kevin_robbins

I recently watched the Italian film 🇮🇹 The Other Hell (1981) on YouTube. The story follows a priest assigned to investigate strange events at a convent. When he uncovers a murder, the nuns try to dismiss him and blame it on the Devil-but the priest suspects there's something much darker at work.

This picture is directed by Bruno Mattei (Hell of the Living Dead) and stars Franca Stoppi (Beyond the Darkness), Carlo De Mejo (Women's Prison Massacre), Franco Garofalo (The Arena), and Alba Maiolini (The Flower of the Deadly Sting).

It's one of those movies that's completely saved by a fantastic conclusion. The settings are well chosen, the costumes solid, and the first half almost feels more like a cop drama than a horror film. There's some sharp dialogue, but the horror is limited until later on-the autopsy scenes work well, the dog bite is entertaining, but the strangling sequence fell flat for me. Then comes the big reveal, which almost plays like an Italian zombie film. From the coffin scene onward, I was hooked. The film really stuck the landing.

In conclusion, The Other Hell is a bit of a slow burn that won't be for everyone, but the ending makes the journey worthwhile. I'd give it a 7/10.

I recently watched the crime noir Illegal (1955) on MAX. The story follows a respected and highly successful district attorney who mistakenly sends the wrong man to prison-and ultimately to his execution. Overcome with guilt, he spirals into alcohol and resigns in shame. His adopted daughter urges him to return to the law and clear his name, but redemption won't come easily.

Directed by Lewis Allen (The Uninvited), the film stars Edward G. Robinson (Key Largo), Nina Foch (The Ten Commandments), Jayne Mansfield (It Happened in Athens), Hugh Marlowe (The Day the Earth Stood Still), and DeForest Kelley (best known as Dr. McCoy from Star Trek).

This was an interesting film in terms of its writing. It offers unique courtroom drama elements mixed with an unconventional love story that keeps you guessing. The dialogue and performances are strong, though the authenticity of certain circumstances wavers. Life choices and moral struggles feel believable, but moments like the courtroom punch scene come off less convincing. Still, there are some excellent twists and turns I didn't see coming, even if the ending left me wanting a little more.

In conclusion, Illegal delivers engaging characters and situations, making it a solid but slightly above-average entry in the noir genre. I'd give it a 6/10.

I recently watched The Unnamable II: The Statement of Randolph Carter (1992) on Tubi. The story picks up after the first film, with the demon conjured by the Necronomicon still haunting the campus and eager to claim more college students. Can our heroes from the original stop it once again?

Directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette (The Unnamable), the film stars John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings), Julie Strain (Beverly Hills Cop III), David Warner (Tron), Peter Breck (The Crawling Hand), and Maria Ford (Night Hunter).

This movie is a mixed bag. The storyline and performances are just strong enough to hold your attention, but nothing particularly stands out. Maria Ford looks stunning here, and the film delivers the expected dose of horror nudity. The makeup and costumes are surprisingly strong for a low-budget production, but the kill scenes fall flat, and the attempts at comedy feel cheesy and more like filler than fun.

In conclusion, The Unnamable II: The Statement of Randolph Carter has just enough to keep horror fans entertained, but not enough to stand out in the genre. I'd give it a 5/10.