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CONRACK (1974). THE WATER IS WIDE by Pat Conroy has been a favorite book for almost 50 years. Conroy went to Yamacraw Island (when I went there, it was called Dafuskie) near Hilton Head SC to teach at an all Black school where all the children were seriously lacking in any educational skills. He eventually got through to them by an unorthodox method of teaching, all but ditching the syllabus and angering his principal and the Board of Education.
This tries very hard, but I find Jon Voight extremely bland and several events in the film did not happen in the book as well as the timeline out of sync. You truly learn to appreciate what Conroy tried do, but read the book instead. ** |
History of the World: Part I 1981 ★★★★★
- (pouring wine) Say when - 8:30 If this type of silliness is not for you, then it's better to give this one a skip. For the rest of you, get rest to cackle your ass off at the rapid fire on Comicus, Ceasar's Palace,... - (Checks pants) Jewish, ey? - He was nervous! Mel Brooks did not bother too much with things like political correctness, so some fragments will not go over well with the current generation. Though some of them will on the other hand get a kick out of the Bea Arthur cameo. The Wicker Man 1973 ★★★★½ From the golden age of horror. Undeservedly underrated at times, but more and more recognised as the masterpiece that it is. While at first, this seems like a classical police investigation, this devolves into a psychedelic nightmare-like scenario as Sergeant Howie becomes more and more baffled at the behaviour and the habits these people display. From the dirty songs over the bar fights to them being... let's just call it very sex positive. Not to mention the self evidentness with which they dicuss these topics. Why of course. Why not? What else? What of it? In my opinion, the horror is in the isolation. First from the rest of the island, then from the rest of the world as someone clearly tampered with his plain. Throughout the film, he becomes more and more frustrated and frightened, with the culmination being the May fest where the “giant” reveal takes place. The terror on Woodward's face as he realises that there is no way out. Or his desperate pleas for his Christian god. All to no avail. Not in the least because of the matter of fact-ish delivery by Christopher Lee. This genre icon perfectly cast as Lord Sommerisle. Thanks to the people behind Midsommar for (inadvertently) bringing this gem back to attention. It deserves the attention and praise it gets now. And then some. |
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Re, THE WICKER MAN-absolutely correct on all counts. It really is a slow burn and it is extremely frightening at the climax when Howie realizes what's in store for Him. Also, Ingrid Pitt::love::::love:: and Britt Eklund::love:: EYE OF THE NEEDLE (1981). Decent WW2 espionage film involving a German Spy (Donald Sutherland; better than usual) who ends up stranded on an island and getting involved with the wife (Lovely and vulnerable Kate Nelligan) of an embittered and hateful husband, injured in an accident. A true connection, but will it survive War time realities? *** |
ALONE IN THE DARK (1982). This doesn't hit all the high notes, but has a lot of great moments that will keep You watching. An asylum run by Donald Pleasance (a decent turn by DP, although some of his methods are a little out there) suffers a power failure enabling three psychotics to escape and target a new psychiatrist they feel murdered a past therapist. Two of the escapees are future Oscar winners, Jack Palance (kind of deadpan, but he has some great moments towards the end) and a scenery chewing performance by Martin Landau; he's awesome!
One of New Lines first movies, there is a touch of serendipity involving a disguise worn by one of the escapees that will remind You of a franchise from another studio, although said franchise ended up on New Line. I'm surprised Paramount didn't squawk over that. *** |
Garfield’s Thanksgiving 1989 ★★★★
Only a good 20+ minutes, but very enjoyable for what it was. A bit of innocent, wholesome family friendly fun with my favorite fat cat. I have always had a place in my heart for Garfield, so seeing the specials pop up on Letterboxd gave me enough of an incentive to start (re)watching them. The story is pretty much what you expect. A lot of the typical jokes about food, diet and dating that the comics give you. I like the comics, so I quite enjoyed this special. The only new thing that I can add is that you can now watch it for free on the joetoebz. Enjoy! Halloween 1978 ★★★★★ Annie: Now, you are seeing men behind bushes. So Laurie was chased by Moe Szyslak. Who knew? Halloween... it's totally a five star classic. |
Stage Fright 1987 ★★★½
What struck me on this rewatch? As much as it is classified as a giallo, this movie does tread its fair share of slasher territory. Even if just for the lack of mystery surrounding the killer. It's clear fairly early on who it is. Nonetheless it's a pretty entertaning Italian slasher. Michael Soavi delivers a solid plot with a good flow of action and some pretty good kills. Not to mention a nice looking killer with the owl mask, a good mask and some good tense moments like the one with the key. The characters are written well enough to keep you invested, the acting is okay and the dubbing is not that bad either. The movie does not overstay its welcome and the ending is well delivered and executed. Nice little addition to your slasher collection. |
MISCHEIF (1985). While this follows the basic tenet of "Teen Movies" (AKA getting Nookie), it actually has more heart than most of them. Granted, all the characters do dumb things here and there, but no real malice and I enjoyed the Friendship angle between the two guys, although initially, there isn't much in common. While it's most known for Kelly Preston's nude scene (very spicy, I must say::love::), her performance is pretty good, as is the ones by Catherine Mary Stewart and Jami Gertz. ***
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ANGEL (1984). Grimy story focusing on a High school Honors student who is a Street walker to afford the tuition to her upperclass school. Along with the unpleasant people She encounters (and thankfully, We don't see much of that), there is also a deranged killer stalking her and her friends.
Donna Wilkes is pretty good as the title character and does look very much like a young teen, although she was in her 20's when this was made. Some good support by Dick Shawn and Rory Calhoun. And when the killer is in the porno theater, it is an actual XXX playing called SWEET ALICE that came out shortly before this. **1/2 |
Burnt Offerings, 1976. 8/10
Director: Dan Curtis https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrLH92KpK...auffeurGif.gif |
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 |
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
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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. |
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. |
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STATELINE MOTEL (1975)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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. *** |
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I'd say the same for Louise Fletcher, who won Best Actress. Nicholson won Best Actor. |
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). ** |
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. **** |
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.
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PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW (1971).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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. *** |
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. |
Some old favorites.....
THE SHINING DAWN OF THE DEAD SAVAGE STREETS FRIDAY, THE 13th |
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.
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Cujo, I watch this every once in a while.
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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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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. *** |
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. ** |
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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 |
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. |
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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. ** |
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. |
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! |
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. ***** |
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. |
Return of The Living Dead part 2 (1988)
not as good as the original, but I didnt expect it to be. |
Christmas Evil (1980) this movie cracked me up, figured I'd finally watch this seeing as how its that time of the year.
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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. |
gave Black Christmas (1974) a rewatch, always scary edge of your seat fun.
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