andicus

It is supposedly being remade with Sydney Sweeney in the title role.

andicus

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

I meant to do that.

DWilson

Force: Five Amazon Prime
Joe Lewis. Directed by Robert Clouse.1981
A twisted cult lead by the evil Reverend Rhee (Bong Soo Han) has kidnapped a young girl, and it is up to renegade Jerry Martin (Joe Lewis) and his friends to rescue her before it is too late.

Director Robert Clouse had a huge hit with "Enter the Dragon" and turned out many similar action films over the years, working with any number of action stars as he chased a similar hit. This is a decent "B" movie, competently directed, with more than enough martial arts scenes, but it probably works best as a nostalgia piece.

andicus

Nightmare Alley (1947)

DWilson

I watched the Criterion package of "Nightmare Alley" right before the remake came out, never having seen the film. I enjoyed it quite a bit, even though the final redemption scene felt tacked-on to the story (which it was). While I'm a fan of Guillermo Del Toro and I had an idea what direction he might go in, I've got to say I preferred the original.

Toby Dramit

Given a choice between the two, I'd prefer Ana de Armas. I think she'd be a better fit than Sydney Sweeney.

The original is very much a product of its time ... which I love about it.

DWilson

It's A Wonderful Knife Shudder
Justin Long, Jane Widdop. Directed by Tyler MacIntyre. 2023
A year after saving her town from a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve, Winnie Carruthers' life is less than wonderful - but when she wishes she'd never been born, she finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe and discovers that without her, things could be much, much worse.

This is a surprisingly slick and good-looking film for a Shudder "Original". It's trying for something like the Christopher Landon's "Happy Death Day" movies, -both gruesome and tongue-in-cheek, -but it's not nearly as successful. The script just feels like it was written by someone whose only reference was old CW scripts. The plot gets a little more ludicrous the longer it goes along, until it pulls a new supernatural element out near the end that feels like it's from a different Horror film, -or maybe it was just a re-write. It's not the worst way to kill a little time, -but you're still just killing time.

andicus

I agree with all of the above.
I'd prefer Sweeney, but would be happy either way. And, yeah, apart from Jane Fonda at her hottest, the cheesiness of the first is part of its appeal. I suspect the remake will be a flop, but I will absolutely see it.

JeffTheAlpaca

The Barberalla remake might be tame since it is rare you see nudity in films anymore.

JeffTheAlpaca

I only watched it for Heather Graham but nothing really remarkable about this movie and not worth a watch.

It looks like Brandy had some bad plastic surgery done on her face.

JeffTheAlpaca

Netflix

I liked it though did not love it or maybe just me

JeffTheAlpaca

AMC on demand

A mistake since I had to sit through multiple ad breaks

I think I really liked it back around 2000 and watching on a dinky 27" TV.

Now it is ok and maybe kind of cheesy.

I did not know it got mostly bad reviews.

DWilson

Defiance Amazon Prime
Jan-Michael Vincent. Directed by John Flynn. 1980
Tommy takes up temporary housing in a New York neighborhood plagued by a violent gang called the Souls. Tommy is waiting for his next assignment as a seaman and though he tries to avoid the gang and his neighbors, it does not work. Soon he is battling the Souls and not only changing their attitudes, but the attitudes of his previously intimidated neighbors as well.

I definitely have a nostalgia for movies like these. You might call it cornball, and it's definitely predictable, but the story-telling is clear and effective. Whitebread Jan-Michael Vincent gets an apartment in a Lower East Side melting pot right out of "The Bowery Boys" and comes up against a garishly costumed street gang that wasn't quite edgy enough for "The Warriors". It's very much like "Death Wish 3" (which, honestly, is a real hoot!), but watered down by its "PG" rating. Still, I enjoyed it for what it was. Jan-Michael Vincent is an appealing lead in this; it's a shame what he did to himself in the decades that followed.

kahuna

Candy Cane Lane (2023) - Prime

Toby Dramit

Somehow I don't think that would be an issue for either Ana de Armas or Sydney Sweeney ...

andicus

kahuna

Elf Me (2023) - Prime

JeffTheAlpaca

And they do more than just one scene like in the 80's where "R" movies were really movies for adults not like they are now.

Goonies85

May December - Loved this Todd Haynes movie, and it's on par with Carol, Far from Heaven, and Safe. The acting was sublime. Would have no problem with this flick running away with multiple Oscars.

Oppenheimer - Was pleasantly surprised that this one lived up to the hype. Despite generally being a fan of Nolan, I usually have a couple issues (often "nit-picky" things) with his films, but this one was pretty much perfect. I thought every role was perfectly cast, and the movie just moves forward with this incredible propulsion despite it being almost solely dialogue-driven. This is like the complete polar opposite of how I felt towards the Barbie movie, which I felt didn't live up to its hype at all. This movie did (and then some). Easily my second favourite Nolan film after Memento.

Boss Level - I believe this was on Amazon Prime. I had had it in my shopping cart for the longest time but when I got the chance to watch it on Amazon Prime instead of paying $30 for the Blu, I decided to give it a shot. It's an insanely good, funny B-movie featuring great turns from Frank Grillo (who's a great actor, if only he didn't do so many B/direct-to-video movies that only hide his actual talents), Naomi Watts (surprisingly), and Mel Gibson. The concept sounds like something that's been done before but Carnahan directs it with such aplomb that it's just a fun thrill ride. Lots of little off-hand jokes that just fly by the viewer. I know this movie was just kind of dumped into the marketplace, but it honestly deserves a lot more respect. If you liked Smokin' Aces or even Copshop, both of which were far inferior to this movie, yet nevertheless entertaining enough, then I have a hard time believing you wouldn't love this movie.

On the Air - Another B-movie starring Mel Gibson. This one was not that great. It basically relies on a big twist which you could kind of see coming but had to kind of scratch your head as to whether or not it made sense (as there were certainly scenes throughout the film that just seemed off or made little sense, so I guess when you factor in the end of the movie, those scenes are at least a little bit more credible. Regardless, Gibson does give off a good enough performance, but a lot of the other acting talent in the picture is pretty flawed. Can't really recommend this, and I was just glad it's got a pretty short running time.

The Passion of the Christ - Figured I'd finally watch this, as it's free on Prime. I don't know. I went to Catholic schools and whatnot but am basically irreligious, and I just couldn't get into this movie. When people referred to this movie as largely "torture porn" when it was first released, I just kind of shrugged. But? They're basically right. I'm not going to delve into politics or do a deep dive into religion, so I'll just say that I don't see the appeal of this movie. Was it well-directed? I guess so, I mean, most movies Mel Gibson directs are well made in terms of filmmaking. The basic plot line just had no appeal to me, and I found it easy to lose interest as it seemed just violence for the sake of violence. I'm familiar with the story underlining the movie (how could you not be if you went to Catholic schools?), but it did nothing for me. And furthermore, I know families that would show this movie to their relatively young children, as they thought it would be educational. That's ridiculous. I don't think this should be viewed by anyone under the age of 14 or so.

Holmes & Watson - Not as bad as I was led to believe, but still not a very great Ferrell/Reilly movie. I would only say that it has a few pretty hilarious scenes, with a lot of filler otherwise. But those brief moments that seem to come about every 15-20 minutes make the movie at least worth seeing once. They also throw in a not-very-subtle anti-Trump jab towards the end of the movie that's actually pretty spot-on and funny. Rebecca Hall (? I think that's the actress) is also quite solid in the movie. She should do more comedies.

Black Book - One of Verhoeven's best movies. Another one that shouldn't have taken me so long to watch, but whatever, it was nice to finally get through this one because it's on par with his much earlier war film, Soldier of Orange. Carice van Houten is the obvious standout in this, but it's really Verhoeven's masterful direction that makes this movie. It's suspenseful, a little pulpy, and shocking at times (like most of Verhoeven's movies). Some scenes/sequences are downright unforgettable. Loved this movie.

Benedetta - Verhoeven directed this one a few years back and it's obviously one of his most religious movies. I know he's hinted (for years) about directing a movie based on "the life of Jesus", but he's never quite followed though (although he did release a book on his research), so it wasn't outside of his realm that he would make such a deeply religious movie (supposedly "based on actual events"). This one is okay. Kind of has an "erotic nun-vibe" throughout it's running time. It has it's moments, but I just wasn't drawn into the story. I will say that the film was very well-shot, albeit with the occasional dodgy CGI. Wouldn't recommend picking up the Blu, but if it's streaming for free, I guess you could do worse...

Goonies85

The Ward - Now I understand the Amber Heard backlash and I am totally supportive of it. I think she's a bad human being. That said, this is a John Carpenter movie (I believe the last theatrical he directed, I can't remember when he did his two Masters of Horror episodes), so I had to watch it. It's actually pretty damn good. The acting all around is great (even Amber Heard), as the women that make up the members of the asylum do a great job. The music is also great, as is the setting/production design. I was actually dreading this, cause I wasn't sure if Carpenter still had it in him. But he did. I'd put this one just ahead of Vampires and probably even Ghost of Mars, in terms of his filmography. Wish he didn't resign himself to collecting paycheques for remakes and playing video games on his couch, but I can't really blame him. He had a long career and should be able to just enjoy life. He also happens to be a pretty nice and decent dude, as I got to briefly chat with him at a Comic-Con when I got him to sign my Blu rays of The Thing and Assault on Precinct 13. He seemed pretty humble and relaxed. Nice guy.

The Decameron - After having loved Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (watched it three times the first week I got it on Blu-Ray), I decided to sample his Trilogy of Life Criterion set before potentially purchasing that 8-movie boxset that Criterion also released. Kind of glad I did because while I found some of this movie to be entertaining, a lot of it I just didn't get. Pasolini has a certain humour he tries to convey in the movies of this trilogy that just doesn't work very well with me. It's extremely cheesy, almost juvenile-like sense of humour that I just didn't care for. The fact that (like pretty much every Italian movie at that time) the dubbing is pretty awful also doesn't do the movie any favours. It's also amazing how you read about how "controversial" these movies were when they were released. Is there nudity? Sure, I guess. But it's not like it's the "titillating" variety. Frankly, if anything, these movies come across as exceedingly tame. Almost to a fault. Which brings me to...

The Canterbury Tales - Well, despite not really liking the previous-mentioned movie, I still found at least parts of it amusing. This one is like the total opposite of that. I couldn't get into this one at all. Even the production design just screams amateur, like it should've just been presented as a play on a theatre stage. And no, I'm not familiar with the literary origins of this film. Obviously I've heard of it, just like the sources for the other films in this trilogy, but I've never sought it out to read. All I can say is I didn't care for this one at all, and as much as I want to finish the trilogy so I can just toss the boxset on the shelf, I'll probably hold off watching the final film, Arabian Nights, for at least a week or two. I just don't feel like being that bored again...

Blonde - I loved, loved, loved this Andrew Dominik movie. I know it was controversial. I heard all of the noise that was going on around its release. I know some people took issue with Ana de Arnas's (sp?) portrayal of Monroe. I didn't care. I thought she was great, as was the rest of the cast. And the direction and score and production design was first rate. I did take a little umbrage at the one Kennedy scene, but that didn't make or break the movie for me. I understand why this movie is considered controversial, but I thought it should've gotten way more accolades than it got. I think this movie is first-rate. Even Adrien Brody, who I usually can't stand, was wonderful in this. As was Bobby Cannavale.

Old Dads - Big Bill Burr fan. Big, big fan. But this? For the most part, this was watered down Bill Burr. It starts off well enough, but it soon becomes hopelessly contrived, as the viewer can see exactly where the movie is headed. It feels like Burr read a book on screenwriting and then felt like he had to follow this very conventional narrative where his character has to "learn and grow" in the most obvious way possible. Like, if you don't see where this movie is headed within the first 15-20 minutes...then I can't help you. And again, I love Bill Burr. I love his stand-up. His appearances on Conan are legendary. Which is why this one was so disappointing. I still think he has a good movie in him, and hopefully this was just a palate-cleanser. I mean, there's still the odd scene where his humour comes through and shines, but overall I have to say this movie was disappointing.

Cop Out - After hearing (for years) all of the horror stories surrounding this movie, mainly about how much Kevin Smith and Bruce Willis did not get along, I was expecting to be disappointed (although that would be difficult considering the movie has Tracy Morgan in it, who amazingly even make shitty Wayans brothers movies at least somewhat tolerable). I wasn't. This is kind of a neat '80s buddy cop movie that was clearly inspired by the style of films like Beverly Hills Cop (obviously a much, much better film, but still). The musical score definitely has that '80s vibe, and overall the movie was good enough. Kind of surprised at the level of violence at times, but again, that was often the case in '80s buddy cop movies. And despite whatever tension was going on behind-the-scenes, that doesn't really come across in the actual film. It's by no means a great film, but it's watchable. If you're looking to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon or something, you could do a lot worse.

Air - Really solid Ben Affleck-directed movie. Coming from the industry on which the film is based, I found it very realistic, very compelling, and just enthralling. Is it better than Affleck's Argo? No, but it's good enough. Matt Damon is obviously the standout, and he does a great job. I don't think the film is award-worthy or anything, but it's a perfectly competent adult thriller/drama. Just solid filmmaking. Nothing too "show-offy" or anything, but a good time all around.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) - The one I believe Netflix picked up. This is possibly the worst movie I've ever seen (even worse than those Lukas Moodysson films I watched earlier this year), and DEFINITELY the worst in the saga (which is saying something because, aside from the original, and possibly the batshit sequel, these films are notoriously awful). The characters are idiotic and make no sense whatsoever (obviously the screenwriter, if there was one, is to blame for being the dumbest, most godawful screenwriter on the planet). It's almost pointless trying to address all of the flaws inherent in this movie. The acting is atrocious. The before-mentioned writing is like, if you hired some pre-schooler to come up with plot points (I'm sure those would make more sense than whatever this "writer" did). The direction is just plain stupid. And bad. Those responsible for making this movie should never, ever be granted such an opportunity again. They belong in movie jail. They canNOT possibly inflict more damage on the psyche of film fans than what they did with this movie. How hard is it to make a decent movie with a killer that wields a chainsaw? Apparently, it's extremely difficult for these filmmakers. I don't know how they can even look people in the eyes and acknowledge that they made this turd. They should be embarrassed. They should change their names and identities. They should get as far away from this movie as humanly possible. And yes, I stuck it out and watched the entire 80 or 90 minutes of this. And I regret every...single...minute of that runtime.

Goonies85

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Short Film) - The first of those Wes Anderson shorts he did for Netflix. I guess this was all right. Obviously dialogue-driven, it still felt long even at a meagre 39 minutes. Wouldn't watch this one again, yet I'm hopeful that Wes Anderson eventually returns to form. Haven't really been happy with his output starting with The Grand Budapest Hotel. Wish his movies had more heart, like the early movies he did (two or three of which also had Owen as a co-writer, so I oftentimes wonder just how much he brought to the table.)

The Swan (Short Film) - The worst of the Anderson Netflix short films. Stylistically? It's interesting, I guess. But the storyline is boring, boring, boring. And the acting is just...dumb, annoying, and not at all believable.

The Rat Catcher (Short Film) - Well, this one is great, at a brief 17 minutes or so. Ralph Fiennes obviously relishes his role as the "rat catcher". He's very, very funny. And the setting and tone of the film is quite unique and welcomed. I very much enjoyed this.

Poison (Short Film) - Obviously not the Todd Haynes one. This is the last of Wes Anderson short films on Netflix. Again at around 17 minutes, this is maybe tied with The Rat Catcher as the best in the series. Benedict Cumberbatch is really incredible in this. Very funny, even though his character barely speaks. The general concept of the flick is solid, and the execution is first-rate. Ben Kingsley was equally great. Overall, given the latter two films in the series, Wes Anderson did pretty decent overall. Still wish he would eventually re-unite (in terms of screenwriting) with Owen Wilson (or even get Noah Baumbach back to co-write something; I know Baumbach's career has kind of taken off but he seems pretty industrious; I'm not sure he wouldn't find the time to work with Wes again, but perhaps that's wishful thinking).

House of Gucci - Hated it. Can't really stand when Ridley Scott does "costume dramas" (I equally hated his All the Money in the World). I don't think he is capable of directing one in a competent fashion. If anything, I always find the movies of his that actually hit are the ones you sometimes least expect. When he's really trying his best to win an Oscar (as if that matters aside from financial considerations) it usually brings out the worst in him. That's why I like movies of his like The Counselor, which remains underrated. People can bash that movie all they want, it has great writing and a great cast and a very unusual storyline...It's the complete opposite of a "cookie-cutter" movie, which is often what Ridley Scott does...

Meathead

LotR: The Two Towers/Return of the King (Extended)

Goonies85

Showgirls - It's too bad because after hearing for years that this was one of those movies "that's-so-bad-it's-good", it's actually pretty bad. I mainly got this because the latest book I got from the University of Mississippi Press's "Conversations with Filmmakers" series was the one on Paul Verhoeven. This is campy, for sure, but not in the best sense of the word. I actually feel kind of bad for Elizabeth Berkeley. Based on everything I've read, she basically took the role cause she wanted to "prove herself" as an actress, after starring in "Saved by the Bell" for so many years, and it sounds like her agent, management, family, etc. were like, "This is a movie written by Joe Eszerthas, directed by Verhoeven," this is your chance at the bigs. Well, at this point any movie that guy wrote was selling for millions. They had just recently done Basic Instinct, and people saw what that did for Sharon Stone's career (not to say she wasn't talented before then; I thought she was aces in Total Recall). I think Berkeley (probably) foolishly thought this was going to be her "breakout 'adult' role." And while I give her props (she did her best), and she did full-frontal (which I actually didn't know was going to happen til I saw the film), she really isn't a great actress. And I also love Gina Gershon, but she wasn't very good in this (again, I think she did the movie based on the reputation of the screenwriter and director). And Kyle MacLachlan is pretty bland. Just not a great movie. I'm somewhat intrigued by the special features, as they seem to embrace the "campiness" of the whole endeavour, but we'll see. Not a good movie. Regardless, Verhoeven remained great. He shot Starship Troopers after this, and that's a movie that I think Elizabeth Berkeley could've actually excelled in.

OldBoy

Love Actually…and per usual I criedlike a baby.

DWilson

V/H/S/85 Shudder
Various Directors inc. Scott Derrickson, David Bruckner. 2023
An ominous broadcast brings viewers forgotten nightmares of the 1980s: a disaster recovery crew unleashes the wrath of an ancient god; a lake that brings the dead back to life; a performance art piece makes contact with a creature from the beyond; an all-guns-out undead bloodbath, and a disturbing vision of videotaped murders.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of creating the experience of watching a deteriorating, old VHS tape that's been recorded over and erased countless times. Clearly, they're having a lot of fun with that. I guess you could describe this as a "Found Footage" Horror Anthology, but it's more of a delivery system for horrific moments and explicit gore, of which there are plenty and often effectively rendered. Storytelling is not the film's strong point, -it's mostly set-ups and premises and there's something that works as a conclusion.