azathothpwiggins Reviews

The McPherson Tape (1989 Video)

Party Crashers...

[7 May 2024]

THE MCPHERSON TAPE is an early example of the "found footage" movie subgenre. As such, it's pretty good. The acting is far more natural than in many other FF films. The characters speak with each other in overlapping conversations, and the ruse of using a birthday party is a sound reason to keep the home video camera rolling. The style also fits the way in which home movie enthusiasts recorded just about anything and everything they could during the VHS "camcorder" days of the 1980s.

The rising panic level is quite believable, and the family members neither act too heroic nor too imbecilic. They seem normal.

A well-made film with a nice, creepy finale...

Evil Dead (2013)

"I Can Smell Your Filthy Soul!"...

[6 May 2024]

Director Fede Alvarez's EVIL DEAD is a remarkable acheivement in several respects. First, it is a "reimagining" of Sam Raimi's original horror masterpiece. It helps that it has his blessing, but it still could have gone south. Instead, it's a vicious, relentless, gore-drenched opus in its own right.

Second, Mr. Alvarez chose to use practical gore effects, avoiding the cartoonish look of so many other modern films of this subgenre. In ever-increasing amounts, the blood seeps, pours, and, finally, rains in all of its crimson glory. The thousands of gallons used is staggering, rivalling Peter Jackson's DEAD ALIVE!

Third, everything is played straight, with no "zany" characters or self-referential humor. This works well in keeping it all dark, bleak, and terrifying.

Highly recommended for fans of all things demonic and deceased...

Freaky (2020)

Swapped...

[3 May 2024]

FREAKY works well because it strikes a perfect balance between slasher / horror and comedy. Vince Vaughn shows some real versatility in his role as The Butcher. Due to the plot's mashing together of FRIDAY THE 13TH and FREAKY FRIDAY, Mr. Vaughn must be both terrifying and hilarious. He succeeds brilliantly.

Kathryn Newton is equally adaptable as Millie. In fact, her shift from insecure high school student to vicious psychopath is a wonder to behold. She takes on an almost reptilian appearance that chills to the bone! Millie transforms into a truly frightening killer.

Are there silly aspects? Yes, but they don't overshadow the idea of playing around with soul transference, mixed with grisly terror.

Highly recommended for horror fans with a functioning funny bone...

The Green Slime (1968)

"Their Growth-Rate Is Incredible!"...

[2 May 2024]

In THE GREEN SLIME, the Earth is threatened by an approaching asteroid, and an orbiting space station is our only hope. In order to obliterate the gigantic rock, a team must land on its surface. Unfortunately, there's something on the asteroid that becomes a deadly danger all on its own.

From its opening seconds, we know this movie is going to be a laugh riot. The opening song is a funky classic, the sets are obviously plastic toys, the titular creatures are ridiculous, and the characters are utterly serious about this nonsense.

Richard Jaekel plays the rigid, humorless station commander. He's so tightly-wound that we fear his head might spin off into space at any moment! Robert Horton is Jack Rankin, another commander, sent from Earth to take control. The rivalry between these two, especially over the lovely Dr. Benson (the stunning Luciana Paluzzi), is hilarious.

Watching this soap opera unfold, while rubber monsters run amok, is sheer poetry!

So, gather your friends, select your favorite intoxicants, and prepare for liftoff...

Malignant (I) (2021)

Killer Headache...

[1 May 2024]

MALIGNANT marks Director James Wan's return to horror, in the midst of his superhero cycle. It's quite a return indeed! No punches are pulled in this wild, gore-drenched movie! Anyone fearing that Mr. Wan might play it safe will be glad to know that he definitely does not.

Story: Madison (Annabelle Wallis) is a pregnant woman in an abusive marriage, who finds her life changing suddenly and drastically. Soon, murders are happening that she is somehow able to "witness". As the victims pile up, Madison finds herself in a paranormal nightmare.

Mr. Wan draws from the horror-thrillers of the 1970s and 80s, creating a slick, beautiful backdrop for this insane bloodbath. The plot is original, the execution is perfect, and the finale is absolutely bonkers! In a good way!

Highly recommended for lovers of the bizarre and twisted...

Total Recall (1990)

"Relax, You'll Live Longer!"...

[30 April 2024]

The futuristic / sci-fi / dystopian TOTAL RECALL stars the one-and-only Arnold Schwarzenegger as Quaid, a man who decides to take a virtual vacation, only to find himself caught up in a nightmare. From then on, nothing is as it appears, and no one can be trusted.

Opening on Earth, it's when the scene switches to Mars that the real excitement begins, turning the entire movie into one humongous chase sequence. Arnold is in rare form, playing one of his most bada$$ characters, punching, kicking, and shooting his way through the strange underworld of the Red Planet. Michael Ironside is Quaid's psychopathic nemesis, only one step behind him, and ready to kill. Sharon Stone is fantastic as Quaid's wife, and Rachel Ticotin gets to be tough-as-nails as Melina. Ronny Cox plays another of his devilish corporate head roles.

Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, Director Paul Verhoeven transforms the source material into a rip-roaring, non-stop adventure, filled with mutants, machine guns, and mayhem. Oh, and watch out for those mining machines!

A classic Arnold movie featuring one of his best performances...

Raw Deal (1986)

Undercover Arnold...

[29 April 2024]

In RAW DEAL, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as small-town sherriff, Mark Kaminski, who is called upon by his old FBI boss (Darren McGavin) to infiltrate the outfit of a Chicago crime lord.

In true Arnold fashion, he quickly makes his presence known, causing a massive explosion, huge property damage, and several severe bodily injuries right away.

Many have questioned just how believable Arnold is in his role, but is that really the point? After all, does anyone really watch his movies expecting sophisticated intrigue? While not one of his best films, it is entertaining, and never boring. The proceedings are helped greatly by the inclusion of Paul Shenar and Robert Davi as slimy mobsters.

Have no fear. Arnold goes into full Terminator mode during the jaw-dropping finale!...

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Born For The Role...

[28 April 2024]

No one else could possibly fill the role of CONAN THE BARBARIAN as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger does! No one! Anyone familiar with Robert E. Howard's books, or the paintings of Conan by Frank Frazetta, must admit that Arnold absolutely embodies him. Everything about his performance is overpowering, imposing, and unforgettable.

The movie itself is a decent representation of Howard's hyborian age, with lots of savagery, superstition, and sword battles. Conan's sword is a marvel made of real steel, not some plastic prop. Arnold swings it adeptly, having spent hours being trained in its proper use.

Sandahl Bergman is great as Conan's stealthy cohort, Valeria, and James Earl Jones uses his booming voice on the side of eeevil, as the sinister Thulsa Doom.

A fantastic fantasy-adventure film that gives a strong indication of what Arnold was destined to become...

Scarface (1983)

Let It Snow...

[25 April 2024]

Director Brian De Palma's SCARFACE follows Cuban immigrant, Tony Montana (Al Pacino) from his arrival in Miami Florida, and throughout his violent rise to the top of the Cocaine underworld. Montana is one of the most riveting, vile, yet intriguing characters in any crime drama. Mr. Pacino carries the entire film, making his role iconic right from the movie's opening moments.

The violence was so shocking for its time, that the Director had to fight against SCARFACE being the first movie to ever receive an X rating for violence alone. As for the notorious dialogue, it's true that the dreaded F-word is spoken in all of its forms, over 200 times. Though this might seem like no big deal now, it definitely was in the early 1980s.

Anyone who grew up in the late 1970s-80s remembers how Cocaine swept the USA, becoming the "IT" drug of choice for celebrities and zillionaires. SCARFACE shows the bleak horror behind the glitzy facade. Upon seeing it, you might hate it, but you'll never forget it...

Chappie (2015)

Awareness...

[24 April 2024]

First off, let's dispense with the obvious. Yes, there are elements of ROBOCOP, and SHORT CIRCUIT in this film. Hell, might as well toss in I, ROBOT too. Still, in spite of this, CHAPPiE manages to be original and entertaining. This is due to Director Neill Blomkamp's ability to use science fiction as more than just an excuse to show off fantastic CGI technology. Here he tackles deep issues, such as life, death, and the nature of consciousness.

Have no fear. There's still plenty of action and thrills, complete with gun battles, car chases, and several explosions. The final conflict is especially satisfying for the pyrotechnics enthusiast.

Dev Patel is very good as Chappie's creator, and Hugh Jackman plays his sinister role with gusto! Watch for Sigourney Weaver in a cameo role as the icy corporate head.

A mostly forgotten gem that needs to be rediscovered...

Residue (I) (2017)

A Real Page-Turner...

[23 April 2024]

RESIDUE is a very strange movie to say the least, and that's not a bad thing. It's an original idea about a book that seems to be both alive and extremely powerful. When a private detective (James Clayton) is hired to track it down, his life changes in drastic, unexpected ways.

Writer-Director Rusty Nixon uses the book as a sort of supernatural Macguffin, causing the characters around it to experience what appear to be uncontrollable time shifts. The story is disorienting and unsettling, while also including spurts of humor -like the shaving cream scene- that help to lighten it up a bit.

There are strong occult elements that add an eldritch flavor, like you might get if H. P. Lovecraft had written The Maltese Falcon. Is it perfect? No, but it's good.

It's also nice to see Matt Frewer as a crimelord, Costas Mandylor as an operative, and William B. Davis as a mysterious zillionaire.

A low-budget film that uses its money wisely...

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

"Hope You Like What You See!"...

[23 April 2024]

Director Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES is his ode to 1970s horror shockers like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, etcetera. It's also the perfect adult tribute to all things Halloween:

Four young travelers wind up at the home of the Firefly clan, where they're lives are... drastically changed.

For a filmmaking debut, this movie is exceptional. The Director takes special care with the ghoulish decor, with great sets like Captain Spaulding's macabre museum, as well as the Firefly's creepy abode. While there are large dollops of humor, there are some genuinely tense, uncomfortable, and downright scary moments as well. Bill Moseley is the criminally insane Otis; Sheri Moon Zombie is the cackling, homicidal Baby; and the magnificent Karen Black is the audacious Mother Firefly. A truly memorable family of maniacs!

Watch this at your next All Hallow's Eve extravaganza...

Man Vs. (2015)

In The Deep Woods...

[22 April 2024]

In MAN VS., Doug (Chris Diamantopoulos), a TV personality known for his solo adventures in the woods, tackles the wilderness of Northern Canada, only to find himself up against something quite unnatural and terrifying.

Mr. Diamantopoulos plays Doug as a rather knowledgeable outdoorsman, showing various survival techniques and giving helpful tips. The tension builds slowly, allowing us to get to know Doug and his surroundings. It's basically a "found-footage" horror film, with cinematic scenes of what's going on around Doug while he's making the show.

This is one of the better examples of this subgenre, due to a convincing main character, an original story, and some nice, unexpected touches. Especially the ones involving animal traps, and a certain traveler's chess board.

Where things take a bit of a dive is during the finale, becoming a sort of North American version of the original PREDATOR. There's also some pretty dodgy CGI involved. It would have been a good idea to only show glimpses of the creature, at night, if at all.

However, there's a nice, dark twist at the end that makes up for these lapses...

Blood Glacier (2013)

Global Swarming...

[17 April 2024]

BLOOD GLACIER is an eco-horror film with a definite vibe similar to that of John Carpenter's THE THING. Is it as good as Carpenter's classic? Well, no, but it's not bad.

At a remote outpost in the Austrian Alps, a team of climatologists uncover the titular phenomenon. Terror ensues when the effects of the glacier begin to take their toll on the local wildlife, causing bizarre, highly-dangerous mutations.

The human characters are mostly forgettable, except for Gerhard Liebmann, who plays Janek, the Kurt Russell-type antihero of the story. Also, Brigitte Kren is memorable as the no-nonsense Minister. She has some of the best lines, including the hilarious, "Stop eating that banana while you're crying!".

The mutant / hybrid monsters are fairly well-realized, using both practical and CGI effects. So, if you can overlook some goofiness, this should provide a decent evening's entertainment...

Memento (2000)

No Time...

[16 April 2024]

Director Christopher Nolan's MEMENTO is one of the best neo-noir films ever made. It's actually two movies in one, with the main story (in color) running in reverse, while the other, equally important story -(in black and white) runs chronologically. Guy Pearce plays Leonard, a man in search of his wife's killer. The problem is, Leonard has complete short-term memory loss, only remembering events for a few minutes, before losing them forever.

Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) are apparently helping Leonard with his quest for justice. However, nothing in this movie is quite as it appears to be, and every word in every scene is important.

Mr. Nolan has really created a mind-bender here, and the use of two aspects of the film weaving their way through each other, while running in opposite directions, is ingenious. There's a definite sense of paranoia throughout, as well as a building dread at what might be in store at the end (beginning?).

A true classic worth several repeat viewings...

Bloody Hell (2020)

Baby Food...

[16 April 2024]

After Rex (Ben O'Toole) saves a bank full of hostages during an armed robbery, he spends 8 years in prison for his efforts. Upon his release, Rex decides to head for Finland. Upon his arrival, a nefarious plot unfolds, and Rex finds himself caught up in a terrifying, life-and-death situation.

BLOODY HELL is a glorious mix of horror, action, and comedy. Mr. O'Toole plays Rex as a man with two distinct personalities, both shown at once having conversations. This really gives the character some extra depth, while also providing the lion's share of the laughs. Rex is pretty complicated, making him the perfect survivor of the ordeal that threatens him.

The other main cast members are quite good as well. Lovers of movies like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, MOTEL HELL, or FRONTIER(S) should really enjoy this one.

A gory, fast-paced, hilarious trip to dark side...

The Wrath of Becky (2023)

The Return Of Chipmunk...

[15 April 2024]

In THE WRATH OF BECKY, Lulu Wilson reprises her avenging angel role in order to take on another group of murdering scumbags. This time, it's a bunch of knuckle-dragging yahoos known as the "Noble Men" (a thinly-veiled reference to a real organization). So, yes, this sequel gets a bit more political. However, that point becomes moot, and all but forgotten, once the first head explodes!

After all, these movies are all about Becky, and the fools who dare to cross her. The Directors up the ante in this one, as Becky finds herself in -somewhat- greater peril. Her new adversaries seem to have one or two extra I. Q. points over their predecessors. Well, at least one of them might.

The humor level is also higher, with several laugh-out-loud moments.

Another gory action-fest for the revenge film aficionado...

Becky (II) (2020)

"But When She Was Bad..."

[15 April 2024]

A man (Joel McHale) takes his daughter, Becky (Lulu Wilson) to their rustic summer home for the weekend. It's supposed to be the time when dad and his new girlfriend spring their big news. Instead, it will turn into a nightmare of grisly terror, due to the fact that a foursome of escaped convicts is killing their way toward the unsuspecting family-to-be.

Fortunately, Becky herself is far from being a typical teen, and the thugs are about to learn her lesson.

BECKY is a superb, highly satisfying revenge film, and Ms. Wilson plays her character as a force of nature that's just been waiting to be unleashed. This is a fifteen year old playing a role that is utterly convincing. We feel Becky's pain, grief, and raw fury as she turns the tables and takes out the trash.

Kevin James is also quite good as the sadistic leader of the escaped cons, as is Robert Maillet as the imposing, second in command of the group.

There are some wonderful twists, as well as some surprisingly gory sequences, and the finale is perfect.

An action-packed treat for lovers of the subgenre...

Come Play (2020)

Kill! Your! Phone!...

[14 April 2024]

COME PLAY is sort of a PG-13 rated version of THE BABADOOK. It deals with some similar aspects: a lonely boy (Azhy Robertson) and his worried mother (Gillian Jacobs), and a strange book containing a monster. In this movie, autism comes into play, and the monster is named Larry. There's also a father (John Gallagher Jr.), who is a slacker working at a parking lot.

The family dynamic is dysfunctional, and the boy is bullied at school for being different. Unlike the aforementioned BABADOOK, the creepy "book" is online, allowing the creature to haunt the family through several different devices. It's a fairly scary, gangling abomination that was achieved through both practical and computer-generated means.

Not a bad monster movie, with a nice "terror through technology" angle. Having worked with those on the autism spectrum, this movie does a decent job of portraying its effects and mannerisms...

Happy Death Day (2017)

Today Is The Worst Day Of The Rest Of Your Life...

[14 April 2024]

What makes HAPPY DEATH DAY more than just a horror version of GROUNDHOG DAY, is that it uses humor, accentuated by some genuinely frightening horror genre scenarios, without simply being a parody. Jessica Rothe plays Tree, a college student who awakens with a hangover in a strange dorm room. It turns out that this is the least of her worries as she is forced to relive the same day over and over. A day that brings the movie's title into play.

Each "new day" is a little bit different, depending upon what Tree has learned from the last one. There are some truly inventive twists and odd developments along the way. This is not a dumb movie. Tree isn't just another slasher film imbecile. There's even a moral to the story, as well as some actual pathos.

A fantastic horror-comedy, especially for a PG-13 film...

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

No Fate...

[12 April 2024]

With TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, Director James Cameron did the near-impossible. He surpassed the original film by making the follow-up even more exhilarating and explosive. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns in his signature role as the killer cyborg from the future. This time, he's on an altogether different mission. Linda Hamilton is back as Sarah Connor. Now in a mental institution, she's become a force to be reckoned with, lean and definitely mean!

Edward Furlong is young John Connor, the object of not only Arnie, but a new nemesis (Robert Patrick) that could spell doom for us all!

This movie has an almost continuous stream of classic scenes, including the incredible biker bar opening that establishes Arnold as a leather-clad demigod! If you love action, then you'll love every minute of this gargantuan opus!

Predator 2 (1990)

Urban Jungle...

[9 April 2024]

PREDATOR 2 takes us out of the steamy jungles of the first film, and places the action in 1997 Los Angeles, where rival drug gangs have turned the city into a war zone. The police, led by Lt. Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover), are investigating the vicious mutilation murders of several gang members. Of course, it's obvious from the beginning that the culprit is another alien creature on the hunt.

This sequel is quite good, and Mr. Glover is more than up to the task of facing off against the titular terror. There are gunfights and explosions aplenty, and there's enough bloodshed to fill an olympic swimming pool! Gary Busey is along for the ride as an obsessed government agent, and Bill Paxton gets to play Harrigan's wisecracking sidekick. Also watch for Robert Davi as Harrigan's insufferable boss. Plus, Morton Downey Jr. Plays a highly annoying TV reoporter.

As for the Predator him / itself, Kevin Peter Hall reprises the role, and gets to use some new, extraterrestrial weaponry. It's a memorable rendition.

PREDATOR 2 is packed with classic sequences, including the subway assault, the apartment building chase, and the final conflict.

A solid follow-up that's well worth a watch...

Villains (I) (2019)

"There Ain't A Sweeter Sound In The World Than A Man Tryin' Not To Scream!"...

[9 April 2024]

Two armed robbers (Bill Skarsgard and Maika Monroe) run out of gas after robbing a convenience store. Happening upon an empty rural house, they enter and make themselves at home. When they make a disturbing discovery, and the homeowners (Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick) return, the terror begins, along with the laughs.

VILLAINS strikes the perfect balance between horror and comedy, with plenty of mirth mixed with thrills, chills, and even some truly poignant moments. Mr. Skardsgard and Ms. Monroe make us believe that their characters really do care for each other. Mr. Donovan and Ms. Sedgwick play their roles as completely bananas. Even so, there are times when they're -somewhat- sympathetic.

This movie is one of the better examples of its subgenre...

The Munsters (2022)

A Sweet Halloween Treat...

[9 April 2024]

Personally, I went into this movie expecting it to be terrible. I grew up watching THE MUNSTERS, and just couldn't picture a modern update. I like several of Director Rob Zombie's other films, but this is a vastly different sort of movie for him. Plus, it had already been panned as a "bomb" by critics.

Well, upon having watched it, it was not that bad at all. Was it silly? Absurd? Goofy? Yes, but so was the original TV series! In fact, one of the best things about this, is that it never insults the material. It comes off more as a tribute / homage film, and not a parody. The main characters: Lily (Sheri Moon Zombie), The Count (Daniel Roebuck), and, of course, Herman (Jeff Daniel Phillips), are all well-realized. The actors get the mannerisms down as well as the look. The costumes / makeup are great, and there are tons of Easter Eggs for fans of the show to discover.

One of the main complaints seems to be the psychedelic color scheme. To be fair, the Director wanted to film it in black and white but was overruled by studio meddlers. So, he decided to go all-out day-glo, and it works!

There's a nice cameo performance by Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson as well.

A fun, harmless movie for the entire family...

Sea Fever (2019)

Unwanted Passengers...

[9 April 2024]

SEA FEVER is a nautical horror film about a commercial fishing vessel that encounters a strange creature that attaches itself to the ship's hull. When it finally lets go, the crew discover that it left something behind that could threaten everyone on board.

This is an effective psychological thriller with high levels of paranoia, dread, and doom. Hormione Corfield is very good as the sole scientist on the ship. Her character also seems to be the only one with any common sense. Several illogical and downright stupid decisions are made along the way that only make things worse.

The monster is interesting, but it's role is only to get the terror started, letting the humans take it the rest of the way. The finale is a bit languid, but it fits the somber mood.

Recommended for those who are deathly afraid of the ocean...