Reviews Written By: A6DOCZ10B7JAJprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | The Golem | |
 | "Don't miss this early silent horror masterpiece" | 2009-10-10 |
| This 1920 silent horror film is simply incredible. It is considered perhaps the first great monster movie ever made, and it definitely is the most unheralded. In fact, the Universal classic Frankenstein probably got some ideas from it.
This opening storyboard is incredibly frightening... The learned Rabbi Loew reads in the stars that misfortune threatens the Jews Geez, if that's not some freaky foreshadowing. Here's the setup--in the 16th century, the Jewish community in Prague face persecution. Desperate for protection, the Rabbi molds a giant golem out of clay, and summons a demon to help inject life into this statue. The scene is mesmerizing, with the Rabbi chanting his spell from within a ring of fire. One of the greatest scenes in the history of horror cinema! Soon everyone learns that the golem refuses to be controlled, as it wrecks havoc amongst friends and foe. This makes a provocative statement on how violence creates more violence, and how you shouldn't mess with the laws of nature. One interesting observation I had--the Jews were banded from the region due to rumors they practiced black magic. I immediately connected this with gov't lies and propaganda for means to justify an end. But when the Jews attempted to use spells for protection, it sort of validates the Emperor's beliefs, does it not? The Golem is without a doubt an early gem in horror cinema. It is eerie, atmospheric, and ground-breaking. I have no idea why this has not received more acclaim. Highly recommended to silent horror film fans. | ||
 | Der Golem | |
| "Don't miss this early silent horror masterpiece" | 2009-10-10 |
| This 1920 silent horror film is simply incredible. It is considered perhaps the first great monster movie ever made, and it definitely is the most unheralded. In fact, the Universal classic Frankenstein probably got some ideas from it.
This opening storyboard is incredibly frightening... The learned Rabbi Loew reads in the stars that misfortune threatens the Jews Geez, if that's not some freaky foreshadowing. Here's the setup--in the 16th century, the Jewish community in Prague face persecution. Desperate for protection, the Rabbi molds a giant golem out of clay, and summons a demon to help inject life into this statue. The scene is mesmerizing, with the Rabbi chanting his spell from within a ring of fire. One of the greatest scenes in the history of horror cinema! Soon everyone learns that the golem refuses to be controlled, as it wrecks havoc amongst friends and foe. This makes a provocative statement on how violence creates more violence, and how you shouldn't mess with the laws of nature. One interesting observation I had--the Jews were banded from the region due to rumors they practiced black magic. I immediately connected this with gov't lies and propaganda for means to justify an end. But when the Jews attempted to use spells for protection, it sort of validates the Emperor's beliefs, does it not? The Golem is without a doubt an early gem in horror cinema. It is eerie, atmospheric, and ground-breaking. I have no idea why this has not received more acclaim. Highly recommended to silent horror film fans. | ||
 | The Golem | |
| "Don't miss this early silent horror masterpiece" | 2009-10-10 |
| This 1920 silent horror film is simply incredible. It is considered perhaps the first great monster movie ever made, and it definitely is the most unheralded. In fact, the Universal classic Frankenstein probably got some ideas from it.
This opening storyboard is incredibly frightening... The learned Rabbi Loew reads in the stars that misfortune threatens the Jews Geez, if that's not some freaky foreshadowing. Here's the setup--in the 16th century, the Jewish community in Prague face persecution. Desperate for protection, the Rabbi molds a giant golem out of clay, and summons a demon to help inject life into this statue. The scene is mesmerizing, with the Rabbi chanting his spell from within a ring of fire. One of the greatest scenes in the history of horror cinema! Soon everyone learns that the golem refuses to be controlled, as it wrecks havoc amongst friends and foe. This makes a provocative statement on how violence creates more violence, and how you shouldn't mess with the laws of nature. One interesting observation I had--the Jews were banded from the region due to rumors they practiced black magic. I immediately connected this with gov't lies and propaganda for means to justify an end. But when the Jews attempted to use spells for protection, it sort of validates the Emperor's beliefs, does it not? The Golem is without a doubt an early gem in horror cinema. It is eerie, atmospheric, and ground-breaking. I have no idea why this has not received more acclaim. Highly recommended to silent horror film fans. | ||
 | Gattaca | |
 | "Inadequate underdog story posing as a brilliant sci fi" | 2009-10-08 |
| Let me come right out and say it--I hated this movie. Hated, hated, hated. Okay, that might be a little too harsh. After all, it's not as bad as genital herpes, swallowing cat piss, or watching a Michael Bay flick. But as far as genius sci-fi goes, this is inferior, an imposter, an in-valid.
Gattaca does have an excellent premise, and has garnered quite a cult following. Manipulating genetics to form the perfect human being is an intriguing concept. Utilizing Science to eliminate birth defects and create a person less susceptible to diseases or illnesses is a possibility that many might consider justifiable. On the other hand, tampering with nature is bound to have its repurcussions. My main problem with this story is the fact it tries to pound one element into your head over and over again and never offers much of anything else. A man born all-naturale wants to have the same priviledges as his genetic superiors. For the first half, it worked admirably. Then it started to get pretty dang stagnant. Still it kept riding this one-trick pony till the cows came home. Not sure what that means really, except I was annoyed and bored to freakin tears. Ethan Hawke does a decent job. But how many fingerprint id's, blood samples, and heart tests can a man fake? Then they had his face plastered EVERYWHERE, and nobody could make the connection he was a murder suspect? PLEASE!!!! I don't care how blind your ego makes you, it is completely obvious! Plus the differences between the valids &n in-valids were blown way outta proportion. Granted, he shouldn't be able to run as fast or swim as far. But he can't cross the freakin street? This movie might be making a statement how ridiculous prejudices are, which does of course carry some merit. But I felt this was way too heavy-handed. And possibly one of the worst scenes I can recall off the top of my head--the party date with Uma. She realizes he is a murder suspect and has been deceiving her, watches him beat down some cop, forces her to run off with him, and then they make love under a gorgeous starlit sky. Atrocious! Another thing I didn't care for--this had relatively few cool futuristic gadgets and gizmos. The cars looked retro, but they made a cool humming sound as they sped past. The cops didn't have any laser guns or sweet tracking devices. Nobody had cell phones. No teleportation tubes with dialethium crystals or electronic floatation devices? Nothing really. Bummer. Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. But seriously, I don't put this anywhere close to the elite sci-fi masterpieces. In fact, it is one of my least favorites of the genre. | ||
 | Gattaca | |
| "Inadequate underdog story posing as a brilliant sci fi" | 2009-10-08 |
| Let me come right out and say it--I hated this movie. Hated, hated, hated. Okay, that might be a little too harsh. After all, it's not as bad as genital herpes, swallowing cat piss, or watching a Michael Bay flick. But as far as genius sci-fi goes, this is inferior, an imposter, an in-valid.
Gattaca does have an excellent premise, and has garnered quite a cult following. Manipulating genetics to form the perfect human being is an intriguing concept. Utilizing Science to eliminate birth defects and create a person less susceptible to diseases or illnesses is a possibility that many might consider justifiable. On the other hand, tampering with nature is bound to have its repurcussions. My main problem with this story is the fact it tries to pound one element into your head over and over again and never offers much of anything else. A man born all-naturale wants to have the same priviledges as his genetic superiors. For the first half, it worked admirably. Then it started to get pretty dang stagnant. Still it kept riding this one-trick pony till the cows came home. Not sure what that means really, except I was annoyed and bored to freakin tears. Ethan Hawke does a decent job. But how many fingerprint id's, blood samples, and heart tests can a man fake? Then they had his face plastered EVERYWHERE, and nobody could make the connection he was a murder suspect? PLEASE!!!! I don't care how blind your ego makes you, it is completely obvious! Plus the differences between the valids &n in-valids were blown way outta proportion. Granted, he shouldn't be able to run as fast or swim as far. But he can't cross the freakin street? This movie might be making a statement how ridiculous prejudices are, which does of course carry some merit. But I felt this was way too heavy-handed. And possibly one of the worst scenes I can recall off the top of my head--the party date with Uma. She realizes he is a murder suspect and has been deceiving her, watches him beat down some cop, forces her to run off with him, and then they make love under a gorgeous starlit sky. Atrocious! Another thing I didn't care for--this had relatively few cool futuristic gadgets and gizmos. The cars looked retro, but they made a cool humming sound as they sped past. The cops didn't have any laser guns or sweet tracking devices. Nobody had cell phones. No teleportation tubes with dialethium crystals or electronic floatation devices? Nothing really. Bummer. Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. But seriously, I don't put this anywhere close to the elite sci-fi masterpieces. In fact, it is one of my least favorites of the genre. | ||
 | Gattaca (Superbit Collection) | |
| "Inadequate underdog story posing as a brilliant sci fi" | 2009-10-08 |
| Let me come right out and say it--I hated this movie. Hated, hated, hated. Okay, that might be a little too harsh. After all, it's not as bad as genital herpes, swallowing cat piss, or watching a Michael Bay flick. But as far as genius sci-fi goes, this is inferior, an imposter, an in-valid.
Gattaca does have an excellent premise, and has garnered quite a cult following. Manipulating genetics to form the perfect human being is an intriguing concept. Utilizing Science to eliminate birth defects and create a person less susceptible to diseases or illnesses is a possibility that many might consider justifiable. On the other hand, tampering with nature is bound to have its repurcussions. My main problem with this story is the fact it tries to pound one element into your head over and over again and never offers much of anything else. A man born all-naturale wants to have the same priviledges as his genetic superiors. For the first half, it worked admirably. Then it started to get pretty dang stagnant. Still it kept riding this one-trick pony till the cows came home. Not sure what that means really, except I was annoyed and bored to freakin tears. Ethan Hawke does a decent job. But how many fingerprint id's, blood samples, and heart tests can a man fake? Then they had his face plastered EVERYWHERE, and nobody could make the connection he was a murder suspect? PLEASE!!!! I don't care how blind your ego makes you, it is completely obvious! Plus the differences between the valids &n in-valids were blown way outta proportion. Granted, he shouldn't be able to run as fast or swim as far. But he can't cross the freakin street? This movie might be making a statement how ridiculous prejudices are, which does of course carry some merit. But I felt this was way too heavy-handed. And possibly one of the worst scenes I can recall off the top of my head--the party date with Uma. She realizes he is a murder suspect and has been deceiving her, watches him beat down some cop, forces her to run off with him, and then they make love under a gorgeous starlit sky. Atrocious! Another thing I didn't care for--this had relatively few cool futuristic gadgets and gizmos. The cars looked retro, but they made a cool humming sound as they sped past. The cops didn't have any laser guns or sweet tracking devices. Nobody had cell phones. No teleportation tubes with dialethium crystals or electronic floatation devices? Nothing really. Bummer. Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. But seriously, I don't put this anywhere close to the elite sci-fi masterpieces. In fact, it is one of my least favorites of the genre. | ||
![Wolf Creek (Unrated) [HD DVD]](product_images/4923000/4923164_thumb.jpg) | Wolf Creek (Unrated) [HD DVD] | |
| "Way too disturbing for the sissified viewer" | 2009-07-06 |
| This 2005 Australian tale is one of the most horrifying films ever made.
So disturbing, many critics just can't hang. Roger Ebert gave this a rare 0 stars, stating how he desperately wanted to walk out. Other whiny critics cry about the excessively brutal torture scenes aimed toward women. Still others moan about the extended buildup of the story. They're used to horror movies showing ample nudity and some grotesque murders in the opening credits of the film. Whatever, go watch a lame remake of a classic Japanese ghost story then. This is pretty close to perfect for the real horror fanatics. Loosely inspired by the Backpack Murders in the 90's. We are shown actual footage of Wolfe Creek, the large crater caused by a meteorite crash. A trio of hikers explore this site, and upon returning their car will not start. Crikey! Little do these tourists know, the real fear is about to begin. Mick, a brash but jovial Aussie bushman just happens to be strolling by, and he offers some help. With little options, the group accepts the tow back to his place. They wait by the campfire while he works on the car. But they make one more costly mistake--they shouldn't have drank the water... The handheld camera gives a very raw feel to the sadistic torture scenes. There is plenty of blood and gore as the madman does his deeds. This film avoids nearly all stupid cliches of the genre to make for a truly unsettling experience. The acting is outstanding, plus it has one of the most alarming villains ever! One interesting note, Mick's little lair appears to be at an abandoned mining site called NAVITALIM. Flip that around a bit and you have the real killer's name--Ivan Milat. Ignore the bad reviews, this is one of the best horror films in the past 30 years, without a doubt. | ||
 | Suicide Club (Suicide Circle) | |
 | "Suicide or: How I learned to stop worrying and love a good conspiracy" | 2009-06-29 |
| Truly disturbing. This movie opens with possibly the most intense and horrifying scene in cinematic history. 50+ Japanese schoolgirls all join hands at the subway tracks and fearlessly leap in front of the incoming train. Total bloodbath. Questions abound after this apparent mass suicide. The police launch an immediate investigation as this grisly scene echoes in the hearts of the youth everywhere nearby. But how can you stop such a random, impulsive act of violence? This story quickly shows some mercy as it gets more surreal and inconceivable. There is a strange website that predicts these so-called suicides, which indicates some hint of premeditation and manipulation. Plus a bag turns up containing a bizarre wheel of human skin, pieced together from the young victims. More bizarre clues emerge as the police race to stop anymore tragic deaths, which are becoming a popular fad amongst the kids. It's safe to say that Hollywood won't be picking up the rights to this one. The premise is just too dang alarming. Plus it hints at how easily influenced our kids might be. Better stick with squandering the Japanese ghost stories and other stuff we can easily disconnect from reality. | ||
 | Jisatsu Circle | |
| "Suicide or: How I learned to stop worrying and love a good conspiracy" | 2009-06-29 |
| Truly disturbing. This movie opens with possibly the most intense and horrifying scene in cinematic history. 50+ Japanese schoolgirls all join hands at the subway tracks and fearlessly leap in front of the incoming train. Total bloodbath. Questions abound after this apparent mass suicide. The police launch an immediate investigation as this grisly scene echoes in the hearts of the youth everywhere nearby. But how can you stop such a random, impulsive act of violence? This story quickly shows some mercy as it gets more surreal and inconceivable. There is a strange website that predicts these so-called suicides, which indicates some hint of premeditation and manipulation. Plus a bag turns up containing a bizarre wheel of human skin, pieced together from the young victims. More bizarre clues emerge as the police race to stop anymore tragic deaths, which are becoming a popular fad amongst the kids. It's safe to say that Hollywood won't be picking up the rights to this one. The premise is just too dang alarming. Plus it hints at how easily influenced our kids might be. Better stick with squandering the Japanese ghost stories and other stuff we can easily disconnect from reality. | ||
 | Suicide Club (Suicide Circle) (Widescreen Edition) | |
| "Suicide or: How I learned to stop worrying and love a good conspiracy" | 2009-06-29 |
| Truly disturbing. This movie opens with possibly the most intense and horrifying scene in cinematic history. 50+ Japanese schoolgirls all join hands at the subway tracks and fearlessly leap in front of the incoming train.
Total bloodbath. Questions abound after this apparent mass suicide. The police launch an immediate investigation as this grisly scene echoes in the hearts of the youth everywhere nearby. But how can you stop such a random, impulsive act of violence? This story quickly shows some mercy as it gets more surreal and inconceivable. There is a strange website that predicts these so-called suicides, which indicates some hint of premeditation and manipulation. Plus a bag turns up containing a bizarre wheel of human skin, pieced together from the young victims. More bizarre clues emerge as the police race to stop anymore tragic deaths, which are becoming a popular fad amongst the kids. It's safe to say that Hollywood won't be picking up the rights to this one. The premise is just too dang alarming. Plus it hints at how easily influenced our kids might be. Better stick with squandering the Japanese ghost stories and other stuff we can easily disconnect from reality. | ||
 | Darkness Falls (Special Edition) | |
 | "You will pay for tooth decay" | 2009-06-16 |
| No molar is safe. The tooth fairy is coming for your soul...BWAHAHAHAH!!!! Aquafresh will not save you! Yeah, this is as ridiculous as it sounds. A demonic creature comes to collect its prize while the youth are sleeping. But this demented fairy gets infuriated when it finds out that little kids don't have grillz?!? The little buggers keep sticking rotten little baby teeth under their pillow, which have no trade in value at the pawn shop. WTF? I kept expecting this to be a movie about bad dreams or mentally deranged children or something. But no, it really is about a tooth fairy (sigh). In all fairness, this was the best tooth fairy movie I have ever seen. | ||
 | Darkness Falls | |
| "You will pay for tooth decay" | 2009-06-16 |
| No molar is safe. The tooth fairy is coming for your soul...BWAHAHAHAH!!!! Aquafresh will not save you! Yeah, this is as ridiculous as it sounds. A demonic creature comes to collect its prize while the youth are sleeping. But this demented fairy gets infuriated when it finds out that little kids don't have grillz?!? The little buggers keep sticking rotten little baby teeth under their pillow, which have no trade in value at the pawn shop. WTF? I kept expecting this to be a movie about bad dreams or mentally deranged children or something. But no, it really is about a tooth fairy (sigh). In all fairness, this was the best tooth fairy movie I have ever seen. | ||
![W. [Blu-ray]](product_images/4953000/w-blu-ray_t-4953458.jpg) | W. [Blu-ray] | |
 | "People and fish can coexist!!!" | 2009-06-04 |
| Great performances abound in this mildly interesting doc about the inept boozehound that stole the throne in the Oval office. It shows you a glimpse of his party life in college, his pathetic attempts at sustaining a "real" job, and his incessant family afflictions. But W avoids being too political, much like Dubya did himself. Although it comes off at times as somewhat critical of the president, it also avoids much of the controversial and significant moments in his presidency. Like the doubts surrounding the election, the speech to rally public support for the War on Terror, and the inexcusable reactions to Katrina. By dodging these topics, it leaves you feeling disappointed and manipulated. Another well-made but ambiguous version of the truth by Oliver Stone. | ||
 | In the Realm of the Senses | |
| "Some sins won't rest in peace" | 2009-06-01 |
| Empire of Passion, directed by Nagisa Oshima, floats well above the heap of kaidan films that lately seem to placate the genre. An identical American remake for this one is doubtful, primarily because this doesn't thrive on cheap scares and/or gory visuals. This is a slower-paced, moody ghost story that attempts to haunt you on a more psychological level. It takes place in a late 19th century Japanese village. This story simmers on themes of temptation, guilt, and retribution. Seki and her secret lover, Toyoji, plot to kill Seki's husband and toss his body in a well. Some lies simply won't stay buried. This action causes town gossip, police investigations, bad dreams, and eventually some haunting visions. Empire of Passion is a subtle mixture of eroticism and horror. No angry ghosts leaping out of closets. No decaying corpses spewing blood and puss. Plus the sex scenes aren't especially graphic. But it utilizes the less-is-more technique to near perfection, landing Oshima a Best Director award at the '78 Cannes Film Festival. It never quite reaches the stunning, creepy status of ONIBABA, nor does it have the exquisite cinematography as displayed in UGETSU. But still this is a stellar ghost film, just waiting to be savagedly butchered by an American remake. SIDE NOTE: Most of the reviews on this product page seem to be for the more controversial, erotic film IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES? Weird. | ||
 | Sucker The Vampire | |
| "Starts totally killer, but loses some bite...." | 2009-05-31 |
| CALIFORNIA. The land of sand, surf, and STD's. Everyone already knows that all California residents over the age of 10 have contracted some sort of sexual virus. But even the local vampires? That is the fate of one nightly bloodsucker named Anthony, who is also the lead singer of the up-and-coming band called Plasma. He uses his rock star status to lure hot, big-breasted groupies back to his lair. Sounds like the perfect setup, but...maybe he shoulda put a condom on them fangs. Part dark satire, part horror-comedy, and part erotic-thriller, this had potential to be one of the greatest vampire flicks ever made. Seriously. I expected a campy gorefest, but that is not the case. The script is clever, the acting is solid, and there are some totally top-notch sex scenes mixed with blood spillage. Good times. But unfortunately, the news of the AIDS virus puts a damper on the fun (imagine that). I lost a little interest as the story winded down. Still this is one of the best Troma movies around, and a very solid entry into any vampire DVD collection. | ||
 | King Kong | |
| "Still the King" | 2009-05-31 |
| Man, this is totally freakin' awesome. Filmed nearly 80 years ago, this classic King Kong film still is completely fascinating. The stop-motion animation is outstanding and very realistic looking. Ebert said "the effects are not up to modern standards"??? Huh? I strongly disagree. Compare this to Indiana Jones 4, I Am Legend, The Mist, Anaconda, or any of the new CGI footage inserted in the original Star Wars trilogy. It's not even close. Now, the recent King Kong adaptation did have some remarkable computer effects. But this original, filmed in glorious black & white, harnessed a certain energy that was much more ferocious and primeval. There is no drawn out buildup to the action. No cute little ice skating scene. No Jack Black/comedic elements. Oh no no NO! This is no friendly, oversized gorilla. This is KONG, the 8th Wonder of the World. It doesn't get any better than this. | ||
 | Insomnia - Criterion Collection | |
| "INSOMNIA...A comparison" | 2009-05-21 |
| Upon my initial viewing of Norwegian director Erik Skjoldbjaerg's INSOMNIA, I must say I heavily favored the American remake. But, after a second watch of this original, I was able to better construe much of the psychological complexities that dwell within the framework of this story. This is a much darker exploration into the fragility of the human soul. Instead of Alaska, this takes place in Northern Norway, just above the Artic circle. Stellan Skarsgard(Good Will Hunting) plays Jonas Engstrom, the detective transferred to help with the case. This cop seems to have a bit of a lurid past. Possibly a dainty, immoral disposition in regards to his sexual tendencies. His partner jokingly mentions that Jonas was caught having an "intimate conversation" with an important witness to a previous case. This immediately sets an apprehensive tone to the movie, and casts the lead character as a man with questionable ethics. In the remake, Pacino is the highly regarded detective who tampered with evidence in order to imprison a rapist/killer. Although this was a blatant violation of police procedure, it helps the viewer sympathize with his efforts of stopping the bad guys. A much easier road. In the fog, Jonas accidentally shoots his partner. An honest mistake. But why does he try to hide this fact? I think possibly because of the guilt from his past, he didn't want any more of his mistakes exposed. Pacino had more of a reason to murder his partner, due to the apparent upcoming betrayal with Internal Affairs. This is a much more cut and dried premise behind his acts of deception. Hollywood prefers to incorporate obvious reasons for each character's actions, so you don't have to contemplate. Some other differences: -Jonas shoots a live dog and retracts the bullet for false evidence. Pacino conveniently finds a dead dog to shoot? -Jonas tries to kiss the hotel receptionist, which was inappropriate. Pacino keeps it friendly. -Jonas takes the high school girl for a ride in the car, and he rubs on her thigh in a very provocative manner. Creepy. The honorable Pacino resists this temptation. -Jonas secretly watches the high school couple have sex. Creepy. Of course I enjoyed seeing the hot naked young chick too, so I shouldn't be judgemental. I loved the route this foreign film took. Still a couple of slight things I thought the remake did better: -during the interrogation at the high school, the student tried to punch the cop? And he didn't get arrested? -the students were played by some older looking actors? 30yr olds usually have graduated from high school. -the chase scene over the floating logs was intense. Not in the original. -I loved Robin Williams performance as the bad guy Overall, it's hard to pick a favorite. Both are great films. Still I have to go with this original, due to it's dark elements which make it slightly more believable. If you prefer things spelled out for you and a little more light-hearted, you should stick with the American version. | ||
 | Grapes Of Death - Special Edition | |
| "Gore at its most immaculate!" | 2009-04-17 |
| Au revoir madame, it's time to die... BROOOTAL! Jean Rollin and The Grapes of Death('78) introduced gore to French cinema, and it's a match made in heaven! Or hell, if you prefer. It really doesn't get much better than this. There is something strange brewing at an isolated French winery. The pesticide used in the grape fields is possibly having an adverse effect on the townspeople. They are all slowly turning violent and losing their minds as their flesh begins to decompose. Rollin does an excellent job directing this gorefest. There is plenty of visually stunning shots of graphic violence--blood splatter, flesh rippage, impalement, decapitations, and more. No CGI, these special effects are all very well done. Plus, of course Rollin threw in some nice shots of gorgeous naked women. This is all contrasted very well with the beautiful French countryside. The action advances at a moderate pace with no cheap irritating scares or horrible cliches. Some of the kills will make you squirm. Grapes of Death is another spectacular horror gem from the 70's. Very eerie, poetic, and downright creepy. I wish some current filmmakers would watch this and take notes. | ||
 | Branded to Kill - Koroshi No Rakuin - Criterion Collection | |
| "Filmmaking with a touch of demented genius!" | 2009-04-15 |
| Branded to Kill('67) was way ahead of its time. Watching this movie once is simply not enough. After being handed a basic cardboard script about a contract killer, Director Seijun Suzuki shattered all expectations of studio conformity. He presented an outrageous little yakuza film that shocked and enraged the powers that be. This blatant deviation from the typical routine got him promptly fired and blackballed in the industry for a decade. Meet Goro Hanada, an expert assassin-for-hire. He's currently ranked #3 killer in the land, and he's quite an odd cat--a chubby cheeks sex maniac with a penchant for sniffing rice? Not quite what you'd expect. He accepts different missions as he aspires for that #1 ranking. This film is very much a parody of the yakuza genre. The story moves fast and jumps quite a bit with a high level of surrealism and absurdity. It's crazy fun, but a bit hard to follow with your first watch. There are several insane moments that will leave you shaking your head. Like when one of his targets gets a bullet hole in his head while washing his hands over the sink. Where'd the bullet come from?!? You later see Hanada screwing the pipe back together that leads up to the sink drain. Haha, that's a heck of a shot! The story is continually a sporadic jumble of combustible madness, ready to explode at any moment. Brimming from beginning to end with crazy gun fights, comical buffonery, and wild sex scenes, this is a ground-breaking dose of madness that is well deserving of the Criterion treatment. Branded to Kill had a heavy influence on several filmmakers, including John Woo and Quentin Tarantino. | ||
 | Two-Lane Blacktop | |
| "One of the finest, and sadly most unheralded, entries in American cinema" | 2009-04-13 |
| This ain't no Fast & Furious. It does involve street racing, but the elements of speed take a backseat to the riveting story. TWO-LANE BLACKTOP is a brilliant character study, an amazing detour from the souped-up engines and over-inflated egos that commonly drive your basic hot rod flick. I love how it refuses to brake for the casual viewer expecting a basic, testosterone-injected thrill ride. This movie scorches a trail of burnt rubber and broken dreams, haphazardly en route toward the rapidly beating heart of the American consciousness. This story consists of four main characters. I love how their names are never mentioned. This almost mystical ambiguity somehow exhudes a certain broad appeal. They could be anybody. And nobody. the driver--James Taylor the mechanic--Dennis Wilson the g.t.o.--Warren Oates the girl--Laurie Bird All of these people are drifters, roaming from town-to-town, possibly searching for something. Or maybe they're running from their past. The driver & the mechanic get somehow mixed up with a young, beautiful hitchhiker. She's a bit of a monkeywrench to their plans, but really the guys don't let her distract them from their true love--their '55 Chevy. That car is also a major character in the film. It's different shades of primer gray, which is of course very symbollic. Neither of the two guys feel very comfortable unless they are behind the wheel or underneath the hood, respectively. The group rides together across the country, searching for their next race and payday. They constanty cross paths with the driver of a flashy yellow G.T.O. He is an older man, who is constantly picking up eccentric hitchhikers himself. After a bit of a confrontation at a gas station, their competitive rivalry steers both cars toward Washington D.C. and the ultimate prize--the loser's pink slip. The journey is fascinating and totally revealing. This Criterion DVD includes a 110-page screenplay. Really this script is what makes this film truly special. I was totally engaged watching the driver & mechanic bait some unsuspecting driver into a race for cash. Here's one such moment(paraprased): "Clean machine". (It's clean enough.) "Not bad for home grown". (It's a little bit more than home grown.) "Gee mister, it must be pretty quick." (You wanna find out?) "Usually I'd jump at the opportunity, but I'm not in the habit of seeing the Chevy work against a two-bit piece of junk." (Fifty bucks says I leave you in the dust.) "Make it 3 yards ($300) m%$#@r and we'll have ourselves an automobile race." Gotta love it! Really, TWO-LANE BLACKTOP is just first-rate filmmaking. From the music, the sounds, the script, the acting, the direction....all just incredible. This low-budget affair immediately gets jump started into my top 20 favorite films of all-time. It's absolutely perfect with its imperfections. 1971 103 minutes Directed by Monte Hellman | ||
 | Hated: G.G. Allin & the Murder Junkies | |
| "Music...not to entertain, but to ANNIHILATE " | 2009-04-05 |
| With the sensitivity of Russian Roulette, it was a freakshow to appall you. A voice to rape your eardrums. A torrent of supreme vengeance fixated on your fears and exposing your repressed emotions. Hellbent on shredding the societal chains that shackle the weak and powerless. It was pure rage without restraint... the GG Allin show. This is one well-made, brutal documentary. Born Jesus Christ Allin, this punk rock singer was considered a raving lunatic by many and the prophetic voice of rebellion by others. This film diligently chronicles in relentless, uncompromising detail the violent escapades that constantly encompassed his life, both on stage and off. From his fighting, arrests(50+), exposing himself in public, self-mutilation, chaotic music, appearance on Geraldo--it's all here in alarming fashion. It talks about his plans for an onstage suicide on Halloween(which every year imprisonment prevented that from happening). We also get the gross pleasure of watching GG poop on stage and then getting creative--I won't go into details, you'll have to see it to believe it. There's plenty of other sick crazy stuff too. Not for those with weak stomachs, obviously. GG Allin refused to be controlled by authority, trapped by typical human comforts, or harnessed by any common acceptable behaviors. He carried the ultimate(screw)you philosophy. His music reflects his life, a rebellious, punk rock icon who thrashed to the beat of his own demonic drum. HATED includes raw footage from his final performance, recorded just hours before his fatal drug overdose. | ||
 | Hated: G.G. Allin & the Murder Junkies | |
| "Music...not to entertain, but to ANNIHILATE " | 2009-04-05 |
| With the sensitivity of Russian Roulette, it was a freakshow to appall you. A voice to rape your eardrums. A torrent of supreme vengeance fixated on your fears and exposing your repressed emotions. Hellbent on shredding the societal chains that shackle the weak and powerless. It was pure rage without restraint... the GG Allin show. This is one well-made, brutal documentary. Born Jesus Christ Allin, this punk rock singer was considered a raving lunatic by many and the prophetic voice of rebellion by others. This film diligently chronicles in relentless, uncompromising detail the violent escapades that constantly encompassed his life, both on stage and off. From his fighting, arrests(50+), exposing himself in public, self-mutilation, chaotic music, appearance on Geraldo--it's all here in alarming fashion. It talks about his plans for an onstage suicide on Halloween(which every year imprisonment prevented that from happening). We also get the gross pleasure of watching GG poop on stage and then getting creative--I won't go into details, you'll have to see it to believe it. There's plenty of other sick crazy stuff too. Not for those with weak stomachs, obviously. GG Allin refused to be controlled by authority, trapped by typical human comforts, or harnessed by any common acceptable behaviors. He carried the ultimate(screw)you philosophy. His music reflects his life, a rebellious, punk rock icon who thrashed to the beat of his own demonic drum. HATED includes raw footage from his final performance, recorded just hours before his fatal drug overdose. | ||
 | Deathdream | |
| "Death comes home..." | 2009-03-20 |
| Don't be put off by the cheesy cover or the PG rating, this is a spectacularly creepy little horror gem from the 70's. Bob Clark(BLACK CHRISTMAS) masterfully directs this unsettling story with the less is more technique. A family is devastated when they receive the tragic news about their son Andy, who perished in the line of duty during the Vietnam War. Before the grief even settles in, they are awoken that night by an even greater shock. A late-night visitor... "They sent us a telegram. They said my son was dead"... "I was". Andy then smiles to ease some of the awkward tension, but it soon becomes evident that something just isn't right. He doesn't eat, sleep, or hardly speak. He just stares blankly as he sways back and forth in the family rocking chair. We soon realize he must inject human blood into his veins in order to survive. Or should I say, sustain his weary state of existence. This is an extremely powerful anti-war commentary. Of course very relevant still today, nobody can escape the effects of battle unscathed. Deathdream slowly builds toward the frightening climax with thick doses of tension. Tom Savini shows his superb touches here with his brilliant early special effects work. 4.5 Stars, a must-see for fans of the vampire/zombie genre. | ||
 | In a Glass Cage | |
| "Psychological horror way too dark too fathom" | 2009-01-19 |
| If IN A GLASS CAGE was a simple revenge flick, it would offer a small glimmer of hope for the viewer to cling to. No such luck here. For those wanting to sink down to the lowest level of human atrocities, this is your movie. An absolutely horrible glimpse at the total decay of human decency. It's the story of Klaus, an ex-Nazi pedophile who momentarily became overwhelmed by guilt and attempted suicide. His effort failed, but he was left paralyzed from the neck down. Then he was placed on life support and confined to an Iron Lung, or glass cage. Then the real horror begins. A handsome young nurse named Angelo is hired to care for Klaus. And yep, you guessed it, the two have met before. So now it's payback time, right? Angelo has plans to abuse his past tormentor? If only it was that easy. "Horror, like sin, can be fascinating." That quote is from Klaus. Unfortunately, Angelo knows this all too well. It is utterly disturbing to contemplate an evil that is so demoralizing. One that will vaporize all hope. A dark power that will overwhelm your senses, paralyze your mind, and control the very fiber of your being. This is one sick movie. It has unsettling images of child abuse, homosexuality, pedophilia, murder, and torture. But the most bothersome part of this story is the mental aspect. Many will shrug this off and dismiss the events as ridiculous. Hey, what ever helps you cope. Watch this with extreme caution. | ||
 | Vampyres | |
| "Death is cuming" | 2008-12-31 |
| Well, that's just not fair. When you're driving down the road, the last thing on your mind is picking up a hitchhiker. But then you realize the person is of the female variety. So next, any red-blooded male instinctively checks to see how cute she is. Uh-oh, she's sizzlin-fajita hot. Plus, she's bearing some plump juicy cleavage? AND she has a friend that's a boiling over beaut?!?! Fahhhgettaboutit, that's game over. Soooo, back to their place(30 seconds down the road). You wanna talk about some sexual pressure. The irresistable Fran practically begs you for the high hard one. She even has the decency to ride you reverse cowgirl style(one of my top 80 favorite positions). But you better hit that sweet spot, or she'll be munching (I'm not referring to carpet). This is just an awesomely erotic and grotesque landmark cult classick. Only from the 70's. Watch these gorgeous bisexual vamps romp and suck during their nightly bloodlust orgies. Highly recommended for the fellas. 4.5 stars. | ||
 | Vampyres | |
| "Death is cuming" | 2008-12-31 |
| Well, that's just not fair. When you're driving down the road, the last thing on your mind is picking up a hitchhiker. But then you realize the person is of the female variety. So next, any red-blooded male instinctively checks to see how cute she is. Uh-oh, she's sizzlin-fajita hot. Plus, she's bearing some plump juicy cleavage? AND she has a friend that's a boiling over beaut?!?! Fahhhgettaboutit, that's game over. Soooo, back to their place(30 seconds down the road). You wanna talk about some sexual pressure. The irresistable Fran practically begs you for the high hard one. She even has the decency to ride you reverse cowgirl style(one of my top 80 favorite positions). But you better hit that sweet spot, or she'll be munching (I'm not referring to carpet). This is just an awesomely erotic and grotesque landmark cult classick. Only from the 70's. Watch these gorgeous bisexual vamps romp and suck during their nightly bloodlust orgies. Highly recommended for the fellas. 4.5 stars. | ||
 | The Old Dark House | |
| "Nothing depressing about 1930's horror" | 2008-12-20 |
| The 30's The finest decade in cinema for examining the roots of all evil exploring the notions of fear depicting the elements in life that might make you hesitate get nervous or hold your breath The Old, Dark House offers all of these things and more. Director Whale keeps one finger on the panic button and one on the laugh meter. When it comes to horror/comedy, he masterfully goes both ways. This is a bizarre tale of a trio (or threesome, if you prefer) that seek shelter in a secluded mansion during a horrendous storm. This safe haven is old. Plus dark. And as soon as they step inside, they realize something evil is afoot. Or is it just something eccentric? This might be the nuthouse instead of the House of horrors. The mute butler (Karloff) has a hideous scar and consequential fits of rage after a stiff drink (not to mention something stiff for stranded hot chicks). There's the loony religious lady, the atheist, the 102-yr-old lady with the beard, the crazy pyro, and more. It all adds up to a creepy night of fun, mystery, and melodrama. Great performances, camera work, atmosphere--just a tremendous script and directing. Classic horror you don't wanna miss... | ||
 | Aswang | |
| "A baby shower of blood" | 2008-11-30 |
| (as-wong)n. Filipino vampire that feeds on the unborn This is a splendidly creepy low-budget horror flick. Ten times more dark, vicious, and original than any current American horror. It really is a gruesomely refreshing twist on the vampire genre. These bloodsuckers have a relentless craving to suck the infants from the mother's womb, just before birth. The acting might be sub-par, the camera work is slightly dark, and the budget is small. But the creative spark flourishes and several moments are shocking. Plus it avoids most stereotypical developments that placate most every scene of those big budget flicks. All in all, a slightly flawed but gripping tale of pure evil. Independent horror at its most wicked. | ||
 | Thriller - A Cruel Picture | |
| "The revenge flick to rape all revenge flicks" | 2008-11-25 |
| Whoo-boy! This is one pounding violation of the cinematic routine. Director Vibenius tries to penetrate deep into your mind by mixing the arthouse with the pornhouse. Check the EPT stick...yep, after wineing & dining your senses, he impregnates all your expectations and leaves you with dirty diapers on the brain. It even starts off in harsh fashion. After getting raped as a little girl, the beautiful Madeleine stumbles through her life in total silence and disarray. After reaching adulthood, she is victimized by another devastating, life-altering event. A seemingly nice guy offers some help, then secretly dopes her up and turns her into a heroin-addict/prostitue. Sex, drugs, no rock-n-roll...ahh not such good times. Thriller:A Cruel Picture is a dizzing strain of unfathomable events. The director studied under the brilliant Ingmar Bergman, and his artistic influence is evident throughout. This is contrasted by graphic images of sex and abuse. It's mind-boggling, gives an extreme sense of such sad desperation and erotic disorientation. Many people will dislike this bizarre experience, but hey, imagine how this chick feels. Not to worry though, of course she seeks her revenge. This is a brutal cult gem of exploitation cinema. A must-see for fans of disturbing movies. A must-avoid for almost everyone else. | ||
| Ginger Snaps | |
| "PMS is deadly" | 2008-10-23 |
| Since Eden, good wholesome hard-working friendly members of the male gender have felt the effects of "that time of the month". Here we have a horror movie metaphor called Ginger Snaps. Even the title itself sounds so friendly, warm, cute, and inviting. But as guys we soon learn that's b.s. Ginger is a young high school chick anticipating her first period. Well, it comes, more like an exclamation point. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The monster smells the menstruation. Attacks. Spreads the sickness. And men everywhere are in some deep trouble. ____________________________________________ Cult classic!!! 4.5 stars. Midol will not save you! | ||
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