Reviews

I've read a number of scathing reviews of this flick here at IMDb. Look, it's no Wild Bunch, but it does have some heart. The story, such as it is, has some intrigue to it. And the cast, gives it their best shot. I've sat through movies where the cast was clearly phoning it in, but I felt like the whole gang was giving it all they had. And how many films of this genre actually attempt any type of character development. One of the weak points of all 80s slasher films.

Thats not to say you'll care for all the characters - most of them are self absorbed nags. But again, that was the 80s for you. I don't remember knowing a single female that wasn't utterly self absorbed.

The location and set dressing was more than adequate for this type of movie, especially considering the budget.

Point is, you'll never think about this movie once after you've seen it, but there are many worse ways to kill 90 minutes than Findlay's Blood Sisters.

After years of false starts, rumors of Nicholas Cage and Tim Burton, and the hacks McG and Brett Ratner making a Superma movie all fanboy geeks can rest easy knowing that Singer not only stepped up to the plate, but drove the ball out of the park.

While the movie runs over two and half hours, only my bladder noticed. Honestly, if you haven't seen a friend in 19 years, wouldn't you want to spend at least two and half hours with them? Routh and Spacey were spot on, and even though I'd been having doubts about Bosworth I actually ended up enjoying her take on Lois.

I have only one small complaint, and it will probably get me flamed. "Truth, justice and all that stuff..." C'mon. I understand this film has to be bankable overseas, but even in the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam 70's Donner version of Superman he was allowed to fight for "Truth, Justice and The American Way." I comprehend that many people understandably chafe at the fact that the U.S.shoves a lot of its "culture?" down the world's throat. Often times I don't appreciate being exposed to much of my country's pop culture. But really, is there anything more American than Superman? Even if the movie tanks and no sequel is in the future, much thanks must go out to Bryan Singer for managing to update Supes for the 21st Century but keeping him as true to himself as he was in 1938!

If only the DVD had come out earlier. Perhaps Paul Bartel could have been around to ensure the transfer was worthwhile and provide what would have been, no doubt, an excellent director's commentary. The story of the dreams and career goals and the lengths to which the Blands are willing to go to achieve them is as funny now as it was in the early 80s when the film was released theatrically.

However, in spite of Mr. Bartel's passing, it simply is beyond belief that the DVD is such a poor release. A shoddy transfer, no commentaries at all, no behind the scenes footage...nothing. I bought the DVD shortly after it came out because, well, my VHS copy was in sad shape. Nevertheless, Paul Bartel has a body of work that I hope receives better treatment than this film did.

I like bad movies. I really do.

But some bad movies at least go through the motions of trying to be good. For instance, Steckler's Incredibly Strange Creatures, where actual sets were constructed and dance numbers were even choreographed - albeit poorly - indicated a genuine attempt to try to make an enjoyable movie. Heck, even Mikel's original Astro-Zombies showed some level of "pre-production" planning. None of it went towards a script rewrite though.

But, Mark of the Astro-Zombies in a contrived mess shot on videotape for crying out loud. And by that I mean a video camera that you could drive down to Circuit City and buy.

The "Making of" featurette (excuse me, I had to chuckle there for a second) is more entertaining than the feature itself, generally because it allows the viewer to see that the movie was a joke to the cast and crew, but the joke was on us.

Steer clear all - find yourself a cold beer and a Troma flick. You'll be glad you did.

In a conventional sense, there really is no redeeming value in the film Raw Force. However, if you are willing to let go of your need for logic for ninety minutes, you will find Raw Force to be fun.

The story, such as it is, deals with the sale of nublile woman to monks on a small island. The monks believe that consuming the flesh of the woman will allow them to have the power to raise the dead. You can tell the monks are evil because they are always shown in slow motion!

Throw in a guy that looks like Hitler in a leisure suit and the beautiful Jewell Shepard and some American Bruce Lee wannabees and you have the ingredients for the perfect drive-in movie.

Oh, did I mention that Cameron Mitchell was in this. Some may say that his appearance in The Toolbox Murders was his low point (others might say The Demon). I think this is it.

I and my friends have watched this several times. Its amusing with a couple vodka tonics and good friends. Additionally, it has JJ North and Tammy Parks. I would watch either one of the read the phone book. Sadly, JJ is out of the biz now, which really is sad since she had potential that went beyond just her natural good looks. However, the days of b-movie actresses rising above a steady diet of bad films are over. Rene Zellweger may have been the last. Who would have guess that one of the stars of Chicago started out in Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

In anycase, its fun and the women are gorgeous. Come back JJ.

Where are you Kristine Debell?

I love the age of DVD. I had been looking endlessly for this film on videotape to no avail, then along comes the special edition DVD. The film details the murders of "sinful" women who perform "unnatural acts" by a madman who has recently lost his own daughter.

It has been said that Cameron Mitchell's performance is "over the top", but I don't believe so. To his credit, I think he did a fine job and brought both pain and depth to his performance. He could still deliver even in the twilight of his career. Happily, Cameron Mitchell got to go out on top with an outstanding performance in the film "My Favorite Year".

The cast is good, the story disturbing and the 70s fashions are enough to damage your retinas. Order pizza, grab a beer, call some friends and enjoy the show.

This film is the freshman effort of Stephanie Beaton and her new production company. While it suffers from a few problems, as every low budget production does, it is a good start for Ms. Beaton and her company.

The story is not terribly new having been done in films like The Burning and every Friday the 13th since part 2. But, the performances are heartfelt. So many big budget movies just have the actors going through the motions, its always nice to see actors really trying to hone their craft.

The story deals with the murder(and possible return) of a disfigured classmate. The others are sworn to secrecy, but the trauma of the event sends each person in different directions in their lifes. Ten years later, the friends are murdered one by one by a gruesome stalker known as "The Bagman". Who will survive? You have to watch.

If you are Roger Ebert or any number of arrogant critics, you probably shouldn't bother. But if your taste run more towards Joe Bob Briggs and you want to see a group of people honing their craft, then check out "The Bagman".

I have heard recently many comments both positive and negative about Moulin Rouge. But, after many viewings, both in the theater and on DVD, I think that any real lover of film will readily admit that this is one of the best, if not the best film of 2001. I can not think of any film that painted such vivid characters. The nearest film that leaps to mind is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Bits and pieces of this film will sneak into your thinking when you least expect it.

Not an excellent film in the most conventional way, but, a fun romp written and directed by filmmakers who remember that movies should be fun. The film follows the exploits of the famous surgeon, rock star, superhero Buckaroo Banzai and his gang, the Hong Kong Cavaliers.

At times the movie can be hard to follow, and logic gets thrown to the wind. But, if you allow yourself to just go along for the ride, you find that carried away with the movie, and find yourself cheering for Buckaroo and his gang as they work hard to safe the planet Earth.

Sadly, the film ends with a plug for a new Banzai movie, Buckaroo Banzai vs. the World Crime League, in which we were to see and learn more about the Evil Hanoi Xan, but, to date, the film has never been made. I can only hope the special edition DVD will inspire someone to continue the story of Buckaroo Banzai.

I felt compelled to respond to the first review. While Cartoon Network has become a shill for Warner Bros (thanks to the buy out) it still does some gutsy stuff and Time Squad is a good example. It is quick witted and does some brilliant parody. Sure, its no Ren and Stimpy or even Dexter's Lab, but, its not Cardcaptors or Grim and Evil either(there is a cartoon that is DOA). If you watch Cartoon Network simply for the Looney Tunes, you will not enjoy Time Squad. But, if you are willing to look at it with an open mind, you will get a laugh.

Why is Big Guy and Rusty not on Cartoon Network?