Due to the sheer amount of horrors I'm watching for the October
challenge I will be slowing up on the reviews. It's just too damned
hard to keep up with. Hopefully regular reviews will return in
November.
Cheers!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Boston Globe's Top 20 zombie movies of all time...
Another fine list...
original list
1. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
2. Dead Alive (1992) (aka Braindead)
3. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
4. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
5. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
6. Deadgirl (2008)
7. Zombie (1979)
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
9. Day of the Dead (1985)
10. Fido (2006)
11. Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1976)
12. I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
13. 28 Days Later (2002)
14. Zeder (1982)
15. Versus (2002)
16. Land of the Dead (2005)
17. White Zombie (1932)
18. Grindhouse presents Planet Terror (2007)
19. Dead Snow (2009)
20. Dance of the Dead (2008)
original list
1. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
2. Dead Alive (1992) (aka Braindead)
3. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
4. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
5. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
6. Deadgirl (2008)
7. Zombie (1979)
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
9. Day of the Dead (1985)
10. Fido (2006)
11. Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1976)
12. I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
13. 28 Days Later (2002)
14. Zeder (1982)
15. Versus (2002)
16. Land of the Dead (2005)
17. White Zombie (1932)
18. Grindhouse presents Planet Terror (2007)
19. Dead Snow (2009)
20. Dance of the Dead (2008)
The Boston Globe's Top 50 scariest movies of all time...
A fascinating list to be sure...
original list
1. The Thing (1982)
2. Ju-On (2000)
3. [*Rec] (2007)
4. The Ring (2002)
5. Alien (1979)
6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
7. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
8. Evil Dead II (1987)
9. Halloween (1978)
10. Audition (1999)
11. The Shining (1980)
12. Cloverfield (2008)
13. Quartemass and the Pit (1968)
14. The Exorcist (1973)
15. Jaws (1975)
16. Jacob's Ladder (1990)
17. Jesus Camp (2006)
18. 28 Days Later (2002)
19. The Changeling (1980)
20. Hellraiser (1987)
21. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
22. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
23. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
24. Saw (2004)
25. War of the Worlds (1953)
26. Se7en (1995)
27. Videodrome (1983)
28. The Mist (2007)
29. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
30. Altered States (1980)
31. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
32. Session 9 (2001)
33. The Beyond (1981) (aka Gates of Hell)
34. Salem's Lot (1979)
35. The Fly (1986)
36. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
37. Open Water (2003)
38. Pet Sematary (1989)
39. The Amityville Horror (1979)
40. Eraserhead (1977)
41. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
42. Event Horizon (1997)
43. The Brood (1979)
44. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
45. The Blob (1988)
46. The Wicker Man (1973)
47. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
48. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
49. The Innocents (1961)
50. Arachnophobia (1990)
original list
1. The Thing (1982)
2. Ju-On (2000)
3. [*Rec] (2007)
4. The Ring (2002)
5. Alien (1979)
6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
7. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
8. Evil Dead II (1987)
9. Halloween (1978)
10. Audition (1999)
11. The Shining (1980)
12. Cloverfield (2008)
13. Quartemass and the Pit (1968)
14. The Exorcist (1973)
15. Jaws (1975)
16. Jacob's Ladder (1990)
17. Jesus Camp (2006)
18. 28 Days Later (2002)
19. The Changeling (1980)
20. Hellraiser (1987)
21. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
22. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
23. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
24. Saw (2004)
25. War of the Worlds (1953)
26. Se7en (1995)
27. Videodrome (1983)
28. The Mist (2007)
29. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
30. Altered States (1980)
31. In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
32. Session 9 (2001)
33. The Beyond (1981) (aka Gates of Hell)
34. Salem's Lot (1979)
35. The Fly (1986)
36. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
37. Open Water (2003)
38. Pet Sematary (1989)
39. The Amityville Horror (1979)
40. Eraserhead (1977)
41. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
42. Event Horizon (1997)
43. The Brood (1979)
44. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
45. The Blob (1988)
46. The Wicker Man (1973)
47. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
48. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
49. The Innocents (1961)
50. Arachnophobia (1990)
October Challenge...#36: The Haunting of Winchester House (2009)
The Haunting of Winchester House (2009)
Stars...Tomas Boykin, Lira Kellerman, Patty Roberts
Director...Mark Atkins
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Straight from The Asylum comes this new spooker. A family hires on to be the caretakers of the infamous Winchester Mansion for a several month stint. But the tranquility is short lived when the the vengeful spirits turn their wrath on them. The Asylum can be extremely spotty with the projects they release but Winchester House is actually above average (at least for them) and even halfway decent. It manages to create a solid atmosphere even though it relies hevily on the cheap type of scares. The only real gripe I had was it was a little slow at times and the end twist was very apparent within the first ten minutes.
Stars...Tomas Boykin, Lira Kellerman, Patty Roberts
Director...Mark Atkins
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Straight from The Asylum comes this new spooker. A family hires on to be the caretakers of the infamous Winchester Mansion for a several month stint. But the tranquility is short lived when the the vengeful spirits turn their wrath on them. The Asylum can be extremely spotty with the projects they release but Winchester House is actually above average (at least for them) and even halfway decent. It manages to create a solid atmosphere even though it relies hevily on the cheap type of scares. The only real gripe I had was it was a little slow at times and the end twist was very apparent within the first ten minutes.
October Challenge...#35: Day of the Dead (1985)
Day of the Dead (1985)
Stars...Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato, Jarlath Conroy
Director...George A. Romero
Format...BluRay
Rating...* * * *
Now that the night and dawn have finished here comes the Day of the Dead. The dead have eradicated the living worldwide. A group of scientists and military personnel are deep within a bunker carfully guarding the knowledge of the past and attempting to develop a plan for the future. But the desperation mounts and tensions rise between the people and as always the dead lay heavy on their mind. Day of the Dead is my least favorite of the original trilogy but at a four star rating that isn't a big deal. "Day" delivers the goods in a way more visceral way than than "Night" did and softened the day-glo campiness of "Dawn". Where "Night" worked on the terror of the situation and "Dawn" gave it a slightly hopeful fun to it, "Day" almost completely relies on the nihilism of it all. No future, a decaying past just rotting in a hole waiting to die. Truly the living dead. The gore of the piece is the star of the show. Whether it's the detalied zombie appliances or the nasty attacks the gore is definately the high point of the production. The acting and direction are top-notch too on par withe the first entries.
Stars...Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato, Jarlath Conroy
Director...George A. Romero
Format...BluRay
Rating...* * * *
Now that the night and dawn have finished here comes the Day of the Dead. The dead have eradicated the living worldwide. A group of scientists and military personnel are deep within a bunker carfully guarding the knowledge of the past and attempting to develop a plan for the future. But the desperation mounts and tensions rise between the people and as always the dead lay heavy on their mind. Day of the Dead is my least favorite of the original trilogy but at a four star rating that isn't a big deal. "Day" delivers the goods in a way more visceral way than than "Night" did and softened the day-glo campiness of "Dawn". Where "Night" worked on the terror of the situation and "Dawn" gave it a slightly hopeful fun to it, "Day" almost completely relies on the nihilism of it all. No future, a decaying past just rotting in a hole waiting to die. Truly the living dead. The gore of the piece is the star of the show. Whether it's the detalied zombie appliances or the nasty attacks the gore is definately the high point of the production. The acting and direction are top-notch too on par withe the first entries.
Friday, October 9, 2009
October Challenge...#34: Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Stars...David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross
Director...George A. Romero
Format...BluRay
Rating...* * * * *
Now that the first night has passed a new dawn is upon us in this superb sequel to the classic Night of the Living Dead. The world is in chaos as the countries attempt to make sense of the walking dead. A group of four take to the skies after making off with a news-chopper. They eventually settle at a new beacon of society...the shopping mall. They become complacent over time but the walking dead and looters snap them back into cold, dead reality. Dawn of the Dead was a fantastic way to continue the dead series. The not-too-subtle jab at consumerism and its effect on society is clever as is the campy slapstick that the film takes in regards to the zombies at times. The Tom Savini gore is top-notch and the Goblin score is fantastic. Dawn is my personal favorite of the series and an absolute treat for horror movie fans.
Stars...David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross
Director...George A. Romero
Format...BluRay
Rating...* * * * *
Now that the first night has passed a new dawn is upon us in this superb sequel to the classic Night of the Living Dead. The world is in chaos as the countries attempt to make sense of the walking dead. A group of four take to the skies after making off with a news-chopper. They eventually settle at a new beacon of society...the shopping mall. They become complacent over time but the walking dead and looters snap them back into cold, dead reality. Dawn of the Dead was a fantastic way to continue the dead series. The not-too-subtle jab at consumerism and its effect on society is clever as is the campy slapstick that the film takes in regards to the zombies at times. The Tom Savini gore is top-notch and the Goblin score is fantastic. Dawn is my personal favorite of the series and an absolute treat for horror movie fans.
October Challenge...#33: Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Stars...Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Director...George A. Romero
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * * *
One evening a group of survivors hold up in a small rural farmhouse as the dead arise to prey upon the living with their insatiable hunger. But as the terror grows petty squabbles threaten to destroy them from within as the dead scratch at the door. This low budget masterpiece headed by talented horror master George A. Romero captured social tensions of the time (intentional or not) and managed to redefine the zombie genre and create easily one of the best films of the 20th century.
Stars...Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Director...George A. Romero
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * * *
One evening a group of survivors hold up in a small rural farmhouse as the dead arise to prey upon the living with their insatiable hunger. But as the terror grows petty squabbles threaten to destroy them from within as the dead scratch at the door. This low budget masterpiece headed by talented horror master George A. Romero captured social tensions of the time (intentional or not) and managed to redefine the zombie genre and create easily one of the best films of the 20th century.
October Challenge...#32: Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Stars...Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Roy Dotrice, Richard Greene
Director...Freddie Francis
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * 1/2
This Amicus production of the legendary EC Comic concerns five people trapped in a crypt with the cryptkeeper who shows them their evil futures and gives them an option to prevent it, if they choose. This fine anthology from one of the classic studios of a bygone era features five nice little stories some more twisted than others but all equally compelling. I think the Peter Cushing one is probably my favorite.
Stars...Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Roy Dotrice, Richard Greene
Director...Freddie Francis
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * 1/2
This Amicus production of the legendary EC Comic concerns five people trapped in a crypt with the cryptkeeper who shows them their evil futures and gives them an option to prevent it, if they choose. This fine anthology from one of the classic studios of a bygone era features five nice little stories some more twisted than others but all equally compelling. I think the Peter Cushing one is probably my favorite.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October Challenge...#31: Village of the Damned (1995)
Village of the Damned (1995)
Stars...Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski
Director...John Carpenter
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
This time around director John Carpenter takes on a remake of the classic 1960's British horror Village of the Damned. A peaceful coastal town is having a fund drive for their school. During the festivities an invisible force causes to everyone in town to lose consciousness. During the blackout all the women of the town became pregnant and nine months later the true terro begins when all the children begin to develop exponentially and form a group that may destroy the world.
Not quite as creepy as the original but compelling nonetheless. Village of the Damned still manages to create a sort of red menace feeling to it like the 1960 version. The cast is a good one with many familiar faces like Chris Reeve (his last film before his tragic horse riding accident) and the lovely Meredith Salenger. Not a classic Carpenter production but still very enjoyable.v
Stars...Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski
Director...John Carpenter
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
This time around director John Carpenter takes on a remake of the classic 1960's British horror Village of the Damned. A peaceful coastal town is having a fund drive for their school. During the festivities an invisible force causes to everyone in town to lose consciousness. During the blackout all the women of the town became pregnant and nine months later the true terro begins when all the children begin to develop exponentially and form a group that may destroy the world.
Not quite as creepy as the original but compelling nonetheless. Village of the Damned still manages to create a sort of red menace feeling to it like the 1960 version. The cast is a good one with many familiar faces like Chris Reeve (his last film before his tragic horse riding accident) and the lovely Meredith Salenger. Not a classic Carpenter production but still very enjoyable.v
October Challenge...#30: Funeral Home (1980)
Funeral Home (1980)
Stars...Kay Hawtrey, Lesleh Donaldson, Barry Morse, Dean Garbett
Director...William Fruet
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Funeral Home features the title dwelling that was converted into a summertime bed and breakfast type house. As you can guess a nutzoid killer starts cutting a swath through the customers and staff. I was very fond of this one as a kid and it still is a good nostalgic romp. But it may not appeal beyond all those who have a hankering for 80's fun.
Stars...Kay Hawtrey, Lesleh Donaldson, Barry Morse, Dean Garbett
Director...William Fruet
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Funeral Home features the title dwelling that was converted into a summertime bed and breakfast type house. As you can guess a nutzoid killer starts cutting a swath through the customers and staff. I was very fond of this one as a kid and it still is a good nostalgic romp. But it may not appeal beyond all those who have a hankering for 80's fun.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October Challenge...#29: The Devil Bat (1940)
The Devil Bat (1940)
Starring...Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien, Guy Usher
Director...Jean Yarbrough
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Lugosi stars as a mad scientist who develops an aftershave that causes anyone who wears it to be attacked by a giant bat.
Thoughts...This kind of thing doesn't happen to Aqua Velva men! But seriously The Devil Bat has a unique premise which certainly adds a fun quirkiness to the production. Lugosi guves another fine performance which makes it a must for fans.
Starring...Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien, Guy Usher
Director...Jean Yarbrough
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Lugosi stars as a mad scientist who develops an aftershave that causes anyone who wears it to be attacked by a giant bat.
Thoughts...This kind of thing doesn't happen to Aqua Velva men! But seriously The Devil Bat has a unique premise which certainly adds a fun quirkiness to the production. Lugosi guves another fine performance which makes it a must for fans.
October Challenge...#28: Slime City (1988)
Slime City (1988)
Starring...Robert C. Sabin, Mary Huner, T.J. Merrick. Dennis Embry
Director...Greg Lamberson
Format...DVD
Rating...* * 1/2
Plot...Art student Alex moves into a rundown New York City apartment building. Every tenement has it fair share of crazies but this one has a stranger history than most. A cult of some chemist killed themselves in the basement and now Alex is caught up in the nasty, slimy business.
Thoughts...The first thing I noticed about Slime City was that it didn't seem like an 80's flick. It felt more like early 70's to me. Not a bad thing just odd. Anywho this low budget indie does feel akin to something Frank Henenlotter (Brain Damage, Basket Case series) might do. It's an odd one in all its "Tibetan Yogurt" and general sliminess. Go for it. Just mind the wine and stay out of the basement.
Starring...Robert C. Sabin, Mary Huner, T.J. Merrick. Dennis Embry
Director...Greg Lamberson
Format...DVD
Rating...* * 1/2
Plot...Art student Alex moves into a rundown New York City apartment building. Every tenement has it fair share of crazies but this one has a stranger history than most. A cult of some chemist killed themselves in the basement and now Alex is caught up in the nasty, slimy business.
Thoughts...The first thing I noticed about Slime City was that it didn't seem like an 80's flick. It felt more like early 70's to me. Not a bad thing just odd. Anywho this low budget indie does feel akin to something Frank Henenlotter (Brain Damage, Basket Case series) might do. It's an odd one in all its "Tibetan Yogurt" and general sliminess. Go for it. Just mind the wine and stay out of the basement.
October Challenge...#27: The Crypt (2009)
The Crypt (2009)
Starring...Sarah Oh, Cristen Irene, Mike Ranallo, Joanna Ke
Director...Craig McMahon
Format...DVD
Rating...* * 1/2
Plot...A group of criminals come together to raid the catacombs under their town hoping to loot the dead. The dead however won't give up their jewels without a fight.
Thoughts...The Crypt is pretty no-budget fare. But as most anyone knows I'm fond of schlock, indies and this sort of thing. I tend to root for the underdog because no matter how bad a film is they all need a fan. This one is nearly as bad as many of the IMDB reviews might suggest and it even manages to create a pretty decent at atmosphere. No film is perfect and yeah this one has more than its fair share but I had fun and that's all that counts.
Starring...Sarah Oh, Cristen Irene, Mike Ranallo, Joanna Ke
Director...Craig McMahon
Format...DVD
Rating...* * 1/2
Plot...A group of criminals come together to raid the catacombs under their town hoping to loot the dead. The dead however won't give up their jewels without a fight.
Thoughts...The Crypt is pretty no-budget fare. But as most anyone knows I'm fond of schlock, indies and this sort of thing. I tend to root for the underdog because no matter how bad a film is they all need a fan. This one is nearly as bad as many of the IMDB reviews might suggest and it even manages to create a pretty decent at atmosphere. No film is perfect and yeah this one has more than its fair share but I had fun and that's all that counts.
Monday, October 5, 2009
October Challenge...#26: Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland (2009)
Starring...Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson. Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin
Director...Ruben Fleischer
Format...Theater
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...Columbus and Tallahassee are busy trying to survive the zombie holocaust as best they can when two scheming sisters come into their lives and mess it up.
Thoughts...The best zom-com since Shaun of the Dead. Zombieland takes a page out of theat zombie survival guide sees how many wild situations and funny kills it can fit in under 90 minutes. Eisenberg and Harrelson are hilarious as the leads but the best part is the Bill Nurray comeo, crazy. It's time to nut up or shut up.
Starring...Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson. Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin
Director...Ruben Fleischer
Format...Theater
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...Columbus and Tallahassee are busy trying to survive the zombie holocaust as best they can when two scheming sisters come into their lives and mess it up.
Thoughts...The best zom-com since Shaun of the Dead. Zombieland takes a page out of theat zombie survival guide sees how many wild situations and funny kills it can fit in under 90 minutes. Eisenberg and Harrelson are hilarious as the leads but the best part is the Bill Nurray comeo, crazy. It's time to nut up or shut up.
October Challenge...#25: Pathology (2008)
Pathology (2008)
Starring...Milo Ventimiglia. Michael Weston. Alyssa Milano, Lauren Lee Smith
Director...Marc Schölermann
Format...DVD
Rating...* *
Plot...Ted is a Harvard grad. But when he interns at the most prestigious pathology department in the country he becomes involved in the elite extra-curricular assignments...to create the perfect crime.
Thoughts...Pathology just didn't grab me. I'm not sure what ir was. The look of the film was fine. The plot was decent enough. Heck, it even had Alyssa Milano in it. But alas it just felt tired and old.
Starring...Milo Ventimiglia. Michael Weston. Alyssa Milano, Lauren Lee Smith
Director...Marc Schölermann
Format...DVD
Rating...* *
Plot...Ted is a Harvard grad. But when he interns at the most prestigious pathology department in the country he becomes involved in the elite extra-curricular assignments...to create the perfect crime.
Thoughts...Pathology just didn't grab me. I'm not sure what ir was. The look of the film was fine. The plot was decent enough. Heck, it even had Alyssa Milano in it. But alas it just felt tired and old.
October Challenge...#24: Prince of Darlness (1987)
Prince of Darkness (1987)
Starring...Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker, Victor Wong, Lisa Blount
Director...John Carpenter
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...An abandoned Los Angeles church holds an ancient secret. When the guardian priest dies a team of scientists investigate a large container of viscous liquid with biblical ties that may just destroy the universe.
Thoughts..Carpenter crafts ter another tense horror flick this time exploring science and theology. The pacing is slow and deliberate but the tension mounts nicely with the subtle music score. There are plenty of familiar faces in the capable cast several who have worked with the director before. Fans of Carpenter should be pleased and those who like subtler horrors may enjoy it too.
Starring...Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker, Victor Wong, Lisa Blount
Director...John Carpenter
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...An abandoned Los Angeles church holds an ancient secret. When the guardian priest dies a team of scientists investigate a large container of viscous liquid with biblical ties that may just destroy the universe.
Thoughts..Carpenter crafts ter another tense horror flick this time exploring science and theology. The pacing is slow and deliberate but the tension mounts nicely with the subtle music score. There are plenty of familiar faces in the capable cast several who have worked with the director before. Fans of Carpenter should be pleased and those who like subtler horrors may enjoy it too.
October Challenge...#23: Seventh Moon (2008)
Seventh Moon (2008)
Starring...Amy Smart, Tim Chiou, Dennis Chan
Director...Eduardo Sánchez
Format...DVD
Rating...* *
Plot...Newlyweds Melissa and Yul are visiting his family in their native China. They become intertwined in the horror of Chinese folklore when the legend of the Seventh Moon brings forth the very bowls of hell.
Thoughts...Director Eduardo Sanchez brings to this Ghost House Underground release much of the same shaky camerawork and shot framing that made his 1999 co-direction hit The Blair Witch Project much talked about. It made Blair Witch one of the best horrors of the past decade but it really didn't do anything for this film. There is an inherent creepiness to the remote locations that the action takes place in but it's not used to the advantage it could have been. The sparse cast comes off as a bit annoying (the two leads just don't seem to have any spark between the two) and the lack of character development stunts the emotional involvement of the viewer. Seventh Moon has an interesting set-up and some creepy moments but it just didn't make the most of it.
Starring...Amy Smart, Tim Chiou, Dennis Chan
Director...Eduardo Sánchez
Format...DVD
Rating...* *
Plot...Newlyweds Melissa and Yul are visiting his family in their native China. They become intertwined in the horror of Chinese folklore when the legend of the Seventh Moon brings forth the very bowls of hell.
Thoughts...Director Eduardo Sanchez brings to this Ghost House Underground release much of the same shaky camerawork and shot framing that made his 1999 co-direction hit The Blair Witch Project much talked about. It made Blair Witch one of the best horrors of the past decade but it really didn't do anything for this film. There is an inherent creepiness to the remote locations that the action takes place in but it's not used to the advantage it could have been. The sparse cast comes off as a bit annoying (the two leads just don't seem to have any spark between the two) and the lack of character development stunts the emotional involvement of the viewer. Seventh Moon has an interesting set-up and some creepy moments but it just didn't make the most of it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
October Challenge...#22: Giallo (2009)
Giallo (2009)
Starring...Adrien Brody, Emmanuelle Seigner, Elsa Pataky, Robert Miano
Director...Dario Argento
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Inspector Avolfi is on the trail of a serial killer known only as Yellow. He takes beautiful women and mutilates them to make them ugly. Now time is running out as the Inspector and a woman race to save her sister from the killer's blade.
Thoughts...What was touted as the much returned maestro to a genre that he defined may have been doomed from the start. Essentially Argento was a gun-for-hire. He was brought in to directed someones else's project so you really couldn't lay the blame squarely on him. Not that I am. I liked Giallo for what it was not what it could have been if the stars had aligned as many of the naysayers have. As a hardcore Argento fan I'm perfectly happy that he's just releasing something. Recapturing the glory years are tough and nearly impossible but you can't falt a man from trying.
Starring...Adrien Brody, Emmanuelle Seigner, Elsa Pataky, Robert Miano
Director...Dario Argento
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Inspector Avolfi is on the trail of a serial killer known only as Yellow. He takes beautiful women and mutilates them to make them ugly. Now time is running out as the Inspector and a woman race to save her sister from the killer's blade.
Thoughts...What was touted as the much returned maestro to a genre that he defined may have been doomed from the start. Essentially Argento was a gun-for-hire. He was brought in to directed someones else's project so you really couldn't lay the blame squarely on him. Not that I am. I liked Giallo for what it was not what it could have been if the stars had aligned as many of the naysayers have. As a hardcore Argento fan I'm perfectly happy that he's just releasing something. Recapturing the glory years are tough and nearly impossible but you can't falt a man from trying.
October Challenge...#21: The Thaw (2009)
The Thaw (2009)
Starring...Martha MacIsaac, Val Kilmer, Aaron Ashmore, Kyle Schmid
Director...Mark A. Lewis
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Al Gore's worst nictmare comes true in this Eco-horror production where a arctic scientific exploration uncovers a nasty parasite that has been unleashed from the melting polar icecap.
Thoughts...Val Kilmer was in this!?! I gotta admit I spaced out the credits and didn't recognize him one bit. Oops, my bad. The film is a bit slow to get going. But after the parasite starts it's killing spree things pick up and it becomes quite compelling. If you don't like bugs this bay boy will really get under your skin.
Starring...Martha MacIsaac, Val Kilmer, Aaron Ashmore, Kyle Schmid
Director...Mark A. Lewis
Format...DVD
Rating...* * *
Plot...Al Gore's worst nictmare comes true in this Eco-horror production where a arctic scientific exploration uncovers a nasty parasite that has been unleashed from the melting polar icecap.
Thoughts...Val Kilmer was in this!?! I gotta admit I spaced out the credits and didn't recognize him one bit. Oops, my bad. The film is a bit slow to get going. But after the parasite starts it's killing spree things pick up and it becomes quite compelling. If you don't like bugs this bay boy will really get under your skin.
October Challenge...#20: Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
Starring...Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi
Director...Charles Barton
Firmat...HDTV
Rating...* * * *
Plot...Chick and Wilbur are freight deliverers entrusted with delivering a couple of parcels direct from Europe to a house of horrors. The hapless numb-skulls quickly are in over their heads when Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and the Wolf Man chase them around town.
Thoughts...This is my favorite of the comedy duo's films. The combo of their shtick and the tent poles of the Universal Monster stable is a fantastic match. A must for all Universal Monster fans.
Starring...Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi
Director...Charles Barton
Firmat...HDTV
Rating...* * * *
Plot...Chick and Wilbur are freight deliverers entrusted with delivering a couple of parcels direct from Europe to a house of horrors. The hapless numb-skulls quickly are in over their heads when Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and the Wolf Man chase them around town.
Thoughts...This is my favorite of the comedy duo's films. The combo of their shtick and the tent poles of the Universal Monster stable is a fantastic match. A must for all Universal Monster fans.
October Challenge...#19: Laid to Rest (2009)
Laid to Rest (2009)
Starring...Bobbi Sue Luther, Kevin Gage, Lena Headey, Sean Whalen
Director...Robert Hall
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...A girl wakes up in a coffin at a mortuary. The wound on the back of her head leaves her with very little memory of who she is and what happened before she came to. The chase is on when amateur filmmaker and professional slasher Chrome Skull hacks his way through everyone she runs into as she looks for the truth.
Thoughts...I had a lot of fun with Laid to Rest. The filmmakers obviously enjoy a good slasher and piled on all the genre elements this 90 minute feature could hold. Fans of the canceled Fox series Terminator: The Satah Connor Chronicles will notice names and faces from the series peppered out.
Starring...Bobbi Sue Luther, Kevin Gage, Lena Headey, Sean Whalen
Director...Robert Hall
Format...HDTV
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...A girl wakes up in a coffin at a mortuary. The wound on the back of her head leaves her with very little memory of who she is and what happened before she came to. The chase is on when amateur filmmaker and professional slasher Chrome Skull hacks his way through everyone she runs into as she looks for the truth.
Thoughts...I had a lot of fun with Laid to Rest. The filmmakers obviously enjoy a good slasher and piled on all the genre elements this 90 minute feature could hold. Fans of the canceled Fox series Terminator: The Satah Connor Chronicles will notice names and faces from the series peppered out.
October Challenge...#18: Satan's Schoolgirls (2004)
Satan's Schoolgirls (2004)
Starring...Kerri Taylor, Jennifer Litsch, Suzi Lorraine, J. Scott Green
Director...Ted W. Crestview
Format...DVD
Rating...*
Plot...Summer session at an all-girls Catholic school becomes hell on Earth when the four lusty students create all sorts of problems.
Thoughts...I usually enjoy this sort of thing but this production is just too slow (even at a little over an hour long) and it just doesn't entertain. Ah well you can't win them all.
Starring...Kerri Taylor, Jennifer Litsch, Suzi Lorraine, J. Scott Green
Director...Ted W. Crestview
Format...DVD
Rating...*
Plot...Summer session at an all-girls Catholic school becomes hell on Earth when the four lusty students create all sorts of problems.
Thoughts...I usually enjoy this sort of thing but this production is just too slow (even at a little over an hour long) and it just doesn't entertain. Ah well you can't win them all.
October Challenge...#17: The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009)
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009)
Starring...Tom Papa, Sheri Moon Zombie, Rosario Dawson, Paul Giamatti
Director...Rob Zombie
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...Based on his own comic book director Rob Zombie takes us down the rabbit hole in this animated assault on the senses about a Mexican luchador battling the evil Dr. Satan in the trippy world of Monsterland.
Thoughts...Whoa! That pretty much sums it up. Director Zombie goes absolutely bonkers with this highly entertaining animated sleaze-fest. Every frame is an homage to his favorite films and manages to reference damn near everything. From Frankenstein to Fritz the Cat it's all here and all his favorite actors are lending their voices to the melee. I dare someone to do a frame-by-frame list of all the references and homages. It's absolutely mind-blowing. Hardcore Zombie fans (count me in) will be creaming their jeans for the whole damn time.
Starring...Tom Papa, Sheri Moon Zombie, Rosario Dawson, Paul Giamatti
Director...Rob Zombie
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * 1/2
Plot...Based on his own comic book director Rob Zombie takes us down the rabbit hole in this animated assault on the senses about a Mexican luchador battling the evil Dr. Satan in the trippy world of Monsterland.
Thoughts...Whoa! That pretty much sums it up. Director Zombie goes absolutely bonkers with this highly entertaining animated sleaze-fest. Every frame is an homage to his favorite films and manages to reference damn near everything. From Frankenstein to Fritz the Cat it's all here and all his favorite actors are lending their voices to the melee. I dare someone to do a frame-by-frame list of all the references and homages. It's absolutely mind-blowing. Hardcore Zombie fans (count me in) will be creaming their jeans for the whole damn time.
October Challenge...#16: The Fog (1980)
The Fog (1980)
Starring...Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Janet Leigh
Director...John Carpenter
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * * *
Plot...It's the centennial celebration for fishing community Antonio Bay. One-hundred years ago tonight the towns founding fathers betrayed and murdered a leper colony but now they've returned cloaked in a fog seeking vengeance.
Thoughts...Horror master John Carpenter injects the bulk of The Fog with a truly chilling atmosphere of terror and desperation. The creep factor is modified by a long list of talented genre veteran actors, many of which were frequent collaborators of the director. DP Dean Cundey frames the action wonderfully giving many of the attacks a nicely claustrophobic feel. The frosting of this delicious cake is yet another simple but massively effective Carpenter score.
Starring...Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Janet Leigh
Director...John Carpenter
Format...DVD
Rating...* * * * *
Plot...It's the centennial celebration for fishing community Antonio Bay. One-hundred years ago tonight the towns founding fathers betrayed and murdered a leper colony but now they've returned cloaked in a fog seeking vengeance.
Thoughts...Horror master John Carpenter injects the bulk of The Fog with a truly chilling atmosphere of terror and desperation. The creep factor is modified by a long list of talented genre veteran actors, many of which were frequent collaborators of the director. DP Dean Cundey frames the action wonderfully giving many of the attacks a nicely claustrophobic feel. The frosting of this delicious cake is yet another simple but massively effective Carpenter score.
October Challenge...#15: Children of the Corn (2009)
Children of the Corn (2009)
Starring...David Anders, Kandyse McClure , Preston Bailey, Daniel Newman
Director...Donald P. Borchers
Format...HDTV
Rating...* *
Plot...Constantly quarreling couple Burt and Vicki run afoul of a vicious cult of adult killing children who worship He Who Walks Behind The Rows deep in the heart of corn country. Based on a Stephen King short story.
Thoughts...SciFi Channel (excuse me Syfy, doh!) takes a strole down the remake road with this update of the 1984 Linda Hamilton vehicle. This 2009 version is actually more faithful to the original short story but it still manages to lift much from the 1984 film, particularly the look and camerawork. It's been ages since I read the story but I can't remember the Vicki character being such an annoying bitch. So annoying in fact it really gets the film off on the wrong foot and really screwed up my enjoyment of the film. That gripe aside fans of the original will be in very familiar territory which may of may not be a good thing.
Starring...David Anders, Kandyse McClure , Preston Bailey, Daniel Newman
Director...Donald P. Borchers
Format...HDTV
Rating...* *
Plot...Constantly quarreling couple Burt and Vicki run afoul of a vicious cult of adult killing children who worship He Who Walks Behind The Rows deep in the heart of corn country. Based on a Stephen King short story.
Thoughts...SciFi Channel (excuse me Syfy, doh!) takes a strole down the remake road with this update of the 1984 Linda Hamilton vehicle. This 2009 version is actually more faithful to the original short story but it still manages to lift much from the 1984 film, particularly the look and camerawork. It's been ages since I read the story but I can't remember the Vicki character being such an annoying bitch. So annoying in fact it really gets the film off on the wrong foot and really screwed up my enjoyment of the film. That gripe aside fans of the original will be in very familiar territory which may of may not be a good thing.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
October Challenge...#14: Spiker (2007)
Spiker (2007)
Starring...Carson Grant, Michael Fedele, Josh Folan, David 'Shark' Fralick, Elizabeth Giordano
Director...Frank Zagarino
Format...Cable
Rating...* *
Thoughts...Spiker is an indie horror that features the spirit of a slasher trying to finish the job he started by killing the mother of a woman spending time with her friends in the family home. Unfortunately the spirit just gets more enraged because the mother is dead but the body count piles up anyway. The film plays off pretty straight-forward. The only real minus is the acting is a bit hit or miss. Other than that the makers turn out a respectable production.
Starring...Carson Grant, Michael Fedele, Josh Folan, David 'Shark' Fralick, Elizabeth Giordano
Director...Frank Zagarino
Format...Cable
Rating...* *
Thoughts...Spiker is an indie horror that features the spirit of a slasher trying to finish the job he started by killing the mother of a woman spending time with her friends in the family home. Unfortunately the spirit just gets more enraged because the mother is dead but the body count piles up anyway. The film plays off pretty straight-forward. The only real minus is the acting is a bit hit or miss. Other than that the makers turn out a respectable production.
October Challenge...#13: Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993)
Return of the Living Dead 3 Director's Cut (1993)
Starring: J. Trevor Edmond, Melinda Clarke, Kent McCord, Sarah Douglas
Director: Brian Yuzna
Format: On Demand
Rating: * * *
Those damn scientists will never learn. They continue to develop their ability to raise the dead by attempting to create a mechanized army of the dead. But the lead Colonel's son and his girlfriend get a little too nosy and she winds up exposed to the toxin and well on her way to chomping brains. After a silly and rather disappointing second chapter the makers get back on track with what is easily the best sequel of the series. Some nice gory effects in the uncut version will really appeal to the grue-hounds and fans of the classic original should be pleased too.
Starring: J. Trevor Edmond, Melinda Clarke, Kent McCord, Sarah Douglas
Director: Brian Yuzna
Format: On Demand
Rating: * * *
Those damn scientists will never learn. They continue to develop their ability to raise the dead by attempting to create a mechanized army of the dead. But the lead Colonel's son and his girlfriend get a little too nosy and she winds up exposed to the toxin and well on her way to chomping brains. After a silly and rather disappointing second chapter the makers get back on track with what is easily the best sequel of the series. Some nice gory effects in the uncut version will really appeal to the grue-hounds and fans of the classic original should be pleased too.
October Challenge...#12: Trick 'R Treat (2008)
Trick 'r Treat (2008)
Starring: Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie BibbDirector: Michael Dougherty
Format: DVD
Rating: * * * 1/2
After success on the festival circuit and then being shelved seemingly for ages, Trick R' Treat finally gets a legitimate release. Was it worth the wait? I thought so. Treat is a really fun 90 minute love letter to the Halloween season. Basically a clever anthology tale where all the segments intersect in fun a twisty ways. The tales give you all sorts of horror movie goodness with werewolves, slashers and vengeful spirits. Nice twists and turns that come together very well and are nicely photographed and directed. All treat and a little trick on the side.
Friday, October 2, 2009
October Challenge...#11: The Company of Wolves (1984)
The Company of Wolves (1984)
Starring: Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury, David Warner, Tusse Silberg
Director:Neil Jordan
Format: HDTV
Rating: * * * *
Neil Jordan peppers this folk tale variation in equal parts genuine innocence and raw, minimalistic sexuality. On the surface it's a version of the Little Red Riding Hood fable with a much more horrific werewolf component. Brilliantly made, The Company of Wolves has a dreamlike quality that's hard to beat.
Starring: Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury, David Warner, Tusse Silberg
Director:Neil Jordan
Format: HDTV
Rating: * * * *
Neil Jordan peppers this folk tale variation in equal parts genuine innocence and raw, minimalistic sexuality. On the surface it's a version of the Little Red Riding Hood fable with a much more horrific werewolf component. Brilliantly made, The Company of Wolves has a dreamlike quality that's hard to beat.
October Challenge...#10: Dark Reel (2008)
Dark Reel (2008)
Starring: Lance Henriksen, Edward Furlong, Daniel Wisler, Tiffany Shepis
Director: Josh Eisenstadt
Format: Blu Ray
Rating: * *
A slasher stalks a micro-budgeted pirate production in this miniscule-budgeted flick. Wait is this art imitating life or life imitating death or something zen? Well you can't expect Gone with the Wind (or a coherent ending) but you do get alot of familiar genre faces like Henriksen and Shepis and even Candyman himself Tony Todd. It's a bit meh for the casual viewer and doesn't rate too much higher for the purveyor of cheese cinema.
Starring: Lance Henriksen, Edward Furlong, Daniel Wisler, Tiffany Shepis
Director: Josh Eisenstadt
Format: Blu Ray
Rating: * *
A slasher stalks a micro-budgeted pirate production in this miniscule-budgeted flick. Wait is this art imitating life or life imitating death or something zen? Well you can't expect Gone with the Wind (or a coherent ending) but you do get alot of familiar genre faces like Henriksen and Shepis and even Candyman himself Tony Todd. It's a bit meh for the casual viewer and doesn't rate too much higher for the purveyor of cheese cinema.
October Challenge...#9
The Thing (1982)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter
Director: John Carpenter
Format: Blu Ray
Rating: * * * * *
Even though it hit with a dull thud in the summer of '82 (thanks in part to a much cuter alien), John Carpenter's The Thing became a fast fan favorite and one of the best remakes ever. The bleak, lonely arctic compound becomes a place of paranoia and menace through Carpenter's direction, Dean Cundey's cinematography, amazing makeup FX and a helping, heaping of cinema music maestro Ennio Morricone.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter
Director: John Carpenter
Format: Blu Ray
Rating: * * * * *
Even though it hit with a dull thud in the summer of '82 (thanks in part to a much cuter alien), John Carpenter's The Thing became a fast fan favorite and one of the best remakes ever. The bleak, lonely arctic compound becomes a place of paranoia and menace through Carpenter's direction, Dean Cundey's cinematography, amazing makeup FX and a helping, heaping of cinema music maestro Ennio Morricone.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...
Well as a regular to the IMDB Horror Board for what seems like a lifetime now the time has come for the annual glut of horror movie watching called the October Challenge. 31 horror films in 31 days: 16 new and 16 repeat. An easy enough feat but I never just stop there (my all-time personal record was 322 in 2007). The glut has already began so buckle up, it's gonna be horrific.
The Alpha...
Well I've gone and done it. I've entered the blog-o-sphere or whatever fabricted term that the industry uses for it. As the name of the page suggests, Dysfunction is my unofficial middle name so you've been warned. Thank you for stopping by and yeah I have no flipping idea what I'm doing so be gentle. Under Construction is the story of my life and this blog. Cheers!
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