Change Your Image
donob
Reviews
C.H.U.D. (1984)
Perfect B-Grade Horror
EPA dumps toxic radioactive waste under the city underground dwelling homeless people into man- eating monsters. Bravo, that, is a darn fine B- Movie plot...though they really weren't human any more so technically were they actually cannibals?
Not poorly directed at all, this dirty, gritty little inner-city flick gives you a great feel for a part of big cities and its homeless denizens you rarely see. You could practically smell the urine and filth in the underground scenes/sets, good stuff - makes you curious as to what is really down there beneath there streets of huge old cities.
Performances range front great to rough, there are a surprising number of actors who became big names involved, Heard, Stern, John Goodman cameo,Ruth Maleczech, Jay Thomas and many more, someone knew a lot of people! say what you will you won't forget Val! ;) Daniel Stern makes the film, his performance as the ex-con soup kitchen operator is spot on.
Sparce, negligible musical score actually works, most scenes don't need it, gives it a more realistic touch. Monsters are great,cheesy special effects- the neck stretching scene, hanging stuffed dog, bravo.
Fun all the way through, some actual suspenseful scenes, perfect ending, this film well-deserves a healthy cult status/following!
La passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928)
A couple od details...
I simply agree that this is one of cinemas true masterpieces, I'm with those who consider it one of if not the greatest film.
Two details that I always loved; when Joan sits in her cell taking comfort by staring at the image of the cross formed by the windowpane, then the priest who pretends to befriend her but intends to betray her walks in and his shadow covers the image of the cross - wow, is there a more haunting or effective use of imagery in all of film?
Also, I appreciated how at the end when she was about to be killed the same priest looked down on her, unseen, and bowed and shook his head with an expression of true sorrow. I think that was such a profound scene, showing that, though not exactly one of the good guys, he didn't really want her to die, he respected her strength and faith, it showed he was human - I thought that was an amazing, great touch.
Also I'd like to mention Richard Einhorn's inspirational soundtrack that matches the film so incredibly well that I can't imagine one without the other. I'd love to shake his hand and simply say 'Thank you! ...you lucky dog!" ;) ... to now and onward be associated with and part of this great film. First time I watched the film, the style of the soundtrack struck me, a new sound, but I was engrossed in the film to think much about it. Second time I watched it, the moment the music started I began to cry, to my surprise! It had left such an affect on me the first time, I didn't realize!