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Reviews
Repulsion (1965)
No more Polanski
Knowing that the name Polanski was important in the horror genre but not able to remember for what films, I gave Repulsion a try. I came to the painful realization that this was a dry, snail paced film noir want-a-be. Intrigued by why this film garners so much hype I checked what else Polanski contributed to the world of film. And low and behold Rosemary's Baby was listed and I suddenly remembered that is why I hated Polanski's film making so much. That too being a massive bore-fest it all made sense. Both films were executed at a moderated to slow pace saturated with quite moments in which no dialogue or score are involved and both delivered overrated finales. I can sit through and thoroughly enjoy silents such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu. So I don't have a problem with using imagination to fill in the blanks. But this movie...... wow. You have no emotional stake in it. What's her deal? It's never clear. I feel sorry for the supporting characters that have to deal with Carole rather than Carole herself. I don't care, and therefor the film falters. But people will always hold Repulsion high upon the podium of most important films. Maybe perhaps as a study of what to avoid when creating a psychological thriller. Of course thats just my opinion.
Stay Alive (2006)
I don't give movies a ONE but this deserved it...
Stay Alive offers nothing to the viewer. It is a horror though, a horror to watch and terror to the genre. Why you may ask? Well....First is the poor direction. Some horror movies out there are very campy and have lousy moments, be it acting or continuity (i.e. John Carpenter movies, and no I'm not picking on Carpenter he is great). But the difference here is the director did not know what he was doing in Stay Alive. He and the writer constantly deviated from the story and contradicted there own rules. Which brings me to the next point. Continuity. All movies create a world that contain its own "laws" to govern the plot and character actions. Stay Alive ignored its own story line and randomly killed characters that nobody likes anyways. Which is the final reason this movie is bad. YOU DON'T CARE A FLIP ABOUT THE CHARACTERS OR WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM. Most horror movies with annoying characters are at least killed off creatively, but not in this movie. (One character is killed by a horse and carriage that tramples him in the middle of the day because he saw one in the game...WHAT??) Contrary to what one may think, I do not go into movies to pick them apart. I'm an open minded viewer. But it is the directors/writers RESPONSIBILITY to involve the viewer and invite them to participate in the film in an emotional capacity. Stay Alive fails not only as entertainment but as a film. The only compliment that I give this movie is that I took the time to write a lousy review about it.
Slap Happy Lion (1947)
Why we love Cartoons
This cartoon is a prime example of Tex Avery's brilliance and how producer Fred Quimby could pick'em. Slap Happy Lion show's us how too much confidence can run short to the unlikeliest of foes. Avery delivers gag after gag with the goofiest lion flexing his king of the jungle muscles with roaring laughter. This is truly one of the reasons why I've always been a fan of vintage cartoons from the MGM studios in a time when shorts such as these were seen only at the theater. A true hidden treasure of the Avery archives...8 out of 10.
Slap Happy Lion can also be found appropriately as a special feature on the classic Thin Man series finale "Song of the Thin Man" on DVD.
The City of the Dead (1960)
Atmosphere is key
The City of the Dead or as I know it Hotel Horror absolutely drips with the most ideal and iconic atmosphere that any vintage horror film could have. It rivals that of Todd Browning's 1931 Dracula as far as what one would expect to see at Halloween. Moxey gives us everything from dark graves yards shrouded in fog and dotted with crooked tomb stones to cob web infested caves that lead to un-holy chambers of ritualistic killings. Throw in a good mystery story carried by solid acting and The City of the Dead/Hotel Horror is great entertainment courtesy of a time when CGI and uber-realistic make-up effects were non-existent. Not to mention a fantastic look at Christopher Lee before his Dracula/Hammer film days as a young man whose famous booming voice was yet to fully become apart of his character. A great popcorn movie and a must for the vintage movie fan. Sit back and get ready to be plucked into a world of Salem witch lore and pure fun.
Halloween II (1981)
A solid follow up the Carpenter Classic
Halloween II takes you deeper into the world of Hadonfeild and Michael Myers. Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance reprise their rolls as Lori Strode and Dr. Loomis to provide great continuity that carries over from the original.
In the sequel Dr. Loomis becomes more obsessed with finding Myers after the deranged killer survives Loomis' first onslaught that was the climatic finish to the original Halloween. With Lori now in the apparent safety of Hadonfield Memorial Hospital, Michael begins a relentless and murderous pursuit to find her.
Why is Michael so intent on young Lori and can Dr. Loomis finally bring an end to "the night that he came home"? Held back only by a change of director and slightly odd reprise of the originals classic score, Halloween II is great not just for fans of the series but entertaining for the casual horror/thriller movie buff.
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys offers what is considered on of the best twist on the modern vampire and is to be in the company of Fright Night and Near Dark of the 1980's. Schumacher gives us the famous "Cory" duo for the first time in film, and Kiffer Sutherlands first major role as the leader of the Vampire gang. To accompany this, there is good acting across the board through great direction and writing. The gore is fun and the comic timing of The Lost Boys has contributed to some of the best one-liners to come out of 80's pop culture. By far a worthy classic amongst the Vampire genre and not to be missed even by some of the most jaded of movie critics. A borderline 8 star held back slightly to a 7 because it is a product of its time and can be dated. However it's very re-watchable.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Timeless story
Ever wish you could befriend a karate expert who would teach you the art of self defense to which you then use to defeat your biggest bully thus allowing you to win the heart of the hottest chick in school? If so The Karate Kid is just what your looking for. Daniel LaRusso is a wise cracking kid from New Jersey who suddenly find's himself in sunny California due to his mom taken on a new career. Out of place and unhappy, Daniel begins to alienate everybody he runs into through his stubborn and defiant attitude, all but Ally that is.
As Daniel struggles with school bullies (enter Johnny and Co.) pummeling him everyday and losing the girl he loves, he befriends Mr Miyagi; part maintenance man and part bad A** karate expert. In an attempt to end Daniel's torment by the hands of Johnny and his goons Miyagi teaches Daniel karate and enters into the All Valley Karate Tornament! Will Daniel prevail and hold together his unraveling teenage life, or will Johnny and the Cobra Kia's continue to have their way? A great and inspiring story of friendship and perseverance; The Karate Kid is a classic offering great 80's nostalgia with minimal cheese.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Great Dark Comedy
This is a classic example of Tim Burton's macabre humor and fantastic mind. Beetlejuice puts you into a world where both the "Living and the Dead" come together. The Maitland's (Baldwin and Davis) are a happy married couple living in a sleepy Conneticut town and who are getting nestled in for their vacation together at home. The peace and quiet comes to a tragic end when they meet their deaths in a car accident. Now as ghosts, they witness their beloved home being taken over buy New York yuppies and make an unlikely alliance with the families daughter (Ryder). To make sense of what to do in the after life, the Maitland's look to seek the aid of Beetlejuice! The "Ghost with the Most". From there, everything turns into a hilarious and horrific adventure where Micheal Keaton shines with his comedic talents. This movie is a must for any horror and comedy fan, and a no brainier for Tim Burton fans out there.
Fright Night (1985)
Great classic...
Fright Night is one of those wonderful and somewhat overlooked vampire/horror movies of the 80's. It delivers a solid story line and you'll enjoy the characters personalities throughout the film. Director Tom Holland truly had a sense of passion and sincerity for this movie and for the vampire concept. He opens the door for the modern day vampire and produces a humorous script. This is a good one to watch over and over. Worth the time for any horror movie buff and by far one of my personal favorites.
Holland also directed Child's Play which is his more known work. However it is evident that his labor of love was in Fright Night. While Child's Play is extremely original Fright Night ultimately packs more punch.
Haute tension (2003)
Frustrating, but.......
High Tension has some of the best shock gore EVER caught on camera. The sequences are not over done and are through just after you've had about enough. Also, it carries pretty good "non-gore" suspense but you will end up disagreeing with some of the heroine's (Maria) decisions. Furthermore it sticks with you, and haunts you. Very strong stuff and worth a watch. However, the plot twist in this movie is absolutely diabolical. It makes NO sense unless you watch the DVD extras so that the arrogant French jerks that wrote and directed the movie and who do not hesitate to praise themselves explain further what is going on. This is frustrating because it was a really, really good movie up till the twist is reveled. (Which is followed by more great horror). Why oh why did they throw this twist in I wish I knew. I give this movie a 8 because again the horror and gore is amazing. All said and done, go ahead and watch it. Just be ready to be appalled, shocked, and above all absolutely aggravated.
Cabin Fever (2002)
Pretty good
This movie was not at all what I expected. I was looking for something very scary and suspenseful, not a drip. BUT, when it was all said and done Cabin Fever was pretty entertaining and had good macabre humor.
It is a great example of early Eli Roth's horror visions (before he became a lap dog of Hollywood production). The acting is a bit thin and the character actions are contradicting. But what you ultimately get is a strange world full of goofy and most times annoying characters and a slight twist of the regurgitated "teens on a camping trip from hell" idea. This is a cult classic and that is enough to be said. Go in with no expectations and enjoy.
Wendigo (2001)
Ummm, Nah.....
i was disappointed. the film was a bit predictable and did not live up to the hype plastered all over the box. Having said that, the characters were well developed, the windego myth was used in a unique premise and the house was pretty spooky but it just missed for me. I kept waiting for that big AHHHHH or BOO! But it never came.
Furthermore the movie was plagued with poor filming of poor special effects. Thus showing to much of a bad thing and not using atmosphere and viewer imagination to create the horror and suspense. Try movies like Session 9 or the Cube if your looking for a low-budget but well conceived horror movie.
Amityville II: The Possession (1982)
Pretty good, still chilling
This movie I feel is the strongest of the three by far. The camera work is quite impressive in this film when you get to have a first person view of the evil spirit hunting down Sonny. However, the incestuous undertones are a little strong and there are some bizarre moments of how the little brother and sister act. But at the same time, bizarre and uncomfortable moments are what makes a good horror flick. So between strong cinematography and ghoulish effects, this movie is quite enjoyable. If you like a good horror movie then yes you should watch this. Just remember to go in with the mind set that its just a movie and not everything is perfect.