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  • Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

    Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (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=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]On a $178 million budget, Mission: Impossible – Fallout grossed over $790 million worldwide, becoming the eighth highest-grossing film of 2018. Additionally, the movie earned some of the franchise’s best reviews, topping off with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2019, Tom Cruise announced that the next two installments would be shot back-to-back with Christopher McQuarrie returning to direct. Filming was supposed to start in February 2020, but production was pushed back due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Beginning in September 2020, the movie was shot in and around Italy, the UK, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates. With a roughly $291 million budget, this became one of the most expensive films ever made. The movie was initially supposed to come out in May 2022 but was replaced with Top Gun: Maverick. After five years, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One finally hit theaters in July 2023.

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    Synopsis

    IMF Agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is tasked with retrieving half of a cruciform key from an old friend. Said old friend, Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), has a huge bounty placed on her head, and Hunt rescues her. Later, he crashes a meeting with the U.S. Intelligence Community and confronts his superior, Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny). Kittridge explains that the key is somehow connected to “The Entity,” an advanced AI that’s gone rogue and become sentient. Hunt reunites with his old friends Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) to hunt down the key. Along the way, he runs into Grace (Hayley Atwell), a pickpocket who snatches the key before escaping to Rome. At the same time, The Entity has tasked Gabriel (Esai Morales) and his assassin Paris (Pom Klementieff) to stop Hunt. With everyone after him, Ethan is determined to get the key and kill The Entity.

     

    Review

    It’s incredible that the Mission: Impossible series has been going on for this long and keeps improving. Once again, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One delivers everything an excellent action movie should. You’ve got many great action sequences involving car chases, alleyway fights, desert shootouts, and a climax on a runaway train. As always, Tom Cruise delivers a charismatic performance and does some crazy, death-defying stunts that top what he did before. Series newcomer Hayley Atwell also does a great job and has fantastic chemistry with Cruise. Returning cast members Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson are as dependable as ever and get their shining moments. It’s great to see Henry Czerny returning to play Kittridge after playing him in the original 1996 film. Pom Klementieff stands out as the silent but deadly assassin Paris, who comes off as intimidating without saying much.

    Admittedly, the one outlier in the cast is Esai Morales as the villain Gabriel, a former ally of Ethan’s. His performance isn’t terrible, but there’s not much to the character that makes him very interesting or memorable. The plot has so many twists that it can be hard to follow, and several scenes are just exposition dialogue. In its defense, many other films in the series had convoluted stories, so it’s not exclusive to this one. Also, at two hours and forty-three minutes, the film runs longer than it should, and some scenes could’ve been trimmed. Regardless, this is still an excellent action film with huge stakes, big set pieces, and engaging characters you’re invested in. Considering this is part one, I’m curious and excited to see how the second half ties into this one. Overall, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One proves the franchise is still strong.

     

    Buy Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f97NWz.

    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 Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

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  • Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (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=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Against a $185 million budget, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull grossed over $790 million worldwide. While the film received decent critical reviews, audiences weren’t as kind to it, with many longtime fans feeling disappointed. Since Spielberg and Lucas’ original deal with Paramount was for five films, they started brainstorming potential ideas in 2008. Harrison Ford was entirely on board to return to the iconic role, feeling the last movie wasn’t a definitive conclusion. Unfortunately, the project languished in development hell until Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, acquiring Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Spielberg was initially set to direct but stepped down in 2020 and was replaced by James Mongold. The movie was shot in the UK, Italy, and Morocco from June 2021 to February 2022 for $295 million. After premiering at Cannes, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hit worldwide theaters in June 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Set in 1969, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) lives in New York City and has recently retired from teaching. He’s visited by his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who wants him to help her find Archimedes’ Dial. Her father, Basil (Toby Jones), had been studying it since he and Indy took it from the Nazis in 1944. Unfortunately, his obsession drove him mad, so he wanted Indy to destroy it, but Indy instead kept it hidden. It turns out that a former Nazi scientist named Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) is after the Dial. Since Indy and Basil only found half of it, Voller and his men are hunting for the other half. Through some mishaps, Indy and Helena team up to search for the second half of the Dial. It’s a race against time to retrieve the Dial before the Nazis can use it to rewrite history.

     

    Review

    Compared to his previous adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is better but not without flaws. For one, this film is unnecessarily long at over two and a half hours, longer than the other installments. Several chase sequences dragged out too long and could’ve been trimmed considerably, and not much would’ve been missed. Also, while she has her moments, Phoebe Waller-Bridge comes off as smug and egotistical in an annoying way. Willie Scott was annoying in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but that was played for laughs. The filmmakers wanted something similar to Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark, but it didn’t quite work. Speaking of characters, several side characters are introduced only to be quickly tossed aside, such as Antonio Banderas’ Renaldo. Plus, without going into spoilers, some plot elements don’t mesh as well as the filmmakers may have intended.

    While this installment doesn’t match the quality of Raiders or Last Crusade, it’s still a fun ride. Right from the opening sequence, you can tell that James Mangold understands what makes Indiana Jones work. Aside from some distracting de-aging effects, the first 20 minutes perfectly set up what to expect from the movie. Like before, Harrison Ford still delivers a solid performance as the aging, globe-trotting archaeologist, adding some humanity to the character. Mads Mikkelsen is an excellent villain, with Boyd Holbrook and Olivier Richters giving similarly solid performances as his henchmen. Unlike the last film, which had an artificial sheen, this one has a more cinematic look. Even if this doesn’t live up to earlier installments, this is a fun adventure film that shouldn’t be missed. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny isn’t groundbreaking, but it’ll provide plenty of thrills for fans.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Yv3u0U.

    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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  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

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    Upon its initial release, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a massive success, grossing over $470 million worldwide. The sequel became 1989’s highest-grossing film, narrowly beating Batman, Back to the Future Part II, and Ghostbusters 2. The film received critical praise and won the Best Sound Effects Editing Oscar and several Saturn and BAFTA Award nominations. While Paramount’s original deal was for five movies, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas wanted to end on a trilogy. Over the years, fans wondered if there would ever be a fourth film and what it would be about. Several screenwriters were attached at some point, including Jeb Stuart, Jeffrey Boam, M. Night Shyamalan, and Frank Darabont. Ultimately, writers Jeff Nathanson and David Koepp were brought on, with Spielberg directing and Harrison Ford donning the fedora. Nineteen years later, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull landed in May 2008.

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    Synopsis

    Set in 1957, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is kidnapped by Russian soldiers led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). She’s brought him to Area 51 to find an alien corpse, but he escapes and survives a nuclear bomb blast. Upon returning home, Jones is put on indefinite leave when he’s visited by greaser Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Mutt wants Jones to help him find his mother, who was kidnapped along with an old colleague of Indy’s. Their travels take them to Peru, where they find a crystal skull hidden for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the Russians capture and bring them to their camp, where they also have Indy’s colleague, Harold Oxley (John Hurt). Spalko believes the skull is alien and forces Indy to help by revealing she also kidnapped Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). With the Russians in pursuit, Indy, Marion, Mutt, and Oxley will discover the secrets of the crystal skull.

     

    Review

    To say Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is divisive would be a vast understatement. Since its 2008 release, the movie has been mocked, ridiculed, battered, and torn to shreds by critics and fans alike. While I think it’s the weakest film in the series, I don’t believe it deserved all the flack it got. For starters, seeing Harrison Ford donning the iconic fedora, carrying the whip, and narrowly escaping death is always a treat. He loves playing the part and gives it his all, even if the material isn’t the greatest. Also, Cate Blanchett makes for a great villain as Irina Spalko, coming off as chill and commanding without going insane. Plus, it’s great to see Karen Allen return as Marion Ravenwood, especially since she’s given plenty to do. There are also some fun action sequences and a fantastic score from John Williams.

    While it’s easy to criticize Sha LaBeouf’s acting, it’s not that he’s terrible but rather that he’s just there. He’s not as annoying or unlikable as in the Michael Bay Transformers movies, but he’s pretty forgettable. As exciting as the action is, it’s hampered by an overreliance on CGI that’s distracting and makes everything seem artificial. It’s hard to enjoy some of the film’s chase scenes when you can tell it’s shot on a green screen. As for the movie’s most infamous scene – Indiana Jones withstanding a nuclear bomb by hiding in a fridge – it’s okay. Sure, it’s ridiculous and unrealistic, but no more so than surviving a drop from a plane in a life raft. While this isn’t a terrible film, it’s a huge disappointment considering how the series initially ended. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is more mediocre than awful.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46u9DNZ.

    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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  • Divide & Conquer (2022)

    Divide & Conquer (2022)

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    After making her directorial debut with Honor Killing, Mercedes the Muse continued working for Troma on all her future projects. She followed that film with 2020’s Evul Twinz, about twin brothers going on a rampage after running out of medication. 2021 was a busy year for Mercedes as she also helmed Gruesome Twosome and co-directed Dark Mixtape and Gorenography. She also appeared in movies like Faces of Fear, VHS Violence II: VHS and KILL, and Grindsploitation 9. In 2019, she co-wrote and starred in the film Hellfire!, directed by her long-time collaborator Moses. For her next directorial effort, Mercedes decided to make something of a sequel to the 2019 feature. This would be her most ambitious project to date, filled with reverence for Troma while commenting on gender roles. In 2021, Troma unleashed Mercedes the Muse’s most significant project, Divide & Conquer, for the world to see.

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    Synopsis

    Three gyno warriors – Lilith (Irie Divine), Athena (Knotty Peach), and Toxie (Mercedes) – are out to destroy the patriarchy. After killing a few misogynist guys at a bar, the girls have attracted a local White Supremacist group. Known as the Knights of White, the group comprises Neo-Nazis who dream of conquering the world and spreading their ideology. During their journey, the gynos are ratted out by a sleazy motel clerk (Mark Torgl) and pursued by “The Stormtrooper.” With little hope of survival, the gynos are forced to return to their hometown of Tromaville to find help. Athena gets in touch with El Whetta Loca (Vada Callisto), who provides the gynos with serious firepower. They also get some help from gay club owner Ronny (Jade Theriault) and The Trash King (Lloyd Kaufman). Before the night is over, these gynos will use their pussy power to crush rapists and misogynists wherever they strike.

     

    Review

    Divide & Conquer is not made for everyone without mincing words, but that’s part of its charm. This movie is made for people who love trash in all its beauty and reject what’s considered “good taste.” You might want to look elsewhere if you can’t handle women urinating on misogynists and hypnotizing people with their vaginas. The movie is full of gross-out gags, cheap-looking gore, and gratuitous nudity, but it all serves a purpose. It’s meant to piss off people with conservative values and the stereotypical incel who love terms like “feminazi.” That said, the movie isn’t entirely black and white with its message, showing that both genders are capable of harm. It helps that the film doesn’t appear overly preachy or pretentious and remembers what it is. This is a foul, gross, outrageous exploitation film meant to shock and appall and largely succeeds.

    The three leading ladies all have a blast playing the gyno warriors, each bringing unique qualities to their characters. Irie Divine and Knotty Peach are the biggest standouts, though Mercedes also does well despite having few lines. Troma fans will also smile seeing people like Lloyd Kaufman and Mark Torgl in small but memorable cameos. Everyone else is appropriately over-the-top and ridiculous, though this can come off as annoying at times. Also, some effects stick out badly because of their cheap quality, though that might’ve been intentional. I wouldn’t say this is one of those intentionally bad movies, but more one that revels in its low-budget qualities. As I said earlier, most people will probably hate this film, but fans of trash cinema might like this. Overall, Divide & Conquer is loud, abrasive, disgusting, and unapologetic, and that’s what makes it work.

     

    Buy Divide & Conquer from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3py4lAe.

    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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  • Sleepaway Camp (1983)

    Sleepaway Camp (1983)

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    After graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Robert Hiltzik decided to start working on his first feature film. He decided to make a horror film since it was the cheapest to make and the easiest to sell. As a kid, Hiltzik had gone to Camp Algonquin in Argyle, NY, and thought it would be a great setting. His initial budget was $50,000, but he gained an additional $300,000 after his mother tragically died in a car accident. For the cast, he decided to cast teens aged 13-14 for the campers to add some authenticity. The movie was shot at Camp Algonquin during the off-season between September and October 1982 for five weeks. While there were a few known actors like Mike Kellin and Katherine Kamhi, everyone else would be making their debut. After a lengthy post-production phase, Sleepaway Camp had its New York premiere in November 1983.

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    Synopsis

    After surviving a boating accident as a child, Angela (Felissa Rose) is adopted by her Aunt Martha (Desiree Gould). She and her cousin Ricky (Jonathan Tiersten) are sent to Camp Arawak for the summer. While Ricky is very friendly and knows everyone, Angela is very introverted and never utters a word. This makes her the target of counselor Meg (Katherine Kamhi) and fellow camper Judy (Catherine Fields), who constantly torment her. To make matters worse, the head cook, Artie (Owen Hughes), almost molests Angela, only for Ricky to walk in. Shortly after, a mysterious figure knocks Artie over, causing a pot of boiling water to spill over his body. Soon, other campers wind up dead of bizarre circumstances, though the owner, Mel (Mike Kellin), wants to keep it hush-hush. Who is this mysterious killer, who will survive, and is Angela somehow connected with these murders?

     

    Review

    On the surface, Sleepaway Camp is no different from similar camp slashers like Friday the 13th or The Burning. This film stands out because of its homegrown feel, believable cast of memorable characters, and inventively unique kills. Despite not having a speaking line until the 30-minute mark, Felissa Rose is sympathetic and intense. It’s easy to feel bad for her when she’s getting picked on for seemingly no reason. But when she’s staring people down, her gaze is soul-piercing, and you know she’s up to something. Jonathan Tiersten is likable as Angela’s cousin, who’s trying to look out for her while spouting off numerous expletives. Karen Fields is another standout as the cartoonishly bitchy Judy, delivering her lines with an icy coldness. With his tiny red shorts, Paul DeAngelo is also memorable as the concerned head camp counselor. Also, Desiree Gould makes the most of her few scenes.

    While the kills aren’t all that gruesome, they’re unique and unlike anything seen in other slashers. These scenes are intense, whether it’s getting stung to death by bees or having boiling water dumped on your body. The effects were done by Ed French, who later earned an Oscar nomination for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Of course, it’s hard to talk about this movie without mentioning the ending, which I won’t reveal here. That said, it’s one of the most shocking endings in film history, though Robert Hiltzik cleverly hints at the twist. If I had any complaints, a few scenes go on too long, and some of the acting is questionable. Otherwise, this highly underrated slasher film should be talked about for more than just its twist ending. Overall, Sleepaway Camp is a humble horror film with a homegrown feel, memorable characters, and decent kills.

     

    Buy Sleepaway Camp from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Nma1W5.

    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 Sleepaway Camp (1983)

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  • Cellar Dweller (1988)

    Cellar Dweller (1988)

    [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=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Today, Don Mancini is known for creating the Child’s Play franchise, but long ago, he was a UCLA graduate. While coming up with the first film’s screenplay, Mancini caught Charles Band’s attention and got a job with Empire Pictures. As with most of the movies he produced, Band presented Mancini with a poster and a title to work with. Mancini delivered a script that crossed John Carpenter’s The Thing and Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo. However, the screenplay as it was written would’ve been too ambitious for Empire, so Band had the script rewritten. After directing the minor hit Troll in 1986, John Carl Buechler adapted Mancini’s story for his second film. Ultimately, Mancini used the pseudonym Kit Du Bois and the film was shot on the sets used for The Caller. After premiering at MIFED in 1987, Cellar Dweller hit theaters worldwide in 1988.

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    Synopsis

    Comic book artist Colin Childress (Jeffrey Combs) sets himself on fire after one of his drawings spawns a demonic monster. Years later, aspiring artist Whitney Taylor (Debrah Farentino) enrolls in an art school run by Mrs. Briggs (Yvonne De Carlo). It turns out the school was built on the remains of Childress’ old house after burning to the ground. Whitney has come here specifically because she considers Colin her idol and wants to follow in his footsteps. Also attending the art school are Phillip (Brian Robbins), Amanda (Pamela Bellwood), Lisa (Miranda Wilson), and Norman (Vince Edwards). Soon, Whitney discovers that whenever she draws a comic strip with the Cellar Dweller, what she draws happens. Soon, the Cellar Dweller makes quick work of the other art students, whether or not Whitney wills it. Will she be able to stop it, or will she also fall victim to the Cellar Dweller?

     

    Review

    While it’s not on par with classics like Re-Animator or Trancers, Cellar Dweller is a perfectly watchable creature feature. The best thing about this movie is the central monster, designed by John Carl Buechler and played by Michael Deak. Admittedly, the monster doesn’t move much, but it looks fantastic and is among Buechler’s best works. Also, the concept of whatever the artist draws comes to life is pretty unique, though it’s never really explained. Debrah Farentino, credited by her maiden name Mullowney, does an excellent job as an aspiring comic artist. Classic actress Yvonne De Carlo gives a decent performance that’s about on par with her performance in Play Dead. It’s always a pleasure to see Jeffrey Combs in a movie, even for only the first ten minutes. Another noteworthy cast member is Vince Edwards, who starred in Stanley Kubrick’s The Killing and the long-running series Ben Casey.

    Pamela Bellwood is entertainingly bitchy as Debrah’s rival, and her death scene is pretty satisfying. The gore effects are equally strong, with the highlight being a decapitation scene done in slow motion. Cinematographer Sergio Salvati, who previously worked with Lucio Fulci, does a great job emulating a vintage horror comic. The score by Carl Dante, who also scored Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, isn’t terrible, but it’s not particularly memorable. That’s honestly the best way to describe this film: not wrong by any means, but not all that memorable. With its 78-minute runtime, the movie gets in and out fairly quickly, though the last act feels like a rush. If you’re in the mood for a decent creature feature, this is a decent watch, but there are better options. Overall, Cellar Dweller is an underrated, if unremarkable, gem in Empire’s catalog.

     

    Buy Cellar Dweller from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PLOxV8.

    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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  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

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    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was a financial hit, making over $330 million against a $28 million budget. Unfortunately, while the first was universally liked, the follow-up received mixed reviews, most criticizing the film’s darker tone. Over time, the film gained a newfound appreciation, but at the time, Steven Spielberg decided to go back to basics. He wanted something more lighthearted that harkened back to Raiders of the Lost Ark to end the planned trilogy. After reviewing numerous scripts, Spielberg and George Lucas hired Jeffrey Boam, who previously wrote The Lost Boys. In addition to Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliot, and John Rhys-Davies returning, Sean Connery joined the cast as Indy’s father. The movie was shot between May and September 1988 in Spain, West Germany, England, and the US for $48 million. Five years after the last installment, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade hit theaters in May 1989.

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    Synopsis

    After retrieving Coronado’s prized crucifix, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) learns that his father disappeared while trying to find The Holy Grail. American businessman Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), who financed the expedition, asks Indy to find his father and the grail. Indy and Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliot) meet art professor Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), who worked with Indy’s father. Using his father’s diary, Indy finds a map of where the grail is hidden, which he gives Marcus for safekeeping. Meanwhile, Indy gets a tip that his father is being held captive in a castle in Austria by the Nazis. While he rescues his father, Henry Jones (Sean Connery), Indy learns that Elsa and Donovan are working with the Nazis. With some help from Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Indy and his father must find the grail before the Nazis do. Along the journey, Indiana learns to forgive his father and discover his faith.

     

    Review

    Coming off of the last film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a return to form for the series. Sure, it doesn’t quite get as dark as the first film, but it still has the same sense of fun. What also makes this film stand out is how Indy’s character is further developed, and we learn more about him. The movie opens with a flashback to Indy as a young man, played by the late River Phoenix. On top of being entertaining, the sequence helps to set up the film’s central conflict: Indy reconnecting with his father. Like before, Harrison Ford is still great as the professor/archaeologist Indiana Jones, who’s given much more humanity. The late Sean Connery is phenomenal as Indy’s father, playing off Harrison Ford’s sly wit with a gruff charm. The film’s best scenes are any of the moments they share together.

    Denholm Elliot and John Rhys-Davies are welcome comebacks as their characters from Raiders, with both given more to do. Alison Doody has an excellent femme fatale quality, playing the first Indy girl who turns out to be a villain. Speaking of villains, Julian Glover is delightfully smug as the conniving businessman consumed by greed and desire for power. As with the other movies, the action sequences are spectacular, with the highlight being the scene with the WWI tank. This might be the funniest of the three films, punctuated by some great lines and physical comedy. Some audiences might be disappointed that this film plays things a bit too safe, but it works here. While lacking the edge of the first two films, it makes up for it with tons of heart. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade would’ve been a fitting end to the iconic series.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46sdU4f.

    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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  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

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    On a $20 million budget, Raiders of the Lost Ark grossed over $380 million worldwide and was 1981’s highest-grossing film. The film also got universally positive reviews and won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture nominations. Naturally, with all that success, Paramount wanted a sequel, so Steven Spielberg and George Lucas went to work. However, rather than using Nazis as the villains, Lucas decided to make the next film a prequel set in India. Lucas and Spielberg also made this entry darker, much like The Empire Strikes Back, the second Star Wars movie. In place of Lawrence Kasdan and Philip Kaufman, Lucas hired Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz to write the screenplay. Harrison Ford returned to the iconic role, accompanied by a relatively-unknown Kate Capshaw and a 12-year-old Ke Huy Quan. After a five-month shoot, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom hit theaters in May 1984.

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    Synopsis

    Taking place in 1935, Indian Jones (Harrison Ford) narrowly escapes a group of thugs in Shanghai who nearly poisoned him. Accompanied by lounge singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and his sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), Indy lands in India. They arrive at the village of Mayapore, where the children are gone, and the people are dying. The villagers beg Indy to retrieve a stolen sacred stone and rescue their children, and he agrees. Indy believes the stone is one of the five Sankara stones, so he, Shorty, and Willie travel to Pankot Palace. They stumble across an ancient cult known as the Thuggee, led by the high priest Mola Ram (Amrish Puri). The cult has three Sankara stones, and they’ve enslaved the children to find the other two in the caves below. It’s up to Indiana Jones to stop the cult, save the kids, and bring back the stone.

     

    Review

    Since its release, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has been the subject of much criticism and controversy. The film was so dark and macabre that the MPAA created the PG-13 rating at Spielberg’s request. On the one hand, it’s commendable that Spielberg and Lucas made this entry so dark and twisted. On the other hand, they might’ve lost sight of what they were doing in trying to make it so dark. Part of the issue is that the tone is wildly inconsistent, going from dark to light-hearted without a moment’s notice. It also doesn’t help that some of its darker material, especially in the second half, unintentionally depicted Indian people negatively. To the filmmakers’ credit, most of the criticized stuff was meant to be a joke that subverted expectations. Plus, the only Indians who do this are meant to be villains, so you’re not supposed to like them.

    Aside from that, this is still an entertaining adventure film, even if it lacks the original’s freshness. Harrison Ford is excellent as always as the fearless archaeologist, and we see him turn dark at one point. Future Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan is fun as Indy’s sidekick, and he has fantastic chemistry with Harrison Ford. Despite the criticisms she’s been unfairly given, Kate Capshaw is hilarious as Willie Scott, the polar opposite of Karen Allen. Her whining and complaining are so over-the-top that, while it can get annoying, it’s often more funny than bothersome. The action sequences are great, the villains are just as menacing, and John Williams’ score is phenomenal. Admittedly, some blue screen compositing shots stick out negatively, but it’s not enough to deter the movie. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is an imperfect but entertaining thrill ride that might traumatize your kids.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XvRMSO.

    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 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

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  • Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell (1981)

    Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell (1981)

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    Originally from Latvia, Ito Rebane, later renamed Bill Rebane, became a staple of cult cinema in the 60s and 70s. After working with producer Adalbert Baltes, Rebane sold his first independent production, the short Twist Craze, to American International Pictures. In 1961, Rebane decided to try his hand at feature filmmaking and started shooting Terror at Halfday in 1963. Unfortunately, he ran out of money and sold his footage to Herschell Gordon Lewis, creating the notorious Monster A Go-Go. In the later 1960s, Rebane purchased a ranch in Gleason, Wisconsin, which became his new studio, The Shooting Ranch. He shot numerous low-budget sci-fi/horror films there, most notably 1975’s The Giant Spider Invasion and 1987’s Blood Harvest. Rebane also made Rana: The Legend of Shadow Lake in 1975, but that film wouldn’t be released until 1981. The film was retitled Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell and eventually sold to Troma.

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    Synopsis

    Kelly Morgan (Glenn Scherer) and his girlfriend Chris (Doreen Moze) go to his childhood home at Shadow Lake. While there, he tells her about how a strange creature attacked him and his family when he was 11. We flashback to young Kelly Morgan (Brad Ellingson) at the homestead with his dad John (Alan Ross). At the lake, they meet a paleontologist named Elli (Karen McDiarmid) and her niece Susan (Julie Wheaton). Kelly brings them a strange bone he found, and Elli deduces that it came from a type of fish creature. Little do they know that said fish creature, locally known as “Rana,” is lurking around the surrounding woods. Rana attacks and kills a couple of sleazy loggers before making his way to Kelly and company. Now an adult, Kelly wants to find the creature’s lair to get revenge, but he’s unprepared for what he’ll find.

     

    Review

    Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell is one of many movies where the cover art is better than the actual movie. You look at the cover and its title, and it sounds like something akin to Humanoids from the Deep. Sadly, we get nothing nearly as gruesome and sleazy as Roger Corman’s movie about human-fish monsters running amok. Sure, some of the acting isn’t half bad, and there are some fun kill scenes, but it’s mostly boring. Much of the screen time is just dialogue, and most of it is either exposition or inane banter. Even when something menacing happens, no one seems to react or even care what’s happening. Granted, things do pick up once the creature shows up and starts killing people, but it doesn’t improve things much. Plus, the framing device ruins any suspense the movie might’ve otherwise had since we know that Kelly survives.

    Given the previous work of Bill Rebane, the fact that the movie looks so cheap shouldn’t come as a surprise. That said, there are plenty of cheaply-made B-movies whose low budget adds to their charm, such as Nightbeast. Sure, the middle act was slow, but the first and third acts were so ridiculous that they compensated for it. In this movie, the few kill scenes with the creature don’t make up for the slow parts. It doesn’t help that many of these scenes are so darkly lit that it’s hard to see what’s happening. Even at 86 minutes, it feels like the movie is dragging its feet to try and reach feature length. While there are certainly worse creature features, this is a dull affair best enjoyed with some substances. Overall, Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell isn’t one of the worst movies ever, but it’s not the best.

     

    Buy Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pPnoj0.

    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 Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell (1981)

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  • The Flash (2023)

    The Flash (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=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1940, Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert created Flash Comics #1, which debuted football star turned superhero, Jay Garrick. The books were canceled in 1951, but DC rebooted the series by introducing Barry Allen in Showcase #4 in 1956. While there have been other versions of The Flash, Barry Allen became the definitive version of The Scarlet Speedster. The character was first adapted in The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure in 1967 before transitioning to Super Friends. John Wesley Shipp was the first live actor to play The Flash in the 1990s TV series. Since the late 1980s, plans for a live-action feature film had been floating around Hollywood with multiple directors attached. David S. Goyer, Shawn Levy, David Dobkin, Seth Grahame-Smith, and Rick Famuyiwa were involved before Andy Muschietti got the job. After numerous delays and behind-the-scenes controversies, The Flash finally hit theaters in June 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    Barry Allen, aka The Flash (Ezra Miller), is still grieving over the death of his mother, Nora (Maribel Verdú). In his emotional state, Barry starts running faster and faster until he discovers he can travel back in time. Despite several warnings, Barry travels back and stops his mother’s death, only to get knocked into 2013. He meets his past self and gets him to get struck by lightning, which grants him powers but removes his. While Barry tries teaching his past self how to use his powers, General Zod (Michael Shannon) makes his presence known. Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and Aquaman don’t exist in this universe, but the Barrys find Bruce Wayne, aka Batman (Michael Keaton). With his help, they find a Kryptonian imprisoned in Siberia, but it turns out to be Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle). It’s up to Batman, Supergirl, and The Flashes to stop Zod and save the Multiverse.

     

    Review

    Before going further, I’d like to state my feelings on The Flash are unrelated to the controversies surrounding Ezra Miller. My remarks towards Miller are strictly related to their performance and have nothing to do with the allegations against them. That said, Miller performs well playing a wiser, more sardonic Barry and a younger, more carefree Barry. The effects of conveying two Barrys are mind-blowing, and Miller does an excellent job of making both feel different. Of course, Michael Keaton steals the show, especially if you’re a fan of the 1989 Batman and its sequel. Relative newcomer Sasha Calle shows excellent potential as Supergirl, and I’m curious to see what she does next. Michael Shannon, one of the best aspects of Man of Steel, is solid in his few scenes as General Zod. The supporting cast all do a respectable job, and some fun cameos are sprinkled throughout.

    Speaking of cameos, this movie is loaded with tons of fan service, perhaps a bit too much. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse also had plenty of fan service, but the filmmakers worked it into the story. It doesn’t help that while some of the visual effects are decent, there are some genuinely horrendous CG shots here. Without spoiling too much, much of the CGI looks about on par with Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and it’s distracting. Also, the final act is another big, explosion-filled action sequence that drags out too long. To give Andy Muschietti credit, there are some fun action sequences, and the emotional scenes hit where it counts. Compared to Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which was a huge letdown, this one’s more of a mixed bag. Overall, The Flash has some glaring flaws but has enough decent performances and heart to keep it engaging.

     

    Buy The Flash from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ABXbjU.

    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 Flash (2023)

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