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Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
A Terrific,Entertaining Sequel And One Of The Best In The Series.
Friday The 13th Part VII:The New Blood is a terrific and entertaining sequel that combines great direction,a good cast and a memorable score. All of those elements make The New Blood a solid Horror film and one of the the better films in the FFriday The 13th series.
Friay The 13th Part VII:The New Blood tells the story of Tina(Lar Park Lincoln),a trouble young woman who has telekinetic powers who by accident resurrects Jason Voorhees(Kane Hodder)who is back to kill more campers.
Two years after the excellent,thrilling and high octane sequel Friday The 13th Part VI:Jason Lives came the 1988 release Friday The 13thLPart VII is a fantastic and entertaining sequel that is notable for being the first of four Friday The 13th movies starring fan favorite Kane Hodder in the role of Jason Voorhees which is called the Kane Hoddeer era which also includes Jason Takes Manhattan,Jaaon Goes To Hell and Jason X but out of of the four movies The New Blood is the best of them all. If you knew the Friday The 13th series like the back of your hand you know what to expect with this film:a high body count of Slasher movie ste,kills and our favorite Hockey Mask wearing Serial killer doing what he does best and that is slaughtering people. The New Blood expands on the supernatural elements that was in Jason Lives and takes it a step further by adding a telekinetic element to the film The Friday The 13th series was at it's creative peak by Part VII but at least at it's peak it tried something new. Where as Jason Lives had Humor and some dun The New Blood's tone is very dark and bleak and has almost no laughs but that's one of the things I like about this one. And what about the known staples of the3 franchise such as the kills blood and gore well while the kills are interesting and at times good they lack the creativity and suspenseful build-up you saw in some of the other films although there is a couple stand outs including one with a sleeping bag that is great. Also,the blood and gore of the film while still there is toned down(the MPAA forces the film makers to do a lot of cuts cuts). The movie's fine the way it is but I wanted to see more blood,gore and carnage. Despite being a slow and rotting corpse Jason Voorhess is still as brutal as and angry as ever coming at his victims like a force of nature using any weapon that he can get his hands on axes,knives and even a buzz saw. What can also be seen as supernatural and an interesting addition to the Jason Voorhees character is that Jason in this one(even in Jason Takes Manhattan) is like a phantom or ghost appearing anywhere at anytime he wants making him more powerful and dangerous and leaving his prey helpless. The New Blood can be best described as Jason meets Carrie White with Jason meeting his match in the character Tina. Unlike the other protagonists in the Friday The 13th series who have to fight with their hands,Tina has an amazing gift of telekinetic power where she can move objects with her mind which includes Jason. The final battle between Jason and Tina is one of the best and most thrilling in the series from a visual and physical standpoint as we have never seen Jason dominated by a person he's chasing and you don't know who's going to win or lose. With the exception of Tina and a few other characters most of main characters are pretty much forgettable and are just there to be victims of Jason and you won't be surprised to see them go. If there is something that will divide Friday The 13th fans or will have them scratching their heads is the ending which I thought SA good but random and very surprising. An interesting ending.
The cast is good. Kane Hodder is excellent as Jasonn Vooorhees,with Hodder being menacing and intense. Lar Park Lincoln is wonderful as Tina,the heroine of the film. Kevin Spitas does a fine job as Nick,Tina's lover interest. Susan Jennifer Sulivaan id terrific as Melissa,a mean girl. Terry Liser is great as Dr. Crews,Tina's Doctor Susan Blu does a fine job as Mrs. Shepard,Tina's Mom..
The direction by John Carl Buecheler is fantastic with Bucheler bringing a dark atmosphere that goes with the tone of he film. Fine direction,Bucheler.
The score by Harry Manfredini and Fred Mollin is fantastic,intense and gripping and adds to the film. Great score,Manfredini and Rollin.
In final word,if you love the Friday The 13th series,Horror films or Slasher Movies,I highly suggest you see Friday The 13th Part VII:The New Blood,a terrific sequel that is one of the best in the series. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.
Ricochet (1991)
A Terrific,Entertaining Action-Thriller With Brilliant Performances From Denzel Washington And John Lithgow.
Ricochet is a terrific and entertaining Action-Thriller that combines amazing direction,a great cast,intense Action and a memorable score. All of those elements make Ricochet an effective Action-Thriller that Denzel Washington and John Lithgow at their best.
Set in Loos Angeles,California,Ricochet tells the story of criminal Earl Talbot Blake(John Lithgow)who wants revenge and payback against Cop and Assistant District Attorney Nick Styles(Denzel Washington)who busted Blake years before.
During the 1970s,80s and early 90s there were a bunch of Action and Thriller films that weren't huge Blockbusters or Box Office hits in the movie theaters but still managed to find a a second life and audience on Cable Television and Home Video one of the prime examples of this would be the release in 1991's Ricochet,a fantastic and underrated Action-Thriller that wasn't a huge Box Office hit but is one of those films when you see you never forget it. From start to finish grabs you by the throat with white hot Suspense and thrills that just never stops and you will be glued to the screen at what you see. Ricochet is also the kind of movie that on;y would come from the 1970s,80s and early 90s and would not be done by a major studio today within your face style a style that's so over the top,bizarre and mean-spirited but it really sticks with you. Not an easy film to watch but still fascinating and interesting. This is a movie that wears it's Political Incorrectness on it's sleeve and it's the kind of film that has an brutal edge While Ricochet is still a Popcorn movie with good guys,bad guys and plenty of thrills this is also a movie that takes you on a dangerous journey dealing with various themes such as revenge,obsession and violence told in a wild and dark way. It's not a very deep and thought-provoking movie but it does have a great mixture of substance and style that works for the film. The Action and violence in Ricochet is amazing with shootouts and a couple explosions and some of the violence is pretty vicious and at times give the movie a dark senses of Humor that is funny at times and I have to admit there were at times I laughed. One of the things I like about the movie is how we see how the characters are before and after Nick busts Earl Talbot Blake. We see Nick Styles go from rookie Cop to Assistant Distrjct Attorney and media sensation becoming a star over night while Earl Talbot Blake is a prisoner plotting his revenge following Nick's career and becoming more and more obsessed with getting back at Nick. When Blake gets revenge on Nick Blake does it in a sick and diabolical way going not just after Styles but people around him playing a cat and mouse game making Nick's friends question his sanity and mental stability. What Blake puts Nick through is what the audience is going through from a mental and physical standpoint and Ricochet becomes much more gripping and intense with dread and terror as we the viewer wonder who we be the last man standing in the end in this dangerous battle between good and evil. The ending of Ricochet is outstanding with thrills and surprises that is a great cap-off to the film. An outstanding conclusion.
The cast is great. Denzel Washington is excellent as Nick Styles,with Washington bringing charisma and intensity to the role. John Lithgow is brilliant and intense as Earl Talbot Blake,with Lithgow being creepy n the role. Ice-T is great as Odessa,Nick's gangster best friend. Kevin Pollock is terrific as Larry,Nick's partner. Lindsay Wagner(DA Brimleigh),Mary Ellen Trainor(Gail Wallens),,Victoria Dillard(Alice Styles),Josh Evans(Kim),John Amos(Reverand Styles),Linda Dona(Wanda),John Cothran(Councilman Farris),Jesse Ventura(Chewalski)and Rick Cramer(Jesse)give good performances as well.
The direction by Russell Mulcahy is fantastic,with Mulcahy keeping the camera moving and bringing an atmospheric visual style to the film. Great direction,Mulcahy.
The score by Alan Silvestri is amazing,intense and eerie and elevates the film. Fine score,Silvestri. There is also a terrific Hip-Hop title track Ricochet by Ice-T.
In final word,if you love Action-Thrillers,Denzel Washington or John Lithgow,I highly suggest you see Ricochet,a terrific and entertaining Action-Thriller that will be worth your time. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.
The Fly (1986)
One Of The Greatest Horror Films Ever Made. An Excellent,Terrifying ,Unforgettable Classic From David Cronenberg
The Fly is one of the greatest Horror films ever made,an excellent,terrifying and unforgettable classic that combines fantastic direction,terrific performances,amazing special Make-Up Effects and a powerful score. All of those elements make The Fly one of the finest remakes of all-time that is David Cronenberg at his best.
The Fly tells the story of an eccentric scientist Seth Brundle(Jeff Goldblum)who has made transportation pods that can transfer anyone and anything from one place to another. When Brundle decides to try the pods himself a Fly that is also in the pod is mixed with his DNA and stars to make Seth turn into a fly.
By 1986 Director David Cronenberg had already mastered and perfected the Body Horror sub genre thanks to great Horror films such as The Dead Zone(1983),Videodrome(1983),Scanners,The Brood(1979),Shivers(1975)and Rabid(1977) but in 1986 Cronenberg would release his swan song to the Body Horror genre and his most famous and iconic of his Body Horror films with The Fly,a brilliant and unforgettable SCI-FI/Horror film that was co-produced by Mel Brooks film company Brooksflims(yes the Mel Brooks)and was a critical and Box Office success for David Cronenberg but is also one of finest remakes of all-time. While a remake of the 1958 classic of the same name David Cronenberg has also re-imagined the story to suit his style in creating one of the most horrifying,disturbing and disgusting films ever made. From start to finish,The Fly is movie that is truly goes with the definition of psychological terror because this is a movie that is intense,gripping and harms you not just mentally but physically as well with a tale that is dark,grim and is like living a nightmare that just becomes more and more frightening and once the Horror starts it never stops. The Fly is one of those films that is not very easy to watch but it's a movie that will stick with you. While The Fly is a SCI-FI/Horror film it's other things too it's a character study,a love story(in it's own way)and a sad tragedy told in Cronenberg's style with claustrophobia and dread. As I said before The Fly is a character study and it's character study of the main character Seth Brundle and his downfall. When we see Seth in the early part of the film we see that he's eccentric and weird,but a decent guy. But when he goes into the transportation pod and comes out with the fly he becomes a different person and we see him in the rest of the film transforming into a monster. One of the scariest things about the movie is that each time we come back to Brundle we see him looking worse and worse as he's becoming this creature(Brundlefly) while his body is falling apart and pretty much losing his mind. Brundle's transformation from human to fly is a tr frightening look at madness,fear and how a science experiment can go completely wrong. One of the things I have to warn people about is the blood and gore. The blood and gore in The Fly is some of the ugliest,gross and gruesome ever shown on screen and is truly not for the weak at heart or for weak stomachs. I mean I have seen many Horror films where I am used to Blood and gore but there is something about the blood and gore in The Fly that is unsettling and make the movie more bleak than it already was will make viewers vomit with agony. The blood and gore adds to the film and gives the movie an extra edge and darkness that hangs over The Fly. The ending of The Fly is amazing and unforgettable with fright,terror and surprises. A terrific conclusion.
The cast is great. Jeff Goldblum is excellent and at his best as Seth Brundle,with Goldblum being intense and gripping. Geena Davis is wonderful as Veronica,a journalist and Seth's love interest with Davis having great chemistry with Goldblum. John Getz is fantastic as Stahis,Veronica's ex-boyfriend. Joy Boushel is great and sexy as Tawny,a girl Seth meets. Also,lookout for a cameo by director David Cronenberg as a Gyneocolgist.
The direction by David Cronenberg is amazing,with Cronenberg bringing a dark and gloomy atmosphere with great angles and shots. Fantastic direction,Cronenberg.
The score by Howard Shore is outstanding,with Shore's score being scary,epic and intense. Great Score,Shore.
The Academy Award winning Special and Practical Make-up Effects Chris Walas Inc. is impressive and some of the best and most horrifying Effects ever caught on film. Fantastic Special Make-up Effects.
In final word,if you love David Cronenberg,Jeff Goldblum,Horror or SCI-FI,I highly suggest you see The Fly,an excellent,terrifying and unforgettable Hrror classic that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
An Excellent,Thrilling And Gripping Superhero Film.
Batman V Superman:Dawn Of Justice is an excellent,thrilling and gripping Superhero film that combines terrific direction,a wonderful cast,amazing Action and a memorable score. All of those elements make Batman V Superman:Dawn Of Justice Batman,Superman,Superhero films and Comic Book films at their best.
Set 18 months after the events in Man Of Steel,Batman V Superman tells the story of Batman/Bruce Wayne(Ben Affleck)who is angry about the destruction of Wayne enterprises and lives that were lost and blames Superman(Henry Cavill)for it. Now,Batman wants to destroy Superman at all costs.
Batman V Superman:Dawn Of Justice is a terrific and very entertaining Superhero movie that after many solo feature films we finally saw two of the most iconic and famous Superhero in Comic Books and Pop Culture in Batman and Superman in a once in a lifetime showdown between the two famous figures. This is a movie that has been sharply and very harshly panned by critics and has And I'll admit while the movie is far from perfect and will not be for everyone this film in my opinion is one of the best films with both Batman and Superman and if you are a fan of either one of the characters or both you will enjoy this film. Batman V Superman is an amazing film where it shows the two worlds of Batman and Superman colliding on an big scale that grabs you from start to finish giving viewers a dark comic Book movie,an Action movie and character study for 153 minutes. What director Zack Snyder has done with the the film is incredible because It's an epic movie in story and scope giving us basically a Man Of Steel sequel,a Batman movie and a set up for a Justice League movie all in one continuing the story line from Man Of Steel while giving us something new and introducing another famous and iconic Superhero and Comic Book character in their first feature appearance. We get everything in this movie the Batman signal,Superman flying,fight scenes,Action and other things In BvS there is never a dull moment throughout with Action and Drama happening and never stopping until the very end. This movie while about Batman facing off against Superman is also about the two dealing with themselves and what they do in a complex and psychological way. With Batman/Bruce Wayne we see a man who is still haunted by the death of his parents and the destruction of Wayne enterprises and the people inside of the building and having nightmares(which are used in the film very effectively)and trying to get back at Superman at all costs. With Superman/Clark Kent we see him dealing with the idea of being seen as a hero or a villain to the people as well as himself while trying to find out who he is. The film explores the gray area of what is a hero and what is not a hero in a fascinating way. When the two finally face off and fight it's easily one of the best if not the best moment in the whole movie and will have you cheering at the screen. The Action and fight scenes are dazzling and stunning whether it's the Batman V superman fight or other Action scenes which keep you glued to the screen. The ending of Batman V Superman:Dawn Of Justice is outstanding with tons of Action,thrills and surprises that is fitting for the movie. A solid conclusion.
The cast is great. Ben Affleck is excellent as Batman/Bruce Wayne,with Affleck being gritty,tough and intense. Henry Cavill is brilliant once again as Superman/Clark Kent,with Cavill bringing depth and power to the role. Amy Adams is terrific and beautiful once again as Lois Lane,Superman's love interest. Jesse Eisenberg is delightful as Lex Luthor,the evil villain. Gal Gadot is great and sexy as Dians Prince,a mysterious woman. Diane Lane(Martha Kent),Laurence Fishburne(Perry White),Jeremy Irons(Alfred)and Holly Hunter(Senator Finch)give good performances as well.
The direction by Zack Snyder is fantastic,with Snyder bringing and effective and gritty atmosphere to the film. Amazing direction,Snyder.
The score by Hans Zimmer is outstanding,intense and moody,going nicely with the tone of the movie. Great score,Zimmer.
In final word,if you love Batman,Superman,Comic Book films or Superhero films,I highly suggest you see Batman V Superman:Dawn Of Justice,an excellent,thrilling and gripping Superhero film that is worth your time. 9.5/10.
Total Recall (1990)
An Excellent,Thrilling SCI-FI/Action Classic. Arnold Schwarznegger And Paul Verhoeven At Their Best.
Total Recall is an excellent,thrilling SCI-FI/Action classic that combines amazing direction,a terrific cast,intense Action,great special make-up and visual effects and a memorable score. All of those elements make Total Recall an unforgettable film that is Arnold Schwarnegger and Paul Verhoeven at their best.
Based on a short story by Phillip K. Dick and set on Earth and Mars,Total Recall tells the story of Douglas Quaid(Arnold Scwarzenegger),a construction worker who goes to a place called Rekall that sells made up vacations in a machine. When things go wrong at Rekall,Quaid is sent on a Adventure that takes him from Earth to Mars.
Total Recall is a brilliant and thrilling SCI-FI/Action film that teamed up Action star Arnold Schwarzenegger and Director Paul Verhoeven together and with the star power of Schwarzenegger and amazing over the the top Comic Book style of Verhoeven not only created a Box Office hit,but also created one of the most entertaining,memorable and unforgettable SCI-FI/Action movies ever made that re-watchable to this very day. For 113 minutes,Total Recall is an absolute blast and an Action packed thrill and roller coaster ride from start to finish,a movie that when the Action and Adventure starts it never ends and you as a viewer are going to have a ball. Total Recall is also futuristic film told in a big and large scale that is fast paced and never slows down going from Earth to Mars on a journey that is violent and bizarre,intense and mind blowing as well as awe-inspiring and at times darkly Humorous. We also have good guys,bad guys,deformed mutants and discussions of Alien civilization on Mars and everything in between. The movie is done in a style and way that only Vehoeven can do it. You can almost say that the style in Total Recall is pretty much an extension of Paul Verhoeven's early SCI-FI/Action classic Robocop(1987)which can make a great double bill with this film as both movies are dark and satirical visions of the future. I also love how the movie deals with themes such as identity,technology and dreams and also how the movie is questioning whether all of the events in Total Recall are really happening or are they in Quaid's mind. So while Total Recall is a Schwarzenegger film with a lot of Action it is much closer to other Phillip K. Dick adaptations such as Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and Steven Spielberg's Minority Report than one might think. The Action scenes in Total Recall are amazing,fast and done with an energy that keeps going whether it's gunfights,fist fights,explosions foot or car chases every Action scene grabs you by the throat. The Action and violence is classic Verhoeven with plenty of blood and gore that comes off of the screen and you will be thrilled or horrified at what you see. The main character Douglas Quaid is very a character in the Schwarzenegger mold: a Hero that is a man of Action,puns and one-liners. But in Total Recall Quaid is a character with some depth because when things start to go wrong he's questioning who he really is and wants to find out about his past and his possible future. While the Douglas Quaid character is similar to other Schwarzenegger characters it's a little different with this film. The ending of Total Recall is fantastic and dazzling with great visuals and has you asking questions wanting more. A fantastic conclusion.
The cast is great. Arnold Schwarzenegger is excellent and at his best as Douglas Quaid,with Schwarzenegger bringing depth and charisma to the role. Rachel Ticotin is wonderful as Melina,a woman that helps Quaid. Sharon Stone is terrific as Lori,Doug's wife. Ronny Cox is delightful as Cohaagan,the ruler of Mars. Michael Ironside is fantastic as Ricther,a henchmen for Cohaagan. Marshall Bell(George/Kuato),Mel Johnson Jr.(Benny),Michael Champion(Helm),Dean Norris(Tony),Roy Brocksmith(Dr. Edgemar),Ray Baker(Bob McClane),Rosemary Dunsmore(Dr. Lull),David Knell(Ernie),Alexa Robinson(Tiffany),Robert Costanzo(Harry),Debbie Lee Carrington(Thumbelina),Lycia Naff(Mary),Marc Alamo(Everett)and Pricilla Allan(Fat Lady)give good performances as well.
The direction by Paul Verhoeven is terrific,with Verhoeven moving the camera and keeping the film flowing with energy. Outstanding direction,Verhoeven. TH
The score by Jerry Goldsmith is sensational,epic and powerful,with Goldsmith's score going with the Action perfectly. Amazing score,Goldsmith.
The Special and Practical Make-up Effects by Rob Bottin are stunning,well-done and is among his best work. Terrific make-up effects,Bottin. The Visual Effects are also incredible and truly adds to the film.
In final word,if you love Arnold Schwarzenegger,Paul Verhoeven,Action or SCI-FI,I highly suggest you see Total Recall,an excellent and thrilling SCI-FI/Action classic that you will watch again and again. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Starman (1984)
An Excellent,Underrated SCI-FI-Fantasy-Romance From John Carpenter With A Brilliant Performance By Jeff Bridges.
Starman is an excellent and underrated SCI-FI-Fantasy-Romance that combines terrific direction,wonderful performances,an amazing score and great special effects. All of those elements make Starman a great film that is John Carpenter and Jeff Bridges at their best.
Starman tells the story of am Alien,a Starman(Jeff Bridges)who's space ship has crash landed on the property of widow Jenny Heyden(Karen Allen)and takes the form of her dead husband. With the government on their trail the Starman and Jenny go on a road trip to take him to Arizona where Starman will be able to get back his planet. While on the trip Starman and Jenny get to know each other and fall in love.
During his career,master Director John Carpenter has made five films dealing with Aliens with Horror,Action and SCI-FI,his funny feature film debut Dark Star(1974),the excellent and terrifying The Thing(1982),the brilliant and thrilling They Live(1988)and the underrated and entertaining Ghosts Of Mars(2001). In between those four films came Starman in 1984,a wonderful SCI-FI-Romance that was a modest success at the Box Office,earned an Academy Award nomination for Jeff Bridges,spawned a short lived television series and next to Big Trouble In Little China is Carpenter's lightest film that remains underrated and gives people a different side to Carpenter that wasn't seen before this film. Starman is a movie that is while giving viewers a familiar tale remains re-watchable mixing together elements of not only SCI-FI and Romance but also Road Movie,Fantasy,Adventure with a little bit of Humor that is beautiful and amazing and told in a large scale that grabs viewers from the moment you watch it. Starman greatly mixes together the genres SCI-FI and Romance pretty well. The SCI-FI elements are dazzling leaving you with thrills and awe from a visual standpoint showing from showing how the Starman lands on earth and how he uses his power for good not evil because Starman is one of the nicest Aliens in movie history. One of the main reasons Starman works is the focus on the relationship and love that develops between Starman and Jenny despite being Alien and human. The moments of dialog,interaction and romance between Starman and Jenny keeps the movie going wanting you to see where it's going to go even though the government is after both of them. The love and Romance feels real and genuine with a lot of heart that connects with viewers on an emotional level and you would want Starman and Jenny to be together forever. If you watched Carpenter's other films you should already know he's never been the most sentimental or Romantic filmmaker but he does a great job with the Love and Romance in the movie. As the journey on the road goes along Starman not only starts to fall in love with Jenny but starts to act more human doing things that regular people do and when we see the scenes with Starman being human it's funny as it is touching whether it's winning money on a Casino slot machine or trying to smoke a cigarettes. Starman also tells a character how he feels about the people on earth and one of the reasons he visited Earth. Some have compared Starman with Steven Spielberg's classic ET which came out two years before Starman some calling this movie ET for adults and while the two have similarities without a doubt both stand on their own. The ending of Starman is terrific,beautiful and matches the tone of the movie leaving viewers with optimism and hope. An amazing conclusion.
The cast is great. Jeff Bridges is excellent and at his best as Starman,with Bridges being sweet and amusing. Karen Allen is wonderful and beautiful as Jenny Hayden,Starman's love interest. Charles Martin Smith is terrific as Mark Sherman,a scientist. Richard Jaeckel is great as George Fox,a National Security Director. George 'Buck' Flower(Cook),Dirk Blocker(Cop#1),M.C Gainey(Cop#2)and Ted White(Deer Hunter)give good performances as well;.
The direction by John Carpenter is amazing,with Carpenter always moving the camera and bringing a great flare and style to the film. Terrific direction,Carpenter.
The score by Jack Nlitzsche is fantastic,beautiful and awe-inspiring matching the movie perfectly. Fantastic score,Niezche.
The Special Practical and Visual Effects are stunning and truly add to the film. Great special effects.
In final word,if you love John Carpenter,Jeff Bridges,SCI-FI,Romance or Fantasy,I highly suggest you see Starman,an excellent,underrated SCI-FI-Romance-Fantasy that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)
An Excellent Hilarious,Underrated Sequel.
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is an excellent and hilarious sequel that combines great direction,a wonderful cast,terrific laughs,a fantastic script and a memorable score and soundtrack. All of those elements make Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey an amazing sequel that's worthy to the original.
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey finds Bill(Alex Winter)and Ted(Keanu Reeves)who's band Wild Stalyns have entered a battle of the bands while at the same time asking their girlfriends to marry them. Things are going well for Bill and Ted until the two are killed by evil robot versions of themselves sent from the future by an evil leader named De Nomolos(Joss Ackland)who wants to rule the world. Now,Bill and Ted have have to get back from the dead defeat the forces of evil.
Released in 1991,Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is a brilliant and hilarious film that was the follow-up to the Cult Classic Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. While Bogus Journey was a modest success at the Box Office grossing 38 million dollars against a 20 million dollar budget,the movie has always had a mixed to lukewarm reception among Bill and Ted fans and doesn't get the same love as the first film and I don't know why. Maybe it was because it had the misfortune of being released around the same time as the SCI-FI/Action classic Terminator 2:Judgment Day which was a much bigger hit or maybe the characters Bill and Ted peaked in popularity with the first film which is a shame because Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is a film that is underrated and overlooked. One of the things I love about Bogus Journey is that while being sequel to Excellent Adventure it takes on a much different tone and feel from the first film. Instead of making an other movie about time traveling Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is many things funny,wacky and at times surreal. For 93 minutes Bogus Journey throws in everything but the kitchen sink because in this film we get Comedy,SCI-FI,evil robots,Death,intelligent Alien Scientists(Station!),the afterlife,spirituality Heavy Metal and Rock music all in one movie done with great imagination and Humor. Some Bill and Ted fans will be turned off by difference in tone and style,but I love it because it's a movie that while a sequel sets up it's own world. The Comedy and Laughs in Bogus Journey are laugh out loud funny with Humor that is on par with the original while at same time giving the Comedy in this film it's own sense of style and pace. The screenplay by Chris Matheson and Ed Soloman is fantastic giving the movie quotable dialog and inspired scenes. As for our heroes Bill and Ted their journey in this one isn't the fun excellent adventure they had in the first film as the two go through a wild and unpredictable ride going to Heaven and meeting God(which is a beautiful)going to Hell and meeting the Devil and others(which is a twisted and funny scene)and playing board and toy games with the Grim Reaper(one of the funniest scenes in any movie). Bill and Ted may get kicked around in this film ,find some of their Journey insane and crazy and still can't play their instruments for their own sakes but we as the audience will root for these two characters to find a way to succeed and get a victory against the forces of evil. The ending of Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is sensational with a mixture of laughs,surprises and music that adds to the Bill and Ted legend and will leave viewers happy. A terrific conclusion.
The cast is great. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are excellent and hilarious once again as Bill and Ted bring laughs and nice chemistry. William Sadler is amazing and funny as Death,who helps out Bill and Ted. Joss Ackland is great as De Nomolas,the main villain. George Carlin is wonderful once again as Rufus,the man from the future. Pam Grier is sexy and memorable as Ms. Wardroe. Annette Azcuy(Elizabeth)and Sarah Trigger(Joanna)are good and beautiful as Bill and Ted's girlfriends. Amy Stoch(Missy),Hal Landon Jr.(Captain Logan)and Chelcie Ross(Colonial Oates)give good performances as well.
The direction by Pete Hewitt is is terrific,with Hewitt bringing a nice visual stunning look to the film and always keeping the camera moving. Great direction,Hewitt.
The score by David Newman is fantastic,epic,uplifting and mysterious going with the tone of the movie nicely. Amazing score,Newman. There is also a wonderful Heavy Metal/Hard Rock soundtrack including songs by Megadeth(Go To Hell)and Kiss(God Gave Rock N'Roll To You II).
In final word,if you loved the first film,Comedies or SCI-FI,I highly suggest you see Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey,an excellent,hilarious underrated sequel that is worth your time. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
An Excellent And Hilarious SCI-FI/Comedy Cult Classic.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is an excellent(no pun intended),hilarious SCI-FI/Comedy that combines wonderful direction,a terrific cast,great laughs,a fine script,a memorable score and soundtrack and amazing special effects. All of those elements make Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of the most entertaining Comedies of the 1980s and a Cult Classic.
Set in San Dimas,California,Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure tells the story of teenage best friends Bill S. Preston Esquire(Alex Winter)and Ted Theodore Logan(Keanu Reeves)who are failing history class and are in danger of being separated forever. But when a man named Rufus(George Carlin)shows up in a phone booth time machine that can help them with their history project that can save their grade and friendship.
Released in 1989,Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is a brilliant and hilarious movie that was a surprise hit at the Box Office grossing 40 million dollars above it's 10 million dollar budget and becoming a Cult Classic while introducing movie audiences to one of the coolest movie duos of all-time in Bill S. Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan AKA Bill and Ted. From start to finish Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is a movie that is an absolute blast that gives viewers plenty of laughs,Adventure and fun that just never stops and keeps viewers glued to the screen and is a movie in my opinion that ranks alongside the Back To The Future trilogy as one of the most entertaining time travel films of all-time. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is one of those movies that(along with it's underrated sequel Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey)remains re-watchable to this very day and for 90 minutes is most triumphant and never takes itself too seriously because it's not going to be thought-provoking nor will it make you think but it's a film you will never forget. It's one of those films that takes you back to the 1980s and tells viewers to turn off your brain sit back and have fun with this movie. The Comedy and laughs in Excellent Adventure are fantastic with over the top moments that are smart and outlandish and will have you roaring with laughter. The Humor not only comes from the scenes with Bill and Ted but with the historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln,Napoleon,Billy The Kid,Beethoven and Joan Of Ark deal with modern day and how they deal with the modern world and society(circa 1989). While it's historically inaccurate and very silly it goes with the offbeat style of the movie. The time traveling scenes in Excellent Adventure are dazzling and imaginative using a Telephone instead of a car or watch The Screenplay by Chris Matheson and Ed Soloman is funny and at times smart with dialog and scenes that are clever and over the top with great comedic timing. Bill and Ted are one of the classic duos that are just iconic from the moment you see them on screen with memorable lines that are quoted to this very day such as excellent,dude and others. It's obvious that Bill and Ted aren't the smartest guys in the world and they don't always better themselves(they want to form a band but can't play their instruments)the two always remain lovable despite their flaws and we root for them to succeed in trying to pass History. Bill and Ted are among my favorite movie characters of all-time and are legends that will live on forever. The ending of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is amazing,fun and filled with surprises and laughs that will put smiles on viewers faces. A terrific ending.
The cast is great. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are excellent and hilarious as Bill and Ted,with Winter and Reeves bringing laughs and chemistry. George Carlin is delightful as Rufus,a man sent to help Bill and Ted. Terry Camilleri is hilarious and memorable as Napoleon,the French soldier. Dan Shor(Billy The Kid),Tony Steedman(Socrates),Rod Loomis(Freud),Al Leong(Ghangus Kahn),Jane Wiedlin(of 80s group The Go-Go's,Joan Of Ark),Robert Barron(Abraham Lincoln),Clifford David(Beethoven),Hal Landon Jr(Captain Logan),Bernie Casey(Mr. Ryan),Amy Stoch(Missy/Mom)and J. Patrick McNamara(Mr. Preston give good performances as well.
The direction by Stephen Herek is terrific,with Herek bringing an energy,pace and visual style to the film. Great direction,Herek.
The score by David Newman is outstanding and memorable,with Newman's score matching the light tone of the film. Fantastic score,Newman. There is also a terrific Heavy Metal/Hard Rock soundtrack that adds to the film.
In final word,if you love Comedies,SCI-FI films or both,I highly suggest you see Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure,an excellent and hilarious SCI-FI/Comedy that you will never forget. Highly Recommended/ 10/10.
The Final Girls (2015)
An Excellent And Hilarious Horror-Comedy.
The Final Girls is an excellent and hilarious Horror-Comedy that combines great direction,a fantastic cast,a terrific script and a memorable score. All of those elements make The Final Girls a fun and unforgettable movie that is a Cult Classic in the making.
The Final Girls tells the story of Max(Tessa Farmiga),a young girl who along with her friends on the third anniversary of the death of her Mother Amanda Cartwright(Malin Akerman),a 1980s Horror movie scream queen goes to a screening of her film Camp Bloodbath from 1986. After an accident in the movie theater Max and her friends get sucked into the feature film where Max is reunited with her Mother while they are trying to survive and escape a killer at the camp in the movie.
The Final Girls is a terrific and hilarious Horror-Comedy that in a fun and imaginative way spoofs the Slasher films from the 1980s in a smart and creative style that when the laughs start they never stop. At first I was a little skeptical about watching The Final Girls because of the PG-13 Rating because I never heard of a Slasher movie being PG-13 but you can't always judge a book by it's cover and you can't always judge a movie by it's rating because The Final Girls is the definition of a Cult Classic. If you're a fan of Slasher films especially ones from the 1980s that were set at a Summer Camp you will have a great time with The Final Girls a movie that mocks the Slasher genre but pays homage to them at the same time. All of the trademarks of the 80s Slasher films are in The Final Girls whether it's references to the Friday The 13ths(there's even the classic ki ki ki ha ha ha)or the camp setting,stereotypical characters(the virginal heroine,the token slut),the back story on why the killer is killing or the silent masked killer which are mocked in a post-modern and ironic style. The laughs and Humor in The Final Girls are funny and smart with the style of Scream(1996)and the underrated Arnold Schwarznegger Action Parody Last Action Hero in 1993(which had a similar story line). There is also plenty moments of surprises and genuine laughs that you won't see coming and will have you in tears laughing. What's also funny about The Final Girls is the way the Camp setting is brightly colorful with a look you never see in 1980s Slasher flicks which I think adds to the weirdness of the film. This movie never takes itself seriously and you won't either while watching it. The screenplay by M.A Fortin and Joshua John Miller is witty and clever with many stand out scenes. While not very bloody or gory as some of the Slasher films it's mocking The Final Girls does have some kills that are true to the Slasher formula with a little bit of blood. The Final Girls gives viewers some real good suspense scenes which is needed and the suspense actually blends well with the laughs. While a very funny film The Final Girls has moments of heart,depth and drama thanks to scenes between the great main characters Max and her Mother Amanda which are amazing and well-done and give the movie a different dimension and power but doesn't come off as being sappy but great. As for the rest of the main characters despite being stereotypes and over the top are actually likable,interesting and grab your attention as the film moves along. The ending of The Final Girls is hilarious,thrilling and surprising and not only brings the movie full circle but also leaves the ending open for a sequel leaving audiences wanting more. A wonderful conclusion.
The cast is great. Taissa Farminga is excellent as Max,with Farminga bringing depth and emotion to the role. Malin Akerman is terrific as Nancy/Amanda Cartright,Max's Mother. Alexander Ludwig is great as Chris,Max's boyfriend. Nina Dobrev is amazing and sexy as Vicki,a friend of Max's. Alia Shawkat is delightful and funny as Gertie,Max's best friend. Thomas Middleditch is hilarious and memorable as Duncan,a Horror/Slasher fan. Adam DeVine(Kurt),Angela Timbur(Tina),Chloe Bridges(Paula)and Tory N. Thompson(Blake)are wonderful and fun as the fictional Camp Counselors. Dan B. Norris is menacing as Billy Murphy,the masked killer.
The direction by Todd Strauss-Schulson is energetic and stylish,with Strauss-Schulson bringing a visually stunning look to the film and keeps the film moving. Great direction,Strauss-Schulson.
The score by Gregory James Jenkins is fantastic,with Jenkins score being very similar to the Horror film scores of the 1980s which adds to the film. Fine score,Jenkins.
In final word,if you love Horror Films,Slasher Movies or Horror-Comedies,I highly suggest you see The Final Girls,an excellent and hilarious Horror-Comedy that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Wild Bill (1995)
A Terrific,Underrated Western From Walter Hill With A Brilliant Performance From Jeff Bridges.
Wild Bill is a terrific and underrated Western that combines wonderful direction,an amazing cast,fantastic Action and a memorable score. All of those elements make Wild Bill an entertaining Western film that is Walter Hill and Jeff Bridges at their best.
Based on the novel Deadwood by Peter Dexter and the play Father's And Sons by Thomas Babe,Wild Bill tells the story of the last days of James Butler Hickok AKA Wild Bill(Jeff Bridges),the legendary lawman and gunfighter thinking about his life past and present.
During the Western movie revival of the 1980s 90s there were classic Westerns such as Unforgiven(1992),Tombstone(1993)and Dances With Wolves(1990)that were critical and Box Office hits but there were also other Western films during this time that went under the radar and weren't as successful but still wonderful in their own rights such as Walter Hill's 1995 Western Wild Bill a terrific and memorable Western that was Hill's third and film about an iconic true life Western figure following Jesse James/Younger Gang film The Long Riders(1980)and the Geronimo film Geronimo:An American Legend(1993). And while Wild Bill isn't as good as those two films Wild Bill is an interesting look at a charismatic figure of his time. At a lean and tight 98 minutes Wild Bill is a memorable and entertaining film that is not really a biopic but a great mixture of Western shoot em up and character study told in a gritty way. This is the kind of movie that won't be appealing to general audiences and is the kind of film that will be liked or disliked but if you're a Western buff you will enjoy this film even though it might not be historically inaccurate. Wild Bill is a movie that is a revisionist Western in the truest sense told in very surreal and stylish giving viewers a look into one of the most iconic characters in the West in Wild Bill Hickok,a Cowboy who probably isn't known on a national level like other Western icons such as Wyatt Earp,Doc Holliday,Jesse James or Billy The Kid but if you know Western History you will know Wild Bill. The tone of the movie stylish and gritty capturing the beauty and ugliness of the Wild West in all it's glory and also gives viewers a look at the town of Deadwood in South Dakota which is violent and bizarre and serves as a precursor to the classic HBO TV series Deadwood,a show that gave viewers another look into Deadwood. When we look at the title character Wild Bill we get a brief but fascinating look into his life as a person of many things in his life such as being a lawman,gunfighter,buffalo hunter,folk hero and gambler. It's easy to see why Walter Hill wanted to make a movie about Wild Bill because like the characters in Hill's other films Wild Bill in the movie is depicted as a man who is larger than life but at the same time a flawed human being. Hickok is a man who also haunted by his demons(told in black and white drug induced dreams)and his ways of living have caught up with him(Hickok was losing his eye sight)and is over the hill but still has his bravado. Wild Bill as a character is so interesting that I would have loved to see more of his history and life story in the past and present which I think is a flaw. Another flaw is Wild Bill is that it feels less cinematic compared to Walter Hill's other movies and at times has the feel of a TV movie. The Action and gunfights in the film are thrilling and intense going along with the Western tone of the movie as Walter Hill can do. The ending in Wild Bill is amazing,dramatic and tragic and while not true to how what really happen in real life it's close enough. An outstanding ending.
The cast is great. Jeff Bridges is excellent and at his best as Wild Bill Hickok,with Bridges bring gritty,tough and charismatic. Ellen Barkin is terrific as Calamity Jane,a lady friend of Hickok's. John Hurt is wonderful as Charles Prince,an English friend of Bill's. Diane Lane is sensational and beautiful as Susannah Moore,a past love of Bill's. Keith Carradine does a fine job in a small role as Buffalo Bill Cody. David Arquette is superb as Jack McCall,a man who's after Wild Bill. Christina Applegate is great as Lurline,a prostitute that befriends Jack. Bruce Dern does a good job as Will Plummer,an enemy of Wild Bill's. James Gammon is fantastic as California Joe,another friend of Wild Bill's. James Remar is amazing as Donnie Lonnigan,a gunman. Marjoe Gortner(Preacher),Stoney Jackson(Jubal Pickett),Karen Hule(Song Lue),Robert Knott(Dave Tutt),Steve Reevis(Sioux Chief),Pato Hoffman(Cheyenne Leader)and Dennis Hayden(Phil Coe)give good performances as well.
The direction by Walter Hill is exceptional and stylish with Hill bringing a haunting and beautiful look to the film. Fantastic direction,Hill.
The score by Van Dyke Parks is effective,beautiful and gripping,with Parks scoring matching the tone of the movie. Great score,Parks.
In final word,if you love Westerns,Walter Hill or Jeff Bridges,I highly suggest you see Wild Bill,a terrific,underrated Western that is worth your time. Highly Recommended 9.5/10.
Colors (1988)
An Excellent,Powerful And Gripping Crime Drama. Dennis Hopper,Sean Penn And Robert DuVall At Their Best.
Colors is an excellent,powerful and gripping Crime Drama that combines great direction,a fantastic cast and a memorable score. All of those elements make Colors an unforgettable film that is Dennis Hopper.Sean Penn and Robert DuVall at their best.
Set in Los Angeles,California,Colors tells the story of veteran LAPD cop Bob Hodges(Robert DuVall)who is teamed up with young hot shot cop Danny McGavin(Sean Penn)to patrol the streets and deal with local gangs such as the Crips,Bloods and Latino gangs while dealing with each other as partners.
Before there was Boyz N The Hood(1991)and Menace II Society(1993)set the standard for Urban Drama in LA there was Colors a brilliant and intense Crime Drama that set the table and was also a mixture of amazing talents such as director Dennis Hopper and actors Sean Penn and Robert DuVall who all collaborated on this great film that was not only a critical and Box Office success but was also the right movie at the right time for Los Angeles in 1988. During the 1980s Los Angeles was known for being seen as such a beautiful place that was filled with glitz and glamour and the rich and famous,but Colors gave audiences a different side and look to Los Angeles that wasn't seen during the 1980s where parts of the city were not very pretty and gang violence was out of control with the cops trying to stop it but with little success. And while Colors is a obviously a more conventional movie than Dennis Hopper's landmark classic Easy Rider(1969)Colors is still an incredible film that is very underrated. Powerful,violent and at times shocking from beginning to end Colors is a film that punches viewers in the face with tons of grit and intensity that just never stops until the end credits roll. Colors is movie that combines elements of not only Crime Drama but also Action film,Gang movie and Cop drama into fascinating study of Gang life and violence seen from the points of view from both the cops and the gangs from the LAPD to the Crips and Bloods in South Central to the Latino gangs in East LA with tons of characters getting enough screen time. There is certain scenes with the gangs and cops that some will find a little over the top(and there is some funny moments in the film despite the serious subject matter)I think some of the scenes were pretty accurate about what was going on at the time on the mean streets of LA. The film while a study of gangs and gang violence is also a look at the partnership between McGavin and Hodges and how the two deal with gang bangers where as Hodges is more calm and friendly being the veteran,young McGavin while not a bad guy or a bad cop is more brutal and wants to busts all the criminals with an iron hand which Hodges doesn't agree with which makes them clash on how they do things. While it's the kind of thing people would see in a another movie(like in a Buddy Cop film)the dynamic and partnership between the two characters I think adds to the film. The violence in Colors is shocking and not for the weak at heart but is fitting for the tone and feel of the movie showing the harshness of being a Cop and a Gang banger. There is also a few scenes of Action that keeps the story moving and even an exciting car chase that gives the movie an energy. The ending of Colors is effective and powerful but brings the film full circle in many ways. A fantastic ending.
The cast is great. Sean Penn and Robert DuVall are excellent as Danny McGavin and Bob Hodges,with Penn and DuVall showing great chemistry. Maria Conchita Alonzo is great and sexy as Louisa,Danny's girlfriend. Randy Brooks is sensational as Ron,a guy who works with gangs. Trinidad Silva is wonderful as Frog,the leader of 21st street gang. Grand L. Bush is good as Looney Tunes,Frog's friend. Glenn Plummer is fantastic as High-Top,a Blood gang member. Don Cheadle is effective as Rocket,a Crip gang member. Damon Wayans is funny as T-Bone,a member of the Crips. Leon Robinson is good as Killer Bee,another member of the Crips Geraldo Mejia does a fine job as Bird,a member of 21st street gang. Romeo De Lan(Felipe),Sy Richardson(Sgt. Bailey),Courtney Gains(Whitey)and R.D Call(Officer Baines)give good performances as well.
The direction by Dennis Hopper is terrific,with Hopper bringing a gritty and realistic style and look to the film. Amazing direction,Hopper.
The score by Herbie Handcock is fantastic,stylish and energetic matching the energy of the movie. Great score,Handcock. Also,listen for the classic Hip-Hop title song Colors by Ice-T.
In final word,if you love Dennis Hopper,Sean Penn or Robert DuVall,I highly suggest you see Colors,an excellent,powerful and gripping Crime Drama that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
The Last House on the Left (1972)
One Of The Greatest Horror Films Ever Made. An Excellent,Powerful,Disturbing Horror Classic From Wes Craven.
The Last House On The Left is one of the greatest Horror films ever made,an excellent,powerful and disturbing film that combines fine direction,a good cast and a memorable soundtrack. All of those elements make The Last House On The Left a Horror classic that is Wes Craven at his best.
The Last House On The Left tells the story of Mari(Sandra Cassell),a teenager who's celebrating her 17th birthday by going to a rock concert with her friend Phyllis(Lucy Grantham)in New York City. While in the city Mari and Phyllis are looking to score some marijuana but get kidnapped by escaped convicts led by Krug(David Hess)which lead up to terrifying results.
Released in 1972,The Last House On The Left is a brilliant Horror film that not only marked the directorial debut of director and Horror master Wes Craven but is also one of the most controversial and infamous Horror movies ever made. Disturbing,brutal and sadistic all around,The Last House On The Left is film that caused a stir the minute it opened in movie theaters in 1972 thanks to it's now famous movie poster and trailer tag-line("to avoid fainting keep repeating it's only a movie,only a movie")or the violent nature and was even banned in several countries and no matter what it will always seem to divide critics and audiences some will love or hate it some will see it as a Horror classic or a piece of trash there seems to be no middle ground. Regardless how you feel about the movie The Last House On The Left is up there with Night Of The Living Dead(1968)and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(1974)in giving audiences a different kind of Horror movie and is one of the finest Horror films of the 1970s that you will never ever forget and if A Nightmare On Elm Street(1984)and Scream(1996)are Wes Craven's most famous films then The Last House On The Left is his most notorious. With The Last House On The Left Wes Craven has crafted a movie(which was made on a low budget of just 87,000$)that's rough around the edges and is an exploitation movie to the hilt but is a film with a raw and striking power that punches viewers in the gut with fright and terror that just comes off the screen at viewers. With Last House we given a movie that isn't easy to watch but is gripping from beginning to end and offers no salvation or positive outcome and while the film isn't scary Last House is a disturbing and unflinching look at violence,murder and pure evil. The atmosphere and tone in Last House is grim and bleak with a style that is sleazy,ugly and morally corrupt with a documentary feel as if you right there watching all the horrific things going on which makes the film feel realistic. Last House also gives viewers a look at the tone and feel of late 1960s early 70s Nixon era:Vietnam,The Manson Family Murders,Hippies,The Watergate Scandal and the violence during those times told in an angry and violent way. And speaking of the violence,in Last House the violence in the film is not for the weak at heart or people with can't stand violence because the violent scenes are mean spirited and vicious showing human beings at their most horrific. Craven would bring the same darkness and brutality to his later films such as A Nightmare On Elm Street and Scream but it all started here but make no mistake about it Last House is not a Slasher film. I guess that's why Last House has some Comedic scenes before,during and after the violence scenes to lighten the mood. The main characters in the film whether it's the bad guys or other main characters are actually interesting and well-developed with memorable lines and scenes. The ending of The Last House On The Left is amazing,effective and goes along with the theme of violence throughout the whole movie. A great conclusion.
The cast is great. Sandra Cassell is fantastic and believable as Mari,with Cassell bringing depth to the role. Lucy Grantham is wonderful as Phyllis,Mari's friend. David Hess is excellent,frightening and unforgettable as Krug,who in my opinion is one of the greatest villains of all-time. Fred Lincoln is great as Weasel,Krug's right hand man. Jeramie Rain is incredible as Sadie,the lone woman in Krug's group. Marc Sheffler does a fine job as Junior,Krug's drug addicted son. Richard Towers(as Gaylord St. James)and Cynthia Carr do good job as John and Estelle Collingwood,Mari,parents. Marshall Anker(Sheriff)and Martin Kove(Deputy)are funny as local lawman.
The direction by Wes Craven is good,with Craven basically pointing and shooting bringing a documentary look to the film and keeping the film moving at a solid pace. Fine direction,Craven,RIP.
The score by David Hess is terrific,offbeat,haunting and fits with the tone and mood of the film. Great score,Hess.
In final word,if you love Wes Craven or Horror films,I highly suggest you see The Last House On The Left,an excellent,disturbing and unforgettable Horror classic that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
An Excellent,Thrilling And Entertaining Western. Quentin Tarantino At His Best.
The Hateful Eight is an excellent,thrilling and entertaining Western that combines terrific direction,a fantastic cast,a wonderful script,beautiful photography and a memorable score. All of those elements make The Hateful Eight an unforgettable film that is Quentin Tarantino at his best.
Set in post-Civil War Wyoming,The Hateful Eight tells the story of eight people including Major Marcus Warren(Samuel L. Jackson),a bounty hunter,John Ruth(Kurt Russell)another bounty hunter holding fugitive and prisoner Daisy Domergue(Jennifer Jason Leigh)and Chris Mannix(Walton Goggins),a man claiming to be a new Sheriff,Bob(Demian Bichir),Oswaldo Mobray(Tim Roth),Joe Gage(Michael Madsen)and Sanford Smithers(Bruce Dern)who are all in a stagecoach holdover trying escape a blizzard. But all of these strangers will be involved in a mystery with twists and deception.
The Hateful Eight is a brilliant and entertaining Western from Quentin Tarantino and it is a thrilling,bloody,brutal and epic film that is a blast from start to finish mixing together genres Western,Mystery and Action. With The Hateful Eight Tarantino has made a film that is a companion piece to his previous films Inglorious Basterds(2009)and Django Unchained(2012)which are very much alike in scope,look and tone and if you seen those films or Tarantino's other films it has all of the known elements:rich dialog,over the top violence and memorable characters that will stay with you. Like those two films The Hateful Eight is long in length you will not be bored. While a companion piece to both Basterds and Django,The Hateful Eight in terms of structure is more of a call back to Tarantino's classic debut Reservoir Dogs(1992)in which a bunch of strangers are together in one room where there is distrust and paranoia among them but this time set in the 19th century. The screenplay by Quentin Tarantino is well-written and strong,with Tarantino giving the main characters memorable dialog that is funny,interesting and make scenes standout. As for the main characters each one of The Hateful Eight is memorable but the characters Marquis Warren,John Ruth,Daisy Domergue and Chris Mannix are standouts and are classic characters from Tarantino who are going to liked or disliked depending on your point of view but are delightful in true Tarantino style. The photography(which was shot in the glorious 70mm format)by Robert Richardson is beautiful and visually stunning whether it's the shots of snowy mountains or inside shots the movie is amazing to look at. One of the things I love about The Hateful Eight is how it's the story is structure and told with not just the dividing chapters but amazing build-up. The first 90 minutes of the film is a dialog and character driven affair like a stage play where we get to know the main characters about who they are and what they are about and we as a viewer are fascinated. The second to last half of the film takes a different turn and becomes a violent and insane bloodbath mixing together Western violence with an Agatha Christie-style Mystery in the vein of Murder on The Orient Express and Ten Little Indians where there is twists and turns all around and you keep your eyes glued to the screen trying to solve a puzzle and put the pieces together and wondering who will survive this bizarre tale. The Action and violence is riveting and surprising with the blood and gore just coming off the screen at as if you were the movie with the characters. If you love storytelling the structure and mixture of Western and Mystery will be a great watch. The ending of The Hateful Eight is terrific with great Action,dialog and thrills that brings the movie full circle. An amazing conclusion.
The cast is amazing. Samuel L. Jackson is excellent,memorable and at his best as Major Marquis Warren,a bounty hunter. Kurt Russell is terrific as John Ruth,a fellow bounty hunter. Jennifer Jason Leigh is outstanding as Daisy Domergue,a fugitive in Ruth's capture. Walton Goggins is wonderful as Chris Mannix,a Southern renegade. Demian Bichir does a fine job as Bob,a Mexican caretaker. Tim Roth is amazing as Oswaldo Mobray,a hangman. Michael Madsen is great as Joe Gage,a Cowpuncher. Bruce Dern is fantastic as Sanford Smithers,s southern soldier.
The direction by Quentin Tarantino is fantastic and stylish with Tarantino bringing his usual flair,look and atmosphere to the film. Amazing direction,Tarantino.
The score by Ennio Morricone is epic,mysterious and intense matching the tone and style of the movie greatly. Sensational score,Morricone.
In final word,if you love Quentin Tarantino,Westerns or films in general,I highly suggest you watch The Hateful Eight,an excellent,thrilling and entertaining Western that Quentin Tarantino at his best. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
An Excellent,Unforgettable Finale To The Trilogy And A Classic.
Back To The Future Part III is an excellent and unforgettable finale to the Back To The Future Trilogy that combines wonderful direction,a terrific cast,a fantastic script,an amazing score and great special effects. All of those elements make Back To The Future Part III a memorable conclusion to the Back To The Future Trilogy and a classic.
Taking place after the events in Part II,Back To The Future Part III has Marty(Michael J. Fox)traveling back in time to the Old West to Hill Valley in 1885 to rescue Doc Brown(Christopher Lloyd)and get him back to 1985. While there in the old west Marty and Doc have to deal with outlaw Buford Maddog Tannen(Thomas F. Wilson)while Doc falls in love with a woman named Clara(Mary Steenburgen).
Back To The Future Part III is a brilliant and entertaining finale to the amazing Back To The Future Trilogy and basically proves that all good things must come to an end. Making a final film in a movie Trilogy is tough but Director Robert Zemeckis has created a conclusion that brings things to a fitting end that brings the Back To The Future Trilogy full circle. For 118 minutes Back TO The Future Part III combines different movie genres such as SCI-FI,Comedy,Western,Action and romance giving viewers a genre mash-up of 10 different movies in one but the movie never becoming uneven or confused. Whereas the first film went back in time to the 1950s and the second film went to the past present and future in 2015,Back To The Future goes back in time to the Old West with six shooters,Cowboys and stagecoaches. While the concept of a time traveling movie set in the West won't appeal to most viewers speaking for myself as a Western movie fan I loved it. There are plenty of references to Classic Westerns in Back To The Future Part III mostly to Clint Eastwood Westerns(Marty calls himself Clint Eastwood and wears a poncho resembling Eastwood's in the Spagetti Westerns). Don't expect a realistic or gritty vision of the Wild West because the way the West is depicted in this film is all in great fun. The Comedy and laughs in BTTF PIII are funny,over the top and go with the energy and style of the film which is lighthearted and humorous. The screenplay by Bob Gale is fantastic and memorable with dialog that gives this movie a nice energy and pace that keeps the movie going. While all three BTTF films are character driven Part III is probably the most character driven and introspective especially with our Heroes Marty and Doc Brown. With each of the three films we see Marty becoming more mature but still dealing with issues(Marty doesn't like being called a chicken). But as the film goes on he learns to grow and deal with the problem in an interesting way. With Doc Brown we see a different side to him we didn't see in the first two movies where we see Doc Brown firing a Western style gun,falling in love,showing romantic feelings or dancing with a woman which adds to Doc's character. We also see Marty and Doc friendship at a crossroads because while Marty wants to take Doc back to 1985,Doc is debating whether he wants to stay or go and dealing with their futures. It's the examination of Marty and Doc Brown's characters in this one that make Part III so watchable. The ending of Back To The Future Part III(which is the final 20-30 minutes)is fantastic,thrilling and will leave you with a smile and an unforgettable conclusion to the Back To The Future saga and for Marty and Doc. A terrific ending.
The cast is great. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are excellent and brilliant as Marty McFly(and Shamus McFly)and Doc Brown once again showing great chemistry. Mary Steenburgen is wonderful and beautiful as Clara,Doc's love interest. Thomas F. Wilson is delightful as Griff Tannen,a Western outlaw and once again as Biff. Lea Thompson is great in a duel role as Maggie Mcfly and Lorianne Baines-McFly. Elisabeth Shue does a good job as Jennifer,Marty's girlfriend. Matt Clark(Chester The Bartender),Pat Buttram(Saloon Old Timer),Harry Carey Jr.(Saloon Old Timer),Dub Taylor(Saloon Old-Timer),James Tolkan(Marshal James Strickland),Marc McClure(Dave McFly),Wendie Jo Spencer(Linda McFly)and Flea(Needles)give good performances as well.
The direction by Robert Zemeckis is outstanding,with Zemeckis bringing the same energy and style to the Western setting. Great direction,Zemeckis.
The score by Alan Silvestri is outstanding,thrilling and fits in well with the Western atmosphere. Fantastic score,Silvestri.
The Special Effects by Industrial,Light And Magic are incredible and visual stunning once again. Amazing effects,ILM.
In final word,if you love Robert Zemeckis,SCI-FI Films,or the first two Back To The Future films I highly suggest you see Back To The Future Part III,an excellent and unforgettable finale to the trilogy. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
An Excellent,Unforgettable Sequel And A Classic.
Back To The Future Part II is an excellent and unforgettable sequel and classic that combines amazing direction,a wonderful cast,a fantastic script,a terrific score and great special effects. All of those elements make Back To The Future Part II while not as good as the first film,a great sequel in the Back To The Future series.
Set after the events in the first film,Back To The Future Part II finds Marty(Michael J. Fox)and Doc Brown(Christopher Lloyd)time traveling to the future in 2015. When Marty and Doc return to 1985,they discover that Hill Valley in 1985 has become a dark wasteland thanks to Biff(Thomas F. Wilson)who took the time machine and altered 1985. Now,Marty and Doc have to go back to 1955,stop Biff and go back to their lives as they remember it.
After the worldwide Box Office success of the original Back To The Future in 1985,it seem obvious that there would be a sequel which would come four years later with Back To The Future Part II a brilliant and entertaining sequel(which was filmed back to back with Part III)that was a Box office hit and is a film that is just memorable and fun from start to finish. Making a sequel to a classic film like Back To The Future is no easy task,but director Robert Zemeckis has crafted a movie that while giving viewers more of the same laughs,adventure and thrills like the original while also giving Back To The Future fans something that feels fresh and exciting at the same time standing on it's own two feet while being a sequel to the first movie. The Comedy and laughs in Back To The Future Part II are funny,hilarious and on par with the original and not a moment is wasted. The scenes with the iconic Deloren car(this time flying instead of driving)are still amazing and will keep viewers thrilled and entertained. The screenplay by Bob Gale is wonderful with dialog and scenes that make the movie feel alive and imaginative. Back To The Future Part II is a film that brings back some of the characters from the first film like Marty,Doc Biff,Loraine and others and takes the concept of time travel from the first movie and gives it a clever story line on a much larger and bigger scale playing with the very serious consequences and repercussions of time-traveling with Marty and Doc going to the future,the present and then the past showing that while time traveling can be fascinating and interesting time traveling can be dangerous if used in the wrong way with Marty and Doc finding out the hard way. When Marty and Doc travel to the future in 2015 to help with Marty's kids Hill Valley's future is optimistic and bright with advanced technology and flying cars while Marty's future isn't so bright. But when the duo go back to 1985 they discover that they are in an alternate Dystopian 1985 where violence and crime is up in Hill Valley and Biff is running the town. The scenes in the alternate 1985 give BTTF II a dark tone that is sinister showing that even the smallest events can change anything. I love the fact that in Part II that Marty and Doc have to go back to 1955 to repair 1985 as they remember it and as viewers we see some of the events from the first film showed in this one with some minor alterations. The story for BTTF PT II may have the most complex story of the three film but the movie won't be hard to follow. The ending of Back To The Future Part II is a terrific and memorable cliffhanger ending that has surprises and thrills which sets viewers up for the final chapter in the series in Back To The Future Part III. AN amazing ending.
The cast is great. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are excellent and brilliant once again as Marty McFly(and multiple roles)and Doc Brown,with the two bring laughs and wonderful chemistry. Lea Thompson is terrific as Lorraine,Marty's Mother. Thomas F. Wilson is delightful as Biff and Griff,Biff's grandson. Elisabeth Shue(replacing Claudia Wells)is good as Jennifer,Marty's girlfriend. James Tolkan is great once again as Strickland,the hard nose teacher. Casey Siemazko(3-D),Billy Zane(Match),J.J Cohen(Skinhead),Charles Fleischer(Terry)and Flea(Needles)give good performances as well. Also,lookout for an early appearance by a young Elijah Wood as Video Game Boy.
The direction by Robert Zemeckis is fantastic with Zemeckis bringing the same energy and style he brought to the first film. Amazing direction,Zemeckis.
The score by Alan Silvestri is outstanding with Silvestri's score being epic and intense matching the movie greatly. Fantastic score,Silvestri.
The Special effects by Industrial,Light and Magic are dazzling and mind blowing once again. Nice job,ILM.
In final word,if you love Robert Zemeckis or the first film,I highly suggest you see Back To The Future Part II,an excellent and unforgettable sequel that will stay with you after you watch it. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Back to the Future (1985)
One Of The Greatest Films Ever Made. An Excellent And Unforgettable Classic.
Back To The Future is one greatest films ever made,an excellent and unforgettable classic that combines terrific direction,a wonderful cast,an amazing score and soundtrack,a fantastic script and great special effects. All of those elements make Back To The Future one of the best films of the 1980s that is Popcorn entertainment at it's best.
Set in the fictional town of Hill Valley,California,Back To The Future tells the story of teenager Marty McFly(Michael J. Fox). who is asked by his friend eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown(Christopher Lloyd)to help him on experiment a time machine made out of a Delorean car. After an unfortunate incident Marty gets into the time machine and is accidentally transported back to 1955 where he not only meets Dr. Brown but also meets his parents George(Crispin Glover)and Lorraine(Lea Thompson)as teenagers. With the help of Dr. Brown Marty must find a way to get back to the year 1985.
Released in 1985,Back To The Future is a brilliant and entertaining film that was without a doubt the biggest Box Office hit of 1985 grossing over 300 million dollars world wide and is just an instant classic from the moment you watch it and is one of those movies that is the definition of what a blockbuster should be and where everything from the direction,the cast and story work to absolute perfection with no false note or missing beat. I don't think director Robert Zemeckis or the cast knew what they had was something that was special,magical and timeless and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and will continue to be enjoyed by past,present and future generations. The movie is also the first feature of one of the most beloved movie trilogies of all-time and while all three Back To The Future films are classics as a whole the first is still the best. What Back To The Future does so well is that it takes the time travel movie and gives it style and creativity mixing together different movie genres Comedy,SCI-FI,Action,Romance and thrills giving viewers everything but the kitchen sink but the movie never becomes uneven or confusing making Back To The Future one of the best genre mash-up movies I have ever seen. Although there are some serious moments Back To The Future is lighthearted with non-stop fun From beginning to end,Back To The Future has an energy and flow that just never stops and keeps you glued to the screen with relentless pace and excitement that makes the film re-watchable and iconic to this very day. The screenplay by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale is incredible and quotable with tons memorable scenes and dialog that are funny done with perfection and fun as well with ingenious style and rapid fire delivery that is wonderful. The Comedy and laughs in BTTF are hilarious and fun with moments that are over the top and great thanks to the actions and reactions of Marty and Doc Brown and the main characters. The SCI-FI scenes in BTTF involving the Delorean are so dazzling and are done with imagination and beauty that will make your jaw drop and it doesn't matter how many times you see BTTF you will be blown away by the Delorean sequences. There have been many classic movie duos throughout cinema and among the great duos are Marty and Doc. The scenes between Marty and Doc are truly funny with terrific back and forth banter and have some of the best scenes in the film that are unforgettable. While the two are different in personality and are separated by age the two have a friendship that feels genuine and real where you feel that Marty and Doc would have each other's back at all costs. The friendship between Marty and Doc is further cemented in Part II and III where you feel they will be friends forever whether it's in the future or in the present. Marty and Doc are two amazing and memorable characters that will never be forgotten. The ending of Back To The Future is terrific,thrilling and filled with surprises that will leave viewers laughing and smiling. A fantastic ending.
The cast is wonderful. Michael J. Fox is excellent and funny as Marty McFly,with Fox bringing laughs and charisma to the role. Christopher Lloyd is brilliant as Dr. Emmett Doc Brown,with Lloyd being delightfully over the top and having a fantastic chemistry with Fox. Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover are wonderful as Lorraine and George McFly,Marty's parents. Thomas F. Wilson is terrific and fun as Biff,a neighborhood bully. James Toklin is great as Mr. Strickland,a hard nosed principal. Claudia Wells(Jennifer),Mark McClure(Dave McFly),Wendie Jo Sperber(Linda McFly),Jeffrey Jay Cohan(Skinhead),Casey Siemaszko(3-D),Billy Zane(Match),George DiCenzo(Sam Baines),Francis Lee McCain(Stella Baines),Harry Waters Jr.(Marvin Berry),Donald Fullilove(Goldie Wilson),Will Hare(Pa Peabody)and Norman Alden(Lou)give good performances as well.
The direction by Robert Zemeckis is amazing,with Zemeckis always moving the camera while giving the film with great camera angles,pace and atmosphere.
The score by Alan Silvestri is outstanding and one of best scores in movie history,with Silvestri's score being epic,suspenseful and uplifting. Incredible score,Silvestri. There is also a great soundtrack featuring songs by Huey Lewis And The News(The Power Of Love and Back In Time).
The Special Effects by Industrial,Light and Magic is dazzling and visual stunning and will blow your mind. Great effects,ILM.
In final word,if you love Comedies,SCI-FI,Robert Zemeckis or Films in general,I highly suggest you see Back To The Future,one of the greatest films ever made and an excellent,unforgettable classic that you will watch again and again. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Tales from the Hood (1995)
A Terrific,Underrated Horror Anthology.
Tales From The Hood is a terrific and underrated Horror anthology that combines fine direction,a good cast,a memorable score and great special make-up effects. All of those elements make Tales From The Hood a great Horror Anthology and one of the better Horror films of the 1990s.
Tales From The Hood tells the story of three Black youths who have come to a funeral home to purchase some drugs from the funeral home's owner Mr. Simms(Clarence Williams III). While at the funeral home Mr. Simms tells the three youths four different tales of Horror about death,revenge and madness.
During the early to mid 1990s when Horror films was seen as "dead" and African-American cinema and Hood/Urban films were being made saw the release of Tales From The Hood,a fantastic Horror Anthology that is one of my favorite Horror Anthology movies and is one of the better Horror films of the 1990s that has thankfully earned something of a Cult status among Horror fans. Tales From The Hood takes it's inspirations from Movie and TV Anthologies such as The Twilight Zone,EC Horror Comics,Tales From The Crypt,Creepshow(1982)and other Horror Anthologies before it but what sets Tales From The Hood apart is the African-American aspect and how the movie in a thrilling,scary and suspenseful way with bits of dark humor mixes together Supernatural Horror with an urban style and social commentary of a Spike Lee(who executive produced the movie)film talking about real life issues such as Racism,police brutality,child abuse and gang violence which Tales From the Hood stand out from other Horror Anthologies. The tone of the movie has a great balance of being serious and over the top with a dark and twisted sense of Humor that hangs over the movie. Like many Anthologies each tale is different and are unique in their own way. The movie gets off to a great start with the first tale Rogue Cop Revelation,a revenge story about police brutality and murder involving a civil rights leader,a young and naive Black rookie cop and three corrupt racist Cops. It's a simple but effective tale of revenge that give viewers enough intensity and thrills that keep them entertained. The second story Boys Do Get Bruised is about a young quiet boy named Walter who is getting abused by a monster in his home and wants to kill the monster. Boys Do Get Bruised is probably the most clever and imaginative written of the four stories giving a interesting take on a monster story that is like a Twilight Zone episode but dealing with child abuse with multiple twists and turns(you'll see)at the end of the tale. The third story KKK Comeuppance is about a racist former Klu Klux Klan member and southern Senator Duke Metger who's at plantation where slaves were tortured finds himself being stalked by a living voodoo doll that represents a dead slave. KKK Comeuppance is an entertaining mixture of suspense and dark humor but if you have a fear of dolls or puppets you will probably be a little freaked out. The forth and final story is titled Hard-Core Convert about a violent and homicidal gang member named Crazy-K who is in prison and is given a chance at redemption by a doctor named Dr. Cushing by being put through an scientific program that will help him reform. Hardcore Convert is a disturbing account about gang on gang violence and the consequences of ones actions dealing with violence and death. The segment also pays a great homage to the Stanley Kubrick classic A Clockwork Orange with thought-provoking commentary and a powerful message. The scares and suspense in each story will make you jump and keep you on the edge of your seat while keeping you glued to the screen. If there was one flaw with Tales From The Hood is that the stories were too short and I would have loved if each of the stories were longer and better developed. The violence,blood and gore is a little vicious and gruesome at times but goes well with the film. The ending of Tales From The Hood is amazing and will be very scary and surprising for viewers bringing the movie full circle in a powerful way. A great conclusion.
The cast is great. Clarence Williams III is excellent and over the top as Mr. Simms,the owner of the funeral home. Joe Torry(Stack),Samuel Monroe Jr.(Bulldog)and De'Aundre Bonds(Ball)are fantastic as gang bangers who meet Mr. Simms. Tom Wright is effective as Martin Moorehouse,a civil rights leader. Anthony Griffith is wonderful as Clarence Smith,a rookie cop. Wings Hauser(Officer Stroum),Michael Masse(Newton)and Duane Whitaker(Billy)are great as corrupt racist cops. Brandon Hammond is great as Walter,a lonely boy. Rusty Cundieff is good as Mr. Garvy,Walter's teacher. Paula Jai Parker does a fine job as Sissy,Walter's Mother. David Alan Grier is intense as Carl,Sissy's boyfriend. Corbin Bernsen is terrific as Duke Metger,a racist senator. Lamont Bentley is fiery as Crazy K,a homicidal gang banger. Rosalind Cash is sensational as Dr. Cushing,a Doctor who wants to help Crazy K. Roger Guenveur Smith(Rhodie)and Art Evans(Eli)give good performances as well.
The direction by Rusty Cundieff is great,with Cundieff bringing a nice pace and workmanlike quality to the film while giving the movie and some nice visual touches. Fine direction,Cundieff.
The score by Christopher Young is amazing,effective and creepy with each part of the score being different for each segment. Outstanding score,Young. There is also a incredible Hip-Hop soundtrack that includes the memorable song Born II Die by Spice-1.
The Special and Practical Make-up Effects by K.N.B. Efx Group are well-done,realistic,effective and work for the movie. Great effects,K.N.B.
In final word,if you love Horror films or Horror Anthologies,I highly suggest you see Tales From The Hood,a terrific and underrated Horror Anthology that is worth your time. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
An Excellent,Thrilling And Intense Western-Horror Film.
Bone Tomahawk is an excellent,thrilling and intense Western-Horror film that combines wonderful direction,a terrific cast,a great script and a fine score. All of those elements make Bone Tomahawk a solid movie that is genre film making at it's best.
Set in the 1800s,Bone Tomahawk tells the story of four men,Sheriff Franklin Hunt(Kurt Russell),Arthur O'Dwyer(Patrick Wilson),John Brooder(Matthew Fox)and Chicory(Richard Jenkins)who are trying to tracking down people who were kidnapped and held captive by a group of Cannibal cave dwellers. Now,the four men are on a quest to get the kidnapped persons back at all costs on a journey none of them will forget.
Bone Tomahawk is a terrific and memorable film that combines two genres that I love in the Western and Horror genres giving us the best of both worlds in a creative way that is fresh and thrilling. The movie also sees one of my all-time favorite actors the amazing and talented Kurt Russell in his first Western movie since the classic Tombstone in 1993 and it is a outstanding return to the Western genre. And while Bone Tomahawk has a style that won't appeal to everyone the movie it has enough gripping power that will keep audiences entertained and seems like a movie that will have Cult status. What writer-director S. Craig Zahler has done in his directorial debut is taking the genres the Western and Horror film and given Bone Tomahawk a novel approach that is very interesting,different and will keep audiences glued to the screen. With Bone Tomahawk we are taken on a journey through the Wild Wild West with Action,Adventure and style that is almost like a re-working of the brilliant John Wayne-John Ford Western classic The Searchers(1956)but is more violent and brutal as well as very intense and powerful never letting go of viewers from beginning to end. One of the main reasons that Bone Tomahawk is so great is that it's like two movies in one with the first 90 minutes being a slow build but compelling character driven story with getting us to know the four main characters whether it's the tough Sheriff Franklin Hunt,the injured but determined Arthur O'Dwyer,the charming and dandy John Brooder and the old but dependable Deputy Sheriff Chicory. All four of the main characters all have different personalities and are at each others throats most of the time but they are likable and have that one common goal of rescuing people who were kidnapped. When they go on their journey we as the viewer we are with each of them on their journey and relate to them well. The screenplay by S. Craig Zahler is fantastic,with Zahler giving the four main characters incredible dialog and some humorous moments that are funny,subtle and add to the film. While not Action packed the movie has a few good Western movie shootouts that are short but effective. I also like the photography by Benji Bakshi which makes the Western landscape look beautiful and visual stunning whether it's during the day or at night. So while the first half is character and dialog driven you will not be bored. It's the second half of the movie where the genre switches from Western to Horror and when the Horror aspect comes in the last 30-40 minutes of the film and it is dark,gruesome and vicious with scenes of blood and gore that is not for the weak at heart with one scene featuring one of the most brutal and cringe inducing kills I have ever seen on film and when you see it you will never forget it. I think it's because of the tone and genre of the first half that will make the switch more powerful and gripping. The ending of Bone Tomahawk is outstanding with Action and thrills and that will leave you excited and with a bittersweet feeling. A wonderful ending.
The cast is great. Kurt Russell is excellent and at his best as Franklin Hunt,with Russell being tough and gritty. Patrick Wilson is terrific as Arthur O'Dwyer,an injured man. Matthew Fox is wonderful as John Brooder,a charismatic gunman. Richard Jenkins is fantastic as always as Chicory,the deputy sheriff. Lili Simmons is great and beautiful as Samantha O'Dwyer,Arthur's wife. Also,lookout for cameo appearances by David Arquette(Purvis),Sid Haig(Buddy),Kathryn Morris(Lorna Hunt)and Sean Young(Mrs. Porter)who give good performances as well.
The direction by S. Craig Zahler is amazing,with Zahler always keeping the camera moving with a stylish and stunning look while keeping the film moving at a nice pace. Great direction,Zahler.
The score by Jeff Herriott and S. Craig Zahler is impressive and effective and matches the tone of the film. Nice score,Herriott and Zahler.
In final word,if you love Westerns and Horror films,I highly suggest you see Bone Tomahawk,an excellent,thrilling and intense Western-Horror film that you wont soon forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Cooley High (1975)
One Of The Greatest Teen/Coming Of Age Films Ever Made. An Excellent,Memorable Comedy/Drama And A Classic.
Cooley High is one of the greatest Teen movies and Coming Of Age films ever made,an excellent and memorable Comedy/Drama that combines wonderful direction,a terrific cast,a great script,Humor,Drama and a fantastic soundtrack. All of those elements make Cooley High not only a classic of Teen movies,Coming Of Age films and Black Cinema but a Classic of cinema.
Set in Chicago,Illinois in 1964,Cooley High tells the story of teenage best friends Preach(Glynn Turman)an aspiring writer and poet and Cochise(Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs),a High School Basketball star who has just gotten a College scholarship. Both Preach and Cochise are living carefree going to parties,hanging out,making out with girls and having fun but one moment and fatal error in judgment changes both of their lives forever. Now,Preach and Cochise have to deal with the consequences and growing up.
After the critical and Box Office success of George Lucas' Coming Of Age classic American Graffiti(1973),a boat load of nostalgia youth films that were set in the 1950s and 60s one of the best ones to come out during this time and is often called the Black American Graffiti was Cooley High,a brilliant movie that is one of the best Teen movies and Coming Of Age films ever made and is a movie that is rightfully regarded as a not only a Cult classic and a classic of Black Cinema but a movie classic in general.(That also loosely inspired the creation of the iconic 70s TV Comedy What's Happening). During the 1970s when Blaxploitation movies were defining Black cinema,director Michael Schulz and screenwriter Eric Monte(who co-created the classic 1970s sitcom Good Times)and the film Cooley High provided a much different look at African-American life as a movie that is funny and wild as it is dramatic and heartfelt. Like the best Coming Of Age films Cooley High focuses on the characters and what they do whether it's hanging out,partying or having fun and you as the viewer are along with the characters and the situations. When you're watching Cooley High you experience not only the characters but the style,the music and the atmosphere that makes you feel like you are there. Despite the characters being Black I think there's things in Cooley High that any person of any color or race can relate to when you were a Teenager whether it's friendship,having fun or hanging out you will connect with this film. The screenplay by Eric Monte(which Monte based on his experiences growing up in Chicago)is incredible with great dialog mixing Humor,drama and making the characters feel real and alive. The Comedy and Humor in Cooley is funny and hilarious with some moments being silly and over the top and some of the Humor based on regular situations with all of the Comedic scenes basically being a series of fun vignettes. What I also love about Cooley High is that while there is plenty of funny moments it's not afraid to be dramatic showing moments of real life and powerful depth and a little sadness that sticks with the viewer and makes them think. The balance of Comedy and Drama is terrific and makes the movie more effective because when you watch the movie you will go through many emotions. The two main characters Preach and Cochise are terrific and interesting as we see the two best friends both getting into crazy situations and stuff that can get them into trouble but at the same time the two are well developed. Although Preach and Cochise don't like going to school or doing school work we see that both of them have dreams and goals with Preach wanting to be a writer and Cochise wanting to be a professional Basketball player which gives both characters dimension and depth. The ending of Cooley High is amazing and one of the best endings I have ever seen in a Coming Of Age movie mixing sadness but leaving viewers with hope and optimism. A powerful and unforgettable ending.
The cast is great. Glynn Turman is wonderful as Preach,with Turman bringing Humor to the role. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is terrific as Cochise,with Jacobs being charismatic. Garrett Morris is fantastic as Mr. Mason a teacher that cares about his students. Cynthia Davis is great and beautiful as Brenda,Preach's love interest. Corin Rodgers is funny and memorable as Pooter,one of Preach's and Cochise's friends. Maurice Leon Havis(Willie),Joseph Carter Wilson(Tyrone),Rick Stone(Stone),Norman Gibson(Robert),Maurice Marshall(Damon),Steven Williams(Jimmy Lee)and Lynn Cardine(Dorothy)give good performances as well. Also,lookout for an early role from Robert Townsend.
The direction by Michael Schulz is wonderful,with Schulz bringing a nice energy,atmosphere and authentic feel to the film and incredible quality to the movie. Nice direction,Schulz.
The score by Freddie Perren is good and goes well with the film. Fine score,Perren. There is also an amazing soundtrack with songs by G.C Cameron(It's So Hard To Say Goodbye),The Supremes(Baby Love,Stop In The Name Of Love),The Miracles(Ooh Baby Baby),Stevie Wonder(Fingertips),The Temptations(My Girl),Martha And The Vandellas(Dancing In The Streets),The Four Tops(I Can't Help Myself(Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)Reach Out I'll Be There)and more.
In final word,if you love Teen Movies,Coming Of Age Films,Black Cinema or cinema in general,I highly suggest you see Cooley High,an excellent and memorable classic that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
A Flawed,But Entertaining And Interesting Sequel.
Friday The 13th Part V:A New Beginning is a flawed but entertaining and interesting sequel that combines fine direction,a good cast,a memorable score and nice special effects. All of those elements make Friday The 13th:A New Beginning while not one of the best films in the Friday The 13th a solid entry in the franchise.
Friday The 13th:A New Beginning tells the story of a teenage Tommy Jarvis(John Shepard)still haunted and mentally disturbed by his encounter when he killed Jason Voorhees in The Final Chapter is sent to a halfway house with other trouble teenagers. While at the house some one is murdering and killing people in a similar way Jason used to Tommy and others have to learn how to survive.
Stuck between the gory and bloody darkness of the excellent Friday The 13:The Final Chapter(1984)and the entertaining high octane thrills of the brilliant Friday The 13th Part VI:Jason Lives(1986)is Friday The 13th:A New Beginning,one of the most infamous films in the Friday The 13th series(along with Jason Takes Manhattan,Jason Goes To Hell and Jason X)that has divided fans over the years some love it and some hate it but at the same time has found an audience since it's 1985 release. I always liked this twisted film and have a fun time with it despite it's flaws. It's easy to see why most Friday fans wouldn't like this one with no Jason in the movie(except in Tommy's dreams and hallucinations)and the film trying to take the series into a new direction and it works and some times it doesn't. But at the same time all the elements of the Friday The 13th series are pretty much there front and center:kills,gore,tons of nudity and a high body count(one of the highest body counts of the series at 20)taken to excessive levels in this one. We also have hillbillies,Kung Fu Fighting,robot dancing,1950s style greasers,disturbed teenagers,drug use,sex,singing in the bathroom and large uses of the F-Bomb throwing in everything but the kitchen sink with tons of other bizarre things happening in the film. A New Beginning with all of those elements has a sleazy and trashy weirdness as well as an over the top nature to it that feels different from the others in the series that makes it a watchable Slasher whodunit. The kills in A New Beginning while not as creative as some of the other movies in the series are effective and well done in their simplicity. My only problem with the kills is that there was no build up or suspense to the kills and they all seem to happen every 5-10 minutes. But there is still enough suspense and excitement to keep viewers entertained with a good foot chase scene for good measure. As for the blood and gore it's still there but is scaled back compared to some of the other Friday's thanks to the MPAA but there is still some red plasma in the movie. The atmosphere is pretty effective especially during the night time scenes when it's raining and the photography is at times eerie and haunting. What about the main characters? Well,some of them standout(like Tommy,Reggie the Reckless and Pam)while the other characters while interesting are Slasher movie fodder waiting to be slaughtered. The Friday The 13th movies have always had a dark sense of Humor(whether it was intentional or not)but A New Beginning the Humor is hilarious and dark because there are some things that are intentionally funny and other things that you weren't supposed to laugh but ended laughing at anyway(the infamous candy bar scene is a prime example). The ending of Friday The 13th:A New Beginning has been a source of controversy over the years with Friday The 13th fans on whether the ending actually happened or was it all a dream. But I like the ending cause it goes with the rest of the movie and there is enough twists and surprises that would make Scooby-Doo laugh and smile. A fine ending.
The cast is good. John Shepard is terrific as Tommy Jarvis,with Shepard bringing the right emotion and depth to the role. Melanie Kinnaman is wonderful and beautiful as Pam,a woman working at the halfway house. Shavar Ross is fantastic and fun as Reggie The Reckless,a tough street kid. Lookout for a cameo by Corey Feldman as Tommy Jarvis,age 12. Richard Young(Matt),Marco St. John(Sheriff Tucker),Juliette Cummins(Robin),Tiffany Helm(Violet),Debi Sue Voorhees(Tina),John Robert Dixon(Eddie),Jerry Palvon(Jake),Dominick Brascia(Joey),Mark Venturini(Vic),Carol Locatell(Ethel),Ron Sloan(Junior),Tom Morga(Jason Voorhees),Miguel A. Nunez Jr.(Demon),Jefe Fields(Anita),Corey Parker(Pete),Anthony Barrile(Vinnie),Bob DeSimmone(Billy),Rebecca Wood(Lana),Dick Wieand(Roy Burns),Caskey Swaim(Duke),Vernon Washington(George),Richard Lineback(Deputy Dodd),Ric Mancini(Mayor Cobb)and Sonny Shields(Raymond)give good performances as well.
The direction by Danny Steinmann is great,with Steinmann bringing a good visual style and atmosphere to the film and using things such as close-ups and zooms at the right time. Fine direction,Steinmann.
The score by Harry Manfredini is another great and atmosphere score that goes well with the film. Wonderful score,Manfredini. There is also a terrific song by Pseudo Echo(His Eyes)playing during a memorable scene.
The Special Make-up Effects by Martin Becker are incredible and memorable and go well with the film. Nice effects,Becker.
In final word,if you love the Friday The 13th franchise,Slasher Films or Horror Movies in general,I suggest you see Friday The 13:A New Beginning,a flawed but entertaining and interesting sequel that is worth your time. Recommended. 7.5/10.
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
An Excellent,Hilarious Teen Comedy
Can't Hardly Wait is an excellent,hilarious Teen Comedy that combines great direction,a wonderful ensemble cast,a fun script and a memorable soundtrack. All of those elements make Can't Hardly Wait one of the best Teen movies of the 1990s and one of my favorites in the genre.
Can't Hardly Wait tells the story about Preston(Ethan Embry),a Teen who has just graduated High School and has chosen a graduation party to confess his love to his long time crush the beautiful and popular Amanda Beckett(Jennifer Love Hewitt). Meanwhile,Kenny(Seth Green),a Hip-Hop loving misfit who wants to lose his virginity but gets stuck in the bathroom with the cynical Denise(Lauren Ambrose),a former friend. Class nerd William(Charlie Korsmo)wants revenge against his bully football jock Mike Dexter(Peter Facinelli). All of them are in for a wild hilarious night they will never forget.
After the critical and Box Office success of the Teen/High School classic Clueless(1995),the teen genre was booming again in the late 1990s and in my opinion one of the best Teen films to come out during the 90s and one of my favorites of the genre was Can't Hardly Wait,a terrific and hilarious Teen Comedy that was a modest success at the Box Office and over the years has developed a Cult following that is well deserved. Can't Hardly is a movie that is just entertaining from start to finish and it's a film that wonderfully pays homage to it's inspirations and fore fathers in the Teen genre whether it's the John Hughes films,American Graffiti,Dazed And Confused and Fast Times At Ridgemont High and while it takes most of the elements from those movies Can't Hardly Wait creates it's own world and style that makes it entertaining and re-watchable after many viewings. Also,like the movies I mentioned above Can't Hardly Wait shows off tons of actors who would become bigger and more famous years later. Nearly 80% of High School movies have one or two party scenes but in Can't Hardly Wait nearly the entire movie takes place at a party where tons of wild and crazy things take place. Having the movie take place at a party makes the film feel fresh and almost like a stage play and that is one of the things that I think sets CHW from the other Teen movies during the late 90s early 2000s. Despite being set at a party the movie never runs out of steam or wears out it's welcome and there's an energy that keeps going until the very end. The Comedy and laughs in Can't Hardly Wait are funny and non-stop with a mixture of slapstick,over the top characters and moments of hilarity and insanity. I also enjoy the fact that CHW takes place in one night which I think makes some of the situations ever more funny and over the top. The screenplay by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan is fantastic giving the characters dialog that hilarious,witty and clever. I also enjoyed how Can't Hardly Wait despite being a very funny movie deals with love,fate and looking back at the past while moving into the future which is dealt with in different ways by the main characters. And speaking of the main characters they all are very much the same kind of stereotypes that you see in other High School movies(Nerd,Jock,popular girl etc..)but as the movie goes on we learn about who they are and what they want with some depth and emotion. CHW also has one of the biggest and largest ensemble casts I have seen in a Teen film with lots of fun and interesting supporting characters who make small and brief appearances but leave an impression on viewers. The ending of Can't Hardly Wait wonderful because not only do we learn about the fates of the main characters with also get laughs,romance and some surprises. A great ending.
The cast is great. Jennifer Love Hewitt is excellent,beautiful and sexy as Amanda,a popular girl. Ethan Embry is terrific as Preston,a guy in love with Amanda. Charlie Korsmo is wonderful and funny as William,a nerd looking for revenge. Lauren Ambrose is fantastic as Denise,Preston's cynical best friend. Peter Facinelli is amazing as Mike,a Football jock. Seth Green is great and hilarious as Kenny,a Hip-Hop loving goof ball. Also,lookout for fun appearances and cameos from Melissa Joan Hart(Vikki,the yearbook girl),Jenna Elfman(The Angel Stripper),Jerry O'Connell(Trip McNeely),Breckin Meyer(Walter)and early roles from Jason Segel,Freddy Rodriguez,Jamie Pressly and many more.
The direction by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan is fantastic,with Elfont and Kaplan bringing a simple but effective style and energy to the film with good lighting and pace. Great direction,Elfont and Kaplan.
The soundtrack is a wonderful mixture of Rock and Pop songs that go with the energy and atmosphere of the film.
In final word,if you love Teen Films,High School movies or Comedies,I highly suggest you see Can't Hardly Wait,an excellent and hilarious Teen Comedy that you will watch again and again. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Bad Boys (1983)
An Excellent,Powerful And Underrated Teen Crime Drama With A Brilliant Performance From Sean Penn.
Bad Boys is an excellent,powerful and underrated Teen Crime Drama that combines terrific direction,amazing performances from Sean Penn and a wonderful cast,a fantastic score and a great script. All of those elements make Bad Boys a unforgettable film that cannot be missed.
Set in Chicago,Illinois,Bad Boys tells the story of Mick O'Brian(Sean Penn),a teenage hoodlum who robs,steals and keeps getting into trouble. While doing an attempted robbery and driving a car Mick gets into a car accident killing a young boy. Because he is a minor,Mick is sent to the Rainford Juvenile Correctional Facility a reform school that has young and vicious criminals serving time. Now,Mick has to learn to survive at his new home at all costs.
Released in 1983,Bad Boys is a brilliant and unforgettable film that was one of Sean Penn's early movie roles and is a movie that is truly underrated and very overlooked that while earning some pretty good reviews from critics was ignored by moviegoers at the time but over the years has found cult status over the years since it's release and it's well deserved. Right from the somber and emotional opening credits Bad Boys is an amazing movie from the moment you watch it mixing together genres such as the Teen film and Prison movie making Bad Boys one of the best examples of the Teen Crime Drama,a sub genre of Teen Movies that gives viewers a darker look at Teenage life because in this film the kids aren't thinking about going to a dance or going on dates but trying to survive on the mean streets of Chicago. During the early 1980s where Teens were trying survive in Slasher Movies and or trying to get laid in Sex Comedies,Bad Boys brought viewers back to the classic trouble youth movies of the 1950s such as Rebel Without A Cause and The Blackboard Jungle(both from 1955)and brought to the 1980s in a truly fantastic way that is brutal,harsh and bleak and done with a style that just punches you in the face from the opening scene. One of the things I love about Bad Boys is that inside and outside the detention center the teenage criminals exist in a world onto themselves where things such as violence,death and crime seems to be the only way out for them where it's all about survival and following the laws of the streets with no escape or hope. Bad Boys is a movie that is not easy to watch and that is one of the things I enjoy about it is that it doesn't hold back on it's grim and downbeat nature nor does it sugarcoat anything for the viewers. The Juvenile Prison scenes feel authentic and real almost like you are in there with the characters living a nightmare and you just want to get out of there. Inside the prison you will see that there is tension in the air all the time and anything can happen. The violence in Bad Boys is shocking and intense but is also fits with the dangerous world that the movie shows and the violence isn't pretty(lookout for the now famous pillow case scene). The screenplay by Richard Di Lello is just amazing and well written,with Di Lello's dialog being gritty and raw and giving the characters toughness. The main character Mick O'Brian isn't a likable person by any stretch of the imagination in fact when you see some of his actions you will think he gets what he deserves but at the same time O'Brien has some dimension and depth in certain scenes and in comparison to the other prisoners he's kind of likable even if you don't like him. Bad Boys has often been accused of being predictable at times by some critics and while there are some familiar elements that have been seen before in other films of this type that doesn't destroy the movie's impact. Some critics have also said that the movie is preachy but I think it works for this film in sending a message that is hard edged and memorable. The ending of Bad Boys is powerful and effective giving viewers a conclusion that answers questions while at the same time makes viewers asks questions with no easy answers. A great ending.
The cast is great. Sean Penn is excellent and powerful as Mick O'Brien,with Penn bringing an intensity and emotional depth to the role. Rick Santoni is terrific as Herrera,a warden that cares about the kids. Esai Morales is wonderful as Paco,a rival of O'Brien's. Eric Gurry is fantastic as Horowitz,a friend and cell mate of O'Brien's. Ally Sheedy is great as J.C,Mick's girlfriend. Clancy Brown is amazing as Viking,a prison bully. Robert Lee Rush does a fine job as Tweety,Viking's partner and cell mate. Jim Moody(Mr. Daniels),John Zenda(Wagner),Tony Mockus(Warden Bendix),Dean Fortunato(Perretti),Lawerence Mah(Lee)and Eugene J. Anthony(Robert Walenski,J.C.'s Father)give good performances as well.
The direction by Rick Rosenthal is sensational,with Rosenthal bringing a dark and atmospheric look to the movie and keeping the camera moving with tracking shots and a tight pace. Great direction,Rosenthal.
The score by Bill Conti is haunting,intense and tragic matching the tone of the movie perfectly. Powerful score,Conti.
In final word,if you love Sean Penn Teen Films or Prison Movies,I highly suggest you see Bad Boys,an excellent and powerful Teen Crime Drama that will stay with you after you watch it. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
The Running Man (1987)
A Terrific And Entertaining SCI-FI/Action/Thriller. Arnold Schwarzenegger At His Best.
The Running Man is a terrific and entertaining SCI-FI/Action/Thriller that combines fantastic direction,a wonderful cast,amazing Action and a fine score. All of those elements make The Running Man a fantastic SCI-FI-Action-Thriller that is Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best.
Based on the novel by Stephen King(writing under the name Richard Bachman)and set in the future in 2019,The Running Man tells the story of Ben Richards(Arnold Schwarzenegger),a former cop who was framed for killing dozens of people and sent to prison but later escapes. While on the run from the law Richards is captured by the police and is put on the television show The Running Man which is hosted by Damon Killian(Richard Dawson)and is a show where he's being chased by stalkers. Now on the show as a contestant,Richards must now have to figure out how to clear his name and stay alive.
The Running Man is a wonderful and Action-packed SCI-FI-Action-Thriller that was a modest success at the Box Office but the movie seems to get lost in the shuffle with other Arnold Schwarzenegger movies as the movie came out in between Action classics such as The Terminator and Terminator 2:Judgment Day,Predator,Total Recall and Commando,but I have always loved The Running Man as one of my favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger movies and in my opinion it's one of his better films. From beginning to end The Running Man is just pure and delightful entertainment that is thrilling and over the top and is one of those movies where when the Action starts it keeps going and never quits. When you mix together Action,Dystopian SCI-FI,Satirical Humor and cheesy but very memorable puns and one liners you have a great movie in my opinion. The Action is amazing and thrilling because we get gunfights,explosions and many other exciting things going on throughout the movie that will keep viewers entertained and on the edge of their seats. The Satirical Humor of the movie works so well because the movie is mocking game shows,television and the media where everything is outlandish and turned on it's head. Ben Richards is a terrific character in the typical Arnold Schwarzenegger mold:he's very tough,confident and can handle himself against all odds while spitting out one-liners and kicking butt at the same time. When he's in The Running Man game he faces off with the stalkers well using his strength and brains to outsmart the stalkers and we the audience root for him to survive. Damian Killain is the opposite because as soon as we see him we hate his guts because as the host of The Running Man all he cares about is television ratings no matter who lives or dies. And while he doesn't kill anyone he's probably the most vicious character in the movie and you want to see Killian go down. I love movies that are set in a dark Dystopian future and The Running Man has always been one of my favorites movies set in a dark future because in The Running Man the United States in the future is a police state where schools are shut down,freedom is nonexistent and the media tells you what they want you to hear and where the economy and society have truly fallen apart. Even though the film is silly and over the top The Running Man is pretty relevant as the movie gave viewers a foreshadow to what would be known as reality television but in the world of The Running Man reality television is taken to such a violent extreme where the game is death and the prize is life. The themes and issues addressed in The Running Man make the movie rise above the typical Action movie and give the film some substance. Some Stephen King fans will be disappointed that the movie isn't really faithful to the original book but as a Stephen King fan myself I can see the movie and book as two different but great things that both can be enjoyed. The ending of The Running Man is amazing,fun and filled with Action and surprises that truly hits the spot. An outstanding ending.
The cast is great. Arnold Schwarzenegger is excellent and at his best as Ben Richards,with Schwarzenegger,being charismatic,kicking butt and saying great one-liners. Richard Dawson is fantastic as Damon Killain,the sadistic game show host of The Running Man. Maria Conchita Alozno is terrific,beautiful and sexy as Amber,a woman who helps Ben. Yaphet Kotto and Marvin J. Mcintyre are great as Laughlin and Weiss,two members of a resistance. Mick Fleetwood gives a fine performance as Mic,the leader of the resistance. Jesse Ventura(Captain Freedom),Jim Brown(Fireball),Gus Rethwisch(Buzzsaw),Erland Van Lidth De Jeude(Dynamo)and Toru Tanaka(Subzero)are fun and menacing as The Running Man stalkers. Dweezil Zappa(Stevie),Kurt Fuller(Tony)and Sven-Ole Thorsen(Sven)give good performances as well.
The direction by Paul Michael Glaser(of Starsky & Hutch fame)is wonderful,with Glaser always moving the camera and bringing an energy,style and pace to the film. Fine direction,Glaser.
The score by Harold Faltermeyer is great,memorable and matches the tone and energy of the movie. Amazing score,Faltermeyer. There is also the memorable song called Restless Heart(Running Away With You)by John Parr.
In Final Word,if you love Arnold Schwarzenegger,SCI-FI films or Action-Thrillers,I highly suggest you see The Running Man,a terrific and entertaining SCI-FI/Action/Thriller that is Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
Hellraiser (1987)
One Of The Greatest Horror Films Ever Made. An Excellent,Scary,Terrifying And Unforgettable Horror Classic From Clive Barker.
Hellraiser is one of the greatest Horror films ever made,an excellent,scary and unforgettable Horror classic that combines terrific direction,a fine cast,great special effects and an amazing score. All of those elements make Hellraiser Clive Barker and Horror movies at their best.
Based on the novella The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker,Hellraiser tells the story about Husband and wife Larry(Andrew Robinson)and Julia Cotton(Clarie Higgins)who have moved into Larry's childhood home. While there Julia discovers the skinless but alive body of Frank Cotton(Sean Chapman,Oilver Smith)Larry's brother and Julia's former lover who has escaped the clutches of monsters called Cenobites who exist in a puzzle box that when opened unleashes pain and Horror. Frank decides to use Julie to help him get some blood and skin which leads to terror and chaos.
Released in 1987,Hellraiser is a brilliant and unforgettable Horror film that was the directorial debut of novelist CLive Barker and was the movie that introduced Barker and one of the all-time iconic characters in Pinhead to the world of Horror. During the time when Slasher movies were all the rage,Hellraiser was released and gave audiences something different and also gave audiences one of the most original,imaginative,twisted and bizarre Horror movies of all-time and one of the finest genre films of the 1980s. Hellraiser is a truly depraved but incredible work of Horror that is like a nightmare coming to life that is ugly,bleak and is a movie that offers no salvation for viewers and puts viewers who are watching the movie through hell and back. Hellraiser is unique because it was the film where S&M was combined with Horror and Fantasy showing viewers a frightening world where somethings are turned on it's head:torture is fun,pain is good mixing together with themes such as murder,death,sex and lust. The scares and terror in Hellraiser are nonstop and they don't happen with jump scares but with the horrific things that the characters go through. The movie is also scary because of the atmosphere which is surrounded by darkness and dread that hangs over the movie like a tightrope and never stops until the very end and when you watch the movie you will feel like no one is safe in any way shape or form. The blood and gore in Hellraiser is effective,brutal and will make you sick to your stomach with it's harshness and will give viewers nightmares for years because it's not just blood and gore for the sake of blood and gore it's there for a reason and makes an impact. Despite Pinhead being on the poster and being the face of the Hellraiser franchise the movie is really about the human characters and the things they go through as well as their interactions with one another and how they deal with the chaos going on in the film. Most Horror movies are never without memorable monsters and in Hellraiser the memorable monsters come in the form of Pinhead(in this film he listed as Lead Cenobite)and the Cenobites. While the Cenobites are only in the movie for a short time(5 to 10 minutes)they add to the movies nightmarish tone because what sets Pinhead and the Cenobites from other Horror villains in the first Hellraiser is that while they are not really good they are not always evil they are Demons to some,Angels to others. The Cenobites come from this puzzle box that is dangerous for the owner because if you open it the Cenobites appear and use chains and hooks to inflict pain or pleasure to the person who owns it which is terrifying and creepy. The Cenobites also have a look that is unique with black leather and different looks with their faces:there's Pinhead,one with no eyes and big teeth,one with a hole in their throat and a butterball with sunglasses. Pinhead and the Cenobites are classic characters you will never forget as long as you live. The ending of Hellraiser is fantastic and is filled with thrills,terror and lots of surprises that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. A terrific ending.
The cast is great. Ashley Laurence is outstanding and beautiful as Kristy,the heroine of the film. Andrew Robinson is wonderful as Larry Cotton,Kristy's Father. Claire Higgins is terrific as Julia,Larry's cheating Wife. Sean Chapman is great as Frank Cotton,Larry's Brother. Oliver Smith is superb as Skinless Frank/Frank The Monster,the villain in the film. Doug Bradley is brilliant and frightening as Pinhead,Lead Cenobite,one Horror films all-time great characters. Nicolas Vincent(Chattering Cenobite),Simon Bamford('Butterball' Cenobite)and Grace Kirby(Female Cenobite)are terrific as the other Cenobites. Robert Hines is decent as Steve,Kristy's boyfriend.
The direction by Clive Barker is amazing and stylish,with Barker giving the movie a solid atmosphere and stunning look that is frightening and eerie. Great direction,Barker.
The score by Christopher Young is outstanding,epic and iconic and matches the tone of the movie perfectly. Sensational score,Young.
The Special and Practical Make-Up Effects are terrific,realistic and well-done. Amazing Special and Practical effects.
In final word,if you Horror,Fantasy or Clive Barker,I highly suggest you see Hellraiser,an excellent,terrifying and unforgettable Horror Classic that you will never forget. Highly Recommended. 10/10.
The Faculty (1998)
An Excellent,Entertaining,Underrated SCI-FI/Horror-Thriller From Robert Rodriguez.
The Faculty is an excellent,entertaining and underrated SCI-FI-Horror-Thriller that combines great direction,a wonderful cast,a sharp script,fine special effects and a memorable score and soundtrack. All of those elements make The Faculty solid entertainment that's Robert Rodriguez at his best.
Set in Ohio,The Faculty tells the story of High School teenagers Casey(Eiljah Wood),Zeke(Josh Hartnett),Delilah(Jordana Brewster),Stokely(Clea DuVall),Stan(Shawn Hatosy)and Marybeth(Laura Harris)who find out that their teachers and fellow students have been taken over and possessed by Aliens. With nowhere to run or hide,the teens decide to fight back against the Aliens and survive.
After the critical and Box Office success of Wes Craven's Horror classic Scream in 1996 there was a trend and wave of hip and clever Teen Horror films that were released in theaters during the late 1990s and early 2000s(which also included I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997 and Urban Legend in 1998)and one of the best Teen Horror films and one of my favorites during this time was director Robert Rodriguez and screenwriter Kevin Williamson collaboration The Faculty,a movie that that was a modest success at the Box Office and is a film that combines Rodriguez's special effects driven style with Williamson's dialog and is Horror movie that's truly underrated and very overlooked. The Faculty is a terrific and memorable SCI-FI-Horror-Thriller that would be described as The Breakfast Club meets Invasion Of The Body Snatchers with a dash of John Carpenter's The Thing and is a movie that gives viewers a fun and interesting take on the Alien invasion genre with High School and with teenagers dealing with adults even though the movie isn't serious. The storyline in The Faculty may not be original or creative but the movie is a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end giving viewers everything but the kitchen sink with tons of thrills,excitement and suspense that is done in a over the top style that just works. While The Faculty is a SCI-FI-Horror movie it's not a scary one to make you keep your lights on at night,but there are moments in the film that are suspenseful and intense and will gives some viewers jolts and surprises. As for Blood and Gore there isn't much of it in this film but there is bits and pieces that show up in the movie. The screenplay by Kevin Williamson is terrific and memorable,with Williamson's dialog being clever and witty basically bringing the same type of dialog and style he brought to his Scream screenplay which makes The Faculty funny and humorous at times thanks to some of the back and forth dialog with the characters. While the characters and the dialog make reference to other SCI-FI-Horror movies The Faculty isn't as self aware or ironic as Scream was. The main teen characters are a direct homage to the John Hughes Teen/High School classic The Breakfast Club with all of the main characters pretty much representing some of the main stereotypes you would see in other Teen movies(geek,jock,criminal etc)but all of them are well-developed and interesting becoming more and more likable and heroic as the film goes on and we root for them as things become dangerous and chaotic. The ending of The Faculty is amazing,thrilling and filled with excitement,surprises that will leave viewers satisfied. A great ending.
The cast is great. Elijah Wood is wonderful as Casey,a nerd. Jordana Brewster is terrific as Delilah,a popular girl Casey has a crush on. Clea DuVall is fantastic as Stoakley,a loner. Shawn Hatosy is great as Stan,a Football jock that's Delilah's boyfriend. Josh Hartnett is amazing as Zeke,a genius who makes drugs. Laura Harris is great as Marybeth,a new girl at school. Famke Janssen(Ms. Burke),Robert Patrick(Coach Willis),Salma Hayak(Nurse Harper),Piper Laurie(Mrs. Olson),Bebe Neuwirth(Principal Drake),Jon Stewart(Professor Furlong),Daniel Van Bargen(Mr. Tate),Christopher McDonald(Mr. Connor),Libby Villari(Mrs. Connor),Usher Raymond(Gabe),Jon Abrahams(Boy),Summer Phoenix(Girl)Danny Masterson(Messed Up Kid),Wiley Wiggins(Messed Up Kid),Duane Martin(Police Officer),Katherine Willis(Police Officer)and Susan Willis(Mrs. Brummel)give good performances as well.
The direction by Robert Rodriguez is amazing and stylish,with Rodriquez keeping the camera moving also using freeze frames,slow motion and giving the film a nice style and atmosphere. Fantastic direction,Rodriguez.
The score by Marco Beltrami is impressive,suspenseful and intense and matches the tone of the movie. Nice score,Beltrami. There is also a wonderful Pop/Rock soundtrack that includes a great cover of the Pink Floyd song Another Brick In The Wall by the group Class Of 99.
The Special and Practical Effects by K.N.B. Efx Group are terrific and effective mixing together practical effects with CGI very well. Great job once again,K.N.B.
In final word,if you love Horror films,SCI-FI or Robert Rodriguez,I highly suggest you see The Faculty,an excellent,entertaining and underrated SCI-FI-Horror film that well worth your time. Highly Recommended. 10/10.