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Reviews
Batman Begins (2005)
Another beginning for our dark hero
Batman Begins is a well-structured action-fantasy with elements of mystery here and there, mostly in the purpose of Bruce Wayne becoming the Bat. I thought the movie was decent, though it could've been better than how it was. The sole disappointment I had in the film was the finale between Batman and his former mentor on the toxin-carrying train. I thought that could've been left out, or better edited. I don't know, I just didn't particularly care for it. I think I'm not alone on this. I did like the Scarecrow, aka, Dr. Crane, and wish there would have been more of the guy in the movie, but that was not meant to be. I guess the writers were saving him for the sequel, which the charmer will indubitably be apart of, and I strongly believe the Scarecrow preliminary was just a start of Crane finding himself. I think he'll revive as the Joker in Part 2, which works well, because the guy looks like the younger version of the creep, with special makeup added. I look forward to Batman Continues, which is inevitable. I liked Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne more so than Michael Keaton. The guy had style. He's the perfect Batman and will be plunging further into the series.
Crane- "Is that the Bat? Is that the Batman?"
You better believe it is, and ya'll will "Face off"
The Karate Kid (1984)
Daniel-san falls only to stand again
The Karate Kid, released in the summer of 1984 became a sleeper hit and one of the more enjoyable films of that year. It's now've become an official classic, 20 years in the making, and has established a cult following because the essence of the movie's message still stands today and can be related in more ways than one.
Daniel-san, a New Jersey Italian Kid, who moves to the west coast of California, hoping to fit right in with the people, but wounds up running afoul of some toughs, lead by Badboy Johnny Lawrence. However, not all is lost when Daniel meets a sweet, young lady of name Ali, and the two become good friends, evolving into a relationship. But even with this, there is a price.
Spoilers ahead...Spoilers ahead
Daniel has two confrontations with Johnny and the gang, as the film takes a rather modest approach, giving you the less is more tactic, as it concentrates on family values and balance of life, over the concept of fighting and karate-kicking action. Personally, I think that makes the movie work. The initial dispute erupts at a beach party when Daniel strikes up a conversation with Ali, the cute blonde, unbeknownst to her past boyfriend and its problems. Soon enough, Johnny and the gang show up uninvited stirring up trouble. Daniel tries to help Ali as he sees her struggling with the annoying Johnny, and wounds up receiving a good beating in return.
Later, Daniel moves in for revenge as he sets up Johnny by spraying water from hose onto the Badboy's head, causing Johnny to seek him out with his gang, and the vicious crew tear Daniel up with ferocity, almost leaving the poor kid critically injured. But, Daniel's good friend, Mr. Miyagi rescues him, and the training begins.
End of spoilers
The Karate Kid is a very good, solid moving film with subtle touches of humor, some excitement, but mostly important character development that helps the film feel realistic, aside the stationed grand finale that pits Daniel against the gang, something that marked the movie's popularity...Daniel vs. Johnny, as seen in the final chapter of the DVD.
Everyone should see the Karate Kid for its significant values of life, respect, and the traditions of friendship, something that will never grow old.
WrestleMania III (1987)
The Wrestlemania of all Wrestlemanias
It made history on March 29, 1987 at the Pontiac Silver Dome in Detroit, Michigan. Most of the bouts were indeed memorable and others defining those words as electrifying. Here is the line-up and recap.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS...BEWARE!!!
Opening match pits The Can-Am Connection against the team of Cowboy Bob Ortan and Magnificent Muraco. The Can-Am was in control during the majority of the match. The crowd was feeling the bout, and the Can-Am pulled out a stunner by defeating Muraco and Ortan. (Martel pinned Don Muraco for the victory).
Billy Jack Haynes and Hercules fought to a double count-out. After the bell, Herc went for broke and bashed Billy Jack in the head with a chain. Blood was splattered everywhere to the disgust of the crowd.
Hill Billy Jim and his two midgets defeat King Kong Bundy and two of his midgets via disqualification after Bundy squashed one of the midgets and broke the rules.
King Harley Race scored a pinfall win over Junk Yard Dog by using a belly-to-belly suplex, after Bobby Heenan interfered. At the end of the match, JYD hammered the King with the chair, and the crowd cheered on.
The Dream Team beat the Rougeau Brothers. (Greg Valentine pinned Raymond after Dino Bravo interfered) Following the match, Beefcake was left in the ring, as Valentine and Bravo turned their backs on him.
Roddy Piper takes the Adorable one "Adrian Adonis" out of the game and the match by defeating him in front of the world with the sleeper hold. Proceeding the bout, Beefcake chopped off Adonis hair, and then Piper retired indefinitely.
The world tag team champions, The Hart Foundation and Danny Davis defeat the British Bulldogs and Tito Santana. (Davis pinned Davey Boy after getting smacked with the infamous megaphone)
Butch Reed rolled Ko Ko B. Ware into a pin to score the win.
Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat defeated Randy "Macho Man" Savage to win the intercontinental belt in a fantastic matchup. Savage tried to use the infamous bell again, but George Steele interfered and prevented history from repeating itself. The crowd was nearly moved to tears after the match, as Ricky Steamboat held the title in the air.
Jake the Snake Roberts goes for the DDT on the Honky Tonk Man, but fails as Jimmy Hart interferes, and Honky slips the Snake from behind to pull the upset. Jake went after Honky Tonk at the end of the match, but could not get him. Alice Cooper got a hold of Jimmy Hart, and the Snake put the python on the scrawny manager.
Nikolia Volkoff and the Iron Sheik defeat the Killer Bees via DQ after Hacksaw jumped in and whacked the sheik with the two-by-four.
Hulk Hogan shocks the world as he slams Andre the Giant and scores the win after the leg drop. Hogan defends the title and rocks the universe forever.
Rating A-
WWF Survivor Series (1993)
Survival to the last draw
The Survivor Series exploded from the sold-out Boston Garden on the eve of Thanksgiving on November 24, 1993. I saw this event live, and thought it was decent at best. I will give you the recap in succession:
Spoilers ahead, BEWARE!!!
The first match pitted Razor Ramon's team vs. IRS's team. The Razor took out IRS in the medium, and then was later knocked off by IRS. That was rather strange, and even lame to an extent. At the end, the 123-Kid and Marty Jannetty pull roll-up pins on Rick Martel and Adam Bomb in a matter of seconds. That Stinks! It could've gone longer and should've been better edited at this point. Most of the action is at the early stages, and they're not very interesting. Rating C
The Second match features "The Hart Family vs. "Shawn Michaels and 3 Knights". This match was okay, but rather dull in the beginning moments of the bout. No one cares for these three men with masks, and nobody gives a damn about loser brothers helping Bret and Owen (the only stars on the good side, with Shawn Michaels on the heels). However, after the knights are gone, Shawn Michaels is left all by himself, until things go amiss, and Owen is rolled up into a pin, wounding up as the only Hart brother eliminated from the encounter. Later, Bret and the crew pound Michaels into oblivion and the Heartbreak Kid finally bails, and runs from the ring, ending up a count-out as the end result. The crowd boos, but hey, Shawn Michaels wasn't about to let the Hart brothers destroy his pretty face. He took a good enough beating anyway, and besides, it leaves more to be desired knowing that Michaels got off the hook. Now, back to the match, Bret and two brothers survive, but Owen is p**sed for being the only brother taken out and makes it known. Rating C+
The Smokey Mountain tag-team title match stunk, and it was boring. I'm not gonna even bother covering the details of this match. It bores me to even think about it. Rating D-
The four Doinks in the form of the Bushwhackers and M.O.M against the team of Bam Bam Bigelow, Bastion Boogar and the Headshrinkers also was poorly scripted. None of the so-called Doinks were eliminated! What kind of crap is that! They weren't that good a team, and where was the real Doink at anyway! This was awful. Rating F
The All-Americans vs. The Foreign Fanatics makes for a better climax sorely needed to salvage a lackluster event. The Steiners are knocked off by the bad guys, and the Undertaker and Yokozuna battle it out to the delight of the crowd. This set up the much anticipated Royal Rumble between the Undertaker and Yokozuna for the world title in the months to come. Back to the action, Ludvig Borga and Lex Luger get it on at the end, and though Luger suffers greatly, he manages to regain his composure and defeat Borga to close out the match as the sole survivor. Suddenly, Santa Claus runs out with a present to give the winner. Don't know what that was about. Rating B
Scream (1996)
Will anyone hear you scream!
The hit horror film with a sharp tongue busted into theaters in the fall of 1996, and it was an instant sleeper hit, more notable for its terrifying opening with star Drew Barrymore.
After a pair of killings in the Woodsboro community, police begin to investigate who's behind the slayings, realizing that it shamelessly connects to riddles of past horror movies. And when one of the victims are targeted by the mask maniac, she soon understands that she's also merely apart of the game. The killer uses telephone trivias and threats to ring up the suspense, then pounces out from where ever with a knife ready to fillet you like a fish. But with all the murders going on, there is still fun being poked at how to survive a horror movie, thus, a killer with the same murderous tendencies. If you know your movies, you will know how to avoid being killed. There are rules and they must be followed. All of this makes Scream a fun time, a classic, that really did not need a sequel, but when there's money, you have another movie. Rated ***
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The literal changing of a man
An American werewolf in London released in the early spring of 1981 and made good money at the box office. Two college students, David and Jack, cruise the Yorkshire Moors of London, England. The early evening is perhaps cool so the two young men stop off at the a local bar. Spoilers ahead*** After being sent an unwelcoming message by the bar occupants, David and Jack head back out on the moors. Shortly, some howling is presented as the full moon rises. Rain seeps from the sky and the atmospheric scene turns dark. A werewolf jumps from the wilderness and viciously attacks Jack, killing him almost instantly. David is scratched by the wolf and scarred eternally with the wolf's blood. While recovering in the hospital, David is visited by his deceased friend, Jack, who now lives in limbo; His responsibility is to tell David that he is now the wolf and will morph at the sight of the next full moon. Sure enough, David transforms via pained condition into the nastiest werewolf known to man. An American Werewolf in London is a decent horror movie that blends a good dose of black humor, with offbeat classic rock music and romance. The jokes and comments are all subtly done, and the visual and make-up effects are top-notch. Would have done better with a bit more of character development in David and Jack's friendship. Howbeit, This is still a good movie and should delight those that are into the classic mix of horror and humor. Rated **1/2
Black Christmas (1974)
A dark holiday, a darker killer
Christmas is known for the holiday of giving, but in this case it is the holiday for murder, as a loose killer enters a sorority house, hides in the attic and commences disturbing phone calls to the girls downstairs. The voice of the killer is elusive while at the same time quite chilling and unorthodox. Eventually, the killer begins picking off its victims one by one, and everyone is clueless as to who is responsible for these mysterious murders, suspenseful enough?
Black Christmas clearly inspired countless clones, and like those worthless imitations, Black Christmas has its flaws and unexplained conclusions. The viewer never discovers the true identity of the killer, and though the motives are not revealed, eerie angle shots and offbeat music is replaced instead. Original? For that time, definitely.
Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers
Following one of the murders, the killer phones below and speaks with one of the girls depicting the horror and dismay inflicted upon its victims before their untimely deaths. Then, ambiguity is created as one of the girl's boyfriend closely resembles the killer by shadow, but this is only an illusion employed to hoodwink the viewer. Clever? You bet. Now, during the climax of the film, the girl goes upstairs against the orders of the police to get her sorority sisters until confronted by the killer. This scene is quite spooky, but nonsensical, because the girl was told that the phone calls were within the house, so going any other place in there is a stupid move. A folly on behalf of the director or a purposeful maneuver to show the lack of common sense on the part of the girl. Either way, the scene is set up for the viewer to take a look at the "eye" of the killer, and the vague revealing of its identity as "Billy" the other personality of one of the characters in the movie. The viewer is left trying to decide if the killer is the girl's strange boyfriend because of his lurking about the house, and his shadowing in the background, but it's not him! This is found out at the very end!
The multiple voicings of the killer shows the schizophrenic mind of the killer at work, and motiveless reasons behinds its slayings. The killer takes great pleasure in tormenting its victims not only in its head, but also on paper. However, the killer lives on as we all find out with the girl escaping the attack, but lying drug induced in the house. Not very smart there, but the cops must believe the killer's dead, since the boyfriend was slain by the girl in self-defense. The bodies of the victims remain upstairs as entertaining tools for the killer, and adds more schizoids to its already depraved, twisted mind. An open-ending no doubt. Overall, the movie has its moments of dread and suspense via atmosphere and creepy score, but there are clearly loose pieces that are never clarified, unfortunately. Rating **
Black Christmas (1974)
A dark holiday, a darker killer
Christmas is known for the holiday of giving, but in this case it is the holiday for murder, as a loose killer enters a sorority house, hides in the attic and commences disturbing phone calls to the girls downstairs. The voice of the killer is elusive while at the same time quite chilling and unorthodox. Eventually, the killer begins picking off its victims one by one, and everyone is clueless as to who is responsible for these mysterious murders, suspenseful enough?
Black Christmas clearly inspired countless clones, and like those worthless imitations, Black Christmas has its flaws and unexplained conclusions. The viewer never discovers the true identity of the killer, and though the motives are not revealed, eerie angle shots and offbeat music is replaced instead. Original? For that time, definitely.
Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers
Following one of the murders, the killer phones below and speaks with one of the girls depicting the horror and dismay inflicted upon its victims before their untimely deaths. Then, ambiguity is created as one of the girl's boyfriend closely resembles the killer by shadow, but this is only an illusion employed to hoodwink the viewer. Clever? You bet. Now, during the climax of the film, the girl goes upstairs against the orders of the police to get her sorority sisters until confronted by the killer. This scene is quite spooky, but nonsensical, because the girl was told that the phone calls were within the house, so going any other place in there is a stupid move. A folly on behalf of the director or a purposeful maneuver to show the lack of common sense on the part of the girl. Either way, the scene is set up for the viewer to take a look at the "eye" of the killer, and the vague revealing of its identity as "Billy" the other personality of one of the characters in the movie. The viewer is left trying to decide if the killer is the girl's strange boyfriend because of his lurking about the house, and his shadowing in the background, but it's not him! This is found out at the very end!
The multiple voicings of the killer shows the schizophrenic mind of the killer at work, and motiveless reasons behinds its slayings. The killer takes great pleasure in tormenting its victims not only in its head, but also on paper. However, the killer lives on as we all find out with the girl escaping the attack, but lying drug induced in the house. Not very smart there, but the cops must believe the killer's dead, since the boyfriend was slain by the girl in self-defense. The bodies of the victims remain upstairs as entertaining tools for the killer, and adds more schizoids to its already depraved, twisted mind. An open-ending no doubt. Overall, the movie has its moments of dread and suspense via atmosphere and creepy score, but there are clearly loose pieces that are never clarified, unfortunately. Rating **
Sleepaway Camp (1983)
I remember this movie and my mom is afraid of it
I rented this movie sometime in the late 80's and found it kind of silly, except for the ending. The murders, the acting, the setting were all poorly done, but the climax was probably devastating. My uncle saw this film in the movies back in the spring of 1983 and was impressed with its climax. He saw it twice more just to get the audience reaction. It was exactly what he expected...TERROR!! I wasn't scared of the film, though I was shocked by its ending. I will not tell you it exactly, but I will tell you this: Two cousins go to camp arawak for summer vacation. Once there, one of the cousins(A female)gets tormented by cruel camp goers. Following, sick murders take place, with anyone labeled a possible suspect, until the bodies pile up, and the setting becomes too dark to imagine. Like I said...it could be anyone. Rent this movie at a nearby video(Blockbuster video is a plus)and check it out for its ending...if you dare!
Burnt Offerings (1976)
Weirdly suggestive and incoherent
Welcome to the Haunted House story featuring the Party of Four: We get the offbeat, strange housewife in Karen Black. The uptight and sometimes overtly emotional father in Oliver Reed. We get stereotypical behavior in the only child, Lee Montgomery. The lively aunt becomes decrepit in exceeding stages as the film progresses in Bette Davis. Now on to the coast of the movie: A huge, ageless mansion is rented out to the family during the early month of July. Clearly, the atmosphere takes it's toll during nightfall and Karen Black playing the soft music box. It's evident that she's becoming entranced by the hour. Meanwhile, Oliver Reed has some bouts with his sanity during a unsettling scene with his son in the swimming pool, and then his haunting nightmare of the Grim Reaper in the form of a long-ago chauffeur.
Not very long after, Bette Davis grows very old and tiresome and no one seems to notice or care I should say, and she meets her doom via death personified. Then, everyone is affected by the house's ability to feed energy off their negative vibes. This in turn, makes the house stronger and irreversible in it's powers, soon breaking down the avenue in which the family resides, closing out the barriers. This leads us to the dark, predictable ending: there has been an old lady sleeping the sleep of the undead in the attic, and nobody sees her until Reed, and he isn't too happy with her appearance, per se. Burnt Offerings is an interesting atmospheric thriller with a spooky score and eerie unexplained scenarios, but if you've read my review carefully, that should provide enough insight to the past genre of homes, which harbor entities. Rating ** 1/2
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The literal changing of a man
An American werewolf in London released in the early spring of 1981 and made good money at the box office. Two college students, David and Jack, cruise the Yorkshire Moors of London, England. The early evening is perhaps cool so the two young men stop off at the a local bar. Spoilers ahead*** After being sent an unwelcoming message by the bar occupants, David and Jack head back out on the moors. Shortly, some howling is presented as the full moon rises. Rain seeps from the sky and the atmospheric scene turns dark. A werewolf jumps from the wilderness and viciously attacks Jack, killing him almost instantly. David is scratched by the wolf and scarred eternally with the wolf's blood. While recovering in the hospital, David is visited by his deceased friend, Jack, who now lives in limbo; His responsibility is to tell David that he is now the wolf and will morph at the sight of the next full moon. Sure enough, David transforms via pained condition into the nastiest werewolf known to man. An American Werewolf in London is a decent horror movie that blends a good dose of black humor, with offbeat classic rock music and romance. The jokes and comments are all subtly done, and the visual and make-up effects are top-notch. Would have done better with a bit more of character development in David and Jack's friendship. Howbeit, This is still a good movie and should delight those that are into the classic mix of horror and humor. Rated **1/2
Survivor Series (1987)
The beginning of a Tradition
It's Thanksgiving night, November 26, 1987 as the Survivor Series erupts from the Richfield Coliesum in Cleveland Ohio.
Spoilers ahead***
The rules to the Survivor Series are simple and yet complicated because things can go awry in a second
Elimination goes as follows: Pinfalls, countouts, disqualifications, submissions and elimination due to referees' discretion to injury.
Opening bout pits the team of Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs. the team of the "Honky Tonk Man". This match is special because Savage was trying in vain to capture the intercontinental title from the reigning champion the Honky Tonk Man and the two men also have a feud dating back to summer of 1987. The feud really heated up when Honky Tonk Man hit Savage with the guitar on a Main Event feature and later pushed Savage's girlfriend "Elizabeth" to the canvas. This in all set up a five-on-five survival match and a chance for these two men to grapple once more. In the beginning, the oppositions which included: Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Ricky Steamboat, Jim Duggan and Brutus Beefcake against Honky Tonk Man, Ron Bass, Hercules, Harley Race and Danny Davis. After these men battle out to the wire we're left with Savage, Roberts and Steamboat taking on Honky Tonk Man. The three men all try to "Kill" Honky but the champion manages to escape serious injury by getting himself counted out of the ring. This leaves Savage and his remaining team members as winners and Savage as a possible contender for a future title match.
Next match features the ladies of wrestling survival match, which is the first and only time this event has had this encounter, Making it a classic. Captains "Sensational Sherri" take on "Fabolous Moolah" where there are other women involved. In the climax, the "Jumping Bomb Angels" survive after whipping the "Glamour Girls" giving the Angels a possible title shot from the Girls who hold the tag titles. Interesting.
Tag Team elimination bout features: "Strike Force" team vs. "Hart Foundation". heavyweights include: Demolition, British Bulldogs, Killer Bees, Islanders, Bolshiveks, Rouqeaz Brothers, Young Stallions, and the Dream Team. In the finale, the Killer Bees take out the Islanders and become along with the Stallions the survivors. A real powerhouse match.
Main Event: "Hulk Hogan's" team vs. "Andre the Giant's" team. these men were former friends, now foes going back to January 1987. They first got it on at Wrestlemania 3 when Hogan beat the Giant to defend his world title. Eight months later, they meet again but with other men involved in the five-man showdown. In the climax, Hogan is eliminated via count out because of grappling with King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang on the outside. Twist is, Bundy and Gang were not the legal men in the ring, it was Andre. That was a strategy to bounce Hogan from the match. This leaves us with Bam Bam Bigelow up against the Giant, Bundy and Gang in a 3-on-1 confrontation. Bigelow takes out Bundy and Gang with extra effort and doomly runs into a fresh Andre who cuts the ring off and puts Bigelow in a awkward suplex taking Bigelow out of the match. Andre the Giant is the "Sole Survivor", a classic ending with a villain winning the bout. Hogan ran back to the ring to spoil it but too bad, its over and done with. This put Andre in line for a title shot with Hogan in the months to come.
The Survivor Series was a great classic event and lasted merely 3 hours long. I own the original pay-per-view version with every detail and no cut-outs unlike Coliseum Video.
Body Snatchers (1993)
Duplicates that actually have a sense of emotion
I saw this unconvincing movie last night via video rental. I thought it was over-acted in many phases of the word: The screeching, the weak attempts at testing people to see if they are actually cloned, or just pretending to be(Pretty corny)with the basis of the characters evolved around a family of four and a stoned-faced military base. The acting is mediocre at best, and often over-acted(Which I stated earlier). The direction is sloppy, with no real suspense or irony. Sorry, I just could n't adhere to this film. The plot contains a group of family members being victimized, while at the same time terrorized by a large system of abductors disguised in the form of military ground. The parasites are going around rather quickly with no one suspecting fast enough to stop it. With the supposed drama being dispersed, the victims never become involved in trying to figure how what has happened, and what's causing it. Not very exciting, but rather preposterous. I saw "Body Snatchers" of 1956 and 1978, and found both to be creative with the re-make merely the best piece. The third outing did not live up to neither one. Rated *1/2
WWF Survivor Series (1990)
A Thanksgiving Tradition that was the last of the genre
When the WWF 4th Annual Survivor Series came out Thanksgiving night in 1990, I missed it by a fraction. Fortunately for me, I rented the video when it was still around(The event is out of print today). The debut of the Undertaker was a phenomenon for everyone that saw it. He was the surprise team member of the "Million Dollar Team" captained by Ted Dibiase. The music, the introduction and the crowd's reaction was an epic to behold. There were other great matches in the event like "The Hulkamaniacs" vs "The Natural Disasters", "The Warriors" vs "The Perfect Team" and the Grand Finale match of survival, which was pretty cool too.
The event lasted just over two hours, and had lots of excitement. I own this Survivor Series feature and a few others. I also own quite a few original copies of past "Wrestlemanias", "Summerslams" , and "Royal Rumbles"
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A nightmare that "ONE" may not wanna engage
"A Nightmare On Elm Street" was in my opinion a classic original movie and stood alone in its time and genre. Sad to say, the sequels went in and out, with some of them okay in a sense, and others very lacking. All said, none compared to the brilliance of the original. The movie features a teenage girl and a group of friends menaced and stalked by a scarred dream-killer, who wears a dirty green and red sweater and a old rusty hat, with knives intentionally in the replacement of fingernails. He makes his appearance in strange and unexplained ways through his victims dreams of choice. Some are slaughtered, some are spared to linger on his presence. There are people in town who know of the ghosts past and how he perished. But we never quite find that out, which leaves the film hanging by its silk. The setting looks innocent at times, and plays on the audience by usage of eerie music...manifested by the "DEAD" children singing their tormenter's warning "One-two, Freddy's coming for you...three-four, better lock your doors...five-six, grab your crucifix...seven-eight, better stay awake...nine-ten, never sleep again" A creepy melody that dug under the surface of the viewers, and left an uneasy feeling of clamor. The special effects are mediocre, but the acting fares well for the kind of horror it dispenses. Wes Craven does a fine job with his direction, but could have satisfied us with a more tight ending...it didn't do to much for me. Elm Street does, anyway, top most predictable horror films by a single "Slash"
Night of the Demons (1988)
A definite Halloween piece for the squeamish
I own the video to "Night of the Demons" and usually watch it in the autumn part of the season. I thought it had its moments with some of the demons possessing the party-goers. The house which appears like an old funeral home or closed down mansion, gives off an cold, mean-spirited aura. This of course adds to the dread that the movie heaves. The acting I might add is at times atrocious, but redeems itself by slick use of make-up and the claustrophobia of being closed in and around the darkened climate. There are quite a few eerie sequences going on, and you never know who may pop out, or who might be possessed. Its not the greatest horror spoof, but it works in ways than other cheap pile-ups. I would recommend this feature for those who want that Halloween spirit added to their thrills. Rated **
Night of the Demons (1988)
A definite Halloween piece for the squeamish
I own the video to "Night of the Demons" and usually watch it in the autumn part of the season. I thought it had its moments with some of the demons possessing the party-goers. The house which appears like an old funeral home or closed down mansion, gives off an cold, mean-spirited aura. This of course adds to the dread that the movie heaves. The acting I might add is at times atrocious, but redeems itself by slick use of make-up and the claustrophobia of being closed in and around the darkened climate. There are quite a few eerie sequences going on, and you never know who may pop out, or who might be possessed. Its not the greatest horror spoof, but it works in ways than other cheap pile-ups. I would recommend this feature for those who want that Halloween spirit added to their thrills. Rated **
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
They've come from a dying planet
The Body Snatchers is a piece of original work re-invented in 1978 by Philip Kaufman with great analysis. The setting moves from a small town to a expedition in the city of San Francisco. Plant pods from the unknown make their presence valid by landing in one's backyard. Once picked and absorbed, the contents of the substance enters the bodily construction, renouncing a new developed specie. They travel like flies and everyone that makes contact is transformed into a non-feeling, zoned out living organism. Many are taken under, but I will not give into details of the victims. Story unfolds when Brooke Adams discovers a flower in her backyard and brings it into the house for boyfriend Art Hindle to see. The next morning, her boyfriend is somewhat "Changed" and Adams is confused from it. Soon after, she notices the whole town has changed... like a cold take over of the soul. She tells Donald Sutherland about her dilemma and they set out to find information. This in turn, leads to a great adventure of humans versus alien abductors through out the city. This is a mix of suspense and thrills that should enchant the mystery minded individual. The original was first predicated with Kevin McCarthy running through out both films. A really cool idea. If you want more on this puzzle linked film, check it out when possible. It is a second-rate classic.
Fright Night (1985)
A slick, cunning thriller with a package to be unwrapped
Fright Night is without a doubt a shrewd thriller with suspense on the low and humorous horror on the high. My whole family watched it and enjoyed it likewise. I must have seen it at least ten times. The movie is about a typical teenager who suspects his next-door neighbor is a vampire because of strange dissapearances of women that visited him. The boy is in fact right of his premonition. He enlists the aid of a once vampire killer, only famous for his work in the movies, to help hunt Dracula down and kill him. It takes a while for the kid to convince, but once accomplished, they all set out to do their vampire hunting. This intelligent but simplistic horror film moves calmly and delivers the scares when needed, and sick humor when invited. Chris Sarandon does a fantastic job as Dracula himself(Suave and clever). Jonathan Stark works to his best potential as the live-in undertaker(Caretaker)for the vampire. The remaining casts...William Ragsdale, Stephen Geoffreys, and Roddy Mcdowall show what they are capable of bringing tension and some form of amusement to their character. The score works well with the style of the film and direction savvy. If you enjoy old-fashioned vampire cult films, add this one to your list. Rated ***
Sleepaway Camp (1983)
I remember this movie and my mom is afraid of it
I rented this movie sometime in the late 80's and found it kind of silly, except for the ending. The murders, the acting, the setting were all poorly done, but the climax was probably devastating. My uncle saw this film in the movies back in the spring of 1983 and was impressed with its climax. He saw it twice more just to get the audience reaction. It was exactly what he expected...TERROR!! I wasn't scared of the film, though I was shocked by its ending. I will not tell you it exactly, but I will tell you this: Two cousins go to camp arawak for summer vacation. Once there, one of the cousins(A female)gets tormented by cruel camp goers. Following, sick murders take place, with anyone labeled a possible suspect, until the bodies pile up, and the setting becomes too dark to imagine. Like I said...it could be anyone. Rent this movie at a nearby video(Blockbuster video is a plus)and check it out for its ending...if you dare!
Don't Go to Sleep (1982)
The TV movie that frightened me when I was small
I've seen this eerie film back in 1986 at my aunt's house. It was unexpected at the time, I was looking for a family movie, and it turned out to be a spooky shocker. It took place in December of 1982 where a girl named Mary survived an auto accident along with her family...her sister Jennifer did not make it. Jump a year later which was initiated from the opening, poor Mary seems to be having nitemares of her deceased sister Jennifer. She even hears Jennifer calling her name through the dark. Soon enough, the late Jennifer appears under Mary's bed. The dead sister makes nocturnal visits and Mary is astounded. Later, weird sudden deaths occur in the family(I will not say the specifics). Mary may be responsible...but is Jennifer making her do it? The movie takes a number of turns toward the climax and closing credits. For years I was appalled by this movie, merely because I did not understand it. I last saw this film in 1998 on the late night movie and appreciated it even better for the slick direction and execution of the actors. It holds an intense atmosphere, because of its disguise as wonderland with Alice(Jennifer) lurking around in it. This is a well-done TV movie and should be watched if possible. Home video rental is nearly hopeless, with this film being out of production for more than a decade. Good luck.
The Dead Come Home (1989)
You are not alone, I've caught it once
Dead Dudes in the house, aka-The Dead come home. My brother and I saw this movie one night in the summer of 1992. He actually got a good glimpse before. I checked it out halfway through the movie, and found it corny but interesting. I can recall zombie like teenagers roaming the house with an old lady running the masacre. I never saw this movie again but do remember it quite well. My brother on the other hand enjoyed it. Hey, it sure beats a muggy night out.
Superman III (1983)
A silly but unexpected turn of events
I first checked out Superman 3 the year it came out...back in 1983. Believe it or not, I was shaken up by Superman's antics. I was only 5 years old at the time, and thought Superman was the perfect gentleman until this. I watched the film from start to finish, and was more comfortable with the early moments of the movie. Parts like when Gus Gorman was pulling the drunken body of Brad to hook up the PC, knowing that Gus needed both hands simultaneously...funny. And also when Gus was making light chit-chat with the boss Ross Webster. One particular scene I thought was funny was when Ross' sister Vera came down to join her brother and Gus commented "You didn't tell me your mother was gonna be here" it got a big laugh from the audience. Other than that nothing else really enchanted me from this film. Moving on to the Superman versus a human-like Clark Kent was very tight and dramatic. The only real spark the film had to offer. Superman had become a womanizer or cad and through guilt created his alter ego and knew he had to destroy it. Note that during their battle, Superman became a bit weaker while Kent gained invicibility. Most people believed the "Man of Steel" changed because of some bogus chunk of kryptonite, however, if studied properly, Superman changed on his own free will. The fake green stuff was just an excuse to make him do it. Realizing that the stuff didn't kill him, Superman felt that nothing may be able to harm him anymore. He felt to be more potent than ever. Superman then decided to act up merely because he had nothing else better to do, and was feeling bored. Being the bad guy "for once" added some spice to his life...think about it and you will agree with me.