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  • Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack (2023)

    Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While not as popular as the Puppet Master series, Demonic Toys still proved to be a Full Moon hit. After the crossover, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys, the SciFi Channel released a loosely connected sequel, Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys. In 2010, nearly 20 years after the original, Full Moon released Demonic Toys 2, written and directed by William Butler. However, it wouldn’t be until a decade later that the series got a soft reboot with a spin-off. In 2021, William Butler directed Baby Oopsie, which focused on the evil baby doll from the original movie. Initially released in parts as a mini-series, the film proved popular enough that two sequels were released the following year. During a Full Moon Universe video, Charles Band announced another spin-off focusing on the evil Jack-In-The-Box toy, Jack-Attack. Now comes the latest chapter in the killer puppet series, Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack!

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    Synopsis

    After witnessing the death of her foster mother, young Lily (Sofia Castellanos) is staying at an orphanage. CPS agent Audrey Haines (Mabel Thomas) informs the director, Mrs. Culver (Donna Steele), that Lily will be moving out. Despite Mrs. Culver’s warning about Lily’s arrested development, Audrey takes her to live with the Yost family. Tyler (Sean Ramey) and his wife Kate (Christine Brunner) welcome the mute Lily into their home with open arms. Lily soon meets her new siblings, Mike (Carson Polish) and Dewey (Taylor Abigail Rice), who’s a would-be influencer. Despite the warm welcome, Lily is still traumatized and keeps seeing images of an evil clown with a Jack-in-the-box. Unfortunately, the toy of her nightmares ends up at her new home, releasing the demonic toy, Jack Attack. As Audrey rushes to save her, Lily must learn to confront her fears and survive against the tiny terror.

     

    Review

    Admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect when I started playing the screener copy of Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack I received. Aside from the original film and the first crossover, I had yet to see the sequel or the Baby Oopsie spin-off. Unfortunately, this movie references the events of that film quite a bit, so you need to see it to understand. Considering the quality of most modern Full Moon movies, I was genuinely surprised at how much I liked this one. The cast performs well, with Sofia Castellanos and Mabel Thomas being the standouts. Admittedly, Taylor Abigail Rice is pretty annoying, but it feels like that’s how her character was written. Also, the film has some decent gore effects, and a few of the death scenes are surprisingly gruesome. Plus, at only an hour long, the movie goes by fast and never feels bogged down with unnecessary padding.

    Sadly, the movie still has some of the same issues as most modern Full Moon films. For one, the overuse of stock music, stock footage, stock sound effects, and fake websites is distracting. Tonally, the movie feels like a Hallmark Channel original drama that has weird horror moments thrown in. This might be more of a technical problem, but there are some odd audio issues with balancing and echo. It doesn’t help that there is some obvious ADR added in post-production. While Jack Attack’s design looks close to how he initially looked, I’m not too fond of his new high-pitched laugh. Also, while I praised the practical effects, some noticeable CGI is sprinkled in. To give William Butler credit, there is some decent camera work and a good use of light and shadow. Overall, Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack has its issues, but it’s a decently entertaining killer doll movie.

     

    Special thanks to Full Moon Features for providing me with an early screener copy for review.

    Buy Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack from Amazon: https://amzn.to/40Otjfd.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell (1990)

    A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell (1990)

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    While working on 1988’s Mutant War, a cast member asked director Brett Piper if they could produce a film together. Piper agreed so long as the actor could raise the money, which they did, so the two started brainstorming. They adapted a script Piper had written years earlier called Dark Sun, which they retitled The Dark Fortress. Piper drew inspiration from classic adventure films, most notably ones that featured effects from legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen. The movie was shot in and around New Hampshire and Massachusetts with a tiny budget. During production, Piper remembered a conversation with a distributor, who suggested minimal dialogue would make the film more commercially appealing. After filming wrapped, Troma was interested in distributing the movie, but negotiations stalled until both parties agreed. Troma recut the film, shot a new opening, and retitled it A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell.

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    Synopsis

    After a nuclear armageddon ravages the land, the earth is filled with radioactive mutants and long-dormant dinosaurs. Among those not affected by the radiation is the young nymphoid Lea (Linda Corwin), who is searching for a home. One day, she gets attacked by some barbarians until a local named Marn (Paul Guzzi) saves her just in time. They fall in love and spend the day at the beach when they attract the attention of Clon (Alex Pirnie). With his group of reptilian henchmen, he bests Marn in battle and kidnaps Lea for his nefarious purposes. Marn is nursed back to health by an old man (Al Hodder), who gives him a pistol to fight Clon. While Marn rushes to save Lea, she manages to escape, only to face other mutants and monsters before being recaptured. Will Lea survive or die as a nymphoid barbarian in dinosaur hell?

     

    Review

    With a title like A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell, you’d expect a fun, if dumb, sci-fi B-movie. Sadly, the movie doesn’t live up to its ridiculous title and poster but instead is a dull excuse for entertainment. Granted, Troma has a history of retitling their films to make them sound more exciting than they actually are. To his credit, writer/director Brett Piper wanted to make a low-budget Ray Harryhausen-style movie, and he did it. The occasional stop-motion dinosaur/creature is a treat, even if it’s not the best-looking stop-motion I’ve seen. Also, the costumes and variety of monsters are impressive, given the limited budget, so kudos to the filmmakers there. It’s a shame that more work was put into these aspects than the script, the acting, and the pacing. Again, I wasn’t expecting much, but I didn’t expect this.

    As mentioned in my introduction, Piper intentionally included minimal dialogue to reach potential overseas markets. Sometimes, having very little conversation can work if the film’s visuals and pacing are handled well. Sadly, the visuals are about what you’d expect from this budget, and the pacing is beyond glacial. To emphasize this, I had to rewind the movie at least two or three times to remember what happened. The movie clocks in at 82 minutes, but the sluggish pacing makes it feel like the longest 82 minutes ever. There’s nothing to say about the acting since hardly anyone talks, and when they do, it’s okay but nothing special. While it’d be easy to lambast Brett Piper for making such a dull movie, I blame Troma for misrepresenting it. Overall, A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell is too dull of a movie to have such a hilariously awesome title.

     

    Buy A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell from Amazon: https://amzn.to/45tucsr.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Blue Beetle (2023)

    Blue Beetle (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1939, comic book writer Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski introduced audiences to The Blue Beetle in Mystery Men Comics #1. While originally published by Fox Comics, the character would move to Charlton Comics, which DC Comics purchased in the 1980s. The first Blue Beetle was Dan Garret, followed by Ted Kord’s introduction in Captain Atom #83 in 1966. In 2006, DC introduced audiences to the third and final Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, in Infinite Crisis #3. In late 2018, Warner Bros. and DC started developing a Blue Beetle movie with Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer writing the script. The studio hired Ángel Manuel Soto, whose 2020 film Charm City Kings made a splash at Sundance, to direct. Though initially slated for an HBO Max release, the film was given a theatrical release in 2021. After an extensive shooting in mid-2022, Blue Beetle landed in theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Returning home from graduating college, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) finds his family has been struggling while he was away. It turns out his father, Alberto (Damián Alcázar), lost his car mechanic job, and the house is being foreclosed on. Unfortunately, the best job Jaime gets is working as wait staff at the mansion of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon). While he and his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) are fired, Jaime’s luck changes after meeting Victoria’s niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine). She promises to meet him at Kord Tower, but when he does, she hands him a box to guard. Despite her warnings, Jaime opens it upon returning home, releasing a blue scarab that forms a suit around him. Victoria wants the scarab for her OMAC project and sends her bodyguard, Ignacio Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo), to get it. With everything at stake, Jaime must accept his role as The Blue Beetle!

     

    Review

    Between Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash, 2023 has not been a good year for DC. And now comes Blue Beetle, a movie based on a niche superhero that only hardcore comic readers are familiar with. I didn’t have high expectations going into this one, especially given how recent superhero movies have been. While there’s nothing here that we haven’t seen before, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. For one, Xolo Maridueña makes for a stellar lead, having a quiet yet relatable charm that makes him instantly likable. You genuinely want to see him succeed, and he goes through a great arc of learning to be a hero. The rest of the family do a fine job, with the biggest standouts being George Lopez and Adriana Barraza. Lopez effectively balances the humor and drama, and Barraza has some memorable moments.

    Bruna Marquezine makes for a decent love interest and has good chemistry with Maridueña, but she can be somewhat bland. Susan Sarandon is ok as the film’s sort-of villain, but Raoul Max Trujillo steals the show, especially with his backstory. Unfortunately, as great as Maridueña is, he loses his human quality once he’s in the suit and behind a mask. It doesn’t feel like he’s there, but more that we’re watching stunt performers or a CGI character with his voice. As fun as the superhero stuff was, the movie’s best parts were all the scenes with Jaime’s family. It helps that, in the film’s climax, the family gets involved in the action and works together to help Jaime. Some of the film’s runtime could’ve been trimmed, but you could say that about many movies today. Overall, Blue Beetle isn’t the next great superhero epic, but it’s a decent watch.

     

    Buy Blue Beetle from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AoN81H.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • The House on Sorority Row (1983)

    The House on Sorority Row (1983)

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    After graduating from NYU’s film program, Mark Rosman got an idea for a movie when he returned home to LA. Before attending NYU, he was part of a fraternity at UCLA, and he based his concept on his college experiences. Rosman’s script focused on sorority sisters being threatened after a prank gone wrong but were more than just victims. After gathering a budget of $300,000, Rosman started casting in New York and Los Angeles before filming began in 1981. The movie was shot on location in and around Pikesville and the University of Maryland, though the production struggled financially. After principal photography wrapped, Film Ventures International picked the film up for distribution and gave additional funds for post-production. Richard Band, who later scored Re-Animator and Puppet Master, composed the score with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Following a limited 1982 release, The House on Sorority Row hit theaters nationwide in 1983.

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    Synopsis

    A group of sorority sisters is celebrating their graduation when their housemother, Mrs. Slater (Lois Kelso Hunt), spoils it. One of the girls, Vicki (Eileen Davidson), suggests they pull a prank on her that she’ll never forget. Unfortunately, things go wrong, and Mrs. Slater is shot and killed, so the girls hide her body in the pool. While fellow sister Katey (Kathryn McNeil) is distraught and wants to call the authorities, Vicki persuades her not to. Before long, an unknown assailant kills off the girls one by one using Mrs. Slater’s walking cane. Before long, Katey gets in touch with Dr. Beck (Christopher Lawrence), who had been treating Mrs. Slater years earlier. However, Katey soon learns more about her former housemother than she could have ever expected. Nothing can prepare you for what happens when she fights back in The House on Sorority Row!

     

    Review

    On the surface, The House on Sorority Row seems like any standard slasher film that ticks off all the checkboxes. You’ve got an isolated setting with the sorority house, plenty of young women to pick off, and some gruesome kills. What separates this from other slashers is that the victims are, in a way, responsible for what’s happening to them. Sure, you feel bad for the girls getting killed, but you can’t help but feel like they might’ve deserved it. Seeing the rational Katey and the vindictive Vicki argue over how to handle the situation drives this point home. It helps that Kathryn McNeil and Eileen Davidson give solid performances and make these characters feel real. The other sorority sisters also do an excellent job of feeling like a group of girls who’ve been long-time friends. All around, the acting is better than you’d expect from this kind of movie.

    While this is a slasher film, it could almost be seen as a thriller on par with Brian De Palma. Just when you think the girls have gotten away with the murder, something comes along to jeopardize it. Plus, the plot has so many twists and turns that it keeps you engaged and constantly guessing. Admittedly, the movie goes off the rails in the last twenty minutes when the killer’s identity is revealed. Thankfully, Mark Rosman and cinematographer Tim Suhrstedt keep the suspense and tension going as it turns into a cat-and-mouse game. Also, Richard Band’s score is fantastic, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality to the film, enhancing some trippy moments. Though I wouldn’t call this one of the greatest slashers ever, it’s still a well-made and well-acted thriller worth seeing. Overall, The House on Sorority Row deserves its cult status as an underrated slasher classic.

     

    Buy The House on Sorority Row from Amazon: https://amzn.to/47z2blc.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch The House on Sorority Row (1983)

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  • The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

    The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Aspiring screenwriter Bragi Schut Jr. worked at a model shop in Hollywood and became fast friends with the model makers. He loved looking at their past work, but what caught his eye was a schooner used for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This inspired him to write an Alien-like movie set on the doomed ship, The Demeter, from Bram Stoker’s novel. Unfortunately, the project languished in development hell for decades, with various studios, directors, and actors coming and going. Directors like Robert Schwentke, Marcus Nispel, Stefan Ruzowitzky, David Slade, and Neil Marshall were all attached at some point. It wasn’t until 2019 that André Øvredal, who previously helmed Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, was hired. The movie was shot in Berlin and Malta between June and October 2021 with a $45 million budget. After languishing for years, The Last Voyage of the Demeter finally hit theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    The Demeter has docked in Bulgaria to transport valuable cargo to London, though the villagers refuse to help load it. A local doctor named Clemens (Corey Hawkins) overhears that the Demeter needs a crew, so he volunteers. Though initially rejected, the ship’s captain, Elliot (Liam Cunningham), welcomes Clemens aboard after saving Elliot’s grandson Toby (Woody Norman). While investigating the ship, Clemens finds one of the cargo crates has broken open and finds a young woman inside. He uses his medical knowledge to revive her through blood transfusions, but everyone else is skeptical about the stowaway. The young woman, Anna (Aisling Franciosi), wakes up and tries to warn the crew about a monster on board. Soon, a mysterious figure picks off crew members individually, which Anna reveals is the legendary vampire Dracula (Javier Botet). Will the crew survive, or will this bloodsucking monster ensure this is Demeter’s last voyage?

     

    Review

    The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a very atypical Dracula movie in that Dracula isn’t the main character. Sure, Dracula is in the film, but the focus is more so on the crew of the ship. Some audiences might be disappointed that Dracula isn’t the central focus, but it’s an exciting take on the source material. It helps that the crew comprises some fantastic actors, particularly Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian. Hawkins makes for a tremendous lead, Cunningham gives his usual commanding presence, and Dastmalchian shows versatility in his performance. Aisling Franciosi, who was also in Game of Thrones with Cunningham, performs excellently as a victim-turned-hero. Even though he has no lines, Javier Botet makes for an excellent Dracula, and his design is familiar yet unique. Seeing his transformation from a sickly creature to a demonic monster is interesting.

    André Øvredal’s is fantastic, giving the movie a gothic feel reminiscent of old Hammer films of the 50s and 60s. Even the daytime scenes have a sense of dread, especially with the surviving characters reflecting on what happened. Also, the practical effects used to create Dracula are impressive, and I appreciate that they hide him until needed. Admittedly, the climax is hampered by some hastily thrown-in CGI, but it doesn’t ruin the overall tension. Without getting into spoilers, the ending feels out of place, like it clashes with the tone they established early on. Lastly, a few moments could’ve been trimmed from its under two-hour runtime, but the length isn’t a huge deterrent. This is still a unique and bold take on the classic character that horror fans will undoubtedly enjoy. Overall, The Last Voyage of the Demeter isn’t perfect, but it’s better than most movies released in August.

     

    Buy The Last Voyage of the Demeter from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YOyp9x.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Arena (1989)

    Arena (1989)

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    After Trancers and Eliminators became minor hits, Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo were assigned more scripts by Charles Band. One assignment he gave them was a sci-fi wrestling movie with aliens, which the duo wasn’t entirely sold on. They took the job anyway and used 1947’s Body and Soul as a reference for their screenplay. Their original concept was more of a spoof of boxing movies from the time, which didn’t sit well with Band. At some point, the script went through many rewrites after Bilson and De Meo left to work on The Flash. Peter Manoogian, who previously helmed Eliminators and Enemy Territory, was given $2 million to film Empire’s most ambitious film. The movie was shot in the old Dino De Laurentiis studios in Rome and finished in 1988. Unfortunately, due to Empire’s bankruptcy, Arena wouldn’t see a release until 1991.

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    Synopsis

    In the year 4038, on a lone space station, alien races battle in a gladiatorial arena for dominance. The reigning champion is the cyborg Horn (Michael Deak), whose promoter, Rogor (Marc Alaimo), is rigging the fights. After Horn pummels her last fighter, Quinn (Claudia Christian) desperately seeks a new one to take on Rogor’s champion. Enter Steve Armstrong (Paul Satterfield), a young man from Earth who’s a cook working with his friend Shorty (Hamilton Camp). He gets into a fight with one of Quinn’s fighters, and she’s so impressed that she offers him a contract. Steve initially turns it down, but once Shorty receives threats over gambling debts, he agrees and becomes a good fighter. Feeling threatened, Rogor sends his henchmen Weezil (Armin Shimerman) and Skull (William Butler) to sabotage Steve’s fight with Horn. Will Horn defend his title, or will Steve become the new champion of the Arena?

     

    Review

    Arena has the ingredients to make a fun sci-fi movie: likable characters, unique creature designs, and a decent story. Despite this, the film can’t decide whether to take itself seriously or have fun with the premise. This movie is a standard rags-to-riches boxing story, even with its outlandish setting and otherworldly aliens. It’s Rocky in space but without the heart and soul of John G. Avildsen’s original classic. How differently would the movie have played out if they had used Bilson and De Meo’s original script? Unfortunately, what we got was a predictable boxing movie that happens to have a decent setting and unique monsters. That said, you can see the $2 million budget on the screen with the elaborate sets and alien designs. While John Carl Buechler handled much of it, the highlight is Screaming Mad George’s contribution.

    Paul Satterfield makes for a decent leading man, giving the role plenty of charm and charisma to make him endearing. It helps that he looks like a blonde Christopher Reeve, which makes me wonder why he never got bigger. The rest of the cast includes character actors like Hamilton Camp, Claudia Christian, Marc Alaimo, Shari Shattuck, and Armin Shimerman. Most people will recognize them from roles in shows like Babylon 5 and various iterations of Star Trek. They all do a serviceable job, though Hamilton Camp stands out for his goofy charm and comedic timing. Peter Manoogian’s direction is decent, Mac Ahlberg’s cinematography is good as usual, and Richard Band’s score gets the job done. If the film had more camp and didn’t take itself as seriously, this would be an underrated gem in Empire’s catalog. Overall, Arena isn’t terrible, but there are better Empire movies to check out.

     

    Watch Arena on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3YsTgh3.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

    Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

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    Months after the release of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, assistant producer Kenji Tokoro selected Yukiko Takayama to write the next film. Having won a writing contest held by Toho, Takayama had to submit three subsequent rewrites before getting final approval. Jun Fukuda was asked to return to direct, but he refused, saying he had enough of the series. There were rumors that Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno was considered, but series veteran Ishiro Honda was eventually hired. Having been absent from the series since 1969’s All Monsters Attack, this was Honda’s final film before retiring. This was meant to be darker than the previous entries in the series, which were more lighthearted and goofy. The film was released in March 1975 as Terror of Mechagodzilla in Japan, while the US got it years later. Independent distributor Bob Conn Enterprises released the movie as The Terror of Mechagodzilla in March 1978.

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    Synopsis

    After the last film, Interpol agents take a submarine to search the ocean depths for the remains of Mechagodzilla. Unfortunately, the sub is attacked by a giant sea monster named Titanosaurus, leading to Interpol starting an investigation. They enlist the aid of marine biologist Akira Ichinose (Katsuhiko Sasaki), who tracks down where Titanosaurus came from. It’s revealed that Titanosaurus is controlled by reclusive scientist Dr. Shinzo Mafune (Akihiko Hirata), who’s allied with The Simeons. Under the leadership of Mugal (Gorō Mutsumi), Mafune is helping the aliens rebuild Mechagodzilla so they can wipe out humanity. Also, Mafune has a daughter named Katsura (Tomoko Ai), who is revealed to be a cyborg with Mechagodzilla’s controller implanted. As Interpol and the army try taking down Titanosaurus and Mechagodzilla, Godzilla arrives to do battle once again. Like the last film, it’s a two-on-one fight, except Godzilla is alone this time.

     

    Review

    It’s a shame the Showa era of Godzilla movies had to end with Terror of Mechagozilla because it’s not bad. This was Toho’s attempt at something more serious after years of pandering to kids, and I think they did ok. While it does have the same alien invader plot we’ve seen in other installments, it’s not nearly as ridiculous here. Also, Dr. Mafune’s backstory of a disgraced scientist shunned by society is handled well and makes him sympathetic. Sure, Akihiko Hirata’s performance is somewhat over-the-top, and he’s given a bad wig to wear, but it doesn’t ruin anything. It’s also nice that this film is a direct sequel to the last one, whereas the others were loosely connected. Ishiro Honda’s direction is top-notch, and Akira Ifukube’s score fits the somewhat darker tone of the movie well. Plus, it has one of Godzilla’s most awesome introductions.

    As for the monsters, Mechagodzilla is just as cool as before, even if there’s nothing new to him. Titanosaurus is one of Godzilla’s most interesting-looking monsters, but his roar can sometimes be grating, if not laughable. Like many Godzilla movies from this period, it takes a while to get going, but the fight scenes are entertaining. Unfortunately, they’re a step down from how wild and crazy the fights in the last movie were. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla had that campy, Saturday matinee feel of other late Showa movies, but it worked there. I’m not saying the film should’ve been goofier, but the fights should’ve matched the last film’s energy. While it’s not great, it’s easily one of the better films from this era, despite being the last one. Overall, Terror of Mechagodzilla isn’t as fun as the last one, but it’s a decent effort.

     

    Buy Terror of Mechagodzilla from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DUqEDG.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Curtains (1983)

    Curtains (1983)

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    After producing the hit Prom Night in 1980, Peter Simpson teamed with writer Robert Guza Jr. for a new project. With slasher films continuing to be profitable, Simpson wanted this one to be more adult-oriented for an older audience. He hired cinematographer Richard Ciupka, whose prior credits included Ilsa the Tigress of Siberia and Atlantic City, to direct. They hired John Vernon from Animal House, Samantha Eggar from The Brood, and Lynne Griffin from Black Christmas. Unfortunately, the film was plagued with production issues, mainly from Ciupka and Simpson disagreeing with the tone. Due to these disputes, Ciupka left the project in 1981, having only filmed 45 minutes of material. Simpson finished the film, though Ciupka has his name replaced with “Jonathan Stryker,” a character from the movie. After numerous rewrites and reshoots, Curtains opened regionally in the US in February 1983 before opening nationwide a month later.

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    Synopsis

    To prepare for an upcoming role, actress Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) feigns mental illness to be committed to an asylum. Unfortunately for Samantha, her director, Jonathan Stryker (John Vernon), plans to audition six girls for her part in her absence. Five actresses arrive, including Patti (Lynne Griffin), Brooke (Linda Thorson), Laurian (Anne Ditchburn), Tara (Sandee Currie), and Christie (Lesleh Donaldson). The sixth, Amanda Teuther (Deborah Burgess), gets killed on her way to the audition at Stryker’s rural New England mansion. However, Samantha shows up unannounced as she has escaped the asylum and plans to get revenge on Stryker. One by one, the girls are attacked by a mysterious sickle-wielding killer, whether in a jacuzzi or on the ice. As the bodies pile, it becomes a whodunit as the girls try to find out who the killer is. They better find out fast, or it’s Curtains for them!

     

    Review

    While not quite a slasher classic on par with Halloween or Friday the 13th, Curtains is nonetheless a fascinating watch. For one, the acting is better than expected from this kind of movie, especially Vernon, Eggar, Griffin, and Thorson. John Vernon does a great job playing a pretentious, somewhat sleazy director willing to push his actresses to the edge. Samantha Eggar is fantastic as an aging actress trying to stay relevant, and her scenes with Vernon are great. While the other main actresses do well, Lynne Griffin and Linda Thorson stand out in performance and character. Griffin is sympathetic as a comedian-turned-actress struggling to be taken seriously, and Thorson shows plenty of vulnerability in her role. Like any good slasher, this one has memorable kills, the most famous being on a frozen lake. While none are particularly bloody, they’re shot and edited well.

    Unfortunately, the movie’s troubled production creeps in when certain characters and plot points are dropped. For instance, Samantha Eggar’s character somehow escapes the asylum, but we’re never shown how, but instead given a throwaway explanation. Also, without giving away any spoilers, the ultimate payoff feels so thrown together that it’s disappointing. That said, the theme of several young actresses willing to debase themselves for a role is still relevant today. These women will sleep with the director, endure humiliation, and be forced into uncomfortable situations just for a shot. While I’m sure this aspect was always intentional, the somewhat disjointed nature unintentionally makes the film stand out. Even if it’s not scary or bloody, it’s so bizarre and off-putting that it’s worth seeing. Overall, Curtains is confusing and disorienting, but the performances and unique kills make this a fascinating watch.

     

    Buy Curtains from Amazon: https://amzn.to/45gigdu.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Curtains (1983)

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  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Since its comic book debut in 1984, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been one of the most popular franchises ever. In 1987, creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird licensed the characters to Playmates Toys, who developed a multi-billion-dollar toy line. That same year, Playmates hired Murakami-Wolf-Swenson to create an animated series lasting for ten seasons from 1987 to 1996. Following the success of Batman, Golden Harvest produced a live-action movie that became a massive hit and spawned two sequels. A new animated series was created by 4Kids Entertainment in 2003, followed by a CG-animated film in 2007. By 2009, the franchise was sold to Viacom, producing two new animated series for Nickelodeon and two movies for Paramount. In 2020, Nickelodeon announced a new CG-animated film in development, with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg producing. After premiering at Annecy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hit theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) creates a family of mutants when soldiers from the Techno Cosmic Research Institute (TCRI) invade. Stockman dies in an explosion, the mutants go free, and the mutagen that created them is dumped in the sewer. A rat named Splinter (Jackie Chan) finds four baby turtles contaminated by the mutagen and decides to raise them. Years later, the turtles – Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Michaelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), and Raphael (Brady Noon) – are ninjas. While going out for supplies, the turtles run into April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri), a would-be reporter investigating recent break-ins. The turtles offer to help track down the source, discovering a mutant housefly named SuperFly (Ice Cube). He and his army of mutants from Stockman want to enslave humanity by creating more mutants. It’s up to our young heroes in a half shell to save the world from a Mutant Mayhem.

     

    Review

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy. For one, Mikros Animation did an incredible job of bringing the film to life and giving it a unique aesthetic. How the characters, objects, city, etc., are designed reminds me of the doodles in a high school student’s notebook. It’s very similar to the art style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which isn’t bad if done differently. While this film has a similar look and feel, it does just enough to set itself apart to stand out. Also, the four teen actors hired to voice the turtles do a great job and feel like four brothers. Some of the film’s best moments are when the turtles banter back and forth or joke around with each other. Jackie Chan is a great anchor to the turtles as the sagelike yet uncertain Splinter.

    Ayo Edebiri is also fun as a new take on April O’Neil and doesn’t come off as standoffish or snarky. Ice Cube was also a great choice as the villain SuperFly, making the character both fun and intense when needed. John Cena and Seth Rogen are good as Bebop and Rocksteady, even if they don’t do much in the movie. The other big standout is Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, whose “dude bro” attitude perfectly compliments Michaelangelo. The action sequences are big and chaotic but never overwhelming or confusing, punctuated by a fantastic soundtrack. Also, I appreciate that this movie is only 100 minutes long, which is refreshing nowadays. Admittedly, a few jokes don’t land, and some plot elements don’t work, but these don’t ruin the experience. Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a fun movie for kids and adults alike.

     

    Buy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AcZbze.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • A Blade in the Dark (1983)

    A Blade in the Dark (1983)

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    The son of acclaimed Italian horror director Mario Bava, Lamberto Bava got his start working as his partner. He was an assistant director on Planet of the Vampires, Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs, and Danger: Diabolik. After a chance meeting with fellow filmmaker Pupi Avati, Lamberto made his directorial debut with Macabre in 1980. This led to Bava working with Ruggero Deodato on Cannibal Holocaust and Dario Argento on Inferno and Tenebre. While working with Argento, Lamberto was approached by writers Dardano Sacchetti and Elisa Briganti with a new project. The initial plan was to film four 30-minute segments for a TV miniseries, each ending with a murder. However, the censors deemed the series too gory for television, so Bava re-edited the material into a feature film. Following its 1983 Italian release, the film was released in the US as A Blade in the Dark in 1986.

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    Synopsis

    Bruno (Andrea Occhipinti) rents a villa from Tony Rendina (Michele Soavi) so he can work on a horror movie soundtrack. While staying at the villa, Bruno is visited by Katia (Valeria Cavalli), a neighbor who stops by without revealing why. Soon, a mysterious figure kills Katia with a box cutter, which Bruno doesn’t realize until he finds blood stains. He soon discovers her diary, which mentions Linda, a mysterious woman who leased the villa and disappeared soon after. Later surprise visits include his girlfriend Giulia (Lara Lamberti), Katia’s friend Angela (Fabiola Toledo), and his director Sandra (Anny Papa). Unfortunately, just as these women come by to see Bruno, they get killed more gruesomely than the last. Bruno starts uncovering more about the mysterious Linda and her connections to Sandra’s movie as the bodies pile up. Just who is Linda, and who is responsible for all these murders?

     

    Review

    I wouldn’t say A Blade in The Dark is one of the best giallos ever, but it’s a decent watch. Like any good Italian horror film, this one has plenty of gruesome kills involving box cutters, knives, and plastic bags. There’s plenty of bloody carnage, though none of the kills are memorable, like in Tenebre or The New York Ripper. Also, the cinematography is solid, with plenty of POV shots, contrasting shadows, and a few tracking shots. The music from Guido and Maurizio De Angelis, aka Oliver Onions, is catchy, even if the same theme plays throughout. The cast has a few memorable faces in Italian cinema, including Andrea Occhipinti, Giovanni Frezza, and future director Michele Soavi. Plus, at roughly about 90 minutes in length, the movie doesn’t take up too much time and gets out quickly. It’s a shame this is a pretty average giallo/slasher film.

    I’d say the movie’s biggest flaw is that, in between all the murder scenes, there’s tons of filler. There are many slow scenes of characters either fiddling with their equipment, swimming, or wandering around the villa. It doesn’t help that the sequences play out the same: a random woman visits, talks to Bruno, then gets killed. On top of that, we’re not given much character development, so there’s not as much impact when they die. I’m not saying every slasher film needs deep characterization, but this doesn’t give us much of anything. That said, as boring as this movie can be, it led to Lamberto Bava making more exciting genre fare. We wouldn’t have gotten incredible movies like Demons, Blastfighter, or Demons 2, so I give this film some credit. Overall, A Blade in The Dark has moments, but it’s best recommended for hardcore giallo fans.

     

    Buy A Blade in The Dark from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aCbrIB.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch A Blade in the Dark (1983)

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