my brief thoughts on.... '2012'

Roland Emmerich is all about things that are BIG.... the majority of his movies over the last decade have all been over the top disaster movies or monster movies.... complete with huge explosions and big time special effects.... but not a whole lot otherwise.... so when i sat down to watch this, i was expecting more of the same.... granted, i enjoyed 'The Day After Tomorrow'.... this one was very similar to that, but on a MUCH bigger scale.... MUCH bigger.... hell, this was the end of the world....! and for some reason John Cusack has the amazing ability to survive it.... (or so it would seem.... i don't want to give away the end.)....

as we all know, supposedly the Mayan's predict the end of the world in 2012.... and that's the whole premise of this movie.... although they put some movie science behind it.... and give it a rhyme an and a reason.... it's still the end of the world.... and the governement has been given a 3 year warning by scientists to come up with a plan to save who they can.... and we see this slowly come together, but don't 100% know the true plan until we reach almost the end of the movie.... during the course of all of this, we have the subplot of several other characters who we're supposed to relate to so we have a tie into the story.... soon all hell breaks loose and the special effects guys take over....
this movie isn't the worst thing i've ever seen.... it was entertaining.... it gave you the goods effects wise.... the story was simple and easy to follow.... it's not going to go down in history as a classic of American cinema or anything.... but i felt that 3 out of 5 stars was a fair rating.... it's a big budget popcorn movie.... and something that would be fun to watch in the theater.... but anything more than a 2 and a half hour puff piece would be giving it too much credit.... watch if you want to.... however, i would necessarily recommend it.

if you like this, some other Roland Emmerich films: 'The Day After Tomorrow', '10,000 B.C.' and 'Godzilla' (1998)

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Sarah Silverman Program' and 'Jesus is Magic'

i like Sarah Silverman.... i'm not sure why exactly, but i do.... i'd never seen her stand up.... or her show.... so i figured it was time.... plus Brian Posehn is in it and i really enjoy his work.... anyway.... i saw it finally appear OnDemand on Netflix for season 1 and 2 as well as her 'Jesus is Magic' special.... so i added them all.... and sat down to see what all the fuss was about and to possibly give myself an actual reason to like her.... about midway through the first episode, i could already see myself enjoying the series.... it was just absurd enough for my tastes.... there were some uncomfortable moments and some laugh out loud moments.... overall it was a fun experience.... i didn't realize how mean spirited it was going to be in places, but yet it had it's semi-touching moments.... Sarah's character is not very likable.... she's self-centered, rather mean to the people around her.... she's not very smart in a lot of ways.... she does a LOT of stupid things and gets away with them.... i could see a lot of people really not liking this.... because people want to connect with the characters on the show.... and that's where the rest of the cast comes in.... they make up for downfalls.... not too mention her dog Doug....

the basic premise is that Sarah lives in an apartment that her sister pays for.... she's jobless and has two gay neighbors.... she lives with her dog and does goofy things all day long.... her sister (played by her real life sister) is in love with a cop whom Sarah hates, but he's always getting her out of jams regardless.... and that's about the whole premise of the show.... and from this we get 21 minutes of comedy....
i gave it 4 out of 5 stars.... i'm still not 100% sure why.... and i'm still not sure why i enjoy her work.... i guess it's a guilty pleasure of sorts.... by watching it, it allows you to live through her.... and do and say all of the things you may have wanted to, but couldn't.... because you had a filter for saying awful things.... Sarah doesn't.... after i watched the first season, i ended up watching the full 2nd season as well as the 'Jesus is Magic' stand up special.... this stand up was even harder to watch then the show was at times.... she leaves no taboo topic untouched.... and despite that, i still gave it 3 out of 5 stars.... and i admit that i enjoyed it all.... however, i have a feeling that God may strike me down because of it.... and if you've seen the show or the special, then you know why.... i can't wait for season 3....

if you like this, watch: 'The Sarah Silverman Program: season 2 - volume 1', 'The Sarah Silverman Program: season 2 - volume 2' and 'Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic'

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my brief thoughts on.... 'The Perfect Witness'

over the years, i've grown to enjoy Wes Bentley more and more.... so that's kind of what attracted me to this movie.... granted, i thought the plot sounded interesting.... not entirely new, but interesting.... and with him thrown in the mix i thought it was a no brainer to watch this.... at it's core, this is a pretty dark little movie.... there's not too much redeeming about any of the characters in the movie.... and no one is really innocent.... you'd like to think that our hero is just that.... a hero.... but in reality, he's just as twisted and dark as the villan.... this a fairly smart script and one that falls in the category or a character study.... a movie based around in depth characters with a lot of backstory.... you can almost feel their baggage when they're on the screen.... and it takes good actors to pull off a movie like this.... one that relies so much on being believable as someone realistic, but the truth be told is only someone's imagination....

the story involves Wes's character shooting the murder of a woman at the hands of a notable serial killer.... he uses the tape to bribe the killer into being in a documenary about the killer himself.... one that Wes plans on marketing after the killer is caught or killed only.... meanwhile, he's trying to hide his identity to protect his family and to also stay clean and sober.... as he's a recovering addict.... things slowly spin out of control as the killer begins to get the upper hand in the situation and eventually all bets are off.... Wes is just as much involved in the murders and the killer as the killer himself.... and the more we learn about each character, the further down the rabbit hole we go....
i was really intrigued by this movie overall.... it had its flaws.... some more glaring than others.... but it was well put together and moved at a rapid pace, so as not to lose the audience.... i honestly wasn't sure where it was going and was suprised at some of the turns it took along the way.... it raises a lot of moral questions and puts them point blank in your face.... it's unsettling at times and it rarely lets up on the intensity meter.... i gave it 3 out of 5 stars for effort and execution.... it could have been more than it was, but it was just enough to be worthwhile.... something to see if you've never seen anything quite like this.... plus it gives Wes Bentley a chance to shine again.... now i want to watch 'P2' again....

if you like this, watch: 'Man Bites Dog', 'How To Be A Serial Killer' and just for Wes Bentley as a crazy man 'P2'

just my thoughts.... on my blog.

something i have to clarify, before all of think that all i watch is horror films.... (which some of you already do.).... i watch all kinds of movies, TV shows and other things.... a lot of which will never make it to my blog.... either because i've already seen the movie or written about it before on this blog or my old one.... or because it's a kids movie or something and i just never get the desire to talk about it.... or because it's television.... for some reason, writing about what i see on TV just doesn't excite me.... so what ends up here are the things that sparked some interest or that i think others will find interesting.... and so far that's proven true.... although i do catch flack for the abundance of horror films, but that's my bread and butter.... i love the horror genre.... i find it to be some of the most creative style of cinema out there.... not just the story line, but the creativity it takes to make one work.... it usually involves a lot of special effects, inventive creatures or killers that stand out from the rest.... a storyline that isn't stale.... and it frees up your mind to cleanse itself of all of the most basic fears we all have.... and many times horror films prove to be a metaphor for other things.... and we all need a release from the daily stress of the grind of life.... granted a good action flick or comedy or sci-fi movie will have the same effect.... but nothing beats a good scare or some raw agression.... besides, isn't it healthier to get it out via a character on the screen than in real life....?

perhaps at some point this blog will began to reflect more of the viewing habits i have.... as there is a list far longer than what you read here of what i see on a weekly basis.... i still won't write about something i've already written on.... but maybe i'll broaden my scope even more than i have.... as in case you haven't noticed, there has been a lot more variety in my reviews and even little things like this where i just talk about random things in my life.... hell, that's what a blog is good for.... spewing nonesense about yourself or pushing your opinions on others.... right....? only time will tell from here what direction i take, but i had to let the cat out of the bag that i secretly watch a whole lot more than i let on.... i mean, what do you think i do with all of that inbetween time....? granted i have a podcast, a family and a job.... but that still leaves many hours in the day for some good ole' entertainment....! so let me know what you think and maybe i'll branch out even more.... and now it's back to the cinema for me....

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Silent Scream' (1980)

i don't normally write any part of a review before i've seen the movie.... but in this case i'll make an exception.... the only reason being is that i remember this movie from when it came out.... not because i saw it then.... but because of the advertising campaign.... it scared the hell out of me.... they built up the movie as being something that people shouldn't see if they have a heart condition as it's so scary.... it was a very effective add campaign for someone who's only 6 years old.... and it's saying something if it's stuck with me this long.... so finally i'm going to sit down and watch this horrific slasher movie and hope i don't die of fright.... it would seem that my 'classic' slasher trend continues thanks to Netflix OnDemand's sudden surge of OnDemand old school horror movies.... that being said.... here i go to watch and when you read the next paragraph you'll be reading my post viewing thoughts....

so.... almost 30 years later and now i can check it off the list of movies that i might just need to watch.... and let me say.... well.... i can't say it was worth the wait.... the marketing people were smart and sold it well, but they really didn't have the goods to back it up.... i do, however, give it credit for originality and style points.... but that's just because it was a somewhat different take on the traditional slasher genre film.... there were no woods, no masked figures.... i would liken it more to 'Black Christmas' (1974) than anything else.... it had a lot of the typical 80's cliches.... and the deaths were few in the beginning and most at the end.... however, i just don't know exactly what to make of this.... one interesting note.... the main police officer in this movie played one of the main bad guys in the recently watched 'Toolbox Murders'.... odd coincidence....
the plot involves some college kids boarding with a strange family.... some people start dying and via some twists and turns we find out who the killer is.... that's the basic premise....

due to the buildup in my head and the overall execution of the movie, i would give it 2 out of 5 stars.... not great, but not the worst i've seen.... it didn't hold up well with the test of time and was far from scary or anything.... it was just kind of there.... and the story just kind of played itself out like it was an afterthought.... basically, nothing to write home to mom about.... i don't ever need to see it again and now that the mystery is over, i can mark it off my childhood trauma's list.... it frightens me no more....

similar movies: 'Black Christmas' (1974), 'The Toolbox Murders' (1978) and 'Psycho' (1960) - this one being a BIG strech as i LOVED 'Psycho'.... but there are some strange similarities, sort of

my brief thoughts on.... 'Mystery Science Theater 3000: Zombie Nightmare'

i've been a fan of MST3K for as long as i can remember.... i've seen quite a number of episodes, but it's been years since i had seen one and when this popped up OnDemand, i figured maybe it was time to hop back in the saddle.... (wow, that was a long sentence.).... and as much as i love zombies, i figured it was a no brainer.... (no pun intended.).... so i invested the hour and a half and re-introduced myself to the boys.... i fogot how cheesy the inbetween stuff was.... but that's part of the charm of the show.... it's so homegrown.... now, as far as this episode went.... well.... i can't say it was genius.... there was one particular part that i laughed so hard my sides hurt.... but that was it as far as the laugh out loud moment went.... maybe i wasn't in the right mood.... perhaps this just wasn't their best episode.... who knows....? it just didn't hit the mark....

in the movie, the plot revolves around a young man who's killed at the prime of his life and is resurrected by a voodoo priestess to have his revenge on those who killed him.... there's also a subplot about the young man's father who was also senselessly murdered.... which all of it kind of ties together at the end.... that's about the entire plot....
the zombie parts are lame.... the chase scene in the health club is worth the price of admission.... because who doesn't want to see a preppy/punk girl chased around by a zombie with a baseball bat....? am i right....? the deaths are sub par.... it does have the distinguishing honor of having Adam West as a lead character.... yes, Batman himself.... he's chessy as ever.... and he plays the chief of police.... who's gun is silly.... all in all in all in all it's a mere 2 out of 5 star attempt for the boys of MST3K.... not their best, but not their worst.... one for die hard fans only, i would say....

if you like this, watch: some of the other episodes.... there's a ton of them available OnDemand on Netflix

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my brief thoughts on.... 'nbt: Never Been Thawed'

"This year's 'Napoleon Dynamite'." hardly.... entertaining....? somewhat.... i'll give it originality points.... and a few subtle laughs.... but nothing to write home about.... it's 100% low budget.... it's obvious it was someones pet project.... and i'm sure they're pretty proud of it.... however, i just didn't care for it too much.... or maybe i just didn't get in on the joke....? i don't know....

the basic story revolves around frozen entree collectors.... one's who are so obsessed that they have multiple stand alone freezers in their homes and apartments.... they wait patiently for the newest releases of the dinners and get them as soon as they come out.... there's also a subplot about one of the collector's having a Christian rock band that he converted from a non-Christian band just to try and make it big.... this bit lends itself to some funny moments, especially the little concert they have at one point where they're swearing while playing songs about God.... all of these stories lead up to the frozen entree convention that they've been planning for a long time....
i think 2 out of 5 stars is all this deserves.... like i said, it has a few moments of fun.... but overall it's not all that exciting and kind of a mess.... i wouldn't really recommended it other than for the novelty factor of the script itself.... how many movies have you seen about frozen food and Christian rock....? i can only think of one.... anyway.... watch it if you want.... maybe you'll get the joke.... but i missed the boat on this one i think.

if you like this: there isn't much else to compare it to, it's in a league of its own

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Toolbox Murders' (1978)

i'm not sure if you saw the remake of this movie by Tobe Hooper.... but this movie and that one have no real connection other than the fact that they both involve tools.... that's where the similarities end.... one of the big differences is that this movie is one of those, "Based on an actual events" movies.... whether or not that's true, i didn't research.... but that's what they say.... now if you're coming into this movie expecting murders by someone with a toolbox.... well, you're half right.... for the first 20 -30 mins or so, that's what happens.... but for the remaining hour.... there is no such occurance.... it's all creepy monologues and some twists and turns.... really slow twists and turns.... this is by no means an exciting movie.... it has very little redeeming qualities and is not something i would readily recommend to anyone else.... not that the Tobe Hooper version was any better.... but at least it had Sheri Moon Zombie in it for the opening scene....

as the story goes.... someone is killing the residents of an apartment complex with a toolbox full of tools.... he's killing those who are impure.... women only.... after killing 4 women, the police have no leads and no clues.... all they have is 4 dead women and a 5th that seems to have been kidnapped.... the brother of the girl begins his own search for her as the police aren't being very helpful.... they soon reveal who the killer is and add a twist.... it kind of brings the story to a screeching halt and it sputters to an end with a whimper, not a bang.
i honestly had hoped for something more.... as this is brought up a lot in slasher movie circles.... but sadly, i was let down.... 1 out of 5 stars is all i could muster for it.... this movie just suffers from all of the bad cliche's of the 70's cinema.... and it hasn't aged well at all.... the killer is lame.... the story is confusing and dull.... the fact that it's based on actual events doesn't seem to help either.... it seems like an attempt to be like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' or something.... uninspired, boring and not worth the hour and a half it takes to watch it.... find something more constructive to do with your time.

if you watch this, go watch something better: 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974), 'The Burning' or a Lifetime original movie

my brief thoughts on.... 'City of the Living Dead'

Lucio Fulci made the movie 'Zombi aka Zombi 2'.... one of the best known foreign zombie movies ever made.... it's one that i own and it holds a soft spot in my heart.... not too mention, it was was a love note to George A. Romero.... it was Fulci's direct response to 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978) and was the unofficial sequel according to Fulci.... all that being said.... it made perfect sense that 'City of the Living Dead aka The Gates of Hell' would be another classic.... it even has really good write ups according to zombie lovers.... so when i saw it was available OnDemand, i had to see it.... now, i had seen parts of this once before when i was a youth.... and it freaked me out.... and i vividly remembered the scene in question where a woman vomits all of her insides.... everything.... well, last night i watched it.... but before i give you my thoughts.... let's get to the interesting plot....

a psychic and a newspaper reporter get wrapped up in an end of the world scenario.... what happened to set off this chain of events is the fact that a priest hangs himself in a graveyard and ends up opening the gates of hell.... to where the dead will begin rising from the dead.... the two leads go off on a hunt to stop this from happening by destroying the priests corpse and thus closing the gates again.... and saving the world.... some zombies appear, some people get killed, a lot of worms and maggots abound.... and then you'll have to watch this movie to find out the rest.... sorry, kids.
right about now, you're saying "Joel, you must have LOVED this movie!".... well, you couldn't be farther from the freaking truth.... Fulci will always have a sweet spot in my heart, but this is so far on the other end of the spectrum from 'Zombi' that it was almost unrecognizable.... he literally used the exact same music from 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978).... the pacing was god awfully slow.... the characters weren't all that interesting.... the zombies were few and far between.... as a matter of fact.... in the end of the film you'll find the most number of zombies, but they last all of about 5 minutes and die with a mere stab wound.... yup, no shots to the head.... the zombies also seem to have some kind of magic powers, because they can appear, disappear and re-appear anywhere.... they shamble, but why bother when you can teleport yourself....?!?! the zombies are covered with goo and worms and gunk no matter how long they'd been in the ground.... there's a weird mix of satanism, ghosts and zombies that just doesn't work.... and the priest that hung himself plays a major role as the primary killer of people in the movie.... mostly by a mere stare.... this was a 1 out of 5 star movie at best.... i lost faith early on in the movie.... but when the ending occured, i nearly threw my shoe at the television.... it made no sense and was lame....

stay away.

instead of wasting your time with this, watch: 'Zombi aka Zombi 2', 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978) and/or just about any other zombie movie

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Prowler'

this is a movie i've been hearing about for a long time.... Joesph Zito directed and Tom Savini did the special effects.... it's considered to be some of the best work Savini has ever done.... and it is pretty impressive.... especially based on when thi was released.... this movie, in some circles, it's considered a classic of the slasher genre.... not too mention it was released in 1980, the beginning of the golden era of the genre.... it was right when they came up with the formula.... you take a person who's wronged in some way.... they have a screw loose.... they find some kind of costume, mask or outfit and they go on a killing spree.... perhaps starting with the trigger of their rage, but then going off the deep end and they continue to kill....

in this movie, the story begins in 1945 with a woman breaking up with a G.I. via a hand written letter.... her name was Rosemary.... on the night of the Graduation Dance, Rosemary and her boyfriend go out to a secluded area where they are promptly killed by a man in an army uniform.... presumebly the ex of Rosemary.... fast forward to 1980.... the first Graduation Dance is being held since that night.... some people are wary of holding it due to what happened the last time.... but it goes forward.... meanwhile the sheriff heads off to a fishing trip, leaving only the deputy on duty for the entire town.... of course, the killer returns and people start to die.... that's as much as i'll reveal....
all in all, not a bad entry in to the genre.... i gave it 3 out of 5 stars for it's overall feel and execution.... (no pun intended).... the ending was a bit questionable.... but the special effects, the main bad guy and the hero and his girl are all likable and the movie is worth it just for those things.... one funny thing about this was the promoting of the actor Lawrence Tierney.... most of you would know him as 'Joe' from 'Reservoir Dogs'.... but as far as his role in this movie....? you see him in a long shot in a window watching the dorms.... and then he grabs a girl as she runs away from the killer.... that's it. hardly a starring role.... anyway.... long story short.... this is worth your time if you like slasher flicks.... it's above average and should be checked off your list at some point.... then make the decision for yourself about it's classic status....

if you dig this, you may also enjoy: 'My Bloody Valentine' (1981), 'Friday the 13th' (1980) and 'Madman'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood'

whatever happened to the good spoof movie....? they're all garbage now.... and Hollywood knows it.... it's all a matter of what the bottom line is.... get some unknown to write a slap dash script.... higher no name actors.... make the entire movie for next to nothing and you know tht between theater sales and rentals, the movie will make all the money back and more.... it's a no brainer.... but these movies are pointless and miss the whole point.... 'Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood' got the joke.... Shawn and Marlon Wayans understood what it was to write something that spoofed a serious genre and make it funny.... they hit the nail on the head and kept hitting it until you fell over laughing.... granted this isn't the only movie that they succeeded with, but it is one of their best.... and everytime i see it, i laugh out loud.... and it seems to be timeless.... it's just was just as funny when i watched it a couple of nights ago as it was way back when.... granted, it does help to have seen all of the movies that they're poking fun of.... but even if you haven't, it's still a funny movie....

the storyline basically uses 'Boyz N The Hood' as it's core.... but then spins out from their into 'Juice', 'Poetic Justice', 'Menace II Society', 'Dead Presidents' and even 'Higher Learning'.... not too mention, i'm sure that i've left some out.... a young man named Ashtray moves back into the hood to live with his father who's the same age as him.... he hangs out with his cousin Loc Dog and their friends Crazy Legs and Preach.... lots of hilarious stuff happens and all the while Keenan Ivory Wayans pops up every once in a while to point out the "message!" in the scene.... as if it wasn't obvious enough.... you just have to watch it to see the genius that it is....this remains a favorite comedy of mine to watch.... and there are many stand out scenes that are classics bits of comedy.... it was a no brainer to give it 4 out of 5 stars.... now, granted you may think i'm heaping way too much praise on a spoof movie, but perhaps you just haven't seen it.... or don't have a funny bone.... this is one that is intended to be included in my DVD collection and for some reason it has been purchased yet.... i guess that's my own fault.... in closing, this is OnDemand right now, so you have NO reason not to go and watch it damn it....! just do what i say. (was that too demanding....?)

some other decent spoof movies: 'Scary Movie'.... that's really the only other one that stands out in my brain right now

Don't Be a Menace... (1996) - Trailer by Melvin-X

my thoughts on.... 'Hard Candy'

definition of "Hard Candy" : 'An underage girl - often aged 12 to 16 - who is particularly attractive and/or gullible. In other words, a pedophile's dream.'

i've started this review several times in my head and here on the screen, but it's hard to begin a review about a movie inolving a man intent on having his way with an underage girl.... it's not like i can say i love this movie.... it just wouldn't seem right with the subject matter.... but it's so well done that i can't come up with any other ways to put my basic thoughts into words.... this film is several films in one.... it's a modern day 'Extremities'.... it's an 'After School Special'.... it's a revenge thriller.... it's a film about torture.... i can't really put my finger on one way to look at it.... and the more times i see it, the more impressed i am with the acting and the fact that two actors can carry almost the entire movie with dialouge and some intense action.... in many ways it's like a play.... and these are the type of films that tend to leave the biggest impression on me.... because it takes skills to hold the audiences attention when very little is actually going on.... but Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson seem to do it with ease.... almost if their not even acting at all.... as if you're a voyeur looking in on this sick little game as it unfolds....

now this is a movie i've owned for a few years now.... and everytime i watch it, it still packs a punch.... the fact that the predator becomes the prey.... but not only the prey.... the prey of a 14 year old girl.... this was the last thing i expected to see the first time i watched it.... and despite the fact that Ellen Page was actually 18 at the time the movie was made, she embodied the persona of an overly intelligent 14 year old with bad intentions.... however, because the character that Patrick Wilson is playing is so downright scummy, you can't help but root for our youthful heroine.... now one thing that i've come to wonder over several viewings is, what if Ellen's character isn't really 14 and just pretended to get this man's attention.... obviously she know's what he's done and is out for her own kind of revenge.... but what kind of a differnt spin does it put on the film with her being older....? granted, i don't think she is supposed to be anything but the 14 year old she portrays.... it's just something that crossed my mind and if you've already seen the film, you can ponder the theory....

obviously, the plot involves a man in his 30's meeting up with an overly flirty 14 year old girl.... they meet at a neutral location where after some coaxing from her and a little mind games from him.... they go back to his place.... where upon getting there things seem to be headed in all the wrong directions.... he seems to have the upper hand being at his own home and it's obvious what's on his mind.... they make no bones about the reality of what the situation is.... and she does her fair share of playfully leading him on.... so we, the audience, is lulled into a sense that this is the start of some kind of fling or something.... however, when you least expect it, the tables are turned.... she drugs him, ties him up and begins to question him.... well more like grills him about everything in his life.... slowly digging away at the inner demons that haunt him.... and that have made him the predator that he is.... soon talk isn't enough and she begins to torture him in ways to push him to his limits.... this is where my version stops and the rest you have to see for yourself.... it's a nailbiter to say the least....

this movie really is a close cousin of the film/play 'Extremities'.... as a matter of fact i directed this play in college and it had a profound effect on the audience and actually brought one woman to leave the theater as she had her own past experience that mirrored some of what was happening on the stage and it caused her to relive it.... (not my intention, but a strange compliment to the actors).... if you're not familiar with the storyline in 'Extremities'.... it involves a woman at home alone who is suddenly visited by a man.... he comes into her home with the intention of doing things to her against her will.... but she gains the upper hand and turns the tables on him.... suddenly he's the victim and she does what every person in that situation dreams of.... the only differnce between the two stories are the ages involved and the fact that in 'Extremities', the role reversal wasn't pre-planned.... it's another film that i would recommend as a bookend to this film and it's available OnDemand on Netflix right now.... it stars Farah Fawcett in an unlikely role for her.... but she does a wonderful job....

if you haven't seen this film, i hope that i've at least peaked your interest.... it shows that a young Ellen Page has some serious acting chops and could be an Oscar contender at some point in her career.... whether you love her or hate her, it's going to happen.... granted she's been a bit oversaturated in the movie marketplace thanks to the travesty that was 'Juno'.... but after you see this you can forgive her for that.... i think this film is required viewing for those who want to see something different and something that will make them think.... it's a bit of a morality tale.... something where regardless of how bad the man is made out to be in the movie.... does it truly justify the actions of our teen....? does she have the right to be judge, jury and possible executioner....? you also find yourself wondering the whole time why she's willing to take such a huge risk to her own safety.... as you see in the movie, not everything always goes according to plan.... in the end, however, it all makes sense and you find yourself wanting to re-watch it right away with the new understanding of the motives behind the madness....

i proudly give this 5 out of 5 stars.... it deserves every one of them.... and a lot of credit goes not only to the actors, but to the director.... this was his first feature film and all he had in his credits beforehand were music videos.... so hats off to him.... hopefully he continues to make engaging films like this one.... this movie may not be everyone's cup of tea as the subject matter is touchy and something not usually brought to the screen.... it's tiptoed and whispered about, but not shown.... and i think it's important to get the message out there that predators are everywhere and with the dawn of the internet it's so much easier for them to gain access to your children.... they have a gateway right into your home on your child's desktop.... is some ways it's empowering to a young woman to see what unfolds.... but it should be tempered with a dose of reality.... that Ellen's character was playing with fire and was always close to getting burned.... so with all of that being said.... go watch it.... it's available everywhere and should not only be seen, but absorbed.

if you enjoyed this film, see: 'Extremities' it's the only thing even close to this that i can think of

my brief thoughts on.... 'Dead Tone'

i had NO clue that this movie was going to be hosted by Flava Flav.... not that he really had much more than a 30 second cameo at the beginning.... but it still set a tone for the movie right off the bat that it was going to be sub par.... it ended up being not quite the steaming pile of crap that i was expecting.... but it was by no means good.... as a matter of fact, if you've ever seen any of the movies put out after 'Scream' came out.... then you pretty much get the idea what this movie is going to be like.... yet another 90's horror movie rip off.... however, this was made in 2007.... a few years too late.... or a full decade.... the killer runs around in a hooded parka kind of furry thing.... there's a twist ending.... pretty girls, pretty boys.... a predictable plot.... there's just nothing original here at all.... but yet i watched the WHOLE thing.

some kids make prank phone calls.... one of the people they call comes to their house and kills everyone but the kids.... (the kids parents were having a party, so there were lots of adults to slaughter).... the kids grow up and get moved around into foster homes or are adopted.... one of them insists on continuing to make prank phone calls and calls it '75'.... if you can keep the person on the line for 75 seconds without breaking any of the rules, you win.... at a big party they play the game and end up calling the wrong person again and soon a large amount of killing with an axe occurs.... things happen, a twist happens, another twist and then (thank god) it ends.i'm not sure it deserves 2 out of 5 stars.... but i did it anyway.... perhaps i was just feeling jealous.... who knows....? i wouldn't recommend it.... even if you're damn bored.... or you're a big fan of 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer'.... then you might just dig it.... either way.... i wouldn't bother.... let's just say i took one for the team by watching it for you....

if you like this, watch: 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer'

my thoughts on.... 'I Spit On Your Grave aka Day Of The Woman'

first off, i just have to clarify one stupid point.... the cover of the DVD used here is NOWHERE to be seen in the movie....! it's a stock shot to sell the movie based on a sexy half naked woman.... which actually kind of defeats the purpose of what the director was trying so hard to make the focus of the movie.... the power of a woman bent on revenge.... not how sexy she looks with a knife.... but that's marketing for you.

Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel both felt that this was the worst kind of garbage to be ever put on the screen.... and the extra features boast their entire reviews for you to read.... i guess in a way it's kind of a badge of honor.... it also shows a list of the cast, producer and director's filmographies and for most of them, this was the only movie they ever made.... it ruined some careers.... have i peaked your interest yet....? and i haven't even scratched the surface.... this movie also has the dubious honor of having the longest gang rape sequence in movie history.... granted, it's not over 30 minutes of the poor woman being raped over and over again by the 4 evil men.... it's more of a chase, rape, chase, rape situation.... which makes it no less abhorrent.... it actually makes it that much worse in my opinion.... because every time you think that our heroine is safe, the men re-appear and do more horrific things to her.... and Camille Keaton (great grand daughter of of Buster Keaton) makes it so believable that you almost feel like you're watching a snuff film in the making.... the only other rape scene that ever bothered me more was the 9 minute unflinching rape scene in 'Irreversible'.... that one still wins the prize for most disgusting and hard to watch.... (i dare you to watch that film and not feel sick by the end.... it's purposely designed to make you ill.)

now let's take a short break from everything and talk about the plot.... a woman from New York heads out to a cabin on a lake to write her first novel.... the townsfolk all seem extremely nice.... too nice.... and over time they become increasingly more and more involved in her life and she soon realizes that perhaps it's not kindness on their minds.... one day while sunning herself in her canoe, two of the men drag her and the canoe to a remote location where they meet up with the other two men who proceed to chase, taunt, rape and brutalize her.... once it's finally over, they leave her for dead.... but what they didn't realize is that she survived the attack and for the next two weeks begins to plot her revenge.... and boy does she exact an eye for an eye.... okay.... so we've covered some of the major points of this movie, but what we haven't discussed was the director's intentions and why he made the movie in the first place.... Meir Zarchi set out to make a movie about the power of a woman.... he even called it 'Day Of The Woman' because of this.... but the studio felt that it wasn't punchy enough.... they wanted something that would sell tickets, thus 'I Spit On Your Grave'.... and as far as this movie goes.... i have to admit, despite my sickness with the subject matter of rape, i understand the point he was trying to make.... perhaps he didn't go about it in the right way....? who's to say....? ultimately the woman did hold all the power.... and she knew how to weild it.... her biggest weapon being the power of sex itself.... (and some choice weapons, including a gun a knife, some rope and a speedboat).... she used her own body and lure to get the men to trust her so she could in turn destroy them.... why didn't she call the police....? why didn't she just leave after it happened so it didn't possibly happen again....? it seems that she felt like the only real justice had to be carried out by herself and no one else.... this was her way of regaining her power as a woman.... and to prove that no man had control over her or her body....

as a movie, it is 100% 70's low budget horror/thriller.... the production values are fairly low and the film itself doesn't have too difficult of a plot.... however, it was so influencial that it started a wave of rape/revenge movies.... yet another way for Hollywood to cash in on something over the top and that caught the media's eye and pervert it into a cash cow.... it's slow in some places, but never dull.... the acting is above par.... especially Camille Keaton.... i can't say that i hated it.... but i find rape disgusting and very difficult to watch, even if it's just pretend on a movie screen.... so all in all it earned 3 out of 5 stars for me.... however, i knew a lot about it going into it, so i knew what to expect.... that's part of the reason i'd been putting it off for years.... i'd seen some of it's offspring in my youth and just never found them too appealing.... granted, i enjoy a good revenge movie as much as the next guy.... but let's leave the rape out of it.... however, i'll make an exception in the case of this movie and 'Irreversible'.... as it served a purpose and there was an end to the means.... does that make it right or does that make the actions of the women in the film right....? no.... but it gives the power back to those who've lived through something like this and never had the chance to exact their pound of flesh.

if you enjoy this: just throw a rock at a wall of 70's movies and you'll hit two more movies that are very similar to this one.

my brief thoughts on.... 'Sex Drive'

James Marsden has come a long way in his brief career.... and his most recent passion seems to be comedy.... and i have to admit, he's damn funny.... and between him and Seth Green, they made this movie well worth the time to watch it.... James plays a "Stiffler" like character from 'American Pie' and plays it well.... Seth Green plays a non-average Amish man.... but i haven't even mentioned the actual cast or plot yet.... and the cast, although most are unknown, are perfect.... there's so many things about this movie to love.... and to think i passed it over for a long time.... but when it showed up OnDemand i couldn't resist anymore.... not too mention, i think the guy in the donut suit is a big selling point all on it's own.... and he's hilarious in his opening scene in the mall.... let's just say giant penis and a moving mouth.... you'll understand when you see the movie.... i laughed out loud....

a teen meets a girl online and decides to travel cross country to meet her.... so he drags a couple of friends along, steals his brothers car and heads out.... along the way lots of goofy stuff happens.... as it always does on road trips and road trip movies.... and when he finally meets the girl, all hell breaks lose and let's just say the donut costume re-appears and a gun is involved.... it's genius....all the way around this is a pretty damn funny movie.... if you like teen sex comedies, then this is one for you to watch.... i gave it 4 out of 5 stars.... and i would watch it again and probably pick it up for a few bucks at Target, once it makes the cheap DVD shelf.... (which it will).... if i haven't convinced you to watch it yet, then at least reconsider for the sake of James Marsden.... he's worth the time.... merry christmas everyone....!

if you like this, watch: any of the 'American Pie' movies

my brief thoughts on.... 'Waiting For Guffman'

i've already seen this movie.... but i enjoyed it and decided to watch it again since it was OnDemand.... if you haven't seen it, it's worth watching at least once.... Christopher Guest always has a biting bit of satire on a certain segment of society.... in this one he targets small town theater.... and in some way, theater in general.... granted it's not nearly as classic as 'Hamlet 2'.... but what is....? this still received high reviews from me for just how quaintly funny it is.... there's something sweet about it.... it's not mean spirited in any way.... and is very enjoyable....

a flamboyant director begins to work on a plan on the history of the small town where he's located.... and they learn that a famous man named, Guffman, would be coming to see the show and that it could possibly make it to Broadway.... so they put on the best show that they possibly can.... and what happends next....? you'll just have to watch it to find out.... damn it.if you like your comedies subtle and funny.... this is one you should see.... 4 out of 5 stars.... a 'classic' in it's own right.... and one of the better of Christopher Guests movies.... throw it in the queue.... what have you got to lose....?

if you like this, check out: 'A Mighty Wind', 'Best In Show' and 'This Is Spinal Tap'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Revenge of the Nerds'

i remember this was the first movie that i ever snuck into, if even for a brief moment.... just to see what all the fuss was about.... i mean it raised a bit of an uproar when it came out.... this was around the same time as 'Porky's', when teen sex comedies where at their peak.... it seemed like every other movie was either a low budget rushed horror movie or a sex comedy.... but never did the two meet for some reason.... seems to make sense in retrospect to put them together.... it could have been a blockbuster.... maybe i'm forgetting something and point it out if i am.... anyway.... this movie did so well that it spawned 3 sequels, each one worse than the last.... and luckily Anthony Edwards made it out when he did, so he could go on and have a career on 'ER'.... the rest weren't so lucky.... sadly, they may not be the only ones.... as a remake is in the possible works.

here's the plot in a nutshell.... nerds + jocks = hatred.... jocks push nerds too far.... nerds get their revenge against the jocks.... jocks lose, nerds get the girls and cheesy music plays us out.... the end.despite the simplicity of the script and the basic nature of the story.... this still stands out as a classic in the genre.... and what allowed me to give it 4 out of 5 stars.... it still makes me smile whenever i watch it.... it's just got some of that pesky 80's charm.... and holds up over the years.... i guess in a lot of way the themes are universal.... and are still relevant today.... or perhaps it's just because it has a main character named "Booger" and the classic line, "We've got bush!".... either way.... it's something every fan of 80's comedies needs to see before they die....

if you like this, check out: 'Weird Science', 'Real Genius' and 'Porky's'

just my thoughts.... on remembering the past.

they say you can never go home again.... and the older i get, the more i realize that this is true.... over the years, the house that i grew up in was sold, my high school no longer exists, many of the buildings and places i went are gone or remodeled.... so no matter how much i wanted to relive the past or just visit, it's not possible.... it's kind of sad when you think about it.... sometimes the best medicine is having a sense of belonging and place in the world.... and sometimes the best way to do that is to visit familiar places.... but if they're no longer there what do you do....? that's something that's bothered me for quite some time.... as i seem to lose a sense of these places and forget what they were like and also i've found that the older i get the more my memory fades and this is sad.... i suppose this also holds true for other memories.... it scares me to think that as we get older the things that once seemed so important can just vanish and be gone.... this is why i tend to hang onto things to help me remember those important dates, places and people.... so they'll never truly be gone and i can go back and visit there whenever i want.... it's why if you went through the boxes of things that i've carted around with me from house to house, apartment to apartment and dorm to dorm.... you'd see a collection of odds and ends and nick nacks and various things that may not make sense to the average viewer, but to me have all the meaning in the world.... sometimes i joke that, "If it wasn't for muscle memory, i'd have no memory at all.".... that honestly rings true a lot of the time....

now before you think i'm some kind of hoarder.... keeping every single piece of paper i was ever given.... i keep things to a bare minimum.... just enough to keep that shred of life still alive.... and not only does it keep it alive, but it keeps it grounded.... as over time we all tend to romanticize things.... right....? we remember them not as they were, but as we wanted them to be.... or how our mind has transformed them over the years.... like the time you were on a moonlit dock in Colorado, up in the mountains and watching multiple falling stars with no light but the moon, when you shared your first kiss with the girl that changed your life.... it sounds too good to be true.... but when you keep the right things to remind you of that experience then you know exactly what happened.... sometimes trinkets are not enough.... i find that writing helps.... almost like journaling.... but a bit more creative to give it some flair.... this way you have an on the spot account of exactly what happened while it's fresh in your mind.... it's like carrying around a video camera to record every important event in your life.... because i don't know about you, but i always want to have the memories to hold on to.... as what has happened in the past has made us who we are today.... and also, we don't want history to repeat itself with the bad stuff, right....? i think we've all been there before.... so what's the point of all this....? it's just something that's been rattling around in my head for days now.... and something i just had to get down somewhere to think it all out and put in in some semblance of order.... and with this blog, what better way to do that.... and maybe, just maybe.... i'm not alone in what i do.... maybe everyone does it in their own way.... i think it's just human nature to want to relive the past.... the good and the bad.... i find that at least once a day, i'm recalling something from some part of my life.... and applying it to the day at hand.... whether it be something from the day before or 20 years before.... it doesn't matter.... the joy of living is just that.... and is something that we should always have to hold on to.... because we are the sum of our parts and i think in order to truly understand ourselves we have to understand where we came from.... it's just that simple.

my brief thoughts on.... 'Blood On The Highway'

here we go again with yet anothe vampire movie....! okay, okay.... i admit it.... i like the genre again.... well, as long as movies like this one keep coming out.... this movie is very much in the vein of 'Evil Dead 2' or 'Dead Alive'.... plenty of blood, comedy, action and great characters to love.... (Tom Towles steals the show just a bit.).... this was a surprise of a movie.... i just happened upon it on one my regular horror blogs i frequent.... and i saw an ad for it.... since i'd never heard of it, i did a little research and decided that i had to see it for myself.... it was a happy day when i saw it and realized that people were still out there capable of making this kind of movie on a low budget and pulling off a worthwhile product.... i mean, i haven't had this much fun at a vampire movie since 'From Dusk Till' Dawn'.... it's that kind of movie.... sort of.... you've got all your stereotypes represented.... you've got a unique take on why the vampires exist in the first place.... and you have a group of kids that get involved on accident and turn it to be less the victim and more the hero.... i guess i'm just saying this was a refreshing movie to watch and enjoy....

3 friends are on their way to an annual music event and end up getting sidetracked and lost.... they end up in a little town called 'Fate' and soon find out that the town has been over run by vampires.... and the small population of humans that are left are battling to survive against overwhelming odds.... (sound pretty serious so far, but in reality it's not.).... the three friends get mixed up in the whole mess and soon find themselves smack dab at ground zero for the final showdown between the humans and the vampires and learn the ultimate truth as to why the whole horror story started at all.... and let me tell you, it's not what you think.... (but after you watch the movie, check out the special features for some funny tie ins to the storyline.)i highly recommend this for fans of any of the movies i've mentioned so far.... this received 4 out of 5 stars even before it was over.... it was such a strong little piece of filmaking that i couldn't help but love it....! not too mention the frat boy character is hilarious....!!!! (played by one of the writers of the movie.).... you also have Nicholas Brandon from 'Buffy' in a small but important role at the end.... and he's not typecast at all.... he's playing against his normal grain.... and he does a good job.... so if you've got time to rent a movie online or at the video store and you can find it.... please take my word for it and pick it up.... it's a diamond in the rough and soon to be a cult classic.... you want to get in on the ground floor of this one.... so you can be one of the cool kids.... right....? it's blood soaked fun and sometimes laugh out loud funny.... low budget filmaking at his best.

if you like this, check out: 'Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn', 'Dead Alive aka Brain Damage' and 'From Dusk Till' Dawn'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder'

in the final installment of the 'Futurama' movies.... and the one that would eventually tie directly into the opening episode of the new season, they saved one of the best for last.... and they made it fairly complicated, so i'll skip the plot details.... i'll just let you watch it for yourself.... but needless to say, Fry steals the show in this movie.... he wears a tin foil hat for most of the movie.... and it keeps changing during the course of it all.... it just tickled my funny bone for some reason.... and his importance to the storyline is great.... not unlike 'The Beast With A Billion Backs'.... where he was the focus there too.... it's like we got two Bender movies and two Fry movies.... well, sort of.... i've honestly run out of things to say.... i'll just say that i enjoyed it.... i gave it 4 out of 5 stars.... and highly recommend it to fans of the show.... and you should especially watch this one before starting the new season.... or watch it and then go back and watch the first episode again.... it'll make a bit more sense.... i kind of hope that they make more of these in the future.... maybe inbetween seasons....? it would be nice filler.... and i would love to add more 'Futurama' to my collection.... it's a great series that never got the audience it deserved and i'm so glad that it's back.... maybe this time it'll get a fair shake.... watch it and you'll see....

if you watch this, also check out: 'The Beast With A Billion Backs', 'Bender's Game' and 'Bender's Big Score'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter'

i'm surprised how many people have heard of this and seen it....! first advice for you, if you watch this, watch it with friends.... and beer.... it's not fantastic.... it's poorly acted.... the special effects are below low grade.... it's silly and poorly scripted.... not too mention it's overdubbed.... i suppose to get a better sound quality.... but it's kind of distracting.... the only real saving grace of this movie is the Mexican wrestler.... Santos....! (and even he's not that good.).... i guess the point of this brief review is that this is a guys night out kind of movie.... plain and simple.... for b-movie lovers only....

as the story goes.... lesbian vampires are running wild.... a couple of priests go and get Jesus from the oceanside.... and he cuts his hair, gets his ears pierced and sings a song then goes out to kick some ass.... the ass kicking is sub par by the way.... it's entertaining in a way.... especially the scene where he fights all the Atheists.... it's the crowning moment of the movie.... i gave it a low 2 out of 5 stars.... the only thing that raised it out of the gutter was Santos.... other than that.... this does not come with the Uncle Joel seal of approval.

if you enjoyed this: i'm sorry

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'

here's another example, kids, of when Netflix knows best.... and by now you'd think i'd listen when it points out a film to me.... that i'd just put it in my damn queue and get it over with instead of fighting it.... however, for 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'.... it took finding out that Hollywood was remaking it for me to finally watch this.... i guess i assumed that it must be pretty darn good if they're bringing it to American audiences.... i mean, look at 'Let The Right One In' and it's soon to be released American counterpart 'Let Me In'.... i rest my case.... anyway, the plot held little interest.... the poster was eye catching.... i just couldn't bring myself to add it.... my point is that i'm glad i finally saw this film.... despite my earlier thoughts about it....

the plot revolves around a decades old murder that was never solved.... or perhaps it's just a missing person.... nothing was ever found out either way.... so Mr. Vanger hires a man who's 6 months from serving a jail sentence, to find out the truth.... Mr. Vanger thinks it might be someone in his family.... but has no clues to go on.... somewhere else in the city a woman is starting her own investigation into the man who's working on the case and gets wrapped up in the mystery by accident.... they soon meet and begin to work together to find the truth.... i don't want to give away too much more as once again, it's better to just watch it unfold on your own....the movie is thankfully subtitled not dubbed.... it's beautifully filmed.... the actors are well chosen and enthralling to watch.... as a matter of fact, they sold the film they were so good.... it took what could have just been another mediocre murder mystery and raised it to another level.... i couldn't take my eyes off of them.... and by the end of the movie i was so wrapped up that i didn't even see what was coming next....

an easy 4 out of 5 stars.... the thing that doesn't elevate it to something mor is the story itself is not entirely original.... not that i've seen this done before, but it didn't feel fresh in a lot of places.... it felt like something i'd seen before.... however, don't let that keep you from watching it.... 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' is pretty darn excellent.

if you like this, watch: more foreign films damn it! there's a lot of good stuff out there.

my brief thoughts on.... 'Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs'

the third in the series of "in-between" 'Futurama' movies.... they just kept getting better and better.... and this one hits all the notes.... the plot may be a bit simpler to explain, but that doesn't mean it's a simple movie.... it's funny, creative and i really enjoyed it alot.... i wish i hadn't waited so long to see it.... there's a lot going on and a lot of the movie is subversive and sublime.... but it still hits you over the head with the obvious sexual overtones....

a giant tear in space threatens the earth.... the Planet Express team investigates.... soon Fry ends up going into the tear on his own and brings back a million tentacled creature that begins to overtake the planet.... but with love.... and not a regular love.... things get insane and it just gets funnier as the movie progresses....4 out of 5 stars.... a solid entry into the 'Futurama' lexicon.... it's tied with 'Into the Wild Green Yonder' as my favorite of the 4 movies.... and it makes me so happy that the series is back.... as this would have wetted my appitite and not made me full.... i highly recommend this for fans of the series.... you can't go wrong.

if you like this, watch: 'Into the Wild Green Yonder', 'Bender's Big Score' and 'Bender's Game'

my thoughts on.... 'Daybreakers'

i used to love vampire movies.... back in the day i lived for them.... but then i found zombies.... and i kind of fell out of love with the whole gothic horror thing.... but recently there has been a new crop of vampire movies that have begun to renew my interest in the genre.... like the masterpiece 'Let the Right One In'.... simply amazing.... now we come to 'Daybreakers'.... i'm a fan of Ethan Hawke as an actor, musician and writer.... i'm also a fan of Willem Dafoe.... he's got an amazing body of work.... so when i heard they were the primary cast in this film, it made me want to see it even more.... despite the vampire angle.... but the directors took such a different take on the whole theme that it's something new.... something fresh and in this genre.... that's not easy.... it's almost like everythings been done.... obviously, it hasn't.... i enjoyed this film so much that i watched it twice and it already has a spot on my DVD shelf and i don't even own it yet.... but i will.... and by now, i guess the secret is out that i really enjoyed this film....

the plot goes a little something like this.... in 2009 a vampire epidemic took over the world and the majority of the population turned.... and over the last ten years the humans have dwindled down to a very small percentage.... almost to the point of extinction.... as the vampires need to feed and haven't found another substitute for human blood.... some of the vampires feed on their own and themselves just to survive.... and with interesting results.... i never even thought of what would happen to a vampire feeding on other vampires before.... but these filmakers did.... Ethan plays a doctor trying to find a blood alternative.... and is doing it because he's sympathetic to the humans.... as a matter of fact, he never even wanted to be turned.... Willem plays.... well, that's a secret.... and Sam Neill plays the head of the corporation that Ethan works for and he's not a nice guy.... some humans show up starting a colony to save the population and then things get messy.... that's all i'm giving up plot wise....i didn't really love '30 Days of Night', but it had a unique premise and i gave it credit for that.... this movie was what i wanted that movie to be.... something unique that lived up to the hype.... this did that and more.... it's entertaining, action filled, thought provoking and bloody.... it has all the elements that a good vampire movie should have, but one that's in the future.... not the past.... and i think that's the final ingredient that makes this work.... the fact that it's almost presented like something that could happen.... 4 out of 5 stars.... a success of a film.... and one i recommend to the jaded vampire fan.... those who want to fall in love with the genre again.... granted, it's not 'Let the Right One In'.... but nothing could be.... but for what it is, it's pretty damn good....

if you like this, check out: '30 Days of Night', 'Let the Right One In' and 'Blood on the Highway'

my brief thoughts on.... 'American Zombie'

let me just start by saying this isn't your traditional shambling zombie movie.... or even your "BRAINS!" zombie movie.... these zombies are undead, walking, talking near humans.... as a matter of fact, you could barely tell they were undead unless you knew it.... it's an interesting premise to do this in a documentary style and to get some questions answered that you've maybe always wondered about.... it bothered me at first that they were normal talking people.... but they kind of explained it all by how there are 3 different kinds of zombies.... and each one functions at a different level.... the base level zombies are more of what we're all familiar with.... the next level can do basic things and work jobs, but aren't really high functioning.... and the highest level are basically human.... either way, over time i got used to it and just enjoyed the movie for what it was.... a mockumentary about zombies just trying to fit in and their annual gathering 'Live Dead'....

the plot involves several featured zombies and their different lives.... and it all leads up to the big gathering at the end.... it's hard to describe a plot to a documentary.... right....?all in all a worthwhile film.... 3 out of 5 stars.... for another take on an old theme, this my be for you.... just be prepared for something new.... i don't think i could enjoy a full length movie where the zombies are this human like.... i think the zombies in 'Return of the Living Dead' are about as verbal as i want them to get.... anyway.... check it out.... it's unique.

if you like this: call the director and ask them to make a sequel, because there isn't anything else quite like this.