actually sing to Ben? ew... I'm glad I've forgotten that. ::big grin::

Do you remember how you liked Willard '71? Crispin Glover is really fun to watch in the 2003 remake.

[FryeDwight]

Does Lee Hartcourt Montgomery actually sing to Ben? ew... I'm glad I've forgotten that. ::big grin::

Do you remember how you liked Willard '71? Crispin Glover is really fun to watch in the 2003 remake.

Yes, Lee does sing and You are lucky to have forgotten that::wink:: WILLARD is pretty good and I thought the reboot was decent as ell. I thought Crispin was very good when He reveals his true feeling during his mother's funeral. I did think his (literally) snotty mewling for his job was embarrassing.

THE DEAD NEXT DOOR (1988). Very very low budget film by JK Bookwalter (who wrote for the great CULT MOVIES magazine) has a bad script and even worse acting, but it's so goofy and offbeat that I halfway enjoyed. The dead are back at it, a "Zombie Squad" is trying to contain with resistance from other group. A lot of "nods" to the Romero films and some pretty funny scenes, especially "customer selection" at a video store. ***

[FryeDwight]

BARQUERO (1970). After a town is plundered and its residents massacred (almost THE WILD BUNCH), psycho Warren Oates and his crew ride to the next settlement to cross the Rio Grande into Mexico. Unfortunately for them, the bargemen-Lee Van Cleef in his first lead role-knows that there will not be a happy ending for he or the "squatters" of the new village. So a standoff occurs....

Decent Western with two of my favorite character actors and a great turn by Forrest Tucker as "Mountain Phil". Also, an unusual scene where wholesome Marietta Hartley offers a "reward" to Lee if he rescues her husband; even though she can't stand him::confused:: and even more strange how Lee's girlfriend-Marie Gomez from THE PROFESSIONALS- who is quick with a gun, very handy and incredibly built doesn't seem to mind::confused::. Not a classic, but worth a watch. ***

[SerialKiller]

Hello Mary Lou Prom Night 2 1987. I enjoyed this.

[FryeDwight]

PASS THE AMMO (1988). Very odd comedy involving the exposing and re-acquiring funds from a sham religious group and what should be a simple case of petty larceny becomes an involved siege; reminded Me a lot of 1994's AIRHEADS. It's also clear that PTA is referencing, and not in a subtle way, the public exposes of Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert at around the same time.

Good performances by Bill Paxton, Annie Potts and Linda Kozlowski (CROCODILE DUNDEE), but Tim Curry, as per usual, takes the ball and runs and flashing that truly big insincere grin.

PTA goes on a little too long and some dead spots, but enough good parts that makes it worth the watch. Also of interest, it was filmed in Eureka Springs, Arkansas-You can see the big Christ Of The Ozarks statue- although I've heard some of the residents weren't pleased to see religious people made to look foolish. ***

[FryeDwight]

THE CREEPING FLEASH (1973). I must say that this is pretty good and certainly aged better than many films of the era. TCF concerns the competition between two brothers for a prestigious prize and the desperate and/or conniving ways it's gone about. Peter Cushing is good as always, particularly is his well meaning, but misguided attempt at "...doing what is best". for his daughter. And a very impressive turn by Christopher Lee as a man who has the brass ring very close and not adverse to how he gets it. ***

[FryeDwight]

DEMON RAGE (1982-many many other titles and release dates). This could almost play on a double bill with THE ENTITY; ie, a woman having sexual relations with a Demonic force. However, the spirit (and flesh) is more willing in DR. Lana Wood (Natalie's younger sister and featured in DIAMOND ARE FOREVER) is married to a nasty abusive asshole who ignore her wants for a more loving relationship and then gets pissed when She won't respond to him. It seems her unhappiness calls forth a demonic force that has his way with her...several times which ends up showing Lana's impressive (to say the least) breasts.

Also in here for marquee value is Britt Ekland (also in a James Bond film; THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN) and John Carradine in his customary cameo. I believe the Demon who looks like a tall Tom Savini was also in a James Bond film, but can't remember which and am too lazy to look it up. **1/2

[TaeKwonZombie]

A rewatch of The Amityville Horror, classic