Movie # 31 Immortality 1998

Netflix disc is delayed so i`m dipping into a dvd boxset. One month down!

Movie #31 Immortality 1998

A 90s vampire film starring Jude Law?! Why isn't this more memorable? Some movies have all the right ingredients but with the wrong chief it can leave a bad taste in the viewers mouth. Such is the case with 1998's Immortality starring the then relatively unknown Law. I liked the concepts that were presented and the acting was decent (though Jude has greatly improved) however the execution was very weak and came off as terribly heavy handed. Laws vampire characters comes off like a love sick prat like a precursor to the Twilight series. Why wasn't this memorable because its just there...You have to be pretty limp to be a 90s vampire movie starring Jude Law and NOT be remembered...

Movie #30 Silent Movie 1976

Dipping into my Mel Brooks boxset for todays movie.

Movie # 30 Silent Movie 1976

Brooks must have had his pants custom made. Why? Because only he would have the balls to pull off a modern day silent film and get away with it brilliantly. Silent Movie is meta before it was cool and it showcases his brand of satire and wit blended with classic knee slapping slapstick. I cant think of any other filmmaker that would be brazen enough to even attempt it let allow deliver a film that is this funny and often times both surreal and bizarre. Like "To Be or Not to Be" i`m not sure why "Fag" has to be used, it seems like he went out of his way in both films which is my only complaint. Still I very much enjoyed its charms and sadly it seems to be the one film problem seem to over look. The sight gags are every bit (if not better) than anything in Airplane or Naked Gun. Guess its the fact that its silent which is a pity.

Goosebumps 2015

Ah the 1990s. Those were some great times and especially to be a kid. Before Harry Potter inspired kids to enjoy reading Goosebumps did the same. I was already a big reader but discovering the horror book series was a big deal for this budding horror fan. So when the film based on the books came out I was skeptical but just didnt make it to see it theaters.

Movie # 29 Goosebumps 2015

So, I`m not a huge Jack Black fan and besides T.D I find him pretty grating. I put that aside and kept my exceptions low. So when this movie turned out to be good was a shocker to me and I enjoyed all the little nods to the books besides the obvious. Black as always chews much scenery but it actually works for the material and obviously its not meant to be taken seriously. The plot isn't very inventive and the heavy handed message were cliche'd. Despite this I found it to be a spooky fun ride. And of course the nostalgia factor was a bonus, bringing back days when the coolest thing was getting the latest creepy book.  As I said flawed no doubt but its a decent movie with vibes similar to "Monster Squad" and "Gremlins"

Movie # 28 West of Memphis 2012

As I stated earlier I recently re-watched the entire Paradise Lost Trilogy and today I watched Amy Bergs 2012 documentary on the subject "West of Memphis" released a few years after the final Paradise Lost film.

Movie #28  West of Memphis 2012 *Minor Spoilers*

I was skeptical of this documentary at first thinking, OK the three films covered the case pretty well will this simply be a rehash or sum up of these films. Having found Bergs 2015 documentary Prophets Prey to be a absorbing and powerful film I thought i`d take the chance and I`m glad I did. Well of course it goes through things covered in the first three films it also provides new information and courtroom footage that was previously not used in the P.L films. Another aspect of the case that is only touched upon lightly in Paradise Lost 3 is Terry Hobbs and his suspected guilt in the murders. Hobbs is an unnerving character and at one point even laughs during his interview by police, its chilling stuff. Its also interesting that until he has to Hobbs never is interviewed in PL 1 or 2 until he finally has to in the third film. If you re-watch it you`ll note that he never shows any real emotion in the footage from the trails etc. We also learn the roles Peter Jackson and his wife played in helping the boys which funds for experts. The whole case is a disturbing look at a gruesome murder and how through a severely botched case by the police,politics and just poor mis management all around lead to a killer walking free and three innocent boys losing almost two decades of their lives and in a big way it took away there innocence as well. A modern day witch hunt by an over eager police force to wrap up a case and pin it on three low income boys who just happen to be different. A chilling remainder that our justice system is terribly flawed. Well worth viewing. As is the Paradise Lost Trilogy.

Movie #27 Reflections in a Golden Eye 1967

The fact that some films get made by big studios never cease to amaze me. Which is the case in todays film "Reflections in a Golden Eye" based on the novel of the same name. Even more shocking is two of the biggest stars are attached to it.

Movie # 27 Reflections in a Golden Eye 1967

Wow. What a odd and progressive film which tackles sexual repression, homosexuality and voyeurism things that were still taboo in the major studio systems. So the fact that this strange little gem was made by Warner Brothers with Brando and Taylor in the leads its pretty stunning it got made. I loved the way it was shot which is unnerving but the entire film is and makes you feel very uneasy. I`m at a disadvantage with this blog because  I have to write about a film at first glance without the benefit of repeat viewings BUT I think its safe to say that i`ll grow to love this film even more as time goes by.

Movie# 26 The Jeffery Dahmer Files 2012

I recently re-watched the Paradise Lost trilogy so I figured i`d inject some more documentaries into my new cinematic landscape. For better or worse serial killers are interesting and so I rented The Jeffery Dahmer files

Movie # 26 The Jeffery Dahmer Files

I also hate comparing movies but I think this best illustrates my point. Last years "Soaked in Bleach" was an amazing documentary which blended actors recreating scenes mixed with interviews. It also helped that everything the characters said in the reenactments were actually said (from recorded auto) if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. JDF's tries to do this as well but it falls terribly flat, with scenes of a actor who meh sort of looks like Jeffery doing things like shopping for goldfish, eating hamburgers and lots of beer drinking. What is the point? The people being interviewed was far more interesting with the reenactment stuff serving as filler. I was hoping for a documentary but what I got was some interviews and a bad actor pretending to be Jeffery going about his day.. I think this director bit off more then he could chew.

Movie # 25 To Be or Not to Be 1983

Digging into my Mel Brook box set and watching "To Be or Not to Be" the 1980s remake produced and starring the genius of comedy. 

Movie# 25 To Be or Not to Be 1983

Before I get into my review allow me to make a comparison. The late Joan Rivers was a comedian I never cared for to say the least and I found her humor lazy and tasteless. Like the one she cracked at the expense of a kidnap victim that was brutalized and raped over the course of ten years. Yeah...not funny. Mel Brooks on the other had never stooped to such vulgar "shock" humor but instead used clever wit against bad people like in today's movie "To Be or Not to Be"  Hitler and the S.S are ripe for mocking in this funny yet heart felt satire on the not only the war but the theater backstage antics. The cast is amazing, besides Brooks giving it his all is the lovely Ms. Ann Bancroft who in my opinion gives one of her best performances. And lets not forget Charles Durning and Christopher Lloyd also in top form. Besides the great actors the directing is top notch as well the production values. Now i`m far from the P.C police but the thing that sours the movie for me is the extremely flaming guy. Even still I enjoyed it.Unlike Rivers Brooks used a higher level of comedy to put the screws to someone which in my opinion is far more lasting. Glad I dipped into my box set for this little gem. I also have "Silent Movie" that i`ve never seen so i`m sure that`ll be reviewed sometime. 

Movie #24 His Girl Friday 1940

Another movie on TCM. I`ve been wanting to see more Howard Hawke films and it just so happened that "His Girl Friday" was playing. Hawkes changed cinema with his at the time bold techniques in fast flying dialogue often with characters stepping on each others lines, something that he is credited with starting.

Movie # 24 His Girl Friday 1940

Hawkes blends comedy and pulp noir like nobody else with powerhouse Cary Grant as a newspaper man working along side his ex wife. His trademark fast paced dialogue zings and is brilliantly written. I cant think of a better written comedy of that time. It also works as a biting satire on newspaper men at the time.As I stated its a comedy but its also gets kinda dark like a noir, with one character throwing themselves out a window in a harrowing moment. Grant and sex pot Russell have great on screen chemistry and both give top notch performances.  Its no wonder this is considered a classic. There even a funny bit were they somewhat break the forth wall and name one of the supporting actors. Great fun! Something I can see myself re-visiting.

Movie # 23 Buck Privates 1941

Its snowing hard here and so my Netflix dvd is of course delayed into the winter oblivion. So I turned to TCM for a possible new (vintage) movie to watch. Before Seth Rogen and Jess Franco became a comedy duo Abbott and Costello blazed a trail, starting out on stage and radio on the vaudeville scene and burst onto the film scene. The one and only movie of the duo i`ve seen was the monster fest A+C meet Frankenstein which is best known for Belas second and only time he reprized the role of the Count along with Lon Chaney Jr and even a voice cameo by Vincent Price.

Movie # 23 Buck Privates 1941

Abbott and Costello are certainly a brand of humor either you enjoy or you dont. Neither party is wrong in my opinion but I will say even though I wasn't totally in love with this film I do get why the duo were and still are considered geniuses of comedy. The perfect timing and rhythm they had cant be denied and as I mentioned above they blazed a trail that many comedy teams owe a huge dept to.For me though the jokes work and others just dont. Its basically vaudeville acts smashed into a film with a subplot totally separate from Bud and Lou. Again I mean no disrespect and I thought some bits were really very funny. Even if the entire film felt like one big propaganda for the U.S Army. One sour moment is in the beginning with the vastly racist stereotypical African American, but thankfully its short.

Its interesting to think that films like "Pineapple Express" and "The Interview" will seem dated long after they were made.

Movie #22 End of the Line 2007

This film was recommended by a friend whos opinion means a lot. And when he got really excited about this film I knew it would be interesting.

Movie# 22 End of the Line 2007

I`m not going to post a plotline because this is something you should go in totally cold. Spoiler free.

Wow. End of the Line is something that is worth checking out. Flawed yes but its actually unnerving with jump moments that are more than just loud noises. It also really makes you think and leaves you the audience to draw your own conclusion, something mainstream films dont do.  Characters are more fleshed out and even with the limited time you can see some what of an arch. Sadly this is a film that doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves and it really gets a huge thumbs up from me.  Want a break from the Hollywood glut of remakes, reboots, and soulless tie in;s and cash ins? This is your film. Indie horror at its finest...

Movie # 21 Inside Llewyn Davis 2013

I`ve been wanting to see this for awhile now and it just so happened I was up early enough today, so my new movie experience is the Coens brothers film Inside Llewyn Davis

Movie# 21 Inside Llewyn Davis 2013

The Coens normally aren't known for there cheery sunshiny movies and even there comedies have dark or bleak over tones to various degrees. This 2013 drama is simply a masterpiece.

Oscar Issac gives an Oscar worthy performance as the titular character and we follow his bitter sweet odyssey to try and make it as a folk singer in 1961.

What struck me is how understated and beautifully shot this film is with mostly muted colors which fits for the films somber outlook. Of course its smartly written and its easy for us the audience to slide into our heros skin, as many of us try and struggle to become what we really want especially artists. And sadly some just never make it, when they should. Its another slice of life and bitter pill of reality from the Coen Brothers. Hail Ceaser there latest seems to a lighter film but im sure not without a dark slant. I`ve always said that they are the greatest filmmakers working today and this movie is just further proof of that.

Movie# 20 Fear in the Night 1972

Fear in the Night was another dvd in my collection which I had never gotten around to watching. This film was put out from Anchor Bay and is currently OOP. 

Movie #20 Fear in the Night 1972

Murder and madness looms after a  young woman (Judy Geeson) suffers a nervous break down and moves to a boarding school with her husband run by Peter Cushing. What is reality and what is imagined in this psychological thriller. 

Hammer in the late sixties through the seventies had already exhausted there stable of monsters and were going more with psychologically driven horror like "Peeping Tom" and "Repulsion" Fear of the Night is sadly the writing on the cinematic wall when it comes to Hammers sharp decline in quality. I think what I disliked most was that its just plain boring. I`m all about a slow build but its pointless, terribly predictable and the "twists" seem hap haphazardly shoved in there with out any fore thought. Its basically Hammers take on Gas Light but not good. Peter Cushing is the only bright spot but he is sorely under used as is the queen diva herself Joan Collins who also has a tiny role. 

Movie #19 Run All Night 2015

My netflix wasnt here today (delayed from the no mail yesterday) so luckily i found something on cable to watch. Todays new movie is: Run All Night something released last year which looked interesting.

Movie# 19 Run All Night 2015

An aging hit man Jimmy  (Liam Neeson) is miserable and bitter, haunted by those he killed.Mob boss Shawn (Ed Harris) has remained his friend through the dark days but this changes when through unfortunate circumstance sees Jimmy killing Shawns son in self defense.

I love horror and cult films but damn if I dont love a great action film and while "Run All Night" isn't a masterpiece it is entertaining as hell. I think what was most surprising was the depth and actual time spent on developing characters and making them seem real and even sympathetic at times.  All the actors are at the very top form but really when is Neeson not? Ed Harris is also great and both men really that their pulp style roles very serious. Speaking of which the film plays out like a modern film noir, its gritty violent yet at the center of it lies a heart. Not as good as say "Taken" or the newer "John Wick" but over all a damn good fast paced action film.

Movie #18 Junk 2000

Zombies! Japan style!

Movie # 18 Junk (2000)

A gang of jewel thieves might have bit off more than they could chew when the undead make a surprise visit.

Its obvious that this filmmaker has a love for horror cinema with many little tips of the hat to films like Re-Animator, The Evil Dead etc. But it boils down to this being just an OK movie and while i really dug on the crime element mixed into the horror its poor writing sinks it. Plot holes, things that make zero sense and weird structure truly hold this film back from being a modern day classic in its own right. You`ve seen all of this before done much better.  Still even with its problems its not terrible and for being a low budget it had some great special effects and fun over the top gross out gags that will sure to please any hard-gore fan. Its also evident that the director has a real visual flare and its a shame that while he still makes films he never had cross over success here in the States. I think he could have made something amazing, given the right material. Not great but still a nasty little side dish in the zombie film buffet.

Movie # 17 The Devils Sword 1983

This film came highly recommended because i`m a fan of the bizarre. Well i was not disappointed.

Movie #17 The Devils Sword 1983

Deep within a the Devils Mountain lies the secret cave which holds ...you guessed it Devils sword. Many seek it because he who possesses it will "rule the kingdom" Our hero Mandala wants to obtain the object and keep it out of evil hands.

Love strange movies? Well if the answer is anything but a Hell yes you might not dig this gem of a film. This  Indonesian film may be low on  budget but it high on spirit and it doesn't give a shit if it makes little sense or its bat shit crazy. It is what it is with no apologies or self mockery. Monsters, fighting, alligator men and lots of blood permeate this cinematic landscape. The effects are sometimes ultra cheesy but it only added to the over all charm. Sure its not original but who cares its alot of awesome trippy fun. So want a movie to just switch off and have some mindless fun? Here you go.

Movie #16 The Hateful Eight Spoiler Free!

This review is going to be extra short, not because of the film but because will be recording the first Podcast (more about that soon) So my cinematic partner in crime William and I went out and saw "The Hateful Eight"

While bringing in a prisoner Daisy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) the hang man (Kurt Russell) and other characters find themselves held up together during a brutal snow storm. But they soon learn that they might share something in common besides being trapped in bad weather.

Movie #16 The Hateful Eight (2015)

Wow. I enjoyed every second of this beautifully shot, well acted masterpiece. As always love him or hate him you gotta respect Quentin's unique vision which is truly his very own. It seems in this he pushes the envelope and there were times when the audience was uncomfortable with certain scenes, but this is his balls to the wall movie like it or not.  Suspenseful violent and extremely well written with the directors trademark flare for dialogue.  Some boo and hiss the director simply because they dont happen to like him without giving any of his films a chance and thats sad. This without a doubt is his best and has the stamp of future classic written all over it.

Movie # 15 Jodorowsky's Dune 2013

I`m often asked what my one favorite film is. And for me its simple. "The Holy Mountain". Which is not a film but a living breathing work of art that made the deepest most meaningful impression on me, not only as a lover of cinema but in my life. I first saw Jodorowsky's work while living in a apt in a nice part of town right next door to a famous military college. The apt had nice big walls and I left one side totally devoid of posters and artwork because I had a digital dvd projector and I used the huge white screen to project movies. So when I saw El Topo and later "The Holy Mountain" it was huge taking up a whole white wall, it was truly an amazing wonderful experience, the only way to see that film.  So Jodorowsky's work is so important to me and it was a no brainier that this would be something i`d want to see.

Movie #15 Jodorowsky's Dune 2013

As a film lover this is something that is both extremely interesting yet frustrating at the same time. One of the greatest films may never be seen because of how ahead of its time it was, such is the case with Jodorowsky's vast and monumental visual of a science fiction classic. I`ve seen other "great movie never made" documentaries "Death of Superman" Lost Souls the doomed Journey of Richard Stanleys Island of Dr.Moreau" and while all are all very well made I have to say this is best of them. Not only is the story so interesting but Jodorowsky himself is so electric on camera, he really hypnotizes you and his words just carries you into this distance land he never got to bring to life. Great care was taken to animate the storyboards which made it more captivating and may be the closest will ever come to seeing his vision come to life. The cast and the amazing crew of artists and musicians he assembled was just legendary, Dali, Pink Floyd, Giger,Orson Welles, Mick Jagger etc. Amazing documentary for film and science fiction lovers who like myself are only left to weep at how awesome of a film could have been but never was. Also if you dig this kind of thing might i suggest a book? "The Greatest Science Fiction Movies Never Made" look it up on Amazon its a fun read.

Movie #14 Berberian Sound Studio 2012

After being very impressed with Peter Stricklands "The Duke of Burgundy" I of course had to see "Berberian Sound Studio"

Movie # 14 Berberian Sound Studio

British sound engineer Gilderoy (Toby Jones) is hired to work on an Italian horror film which is something he isn't exactly thrilled about. As he gets deeper into his work and tensions mount with his strange director and tyrannical producer his mask of sanity slowly slips. Soon the lines between the fiction that flickers on the screen and reality blur until nothing is certain.

Much like "Amer" and "The Strange Colors of my Bodys Tears" BSS is a psychologically driven film that pays tribute to the Italian giallo genre.  Unlike "The Editor" which does the same but in a comedic way this is a dead pan serious film. Strickland has a talent for taking very mundane things and with his unique skill creates a thick layer of nightmare and dread all while heightening the tension. A lesser director could not pull this off. He also can weave a good horror story without using blood and gore as a substitute for story telling. The visuals are nothing short of amazing. For example when Toby Jones character is really starting to lose it, there is a literal blurring of the film we are watching and the film within the film. The moment is raw and powerful and had me in total awe.  This really reminded me a lot of early David Lynch and I`m so excited to see what other master works Peter will do in the future.

 Bottom line try and see as much of Mr.Sticklands films as possible!

Movie #13 Executive Koala

Another dvd i dug out that I bought on an impulse and just had not gotten around to watching.

Movie# 13: Executive Koala

I admit I bought into the strange cover as i`m sure everyone did when plunking down coin for this DVD released by the wonderful Synpase. My hope was this was sort of a "Meet the Freebles" Japan style...Boy was I WRONG!

Plot: Koala murder mystery blah blah.

Ugh this movie is not only bad, its deep hurting bad. Take a predictable convoluted plot and put some characters in furry outfits and you have a stinker of a film that thinks its way more clever than it actually is. After the a novelty of the furry suits wear off (and it does quickly) its just your run of the mill murder mystery with many plot holes, twists that make no sense and a really lame ending. I cant help but think they could have done something really interesting with the whole animals/people living and working together but they dont. I`d suggest watching paint dry instead, you`ll be much more entertained and find it more rewarding in the end.

Movie #12 Burying the Ex 2014/2015

Before I dive into this review I feel like it behooves me to say something first. I cant stress how important Joe Dante was on my childhood. There are a handful of films that made a huge impact on me and as cliche as it sounds Gremlins was one of them. After multiple viewings I both loved and was terrified of those little bastards I even carried a flashlight around just in case I saw one of them (cut me a break i was a kid lol.) And The Burbs was another film that I watched many times and even though I didn't get all the adult jokes I still knew it was something special. "Burying the Ex" received some rather brutally bad reviews but despite this I set out to give it a fair shake. After all I dug "The Hole" but after looking closer maybe this one should have stayed put.

Movie # 12 Burying the Ex 2014/2015

Max is a typical horror film loving guy, who just happens to be dating a real nightmare of a girlfriend Evelyn. She is a stereotypical vegan green crusader who is hell bent on forcing her opinions on him and everyone around her. However in a chance meeting Max falls for hipster goth girl Olivia and decides that he needs to break it off with his current girlfriend. Growing a set of balls he decides to dump her and asks her to meet him for a surprise? (thats harsh) and while she crosses the street she is hit by a bus and killed. After mourning his ex Max starts dating Olivia but Evelyn risings from her dirt nap thinking she`ll now be with him forever. Its now up to him and his sex crazed half brother to make sure she rests in piece permanently.

It REALLY pains me to say but I can see why this movie got horrible reviews. Burying the Ex started off promising but it quickly is unraveled by its own "cool and clever" plot, which is predictable and not nearly as awesome as it thinks it is.What could have been an smart and morbid meditation on relationships using a horror element is dumb`ed down to lame jokes and a stale plot that is pretty much like "Corpse Bride" To make matters worse all the characters are all so stock and stereotypical. Lets look at the main characters. Evelyn is the annoying hot vegan psycho girlfriend that Max wants to break up with. They try and flesh her out by the out of place "dead mother" exposition (which never really pays off) but frankly it doesn't work at all.  Max is the hipster horror film fan that you often find on internet forums ironically loving stuff other people hate. Olivia the foil for our zombie is also the funky, playfully awkward goth hipster girl which is pretty much just a female version of Max. And who could forger the "lovable" annoying sex fiend sidekick Travis. None of the characters were engaging or likable. I truly believe despite its unoriginal plot it could have aimed alot higher, "dug deeper" with its characters and really mixed it up.The result feels like an anthology segment stretched painfully thin and ultimately it makes for a tepid viewing experience. I will always root for Mr.Dante because of the wonderful stuff hes done but its not enough to give this movie a pass. Honestly this movie has passed its expatriation date and should have stayed buried.

Amityville 3D 1983

Seeing how the yet another re-harsh of Amityville is in the works it dawned on me I`ve never seen the third entry in the series. Cue the groans... I figured I`d  picked a stink burger to watch....

Amityville 3D aka Amityville: The Demon 1983

John Baxter works for a magazine, his job? To de bunk the paranormal. Hes tired of this work and yearns to be a serious writer (dont we all *wink) After busting a ladies scam in the infamous Amityville house he decides to buy it and settle down. Because after all he doesn't believe in no ghosts.(who yah gonna call?) However as you can guess the house decides to make a believer out of him.


Holding a 0% rating on Rotten Tomato I thought i was really in for some self torture. However the film has some depth that many horror films of the decade lacked. Here me out. While sure everyone including myself loves 80s slashers lets face it, it was more about the gore than fleshed out characters, and i`m not talking about just seeing characters flesh. Amityville 3 actually tries to and for the most part succeeds in showcasing people that are more than just butcher block fodder. The concept of our hero going in de bunking the claims is interesting And of course its a nice (albiet not subtle) wink at the real life haunted house which was proved to be nothing more than a hoax cooked up by the Lutz,the Warrens and author Jay Anson, which paid off BIG time. Its far more clever than just having a new family move in (which was done brilliantly in A II: The possession) I was also stunned by some actual creepy moments and deaths. Surprising some main characters actually end of dying pretty gruesome deaths, most notably the woman being burnt alive. So is it a classic, no not even close. Sadly for all that works for the film its just simply not remarkable. Structurally its uneven and while yes some of the death scenes are decent they do nothing to move the story forward just simply going from one set piece to another. Richard Fleischer whose cinematic career spanned over four decades did his best to break the mold but still failed to really deliver a scary film. Still its not the stinkburger I thought it would be, I can see what it tried to do but it never really escapes its mediocrity. Its not all bad though. Plus we get to see a young Meg Ryan and Lori Loughlin (Full House and soon Fuller House)

Movie #10 Hard to be a God 2014/15

Before I dive into my review I want to make a few things clear. I love art films and when filmmakers push the envelope of the cinematic landscape. So when I say that "Hard to be a God" was a choir to get through its not because i`m not into to art-house cinema but well i`ll get into that..

Movie # 10 Hard to be a God 2014/15


Well..."Hard to be a God" is certainly a different film experience and one of the filthiest looking films maybe of all time. It seems this was a darling of critics but personally I found it a choir to get through and something i`m not likely to want to re-visit. Just to show you i`m fair I did find some good things to say about it. The set designs are nothing short of breathtaking and I applaud the filmmakers for choosing to shoot this in black and white which furthers the odd oppressive mood. It also had some wonderful nasty almost surreal moments and some great special effects work. Sadly I found this
grim tale rather boring. It doesn't help that it has a  terribly bloated run time coming just minutes shy of three hours. Yes Hard to be a God is more defiantly a unique film and I can appreciate the raw, stark grit it possess but overall i just wasn't entertained.

Movie# 9 The Editor 2014

Movies about editors in horror/thrillers are nothing new. Stuff like De Palmas "Blow Out" and "Evil Ed" all focus on a task that in my opinion is a thankless yet important job in creating cinema. "The Editor" is a film that I have been excited to see every since I heard about it.

Movie #9 The Editor 2014

A film editor Ray Ciso (Adam Brooks) finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery while working on a film. Comedy and bodies pile up in this loving homage to grindhouse/Giallo cinema of the 70s and 80s.

As of late many filmmakers are trying to recreate the vibes of the 70s/80s American slasher and sadly films like "The House of the Devil" are few and far between. But I often thought how great it would be for someone to do a balls out tribute to Giallo. And here we have it. "The Editor" Adam Brooks   skillfully crafts a loving homage to the grindhouse Italian sub genre popular in the later 60s through the 80s. Adam Brooks is no strangely to paying respect to genre cinema with his film "Fathers Day" as a wonderful send up of slashers. Here he perfectly channel the works of Bava,Argento and Fulci just to name a few. He really nails the nutty vibe of these films from the bad dubbing, strange acting/dialogue and of course that amazing soundtrack. Also how great is it seeing Udo Kier in a small but memorable role.Had the film been aged and scratchy you`d swear you were in a smoke filled theater on 42nd street, so Bravo Mr.Brooks my hats off to you. I`m not going to spoil any for you but there are MANY Easter eggs through out that true fans will pick up on. So let me "cut" to the chase and tell you that this razor witted comedy every bit lives up to the hype. "Shear" fun madness!

Movie #8 The Battle Wizard 1977

Everybody was kung fu fighting! I love a good action kung fu film but I also love a nice ultra trippy strange kung fu film that just throws every bit of logic right out the window. So when I came across a website talking about "The Battle Wizard" it seemed like this would be a perfect fit.

An evil overlord seeks revenge against the son of a Prince (Danny Lee) Its now up to him and his sister to battle him but of course many perils await them.  

Movie #8 The Battle Wizard 1977 

A cheesy villain with bad eyebrows, metal retractable legs who can breath fire,a  psychotropic frog and a attack gorilla and of course killer laser beams out of peoples fingers are just a few of the treats that this gozo film has to offer. The Battle Wizard's plot isnt good by any stretch but its so amazingly weird that you cant help but love. This would make a perfect film for the reboot of MST3k and its short running time would also fit it perfectly. While its not nearly as gory as say Riki O (If you haven't seen Riki O its simply sublime and features someone punching through someones face:nuff said) it does have a few nice bloody moments. This is the type of film you gather your buddies together get ripped and have a blast making fun of.

Movie #7 Tangerine 2015 Not your typical Christmas Film

By now all gifts have long since ripped open, either loved or secretly returned and I bet everyone has there Christmas tree down. Honestly I love the holiday and i`m always a little bummed when its over. Todays movie is a sort-of Christmas movie but far from a typical one.

Movie# 7 Tangerine 2015

2015 was a DAMN good year for films especially independent ones. Spring,Lost River, What we do in the Shadows, so many interesting filmmakers are telling there own stories. Tangerine is certainly a remarkable film. 

Its Christmas Eve but all is not jolly when a working girl goes on the hunt for her pimp boyfriend who she heard is cheating on her. Through her adventure we come across maybe colorful characters and with the roar of drama its not going to be a silent night in the Hollywood hills. 

Its easy to see why this made John Waters top ten best films of 2015. Totally shot on an Iphone the film looks amazing. Whats more remarkable is that Sean S. Baker can take a paper thin plot and make it wildly entertaining and even heart felt. I really cared about certain characters by the end of the film. He also really walks the line between comedy and stark gritty realism. Even when its dark and depressing its still quirky enough to still be funny. Its not something many filmmakers can pull off but Baker does it beautifully. Hollywood icon Clu Gulager and his son John make wonderfully funny, absurd cameos.  Loved it and this will most defiantly become a holiday tradition. 

Movie #6 Ex Machina 2015 Blade Runner of the 21 Century

Horror and cult films my be my main passion but I love all genres (well no rom coms please) Science Fiction is a genre of film that is so hard to do really well and at first glance I slagged this one off as rubbish and i`m glad I gave it a look at.

Movie #6: Ex Machina 2015

As I stated above I stupidly dismissed this movie when it first came out. Well I`m man enough to admit how wrong I was. Like 2010's sorely underrated film "Moon" (starring Sam Rockwell) Ex Machina is a film that captured my imagination and totally absorbed me with every cybernetic fiber of its being. Amazingly the filmmakers showed great restrain in there vision of the future, keeping things grounded in reality. Domhnall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander give performances that are nothing short of Oscar worthy. And since were handing out imaginary gold statues the special effects for the Ava are spellbinding as is the simply yet effective sound design. The end result is a dark thought provoking cautionary tale with an ending that is jaw dropping and unforgettable.  Maybe I shouldn't make this comparison but for me its the Blade Runner of your generation. Simply put it`ll be hard to top this in the realm of science fiction. 

Movie #5 The Duke of Burgundy

Another first time viewing of a filmmaker. This time its Peter Strickland. A big fan you to the very talented Jules Brudek for designing the wonderful logo!

Movie #5 The Duke of Burgundy

Two women role play master and slave and all is good until the lines of the roles begin to blur. What ensues is a psycho-sexual battle of wills.

DAMN! TDOB is such a steamy film that I felt like i needed to wipe my glasses off a few times during it. Strickland crafts a world that is fully grounded in reality yet through moody set pieces it feels like a surreal tight rope walk. In the end though it boils down to a very sincere love story albeit a strange one. Strickland is very detached with the characters and even though we dont get to know a lot about them we still end up connecting with them because they have the basic needs, fears and feelings we do. I was also stunned with the level of details in the set designs. It brings you right into the space and you feel like you inhabit it along with the players.  The filmmakers also take wise advantage of the amazingly lush landscapes and helps to open the film up and give it a richer feeling. Every single inch of this film oozes with pulse pounding sexuality and haunting eroticism that might only be matched by "Amer" A modern masterpiece of film making.

Movie #4 La Belle Captive 1983

I love French cinema. Films like "Eyes Without a face" "Breathless" are among some of the finest films every made. However to my shagin i`ve not seen a single Alain Robbe-Grillet film and its something I fully plan on taking care of this year. My first film is La Belle Captive from 1983.

Movie# 4 La Belle Captive 1983

A man at a party sees a beautiful and mysterious lady who refuses to give him her name. In a series of bizarre twists he learns that the lady he saw has been dead for seven years.

Wow. La Belle Captive is a steamy erotic thriller that weaves elements of horror and mystery with some wonderful surreal imagery. The result is something very special. Grillet constantly blindsides its viewer and as you try to navigate this strange world more questions are raised than answered. Some may find this frustrating but if you are willing to just go on the ride and accept that things are never fully explained it makes for a fully satisfying experience. After all Dario Argentos "Inferno" is a masterpiece that has 0 logic yet its strong visuals propel it to the status of high art.  Its also worth noting that the cinematography is breath taking and really helps create a mood. The whole film is very dreamlike and the way it shot really sells it. This being my first Alain Robbe Grillet film i`m not disappointed and i`m looking forward to diving head first into his other films such as "Last Year in Marienbad" "Trans Euro Express" etc.

Movie #3 Blood Rage 1987 Its not cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving may be "dead" and gone but no time like the present to carve into "Blood Rage"

Movie# 3: Blood Rage 1987

Twin brothers Terry and Todd are at the drive in while Mom gets busy with a date.She thinks they are asleep but they sneak out and armed with a rather sharp hatchet Terry hacks a man to death. Todd is thought to be the killer and is locked away for his brothers crime. Flash forward ten years. As the Thanksgiving turkey is about to be carved mom gets a disturbing call saying her son has escaped and on the loose. As the blood pile rises one thing is clear, its not cranberry sauce.

Admittedly Blood Rage gets by on its grind-house 80s charm but the plot is actually above average in the scheme of things and I liked the fact that its not a masked killer and the usual whodunit. In fact from frame one we know who the killer is. Playing with the idea of twins is also something that is rarely done in horror especially slashers. Complaints are the film tends to drag and the ending (which I wont spoil) is obvious. Did I hate Blood Rage? While not my favorite 80s slasher it is a perfectly serviceable flick that has all the elements for an entertaining albeit not very groundbreaking gore fest. And speaking of the red red kroovy, the special effects were really good and not as cheesy as one might think. Part of its charm is also the fact that the filmmakers had a sense of humor and there are some great tongue in cheek moments. For example the infamous severed hand gag and who could forget Ted Raimi's wonderful cameo as a sleazy condom salesmen. Bottom line its a fun, sleazy, charming and bloody good time and will most defiantly be a Thanksgiving tradition for years to come.

Movie #2 Last Man on Earth 1964

I`m a huge fan of classic horror, especially starring the velvet voiced yet sinister Vincent Price. Price could lend a touch of class to anything he did, from serious drama to plastic skeletons, all while adding a mixture of villainous and playful whimsy. So when i realized i`d never seen "The Last Man on Earth" 1964 I felt like I needed to correct such a error.

Movie #2: The Last Man on Earth (1964)

Dr.Robert Morgan (Vincent Price) a former scientist that finds himself ..you guessed it the last man on earth. Every day is a fight for survival against vampire like creatures that were infected by a mysterious disease. Its now up to Morgan to battle the blood thirsty fiends and find a cure.

Two things struck me about this film. 1) How bleak the it is. Hands down this might be Vincent's darkest film, maybe only second to "The Witchfinder General" I`d even go so far to say it has moments that are truly disturbing. For example Prices daughter is stricken with this disease, goes blind and cry's in terror for her mother who she can no long see. Military men in gas masks are shown throwing bodies in a mass grave they call "the pit" one of those people, his own daughter. Heavy stuff, considering his films are normally fun horror romps. I respect Mr.Price for taking material that was more serious and dark. 2) How much this film reminded me of "Night of the Living Dead" George A.Romeos seminal film made four years after this. Romeo often cites "Carnival of Souls" as a direct influence but when you watch the scenes of the vampire type creatures they act very much like zombies in their slow movement and mindless robotic behaviors. Also you cant help but think Night when the vamp creatures attack the house Price is living in. At one point his character even describes them as very much like a modern day zombie. Was this film inspiration for his zombie classic? Maybe so, even on a subconscious level. Not nearly as fun or satisfying as say "House on Haunted Hill" or "The Tingler" but its nice to see Vincent change it up with this morbidly bleak take on the Richard Matheson classic story "I am Legend" 1954. It also features one of his finest performances on film. 

Movie 1: Heart of Midnight 1988 Directed by Matthew Chapman

Hello everyone. Gorehound Mike here. The Gorehound blog is going into the dusty vaults for now, you can still read over 200 reviews, interviews ..I`m not saying the blog is totally dead, however with producing a Podcast its going to be hard keeping up with regular content. And thank you to any loyal readers that might be reading this as well.

365 Cinema Day A Go-Go is different than the Gorehound blog in a few ways. One the reviews are shorter and quicker to the point.

The Challenge -Watch a new movie EVERY day and write a short blog about it. I`ve often wanted to do something like this and I thought why not start it.

Movie 1: Heart of Midnight 1988
Directed By:Matthew Chapman
Written By:Matthew Chapman
Starring: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Peter Coyote, Frank Stallone, Steve Buscemi

I confess I had never heard of this movie until the blu release from Kino, which seems criminal considering its cast including Jennifer Jason Leigh (Hateful Eight,Single White Female) and Steve Buscemi. Carol (Jennifer Jason Leigh) inherits a nightclub called "The Midnight"from her Uncle. We learn Carol is not a well person, who suffers an intense dislike of sex and has a history of violence. Thinking of this as a new start she over sees the renovations and tries to settle in. Little does Carol know it wasnt just a night club but a place of den of sexual perversions. Her first night she is savagely attacked by a group of men and police officer Sharps is assigned the case. He seems to have known her Uncle and as time goes on might not be who he seems. Can she trust anyone in "The Midnight"?

After watching this I have the feeling of what the fuck did i just watch. Which is not to suggest that I didnt enjoy the film, quite the opposite I loved it. "Heart of Midnight" masterfully keeps its audience in suspense and weaves pulp neo noir, psyho-sexual thriller and mystery. Is it all in Carols mind?  Is it something supernatural haunting the Midnight or is there a more sinister work afoot? HOM constantly keeps you guessing, only slowly allowing you to put the pieces of the puzzle together all while capturing you in its icy grip.Chapman seems to be channeling David Lynch with its strange characters, disjointed plot and horrific sexual happenings. Every single fiber of this movie makes your skin crawl but you cant help but be hypnotized by it. Part of that feeling comes from its amazing detail in production design. The garish colors and set decor inside the club give it a almost dream like feel, which indeed permeates this entire film, the whole thing feels like one big surreal erotic fever dream.  I`m shocked that this seems to be a film that rarely gets talked about because its really well done and effectively creepy, not to mention its stellar cast. My hope is like myself the blu from Kino will bring in a new audience. Obviously I highly recommend it.