leaderdesslok2000 Reviews

Dark and Stormy Night (2009)

Dark and Stormy Night

[10/10 · 9 July 2009]

Larry Blamire does it again with a film that not only pays homage to the great dark house films of yesteryear, but is able to stand on its own as a truly great and original film. The premise is all so familiar, but this take on it is surprisingly fresh.

The film is the first from Bantam Street to be shot in HD, and it really is beautiful to watch. The mansion miniature is amazing and the costumes are all perfectly done. The cast is made of Bantam Street regulars like Brian Howe and Jeniffer Blaire, all of whom really bring their A-game and do a great job of bringing the stock "dark house" characters to life and of course adding a totally different dimension of fun to them by following Blamire's unique style of direction.

If you like old dark house movies, you'll love this. If you like mystery thrillers, you'll love this. If you like to laugh, you'll love this. "Dark and Stormy Night" is great fun for audiences of all ages, and is one movie you definitely don't want to pass up!

The Lost Skeleton Returns Again (2008)

The "Lost Skeleton Returns Again" With Great Fun!

[10/10 · 9 July 2009]

"The Lost Skeleton Returns Again" picks up about two years after the first. All of the great and hilarious characters from the first are back, and even those who were killed off appear in the form of twin siblings. The plot revolves around another mysterious but very valuable radioactive element that can only be found in a place known as the Valley of the Monsters. Naturally, everyone on the planet wants to get their hands on it. Even some people who don't have hands want it, people such as the sinister Lost Skeleton himself, who has been reduced to an evil, disembodied skull that secretly terrorizes Dr. Roger Fleming's brother in an attempt to make him do his bidding. The lovely Animala, played by the equally lovely Jeniffer Blaire, also returns and really steals the show in each of her scenes.

The plot sets the tone for another great tribute to B-movies. It is important to note that Blamire and Bantam Street Productions do not merely spoof B-movies, they make them. Just like the original "Lost Skeleton", this film really captures the heart and soul of the B-movies that it is based upon, and recreates it in a loving way. Blamire's signature dialog makes a triumphant and hilarious return, again proving that ANYTHING that ANY person says can be made to be funny. Also of note, is that Blamire's films are always family friendly, and contain no cursing, profanity, or questionable material of any kind. I appreciate that some film makers realize that such things are not necessary for a great comedy film, and that comedies should be able to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. For that I applaud Bantam Street and its genius members.

The "Lost Skeleton Returns Again" is a throwback to a simpler time, when movies were less about big money and more about big fun. No matter the age, no matter the background, "The Lost Skeleton Returns Again" is sure to entertain, and will take you on a wonderful journey into imagination that you'll want to visit again and again.