Reviews
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
The Best Film There Is! Believe me. It's a grabber!
If you have not seen this film your quite lucky!
I'm a movie buff, but I have never come so close to magic before. The music and the acting is very worthwhile sitting through approx. 219 minutes. Please do not see the "cut" version. That one do not make sense, since you should pick up the long version which is approx. 219 minutes. That one makes sense and is, indeed, a real grabber.
It will change your life.
Therefore: Run and get it - QUICK.
Enjoy.
Lo squartatore di New York (1982)
The Best Slasher There Is!
Wow! This is incredible. Fulci at his best. I admit that there are some nasty scenes here but its here for you to enjoy. The UNcut version is a delight. See it and treasure it. This is perhaps one of the best "gialli" available! Wonderful music and fantastic plot. This is New York in the old days. Those who are hooked on "Driller Killer" will adore this masterpiece. Now rush to you local videostore and buy it. You will not be disappointed.
La casa sperduta nel parco (1980)
They don't make movies like this anymore!
It's with regret that we can establish that movies like this are not made anymore. It's a shame. If you like New York Ripper, Manhattan Baby. That is if you are a serious Fulci and Deodato buff then you will treasure this film. True it involves extremely nasty material but check out the music man! Riz Ortolani who of course delivered the fantastic music in Cannibal Holocoust. Don't miss it! And of course: Buy the UNcut version please.
This is rock n' roll man! Enjoy the good show!
War Dog (1987)
Low Budget Action Which Will Entertain For A While!
This is actually a pretty good low budget action flick. It is amazing that the directors managed to complete this film on such a tight budget. It is fascinating to establish that it was shot in Sweden. I believe on the Westcoast in Falken-berg/Varberg. The special effects are very good and the story is - in view of the circumstances - quite ok. This is an action cult movie and of course the demands should not be that high, since it is not Hollywood mainstream. Nevertheless, it is worth a look for people interested in cult action flicks. Nowadays films like this are hard to come by, since most of the films in this category were made during the eighties. Therefore it is time to say to future Swedish action directors: Come out, come out wherever you are!
Storyville (1992)
Great atmosphere and inspired actors live well in the Big Easy!
It is fascinating to establish that one is totally lost at the outset of this movie as to what year we are in. Is it 1960 or 1990? One theme in this film is that the past is very much alive and not forgotten in New Orleans. Traditions and ghosts from the past live and haunt us. James Spader provides solid work. In fact this is so far his best performance showing his vulnerable side. The film manages to convey the enigma and secrets of Crescent City. It gives inside information about the sometimes sordid business of politics in Louisiana. Jason Robard is great here. For those who wants to get to know the special way of life in the deep south, this film is a must! Every time I get "home sick" I tend to cling to this film. I have seen it 11 times already. It is sadly underrated. This is not "Star Wars" but for those with a genuine interest in New Orleans, jazz and "mood films" this is a must! This is at least true for the undersigned who is a movie buff with a law degree from Tulane Law School.
Enjoy also the soundtrack with Louis Armstrong and New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra!
Bitter Moon (1992)
Evil, diabolic and passion - this film will affect you!
This film is another fine example of the genius of Polanski. True, it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth long after you have seen it, but is it not what art is all about? Few will be unaffected by this film. It is an important film since it deals with important issues such as eg, the complicated relationship between a man and a woman obsessively in love, passionately clinging together in lust for each other. But how far can people go? The music by Vangelis coupled by the photo and the reflections of the sea as seen from the cabin window makes this film an addiction. Beware, it is a grabber! Coyote is diabolic! Ms Seigner can act. She is not just a pretty face not entirely hired because of her marriage with Polanski. It is not a film that makes us remember Hugh Grant and Kristin Scott Thomas, though.
The Ninja Mission (1984)
Notwithstanding low budget action - great fun!
According to the director this movie was popular in Asia. It is somewhat difficult to take these Mats Helge movies seriously since most of his films are shot on a very tight budget. Almost no USD at all. But it is fascinating to establish that Mats Helge eventually completes something which can be called an action movie. The Ninja Mission is - I think - the best one among all movies directed by him. Some special effects are quite enjoyable. This is not a "B" or "C" movie. It is a "Z" movie - but an enjoyable and fun "Z" movie!
The Mad Bunch (1989)
The weakest of the Mats Helge movies
This movie is unfortunately the weakest of the Mats Helge movies shot in Sweden. It is fascinating to see such an established actor like David Carradine to appear in a movie directed by Mats Helge on a typical Mats Helge budget (very little USD). However, David Carradine must be the only actor who has worked with Ingmar Bergman (The Serpent Egg) and Mats Helge! See The Ninja Mission by Mats Helge instead. That one is in view of the circumstances quite enjoyable. Mats Helge's best!