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The Fanatic (2019)
A Schizophrenic Yet Highly Effective Movie That Leaves a Scar
Going into this movie, I had a number of preconceived notions and other people's opinions about it in my mind. After seeing it, I came away having a very personal reaction to it, and found the movie to be overwhelmingly disturbing as a commentary on Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the human condition. That said, it definitely felt outdated in its themes. Like the political climate of the early-to- mid 80s. Bullying is king. Celebrities are gigantic. Movies open with a long opening credit sequence. Times have changed, and not necessarily for the better, so I have to say its dated feel was something I really admired about the movie. It does not conform to modern political tastes. The movie is mean, bold, and sometimes a little dense, but overall it's a fascinating watch.
Underwater (2020)
A Welcome Addition To Ocean Horror
While the film doesn't bring a ton of new ideas to the underwater horror subgenre (with the exception of a visual scale we haven't seen before) there is a lot to love about this movie if only for its clear affinity for the titles that came before it; chiefly Deep Star Six, Leviathan, and The Rift (all of which were made around 1989). Kristen Stewart really shines in the title role, and the creature stuff is awesome with strong Lovecraftian influence. This however is where you crave more imagination as the film only grazes the surface of what's possible. At the same time, it can be seen as a strength, inspiring the imagination to greater depths. If you haven't seen Stuart Gordon's Dagon, I highly recommend it. A little more meat on the bone for those who want to go a little deeper.
Unfortunately the film's less than stellar performance at the box office could be attributed to the fact that the 80s are gone, and the masses are more interested in Dr. Pimple Popper online, or whichever million different rabbit holes of content we're overwhelmed with these days. I would also say the film's marketing made an error in burying the fact that it was a monster flick. Monster fans will love this thing, yet it's sold like it's another bland sci-fi snooze fest.
Definitely worth a look for genre fans. See it on the big screen while you can.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Incorrect Mass Opinion
This is the greatest sequel you could ever hope for made in 2016, twenty years after the release of the original groundbreaking Independence Day. Like many unfortunate films made in a post internet era, this release was subject to a negative energy right from the start, while it delivered everything it possibly could to fans of the original. While the film doesn't have the exact same spark and "lightening in a bottle" effect of its predecessor, Resurgence delivers in tone, absurdity, and incredibly well produced high concepts rarely seen in blockbuster cinema. To all those who saw it, liked it, and were ashamed to admit your feelings to your outspoken social media zombified friends, have no fear. There are others who know it's great, and we're growing in numbers. Resurgence is awesome, and I'm not afraid to admit it.
Green Lantern (2011)
An Under Appreciated Contribution to Super Hero Cinema
The theatrical cut of Green Lantern is far better than many people may lead you to believe. The movie is all at once a science fiction, horror, action, and romance adventure with terrific special effects and a great score to boot. While the insecure masses wrote it off with broad strokes fearing it as some kind of threat to the Marvel universe, the more astute viewer will recognize the brilliance of this magical genre blender. The film delivers wit and high concept science fiction that succeeds at capturing the magical weirdness of Green Lantern without much compromise in an effort to make the concept consumable on a grand scale. Part Star Wars, part Exorcist; Green Lantern dares to be different in an exciting way that will be appreciated by anyone unafraid to try something new.
The Tower (2008)
This is what indie horror is all about...
'The Tower' is a unique merging of art, gore, zombies, and science fiction strung together to make one of the most original horror films to come out of Detroit since Sam Raimi's 'Evil Dead'. There are influences of Raimi's possessed 'deadites', Romero's classic zombies and gore- along with high concept science fiction and macabre elements that reminded me of Phantasm, House, and Suspiria.
There's a lot of atmosphere in this film, helping to keep you in a dreadful state of mind. You are traveling along with Lucy and a confused survivor in a world that seems separated from reality- always trying to unravel the mystery of the Tower. It's a movie for those who like to be lost in a cinematic nightmare. The music is cool, and the makeup effects are awesome.
There's a strong payoff in the end as it dives deeper into a sci-fi / fantasy realm than most films of the horror genre do these days. I think that's my favorite thing about the film.
I loved 'The Tower'. It's a film that defies genre expectations, and worthy of it's growing cult following.
Small Shots (2001)
Original and Funny
Small Shots caught my attention while I was attending film school in Chicago. It used to air after Star Trek on TNN. Chris and Matt travel across country, going to small towns casting the locals for short movie spoofs. Each week Cox and Sloan would arrive in a new town, recruiting "actors" with a casting session that never failed to provide laughs. Basically the show makes fun of reality TV shows, then makes fun of movies... and pretty much rips on the entire American pop culture with wit and cleverness. Throughout the show, their are numerous obstacles and challenges that pose one threat after another to the production of the short film. The conflicts were usually absurd and hilarious. The pay off is watching the short film at the end of the episode. I remember the one entitled "Jurassic Dog" being so dumb. This show was great. I hope it gets released to DVD one day.
Run Ronnie Run (2002)
Mr. Show goes to the big screen!
HBO's popular series Mr. Show and its four seasons have made an impact on the world of comedy that may never heal... and let's hope it doesn't! Bob Odenkirk and David Cross have proved their ability to a selective audience creating controversy and new norm-opposing ideas that have shocked the minds of many viewers. Is the world ready for a Mr. Show Movie? Or will people shy away from the originality and important ideas that the two renegade comics propose? I don't know about you, but I'm more excited for Run, Ronnie, Run then another Brady Bunch the movie sequel part 3. There is fear that the film may be an audience friendly Hollywood adaptation of the Mr. Show series, but I believe that this movie will break new comedic grounds unlike the world has ever known. Run, Ronnie, Run is movie that all of America must see!