Movie# 56 Where the Sidewalk Ends 1950

Love a good gritty film noir. Otto Preminger filmmaker and guest villain on "Batman 66" was at his peak when he made "Where the Sidewalk Ends" I`ve seen a few of Ottos films but sadly i`ll admit there is a bulk I haven't. So lets fix that.

Movie# 56 Where the Sidewalk Ends 1950

Preminger is a master craftsmen when it comes to cinema and Sidewalk is no exception. The cast is great with performances by Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney and the stand out Karl Malden whose brings a wonderful intensity without getting campy. This film was entertaining and had the standard noir trappings though if your looking for something more complex, gritty and cutting edge i`m afraid that isn't your movie. Its technical skill cant be denied but its very "by the books" in terms of the crime sub genre. It does have its harrowing moments which I wont spoil but its worth checking out.

Movie# 55 Badlands 1973

Rainy ugly day... Good day for a movie!

Movie# 55 Badlands 1973

Wow I was bowled over by Terrance Malicks early film "Badlands" Sheen and Spacek shine in this film. Both have a odd and compelling chemistry that and its hard to deny Martin Sheens star power. The cinematography is stunning.  I cant stress how beautifully this film is shot and it really absorbs the audience to where you feel like your right there with the hell bent couple, you might have to wipe the sweat off in the hot Montana day. What I found interesting is that the films light tone and sometimes lofty music cues are in direct contrast to the mayhem. Its jarring as you dont expect it. I`m really glad i`ve finally seen this movie and think everyone should.  

Movie# 54 The Fury 1978

Like "Raising Cain" i`m trying to catch up on a few De Palma films that I have yet to see.

Movie# 54 The Fury 1978

De Palma melds high concept science fiction and horror in this post Carrie thriller.  The premise is really interesting and at times very suspenseful with some great tongue in cheek moments that only someone like De Palma could pull off. The cast is stellar with veteran actor Kirk Douglas giving a wonderful performance. Equally good is Amy Irving who I felt didnt get a chance to really shine in "Carrie" (not to suggest she wasn't good mind you) but here this is her movie and she gives a spellbinding performance. And of course lets not forget John Cassavetes. This movie also has a lot of familiar faces. Actor and long time De Palma player William Finley pops up in small but unforgettable role, as does very young Dennis Franz makes a cameo as a cop (pre NYPD Blues) and cult actor Rutanya Alda is also in this. Its also notable for showcasing Daryl Hannah in her very first role. Wonderful movie.

Movie# 53 Deadly Eyes 1982

Who doesn't love a good killer animal movie? Nature is scary and unpredictable so it seems like the perfect set up for a good old fashioned horror romp. So I was excited to see 1982's Deadly Eyes...and then i watched it.

Movie# 53 Deadly Eyes 1982

Its a cinematic sin when a film about killer rats takes itself "deadly" serious. Fans hoping for fun 80s camp about hungry rats have to wade through boring subplots of romance and politics to get to any carnage. Now its not that i`m not about a good plot but I was just bored. It also seemed like a film at odds with itself. Like its a horror movie that is ashamed of it so they pad it out with various sub plots that only slow the film down. Its also horribly predictable. I was sorely disappointed with the result. For hardcore fans only but keep your expectations low.

Movie# 52 Kill List

Working my way though Ben Wheatley's filmography.

Movie# 52 Kill List

Wow. Its been a long time since i movie shook me up this much and made me really think long after the credits roll. At first the ending pissed me off but the more I think about it I`m starting to change my mind. The disadvantage of this blog is I have to watch a new movie and write about it the same day. So it doesn't leave much time for multiple viewings. Wheatley;s film is certainly a mind bending film wrapped in a dark comedy about hit men. The direction, cast and visual style is refreshingly bold and its clear that in so short in his career he`s confident in his skills as a filmmaker and plays with unwritten film rules and then down right smashes them to pieces. I loved the domestic stuff at the start and then switches gears into pitch black comedy that reminded me of "Man Bites Dog"  I wont spoil the end but all I can say it its a film whip lash that left me "reeling" My brain was certainly fucked proper...Cheers.

Movie# 51 Experimenter 2015

I swear in a past life I was a social experimenter. The social sciences hold a huge fascination for me so today's movie about the real life 1961 "Obedience Experiment"  conducted by Stanley Milligram seems right up my alley. After decades Stanley's experiment is still taught, debated,dissected and discussed. Its really interesting and I highly recommend looking it up. Also its interesting to note that a movie I recently watched "The Stanford Prison Experiment" was done in the wake of Milligrams ground breaking research.

Movie# 51 Experimenter 2015

Michael Almereyda walks a fine line as he focus's on Milligrams work but also does not allow the film to feel totally detached from him on a personal level. We get to peel a layer back to see a flesh and blood man and not just a scientist. In my opinion its a tricky line to walk as you dont want to stray from the really interesting experiments but you also dont want to leave out the man behind them.  Thankfully the film does not white wash the fact that some thought what he did was wrong but largely I think many of us can see what he did was a benefit to science and to human understanding. Almereyda's visual style keeps the audience on its toes and makes it far more than just a stuffy bio-pic. Peter Sarsgaard brings his A game in bringing to life Stanley Milligram. Playing his wife and collaborator is Winona Rydner and shes actually not terrible in this. Sorry but I think her acting outpoint is uneven at best. 1992's Dracula need I say more? Overall I really enjoyed this film and it currently holds a respectable 88% freshness on Rotten Tomatoes.

Movie# 50 Raising Cain 1992

Trying to fill in the gap of Brian De Palma films i`ve not yet seen.

Movie# 49 Raising Cain 1992

De Palma is a director that when hes good hes amazing when hes off, hes really off. But generally speaking i`m a fan of his work. Besides "Carrie" hes made a string of great films but lets be fair, he does crib alot off other directors most notably Hitchcock. This is not meant as a criticism by any means. Raising Cain is a huge mess of a film, which has a lot of contrived ideas done much better in other films (Peeping Tom for one) with his own "spin" on it. The predictable plot is made worse by Lolita Davisovich's bland and wooden performance (were also suppose to believe shes a doctor..) and sadly she cant compare with John Lithgow who has to play duel roles. Lithgow is good even though he does get hammy especially when he has to do an accent.  Oh by the way this might feature thee worst dialogue in any of Brians films. Overall it feels forced and sloppy and De Palma even starts to borrow from himself as film limps to a ending that anyone with half a brain would see coming. Its always a terrible thing when someone as amazing as De Palma can turn out this kind of sub par film. I think i`m going to reach for my much loved copy of "Body Double" or "Dressed to Kill" ah yes better times!

Movie# 49 Kids for Cash 2014

I actually watched not one but three new films today. So I decided to write about this harrowing documentary about corruption in the juvenile courts. Its a topic I knew very little about so this film was a eye opener.

Movie# 49 Kids for Cash 2014

Robert May's film tells the tale of a corrupt judge who put young offenders (often first time) away for hard time based on minor crimes. The motivation? The judge received massive kick backs from the institute that housed the children. And reporting them on his taxes?! Nah. May's film remains fair and balanced giving the major players there chance to talk. Still one cant help but feel utter hatred for former Judge Mark Ciavarella especially after hearing the heart wrenching stories from the kids and the families. This film makes you upset but thats the point, we should feel that way. The United States jails children 5 times more than any other country in the world...Thats mind boggling. Some may wonder why I like these bleak documentaries, but I feel its worst to be blind and uninformed about what goes on around us, right under our noses. Knowledge is power.

Its on Netflix and very much worth watching.

Movie# 48 Straight Outta Compton 2015

Finally seeing this, catching up on movies from last year.

Movie# 48 Straight Outta Compton 2015

F.Gary Gray's film about the rise of NWA's Eazy E, Dr.Dre, Ice Cube etc. It may fit the standard mold of the music bio pic but its shines with its humanization of the main characters and there struggles from nobodies to world fame. The film is so smartly written and the attention to detail is just jaw dropping. Which leads me to my next point, the performances. Everyone is amazing and they light up the screen. I`m going to keep this short because there is only so much you can say about a film thats already gotten high praise. Worth checking out.

Movie# 47 On the Waterfront 1954

Classic films, I love`em. And you seriously dont get a more iconic film than "On the Waterfront" I`ve finally knocked this one off my shame list.

Movie# 48 On the Waterfront 1954

Marlon Brandon was one of the greatest actors who ever graced the silver screen and "On the Waterfront" might just be his finest performance. A beautifully directed drama with elements of film noir. It explores a lot of deep rooted issues of regret, family, justice and taking on the corruption which is partly the reason its stood the test of time. Of course the amazing cast also has a lot to do with that as well. Besides Brandon the film introduced the lovely and talented Eve Marie Saint (North by Northwest) and with supporting acting by Karl Malden, Lee J.Cobb etc. Its hard to do this film justice without writing a three page review and what can you say about something as legendary as this. Great film and i`m so glad I finally seen it.

Movie# 46 High Spirits 1988

A haunted castle movie starring Steve Guttenberg and Daryl Hannah, oh sign me up (SARCASM!)

OK because of the holiday my netflix movies are delayed so I had to "scare" something else up for my new movie of the day. This film was on a double bill with the ever brilliant "Vampires Kiss" starring Nick Cage and if you haven't seen it, its amazing and thats not meant to be ironic in any way. Its fucking great. Anyways.. Even though the concept sounded dreadful I thought i`d give it a chance.

Movie# 46 High Spirits 1988

Oh the 80s, a simpler time when the Guttenberg was contractually obligated to be in every other film. High Spirits has a stellar cast including the great late Peter O Toole, Liam Nelson and Beverly D'Angelo as well as Jennifer Tilly.  The production values are decent as well but what sinks this film like a stone is the god awful script. Nothing about it is original and the humor falls way flat. Its also like the screenwriter at a certain point just threw up his hands and said Oh fuck it, who cares. Hannah was nominated for a Razzie at the time for this and I gotta say I agree with him. Its really sad to see Toole doing bottom of the barrel hacky comedies like this. This proves that even with a solid cast and decent production values without a sharp script its going to be a bomb. Not even a so bad its good, its so bad its sad. Do you hear that? Its Peter O Toole spinning in his grave every time someone presses play on this.

Movie# 45 Used Cars 1980

Gerrit Graham is my cinematic hero. TerrorVision, Phantom of the Paradise, CHUD 2 his list of cult films is "a mile long". A year back I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mr.Graham which was amazing to say the least.

Used Cars was a movie i`ve heard about so often, mostly hushed and often referenced but it was a film for whatever reason I never watched. So now that i`m taking a new movie a day challenge I decided its time to.

Movie# 45 Used Cars 1980

Why oh why did I wait so long to see this movie? Its a laugh a second riot. Kurt Russell heads up an all star cast in this comedy about rival car lots. Wickedly smart satire and high octane jokes makes this a deserved cult classic. Even though it didnt make a huge box office upon its release it proves that its hard to keep a good car down and its maintained a healthy following. The cast is amazing and besides Russell you have Gerrit Graham, Jack Warden (in a duel role) and even Al Lewis, yes Grandpa Munster has a small but great role. So much worth checking out. Simply put every over the top raunchy comedy owes a huge debt to Used Cars which blazed a trails for movies like "Anchorman, Baseketball, The Goods (VERY much influenced by this film) etc. Much love and respect! Dont even second guess, rent it hell buy it, you wont regret it.  Trust me.

Movie# 44 The Last Shift *Spoiler Free*

Working a grave yard shift alone is creepy as fuck. Anyone whose done it can attest to that. So when I heard about "The Last Shift" it seemed to be a perfect fit.

Movie# 44 The Final Shift 2014 Spoiler Free

Anthony DiBlasi is obviously someone who knows his cinema and this is a pretty interesting re-working of "Assault on Precinct 13"but make no mistake its not at all a copy or a rip off. So for what I really liked about this film. DiBlasi sets the stage perfectly for a thick tension,heavy dread and horror which only gets tighter as the story unfolds. Surprising the imagery is genuinely off putting and other times down right disturbing. The acting was stellar and seeing how the movie is 95% carried by one actor a lot is riding on her as being believable. Juliana Harkavy really brought that character to life and I bought that she was a rookie guarding an empty police station. I also loved little touches like when shes scared she recites the policemen's code to herself. My biggest problem with this film was the painfully cliche'd "Manson family" style killers and in the Manson family are even out right name checked (for good measure?) The followers are your basic stock "cultist wingnuts" like you`ve seen in many films. Also dialogue like "i`ll rape your humanity" is kind of laughable. Its like something a goth kid would scrawl on his school note book.  Its really the one sore spot in a otherwise interesting, tension filled film. Despite some cliches and predictability overall this is a damn good horror film.  Best to watch this one at night, lights out.

Movie# 43 Every Secret Thing 2015

Anyone who follows me on facebook knows i`m 1) a big fan of documentaries especially those dealing with crime/social. 2) Amy Berg is my favorite documentary filmmaker next to Nick Broomsfield. So when I heard Berg did her first (and only to date) non documentary I was more than alittle curious to check it out.

Movie# 43 Every Secret Thing 2015

First off this movie is dark, which I fully expected since Bergs subject matter tends to be a slice of American life that is bleak and unforgiving. The film echoes a lot of her core themes that her docs. explore such as family, murder, small towns, wrongful conviction and the twists and turns that come out of that. I had a few minor problems, I thought Elizabeth Banks was miscast and it was hard for me to buy her as a hard boiled cop. Not because shes a woman, just because she seems more like she should be in a comedy rather than a serious drama. Her acting is not horrible yet see seems ill at ease in the role and she never quite finds her characters arc. However Judd and Fanning both give much better performances and at times the two have a strange sexual tension which was a subtext that I wonder if the actors worked out or if this was Berg. Either way it worked. I thought some of the film was abit to convenient and she felt that she needed to spell everything out for the audience.  Amy Berg is certainly vastly talented and despite flaws her first non documentary film is a twist and turn drama that will leave you feeling something even if its just depressed. Still its worth checking out but maybe have a comedy to watch afterwards.

Movie # 42 The Special Relationship 2010

So im an 80s baby but i`m proud to be 90s child. Even at a tender age I knew the Bill Clinton sex scandal was history in the making. And now with "The People Vs. O.J" becoming a massive hit dealing with a period in history that I lived through it this made for HBO film "The Special Relationship" peaked my interest. It deals with Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and there relationship starting from Clinton's second term til his final days in the white house.


Movie #42 The Special Relationship 2010

I enjoyed this movie right off the bat for a number of reasons. One as stated above this was a time in history I remember quite well but was young enough to not really understand the in's and outs of what was actually going on. Also i`m more interested in history and political history then when I was younger. Being an HBO film that actors are at the very top of there form. The Queen/Frost Nixon writer Peter Morgan pens the story and like his other work he captures the time period and complex people beautifully. I really loved that Michael Sheen once again played Mr.Blair as he did in 2006's The Queen as well as a few other actors. It can almost be seen as weird companion piece.  Obviously this might not be everyones cup of tea but I enjoyed it and it deserves the high rating on Rotten Tomato.

Movie# 41 Deathgasm 2015

Metal and horror movies are a combination that sadly is largely untapped expect for a few Hair Metal horror flicks from the 80s (Black Roses,Trick Or Treat etc) So when I heard about the hype from New Zealand's "Deathgasm" it peaked my interest.

Movie # 42 Deathgasm 2015

Dear sweet Satan do I love this film! Its like a splattery metal album cover come to life, brutal bloody and most of all a wickedly funny which drives the film. Its extremely well written and balances the comedy which is at times absurd (in a good way) with drama much like "Shaun of the Dead" did so well. Its obvious that the filmmakers took a lot of cues from Evil Dead 2, Dead Alive (Brain Damage) and perfectly melds them together to make one amazingly fun film ride. I dont want to give anything way, you just need to experience it for yourself. It'll have Lemmy and Dio smiling from the Metal afterlife.

Movie# 40 The Legacy 1979

Snowy day today but luckily not bad enough to stop the mail from being more Netflix. Todays movie is a good old fashioned horror show.

Movie# 40 The Legacy 1979

The late seventies was a redefining time for the horror genre. Out were the wonderful cycle of Hammer films. Fans no longer wanted creepy graveyards, full moons, castles and other romanticized horror that picked up where Universal left off. 1978's Halloween was the nail in the coffin of those type of horror films. Now it was the age of the slashers. Now I am going somewhere with this introduction. The Legacy, while not made by Hammer it does seem to hearken back to those by gone days of British horror, which is not surprising since actors Charles Gray appeared in Hammer's The Devil rides out (but most known for his role as the Narrator in Rocky Horror Pic.Show) And further more Dick Bush D.P on such films as Twins of Evil, Dracula A.D etc. The film itself is kind of a mess but I cant help but love the old school feel it has. The acting is great with Sam Elliot and Kathleen Ross giving knock out performances that dont feel campy. Problems aside I love this film if only for its amazing cast, wonderfully creepy Hammer style vibes and a plot that is refreshingly different. Worth checking out.

Movie # 39 Bessie 2015

Another docu-drama. This time about the empress of the blues herself Bessie Smith.

Movie # 39 Bessie 2015

HBO's made for tv movie "Bessie" caught my attention as i`m a fan of old jazz and blues. If you need ANY proof that Queen Latifah can act look no further then this film. She is a electric powerhouse of soul and a force of nature must akin to the legend she is playing. Wow. All the actors are incredible. The production values are top notch and as always HBO brings there A game in all departments. Critics have cried that this was given the glossy Hollywood treatment.. Um..its a FILM. As Hitchcock once said (paraphrasing) Movies should be slices of cake not life. Whats important is the true spirit of her story and legacy was captured, so what if its not 100% true. A fitting tribute to a singer that inspired countless others including Billie Holiday. Even if you dont know who she is, its still very much worth seeing.

Movie# 38 Truth 2015

A break from documentaries. Though it has to do with a true story regarding CBS reporting on Bushes actions in Vietnam.

Movie# 38 Truth 2015

Truth is a powerful and hard hitting look at not only the media machine but how with presidential privilege,power and connection you can get away with anything even serving in war (and creating another) Not only is this well directed but it has a all star cast including Robert Redford,Dennis Quaid, Cate Blanchett etc. Wisely Vanderbilt gives us a peek not into the characters work life but there personal ones as well, which serves the drama greatly.


All have great chemistry together and working with the kind of smart and lofty screenplay makes for an absorbing film experience. A tad heavy handed in places, but otherwise a very well put together docu-drama. Worth checking out.

Movie# 37 Rocky 1976

So im not a big sports movie kinda guy but I felt like Rocky is such a huge iconic film that it behooves me to see it. Knock this off my shame list.

Movie# 37 Rocky 1976

Its difficult to review a movie like this.  how can you add to a film that has already been reviewed a thousand times and studied and dissected. Even though i`m not a big sports movie fan I couldn't help but enhanced by the story of this street kid who puts his heart and soul into making a come back. Yes i`m screaming at my t.v because I want Rocky to beat show boat Creed and I couldn't believe I got so caught up in it. But not surprised because this film is a classic and its legacy is well deserved indeed. Its also cool to see Joe Spinell (Maniac, Taxi Driver) and Burt Young. The whole cast is amazing. So yes i`m into watching the other Rocky films and might just do a marathon.

Movie # 36 Tallhotblond 2009

More documentaries.. I cant get enough..

Movie# 36 Tallhotblond 2009

Online chats, we`ve all done it and admit it you`ve told lies, some big some small. But while most just do it to kill time others are addicted to a fantasy that is disturbingly easy to create on the anonymous web. Such is the case in the documentary Tallhotblond. First off do not let anyone spoil any of this movie. I`m going to do this review very vague because the ending packs a real punch.
Powerful and not easy to forget. Tallhotblond is a modern cautionary tale that everyone should take heed. Very much worth checking out!!

Movie # 35 Carol 2015

Went to movies for today's new film.

Movie #35 Carol 2015

Two women fall in love in 1950s New York. Director Todd Hayes takes it audience threw the emotional ranger in his latest drama. He never over romanticizes things, in fact he wises choices to down play things, the films cold color palette is perfectly matches the tragic love affair of the film. Cate Blanchett gives a power house performance and deserves to win the Oscar for her role as the titular character. Equally good is Rooney Mara and the two play off each other very well. My only complaint is the film is overly long and starts getting into pretentious i.e the lovemaking scene which was more than cliche. Over all a good film but sadly it drags. Not sure i`d run right out to buy this but it is well acted and directed film none the less.

Movie #34 Insidious 2 2013

It took me awhile but the first Insidious grew on me so of course at some point I knew I was going to see the other two.

Movie #34 Insidious 2  2013

I set my expectations rather low for this and while its far from perfect I did enjoy it. First off the acting is very good with much of the cast returning including Lin Shaye who despite being dead returns (which fits story wise) My biggest problem is while it has a interesting plot it gets convoluted and loses itself in its own self proclaimed cleverness. But having said that I do admire that they set out to not simply remake the first film like so many horror sequels do, it really feels like a complete him by itself yet adds to a much bigger story. Like I said I haven't seen three yet but i`m told its a prequel so I guess the juries still out on that one. No spoilers but the film leaves it open for another film and I actually wouldnt mind that. So problems yes but a fun spooky ride none the less..

Movie # 33 Nosferatu The Vampyre 1979

Every movie buff has movies they are ashamed they have not seen. This was most defiantly on my shame list so what better excuse to unearth this modern classic.

Movie # 33 Nosferatu The Vampyre 1979

Herzogs updating on the 1922 silent film did not disappoint. Whats striking from frame one is the wonderful photography that is both rich in detail and also surreal at times. It gives the film the low budget film a much needed polish and indeed it also gives it a dreamy feel. Klaus Kinski gives his greatest performance as the undead count and even gives Max Shrek a run for his money. The film has rather large shoes to fill but Herzog stays faithful to the silent film yet adds things from the novel "Dracula" and adds a few twists of his own. I`m very happy this wasn't a shot for shot remake and I can see why this is hailed as a classic in its own right.

Movie # 32 Religulous 2008

Bill Maher is funny but he also extremely smart using biting satire to get his point across. Enter the world of religion.

Movie #32  Religulous 2008

Mahers shakes things up with his 2008 documentary which examines all major religions and wow its funny but also terrifying which is the point. With extremest around more then ever this documentaries even more relevant. Sadly most people of faith will avoid this film and of course close their minds which defeats the point. But hey everyones entitled to there opinion and that includes Mahers. Critics say its just Bill going on a anti religious tear and nothing more but he brings up good points and gives the point he interviews ample time for there side of things. I loved it. Worth a watch.