SenjoorMutt Reviews

Death Ship (1980)

Horror Comedy

[3/10 · 10 January 2016]

'Death Ship' is so unintentionally hilarious that all the thrill doesn't even shock the viewer because they are still laughing at the previous ridiculousness. Some people might even miss quite gory and effective death scenes. The story is simple, characters paper thin and there isn't much logic or explanation. Acting is nothing magnificent (except George Kennedy in the final stages of the film when his character really starts to lose it) like usually in these cheap trashy horror films, but nothing exceptionally bad either. Still nice entertainment for those who enjoy these kind of movies that rely more on shocking gore than atmosphere.

Guilty pleasure, but only for one viewing. Rather forgettable film.

Shock Corridor (1963)

The Medical Jungle That Doctors Don't Talk About!

[10/10 · 4 January 2016]

'Shock Corridor' is pulp master Samuel Fuller at his best form. Like usually in Fuller's better films, 'Shock Corridor' is much more than it looks on the surface. 'Shock Corridor' tells a story about obsessed journalist Johnny Barret (Peter Breck) who, with the help of his girlfriend (Constance Towers) convinces authorities that he's insane and is locked into mental institution to investigate still unsolved murder that took place inside the hospital. This dream (or more like nightmare) like psychological thriller is filled with tense moments mixed with nice surreal scenes, and big portions of irony - Barret is so obsessed in his work that he starts to lose grip with reality. The whole cast does superb job starting with Peter Breck and finishing with chilling performance of Hari Rhodes as black 'white supremacist'.

Cockfighter (1974)

He came into town with his cock in hand, and what he did with it was illegal in 49 states

[8/10 · 3 January 2016]

'Cockfighter' didn't get much love upon it's release and it hasn't gathered it till today probably because it is not an easy watch, mainly because the back story is about cockfights (like the title assumes), and they are pretty gruesome scenes (especially if animal cruelty is something you can't tolerate, and especially if you are very fond of cocks). Though 'Cockfighter' is about cockfights, its main focus is on Frank Mansfield (Warren Oates in one of his best roles), and his struggles to get back into the top game and mainly his inner conflicts - he loves and as it seems, he hates the bloody sport. But winning again is getting his pride back. Warren Oates manages to show so much and create such a deep and disturbed character mainly with silence (Frank Mansfield decided to stop talking after his big mouth got him into big troubles). It's amazing how much sympathy a character dealing with such a vile entertainment can grow. Superb performance by Oates, supported by great cast, Monte Hellman's subtle direction mixed with Charles Willeford's sharp script and minimalistic, but effective cinematography, 'Cockfighter' is heartbreaking, heartwarming and disgusting at the same time.

Blue Thunder (1984)

Not Airwolf, but Still Fun

[6/10 · 3 January 2016]

Long forgotten and short running TV-series is based on John Badham's 'Blue Thunder' starring Roy Scheider. The title is the only thing common between film and TV-series. The series didn't take over where film ended, but it rather created alternate universe or storyline how the Blue Thunder helicopter will serve in the forces. Characters are different - super cool Murphy has been replaced by Chaney (James Farentino), who still has enough charm and coolness in him to carry the show. Also, compared to the film, the show is much more lighthearted - besides Chaney and captain Braddock, all the other characters are there for comic relief. Show also lost all the seriousness and message of the film, turning 'Blue Thunder' series typical '80s action show.

And a typical action show 'Blue Thunder' is. If you're familiar (and grown up with) shows like 'The A-Team', 'Airwolf', 'Magnum P.I.', or any other that kind, 'Blue Thunder' can offer a nice juicy '80s nostalgia boost. Cheesy stories and ridiculous villains (mostly played by well known character actors from that time). Cheap effects and reused aerial shots from the film.

Now You See Me (I) (2013)

That's What Happens When You Try to Be Cool

[6/10 · 24 December 2015]

'No You See Me' is trying to look cool and smart, but it actually isn't. At least it's entertaining and fun, but not because of plot but through witty dialogue and charismatic cast. Though the film is about magicians the magic vanishes pretty quickly and leaves us ridiculous and implausible heist schemes. Characters, though charming, are rather one dimensional and not as mysterious as one could expect from magicians be. This film tries to convince you how clever it is, but if you take away all the flashing show scenes and sloppy action scenes with all the unnecessary jump cats and camera shakes, you'll get quite a flat movie. Just another film that purely relies on fast paced action sequences than actual storytelling, clever twists or complex characters. And those action scenes and editing aren't very magical (creative) either.

Nonethless, 'No You See Me' is nice fun ride that can be easily enjoyed second time when it's on cable.

Airport (1970)

A Listers with B-Dialogue

[6/10 · 21 December 2015]

The (not) so holy mother of all modern disaster films that started the craze (and a franchise) and laid out the rules of such movies - many stars, little bit slow start to get a quick glimpse of the characters and their problems, and then the tense and fast paced second half. Filled with classic stars and character actors so there aren't many too bland characters, most of them are bit one dimensional, but still entertaining to watch. Magnificent Helen Hayes as charismatic con-woman and Van Heflin in one of his last roles are definitely standouts. They both seemed to have enough fun and not taking themselves too seriously. George Kennedy's wise cracking and smart Patroni was also nice touch for comic relief.

Though cliché ridden plot and with hammy dialogue 'Airport' is aged pretty well. Not the greatest film from disaster sub-genre, but definitely one of the most entertaining ones.

Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler (1922)

Epitome of Evil

[8/10 · 14 December 2015]

Dr. Mabuse is probably the ultimate villain - he's charismatic, intelligent, and renown professor, but he also, manipulates with people, gambles, keeping salves, counterfeiting money, organizes murders and kidnappings, and he is just pure evil. He only doesn't chase the power and money, but he is simply evil. That all makes Dr. Mabuse the most evil man of the 1920's, and sets him as an example of great villain.

Under ascetic conditions of German film studios at the time Fritz Lang managed to direct his first masterpiece (out of many) and one of his most influential films. Mixing styles and elements from different genres Lang creates chilling underworld that just sucks the viewer in (at least here writer felt he would like to visit all those shady night clubs). And of course, the final gunfight that many later directors have copied on countless times.

Desire (1936)

Lighthearted comedy

[7/10 · 14 December 2015]

Unfortunately now forgotten easy-going crime comedy starring magnificent Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper. Two stars share electrifying chemistry on the screen (although Dietrich herself first mentioned that Cooper was too one dimensional). It's a lighthearted comedy with simple plot about jewel heist, where Dietrich is seductive and thief and Cooper is non suspecting Don Juan who is getting too mixed up. 'Desire' has it's own charm thanks to the witty dialogue and with some laugh out loud moments. It was produced (some scenes were also directed by) great Ernst Lubitsch, and his touch can be felt throughout the film. Probably not the greatest production by Frank Borzage and Ernst Lubitsch, but it's definitely amusing film and all those who love the 1930's type romantic comedies will find it entertaining.

Strike (1925)

Propaganda masterpiece

[7/10 · 13 December 2015]

'Strike' is debut film of great Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein. Though the film suffers from inexperience (very uneven pace and tone compared to much more masterful 'Potemkin') of Eisenstein 'Strike' is probably the greatest silent era debut. The film is too preachy and evil capitalist are maybe too cartoonish, but what else do you expect from propaganda film. Put propaganda aside, Eisenstein managed to depict forever going class conflicts with adding humanity into mix (the sweet scene where the little kid tries to wake up his father in the morning). Also Eisenstein very early cleverly starts to hint to oncoming doom into striking workers are heading until famous final sequence where strike is violently suppressed is cleverly cross-cut with cattle being slaughtered. 'Strike' is a cinematic masterpiece that is unfortunately also the propaganda Picture.

The Battle of the Sexes (1928)

Mediocre Griffith

[6/10 · 8 December 2015]

'The Battle of the Sexes' might be one those lesser seen (and known) films by D.W. Griffith, and it falls far from his greatest Works, but still it's worth to watch. Though it is typical Griffith's morality tale it somehow seems to avoid becoming too preachy like the great master loved to do. The story is simple tale about gold digger who seduces real estate tycoon, and the man abandons his family for younger woman.

Otherwise quite mediocre film, but there was some nice sweeping shots at the beginning of the film, and of course the marvelously directed rooftop scene.

I Love Sarah Jane (2008)

Nice Little Film About First Crush

[7/10 · 8 December 2015]

I remember seeing this film back in 2008 around the time when it came out. I really liked it back then. Mostly because it's very minimalistic style. And I hugely liked Zombie movies (I still do, but not the modern fast zombies), so I had a chance to revisit the old memories. Zombie films were already overdone in 2008 and now the genre is finally out of juice. 'I Love Sarah Jane' somehow remains one of the few good modern zombie films, although the zombie apocalypse isn't in the main focus (probably because of the low budged). This film rather tells us story about orphaned kids and of course the first real love. And it is very hard not to love Sarah Jane (Mia Wasikowska) who looks strong, but is vulnerable inside, and can be pretty cruel if needed. If you are able to look pass at some minor flaws (the CGI special effects are not quite top notch), it is quite enjoyable short film from already tired zombie genre.

The Frozen North (1922)

One Odd Buster Keaton Film

[6/10 · 7 December 2015]

Though this film includes some nice gags and cartoonish action like all the rest Buster Keaton's films, but 'The Frozen North' is more notable for Buster playing a bad guy. At the beginning of the movie we see Buster emerge from Subay Exit in the middle of the snowy fields of Alaska. Then he proceeds to rob a gambling house, shooting a couple because he mistakes the woman to be his wife, and pursues to chase the beautiful married woman next door.

'The Frozen North' was meant to be mockery of western of that era, especially those of William S. Hart, very popular movie star who didn't like Keaton's take of his characters. Keaton also briefly parodies Erich von Stroheim's womanizing character from 'Foolish Wives'.

As this film is not the funniest or best work of Keaton, it's still fun enough to see. Especially if you are early silent cinema aficionado.

Sins of the Fleshapoids (1966)

Sleaze Fest at Its Finest

[6/10 · 5 December 2015]

'Sins of the Fleshapoids' is the first film Mike Kuchar, little lesser known twin brother of George Kuchar, directed himself. The film tells a story set about million years in the future where people have become lazy and selfish, so they have human like robot salves to serve them, who are called Fleshapoids. Two androids develop feelings towards each other.

'Sins of the Fleshapoids' is deliberately campy and sleazy that was produced on minimal budget. The film became quite a success of midnight movies. 'Sins of the Fleshapoids' (along with other Mike Kuchar film 'The Craven Sluck') became a mayor influence on John Waters' films.

Maniac (I) (2011)

Maniacs Bite the Dog

[6/10 · 4 December 2015]

Shia LaBeuf has been directing shorts before 'Maniac' and he has been accused plain plagiarism. Though 'Maniac' does not seem very original film either it is more homage than a rip off of 'Man Bites Dog' where serial killer is followed by documentary crew. In this short film there are two serial killers followed by documentary filmmakers. The scene with killer and the kid is borrowed straight from more superior 'Man Bites Dog'. There isn't much plot in this film as we only see the overly stylized killing spree. Style over substance film, but Shia shows he has some style with nice hand-held cinematography.

'Maniac' is nice homage to 'Man Bites Dog' (there can be seen the original's poster on the wall at the hotel scene) but it doesn't but much new on the table. The film seems more as a practice of filmmaking than actual film with story.

Orphans of the Storm (1921)

Ultimate Masterpiece of Epic Melodramas

[8/10 · 29 November 2015]

'Orphans of the Storm' is one of the last very successful films by D.W. Griffith, and it stays as one of his all times best. Again using lot of visual effects and great battle scenes with hundreds of extras. Still no one hasn't surpass Griffith as the master of epic melodramas mixed with historical events.

Again Griffith uses his favorite themes - injustice, violence, doomed love, and tragic characters. Set at the times of French Revolution, Lillian (Henriette) and Dorothy Gish (Louise) stars as orphaned sisters (last time they both appeared together in Griffith's film). When Louise loses her eyesight her sister Henriette decides to take her to the doctor in Paris where they get mixed in the plans of immoral aristocrat de Praille, a beggar Mother Frochard, and turmoil of the Revolution. That would be the story short. But like Griffith's previous epics, 'Orphans of the Storm' is quite fast paced and filled with edge on your seat moments until the dramatic conclusion. Griffith masterfully uses every device of delay to heighten the suspense, thus proving he was the 'master of suspense' before The Master of Suspense Alfred Hithcock.

The Railrodder (1965)

Buster Keaton Rides Again

[8/10 · 29 November 2015]

The Railrodder is one of the last films and very last silent film Buster Keaton made. Although gained some weight and lost some hair and flexibility The Great Stone Face didn't lose any of his comedic timing.

Buster plays an English gentleman who notices an add in the newspaper - See Canada Now! He jumps into the Thames and literally swims to the Canada. He finds a railway motor car (with inexhaustible fuel supply) and accidentally starts its engine, and so the trip across Canada begins. One running gag is infinite compartment box where Buster pulls out everything starting with blankets and billows ending with pots and shotguns.

Most of the gags are more like sweet nods to Buster's earlier works rather than just laugh out loud moments. Delightful film to Buster Keaton fans, and when you already watch this, don't forget to check out the documentary 'Buster Keaton Rides Again' that contains only known footage of Buster Keaton behind-the-scenes.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

You Must Become Caligari

[9/10 · 24 November 2015]

There's one mayor spoiler, but everyone already knows it anyway.

Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is probably the first real horror film that set the bar, and had a large influence on later films. I can here say that the film might not be as scary as it was back in it's release, but it still stays creepy. City with it's oblique and curvy structures, shadows and sharp-pointed forms creates an eerie mood. The story is more of a murder mystery than a horror, where professor manipulates a somnambulist to commit murders. Cabinet is also remarkable for using a flashback in flashback. And that ending twist that is more powerful than M. Night Shyamalan could ever dream of creating. Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is easy to watch mostly because of it's astonishing expressionist style and on the edge of your seat story. Must see film for everyone. Especially those who are interested where their favorite horror film's roots lies.

Vikatimehe poeg (2012)

Don't Fear the Reaper

[6/10 · 22 November 2015]

This is sorcerer Sergei Kibus' film debut as a director and writer. As a practicer of a witchcraft it is understandable that such guy's first film is about life and death and crossing borders between two worlds. The story is simplistic, but it's somehow interesting enough that clichés will be unnoticed.

The young Reaper is headed out to collect his first soul, but he makes a mistake when taking along young woman who is seemingly committing suicide. The woman actually didn't want to die and she pleads the Reaper taking her back to the living. On the journey they fall in each other. Reaper decides to confront Death to allow the girl back into her world.

This visually effective (probably thanks to experienced cinematographer Nuudi) film combining German expressionist style with weirdness of Guy Maddin. It's only a student film and it definitely looks like student film, but still worthwhile for watching.

Jam (2000)

David Lynch meets Monty Python

[9/10 · 11 November 2015]

Brilliant mix of horror and comedy, like David Lynch meets British humor. It's all very over the top and offensive and dark. Definitely not for everyone (not many people can laugh at jokes about dead babies and abortion or death in general). This show needs more, how to say this, an acquired taste and very very open mind. Like every other British sketch show 'Jams' roots lies in the absurd humor of Monty Python. Dark jokes are mixed with ambient music that creates nice horror film like vibe. The sketches sometimes make you think about what you just witnessed that you need to pause before you continue watching. They are actually more deep and philosophical than regular viewer might used to. Every episode starts with different intro where Chris Morris reads a poem and then welcomes us into 'Jam'. All these intros are pieces of pure art all by themselves.

And it's all as fantastic as if you die you want to come back as a snare drum.

Un chien andalou (1929)

A Dream Come True

[9/10 · 10 November 2015]

Luis Bunuel's and Salvador Dali's surrealistic 'An Andalusian Dog' was their first and it is called the seminal surrealist film. The film has no plot, or at least in the conventional sense, and is built up like a dream sequence with seemingly random scenes. But it's not meant to be a dream, it's just a different world (or a parallel universe if one wishes). Bunuel and Dali didn't meant to contrive a plot that could make sense. Even the title was intended to make any sense.

This film has also given us one of the most memorable and haunting scenes in the history of the cinema - slicing a woman's eyeball with shaving knife. And this horrifying image probably has brought many people to see this surrealistic gem.

This film is notable also because it was one of the first real independent film that was made without any studio support on a shoestring budget. 'An Andalusian Dog' has influenced many independent filmmakers throughout history. An of course it has been influence to many surrealist artist and even for a Sex Pistols.

Probably everyone who are half interested about film in general will find this film one day.

The Great Train Robbery (1903)

Historic Western/Action Peace

[7/10 · 10 November 2015]

'The Great Train Robbery' considered to be the first western and action film as it was first film that laid out the recognizable genre form. Milestone film that used on-location shooting and frequent camera movements.

Story is very simplistic, but it was the time when directors and writers seriously started to develop film as a story telling devise, rather than simply showing factory workers walking home. Despite it's simplistic story 'The Great Train Robbery' cemented the themes that became generally popular in western genre - outlaws, bandits, robberies and lawmen. And of course small comic relief in the dance hall where local men shooting at the feet of a dancing stranger.

Intolerance (1916)

And Perfect Love Will Bring Peace Forevermore*

[8/10 · 9 November 2015]

'Intolerance' is most definitely the best film by great innovator D.W. Griffith. And it was only possible because of his revoltingly racist 'The Birth of a Nation'. With more lavishing sets and extravagant battle scenes 'Intolerance' was unfortunately that expensive that it caused movie studio to go bankrupt.

'Intolerance' was epic in many levels – it was technically superb, it's four parallel cross-cutting stories from different eras and again masterful (and quite gory, we don't see that many heads been cut off even in much newer movies) battle scenes. Each of them four stories could have been good film, but Griffith decided to connect them all with one theme – Intolerance. The connecting scenes with Lilian Gish as The Eternal Motherhood rocking the cradle of love was nice symbolic touch, and Griffith loved symbolism. 'Intolerance' is one of the best films about injustice, betrayal, and of course love, ever made. Griffith's visual style almost makes it a poem on celluloid.

This film is awesome for one more reason – it has very strong female hero. In the Ancient Babylonian story The Mountain Girl played magnificent Constance Talmadge.

*Quote from the film.

After the Ball, the Bath (1897)

First "Adult" Movie

[6/10 · 7 November 2015]

'After the Ball' is nothing spectacular of a movie. While it's one minute running time we can witness a servant helping to undress another woman before the bathing. Then the servant pours woman over with a water (that seems like an ash, but actually it is colored water, because Melies thought that regular water mightn't show on the film), and then helps to dry her.

I guess it might get some men's blood boiling while thinking about two women at the same room. But no, don't get your hopes very high. It's not a porno, not even very erotic.

'After the Ball' could also be called first movie that was made just because to be edgy, shocking, to offend some sort of people. Maybe Melies wanted to make a film for the sake of provoking. Here writer couldn't say, because he himself lacks more knowledge about that particular film by the early auteur.

A Trip to the Moon (1902)

The Very First Science-Fiction Movie

[8/10 · 7 November 2015]

Georges Melies' 'A Trip to the Moon' is considered the first Sci-Fi film by some, and some say it's just a fantasy. Well, it is more of a science-fiction than fantasy. It's fantastical and surreal, but to think about the science that was still making it's baby steps, and the knowledge about the outer space, 'A Trip to the Moon' clearly classifies as a sci-fi. And not only - it is science-fiction action film, because how else could you view the fight scene between scientists and the Selenites.

Georges Melies was a pioneer of narrative filmmaking. Besides making early fantasy and sci-fi he's also credited as making the very first horror film (The Haunted Castle, 1896). Upon it's release 'A Trip to the Moon' was one of the longest and most expensive films ever made. It took three months to complete. This was the film that influenced many filmmakers around the world including Edwin S. Porter and D.W. Griffith who went to revolutionize American cinema.

I also recommend to see the colorized restored version. Originally 'A Trip to the Moon' was meant both black and white and in color. The color version was considered to be lost and found only in 1993. In 2010 the restored color version was released with new amazing soundtrack by Air that makes 'A Trip to the Moon' almost like a psychedelic cartoon.

The Birth of a Nation (1915)

Only for Those Who Interested in the History of Cinema

[7/10 · 7 November 2015]

Though the first real epic film with innovative cinematic language is probably Giovanni Pastrone's 'Cabiria' 'The Birth of a Nation' undoubtedly stands as one of the most important films in the history of (American) cinema and as a landmark for it's many new techniques (panoramic long shots, panning camera shots, night photography, color tinting) that soon after everyone were copying and furbishing these, and that kind of made 'Birth' look outdated pretty quickly.

Controversial upon it's release (it was also a smash box office hit) and stays controversial today. Some people even call it an embarrassment of a film because of it's racist content and vile depiction of blacks who were played by black faced white actors (except some extras on the background). D.W. Griffith wasn't that much interested about the story itself, but more how to tell the story - how to build up tension and stage epic battle scenes. And there lies the duality of the film. The first part is great with it's depiction of two families - northerners and southerners - who were friends but then suddenly were thrown under the wheels of war and terror. And those terrific battle scenes. But the second part - Reconstruction era - that was awkward, it wasn't that much disgusting (for me) , but awkward to see the glorification of Ku Klux Klan.

The fact that 'The Birth of a Nation' is a silent film, it's long running time (over three hours) and outrageously racist second half, will not make it an easy watch. Especially for faint hearted and those who are not very used to silent film medium. Still, it's a must see film, but only open minded persons can see the brilliance of the story telling, the amazing battle scenes, and cringe during the postwar racist scenes. Here writer would recommend to read about 'The Birth of a Nation' before watching it.

'The Birth of a Nation' stays a triumph and total embarrassment in this amazing director's career and life. But with 'Birth' Griffith made people to really take movies seriously. The film just stands as a monument of it's time.