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Reviews
Mercy (2000)
Rent It Already!
"Mercy" sounds kinda like your average scary cop thriller mixed with "8MM." But with great acting by Ellen Barkin and Peta Wilson, it's soon noticeable that it's much better. The camera work and original score were also quite enjoyable. But maybe the best thing about this film, it's good! There is a plot. Unlike many other films of it's type, "Mercy" has a plot and sticks with. It keeps you guessing and wondering, but doesn't lose your interest. And while the basis of the movie is very sexual, the film itself isn't that bad. I mean, if it's unnecessary, you probably won't see too much of it. So give it a chance, cuz it's a 9 out of 10 in my book.
All Over Me (1997)
A Masterpiece
Dreaming of becoming a rock star and hanging out, Claude (Alison Folland) is just like any other fifteen year-old girl. Almost. As the school year nears an end, she finds her relationship with Ellen (Tara Subkoff) strained. And a new friend, Luke, enters her life.
Ellen is suddenly caught up in her new boyfriend, (Cole Hauser). However, Claude doesn't feel the same way about guys. Claude is attracted to girls. To be specific, she's fallen in love with Ellen. And all that happens is Ellen gets closer and closer to Mark.
When Ellen begins a downward spiral into drugs, alcohol, and late-night partying, Claude has to make a decision. Will she be there for Ellen when she needs her most? Or will she stop letting Ellen use her? To complicate things more, a new love interest enters Claude's life and another friend makes an exit.
Claude is forced to weigh the importance of her relationship with Ellen against her conscience. In the end she has to do the right thing and deal with her best friend hating her. In a matter of days, Claude loses two friends, gains one, and also gains a love. And in the end there is no looking back.
This film is the ideal indie movie. Subkoff and Folland shine along with the rest of the excellent cast. Superb writing and cinematography combined with a hip urban soundtrack make this a must see.
Psycho (1998)
Beating Around the Bush
The 1998 version of "Psycho" is slow and hideous.Though I enjoyed the last 20 minutes,I can hear Alfred Hitchcock rolling in his grave from here.For a movie that is supposed to be a shot-for-shot remake,I don't think it was.It's hard to believe that Norman Bates would've whacked off in the original.It wouldn't bother me had we not heard *zip* WHACK WHACK WHACK WHACK *zip*. Oh yeah,and staring at Anne Heche's bare bottom was no treat for anyone besides Ellen either.Hopefully one day all the copies of this movie will be picked up by a tornado and disappear around the Bermuda Triangle.Gus Van Sant must've been "psycho" to release this version of "Psycho".
Disturbing Behavior (1998)
I'm Disturbed
Anyone willing watching this film must exhibit some "disturbing behavior".A complete let down from what looked to be an intelligent film,I will never under free will view it again.Between the kooky,top-less girl, the kid's mom telling the PTA he jacked off too much, and the painful removal of a nose ring, it makes you shudder in complete fear of seeing more. It was also very clever of them to leave it open for a sequel,because you know how many people would flock to go see that.This exhaustingly horrible film is burned into my memory.
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
That's really sad...
From previous comments, this film has been called the best of the series.Not being a big fan of the F13 films(considering they were the 80's version of "Halloween"),I've only seen this and a few minutes of "Jason Goes to Hell".Well let's see... The film starts off with cheesy special effects then goes on to an actor-less story line of gory murders on a boat.And it ends up in Manhattan where people are drugged and raped by thugs.As if the clothes weren't enough to make you shudder,the lack of story and character development will.Watching about an hour and half of this,it felt like 9 years.Nine years I'll never,ever get back.If you want to rent this movie,you're obviously in the mood for bad horror.So why not rent "Silence of the Hams" with Shelly Winter instead? With her starring,it's guaranteed to scare you.As for Friday the 13th Part VIII,I've seen scarier toddlers.
Communion (1976)
Holy Yehti! A Classic!
"Alice,Sweet Alice" is a classic.You are compelled to watch by the bizarre events and bad,almost hypnotic music.It even leaves a little bit of a mystery at the end.It's unpredictable,fun,and oddly grabbing.The one truly annoying fact,besides the Italian lady's bad accent,is the wide-screen presentation in which it's shown.Not only is it fun to watch,it was also intelligent in writing and direction.So for some quality church terror,watch "Alice,Sweet Alice".When you think about it,she ain't that sweet,now is she?
Muppets from Space (1999)
Hilarious w/ Sub-text
Besides being openly hilarious with cosmic fish,talking sandwiches,and messages in breakfast cereal,there is a vast array of sub-text in the new Muppet film.Boasting a G-rating,the film is rich with instances where the human mind cannot help see something other than what's happening.Adults who get drug along may find themselves enjoying the movie as much as their children.It all starts with a bible-bashing dream sequence depicting Gonzo being barred from Noah and his fancy pants ark just because Gonzo was a one of a kind. That introduces the theme of the movie which is acceptance and unconditional love. Blah blah blah.....who cares? The dialogue is hilarious, the cameo appearances by such celebrities as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Kathy Griffin, David Arquette, and Dawson's Creek stars' Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, are fun pop culture references, and hidden beneath situational irony and mature sub-text lies a moral. If you want to know that moral you gotta go see it. And get the sound track too.
Satan's Cheerleaders (1977)
horror so cheaply bad it's hilarious
Sure, it has a nonexistent plot. Sure, the soundtrack sounds like cheap porn. And sure, the characters should have been named 'Slutty' 'Loose Ho' and 'Dumbass', but it was important for them to have cheerleader names like 'Patti' stretched across their bosoms. Satan's Cheerleaders is, however, a timeless classic for all those horror movie fanactics such as myself. If you're looking for substance check out Simon Birch. A good scare? Go see Jennifer Love Hewitt bounce around in I Still Know....part 9. But if you're looking for two hours of non stop laughs and idiotic phrases you can sprinkle into party chit-chat, head out to the video store and rent 'Satan's Cheerleaders'. Oh, and pop some popcorn in case you get the urge to throw something at the screen.
Black Circle Boys (1997)
Not Given A Chance
The film's colors are dull,the story could be better,but give this movie a chance.A wild ride inside an exclusive "brotherhood",the movie is bizarre.But considering the budget,it's pretty good. The true reason to watch this movie is for the outstanding acting of Scott Bairstow and Tara Subkoff.This film introduced me to Subkoff and I am now addicted.Bottom line,rent-worthy.