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MikeK-7
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Blood Lake (1987)
Not awful but not really worth the time
This shot on video movie has the vibe of a 1980s porno film, but there's no nudity and minimal gore to recommend it. There's some amusing dialogue and attractive teenagers (every male has a mullet or rattail though) but ultimately it's quite dull.
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004)
A Fantastic Documentary
I caught this on IFC last night and wow! I'm glad to see someone like Jerry Harvey get recognized for his contributions to the cable industry. Every clip they showed is close to every film I love; modern day TV programmers could take plenty of lessons from this man. It's tragic how the most genius minds are always the most tortured as well, but the indelible mark left behind will influence many many imitators but never another like him. Cable TV has fallen off, but those of us who are old enough to remember the good old days will always have a soft spot for this man's endeavors.
Now if only they could make a documentary on the cable channel ONTV! It would be a dream come true to me!
Ken Park (2002)
(I Can't believe I'm saying this): Mr. Clark, what the hell happened?!
After much anticipation and hard seeking to find this movie (I paid $20 bucks for the Russian DVD) I must say I was let down. I thought Larry Clark's KIDS was a brilliant masterpiece, stunning, etc. ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE was good too, and BULLY was disturbingly well-made. So I was expecting perfection, but KEN PARK really lacks character development; and compensates that with VERY explicit sex. Don't get me wrong, I've seen XXX porno, and even though the shots are relatively quick; I can see why this movie has absolutely no chance of getting an uncensored release or possibly even ANY release here in the United States. One thing I will say I did like about this movie is that the kids aren't as stupid as they were in BULLY, there given more complexity and a (forgive spelling) conscinous; they just like to fu** their brains out!
Amityville II: The Possession (1982)
Genuinely scary
After seeing the first one (which sucked) I was reluctant to see this one, but I was surprised. This second outing gave us characters we care a little more about (other than Burt Young's), and the special effects are remarkable when compared to the first. This sequel also combines the extremely uneasy element of incest which ups it's unpleasantness, but effectiveness to 50%. I haven't seen any of the other AMITYVILLE series, but after seeing this one I can't imagine that they get any better. The atmosphere and background score fits the film very well and the kid played by Jack Wagner was rather decent. When I read about this movie I was a little anxious to know how much was based on the real life DeFeo family, but I guess we'll never know! WINO! HAHA
Visiting Hours (1982)
Not too bad
All we have here is your run of the mill slasher flick, with an above par psycho-villain played by Michael Ironside. He plays a maniac who likes to photograph victims he stabs spasming to death. He is about the only character in here that is worth mentioning; the lead played by Lee Grant is boring and uninteresting, and William Shatner was a complete moron. I will say however there are moments in this where the action becomes suspenseful, but little else. I wished that the beginning wasn't so slow and I felt that the ending was somewhat of a cop out; however it was interesting to "see the tables turned". In all, a typical thriller from the early 80's; a good time killer. Mediocre to a T!
Timebomb (1991)
Not too bad for late-night television....
I am able to admit that the implausibility levels of this movie tend to rise steadily through the entire film; but I enjoyed the chemistry between Kensit and Biehn. At times it also becomes suspenseful. A lot of the scenes leave you scratching your head or wanting more, but I think this film sets out and does its job quite well. It was also good to see Mike Biehn as I really haven't seen him in anything else besides THE TERMINATOR, (I did see THE LORDS OF DISCIPLINE; so so). Other than that I can't say much more except this movie reminds me of the good 'ol late night low-budget action flicks they used to show back in the early 90's on CINEMAX like PRAYER OF THE ROLLERBOYS or CLASS OF 1999!
Spetters (1980)
A Slice of Dutch teen-life: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Style!
I really found much to like about this hard-edged drama. For one thing; its impressionable cast with characters like Rien and Fientje; and sharp cinematography make it a real winner. I enjoy watching this as a double bill with SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER; there are strong similarities between the two. The scenes are shot with a lot of earnestness and validity. I find it ironically saddening that the man who played Rien (Hans van Tongeren) committed suicide in 1982 two years after he played this role at the young age of 28. It's nice to know that Verhoeven has a gift with drama as he does with big action movies like ROBOCOP and BASIC INSTINCT. If you have the means, choose this movie.
Let Him Have It (1991)
Gut-wrenching
This movie is one of the saddest pictures ever made. Made even more sad by the fact that this is based on a true story. I couldn't believe this was Christopher Eccleston's 2nd movie; I hadn't seen him in anything before JUDE. I'm utterly speechless to talk about this movie. I noticed someone commented saying this is like DEAD MAN WALKING; that movie does not compare to this. Bare in mind that LET HIM HAVE IT WAS MADE 4 years before DMW. I felt this one was much, much, much more rendering and mournful. God bless you Brits for making films on social content with such potency; American audiences could take a lesson from you: SCUM, LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER, ALFIE, ...if, TRAINSPOTTING (best movie ever made)
10 to Midnight (1983)
It really stands the test of time
I thought this movie was remarkably ahead of its' time; it paved the way for films like COPYCAT or SEVEN. The performance from Gene Davis, (brother Brad was in MIDNIGHT EXPRESS) is astounding; you really feel like you're in the presence of a serial killer. The alibi he establishes for his crimes are extremely clever. Bronson doesn't really serve up too much more emotion than he did in any of the DEATH WISH movies, however I didn't feel he was as wooden in this. Other than the cheesy music, this film hasn't really dated (bare in mind this film is 21 years old!). Pacing for the picture is rather decent; the ending is quick and violent. Certainly one of the better Charles Bronson movies.
Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)
Pretty stupid
Last year I really wanted to see this movie in theaters, but I never got around to it. The other night I had a gift certificate for a free rental and grabbed this. I must say I was quite disappointed, probably because I set my standards too high on this one. That is to say that this is not a complete failure of a film; it does have some good moments. The first 30 minutes are EXTREMELY boring, but once Daric pulls that gun out and starts beating that jock at a party, the film starts to pick up pace. I thought the scene with the prostitute was pretty funny also. If I had to choose a best performance in this movie, it would probably be the kid that played Virgil; or Steve - (MILF boy from AMERICAN PIE). Not great, but definitely not the worst.
Chôjin densetsu Urotsukidôji (1989)
Nightmarish and bizarre
Wow, if you're reading this review; you've probably heard all the hype and controversy surrounding this movie and to tell the truth it deserves it. From the first 10 minutes of a female teacher turning into a demon and raping a student, to orgies to sodomy to some graphic depictions of violence; this film is an endurance test for a movie-going novice. I enjoyed this first segment in the series, I think the 2nd one (Legend of the Demon Womb) was slightly better, but they are both better than any other in the series including RETURN OF THE OVERFIEND or INFERNO ROAD. The later in the series, the more confusing and stupid it gets. Don't say you weren't warned!
Prison Song (2001)
That kid cannot catch a break.....
The first time I saw this movie I missed the first 30 minutes or so; I saw it fully last night and I didn't know the kid's uncle went to prison for 25+ years and the same with his mom! He could've been an artist and put his talents to good use. Q-Tip adds such sensitivity, you can't help but sympathize with his character. Absolutely uncompromising and downbeat; it's no surprise that the director also did several OZ series episodes. For those with taste in real-drama it's a good watch. The ending is heart-wrenching. R.I.P. Elijah
CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK, CLICK CLICK
L'ultimo treno della notte (1975)
Interesting film to watch on Christmas.....
I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to dig up something to watch. Being in the holiday spirit, I wanted to watch something I haven't seen on Christmas. I got sick from the 24 hour marathon of A CHRISTMAS STORY, so I found this little doozy of a picture in my vaults. Bottom line - I liked it. It blatantly rips-off THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, but this film took more time in getting to know the characters, and the German-Austrian-Italian locations are gorgeous. Blackie (the guy from SUSPIRIA), and his pal hop a train bound to Italy for Christmas and violate two young girls with a psychopathic woman (creepily played by Macha Meril from Argento's PROFONDO ROSSO). Afterwards the trio unknowingly run into the parents of one of the girls ala finale LAST HOUSE. I had an extremely difficult time finding this movie, I don't think it was ever released in the United States; the copy I had was Dutch subtitled. If you can obtain this film, I recommend it.
The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)
Beautiful film, memories of nostalgia
This is one of the movies I think of when I think of my childhood, you could not make a film like this nowdays. The performances are so authentic, and genuine, it makes for a remarkable experience. Wow, I'm in awe of its beliefs. Imagine if you had the ability to fly......
I Love the '80s (2002)
Not bad, one bone to pick however.....
Yeah, this show wasn't as tacky as I thought, but some of the people they chose to reminisce shouldn't have been on this; like Hootie from the Blowfish, or Beyonce Knowles: why couldn't they have more 80's actors like Tom Cruise or Sean Penn or Nic Cage or Molly Ringwald, etc? Anyhow, being an 80's child (1984)this brought back memories, particularly from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, that show is so weak now that it's laughable; but the films of the 80's were among the best ever made. RISKY BUSINESS, BAD BOYS, RUMBLE FISH, AT CLOSE RANGE, FERRIS BUELLER's DAY OFF, and on and on and on, need I say more?
Skaterdater (1966)
Oh my god....
I can barely remember seeing this on the old 16mm projectioner in the 5th grade to go along with our 'frank' discussions on sex education. I really don't remember anything about it except the title, but jeez I haven't even thought about it since then (A good 10 years later!).
The Little Match Girl (1990)
Brings back memories...
I can remember seeing this on HBO back in the summer of '91, being just a little kid at the time, I could appreciate the feature's use of music and animation. It is a superb cartoon that has never gotten the recognition it deserves and has disappeared into the vaults.
P.S. - Director Mike Sporn made another animation feature called "Whitewash", which deals with racism in The Bronx. Another exceptional cartoon.
The New Kids (1985)
Surprisingly entertaining
You really can't expect too much from just looking at the movie's title, but this movie is seriously above par than others in the genre. James Spader's performance is a standout and he portrays a similar character in the picture he did right after this (PRETTY IN PINK). Eric Stoltz does a good job with his role as well. A fine effort from Cunningham, especially after that SPRING BREAK fiasco. Do not pass up.
Zebrahead (1992)
Intensely moving
The performances in the film are terrific. From Mike Rappaport to new-comer N'Bushe Wright, this little sleeper hit is sure to appeal to all genders, races, ages, etc. The message in the movie is the most important part of all. I wish I could see some more of Ray Sharkey's work, he is most impressive.
What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown? (1983)
It moved me
I was 9 years old and in the hospital because of respiratory problems and was going through their video library and came across this. It was almost 6 years until I saw it again, I could never find it at any video retailer, and Paramount had just released all the shows remastered on tape. It's a somber and personal look at World War II, it should be required for history afficiados (forgive spelling). Do not miss.
It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (1976)
Terrific cartoon
Aaawwww, the cartoons of youth passed. Having Mr. Schulz as a native of St. Paul, it makes me appreciate his cartoons even more so. If you look carefully you can see little hints of St. Paul and its humor. Vince Guaraldi music is simply great and entertaining. Too bad this was his last composing for the Charlie Brown shows.
Likely Stories, Vol. 3 (1983)
Very amusing
A string of vignettes conjured of sketches (one involving Billy Crystal in ridiculous make-up), showcasing numerous comedians before they became big stars.
P.S. --- This comedy short aired on a pay cable T.V. station in the early 80's called ONTV (Satellite Television), available exclusively to subscribers in the Midwest (I think). I remember it was the first premium channel in St. Paul until around 1984, when HBO hit the airwaves. Does anyone recall this station? Any information about it would be greatly appreciated.
The Raccoons (1985)
Brings back childhood memories
This is a lovely television series that I remember from when I was only 5 or 6 years old, it was showing on The Disney Channel in the late 80's when it was still a pay cable channel and before Disney started airing politically correct crap like they do now days. I was unaware this was a French production, but the cartoons were great. Exceptional animation and interesting characters made this a stand-out. It hasn't been shown in over a decade but hopeful someone with common sense will revive it and bring it back to television. If you see it (which likely you won't), make sure you catch it.
The Rules of Attraction (2002)
Roger Avary is a genius!
This has got to be the best movie of 2002. Without a doubt. I loved "KILLING ZOE", and this movie proves that Avary hasn't, and hopefully will not lose his touch. Everything about this picture is great, from Van Der Beek's once in a lifetime performance, to the tripped out vacation story on acid. Quentin Tarantino & Avary are collaborators who once worked in a video store together and we can definitely tell that both of them are true lovers of cinema. They're the ones who are saving the movie industry from becoming a rotting cesspool. SEE AT ONCE!
Magia nuda (1975)
Pushes the envelope in grotesque
I must say I didn't enjoy this movie as much as I hoped I would. It was more on the voodoo and ritualistic side than any film by the makers of the "CANE" movies, but its candidness did appeal to me. However about an hour into it I lost interest and didn't finish the rest of it. Another thing is that it felt too fake, sometimes it was too obvious. But if you would like something to spark the imagination and have too much time on your hands, you'll like it.