From Far & Wide, From High & Low Vol 13
100 titles from an assortment of genres
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- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael OntkeanMädchen AmickAn idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.TWIN PEAKS was a briefly successful series which ran on ABC for a season and a half. This David Lynch/Mark Frost collaborattion set a high standard in visually translating their scripts to television screens however too often (especially in season 2) the story arcs weren't all that special. TWIN PEAKS revolved around the murder of Laura Palmer by a frenzied entity named 'Bob' who escaped from a magical lodge in the sinister woods outside of town. An eccentric FBI agent investigating a string of attacks soon discovers everybody there has a secret to hide. TWIN PEAKS has left it's mark on popular culture with "Who killed Laura Palmer" rivalling "Who shot JR?" as a water cooler conversation of choice. Even today everyone from JJ Abrams to Darren Starr has cited this series as a definite influence. At it's height of popularity virtually every actor in Hollywood wanted a part on the show and you'd be hard pressed to find a more stellar & talented cast assembled for network tv. But in the end it came down to good storytelling and it simply wasn't there consistantly. Instead viewers became alienated by what made it to air and tuned out in droves leaving behind a devoted cult of admirers. After the cancelation of the show Lynch attempted to revive the franchise with a feature film in 1992 and a disastrously unpopular sequel series in 2017.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsSheryl LeeRay WiseMädchen AmickLaura Palmer's harrowing final days are chronicled one year after the murder of Teresa Banks, a resident of Twin Peaks' neighboring town.TWIN PEAKS FIRE WALK WITH ME is no better or worse than the tv series that inspired it but isn't as revered outside the directors circle of fawning critics or fans. To my way of thinking this suggests either the weekly show was over-rated or the sequel/prequel film was under-rated because they are basically the same animal. After a bizarre non sequitor opening featuring David THE HUNGER Bowie Lynch transports us finally to TWIN PEAKS where Laura Palmer's final days are recounted prior to her death at the hands of a malicious spirit named Bob. Lynch exploits the tawdry tale of drugs, prositution, rape and murder for all it's worth without ABC network censors breathing down his neck then does a 180 for the finale which feels like it was lifted from 2001 A SPACE ODESSEY or a Halmark Christmas card. The movie flopped but it's okay. You could do a lot better or worse when it comes to Lynch. Followed by a reboot series in 2017.
- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanSheryl LeeMichael HorsePicks up 25 years after the inhabitants of a quaint northwestern town are stunned when their homecoming queen is murdered.After a difficult negotiation, visionary director David DUNE Lynch was given carte blanche by the Showtime network to manufacture a third season of TWIN PEAKS in collaboration with c0-creator Mark FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER Frost. The hype for the returning series ensured a significant increase in subscriptions to the cable service but ratings for the 18 episodes were distressingly low. Lynch has assembled the most amazing cast of actors I've ever seen in one place outside of The Academy Awards and I'm giving the show an extra star in recognition of that undeniable achievement. Most of the original stars of the cult classic 1990 ABC soap & it's spin-off film; TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME are reunited here along with a tsunami of talent. Having said that, nobody got so much as an Emmy nomination for their work. TWIN PEAKS was left to starve at the Emmys with a handful of nominations for sound editing and hair styling. The usual too cool for the room critics praised TWIN PEAKS as the greatest thing to hit tv but I'm sorry I ever laid eyes on it. It collides with and annihilates the original like a particle of anti-matter. The bloated cast is set adrift with sloppily written material which simply defies description. I really wanted to love TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN but after having seen it, I don't think I can even love the show it was 25 years ago.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsKarolina GruszkaKrzysztof MajchrzakGrace ZabriskieAs an actress begins to adopt the persona of her character in a film, her world becomes nightmarish and surreal.David DUNE Lynch directed this DOG which is little more than snippets & bits from abandoned projects & posted you tube material peppered with an indecipherable Hollywood mystery. I can be critical of Lynch and am frequently challenged by defenders who say I dislike Lynch because he refuses to make the movies I want him to. I don't think anyone wanted him to make this tedious crap. There's an additional 3 hours of deleted scenes if you want to watch something really excruciating. The critics adored this pretentious mess but only the most too-cool-for-the-room Lynch aficionados went to see it bomb.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsNicolas CageLaura DernWillem DafoeYoung lovers Sailor and Lula run from the variety of weirdos that Lula's mom has hired to kill Sailor.I'm giving WILD AT HEART an extra star for Diane CARNOSAUR Ladd's breath-taking performance which probably would have earned her an Oscar if this had been a slightly better film. David ERASERHEAD Lynch wrote/directed this adaption of the Barry Gifford novel of the same name. Nicolas GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGENCE Cage channels Elvis while seducing the trashiest debutante you'll ever lay your eyes on. Lynch regular Laura BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA Dern plays Lula, a sleazy girl who's insane mother will stop at nothing to prevent her from wasting her life on a lowlife like Sailor. This surreal and sometimes sickening road movie got some mileage from the popularity of TWIN PEAKS but sank like a stone at the box office amidst a sea of perplexed reviews. It's average Lynch. It may have worked better without the WIZARD OF OZ references.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsNaomi WattsLaura HarringJustin TherouxAfter a car wreck on Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.ABC approached David BLUE VELVET Lynch to create a new series beginning with a pilot film called MULHOLLAND DR. The show was intended as an ongoing mystery in the style of TWIN PEAKS set in Hollywood. laura Harring plays an amnesiac named Rita fleeing the scene of an attempted murder (her own) and a terrible car crash. She befriends a struggling actress named Betty who intends to help discover her identity no matter what dangers lie in store. After the network decided not to move forward with a weekly series Lynch filmed additional R-rated material exploiting lesbian sexuality & a whole lot of malarkey trying to make MULHOLLAND DR. into an 'abstract art film' as opposed to a mystery with no solution. I didn't hate it. It even left me craving a weekly series based on the portion of the film intended as a pilot. That showed enormous promise. Personally, I think Lynch damaged his movie in trying to make it the art film it was never intended to be.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsBill PullmanPatricia ArquetteJohn RoseliusAnonymous videotapes presage a musician's murder conviction, and a gangster's girlfriend leads a mechanic astray.David Lynch is a brilliant director capable of world class work who prefers (in recent years) to make abstract 'art' films that alienate everyone but his most adoring fans & endlessly fawning critics. There are some terrific actors here however the nature of this film negates whatever dramatic weight they'd ordinarily carry. LOST HIGHWAY does have an excellent score by Angelo Badalamenti but the plot is deliberately indecipherable. It's slightly better than INLAND EMPIRE.
- DirectorDavid LynchStarsIsabella RosselliniKyle MacLachlanDennis HopperThe discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.David DUNE Lynch's masterpiece is very likely this surreal noir or his equally insightful THE ELEPHANT MAN. They are both exceptional although looking back BLUE VELVET has been diminished somewhat by the passing of time. It's coy suggestiveness was instantly decimated by films like BASIC INSTINCT as lurid crime dramas came suddenly into vogue. Dennis THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 Hopper steals the show as Frank; a depraved, murderous drug dealer holding a lounge singer's family hostage. Kyle DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES MacLachlan plays an innocent young man who gets dragged into their nightmarish world. A plethora of Lynch's mainstay of actors also appear including Jack Nance, Brad Douriff and Dean Stockwell whose rendition of Candy Colored Clown will send chills down your spine.
- DirectorJames PlumbStarsSule RimiKathy SaxondaleLee BaneThe deceased have risen with the instinct to feed on the living as a family is trapped during a zombie apocalypse. Wales. Based on George A. Romero's classic "Night of the Living Dead".This low budget unauthorized sequel to George Romero's classic is an atrocity which exists only because somebody forgot to file for copyright protection way back in 1968. If not for that we may not have suffered through so many of these substandard knock-offs. An English family barricades themselves in their house when the zombies apocalypse begins.
- DirectorDonald FarmerStarsAngela KereczBobby KereczChanning DodsonA demonic nun unleashes holy hell when she summons the devil to possess a great white shark.Between SHARKENSTEIN and SHARK EXORCIST it's hard to say which is the worst shark movie ever made. I'm gonna give the award for biggest DOG to SHARK EXORCIST because there was exactly one thing about it I liked; The line 'You're gonna need a bigger cross.'. Everything else was a disaster. From backyard film-maker Mark REVOLT ON THE EMPIRE OF THE APES Palonia..
- DirectorMark PoloniaStarsGreta VolkovaKen Van SantTitus HimmelbergerSixty years after the end of World War II, a small ocean town is plagued by a blood-thirsty creature that was built and reanimated by using the parts of the greatest sea-killers: the Sharkenstein monster.Mark AMITYVILLE EXORCIST Palonia is responsible for this DOG about three bad actors who are attacked by a special effects shark so cheaply inserted into the 'film' it looks like photo shopping. Even if George Lucas himself had designed the special effects it wouldn't have helped because every single other aspect of this clichéd claptrap about Frankenstein's heart being transplanted into a shark by Nazis is strictly bottom of the barrel. Not even good for laughs.
- DirectorDavid DeCoteauStarsTyler HoechlinGraham KosakoskiBrody HarmsAfter accidentally killing a bear cub while celebrating graduation in the woods, four teens become the target of a seemingly unstoppable Grizzly.David SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWLORAMA DeCoteau usually knows his way around an indie horror movie and can even make a lttle cinematic magic happen if he has the the time and money. With this 2nd film in the Canadian Maneater franchise produced for the sci fi network he obviously had neither. GRIZZLY RAGE is a tedious tv movie about 4 young adults who are stalked by a vengeful bear after the death of her cub. The real bear used wasn't filmed doing anything scary and so isn't scary. The special effects are indescribably poor and the gore non existant. Next up; IN THE SPIDER'S WEB
- DirectorKristoffer TaboriStarsConstantin BarbulescuDan BordeianuAdriana ButoiA wild west town hosts the strangest showdown of all: against an invading army of extraterrestrials. Outlaws and townspeople must join forces to survive.HIGH PLAINS INVADERS is the 21st film in the Canadian Maneater series produced for the SyFy channel. SMALLVILLE star James Marsters looks like he's having a pretty good time playing a disreputable cowboy who must save a town in the old west from an invasion of STARSHIP TROOPER style alien bugs. The pace is brisk and the cast is game. One of the better films in the long running franchise. Followed by BEHEMOTH
- DirectorDavid HeavenerStarsDavid HeavenerAmanda BaumanJoe EstevezA couple purchases a house in the country only to find out a family was murdered. They uncover a curse which brings the dead back to life. It's "Dawn of the Dead" meets "28 Days Later".The box cover promised equal parts terror & hilarity and since neither are in evidence watching this dull gut muncher it ain't lying. A family of murdered Mayans returns from beyond the grave to avenge themselves on their killer. Very unconvincing practical make up effects and a plot twist towards the end that will come as no surprise help sink this direct to dvd cheapie which stars Todd DIFFERENT STROKES Bridges as a fat, retarded construction worker.
- DirectorW.D. HoganStarsEd QuinnPascale HuttonCindy BusbyScientists discover a giant creature under the Earth that is wrapped around the entire planet. When the creature wakes all grumpy, it causes worldwide destruction.This Canadian giant monster tv movie was the 22nd produced for the SciFi network in the Maneater series. A mythical creature slumbers beneath the surface of the earth; it's tentacles stretched out under the mantle of this world. When the creature awakens and begins to emerge from an alaskan mountain all manner of death and destruction befall a small town. BEHEMOTH is no less contrived than others in the franchise but a nice cast helps make it tolerable especially William THE X FILES Davis as a wise historian trying to understand the monster and find a way to stop it. Followed by FEROCIOUS PLANET
- DirectorBill CorcoranStarsEric BalfourCaroline NéronJustin SalingerWorkmen disturb a hidden chamber beneath a church, and a lethal creature is freed to terrorise Paris.Bill ATOMIC TWISTER Cororan did solid work directing RISE OF THE GARGOYLES. The special effects look ok for cheap and the gore is splattered just enough. Usually sci fi network tv movies aren't as well made as this. When demolision of a French cathedral releases a gargoyle handsome Eric HAVEN Balfour has to figure out how to destroy the creature. This was the 18th film in the Maneater franchise. Followed by SAND SERPENTS
- DirectorMark AtkinsStarsCorin NemecBrooke HoganVanessa EviganThe residents of a small town team up to kill a group of evolved sharks that can swim in sand, and are terrorizing local beaches.Oh what a time to be alive! We have sharks in space, we have sharks taking flight with the aid of tornadoes, we have sharks as big as aircraft carriers and now we have sharks that swim in sand thanks to director Mark THE HAUNTING OF WINCHESTER HOUSE Aitkins & star Corin MANSQITO Nemec. It's simply one of the worst JAWS rip-offs you're ever likely to see.
- DirectorSheldon WilsonStarsLou Diamond PhillipsA.C. PetersonVlasta VranaA devilish creature escapes from a carnival to wreak havoc on a small town.CARNY is the 17th film in Canada's Maneater franchise of television films produced for the Sci-Fi network. A murderous carnival owner is responsible for a Jersey Devil escaping from captivity in this unusually nihilistic and gory entry in the series. Most of the cast is unappealing and the dialogue is rock bottom. As if that weren't bad enough, Lou Diamond SUPERNOVA Phillips gives the laziest performance of his career as the sheriff trying to kill the demon. Followed by RISE OF THE GARGOYLES
- DirectorRicky SchroderStarsScott ElrodAdam ButcherAmanda BrooksA Greek warrior must travel to the Underworld and battle killer hellhounds in order to rescue his murdered bride from the clutches of Hades.Ricky RETURN TO LONESOME DOVE Schroeder directed this 20th entry in the Canadian Maneater franchise developed for the SyFy network. Kleitos (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS's Scott Elrod) must face down the titular Hellhounds as he descends into Hades to rescue his beloved Princess Demetria. The dogs used in this television film didn't exactly radiate menace. One of the least entertaining movies in this guilty pleasure series. Followed by HIGH PLAINS INVADERS
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsYumi ShirakawaKenji SaharaAkihiko HirataWhen a narcotics deal goes sour and a suspect disappears, leaving only his clothes, Tokyo police question his wife and stake out the nightclub where she works. His disappearance stumps the police - until a young scientist appears who claims that H-Bomb tests in the Pacific, evidenced by a "ghost ship" that has turned up in the harbor, have created radioactive creatures - "H-Men" - who ooze like slime and dissolve anyone they touch.Ishiro MATANGO Honda directed this odd and unsatisfying gangster pic fused awkwardly with the anti atomic sentiments which ran deep in the Japanese culture following the bombings at Hiroshima & Nagasaki. A group of men exposed to radiation become transformed into glowing fluid people capable of blending in with water and liquifying their enemies with a touch. The group of so-called H-Men are tied to drug running gangsters operating out of a sleazy downtown nightclub. This was one of the least effective Honda films although the special effects were interesting. It does enjoy a small cult following but I wouldn't rush out to watch it again.
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsKenji SaharaYumi ShirakawaMomoko KôchiShortly after a giant robot destroys a village, aliens from outer space arrive offering friendship. Will the people of Earth tie these two events together?Ishiro GOJIRA Honda directed this spectacularly staged science fiction classic from the legendary Toho Studios. Aliens from the newly discovered Mysteroid (an asteroid between Mars & Jupiter) launch a full on invasion against Japan armed with an armada of flying saucers and a fantastic robot named Moguera. The kaiju special effects material is 1st rate and this ranks as one of the most important films from that era within the genre. If he theme music by Akira Ifukube reminds you of BEETLEJUICE it's because Danny Elfman helped himself to half the score without so much a thank you! Moguera would re-appear in GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA while another informal sequel was released under the title BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE.
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsRyô IkebeKyôko AnzaiMinoru TakadaThe nations of the Earth unite in a common cause to fight off an invader from outer space.BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE was initially envisioned as a formal sequel to THE MYSTERIANS however when many of the stars were unavailable Toho forged ahead with a script down playing their connection. A group of aliens stationed on the moon launch an assault on Japan while a small team of astronauts attempt to halt the invasion. The special effects sequence depicting the destruction of a city via an anti-gravity device is worth the price of admission. Followed by BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE II
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsRuss TamblynKumi MizunoKenji SaharaA giant, cannibalistic humanoid's rampage through Tokyo is halted by his more docile twin, but neither their reunion nor their scientist caretakers can prevent their eventual duel.This more popular sequel to FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD finds two surviving Gargantuas coming to battle over whether or not to befriend human civilization. The kaiju special effects are wonderfully brought to life by Ishiro Honda who just had a knack for these things like no other. The appearance of a giant octopus during the opening scene is an especially exciting moment! Lovers of camp will enjoy the casting of TWIN PEAKS star Russ Tamblyn and the ear-rending rendition of 'The Words Get Stuck In My Throat' that will get stuck in your head forever. WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS was referenced directly in GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS cementing it's ties to the Monsterverse. Highly recommended for genre fans.
- DirectorDon SiegelStarsKevin McCarthyDana WynterLarry GatesA small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates.Kevin THE HOWLING McCarthy plays a rural doctor whose patients begin complaining their loved ones are not who they appear to be. And they're right! An invasion is underway with pods from another world replicating human life to perfection except for their inability to express emotions. This nightmarish political propaganda film slash science fiction classic has aged beautifully and lost none of it's power. One of the best films of the 1950s. Filmed in B&W. Followed by remakes in 1978, 1993, 2007 & 2021 and countless imitations. Based on the more optimistic novel by Jack Finney.
- DirectorPhilip KaufmanStarsDonald SutherlandBrooke AdamsJeff GoldblumWhen strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, replicating the city's residents one body at a time.Philip THE RIGHT STUFF Kaufman directed this excellent remake of the 1956 cold war inspired science fiction classic of the same name. Donald DIRTY SEXY MONEY Sutherland plays a health inspector living in San Francisco where a mysterious new plant is growing everywhere and people begin behaving differently. Soon the health inspector and everyone he loves are overwhelmed by an alien onslaught and running for their lives. It's a terrific film on par with the original in every way and like the original has lost almost none of it's power to frighten or fascinate. Followed by BODY SNATCHERS.
- DirectorAbel FerraraStarsGabrielle AnwarMeg TillyTerry KinneyA teenage girl and her father discover alien clones are replacing humans on a remote U.S. military base in Alabama.BODY SNATCHERS: THE INVASION CONTINUES is one of the best and most under-appeciated genre films of the 90s & is a fine sucessor to the 1956 science fiction classic and the terrifying 1978 remake; both based on the Jack Finney novel. A young family moves onto a military base to conduct environmental tests only to discover an alien species is replicating themselves by copying/assimilating human beings. The cast led by Gabrielle Anwar and Meg Tilly is terrific. The special effects weren't as enjoyable or scary as the film itself but don't let that stop you from giving this one a look. Followed by THE INVASION in 2007.
- DirectorOliver HirschbiegelStarsNicole KidmanDaniel CraigJeremy NorthamAs a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist unearths the origin of an alien epidemic, she also discovers her son might be the only way it can be stopped.Nicole THE STEPFORD WIVES Kidman stars as a resourceful mother struggling to stay alive after an alien organism crash lands to earth on a space shuttle causing the country to become infected & controlled by the new species. The studio wasn't happy with the final product & hired another director to film 10 million dollars worth of action scenes to help pump it up. I didn't hate it. The story is strong enough to sell the film regardless of the direction. It's competently made but remains the least interesting of the franchise. A fourth remake is due for release in 2021.
- CreatorShaun CassidyStarsWilliam FichtnerEddie CibrianKari MatchettA Florida Park Ranger and his family deal with strange occurrences in the aftermath of a hurricane.Former HARDY BOYS star Shaun Cassidy was the mastermind behind this failed series many found similar to the science fiction classis; THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. Here, the inhabitants of a Florida community are replicated by an alien species which rode in unseen under the cover of a hurricane. Despite an enthusiastic cult of followers INVASION failed to deliver the audience of it's lead in series LOST and ABC pulled the plug after only one very good season
- DirectorJustin JonesStarsErica KesslerJessica BorkSarah LievingAfter a woman's closest friends and co-workers undergo extreme personality changes, she begins to suspect that they have been replaced with malevolent alien invaders.This rock bottom knock-off of the Nicole Kidman flop THE INVASION rehashes the Jack Finney novel and films made since the 1956 classic THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS only with a dash of lesbianism thrown in instead of any genuine scares or suspense. From the Asylum.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBurt ReynoldsSally FieldJerry ReedThe Bandit is hired on to run a tractor-trailer full of beer over state lines, in hot pursuit by a pesky sheriff.Burt THE CANNONBALL RUN II Reynolds & Sally BEYOND THE POSIEDON ADVENTURE Field were lovers on and off screen while filming this romantic adventure about a handsome rogue and a fugitive hitch hiker fleeing a determined sheriff played by THE HONEYMOONERS Jackie Gleason. Despite some critical backlash SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT connected powerfully with audiences becoming the top grossing film of 1977 second only to STAR WARS. Followed by 2 theatrical sequels and 4 belated television films designed to launch a weekly series which failed to materialize.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBurt ReynoldsJackie GleasonJerry ReedThe Bandit goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice is on his tail.SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT II was another box office hit despite the screams of critics around the world which re-united the white hot Burt DELIVERANCE Reynolds & real life love interest Sally NORMA REA Field in an action oriented romantic comedy from stunt co-ordinator Hal CANNONBALL RUN II Needham. This time the Bandit and Frog must transport an elephant while on the run from their nemess; Sheriff Buford T. Justice played by Jackie Gleason. Followed by SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT 3
- DirectorDick LowryStarsJackie GleasonJerry ReedPaul WilliamsBig and Little Enos are opening a sea food restaurant. They bet Sheriff Buford T. Justice that he cannot drive from Miami to the Enos ranch in Texas in a given amount of time. If Buford loses he has to give up his badge.Dick ARCHIE: TO RIVERDALE AND BACK AGAIN Lowry directed this catastrophe which hoped to coast by with only clips of Burt Reynolds culled from SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT & SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT II and a very brief cameo towards the end. Jackie Gleason this time gets top billing along with Paul BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES Williams & Jerry STROKER ACE Reed. The franchise was resurrected nearly a decade later with a series of 4 television pilot movies which ultimately failed to generate a weekly show.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBrian BloomBrian KrauseRichard BelzerAssigned to deliver a prototype car to a press conference for the Governor, things are complicated by a fraudulent Bandit who ends up stealing Bandit's rig AND the prototype. Now Bandit has to find out who's out to ruin his life and recover the car before the Governor's career is crucified by Big Bob on his radio show and while avoiding a determined Sheriff Buford Enright.Brian Bloom starred as a younger Bandit in this 2nd prequel television pilot film directed by stunt man turned film maker Hal THE CANNONBALL RUN II Needham. Gerard SUPERBOY Christopher and John SMALLVILLE Schneider co-star in this drizzly action pic about a good ol' boy looking to keep a prototype vehicle from getting jacked. Followed by BANDIT: BEAUTY AND THE BANDIT
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBrian BloomBrian KrauseChristopher AtkinsIn what appears to be a prequel to the Smokey and the Bandit films, a young Bandit returns to his hometown to rekindle things with an old flame.Brian Bloom starred in this tv movie prequel to SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT assuming the role played by Burt Reynolds. Christopher THE BLUE LAGOON Aitkens and Brian RETURN TO THE BLUE LAGOON Krause co-starred. Hal MEGAFORCE Needham clumsily filmed the action. Followed by BANDIT: BANDIT, BANDIT
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBrian BloomBrian KrauseScott BloomBandit (Brian Bloom), a man's man who enjoys driving his fast car and living the free-and-easy life and occasional interludes with fast women, gets an unexpected and unwelcome visit from his eccentric Uncle Cyrus. After stealing Bandit's car keys, Cyrus takes Bandit on a wild ride to a job appointment that Bandit had set up where a pretty assistant tells Bandit that the appointment is cancelled. (The assistant later turns out to be bogus as she's really an associate of Cyrus. Uncle Cyrus also tells Bandit that he's married a fabulous young lady named Angel (Tracy Lords), and that she is helping him run his carnival. Later that day, at a barbecue, Bandit learns that Cyrus has died of a heart attack. Although Angel inherits the carnival while Bandit gets nothing, Angel begs him to take it over. When Bandit learns that loan sharks and his arch-enemy Sheriff Buddy Clanton have joined forces to close and/or take over the carnival, Bandit agrees to get involved. Bandit gets the hardy and willing carnival crew -- including the aforementioned assistant and a lovely contortionist -- involved in a bunch of stunts and chases aimed at getting the carnival moved beyond the Sheriff's jurisdiction until Bandit can get the goods on the bad guys and save the day.Brian Bloom returns to the role Burt Reynolds made famous in this unsold pilot film for a proposed SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT series. Former porn star Traci MELROSE PLACE Lords appears as a grieving widow who thinks the Sheriff plans to swindle her inheritance Hal Needham directed.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBrian BloomBrian KrauseHenry ChoTV version of "Smokey and The Bandit". This episode co-starred Kathy Ireland as a model, running from a man who wants money that she has. She gets a ride from The Bandit. They stop at a gas station, when she is inside, Bandit finds the money. She ends up taking his car, only to find out her money is gone. Bandit has it, so she returns to the station. Bandit continues to help Kathy out of the situation she is in. Don't remember how, but a bus full of Nudists gets involved. Everything works out in the end. The Bandit drives a Mitsubishi Stealth, I believe. The show only lasted a few episodes.Brian Bloom, Kathy Ireland and Dan Cortese (all from MELROSE PLACE) starred in this sub par action movie prequel to SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. Hal Needham directed. BANDIT: BANDIT'S SILVER ANGEL was the next film released to cable tv.
- DirectorFrank MillerStarsGabriel MachtSamuel L. JacksonScarlett JohanssonRookie cop Denny Colt returns from the beyond as The Spirit, a hero whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City.Comic book writer/artist Frank Miller directed this box office bomb based on the classis Will Eisner character. Gabriel Macht captures the essence of the death defying superhero with ease. Samuel SNAKES ON A PLANE Jackson is the charmless & noisy villain The Octopus. Eva CHILDREN OF THE CORN V: FIELDS OF TERROR Mendez, Sarah AMERICAN GOTHIC Paulson & Scarlett IRON MAN 2 Johansson provide the fem fatale fuel for this neo noire adventure. Miller has crafted a gorgeous film which reminded me of the SIN CITY films visually but the story is garbage. THE SPIRIT entirely failed to connect with audiences and has nothing going for it but style (and a budget) to burn.
- DirectorFrank MillerQuentin TarantinoRobert RodriguezStarsMickey RourkeClive OwenBruce WillisAn exploration of the dark and miserable Basin City and three of its residents, all of whom are caught up in violent corruption.Robert FROM DUSK TILL DAWN Rodriguez, Frank THE SPIRIT Miller & Quentin GRINDHOUSE: DEATH PROOF Tarantino directed this unforgettable thrill ride adaption of several stories of the best-selling comic series SIN CITY. The large ensemble cast alone is worth the price of admission & includes; Benicio del Toro, Michael Clark Duncan, Jessica Alba, Nick Stahl, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Brittany Murphy & Rutger Hauer to name a few. Although the film has the look and feel of a graphic novel the violence is front & center & not for the faint of heart. SIN CITY is one of the best comic adaptions put to film and is an artistic achievement unto itself. Followed by a belated sequel and a pending television series from Legendary Pictures.
- DirectorFrank MillerRobert RodriguezStarsMickey RourkeJessica AlbaJosh BrolinSome of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR is the belated sequel to the minor 2005 hit SIN CITY from directors Robert GRINDHOUSE: PLANET TERROR Rodriguez & Frank THE SPIRIT Miller who also designed the beloved comic book series from which episodic storylines were drawn to compose it's crackling screenplay. Despite a who's who of Hollywood's best & brightest appearing in the cast (Bruce Willis, Lady Gaga, Josh Brolin, Jessica Alba, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Rosario Dawson & Christopher Lloyd) and a spectacular & stylish aesthetic theatres remained stubbornly empty & reviews were mixed making this one of the most undeservingly ignored comic book adaptions since Russell Mulcahy's THE SHADOW. Undaunted by the film's commercial failure Rodriguez is said to be developing a series scheduled for release in 2022.
- DirectorPaul LynchStarsLeslie NielsenJamie Lee CurtisCasey StevensAt a high-school senior prom, a masked killer stalks four teenagers who were responsible for the accidental death of a classmate six years previously.This Canadian slasher inspired by the success of HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13TH made a surprisingly good impression on both sides of the border mostly due to the casting of scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis (who would win a Genie for best foreign actress for her role) plays a high school grad hunted by a masked killer on the night of the Prom. Not nearly as repulsively violent as others in this disreputable genre. Followed by 3 sequels and a remake.
- DirectorBruce PittmanStarsLisa SchrageMichael IronsideWendy LyonThirty years after her accidental death at her 1957 senior prom, the tortured spirit of prom queen Mary Lou Maloney returns to seek revenge.Director's Guild winner Bruce SHATTERED CITY: THE HALIFAX EXPLOSION Pittman directed this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink slasher sequel to the minor Canadian hit PROM NIGHT. It steals everything that isn't nailed down from better horror films. There's not an original element to be found. Lisa GNAW: FOOD OF THE GODS II Schrage stars as the evil spirit of a slutty prom queen who murders students and teachers alike in comedic fashion. And it's usually not funny or scary. Followed by PROM NIGHT III: THE LAST KISS
- DirectorRon OliverPeter R. SimpsonStarsTim ConlonCynthia PrestonDavid StrattonThe malevolent spirit of Mary Lou Maloney returns to Hamilton High, where she manipulates a naive male student into helping her wreak havoc on the school.Courtney Taylor plays Mary Lou Maloney strictly for laughs in this direct sequel to the minor Canadian hit HELLO, MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II. Having escaped a can can line in Hell by using a nail file on her ankle shackles, Mary Lou heads right back to Hamilton High just in time for the night of the prom. Switching to full on horror spoof had little impact and no one really cared anyway. Followed by a more traditional slasher entry called DELIVER US FROM EVIL: PROM NIGHT IV
- DirectorClay BorrisStarsNicole de BoerJ.H. WymanJoy TannerFour students ditch their high school prom for a party at a summer home, unaware that a psychotic priest is on the loose, determined to punish sinners.A crazed priest who suffered abuse as an alter boy kills anyone he sees about to have sex. Guess what a group of Hamilton High kids plan on doing the night he escapes? You got it. Bloodless and quite dull. Followed by a franchise reboot in 2008.
- DirectorNelson McCormickStarsBrittany SnowScott PorterJessica StroupDonna's senior prom is supposed to be the best night of her life, though a sadistic killer from her past has different plans for her and her friends.On the night of the prom a young woman and her friends are terrorized by an insane killer who tormented her years before his most recent escape from the asylum. PROM NIGHT has some polish and cost so little to make it was bound to turn a profit. But it's a terrible movie with not a scare to be had and it's almost completely bloodless ensuring even the gore-hounds will hate it.
- DirectorKarl FreundStarsBoris KarloffZita JohannDavid MannersA resurrected Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes to be his long-lost princess.There have been countless interpretations of the mummy on film from the wonderful gothic horrors from Hammer to the riotous adventures starring Brendan Fraser but none have defined the role as indubitably as Boris Karloff in the 1932 Universal Horror masterpiece THE MUMMY. Karloff plays Imhotep; an Egyptian buried alive for sacrilege in choosing his love for a mortal princess over the Gods. When his casket is discovered a curse awakens Imhotep who sets forth into the world seeking the re-incarnation of his beloved Princess Anhk-es-en-Amon. Universal would resurrect THE MUMMY in four additional films before he was regulated to Abbott and Costello comedies. Remade in 1959, 1999 and 2017
- DirectorChristy CabanneStarsDick ForanPeggy MoranWallace FordArchaeologists defile the tomb of mummified Kharis, who was buried alive for falling in love with an Egyptian princess.Tom THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL Tyler starred as the Mummy Kharis in this followup to the 1932 Universal Monster classic which also utilizes footage from the earlier film to explain how the mummy was entombed alive for having stolen rare tana leaves to grant his beloved Princess Ananka eternal life. When an expedition leads to the desecration of Ananka's tomb Kharis rises for revenge in this pretty good entry in the series if you don't mind wading through the cliches. Filmed in B&W
- DirectorHarold YoungStarsLon Chaney Jr.Dick ForanJohn HubbardThe ancient Egypt Mummy, Kharis, is transported from his homeland with the high priest Mehemet to wreak vengeance on the family who has defiled the sacred tomb of his beloved Princess Ananka.Harold THE FROZEN GHOST Young directed this sequel to THE MUMMY'S HAND starring Lon SPIDER BABY Chaney as a murderous Egyptian named Kharis brought to life with magical tana leaves & an evil priest named Mehemet Bey. I appreciate the Universal classic monster series more than most so these 'lesser than' sequels to the more revered early entries definitely are to my liking. Even the ones starring Chaney who I never developed a taste for as an actor. Followed by THE MUMMY'S GHOST.
- DirectorReginald Le BorgStarsLon Chaney Jr.John CarradineRobert LoweryKharis the mummy is given a sacred potion that grants him eternal life to search for his lost love, Princess Ananka, despite the unending curse that haunts them.Reginald CALLING DOCTOR DEATH Borg who'd worked with Lon Chaney Jr on a few of the star's INNER SANCTUM series directed him in this 4th horror movie in Universal's classic Mummy franchise. Yousef Bey (played by John RETURN OF THE APE MAN Carradine) resurrects the ancient Mummy Kharis who seeks the reincarnation of his love Princess Ananka. When the priest falls in love with Mummy's intended bride all hell breaks loose and it's up to handsome Tom BATMAN AND ROBIN Lowery to save the day. Passable. Filmed in B&W.
- DirectorLeslie GoodwinsStarsLon Chaney Jr.Peter CoeVirginia ChristineShipped to Louisiana, the mummy Kharis from Egypt roams the bayou, tormented by his forbidden love for Princess Ananka.Leslie MEXICAN SPITFIRE SEES A GHOST Goodwins directed this final sequel to THE MUMMY before the character was played out. The bodies of Kharis and Princess Ananka are discovered in a Louisiana swamp & brought back to life by a murderous priest with a pot of tana leaf tea. The not very effective Lon HILLBILLIES IN A HAUNTED HOUSE Chaney Jr returns as Kharis although Tom Tyler also appears in the role via stock footage cribbed from THE MUMMY'S HAND. Followed by ABBOT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeYvonne FurneauxIn 1895, British archaeologists find and open the tomb of Egyptian Princess Ananka with nefarious consequences.Hammer continued adapting Universal monster films with this loose remake of THE MUMMY which actually borrowed more from sequels to the 1932 Boris Karloff classic. Christopher THE WICKER TREE Lee stars as the immortal Kharis, a living mummy tasked with guarding the tomb of his beloved Princess Ananka. When the seal of the tomb is broken the curse spills over into the dawn of the 20th century. Peter STAR WARS Cushing co-stars in this classic English film written by Jimmy GOOD AGAINST EVIL Sangster & directed by Terence THE BRIDES OF DRACULA Fisher. Followed by the non sequitur THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY'S TOMB.
- DirectorMichael CarrerasStarsTerence MorganRonald HowardFred ClarkBritish archaeologists and their American investor ship an Egyptian mummy's sarcophagus to London but someone has the amulet to revive the mummy that will then kill all those who disturbed its tomb.Michael BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB Carreras the son of the founder of Hammer Studios wrote/directed this loose continuation of the 1959 genre classic THE MUMMY. This time an expedition to Egypt at the turn of the 20th century awakens a mummy which stalks and kills those who committed sacrilege. It's a good looking production and Dickie Owens makes for an imposing monster but nothing here feels fresh. Slightly above average for it's type.
- DirectorJohn GillingStarsAndré MorellJohn PhillipsDavid BuckIn 1920 an archaeological expedition discovers the tomb of an ancient Egyptian child prince. Returning home with their discovery, the expedition members soon find themselves being killed off by a mummy, which can be revived by reading the words off the prince's burial shroud.John THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES Gilling directed this 3rd entry in Hammers' non sequitur Mummy series starring stunt man Eddie Powell as the murderous Egyptian monster resurrected when Englishmen violate his tomb. It's slightly more violent than the Universal classics which inspired it but not any better. Followed by BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB.
- DirectorSeth HoltMichael CarrerasStarsAndrew KeirValerie LeonJames VilliersAn archaeological expedition brings back to London the coffin of an Egyptian queen known for her magical powers. Her spirit returns in the form of a young girl and strange things start to happen.BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB was one of two substandard adaptions of Bram Stokers' classic novel The Jewel of the Seven Stars (the other being the 1980 Charlton Heston flop; THE AWAKENING). The mummified remains of an evil Egyptian princess are secreted away to a cellar in England where ancient rituals are performed restoring her to undead life with no regard for the consequences. This was the 4rth & last film in the non sequitur Mummy franchise from Hammer Studios & the least effective.
- DirectorStephen SommersStarsBrendan FraserRachel WeiszJohn HannahAt an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love.Arnold DARKMAN III Vosloo plays the role of Imhotep which was made famous by Boris Karloff in the 1932 classic THE MUMMY. Imhotep is a powerful evil priest re-animated to undead life and spectacularly animated on-screen by the cinematic wizards at Industrial Light & Magic. Brendan GODS & MONSTERS Fraser and Rachael THE DEEP BLUE SEA Weitz are the mutually attracted adventurers who manage to generate considerable chemistry while trying to put Imhotep back into his eternal tomb. Jerry Goldsmith provided the opulent score for this spectacular, special effects extravaganza from Universal and director Stephen VAN HELSING Sommers. THE MUMMY proved so successful with audiences sequels were released in 2001 & 2008 in addition to an cartoon series & a spin off franchise based on the character of THE SCORPION KING.
- DirectorStephen SommersStarsBrendan FraserRachel WeiszJohn HannahThe mummified body of Imhotep is shipped to a museum in London, where he once again wakes and begins his campaign of rage and terror.Pro wrestler Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson plays THE SCORPION KING in a flashback set thousands of years ago where the legendary warrior sells his soul to the Egyptian god Anubis in exchange for an army of Jackal soldiers to defeat his enemies. The resurrected Imhotep (Once again played by Arnold DARKMAN II Vosloo) wants to kill The Scorpion King in order to obtain control over the hordes of Jackal soldiers to conquer the world. Stephen G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA Sommer & the special effect geniuses at Industrial Light & Magic load THE MUMMY RETURNS with breath-taking action sequences & computer animations while the very charismatic leads Brendan GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE Fraser & Rachael CONSTANTINE Weitz (now married & with a son) do the dramatic heavy lifting. The movie was another solid hit for the studio but didn't fare as well with critics.
- DirectorRob CohenStarsBrendan FraserJet LiMaria BelloIn the Far East, Alex O'Connell, the son of famed mummy fighters Rick and Evy O'Connell, unearths the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin -- a shape-shifting entity cursed by a witch centuries ago.Bob THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Cohen directed the action packed and much anticipated 3rd film in Universal's Mummy franchise which reunites the adventuresome O'Connell family led by Brendan DOOM PATROL Fraser, Marla ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 Bello and their adult son played by Canadian actor Luke Ford. The 3 set off for China to explore the legend of the Dragon Emperor (THE EXPENDABLES Jet Li); a powerful tyrant who vowed to enslave the world in this entertaining special effect laden romp which was inexplicably written off by the studio when it only managed to generate 400 million in ticket sales. Maybe the Chinese aesthetic put off fans used to the a more traditional Egyptian flavor. Universal rebooted the series with 2017s THE MUMMY starring Tom Cruise.
- DirectorChuck RussellStarsDwayne JohnsonSteven BrandMichael Clarke DuncanA desert warrior rises up against the evil army that is destroying his homeland. He captures the enemy's key sorcerer, takes her deep into the desert and prepares for a final showdown.WWE Superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson earned his shot in the starring role of Mathayus (AKA: The Scorpion King) after proving himself in the enormously successful THE MUMMY RETURNS. This spin-off to the Universal franchise directed by Chuck A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET PART 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS Russell is about a mercenary hired to assassinate an evil warlord and his sorceress whom he's held captive since her childhood. Mathayus falls in love with the enchantress however and the two band together to kill the warlord (Steven HELLRAISER: REVELATIONS Brand) before he is crowned The Scorpion King. This well produced action/fantasy is loaded with swordplay & quality CG & benefits from an attractive cast. Four direct to video sequels were produced the last of which was 2018's THE SCORPION KING: BOOK OF SOULS.
- DirectorRussell MulcahyStarsMichael CoponKaren DavidSimon QuartermanAfter witnessing his father's murder by the hand of the ruthless General Sargon, Mathayus travels to the Underworld to retrieve the enchanted Sword of Damocles from the dark deity, Astarte. Can he thwart the usurper's megalomaniac vision?Michael NIGHT OF THE DEMONS Copon stars as Mathayus in this prequel to THE SCORPION KING assuming the role previously played by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. The young adventurer travels to the underworld seeking the Sword of Damocles in order to slay a despot played by the UFC's Randy Couture. To get the sword he must defy the goddess Astarte & kill the minotaur who stands guard over it. The movie's resolution is a nicely staged duel to the death between our hero & his own father in the form of a giant scorpion courtesy of director Russell THE TALE OF THE MUMMY Mulcahy who was infamously fired on the set of RAMBO III by the homophobic Sylvester Stallone. THE SCORPION KING 2: RISE OF A WARRIOR received terrible reviews however I think Mulcahy did a more than adequate job considering he was instantly hamstrung by the absence of The Rock & infinitely overshadowed by the release of THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR a few weeks before. I didn't hate it and neither should you..
- DirectorRoel ReinéStarsDave BautistaBostin ChristopherTanapol ChuksridaSince his rise to power, Mathayus' kingdom has fallen. Now an assassin for hire, he must defend a kingdom from an evil tyrant and his ghost warriors for the chance to regain the power and glory he once knew.Roel DEATH RACE 3: INFERNO Reine directed this 3rd installment of THE SCORPION KING franchise starring Victor MELROSE PLACE Webster as the titular lead. Mathayus goes on a quest to recover the mythical Book of the Dead which has been stolen by the evil king played by Billy DEAD CALM Zane. An interesting cast which also includes wrestler Dave GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Batista & Ron ALIEN RESURRECTION Perlman helps slightly. Below average.
- DirectorMike ElliottStarsVictor WebsterEllen HollmanWill KempWhen he is betrayed by a trusted friend, Mathayus (Victor Webster) must marshal all his strength and cunning to outwit a formidable opponent who will stop at nothing to unlock a supreme ancient power.Victor WiSHMASTER 4: THE PROPHECY FULFILLED Webster returns to the role of The Scorpion King in this direct to video sword and sorcery adventure directed by Mike BEETHOVEN 6: BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK Elliot. In this low budget sequel Mathayus is betrayed by his partner Drazen (Will PETALS ON THE WIND Kemp) who seeks a mystic treasure in a castle presided over by a clockwork dragon. Lou THE DEATH OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK Ferrigno costarred. Followed by THE SCORPION KING 5: BOOK OF SOULS
- DirectorDon Michael PaulStarsZach McGowanNathan JonesPeter MensahThe Scorpion King teams up with a warrior named Tala, who is the sister of The Nubian King. Together they search for a legendary relic known as The Book of Souls, which will allow them to put an end to an evil warlord.Following the less than enthusiastic response to Universal's reboot of THE MUMMY franchise in 2017 the studio rushed this direct-to-video back lot spin off of THE MUMMY RETURNS into production starring Zack McGowan and director Don Michael Paul who'd recently worked together on DEATH RACE 4: BEYOND ANARCHY. McGowan plays the Scorpion King; a peaceful man living as a blacksmith until an evil warlord calls for his death to protect a cursed sword from destruction. THE SCORPION KING: BOOK OF SOULS has just enough talent behind the scenes to bring this one in on a tight budget and trots out enough clichés successfully to keep the boat afloat. Barely.
- DirectorAlex KurtzmanStarsTom CruiseSofia BoutellaAnnabelle WallisAn ancient Egyptian princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.Alex MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III Kurtzman directed this 1st and possibly last entry in the proposed Dark Universe which was an attempt by Universal Studios to unify it's classic monsters in the style of the DC/Marvel comic franchises. Despite grossing 400+ million on the international stage the film flopped in North America perhaps killing any hope of the Dark Universe evolving beyond THE MUMMY. A surprisingly spry Tom (age 55) Cruise plays a man who discovers a cursed Egyptian mummy named Princess Ahmanet who was in league with the evil Gods. To stop her from unleashing destruction on London he joins forces with Russel Crowe playing Dr Jekyll (of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde fame) who runs a secret society named Prodigium who's job it is to contain supernatural forces. THE MUMMY isn't as fun as the Brendan Frasier series that began in 1999 but the action is plentiful, the special effects are exciting and convincing. Overall it worked for me as an entertainment.
- DirectorJeff RenfroeStarsJason GedrickTamara HopeElias ToufexisA small group of US Army Soldiers are stranded in the remote Afghan desert. But it ain't the Taliban that's worrying them, it's these giant refugees from Tremors. In fact the big worms prove to be an ally of sorts by doing better against the Taliban than themselves but battling these enemies is something not covered in their training.SAND SERPENTS is the 19th television movie in the Maneater franchise produced in Canada for the Sci Fi Network. A military squad must contend with armed enemy soldiers and a gigantic breed of carnivorous worms. Slightly above average for the series. The special effects aren't anything to write home about but they do get the job done. The cast is also not without appeal. Followed by HELLHOUNDS
- DirectorBilly O'BrienStarsJoe FlaniganSam O'MahonyJohn Rhys-DaviesA groundbreaking device is designed to glimpse alternate universes. But when the machine malfunctions and transports a group of observers into a nightmarish dimension of alien terrors, the travelers must use ingenuity to survive.FEROCIOUS PLANET (aka: ALIEN GATEWAY) is the Canadian made 23 entry in the long line of Maneater films produced for the SyFy network. A group of scientists are transported to an alternate universe where cheaply rendered giant monstrosities snack on people. They struggle to stay alive and somehow make it back to their own world but something tells me if they do make it back their world will be radically different because of the botched experiment. Followed by ROADKILL.
- DirectorJohannes RobertsStarsKeith BurkeStephen ReaKacey ClarkeSix young friends on a road trip in Ireland run afoul of gypsies who curse them for accidentally running down an old woman. The curse takes the form of a terrifying flying creature that tries killing them all.Johannes 47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED Roberts brought some energy and enthusiasm to this 24th film in the Maneater series developed for the SyFy channel. A gypsy's dying curse leaves a group of young people terrorized by a mythical flying monster-bird called a roc. The attractive cast manages to engage and the special effects are used effectively. One of the better entries in this Canadian franchise. Followed by SCARECROW.
- DirectorSheldon WilsonStarsLacey ChabertRobin DunneNicole MuñozSix high school kids come face to face with an evil entity as they serve their detention before the town scarecrow festival.SCARECROW was the 25th film in the long-running Canadian Man-eater series produced for the SyFy channel in the USA. Lacey BLACK CHRISTMAS Chabert stars as one of a handful of college kids lured into a curse cornfield to look for a sinister scarecrow believed responsible for dozens of slasher murders over the decades. Sheldon Wilson (who also directed the ugly CARNY) doesn't generate a single scare in this bloody & predictable horror pic.
- DirectorPaul ZillerStarsMarc MenardCarly PopeAdam O'ByrneA plane flight carrying a college football team crashes in the Himalayas. Surviving the crash was only part of their problem. Trying not to become a meal for the monster lurking in the mountains will be their greater challenge.YETI: CURSE OF THE SNOW DEMON is the 14th film in the Canadian Maneater franchise developed as a television movie for the Sci-Fi network. Peter SEAQUEST DSV Deluise stars in this dull abominable snowman yarn about survivors of a plane crash fending off starvation and a poorly rendered CG monster. Followed by WYVERN.
- DirectorBill CorcoranStarsTara ReidJonathan ScarfeCorbin BernsenA set of vipers has been taken by the scientists, when the vipers escape into the woods, they do more than just bite.Bill RISE OF THE GARGOYLES Corcoran directed this 12th film in the Canadian Maneater series produced for the SyFy network. Tara SHARKNADO Reid & Corbin THE DENTIST 2 Bernsen face imminent death on an island under siege from experimental snakes.
- DirectorYelena LanskayaStarsJustine BatemanTinsel KoreyWilliam MacDonaldAfter an accident causes him to lose his sight, Aaron Scates finds himself in a fight for survival. He must learn to embrace his inner animal or become another failed experiment.Justine FAMILY TIES Bateman stars in this barely tolerable 10th installment of the Canadian Maneater series of television movies developed for the SyFy channel. A blind man given eye transplants from the body of a wolf begins to exhibit signs of lycanthropy. Not one of the better entries in the long running series although I didn't hate it Followed by SHARK SWARM
- DirectorPeter ManusStarsTom WopatKal WeberElizabeth HealeyWhen ants, displaying never-before-seen behavior, seize an island, the controversial Thorax Team is called to stop the massive threat only to discover that the ants are controlled by something beyond this world.THE HIVE was the 8th film in the Canadian Maneater franchise produced for the SyFy network. It stars Tom THE DUKES OF HAZZARD Wopat as a man faced with an army of alien ants bent on world conquest. It's not a dull tv movie but it's awfully silly and the special effects are rock bottom.
- DirectorDavid WinningStarsKevin SorboPeter MacNeillNatalie BrownJust under your feet lurks an evil so deadly, so intelligent, it's scary. The attendees of an ecological summit are about to discover a bigger problem than global warming.David SWAMP DEVIL Winning directed this SyFy tv movie which was the 5th in the Canadian Maneater series which stars Kevin HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS Sorbo as a priest combatting an evil slime that takes possession of people forcing them to kill. Not even worth a look for laughs. Followed by CROC.
- DirectorFrank PerryStarsFaye DunawayDiana ScarwidSteve ForrestThe abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother, screen queen Joan Crawford, is depicted.Faye SUPERGIRL Dunaway gives an Oscar-worthy tour de force performance is this much-maligned bio-pic about the allegations of abuse Christina leveled against her mother; Joan Crawford. Mara THE HAND Hobel & Diana PSYCHO III Scarwid star as Christina from childhood to young adult quite convincingly. It's a very lavishly produced film but director Frank MONSIGNOR Perry allowed it to slip into camp at times. And not just any kind of camp either...'camp classic' camp! Whatever critical potential MOMMIE DEAREST had was instantly destroyed by a few unbelievably over the top moments in an otherwise very slick Hollywood expose.
- DirectorRoger ChristianStarsJohn TravoltaForest WhitakerBarry PepperIt's the year 3000 A.D., and the Earth is lost to the alien race of Psychlos. Humanity is enslaved by these gold-thirsty tyrants, who are unaware that their 'man-animals' are about to ignite the rebellion of a lifetime.PULP FICTION's John Travolta attempted to adapt the 1st volume of L Ron Hubbard's epic science fiction novels to the screen with an all star cast and state of the art special effects bombed spectacularly amidst an avalanche of terrible reviews, scandals involving the production house and widespread concerns about the controversial religion of Scientology. False media reports inflating the movie's budget further solidified this DOG as having the rep of other vanity films which failed miserably like Bruce Willis' HUDSON HAWK or Gena Davis' CUTTHROAT ISLAND. An embarassment to everyone involved.
- DirectorKurt NeumannStarsDavid HedisonPatricia OwensVincent PriceA scientist has a horrific accident when he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device.David VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA Hedison plays scientist Andre Delambre who is transformed into a monstrous human fly when an experiment in teleportation goes awry. Vincent Price plays Andres' concerned brother Francois who is there to console the family and aid the inspector called in to investigate a homicide. This cult classic is also a certified science fiction classic based on a short story written by George Langelaan. SHOGUN's James Clavell provided the screenplay. The special masks used were quite good for the time and the trick ending is a crowd pleaser; one you won't soon forget. Followed by 2 sequels, countless imitations and a franchise reboot in 1986 which saw the release of 2 additional films.
- DirectorEdward BerndsStarsVincent PriceBrett HalseyDavid FrankhamPhilippe Delambre, the now-adult son of "The Fly", does some transportation experimentation of his own.After the wildly successful release of THE FLY, the studio rushed this cheap B&W sequel into production which would ultimately be released as a double feature with THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE. Once again, the film starred Vincent EDWARD SCISSORHANDS Price as the empathetic Francois Delombre who assists his nephew in his attempt to perfect a teleportation device which caused his father's horrible mutation and death. The movie is lousy. The make up effects are dreadful compared to the effects work shown in the original. The director was mainly known for having been accidentally nominated for an academy award and the notorious flop A BIRD IN THE HEAD. RETURN OF THE FLY eventually developed a reputation as a cult classic and it can be enjoyed on that level. Followed by THE CURSE OF THE FLY in 1965.
- DirectorDon SharpStarsBrian DonlevyGeorge BakerCarole GrayMotorist Martin Delambre attempts to keep evidence of his family's bizarre experiments in teleportation hidden from his wife, who is hiding secrets of her own.Don THE BRIDES OF FU MANCHU Sharp directed this strange English B&W sequel to the 1958 science fiction classic THE FLY without any involvement from Vincent Price; the star of both earlier films. Harry THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS Spalding wrote the gothic flavored screenplay which focuses on generations of the Delambre family whose bodies have been mutated and mutilated in their effort to perfect the teleportation device. Into their world of science and monsters comes a lovely woman freshly escaped from a local asylum who falls in love with Martin Delabre unaware of the horrors she'll face as his wife. It's quite moody and effective. The script deviates from the man-bug B movie concept into something with more depth. The Delambre family seems addicted to teleportation and accepting of the disfigurements and genetic damage done to them because of the experiments. That makes this an unexpectedly appropriate transitional film between the 1st series and David Cronenberg's infamously grotesque remake of THE FLY in 1986. I liked it a lot more than most.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsJeff GoldblumGeena DavisJohn GetzA brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.Pound for disgusting, terrifying, gut-wrenching pound, David Cronenberg's THE FLY is as powerful and unforgettable as THE EXORCIST. It's easily one of the best horror movies ever made. Loosely based on the short story & subsequent cult classic 1958 film, this gruesome remake focuses on the relationship between lovers torn to pieces when scientific experiments leave one of them transforming into a new species; a hybrid between man and fly. Geena THELMA AND LOUISE Davis & Jeff JURASSIC PARK Goldblum (who were real life lovers at the time) had chemistry to burn and it's a testament to their ability as actors that we as an audience are so invested in their characters. It's why we care so much and why the last moments of this film leaving you feeling as if you just got punched in the gut. This is Cronenbergs' masterpiece. The special effects were even more ferociously grotesque than in John Carpenters' THE THING. Chris Walas would win an Oscar for his make up effects which hold up surprisingly well. Walas would also direct the highly anticipated sequel; THE FLY II.
- DirectorChris WalasStarsEric StoltzDaphne ZunigaLee RichardsonThe almost-human son of "Brundlefly" searches for a cure to his mutated genes while being monitored by a nefarious corporation that wishes to continue his father's experiments.Eric SISTER, SISTER Stoltz and the horribly mis-cast Daphne MELROSE PLACE Zuniga fail to generate the sparks Jeff Goldblum & Geena Davis did in the original playing Martin's parents and therein lies the problem. We don't care as much. I was in fact more invested in the secondary plot between Martin Brundle and his laboratory experimentation dog. That's how bad Zuniga is as an actress. Chris Walas keeps the gruesome old school practical effects popping and manages a few shocks that would make THE FLY puke. I'm giving THE FLY II an extra star for the elevator gag because I've never seen something so disgusting in my life. It's a lesser-than sequel but one I pretty much enjoyed.
- DirectorMark PoloniaStarsKelsey KaufmannHouston BakerJoshua PollittA group of students on a class assignment travel to the infamous Camp Blood woods in the hopes of debunking a local legend.Mark GORILLA WARFARE: BATTLE OF THE APES Palonia cranked out this slasher pic in his backyard for a couple of hundred bucks. It's clearly a 10nth rate FRIDAY THE 13TH knock-off intended to appeal to whatever tiny demographic still exists decades after that regrettable horror fad ran it's course. This DOG concerns a group of instantly forgotten actors who meet their demise in Camp Blood (subbing for Crystal Lake) at the hands of demented clown armed with a machete. The fx are cartoonish.
- DirectorMark PoloniaStarsGreta VolkovaWyatt WoodMel HeflinA group of college kids on Fall break find themselves in a bad situation when they become stranded at the infamous Camp Blood.I assumed all the high school drop outs this DOG may have appealed to decades ago would be homeless, imprisoned or dead by now and in no great urgent need to watch a rock-bottom rip-off of low brow 80s slasher movies. Mark FEEDERS 2: SLAY BELLS Polonia directed this impoverished slasher that looks like it was made with cell phones & food stamps.
- DirectorMark PoloniaStarsSteve DiasparraJamie MorganMariah JoyceInfamous Blackwood Forest is still haunted by the numerous deaths at the hands of a masked clown killer, but now, it's haunted by something else. The vengeful spirit of the recently deceased Camp Blood Killer is out for revenge from beyond the grave.This DOG from director Mark BIGFOOT VS ZOMBIES Polonia is the 9th video in the embarrassing series (counting the unauthorized CAMP BLOOD: WITHIN THE WOODS) about the ghost of a knife wielding clown killing lousy unknown actors in someone's backyard. Inexplicably followed by CAMP BLOOD KILLS in 2019.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsMira SorvinoJeremy NorthamAlexander GoodwinThree years ago, entomologist Dr. Susan Tyler genetically created an insect to kill cockroaches carrying a virulent disease. Now, the insects are out to destroy their only predator, mankind.Mira Sorvino who blamed Harvey Weinstein for damaging her career with a blacklist and accused film-maker Larry Cohen of inserting a condom into her mouth for an audition (For the movie; THE STUFF, she neglects to say which is a about a blob of alien yogurt which crawls down human throats) starred in this minor hit from Spanish director Guillermo PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING del Toro. The silly premise artfully played out with some solid special effects finds mutant cock roaches in the sewers beneath New York grown to human size and capable of mimicking us in order to lure humans to their death. Josh DEADPOOL 2 Brolin co-stars.
- DirectorJean de SegonzacStarsAlix KoromzayBruno CamposWill EstesA human mimicking giant bug survived Mimic (1997) and is killing humans and stalking a woman, who's bug/biology school teacher in NYC.This direct to video sequel to the minor 1997 hit MIMIC finds a new cockroach creature impersonating a man in order to have sex with a school girl. Some of the special effects are fun but overall it's junk.
- DirectorJ.T. PettyStarsLance HenriksenAlex CioalcaKarl GearyA man enclosed in a plastic bubble, his sister, and their best friend must defend an apartment complex from the mutant Judas Breed insects.J.T. Petty who may be best known for writing/directing video games like The Walking Dead Season 2 and Outlast 2 made this odd direct to video sequel to MIMIC which stars Karl NADJA Geary as a germaphobe living a reclusive life. From his apartment window he observes a sinister man played by Lance ALIEN 3 Henriksen about the same time as his neighbors begin to vanish one at a time. Is he a giant cockroach, do you suppose? Terrible!
- DirectorCole S. McKayStarsJaz MartinHennely JimenezAnnaMaria DemaraAn amateur racer gets involved in illegal street racing after the death of his brother.200 MPH was a mockbuster of FAST FIVE produced by The Asylum who also gave us trash like ATLANTIC RIM & TRANSMORPHERS. An illegal street racer vows revenge against the drug dealer who drove his brother off the road. Lots of fake looking boobs & fake looking CG racing action.
- DirectorAlf KjellinArnold LavenStarsLynn BenischMartin E. BrooksNorman BurtonA television movie made from two segments of the TV Series Planet of the Apes (1974), The Surgeon (1974) and The Interrogation (1974).This syndicated tv movie is two episodes (The Interrogation & The Surgeon) of the short lived 1974 series PLANET OF THE APES. Roddy McDowall who starred as Galen filmed additional material to try to sandwich the episodes more neatly together.
- DirectorDon McDougallBernard McEveetyStarsRoddy McDowallRon HarperJames NaughtonA television movie made from two segments of the cult TV Series Planet of the Apes (1974), The Gladiators (1974), directed by Don McDougall and The Legacy (1974), directed by Bernard McEveety.This syndicated tv movie is two episodes (The Gladiator & The Legacy) of the short lived 1974 series PLANET OF THE APES. Roddy McDowall who starred as Galen filmed additional material to try to sandwich the episodes more neatly together.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyJack StarrettStarsKlair BybeeMichael ConradJames DaughtonA television movie made from two segments of the TV Series Planet of the Apes (1974), The Horse Race (1974) and The Tyrant (1974).This syndicated tv movie is two episodes (The Tyrant & The Horse Race) of the short lived 1974 series PLANET OF THE APES. Roddy McDowall who starred as Galen filmed additional material to try to sandwich together the episodes more neatly.
- DirectorArnold LavenDon WeisStarsRoddy McDowallRon HarperJames NaughtonThis is not an original made-for-TV movie, but two episodes of the 1974 TV series Planet of the Apes (1974) edited together: Escape from Tomorrow (1974) and The Trap (1974).This syndicated tv movie is two episodes (Escape From Tomorrow & The Trap) of the short lived 1974 series PLANET OF THE APES. Roddy McDowall who starred as Galen filmed a few additional minutes of material to try to sandwich the episodes more neatly together.
- DirectorDon McDougallJohn Meredyth LucasStarsFrank AletterJoanna BarnesWilliam BeckleyA television movie made from two segments of the TV Series Planet of the Apes (1974), Tomorrow's Tide (1974) and Up Above the World So High (1974).This syndicated tv movie is two episodes (Tomorrow's Tide & Up Above the World So High) of the short lived 1974 series PLANET OF THE APES. Roddy McDowall who played Galen filmed a few additional minutes of material to try to sandwich the episodes together more neatly.
- DirectorChuck MorrongielloKarolina MorrongielloStarsChuck MorrongielloKarolina MorrongielloCurtis WykaCharlie and Buzi are ghost enthusiasts fascinated by the legend of the scariest road in America, Mt. Misery Road. The couple continues their adventure to the woods until they realize they got into a whirlpool of paranormal activities.It's not the worst Amityville knock off you'll find floating around the bottom shelf of your local Dollar Store but it's close. And like so many others of it's kind has nothing whatsoever to do with THE AMITYVILLE HORROR. A couple explores the supernatural events reported to occur on a haunted road near Amityville. Sleep inducing and impoverished film making.
- DirectorYeon Sang-hoStarsGong YooJung Yu-miMa Dong-seokWhile a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.TRAIN TO BUSAN is a breath of fresh rotting air for the zombie genre. It's also the most emotionally involving film of it's kind in recent memory which build a very strong dramatic foundation for the spectacularly orchestrated action. While traveling to Busan with his daughter, a young father struggles to keep her alive during the long-feared zombie apocalypse. This South Korean film was an international hit which has inspired an American remake & a sequel pending. It's easily on par with 28 DAYS LATER or PLANET TERROR.