Movie Review: Graduation Day (1981)

In 1981 the slasher sub-genre was starting to gain some steam. After having the formula solidified by Halloween in 1978 and popularized by Friday the 13th in 1980, the genre began to take off. All manner of horror films sought to exploit the lurid and exploitative nature of slasher film. Sequels started to pile up alongside such early entries as My Bloody Valentine, Hell Night, The Burning, and The Funhouse. Each of these movies employed some crazed killer paired with creative and gruesome death sequences. There was even a film made satirizing the style, Student Bodies, which bears a passing resemblance to the movie we are looking at today, Graduation Day.

Blu-ray Review: Train to Busan

This past summer, I had the opportunity to check out a new zombie film from South Korea, it had been garnering a lot of buzz and I was curious to see if it would live up to the hype. The movie is called Train to Busan and it more than lives up to the hype. The film turned out to be an amazingly executed zombie film that delivers the action and also carries a strong emotional hook. It ramps up a little slowly, but it gives us characters, characters that are interesting and make us invested in their survival, or lack thereof.

Blu-ray Review: Phantasm

In the late 1970's the slasher film was getting ready to explode, riding on the shoulders of movies like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Black Christmas, and the genre defining Halloween. There was also the growing zombie world with Dawn of the Dead, the man versus nature of Jaws, and sci-fi monsters of Alien. Then there was Phantasm, released in 1979 and not really being like anything that had come before it. While it may not be a personal favorite, it is, indeed an original horror film made on a tight budget that has withstood the test of time, has grown on me, and is still, to this day, straight up creepy. It also has to be said that this newly remastered Blu-ray is gorgeous and the best the movie has ever looked.

"If this one doesn't scare you.... You're already dead."

Blu-ray Review: The Lobster

The Lobster is the sort of movie that defies explanation, a nebulous slice of bizarro cinema that begs to be seen if not understood. Well, that may not exactly be true, on some levels it is perfectly understandable, perhaps even relatable, but the execution takes it to another level of odd. It is a film that challenges expectations, makes you laugh at the absurdity, cringe at some of what it shows, and in some ways touch you on an emotional level. Of course, this is not a movie for everyone, and while I would recommend it to everyone, I cannot guarantee your enjoyment.

Blu-ray Review: Goodnight Mommy

Do you ever watch a movie that has an impact on you, but you are not sure you quite understand why? Then, when you watch it a second time, things become clearer and the effect becomes that much more profound? That is the experience I had with Goodnight Mommy. I watched it, was engrossed by it, was creeped out by it, and was left wondering what I had just watched. Then I gave it a second pass and things cleared up. Yes, a lot is left to the imagination, it is not exactly heavy on the exposition, but therein lies the beauty.

Blu-ray Review: No Escape (2015)

When I first saw the title No Escape pop up on an upcoming movie list, my mind flashed back to 1994 and wondered if they actually remade the Martin Campbell directed sci-fi/action film that came out that year. You don't remember it? It was pretty good, had a decent cast with Ray Liotta and Lance Henriksen, and reminded one of movies like Escape from New York. Well, obviously they didn't, it is just a coincidence. This No Escape is actually a modern day thriller featuring a family just trying to stay alive. In all honesty, this new film is probably the better of the two, but I think I want to revisit the older one now, see if it holds up.

Blu-ray Review: Children of the Night

Children of the Night is an Argentinian horror film that tells a tale of vampires and is described on the case as Let the Right One In meets Twilight. Now, that is not entirely accurate. Well, not really accurate at all, so don’t let that description scare you off. I guess you could see some similarities between them. In any case, should you see this movie? the short answer is yes. It is interesting, well made, and seems to be pretty fresh considering the vampiric subject matter. It is not the bloodiest vampire film I have seen, but it also doesn’t pull any punches. This movie is not about romanticizing the blood suckers, but it does seek to provide a plausible reality.

Blu-ray Review: Jurassic World

Well, a few months ago, Jurassic World took the world by storm and is one of the biggest box office smashes of all time. It is an entertaining movie that seemed to connect immediately with all audiences of all ages. Yes, I was entertained, yes I can saw that I liked it, but still, I find it surprising that it has done as well as it has. Is it the nostalgia factor? The Chris Pratt factor? I am not sure I can really tell. Sure, I loved Jurassic Park back in the day and the way it brought together CG and practical effects, but while I looked forward to this, I did not have the same anticipation as those around me.

Movie Review: I Spit on Your Grave III - Vengeance is Mine

1978 was the year that the original I Spit on Your Grave was unleashed by writer/director Meir Zachi. The movie did not have much, well, any Hollywood polish. It is a rough, grimy, dirty movie that leaves you wanting to take a shower. It was famously shredded by Roger Ebert who claimed it had no artistic merit, should not be seen by anyone, and has no reason to exist. Of course, I disagree and it appears I am not alone as the film was remade, had a sequel to the remake and now a second sequel to the remake. I am pretty sure that no one ever predicted this kind of life for a grimy no budget film such as this.

Movie Review: Tremors 5 - Bloodlines

It is a little hard to believe that is has been 25-years since the first Tremors film came out. That movie was a lot of fun, and when I saw it in a theater (for the first time), it was a little like seeing it for the first time. The movie was a lot of fun, scary, a little creepy, and very entertaining. It is a good example of PG-13 horror done right. In the years since its release we have had a few sequels and a television series. Now we have Kevin Bacon dropping hints that he would like to return to the franchise, and a new sequel with the one stalwart of the series, original supporting cast member Michael Gross.

Blu-ray Review: Furious 7

Fourteen years later, it is the franchise that just keeps on giving. I can honestly say that when The Fast and The Furious arrived way back in 2001, I never thought anyone would still be talking about it in 2015, much less be anticipating a sixth sequel! At the same time, it is just as hard to fathom that the series has gotten better as it has aged, stepping up its game beginning with the fourth and never looking back. It has long since outgrown its street racing roots and has become a sort of gear head James Bond series filled with big stunts and international intrigue, just sillier. Seriously sillier, there is not a shred of believability here.

Movie Review: Cub (Welp)

When I was a kid, I joined the Cub Scouts. It just seemed like the thing to do. I do not remember what led to me joining, but I do remember completing tasks for beads and pins and badges and things. I remember whittling a zood block into a car. I remember Den “parents” who did not seem all that involved, and I remember losing interest and never making it to the actual Boy Scouts. Oh yes, there was also the Tom Wat boxes filled with junk to sell (the equivalent of Girl Scout cookies), and that one camping trip that had cabins and someone got in trouble for showing us Friday the 13th, there was a cool bonfire, though. What is the point of all this? Well, I had a camping trip, but it was nothing like Cub.

Blu-ray Review: The Zero Theorem

Terry Gilliam is an interesting filmmaker. I have not seen all of his films, fewer still on the big screen, but given the opportunity, you should check them out in any fashion that you can. His latest release is not is best, but it is still an entertaining excursion. It is called The Zero Theorem and it is rather fascinating. No matter whether you like it or not, you will have a reaction to it, even if your reaction does not reveal itself in logical fashion. With The Zero Theorem, Terry Gilliam has crafted a film that is as newly Gilliam as it is reminiscent of his past successes. To that end, I enjoyed this, even as I do not love it.

Blu-ray Review: Horns

Looking for something a little bit different? Something that dances on the fringe of the mainstream? Horns may be just the movie for you. Sound like a commercial, don't I? I really do not mean to, it is just that this movie is a little strange, a little odd, certainly experimental, and yet it remains wholly accessible. It is the kind of movie that should be championed on the big screen, but because it is different and not like everything else, it is left behind to find an audience on home video. This is a good film with an interesting central character and an execution that keeps the audience involved to the end.

Blu-ray Review: Dead Snow 2 - Red vs. Dead

In 2009 Tommy Wirkola unleashed his vision of undead Nazi soldiers upon the world, Dead Snow. The movie was well received by the horror community, despite not being the most original movie. It was made with energy, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of respect for the films that inspired it. Wirkola would go on to make an English language studio picture, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, which was surprisingly entertaining, before returning to his native Norway to make a Nazi zombie movie sequel, Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead. This sequel, shot in English (no doubt to cash in on the first one's international success), ups the ante in pretty much every way. It is a success.

Blu-ray Review: Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is an endlessly fascinating film that does something that many other big action type films forget to do, and that is be entertaining as well as intelligent. These things are not mutually exclusive. This is why we need to celebrate it when we find it. Snowpiercer is a big, explosive, crowd pleasing science fiction/action film, but it is also smart and has a lot to say. It is a movie that tries hard to not necessarily be believable, but simply be believed. That is all this movie needs to be. It is not a literally believable movie, but it is easy to be believed within its own creation. It is endlessly fascinating and allows for as much or as little to be read into it as you want.

Blu-ray Review: Joy Ride 3 - Roadkill

Way back in 2001 there was a little movie called Joy Ride. It was a decent low grade thriller with a few actors who we would become more familiar with over the years in Paul Walker, Steve Zahn, and Leelee Sobieski. More than that it was co-written by JJ Abrams. It was effective, entertaining, perhaps nothing particularly special, but it is certainly worth watching. Things become a little dicier when you start to consider sequels. Frankly, I had no idea that there was a sequel to this until I got my hands on this third entry to review. It turns out that a sequel was released straight to video back in 2008. I have never seen it, but judging on the third entry, I am not sure it is actually necessary.

Blu-ray Review: Devil's Due

Devil's Due is one the latest found footage horror films to hit theaters (now, home video). Now, I must admit to enjoying it, somewhat. I am not one to write off found footage tales, although I do think they are getting a tad long in the tooth and we could probably do with seeing them a little less often. Still, as shown here, the gimmicky style can still be effectively used and is a valid format that seems perfectly suited to the horror genre, which is why I think it seems to be overused. Could this work in a comedy or a drama? Probably not. It worked for superhero stories with Chronicle, but still it seems the only place where repeated effective use is going to be in horror.

Blu-ray Review:Carrie (2013)

I remember seeing the first teaser and being intrigued. It was a simple crane shot past the burning school and ending on the blood soaked Carrie (Chloe Grace Moretz). It was something I was not sure was necessary considering how well regarded original film is, but I was still interested. Then the full trailer came out and while movie's quality still appeared to be good; however, it was one of those trailers that shows the whole movie condensed into a few minutes. Sure, we already know the story, but still it would have been nice to at least make it look like it had some surprises, right?

Blu-ray Review: Ninja II - Shadow of a Tear

A few years ago I reviewed a copy of Undisputed III. Now, I had never seen the first two, although I did know that the first one starred Wesley Snipes and Ving Rhames. The sequel brought in a new director (Isaac Florentine) and stars (Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins). The third one (the only one I have seen) retained the second's director and one of its stars (Adkins). What I saw in that movie blew me away, Scott Adkins is a beast and Florentine knows how to make low budget action! Knowing this, I eagerly checked out Ninja (2010), another teaming of the two. While it did not excite me as much, it cemented their place as people to watch in my mind. Now we have Ninja II: Shadow of a Tear.