willgrant952 Reviews

Hey Dude (1989–1991)

Thank God for Shout Factory

[10/10 · 15 May 2014]

I was lucky enough to grow up in the cusp of the 80's and 90's-the last great era for kids. Back then Nick had GREAT shows; Pete n Pete, You Cant do that on television, ERen and Stimpy, Rocko, Count Duckula, Are you afraid of the dark, and Salute Your Shorts. Hey Dude was the best of the live action shows and has aged like a fine wine. Ted still cracks me up and the sappy episodes are funnier now than ever. Hey Dude is a warm and fuzzy show that will put you in a good mood no matter whats going on in your life. I feel bad for today's generation of kids. They'll never get to experience that time when television was politically incorrect and awesome. Now if only Shout would release You Cant Do that on Television and Salute your shorts my vintage nick DVD library will be complete.

The Forbidden Dimensions (2013)

80's style VHS horror dipped in LSD

[8/10 · 12 May 2014]

If you grew up in the age of VHS horror/scifi films, then you will love this movie. Those that didn't will probably hate it. This is one of those rare low budget independent films that comes along once every few years or so that boggles the mind. As a fan of set design and practical effects; it's refreshing to see a film that doesn't rely on green screen and crap cgi for the effects.This movie reminded me a lot of Clockwork Orange, Dune, and Road Warrior but with a psychedelic twist and lower budget. I had to watch it a few times to fully understand the plot, and it got even better with repeat viewings. With a pulsating synth score (very Tangerine Dream), rapid fire editing, warped SFX, and surreal cinematography, it's truly a bizarre movie (feels a bit Argento in spots). As another viewer pointed out; it does feel like an LSD trip, but personally, I didn't find it weird for the sake of weirdness, it all kinda comes together in the end (if you pay attention to the complicated time travel plot line-which is a bit confusing at times). I could see this becoming a "cult" film for viewers who like strange, campy, retro movies. Besides, any film that references Hey Dude is OK in my book.

The Shining (1980)

Best King adaption ever!!!

[10/10 · 12 May 2014]

Kubrick nails it again with this adaption of Stephen King's boring novel. King is a great idea man, but his writing style is a bit droll. Luckily Kubrick took the best elements and made it his own. The Shining is a horror masterpiece, right up there with John Carpenter's The Thing and Nightmare on Elm Street. The music and cinematography are hypnotizing and Jack's performance is a tour de force. There is few horror films that feel this epic. It's a classic in the truest sense if the word. It's gotten better over time and the creep factor remains strong. I try and watch this every Halloween (along with the movie Halloween). I wish there was a way to view the 144 minute version- so curious as to what was cut out. So for you horror fans out there, this is mandatory viewing.

Manborg (2011)

Back to the 80s

[7/10 · 12 May 2014]

Manborg threw me for a loop. I had no idea what I was in store for. But the awesome cover art made me buy it right away. For a low budget film, it's pretty funny and well put together. Those guys at Astron 6 really know what they're doing. My only problem with it was at times it felt forced. Had they played the entire film straight I may have enjoyed it more. It also lagged a bit in the middle. The stop motion and synth score were is excellent, and that was my favorite part about this movie. The green screen fx look pretty bad, but it kinda adds to the charm. As someone who grew up with id CHS movies as a kid, I could tell were their influences came from.A fun film to each with some buddies at a party for sure (Double feature with Miami Connection?). Overall a good watch for sure.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A masterpiece!

[10/10 · 12 May 2014]

Kubrick was one of the most interesting directors of the 70's and 80's. I feel that next to The Shining, this is his best film. It's interesting how he used local places to create his 1984 style world, instead of building elaborate sets. This film sucks you in at the first frame with its synth score and awesome visuals. Everu time I watch this movie it gets better and better. I find it odd that it was banned in the UK during its original release, because though disturbing, it really isn't that graphic compared to movies like Hostel and Saw. This film stands the test of time and unlike modern cinema, it holds up rather well. Tge 70's decor looks even more futuristic today than it did when it was first released. This is just one of those films that you have to see before you die. Its an experience like no other.

Eraserhead (1977)

Brilliant!!!

[10/10 · 12 May 2014]

David Lynch is a genius and this is his best work thus far. Check it out!!! This film has many elements that are superior to modern cinema. I think all students of film need to watch this in order to understand what you can do with film. Film is an art form and few modern filmmakers understand this logic. Film does not have to be about boring plot lines in order to entertain. Lynch filmed his dreams and we can get a glimpse of whats going on in his mind. Very personal stuff and a brave film to boot. Those that hate this movie have no knowledge of what art is all about. Exploring the subconscious is very important indeed. Lynch intended for this movie to be a moving painting, and thats what it is.