kevin_robbins

I recently watched Satan's Cheerleaders (1977) on Tubi. The storyline follows a high school janitor who secretly works for a local Satanist. When tasked with finding a virgin for sacrifice, he kidnaps the cheerleading squad-only to discover that one of them is a witch who won't go down without a fight.

This picture is directed by Greydon Clark (Angel's Brigade) and stars John Ireland (All the King's Men), Yvonne De Carlo (The Ten Commandments), John Carradine (Stagecoach), Jack Kruschen (The Apartment), and Kerry Sherman (48 Hrs.).

The concept is wild-a strange but entertaining blend of coming-of-age elements, witchcraft, and comedy. The cast was better than I expected, but the special effects haven't aged well. The leading ladies were gorgeous, and there's the expected nudity along with a decent shower scene. Unfortunately, the kills were weak, and the witchcraft-vs.-cult finale was a letdown. This could have been much better.

In conclusion, Satan's Cheerleaders had the cast and setup to deliver more than it did. I'd score it a 4/10 and only recommend it with the right expectations.

I recently rewatched The Soloist (2009) on Tubi. The storyline follows a newspaper reporter who unexpectedly encounters a homeless musical genius. Intrigued, he decides to interview the man and his family, ultimately writing a story about his life. In the process, he uncovers a tragic childhood and the many challenges the man has faced, and he sets out to help him turn his life around.

Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement), the film stars Jamie Foxx (Ray), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Catherine Keener (Capote), Jena Malone (The Neon Demon), and Nelsan Ellis (Get on Up).

This movie captures your attention right away-not only because it's based on a true story, but also because the narrative feels fresh and unpredictable. The acting is outstanding, and the portrayal of the characters' circumstances is steeped in realism. The plot has numerous twists and turns, and the performances are so strong that you can feel the weight of every scene. While the reporter's level of effort to help may feel over the top at times, it's also a thoughtful reminder of how difficult it can be to consistently do the right thing. The film doesn't shy away from showing just how hard life can be.

In conclusion, The Soloist is a compelling character study about human nature-unique, moving, and well worth your time. I'd give it a solid 7/10.

I recently watched The J-Horror Virus (2023) on Shudder. The storyline explores the origins of films like Ringu, Ju-on, Dark Water, and Pulse-their inspirations, the films themselves, and how the directors and their work were interconnected, ultimately giving birth to a new subgenre in horror.

This picture is co-directed by Sarah Appleton (Damaged) and Jasper Sharp (Sex and Death), and features appearances by Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse), Takashi Shimizu (Ju-on), Rie Ino'o (Ringu 1 & 2), and Shin'ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo).

The documentary does an excellent job laying the groundwork for the rise of J-horror, including some of the 1980s films that inspired it. I found it fascinating that many of the genre's key directors went to school together, maintained close relationships, and often borrowed ideas and inspiration from one another. The Edo-period backstory of rivers, the persecution of criminals, and how that imagery evolved into the recurring "emerging from the water" theme in J-horror was also particularly compelling. The film also highlights how the dead often use technology to communicate with the living in these stories-symbolically delivering messages about mistreatment and societal issues.

There are many layers of hidden meaning within the genre, and this documentary does a solid job illustrating and unpacking them.

In conclusion, The J-Horror Virus is a thoughtful and informative look at the roots, symbolism, and evolution of a uniquely haunting genre that continues to resonate today. I would score it a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.