angelorona Reviews

Gone But Not Forgotten (2005 TV Movie)

Very Good Adaptation

[8/10 · 2 March 2006]

I use to work as a reader (Someone who reads various material and recommends it to be made into a feature film) and this novel was at the top of my list since it first came out years back. So I was all out surprised when I just happened upon it on DVD at the video store a few weeks ago. I was initially apprehension to see how such dark material would be transferred into a T.V. format. However, I then recalled that the novel's plot was fairly elaborate and could only be done justice as a two-part T.V. movie. And after watching this, I did indeed find myself quite impressed with the entire effort -- Acting, directing, writing, even some of the cinematography. This, despite the material being "Lifetime"-enhanced a bit, as well as a pretty bad little plot convenience near the end.

Overall, I recommend the movie and strongly recommend the book.

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

A great, 80s horror flick.

[4 January 2003]

Anyone who calls this movie trash must not be familiar with the b-movie genre and don't know what the hell they are talking about!

This flick has more originality than most of the eighties (and even quite a few modern days ones) horror flicks combined. The directing is superior, especially for a Canadian movie. (This is not a put down but a solid fact; just look at most of the pretentious or just just plain bland stuff currently coming from Our Friends to the North.) The women are quite attractive . . . both in and out of costume. There's even some arousing seductions/sex scenes. But my hat really has to go to the writing (and subsequent F/X) which is, at once, clever, original and sometimes downright (intentionally) funny. I don't know if this or NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3 was released first, but even if PN 2 came out after it still deserves a solid B+ when it comes to innovative deaths and horror (The evil, living rocking horse is one of my faves, to this date.) Another thing that the viewer should keep in mind is that this film came out with the self-referential idea (There are jokes made in relation to THE EXORCIST.) over a DECADE before the SCREAM series! There is even a character with the last name Hennelotter! This was probably a gag that was missed by any those who disliked the film.

Anyways, watch this film and its equally creative (with more black comedy) sequel -- PROM NIGHT 3: THE LAST KISS -- when feel like watching a criminally underrated horror movie of any decade. Needless to say, its a sequel that surpasses the original (which was a hard task) not unlike THE GODFATHER 2 . . . Alright, maybe I'm taking it a bit too far but my point is to watch this movie!