Movie Review: Marta (1971)

Once again, I made the trek to the Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers, NY, to bear witness to a screening of a rare old movie projected from 35mm elements. The movie is Marta and it is one that I knew absolutely nothing about before sitting down in the theater. Now, having seen the entire movie, I still know absolutely nothing about it. It is the sort of film that when it is over, you look at the person next to you and say: What the hell was that?. It was a bizarre experience of watching a movie I can say I like but am not sure exactly why. It is not particularly good, but it has these strange qualities that make it eminently watchable.

Screening Report: Nurses for Sale (6/28/15 Alamo Drafthouse, Yonkers, NY)

If there is one thing to be thankful for, it is discovering screenings of old, cult, classic, obscure, and forgotten films. Over the past five or six years I have been able to see some great and some not so great movies in a theater projected from original, or at least older 35mm sources. There is just something about seeing these things on the big screen, there is history to these prints and that adds to an experience that cannot be replaced. The latest film I had the opportunity to see was a little known film called Nurses for Sale, better known in its original form as Käpt'n Rauhbein aus St. Pauli and then as Captain Typhoon.

Movie Review: Wake in Fright

I will occasionally watch a movie for no reason, well, perhaps a bit more than occasionally. I will watch movies as background noise, because I love them, because I hate them, sometimes I am just curious. Wake in Fright is one of those movies I watched out of sheer curiosity. No other reason, I knew nothing about the movie going in, just the title. And what a title it is. Is Wake in Fright not an alluring title or what? I had no idea what I was in for. I had no idea what an involving, unsettling experience I was about to have. I also had no idea how interesting the story around the movie would end up being. The short of it is Wake in Fright is a fantastic film that you almost never had a chance to see.

Movie Review: The Headless Eyes

Barely released theatrically way back in 1971, The Headless Eyes appeared to be one of those grindhouse quickies that was destined to be forgotten, nothing more than a blip on a very large radar. However, the movie found renewed life in the VHS era when Charles Band and his Empire Video label got their hands on it and reintroduced it to the world as a movie that was “Too gory for the Silver Screen.” Of course, that is just a marketing line, this is nowhere near too gory for the movies, but Band knows how to sell stuff and this thought forgotten feature gained new legs through the late 1980's. Of course, that renewed interest seems to be short lived.

Horror-A-Day: Crucible of Horror

Come on, October, make up your mind. Just when you think the seasonal chill has finally arrived, the sun comes out and we get temperatures up around 70. Good thing I am a creature of an indoor habit. I can pretend the chill is outside and keep the mood dark and nasty inside with a fine selection of old school horror type stuff. Sure, not all of them are winners, but just like in life, that is going to happen. It is a good thing for me that I have done more good than bad and choosing my movies.

Horror-A-Day:Lady Frankenstein

I really wish the Fall weather would make up its mind. I am pretty sure I am ready for it to just be Fall. I like my build up to Halloween to have a little bite in the air. Fortunately, my movies will ever disappoint me. This season has thus far been a fun one filled with old school horror stuff, obscure stuff, and sleazy exploitation. On top of that, it has all been movies I have never seen before. That is always a good thing, adding to my ever growing experience. The latest movie keeps up the trend, and it is mostly enjoyable.