In a film set in the Nifty Fifties, Fido offers a very unique view of what could have otherwise been a traditional, gory zombie movie. Writers Robert Chomiak, Andrew Currie (also the director) and Dennis Heaton have created a world in which the elderly are feared, head caskets are a commodity and children are trained in small arms.
The Premise
A cloud of space dust has fallen to Earth and the radiation from it reanimates corpses. The living dead have a craving for flesh and that just won't do, thus Zomcon has been created to solve all you zombie problems. Zombies can be trained for menial tasks, people are buried with separate head caskets and citizens are trained in basic zombie killing tactics.
My Take
The Robinson's are the perfect example of a nuclear family; mom, dad, son and one on the way. Except that little Timmy doesn't seem to have a lot of friends and they are the only family on the block without their own zombie. The head honcho of Zomcon has just moved in down the street with his wife and daughter, and they have six zombies. What is one to do?
In a great example of "keeping up with the Jones's", perfect wife and mother, Helen Robinson (Carrie-Anne Moss), purchases a zombie for their household without consulting her husband. Gasp! Much to the eventual delight of their son Timmy (Kesun Loder), mom and dad decide to keep the zombie because he proves to be so useful. Bill Robinson, the father (played by Dylan Baker), remains suspicious of zombies throughout due to a traumatic childhood incident.
Timmy names the zombie Fido. Fido, who never speaks an intelligible word, is played by Billy Connolly (and if you ever want to talk about your singing days with The Humblebums, I wouldn't say no). There is a series of accidents in which Timmy protects Fido, Mom protects Timmy, and then Fido protects them both proving that zombies may not be the soulless, heartless beings we have made them out to be.
There are some fantastic supporting characters, too. Sonja Bennett and Tim
Blake Nelson are the Robinson's neighbors. Nelson's character, Mr.
Theopolis, once worked for Zomcon and may or may not have been fired for
his inappropriate relationship with Tammy the zombie (Bennett). Cindy
Bottoms, played by Alexia Fast, is Timmy's only human friend.
The Verdict
Expertly written and acted, Fido is one of our new favorite movies to watch in October. I love that it is set in the 1950's and is able to get away with the attitudes and ways of thinking that it does. I strongly recommend this film if you enjoy tongue in cheek comedy, dark humor and zombie movies. I give Fido 10 zombie attacks.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Skeleton Twins
Family life is even more complicated than your run-of-the-mill average life. Can a broken family help each other heal after tragedy? Writers Craig Johnson and Mark Heyman have managed to capture the tragic side of life, and still make it entertaining, in The Skeleton Twins.
The Premise
Estranged twins, Milo and Maggie, are reunited after Milo's suicide attempt. He moves in with his sister only to discover that she isn't any more stable than he is. Personalities and opinions clash as the past rears his ugly head. The siblings try to mend their relationship, leaving collateral damage in their wake.
My Take
I have a feeling that this film doesn't get nearly the respect that it deserves because of the casting. Stars Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig are widely known for their comedic roles and The Skeleton Twins is a (welcome) departure from their norm. However, the roles of Milo and Maggie, respectively, are a chance for Hader and Wiig to really dig in and show the audience that they are much more capable than SNL and other cheap jokes. That being said, this is my favorite film of both of theirs.
Milo and Maggie contemplate suicide on the same day. The only thing that saves Maggie is that Milo actually attempts it. After visiting him in the hospital, they decide that Milo will go back home with Maggie for a while to recover.
At home, Milo discovers that the perfect life that Maggie is trying to live is not so perfect after all. Her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), couldn't be nicer or more perfect but that's also the problem. Maggie is attracted to the bad boys. And Milo is still attracted to his old high school English teacher (Ty Burrell). The one who lost his job for their inappropriate relationship.
The Skeleton Twins isn't all drama. There are wonderful moments of sibling bonding mixed in with the suicide and affairs and dead goldfish. Milo and Maggie get high and Nitrous Oxide and giving a rousing lip sync to Jefferson Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. I can't hear that song anymore with thinking of Milo and Maggie.
The Verdict
Severely underrated. You can't go into The Skeleton Twins thinking, "Oh, what a funny cast." This movie shows you a more serious, and dare I say, better Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Director Craig Johnson brings out the best in overly positive Luke Wilson and gives you a different side of Ty Burrell. What happens when two damaged people need each other? They break each other down, then they pick each other up. That's family. I give The Skeleton Twins 2/2 twins. Give it a chance.
***
As a side note: Suicide is serious.
If you or someone you know thinks that suicide might be the answer, please talk to someone right away.
There's free help!
1-800-273-8255 (call toll free)
www.afsp.org
suicide.org
Save a life!
The Premise
Estranged twins, Milo and Maggie, are reunited after Milo's suicide attempt. He moves in with his sister only to discover that she isn't any more stable than he is. Personalities and opinions clash as the past rears his ugly head. The siblings try to mend their relationship, leaving collateral damage in their wake.
My Take
I have a feeling that this film doesn't get nearly the respect that it deserves because of the casting. Stars Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig are widely known for their comedic roles and The Skeleton Twins is a (welcome) departure from their norm. However, the roles of Milo and Maggie, respectively, are a chance for Hader and Wiig to really dig in and show the audience that they are much more capable than SNL and other cheap jokes. That being said, this is my favorite film of both of theirs.
Milo and Maggie contemplate suicide on the same day. The only thing that saves Maggie is that Milo actually attempts it. After visiting him in the hospital, they decide that Milo will go back home with Maggie for a while to recover.
At home, Milo discovers that the perfect life that Maggie is trying to live is not so perfect after all. Her husband, Lance (Luke Wilson), couldn't be nicer or more perfect but that's also the problem. Maggie is attracted to the bad boys. And Milo is still attracted to his old high school English teacher (Ty Burrell). The one who lost his job for their inappropriate relationship.
The Skeleton Twins isn't all drama. There are wonderful moments of sibling bonding mixed in with the suicide and affairs and dead goldfish. Milo and Maggie get high and Nitrous Oxide and giving a rousing lip sync to Jefferson Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. I can't hear that song anymore with thinking of Milo and Maggie.
The Verdict
Severely underrated. You can't go into The Skeleton Twins thinking, "Oh, what a funny cast." This movie shows you a more serious, and dare I say, better Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Director Craig Johnson brings out the best in overly positive Luke Wilson and gives you a different side of Ty Burrell. What happens when two damaged people need each other? They break each other down, then they pick each other up. That's family. I give The Skeleton Twins 2/2 twins. Give it a chance.
***
As a side note: Suicide is serious.
If you or someone you know thinks that suicide might be the answer, please talk to someone right away.
There's free help!
1-800-273-8255 (call toll free)
www.afsp.org
suicide.org
Save a life!
Friday, February 13, 2015
The Fall (2013-?)
I have three main criteria when I watch new shows: good writing, good acting and good direction. If any one of those things lags, it can make a television series fall flat. The Fall, created and written by Allan Cubitt, fits the bill.
The Premise
A serial killer has been terrorizing the citizens of Belfast. A specialized detective from the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) has been brought in to track him down and bring him to justice.
My Take
The Fall is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyches of all the people that are touched by the events in this story. No one is written as stereotypical or flat or thought of as just a side note. Granted, having to watch the show on Netflix means that we are a little behind (which is so frustrating), but thus far, the timeline of events have been laid out carefully and thoughtfully. That's not to say there haven't been several twists and turns to surprise viewers along the way.
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. She has been tasked with the difficult job of tracking down a serial strangler in Northern Ireland. I've been a fan of Anderson since the X-Files and Detective Gibson is no Agent Scully. Anderson plays Gibson with such flawed casualness, that you can't help but be drawn into her story line. She is sexy, distant, emotional, smart and intuitive; a perfect choice to play Gibson.
Jamie Dornan is Paul Spector, the Belfast strangler. The show makes no secret of his sexual proclivities. Let's just say, The Fall gave Dornan plenty of practice for any bondage scenes he may have in 50 Shades of Grey. Paul Spector is a family man by day, married to Sally Ann Spector, played by the very talented Bronagh Waugh. He and his wife live a normal life complete with a mortgage, jobs and two small children. But Paul Spector can't help himself when it comes to stalking young, beautiful, dark haired women.
When officers start closing in on Paul, he begins to rely on his obsessive, teen-aged babysitter to give him his alibis. Aisling Franciosi plays 16 year old Katie Benedetto. She goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect the man she loves. Even after he is accused of not only murder but of assaulting Annie Brawley (Karen Hassan) and kidnapping his old girlfriend, Rose Stagg (Valene Kane).
The team of Belfast officers are well rounded and extremely well played, each with their own unique personalities. They are played by John Lynch, Niamh McGrady, Emmett J. Scanlan and Bronagh Taggart and are too good not to get a mention.
The Verdict
The Fall is one of those shows that I have to binge watch when the new seasons come out on Netflix. Everything falls right in place with The Fall. I give it 4/4 murders. I am just so infuriated with Season 2's ending and can't wait for Season 3!
The Premise
A serial killer has been terrorizing the citizens of Belfast. A specialized detective from the MET (Metropolitan Police Service) has been brought in to track him down and bring him to justice.
My Take
The Fall is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyches of all the people that are touched by the events in this story. No one is written as stereotypical or flat or thought of as just a side note. Granted, having to watch the show on Netflix means that we are a little behind (which is so frustrating), but thus far, the timeline of events have been laid out carefully and thoughtfully. That's not to say there haven't been several twists and turns to surprise viewers along the way.
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. She has been tasked with the difficult job of tracking down a serial strangler in Northern Ireland. I've been a fan of Anderson since the X-Files and Detective Gibson is no Agent Scully. Anderson plays Gibson with such flawed casualness, that you can't help but be drawn into her story line. She is sexy, distant, emotional, smart and intuitive; a perfect choice to play Gibson.
Jamie Dornan is Paul Spector, the Belfast strangler. The show makes no secret of his sexual proclivities. Let's just say, The Fall gave Dornan plenty of practice for any bondage scenes he may have in 50 Shades of Grey. Paul Spector is a family man by day, married to Sally Ann Spector, played by the very talented Bronagh Waugh. He and his wife live a normal life complete with a mortgage, jobs and two small children. But Paul Spector can't help himself when it comes to stalking young, beautiful, dark haired women.
When officers start closing in on Paul, he begins to rely on his obsessive, teen-aged babysitter to give him his alibis. Aisling Franciosi plays 16 year old Katie Benedetto. She goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect the man she loves. Even after he is accused of not only murder but of assaulting Annie Brawley (Karen Hassan) and kidnapping his old girlfriend, Rose Stagg (Valene Kane).
The team of Belfast officers are well rounded and extremely well played, each with their own unique personalities. They are played by John Lynch, Niamh McGrady, Emmett J. Scanlan and Bronagh Taggart and are too good not to get a mention.
The Verdict
The Fall is one of those shows that I have to binge watch when the new seasons come out on Netflix. Everything falls right in place with The Fall. I give it 4/4 murders. I am just so infuriated with Season 2's ending and can't wait for Season 3!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Quartet (2012)
There are few movies that are centered around and made for an older generation of stars. Far too often, talented seasoned stars will make an appearance as someone's parent or grandparent rather starring in their own movie. Quartet is a film that peeks into the lives of a retirement home that has been made especially for elderly musicians.
The Premise
An annual benefit has been planned to celebrate Verdi's birthday and to raise money to help with expenses at a home for retired musicians. A group of long time friends are in the midst of rehearsals when the fourth member of their quartet arrives unexpectedly at the retirement home, shaking things up.
My Take
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald are long time friends and opera singers who live together at a home for retired musicians in England. Every year the home puts on a benefit concert on Verdi's birthday to help raise money for the expenses of their beloved home. The benefit is being led by the larger than life, Cedric Livingston, played by Sir Michael Gambon. Cedric is determined to have the event go off without a hitch and it will be his way or no way at all.
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald, once part of a famous quartet, are rehearsing their various parts. One day, a new resident arrives at the estate. It is the much esteemed Jean Horton, the final member of the famous quartet, played by the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith. Jean has come to the retirement home begrudgingly and continues her diva like ways with the staff and her former colleagues.
Reginald (the wonderful Sir Tom Courtenay) and Jean were once married causing friction in the one time group of friends. Cissy, the very talented Pauline Collins, and Wilf, the very funny Billy Connolly, try their best to mend the broken quartet but to no avail. Cedric comes up with the idea to have the group reunite and sing at the Verdi benefit concert. Jean, however refuses to sing. But what Cedric wants, Cedric gets. After all, the show must go on.
The Verdict
Quartet was a wonderful vehicle for director Dustin Hoffman to really show his talent behind the scenes. All of the casting was wonderful from the main characters to the singers to the musicians to the staff at the retirement home. There as not a bad person in the bunch. The cast may have been primarily a cast of, shall we say, seasoned actors, but the movie's themes were still relatable to people of all ages. Love, loss, anger, grief and fear are things that we go through at all stages of life. Quartet (written by Ronald Harwood) was surprisingly funny and touching, given the setting. I give Quartet 3/4 members.
The Premise
An annual benefit has been planned to celebrate Verdi's birthday and to raise money to help with expenses at a home for retired musicians. A group of long time friends are in the midst of rehearsals when the fourth member of their quartet arrives unexpectedly at the retirement home, shaking things up.
My Take
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald are long time friends and opera singers who live together at a home for retired musicians in England. Every year the home puts on a benefit concert on Verdi's birthday to help raise money for the expenses of their beloved home. The benefit is being led by the larger than life, Cedric Livingston, played by Sir Michael Gambon. Cedric is determined to have the event go off without a hitch and it will be his way or no way at all.
Cissy, Wilf and Reginald, once part of a famous quartet, are rehearsing their various parts. One day, a new resident arrives at the estate. It is the much esteemed Jean Horton, the final member of the famous quartet, played by the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith. Jean has come to the retirement home begrudgingly and continues her diva like ways with the staff and her former colleagues.
Reginald (the wonderful Sir Tom Courtenay) and Jean were once married causing friction in the one time group of friends. Cissy, the very talented Pauline Collins, and Wilf, the very funny Billy Connolly, try their best to mend the broken quartet but to no avail. Cedric comes up with the idea to have the group reunite and sing at the Verdi benefit concert. Jean, however refuses to sing. But what Cedric wants, Cedric gets. After all, the show must go on.
The Verdict
Quartet was a wonderful vehicle for director Dustin Hoffman to really show his talent behind the scenes. All of the casting was wonderful from the main characters to the singers to the musicians to the staff at the retirement home. There as not a bad person in the bunch. The cast may have been primarily a cast of, shall we say, seasoned actors, but the movie's themes were still relatable to people of all ages. Love, loss, anger, grief and fear are things that we go through at all stages of life. Quartet (written by Ronald Harwood) was surprisingly funny and touching, given the setting. I give Quartet 3/4 members.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
That Awkward Moment (2014)
Sometimes you start a movie not really expecting much from it. We were watching one such film for filler one lazy Winter day while the kids were playing outside and my husband and I were tangled up on the couch with one ear listening for screams of pain coming from the yard and the other ear tuned in to the speakers of the television set. Then we had the pleasant surprise of getting involved with the characters and their lives in That Awkward Moment.
The Premise
Three best friends find themselves suddenly single and make a vow to stay that way. Things get complicated (and awkward) as each thinks they have met "the one". They try to pursue their relationships without letting the others find out.
My Take
According to the movie, that awkward moment in relationships always begins with the word, "So". "So where are we going?" "So what is this?" "So what are we?" It's that way of defining a relationship that makes it uncomfortable. I'll tell you what; I've never been so happy to be married.
That Awkward Moment centers around three best friends. Jason (Zac Efron) seems destined to be a perpetual bachelor. He has a girl for every day of the week, called his roster, and he is by all appearances quite happy to live this life. Daniel (Miles Teller) uses his best gal pal, Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), as his wing man to help him score with the ladies. And Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) has recently been told by his wife that she wants a divorce.
Jason and Daniel treat recently single Mikey to a night out on the town. Daniel is using Chelsea to pick up chicks. Mikey is miserable. And Jason runs into Ellie, played by Imogen Poots. He and Ellie hit it off right away and go back to her place where he naturally comes to the conclusion that she is a hooker.
That Awkward Moment is full of appropriately awkward moments. Affairs, lots of sex, sex toys, mistaken identity, Facebook stalking, inappropriate costumes, car crashes, thievery, drunken nights and dirty jokes made for quite a few chuckles.
The Verdict
Miles Teller was hilarious as Daniel. As a trio, Zac Efron, Miachael B. Jordan and Teller worked together very well. The writing by Tom Gormican was clever and definitely entertaining. The supporting cast was spot on.
So.... What did I think of That Awkward Moment? I give it 3 guys and a girlfriend. It's silly, raunchy and worth an hour and a half of your time.
The Premise
Three best friends find themselves suddenly single and make a vow to stay that way. Things get complicated (and awkward) as each thinks they have met "the one". They try to pursue their relationships without letting the others find out.
My Take
According to the movie, that awkward moment in relationships always begins with the word, "So". "So where are we going?" "So what is this?" "So what are we?" It's that way of defining a relationship that makes it uncomfortable. I'll tell you what; I've never been so happy to be married.
That Awkward Moment centers around three best friends. Jason (Zac Efron) seems destined to be a perpetual bachelor. He has a girl for every day of the week, called his roster, and he is by all appearances quite happy to live this life. Daniel (Miles Teller) uses his best gal pal, Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis), as his wing man to help him score with the ladies. And Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) has recently been told by his wife that she wants a divorce.
Jason and Daniel treat recently single Mikey to a night out on the town. Daniel is using Chelsea to pick up chicks. Mikey is miserable. And Jason runs into Ellie, played by Imogen Poots. He and Ellie hit it off right away and go back to her place where he naturally comes to the conclusion that she is a hooker.
That Awkward Moment is full of appropriately awkward moments. Affairs, lots of sex, sex toys, mistaken identity, Facebook stalking, inappropriate costumes, car crashes, thievery, drunken nights and dirty jokes made for quite a few chuckles.
The Verdict
Miles Teller was hilarious as Daniel. As a trio, Zac Efron, Miachael B. Jordan and Teller worked together very well. The writing by Tom Gormican was clever and definitely entertaining. The supporting cast was spot on.
So.... What did I think of That Awkward Moment? I give it 3 guys and a girlfriend. It's silly, raunchy and worth an hour and a half of your time.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
What We Watched This Halloween Season - 2014
We have a tradition every October. We try to squeeze in as many horror movies as possible before the end of the scary movie season. This year we took it up a notch and even had a Monster Movie Marathon the weekend of Halloween.
To make the rating game easy, I decided to rate the movies on a 1 through 5 scale; 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. But of course, do not let my ratings keep you from watching any of these gems next horror season or any season. Happy Watching!
(In the order in which we watched them...)
You're Next (2011)
A family comes under attack during an anniversary party by a group of masked murderers. Unfortunately for them, one of the guests is better at killing than they are.
You're Next was not that bad. Gory? Yes. Fun to watch? Yes. It was well written and even decently acted, for a slasher flick. 4/5
Tormented (2011)
Daigo has become withdrawn and has formed a strong attachment to a stuffed rabbit. His sister, Kiriko, can't talk and is having trouble trying to convince her father to help. Kiriko has to enter a dangerous dream world when Daigo goes missing in order to discover the truth about her life.
Tormented was a little out there for me. I can see how fans of Japanese horror films would dig on this. In fact my husband enjoyed it more than I, but I had a hard time getting into it. 3/5
The Initiation (1984)
College student Kelly is to be initiated into the Delta Ro Kai sorority. While performing the prank in order to get into the sorority, a killer begins picking all the initiates off one by one.
A classic '80s horror film, that's for sure. It had it all; the hair, the boobs, the gratuitous sex. It was very predictable but fun to watch. But I'm a sucker for the classics. 3/5
Big Ass Spider (2013)
The military creates a killer spider (what?!?!) that grows bigger every time it eats. Eventually it grows so big that even the military can't kill it. It is up to a handful of scientists, and one exterminator, to take it down.
One word, Jose. The banter of the two main characters, Alex and Jose, was what made this movie worth watching. They were hilarious. 3/5
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Loosely based on a true story, a Texas Ranger hunts down a serial killer who was terrorizing residents in Texarkana, Texas in 1946.
If you ever get a chance to read up on the true story, it is pretty fascinating. 4/5
13 Sins (2014)
Preying on those who have fallen on desperate times, a game show host calls Elliot and gives him tasks to complete, each with an increasing monetary reward. Each task gets more and more gruesome until Elliot is under threat of incarceration until he finishes the game. And earns the big pay out.
Very good and original idea. It was well written, well acted, and well directed. In fact we shared this one with friends at our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
College student Samantha takes a babysitting job at a large and isolated house during a total lunar eclipse. As the night wears on, she begins to realize that her clients are devil worshipers and she has been lured there as a sacrifice.
This was very slow to develop. Very slow. But if you happen to watch it, you may recognize an actor from You're Next. 2/5
ATM (2012)
Three people are trapped in an ATM kiosk overnight by a deranged killer.
I saw about twenty plot holes in this movie, but it was still fun to watch. Plus I was pissed at not ever finding out the killer's motives! I hate that! 1/5
Haunt (2013)
A family moves into a house where a tragedy had befallen the previous tenants. The teen-aged boy of the family befriends the girl next door. They start fooling around with a radio that can communicate with the dead and strange things start happening in the house.
I thought it moved too slowly and was too predictable in its jumps and scares. Plus I had the ending figured out way ahead of time. But overall still an enjoyable watch. 2/5
Dead Silence (2007)
After his wife is murdered, Jamie returns home for the funeral. The killer is later linked to the ghost of a ventriloquist that hails from his hometown. As he digs into his wife's murder, he discovers a grisly folktale that centers around Mary Shaw, a murdered ventriloquist with a vendetta against his family.
Dead Silence was a really unique story. It was a little far fetched, but it was made nearly believable by the way it was written, directed and performed. 3/5
Bruiser (2000)
After years of being treated badly by his boss, his wife, his friends, his coworker and even his dog, a man wakes up one day with a blank white mask as a face. He uses this anonymity to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
This is a George A. Romero film. Though I don't know that it is technically a horror film, it still has its fair share of blood and sex. He is, after all, a masked killer. 4/5
New Year's Evil (1980)
While hosting a Punk Rock New Year's Eve television show, Diane Sullivan gets a call saying that someone will die when New Year's strikes in each time zone, ending with her.
Again, pure 80's cheese, but I love it. 3/5
Tamara (2005)
Tamara is the nerdy, unattractive girl that doesn't quite fit in. But no one knows that she is a witch. When she dies in a bizarre accident she comes back, sexy and ready to kill.
It's like the Carrie for witch lovers. And actually not too bad. 3/5
Hellgate (2011)
After a terrible accident in which he lost his wife and son, Jeff is now living in the shadow world between life and death. He has frightening visions in which he sees demons and ghosts. Now he has to make the choice to live in the world of the living or join the world of the dead.
I enjoyed the different view Hellgate took on the underworld. Another very slow moving movie.3/5
Donovan's Brain (1953)
Dr. Patrick Cory and his wife have been experimenting with brains. When they are unable to save the life of millionaire, Mr. Donovan, they keep his brain to experiment on it as well. Donovan's brain establishes a link with Dr. Cory's brain and uses Cory to seek revenge on his enemies.
A classic movie from the 1950's, Donovan's Brain was fun to watch. What I didn't like was the surprise ending. I felt like I had the carpet pulled out from under me. I like to have some hint at what is going on. 3/5
House of Whipcord (1974)
Young, beautiful girls are lured to an isolated mansion by a handsome young man, Mark E. Desade. Once there, they are forbidden to leave, charged with ludicrous crimes and told they are going to be rehabilitated. In truth they are tortured and some are even killed.
House of Whipcord was an interesting film. I can definitely see how people were disturbed by it in 1974. 3/5
Chillerama (2011)
It's closing night at the last drive-in in America and four movies are on the reels to be shown: Wadzilla, I was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All promising to be in very bad taste.
And they did not disappoint! I cringed and squirmed my way through the first three, but I turned it off at the start of the fourth and final short film. Too gross. And I can put up with a lot. 2/5
Humanoids From the Deep (1980)
Half-men, half-fish monsters terrorize a small fishing town.
Total camp and fun. Horny half-fish-men? One of my husband's favorites and if I don't give it a five, I'll never hear the end of it. So let's compromise and say 4.5/5
Satan's Little Helper (2004)
A little boy accidentally helps a serial killer, who is dressed up like a character from his favorite video game, on Halloween.
Satan's Little Helper is pretty silly, but it was actually a good idea. All kids (and some adults I know) would totally geek out if they met their video game idol. It was an easy, mindless watch. 4/5
Grave Secrets (1989)
A professor of psychic phenomena helps a woman investigate the unusual occurrences surrounding the bed and breakfast she owns.
This was a decent ghost story. It was interesting enough that the lack of scares kept me watching. 3/5
Gildersleeve's Ghost (1944)
Throckmorton Gildersleeve is running for public office so who better to help him out than the ghosts of his ancestors? Except idea of helping is to get him involved with a mad scientist, a giant gorilla, and a (sometimes) invisible woman.
My kids and I watched this movie together and laughed the whole way through. It was basically just good clean fun. 4/5
The Smiling Ghost (1941)
Elinor Bentley Fairchild is one unlucky woman. All of her previous beaus have met a tragic and untimely end due to the Smiling Ghost. Now the Fairchild family has hired "Lucky" Downing to pretend to be her latest fiancee to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Another oldie but a goody, The Smiling Ghost was funny with a touch of mystery. 4/5
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Based on the Stephen King story, Trucks, the movie is about what happens when a mysterious comet allows machines to come to life and terrorize the people of Earth. A group of survivors try to wait it out in a tiny truck stop.
Another of my husband's favorites, Maximum Overdrive is not necessarily a Halloween movie because there are no monsters in the traditional sense, but rather it is scary because the terror comes from objects we take for granted. 4.5/5
The Fog (1980)
Ghosts in a killer fog come seeking their revenge on the 100th anniversary of the night of their ship wreck. They won't rest until they claim their quota of soles.
The Fog is a good campfire story. That's the feel behind this movie for me. When you can cuddle up and watch a scary story that has lasted through the years, you know you have something good. 4/5
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale are two hillbillies trying to get some work done on their vacation home out in the middle of the woods. After a misunderstanding with some college kids, the bodies start piling up.
This is one of our favorites and it kicked off our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
A group of bank robbers have to fight through waves of zombies in East London in order to get back to their grandfather's retirement home and save him.
Another of our annual favorites. 5/5
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien and his robot land on Earth with a message of peace to give the world leaders. But the alien is wounded so he decides to try a different approach.
This is the movie that brought us Klaatu Barada Nikto. What more do you want? 4/5
World War Z (2013)
A world wide zombie epidemic has broken out. Gerry Lane is on a mission to help find the cure.
I know some people didn't like the fast moving zombies of WWZ, but I did. I think it made them even more frightening. I haven't read this book by Max Brooks, yet, but I did enjoy this film. 4/5
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
The head of a local werewolf pack is killed in a strip club, giving the strippers until the next full moon to prepare for their revenge.
Um, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The dialogue was actually pretty funny and very tongue in cheek. I could have lived without some of the choices in cinematography and music, but otherwise, eh. 2/5
Halloween (1978)
Michael Meyers escapes from an asylum and terrorizes the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
Another classic! 5/5
Halloween 2 (1981)
Laurie has been hospitalized from the injuries she sustained by Michael Meyers. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer continues.
Too bad the series was never better after this. 4/5
Hell Comes to Frog Town (1988)
Much of the world has been rendered infertile after a nuclear war. Sam Hell, a prisoner, has been tasked with the terrible duty of mating with the few remaining fertile females. However, he and his sexy escorts need to rescue them from Frog Town first.
This was nothing but pure 80's camp and cheese. The only scary thing here was the fact that we actually enjoyed watching this B movie. 2/5
Poltergeist (1982)
A family's home becomes haunted by ghosts. They appear harmless at first but eventually become more aggressive and kidnap their young daughter.
This was the movie that ended our Monster Movie Marathon. The perfect ending to a perfect horror movie season. 5/5
To make the rating game easy, I decided to rate the movies on a 1 through 5 scale; 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. But of course, do not let my ratings keep you from watching any of these gems next horror season or any season. Happy Watching!
(In the order in which we watched them...)
You're Next (2011)
A family comes under attack during an anniversary party by a group of masked murderers. Unfortunately for them, one of the guests is better at killing than they are.
You're Next was not that bad. Gory? Yes. Fun to watch? Yes. It was well written and even decently acted, for a slasher flick. 4/5
Tormented (2011)
Daigo has become withdrawn and has formed a strong attachment to a stuffed rabbit. His sister, Kiriko, can't talk and is having trouble trying to convince her father to help. Kiriko has to enter a dangerous dream world when Daigo goes missing in order to discover the truth about her life.
Tormented was a little out there for me. I can see how fans of Japanese horror films would dig on this. In fact my husband enjoyed it more than I, but I had a hard time getting into it. 3/5
The Initiation (1984)
College student Kelly is to be initiated into the Delta Ro Kai sorority. While performing the prank in order to get into the sorority, a killer begins picking all the initiates off one by one.
A classic '80s horror film, that's for sure. It had it all; the hair, the boobs, the gratuitous sex. It was very predictable but fun to watch. But I'm a sucker for the classics. 3/5
Big Ass Spider (2013)
The military creates a killer spider (what?!?!) that grows bigger every time it eats. Eventually it grows so big that even the military can't kill it. It is up to a handful of scientists, and one exterminator, to take it down.
One word, Jose. The banter of the two main characters, Alex and Jose, was what made this movie worth watching. They were hilarious. 3/5
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Loosely based on a true story, a Texas Ranger hunts down a serial killer who was terrorizing residents in Texarkana, Texas in 1946.
If you ever get a chance to read up on the true story, it is pretty fascinating. 4/5
13 Sins (2014)
Preying on those who have fallen on desperate times, a game show host calls Elliot and gives him tasks to complete, each with an increasing monetary reward. Each task gets more and more gruesome until Elliot is under threat of incarceration until he finishes the game. And earns the big pay out.
Very good and original idea. It was well written, well acted, and well directed. In fact we shared this one with friends at our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
College student Samantha takes a babysitting job at a large and isolated house during a total lunar eclipse. As the night wears on, she begins to realize that her clients are devil worshipers and she has been lured there as a sacrifice.
This was very slow to develop. Very slow. But if you happen to watch it, you may recognize an actor from You're Next. 2/5
ATM (2012)
Three people are trapped in an ATM kiosk overnight by a deranged killer.
I saw about twenty plot holes in this movie, but it was still fun to watch. Plus I was pissed at not ever finding out the killer's motives! I hate that! 1/5
Haunt (2013)
A family moves into a house where a tragedy had befallen the previous tenants. The teen-aged boy of the family befriends the girl next door. They start fooling around with a radio that can communicate with the dead and strange things start happening in the house.
I thought it moved too slowly and was too predictable in its jumps and scares. Plus I had the ending figured out way ahead of time. But overall still an enjoyable watch. 2/5
Dead Silence (2007)
After his wife is murdered, Jamie returns home for the funeral. The killer is later linked to the ghost of a ventriloquist that hails from his hometown. As he digs into his wife's murder, he discovers a grisly folktale that centers around Mary Shaw, a murdered ventriloquist with a vendetta against his family.
Dead Silence was a really unique story. It was a little far fetched, but it was made nearly believable by the way it was written, directed and performed. 3/5
Bruiser (2000)
After years of being treated badly by his boss, his wife, his friends, his coworker and even his dog, a man wakes up one day with a blank white mask as a face. He uses this anonymity to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
This is a George A. Romero film. Though I don't know that it is technically a horror film, it still has its fair share of blood and sex. He is, after all, a masked killer. 4/5
New Year's Evil (1980)
While hosting a Punk Rock New Year's Eve television show, Diane Sullivan gets a call saying that someone will die when New Year's strikes in each time zone, ending with her.
Again, pure 80's cheese, but I love it. 3/5
Tamara (2005)
Tamara is the nerdy, unattractive girl that doesn't quite fit in. But no one knows that she is a witch. When she dies in a bizarre accident she comes back, sexy and ready to kill.
It's like the Carrie for witch lovers. And actually not too bad. 3/5
Hellgate (2011)
After a terrible accident in which he lost his wife and son, Jeff is now living in the shadow world between life and death. He has frightening visions in which he sees demons and ghosts. Now he has to make the choice to live in the world of the living or join the world of the dead.
I enjoyed the different view Hellgate took on the underworld. Another very slow moving movie.3/5
Donovan's Brain (1953)
Dr. Patrick Cory and his wife have been experimenting with brains. When they are unable to save the life of millionaire, Mr. Donovan, they keep his brain to experiment on it as well. Donovan's brain establishes a link with Dr. Cory's brain and uses Cory to seek revenge on his enemies.
A classic movie from the 1950's, Donovan's Brain was fun to watch. What I didn't like was the surprise ending. I felt like I had the carpet pulled out from under me. I like to have some hint at what is going on. 3/5
House of Whipcord (1974)
Young, beautiful girls are lured to an isolated mansion by a handsome young man, Mark E. Desade. Once there, they are forbidden to leave, charged with ludicrous crimes and told they are going to be rehabilitated. In truth they are tortured and some are even killed.
House of Whipcord was an interesting film. I can definitely see how people were disturbed by it in 1974. 3/5
Chillerama (2011)
It's closing night at the last drive-in in America and four movies are on the reels to be shown: Wadzilla, I was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All promising to be in very bad taste.
And they did not disappoint! I cringed and squirmed my way through the first three, but I turned it off at the start of the fourth and final short film. Too gross. And I can put up with a lot. 2/5
Humanoids From the Deep (1980)
Half-men, half-fish monsters terrorize a small fishing town.
Total camp and fun. Horny half-fish-men? One of my husband's favorites and if I don't give it a five, I'll never hear the end of it. So let's compromise and say 4.5/5
Satan's Little Helper (2004)
A little boy accidentally helps a serial killer, who is dressed up like a character from his favorite video game, on Halloween.
Satan's Little Helper is pretty silly, but it was actually a good idea. All kids (and some adults I know) would totally geek out if they met their video game idol. It was an easy, mindless watch. 4/5
Grave Secrets (1989)
A professor of psychic phenomena helps a woman investigate the unusual occurrences surrounding the bed and breakfast she owns.
This was a decent ghost story. It was interesting enough that the lack of scares kept me watching. 3/5
Gildersleeve's Ghost (1944)
Throckmorton Gildersleeve is running for public office so who better to help him out than the ghosts of his ancestors? Except idea of helping is to get him involved with a mad scientist, a giant gorilla, and a (sometimes) invisible woman.
My kids and I watched this movie together and laughed the whole way through. It was basically just good clean fun. 4/5
The Smiling Ghost (1941)
Elinor Bentley Fairchild is one unlucky woman. All of her previous beaus have met a tragic and untimely end due to the Smiling Ghost. Now the Fairchild family has hired "Lucky" Downing to pretend to be her latest fiancee to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Another oldie but a goody, The Smiling Ghost was funny with a touch of mystery. 4/5
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Based on the Stephen King story, Trucks, the movie is about what happens when a mysterious comet allows machines to come to life and terrorize the people of Earth. A group of survivors try to wait it out in a tiny truck stop.
Another of my husband's favorites, Maximum Overdrive is not necessarily a Halloween movie because there are no monsters in the traditional sense, but rather it is scary because the terror comes from objects we take for granted. 4.5/5
The Fog (1980)
Ghosts in a killer fog come seeking their revenge on the 100th anniversary of the night of their ship wreck. They won't rest until they claim their quota of soles.
The Fog is a good campfire story. That's the feel behind this movie for me. When you can cuddle up and watch a scary story that has lasted through the years, you know you have something good. 4/5
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale are two hillbillies trying to get some work done on their vacation home out in the middle of the woods. After a misunderstanding with some college kids, the bodies start piling up.
This is one of our favorites and it kicked off our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
A group of bank robbers have to fight through waves of zombies in East London in order to get back to their grandfather's retirement home and save him.
Another of our annual favorites. 5/5
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien and his robot land on Earth with a message of peace to give the world leaders. But the alien is wounded so he decides to try a different approach.
This is the movie that brought us Klaatu Barada Nikto. What more do you want? 4/5
World War Z (2013)
A world wide zombie epidemic has broken out. Gerry Lane is on a mission to help find the cure.
I know some people didn't like the fast moving zombies of WWZ, but I did. I think it made them even more frightening. I haven't read this book by Max Brooks, yet, but I did enjoy this film. 4/5
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
The head of a local werewolf pack is killed in a strip club, giving the strippers until the next full moon to prepare for their revenge.
Um, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The dialogue was actually pretty funny and very tongue in cheek. I could have lived without some of the choices in cinematography and music, but otherwise, eh. 2/5
Halloween (1978)
Michael Meyers escapes from an asylum and terrorizes the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
Another classic! 5/5
Halloween 2 (1981)
Laurie has been hospitalized from the injuries she sustained by Michael Meyers. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer continues.
Too bad the series was never better after this. 4/5
Hell Comes to Frog Town (1988)
Much of the world has been rendered infertile after a nuclear war. Sam Hell, a prisoner, has been tasked with the terrible duty of mating with the few remaining fertile females. However, he and his sexy escorts need to rescue them from Frog Town first.
This was nothing but pure 80's camp and cheese. The only scary thing here was the fact that we actually enjoyed watching this B movie. 2/5
Poltergeist (1982)
A family's home becomes haunted by ghosts. They appear harmless at first but eventually become more aggressive and kidnap their young daughter.
This was the movie that ended our Monster Movie Marathon. The perfect ending to a perfect horror movie season. 5/5
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Outlander {Season1} (2014-?)
A new original series on Starz that I absolutely fell in love with this year was Outlander. This is story of a woman who finds love, war and passion in 18th century Scotland. Not so unusual, you say? What if I told you that she had traveled back in time 200 years to find herself thrust into this new life? That is what happened to main character, Claire Randall, in Diana Gabaldon's historical romance/fantasy novels (though they are really not pinned down to any genre) in the stunning new drama produced by the Starz network.
The Premise
Outlander is a tale of war nurse, Claire Randall, who is suddenly transported back in time 200 years in the Scottish Highlands while on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank Randall. Unable to find her way back to her own time, she is whisked away by a clan of Highlanders who eventually take her in. Over the course of events, Claire is forced to marry outlawed Scotsman Jaime Fraser and her heart is torn between the future and the past.
My Take
Right off the bat I was excited that the show stayed so close to the first book, Outlander, and I hope it continues to do so. It would be a shame to have another True Blood debacle on our hands. The costumes were gorgeous, the settings were breathtaking, and the casting was superb.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe plays Claire Randall, the war nurse married to Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) in 1945. They are on vacation in the Scottish Highlands, getting to know each other once again after being separated during the war for a number of years. Frank is doing genealogical research and Claire is interested in the local flora and their healing properties.
After spying on a local chapter's ancient Druid ritual, Claire falls through a crack in time and ends up in 1743 Scotland, a very violent time in their history. The first person she meets is a Captain Jack Randall (also played very convincingly by Menzies), her husband's forefather. He attacks her and she she is rescued by men of the clan MacKenzie. The clansmen take her in, fearing she is an English spy and take her back to their stronghold, Castle Leoch.
But even the English are wary of this stranger among the Scottish. In order to avoid arrest, Claire must marry a Scotsman. Enter the young handsome outlaw, Jaime Fraser played by Sam Heughan. Jaime's conniving Uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) arranges the marriage. The two are forced into the agreement, but neither expected to fall in love. Claire is now torn between two times, the one she came from and the one with the man she is falling in love with.
Claire makes one more attempt at escape, to get back to her own time, and is captured by Captain Jack Randall's men once again. She is being questioned and threatened with imprisonment and Jaime is the only one who can save her. That is where we leave off at the mid-series finale. Dangit!
The Verdict
There are so many other elements to the story that could be discussed. So many side characters have their own motives and reasons to see Claire and Jamie harmed or even dead. Lotte Verbeek plays the mysterious Geillis Duncan, with her underlying motives and secrets and dark looks. Gary Lewis as Colum MacKenzie is wonderful as the powerful mind behind the clan. Not to mention the special effects that went in to making his legs look as crippled as they did. And of course Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix as the men behind the men, adding their support, strength and much needed comic relief to a sometimes heavy drama.
I enjoyed Outlander very much. I recommend this show for those show enjoy history, romance, fantasy and Scottish men (and liked the first book of the series). I think a lot still remains to be seen, though, considering this series is based on existing text and many more stories yet to come. However I am very optimistic because they are off to such a good start. I can't wait until the show picks up again in April. I give Outlander at least 175/200 years. Good Show!
And if you guys are interested in giving this writer a little sneak peak, I promise my lips are sealed!
The Premise
Outlander is a tale of war nurse, Claire Randall, who is suddenly transported back in time 200 years in the Scottish Highlands while on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank Randall. Unable to find her way back to her own time, she is whisked away by a clan of Highlanders who eventually take her in. Over the course of events, Claire is forced to marry outlawed Scotsman Jaime Fraser and her heart is torn between the future and the past.
My Take
Right off the bat I was excited that the show stayed so close to the first book, Outlander, and I hope it continues to do so. It would be a shame to have another True Blood debacle on our hands. The costumes were gorgeous, the settings were breathtaking, and the casting was superb.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe plays Claire Randall, the war nurse married to Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) in 1945. They are on vacation in the Scottish Highlands, getting to know each other once again after being separated during the war for a number of years. Frank is doing genealogical research and Claire is interested in the local flora and their healing properties.
After spying on a local chapter's ancient Druid ritual, Claire falls through a crack in time and ends up in 1743 Scotland, a very violent time in their history. The first person she meets is a Captain Jack Randall (also played very convincingly by Menzies), her husband's forefather. He attacks her and she she is rescued by men of the clan MacKenzie. The clansmen take her in, fearing she is an English spy and take her back to their stronghold, Castle Leoch.
But even the English are wary of this stranger among the Scottish. In order to avoid arrest, Claire must marry a Scotsman. Enter the young handsome outlaw, Jaime Fraser played by Sam Heughan. Jaime's conniving Uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) arranges the marriage. The two are forced into the agreement, but neither expected to fall in love. Claire is now torn between two times, the one she came from and the one with the man she is falling in love with.
Claire makes one more attempt at escape, to get back to her own time, and is captured by Captain Jack Randall's men once again. She is being questioned and threatened with imprisonment and Jaime is the only one who can save her. That is where we leave off at the mid-series finale. Dangit!
The Verdict
There are so many other elements to the story that could be discussed. So many side characters have their own motives and reasons to see Claire and Jamie harmed or even dead. Lotte Verbeek plays the mysterious Geillis Duncan, with her underlying motives and secrets and dark looks. Gary Lewis as Colum MacKenzie is wonderful as the powerful mind behind the clan. Not to mention the special effects that went in to making his legs look as crippled as they did. And of course Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix as the men behind the men, adding their support, strength and much needed comic relief to a sometimes heavy drama.
I enjoyed Outlander very much. I recommend this show for those show enjoy history, romance, fantasy and Scottish men (and liked the first book of the series). I think a lot still remains to be seen, though, considering this series is based on existing text and many more stories yet to come. However I am very optimistic because they are off to such a good start. I can't wait until the show picks up again in April. I give Outlander at least 175/200 years. Good Show!
And if you guys are interested in giving this writer a little sneak peak, I promise my lips are sealed!
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