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  • Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012)

    Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012)

    [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=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Following the release of Puppet Master: Axis of Evil, Charles Band announced a direct follow-up in October 2011. Originally titled Puppet Master Forever, Band decided this would be the first film in the series he’d be directing. He hired newcomer Shane Bitterling to co-write after meeting him following the death of Axis’ screenwriter Dominic Muir. With this new writing assignment, Bitterling made it a personal goal to write the best Puppet Master movie to date. Charles Band hired Tom Devlin’s 1313 FX to recreate the original puppets using molds of the originals from decades ago. In addition, Christopher Bergschneider would be designing four new Nazi-themed puppets that Band slowly revealed on the Full Moon website. Unlike the last film, this one would be shot in the United States on a twelve-day shooting schedule. In 2012, the retitled Puppet Master X: Axis Rising made its way onto DVD shelves.

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    Synopsis

    Following the last film, Lady Ozu (Terumi Shimazu) is betrayed and shot by Nazi commandant Heinrich Moebius (Scott King). Meanwhile, Danny (Kip Canyon) and Beth (Jean Louise O’Sullivan) return home with the remaining puppets, except for Tunneler. Just as they’re figuring out what to do, Danny and Beth are taken to meet with Major Collins (Kurt Sinclair). Given what happened last time, he puts them under the protection of Sgt. Stone (Brad Potts). Meanwhile, Moebius and his right-hand woman Uschi (Stephanie Sanditz) are working on creating the perfect, undead soldier. They’ve kidnapped a scientist named Freuhoffer (Oto Brezina), who discovers Toulon’s life-giving serum inside Tunneler. With this discovery, he creates four new puppets for the Third Reich – Blitzkrieg, Bombshell, Kamikazee, and Weremacht. With Sgt. Stone’s aid, it’s up to Danny, Beth, and their puppets to save the world from tyranny once again.

     

    Review

    Like the last installment, Puppet Master X: Axis Rising isn’t on par with the earliest installments, but it isn’t terrible. Sure, the film suffers from a lack of budget, but you can tell the filmmakers put their hearts into it. As the director, Charles Band does a good job trying to give this film a 1940s war movie feel. Also, for a relatively new screenwriter, Bitterling works some well-needed humor into the script to give it some charm. Everyone in the cast delivers an appropriately over-the-top performance, with King and Sanditz standing out as the villains. Also, Brad Potts, a former marine turned actor, shines as the gruff and scraggly yet reluctant Sgt. Stone. Tom Devlin and his team have done a great job recreating several of the original puppets from scratch. The four new puppets added to the mix are a nice touch, even if slightly non-PC.

    Unfortunately, some of the recasting drags the film down, particularly Kip Canyon, who has the charisma of a wooden block. Jean Louise O’Sullivan, for her part, tries her best as Beth and even has some badass moments. You can tell they didn’t have quite the budget they needed when you look at some of the action sequences. For instance, there’s a big scene where the good puppets battle with the evil puppets during the climax. Sadly, the fight is in a small room with just a podium, a few actors, and some WWII-era posters. Still, compared to Puppet Master: The Legacy, this is one of the series’ better entries. At slightly under 90 minutes, parts of the movie drag, but it gets the job done. Overall, Puppet Master X: Axis Rising is a promising improvement over the last entry in a long-running franchise.

     

    Buy Puppet Master X: Axis Rising from:

    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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  • X (2022)

    X (2022)

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    Originally from Delaware, Ti West is a horror director who rose to prominence in the mid to late 2000s. His feature film debut was 2005’s The Roost, followed by 2007’s Trigger Man and 2009’s House of the Devil. Between 2011-2013, he directed The Innkeepers and The Sacrament and segments for V/H/S and The ABCs of Death. Midway into the decade, he directed episodes of TV shows like Scream: The TV Series, Wayward Pines, and The Exorcist. In late 2020, A24 announced they would be producing Ti West’s latest horror film, his first in nine years. Principal photography took place from February to March 2021, primarily on New Zealand’s North Island at a farm in Fordell. For the main cast, they hired Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Scott Mescudi, Martin Henderson, and Owen Campbell. After premiering at South by Southwest, X hit theaters in March 2022.

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    Synopsis

    Set in 1979, aspiring porn actress Maxine (Mia Goth) goes on a road trip with her boyfriend/producer Wayne (Martin Henderson). Along with Maxine and Wayne, there’s Bobby-Lynne (Brittany Snow), Jackson Hole (Scott Mescudi), RJ (Owen Campbell), and Lorraine (Jenna Ortega). He managed to secure a deal with local farmer Howard (Stephen Ure) to use his guest house as production space. Howard demands they don’t engage with his wife Pearl (Mia Goth), who sneaks around to spy on them. It turns out Pearl is jealous of how the cast & crew are youthful while she’s old and frail. As night approaches, Pearl starts killing off the cast & crew one by one, her husband being complicit. As the body count rises, the unsuspecting victims are put through the wringer as they struggle to survive. Who will manage to escape, and who will be the next victim?

     

    Review

    Ever since I first saw the trailer for X, I immediately knew it would be great, and it was. Ti West perfectly captures the look of a low-budget genre film from the 1970s like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While it doesn’t have the raw documentary style of Tobe Hooper’s classic, it retains a similar down-and-dirty feel. In a time when most modern horror films have gotten soft, X goes for the jugular to shock the audience. The film has plenty of blood, guts, and T&A, similar to what you’d see in a vintage exploitation picture. Rather than being excessive, the violence is effectively used to complement the more tension-filled scenes. Even before the horrors start, there’s an ever-present sense of dread, where you feel like something’s going to happen. It all builds to an unnervingly gruesome climax where it seems like anything can happen.

    Everyone in the cast is excellent, with Mia Goth standing out for playing the dual roles of Maxine and Pearl. As Maxine, she’s spunky, ambitious, and somewhat self-absorbed, but as Pearl, she’s terrifying and grotesque yet rather tragic. Brittany Snow is also entertaining as the narcissistic Bobby-Lynne, who thinks she’s better than everyone else. On top of delivering a now-iconic screaming face, the young Jenna Ortega shines as the naive but ambitious Lorraine Day. While providing plenty of shocks, the film also talks about aging and how young people can waste their youth. As horrifying as she is, you can’t help but sympathize with how Pearl resents the wastefulness of the younger folk. The film has some slow spots at an hour and 46 minutes, but they’re not enough to ruin the experience. Overall, X earns its place as one of the best horror films of 2022.

     

    Buy X from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rcBiiM.

    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 Whale (2022)

    The Whale (2022)

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    After reading a review in The New York Times, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky saw a play by Samuel D. Hunter. Titled The Whale, Aronofsky was so moved by the show that he met with Hunter, and the two started collaborating. Aronofsky wanted to adapt Hunter’s play to the big screen, but it would take ten years for that to happen. The biggest challenge was casting the lead role of Charlie, a morbidly obese English teacher living alone. One day, Aronofsky watched the trailer for 2006’s Journey to the End of the Night on YouTube, starring Brendan Fraser. Sadly, Fraser’s career had gone downhill after calling out the then-head of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for sexual assault. Alongside Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton were cast in one of Aronofsky’s most challenging films. After earning critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, The Whale opened in December.

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    Synopsis

    Charlie (Brendan Fraser) is an overweight English teacher teaching online courses with the webcam turned off for fear of embarrassment. Since leaving his wife Mary (Samantha Morton) for another man, Charlie has become a recluse with hardly any outside contact. He’s cared for by Liz (Hong Chaung), a nurse who continually urges him to go to a hospital. Knowing he doesn’t have much time left, Charlie tries reconnecting with his estranged daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink). She wants nothing to do with him but changes her mind when Charlie agrees to write her essays. Charlie also gets visits from Thomas (Ty Simpkins), a missionary for the New Life Church that tries to evangelize Charlie. Soon enough, Liz brings Mary to discover that Ellie was seeing Charlie, leading him to plead with his ex-wife tearfully. Will Charlie succeed in his endeavors, or will he die not having made amends?

     

    Review

    I had been anticipating The Whale for months since hearing the buzz it generated at the Venice International Film Festival. Now that it’s finally out, I can safely say that the movie lived up to my expectations and then some. First, Brendan Fraser deserves all the acclaim he’s been getting for giving the best performance of his career. After a while, you forget that he’s wearing a fat suit and believe he gained that much weight. While it’s easy to sympathize with his struggles, Fraser almost challenges you to accept how grotesque he is. He constantly asks people to acknowledge him for his identity rather than sugarcoat and dance around the subject. Fraser knows how much of a failure he is and wants to feel like he’s done at least something right. He deserves an Oscar for his performance, and I hope this reignites his career.

    Of course, that’s not to say the rest of the cast lacks, as everyone, including Fraser, performs well. Sadie Sink is excellent as the broken, spiteful daughter who reluctantly agrees to spend time with her dad. Hong Chau is another standout as Charlie’s only true friend who still cares for him despite his stubbornness. Ty Simpkins is also great as a missionary who wants to help Charlie despite his flaws and past actions. Darren Aronofsky continues to impress as a director, choosing to film the movie in a 4:3 aspect ratio. This helps to make the film feel more claustrophobic and isolated like you’re right there with Charlie. Like many of Aronofsky’s works, this will divide some people, especially with its depiction of fat people. Overall, The Whale is an excellent film about grief, shame, and remorse, punctuated by a career-defining performance from Brendan Fraser.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “The Whale” playing in theaters starting December 9th[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    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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  • 12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics

    12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics

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    With the end of the year approaching, it’s time to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, or Ōmisoka, it’s one of the most cherished times of the year. However, Christmas is the most popular of these holidays, especially with the plethora of Christmas-themed movies available. There are classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and hundreds of adaptations of The Christmas Carol. But for those of you who want something different or are sick of Elf, this list is for you. Some of you may remember my list of the 10 Best Horror Films to Watch on Halloween back in 2018. This year, I’ve decided to list some Christmas movies that don’t get talked about much but are worth watching. Ladies and gentlemen, these are my 12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics!

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Gremlins” _builder_version=”4.23.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.23.3″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BZDNlZWYyNTctMDk0Ni00MGI2LWFlOTQtY2M0YWZkZDY4ZjJiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjc5NjEzNA@@._V1_-scaled.jpg” alt=”Gremlins” title_text=”Gremlins” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Gremlins (1984)

    Joe Dante has had quite the cult filmmaking career, from Pirahna and The Howling to Explorers and The Burbs. However, his 1984 horror-comedy Gremlins broke him into the mainstream, earning over $200 million worldwide on an $11 million budget. The film tells the story of Billy, a young man whose father gifts him a Mogwai for Christmas. He names the creature Gizmo, and he’s just the cutest, wearing a Santa hat, having expressive ears, and even singing. However, when Gizmo gets splashed with water, four other Mogwai spawn, turning into nasty Gremlins when they eat after midnight. What I love about this movie is how it starts cute and innocuous, only to take a complete 180. It’s wild, crazy, bombastic, and a lot of fun, and it even helped to establish the PG-13 rating. So, if you enjoy some monster mayhem with your Christmas spirit, check this one out.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBEVwaJEgaA” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Die Hard” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BZjRlNDUxZjAtOGQ4OC00OTNlLTgxNmQtYTBmMDgwZmNmNjkxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzkwMjQ5NzM@._V1_.jpg” alt=”Die Hard” title_text=”Die Hard” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Die Hard (1988)

    Now, I know what some of you are thinking, “But FilmNerd, this isn’t a Christmas movie!” Well, it’s my list, so I can include whatever movies I want if I feel like it. While this may not be intrinsically linked with the holiday, it’s still one of the greatest action films ever made. Before this movie, Bruce Willis was only known as that guy from Moonlighting, but this shot him to the top. At a time when Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Norris dominated action movies, Willis came along as the unlikeliest action hero. As John McClane, he’s vulnerable, takes quite a few beatings, and is often scared that he’ll die at any moment. You’ve also got the late Alan Rickman as one of the best action movie villains, the master thief Hans Gruber. With a great cast, fantastic action sequences, and solid direction from John McTiernan, Die Hard is a classic.

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    Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

    What else can be said about this controversial slasher film that several other reviewers haven’t already said? Yes, the movie caused an uproar that ultimately got it pulled from theaters, but it’s also an underrated horror film. While most slasher films focus on the victims and barely explain the killer, this focuses solely on the killer. From his early childhood to the moment he snaps, we see how Billy got to where he ends up. The movie doesn’t portray the killings he does in a positive light, but we do feel sympathy for him. Also, the kills may not be overly gruesome, but they’re memorable, including a girl getting impaled on deer antlers. Admittedly, there are a lot of slow spots that drag the film, but they’re not enough to ruin the experience. All in all, Silent Night, Deadly Night is a slasher film that deserves its cult status.

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    Black Christmas (1974)

    Bob Clark is probably best known for making one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, A Christmas Story. However, a decade prior, he directed another Christmas movie that became a classic for entirely different reasons, 1974’s Black Christmas. While Halloween gets all the credit for popularizing the slasher genre, this is the one that established the tropes. You’ve got the POV shots, the creepy phone calls, an isolated setting, and a popular holiday used as the basis. Throughout the film, there’s an ever-present sense of dread where you feel like anything could happen at any moment. You’ve also got a memorable cast, including Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, Keir Dullea, Art Hindle, and John Saxon. What makes this film stand out is that we never learn who the killer is or what their motivations are. It offers no closure, which makes it a one-of-a-kind holiday slasher.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6JuJHmVsh4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Krampus” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BMjk0MjMzMTI3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODEyODkxNzE@._V1_.jpg” alt=”Krampus” title_text=”Krampus” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Krampus (2015)

    Filmmaker Michael Dougherty is no stranger to holiday-themed horror movies, having also directed the Halloween anthology Trick ‘r Treat. In 2015, he decided to add a horror spin to Christmas with the holiday horror-comedy Krampus. For those who don’t know, Krampus is a giant horned figure who scares and punishes naughty children, essentially the anti-Santa. Here, Krampus is a demonic creature who punishes those that have lost their Christmas spirit, similar to Sam with Halloween. While young Max still believes, the rest of his dysfunctional family has lost their faith, making them an easy target. What follows is a playfully dark and gory monster movie with killer toys, evil Gingerbread men, and a horned giant. Even with its dark, dread moments, this film has a Christmasy vibe that permeates and adds to its charm. So, this Christmas, you better keep the faith lest you get a visit from Krampus.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6cVyoMH4QE” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Trancers” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BZTlhNzgxYTEtZmNjMi00NTI5LWE1ODUtYTlmMjZlNzc4MjI5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTUzMDUzNTI3._V1_.jpg” alt=”Trancers” title_text=”Trancers” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Trancers (1984)

    Much like Die Hard, this 1984 Charles Band sci-fi film isn’t intrinsically linked to Christmas. However, it counts since Christmas is mentioned frequently, and there’s even a fight scene with a mall Santa. Regardless, this is still a clever and unique time-travel story with a great mix of film noir elements. Sure, the film borrows elements from Blade Runner and The Terminator, but these elements are used in uniquely creative ways. What makes this film work so well is Tim Thomerson, who oozes charisma as the futuristic detective Jack Deth. His cocky, smartass attitude perfectly matches the film’s style, and he has fantastic chemistry with a then-unknown Helen Hunt. Also, the music by Phil Davies and Mark Ryder complements the futuristic and action-packed sequences, making them more dynamic. With an incredible lead, fun action, and a clever time travel method, it makes sense that Trancers became a franchise.

    #TrancersIsAChristmasMovie

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://youtu.be/1WiLaAHS4mI” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Christmas Evil” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BY2IwZmExODgtYzJkNi00OWQyLWIxZmYtZGI1NzdkZmQ1ZDI5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg” alt=”Christmas Evil” title_text=”Christmas Evil” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Christmas Evil (1980)

    Ever wondered what Taxi Driver would’ve been like if Travis Bickle had a Santa Claus obsession? That more or less summarizes this forgotten 1980 Christmas-themed horror film from filmmaker Lewis Jackson given life by Troma Entertainment. The film tells the story of Harry Stadling, who witnessed his mother being groped by who he thought was Santa. Since this childhood incident, he has become obsessed with Santa and wants to become his idealized version of Kris Kringle. He sleeps in a Santa suit, spies on local children, and keeps records of their behavior in a book. Eventually, he becomes upset at the greed he perceives from his coworkers and decides to spread Christmas cheer. What helps sell the movie is Brandon Maggart, who delivers an excellently creepy performance as a mentally disturbed toymaker. While not as infamous as Silent Night, Deadly Night, Christmas Evil deserves more attention than it gets.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2zPRNgzBrM” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Jack Frost” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MV5BYjE4ZDAxNmItODBjMy00YjVlLTkwMDMtZjYxZWY0YmI4ZDczXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg” alt=”Jack Frost” title_text=”MV5BYjE4ZDAxNmItODBjMy00YjVlLTkwMDMtZjYxZWY0YmI4ZDczXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Jack Frost (1997)

    No, I’m not talking about the family-friendly Michael Keaton movie about a man brought to life as a sentient snowman. Instead, I’m talking about a direct-to-video horror comedy about a killer snowman who terrorizes a small town during Christmas. Unlike many of today’s intentionally bad movies, this works because it’s mostly played straight by everyone involved. Except for Scott MacDonald, who’s having fun playing the titular snowman, the rest of the cast takes this situation seriously. The fact that the other actors aren’t acting like they’re in a comedy makes it that much funnier. Either way, this movie knows exactly what it is and has fun with its ridiculous premise. The film has fun over-the-top kills, with the snowman delivering corny one-liners sprinkled with a bit of Christmas cheer. So, if the idea of a killer snowman sounds entertaining, give Jack Frost a watch.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev0NkYfkgYE” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kiss-kiss-bang-bang.jpg” alt=”Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” title_text=”kiss-kiss-bang-bang” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

    Since watching Three Days Of The Condor, writer/director Shane Black has injected Christmas into many of his projects. Whether it’s action classics like Lethal Weapon or multi-million dollar blockbusters like Iron Man 3, Black loves Christmas. In the middle of those is the 2005 crime thriller Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which marked Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback. Downey plays Harry Lockhart, a thief who gets flown to LA for a screen test by complete accident. He meets his high school crush Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan) and private investigator Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer) there. Soon, Harry and Perry get involved in a murder case, and they have to run around LA figuring out who’s responsible. At the heart of this thriller is the dynamic between Downey and Kilmer, leading to some hilarious dialogue between them. With its mix of satire and suspense, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is an underrated gem.

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    Dial Code Santa Claus (1989)

    Everyone remembers the 1990 classic Home Alone, but not as many know about this oddball 1989 French thriller. While the original title was 3615 code Père Noël, it’s also known as Dial Code Santa Claus, Deadly Games, etc. Whatever label you use, this is one of the most bonkers Christmas movies you’ll ever see. The best way to describe this movie is that it combines elements of Home Alone, John Wick, and First Blood. It’s about a boy named Thomas, who’s all alone when he sees what he thinks is Santa killing his dog. A battle of wits follows between the tech-savvy kid and the crazed vagabond in a Santa suit. Everything in this film works, from the acting and set design to the cinematography and the music. Throw in a weirdly out-of-place Bonnie Tyler song, and it’s no wonder why Dial Code Santa Claus is so unforgettable.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSCrg_qMI1s” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Batman Returns” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/batman-returns.jpg” alt=”Batman Returns” title_text=”batman-returns” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Batman Returns (1992)

    Upon its 1989 release, Tim Burton’s Batman was a smash hit at the box office that redefined comic book movies. Given its success, Warner Bros demanded a sequel, which Burton only agreed to if given more creative freedom. So, in 1992, we got Batman Returns, which has divided fans more than any other installment for thirty years. While many praised the performances, action, cinematography, and design, others have dismissed the darker tone and strange creative decisions. Even if it’s not as good as the original, this sequel still has much going for it. For one, Michelle Pfeiffer is stunning as Catwoman, and Danny DeVito is delightfully repulsive as The Penguin. Keaton delivers another solidly somber performance, Danny Elfman’s score is excellent, and the film presents a dark version of Christmas. Throw in Christopher Walken as an eccentric industrialist, and you’ve got a decent sequel to the 1989 blockbuster.

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    Don’t Open Till Christmas (1984)

    1984 was quite the year for Christmas-themed slasher films between Silent Night, Deadly Night, and this lesser-known UK relic. Produced by exploitation producer Dick Randall, Don’t Open Till Christmas is a Christmas slasher film infamous for its production problems. First, the original director, actor Edmund Purdom, walked off the set and was replaced by the writer Derek Ford. Ford was dismissed after two days and ultimately replaced by the editor Ray Selfie, with Alan Birkinshaw doing rewrites. Despite these issues, there’s something weirdly fascinating about this incredibly sleazy slasher that even includes a cameo from Caroline Munro. Even if the plot doesn’t make much sense, there are some wickedly gruesome kills, including a castration at a urinal. The acting is mostly good, especially from Purdom, and there’s an exciting mystery about the killer’s motivation. While disjointed, Don’t Open Till Christmas is worth watching at least once, especially for the ending.

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    So, there you have my list of the 12 Best Alternative Christmas Classics to watch this holiday season. I’m sure there are probably many more that I overlooked, so let me know in the comments below. Also, let me know some of your favorite holiday movies, whether they be classics or something more unconventional. With how crazy this time of year can get, we often forget to spend time with our loved ones. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, spend it with your friends, family, and anyone else you care about. I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Boxing Day, and Happy Holidays. Also, I hope you all have a Happy New Year, and may next year be better than the last one. As always, I have more reviews and videos planned, so until then, I’ll see you in the next one. Take care!

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  • The 12 Slays of Christmas (2022)

    The 12 Slays of Christmas (2022)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]For decades, Charles Band bought numerous properties for his studios to produce some of the strangest movies imaginable. During the Empire Pictures days, he purchased the old Dino De Laurentiis studio outside Rome for filming space. Then, in the early days of Full Moon Features, Band started Castel Film Studios in Romania with Vlad Paunescu. There was even a period in the early 2010s where Full Moon shot some movies in China. In June 2021, Charles Band opened a new studio in the most unlikely of places – Cleaveland, Ohio. As the Akron Beacon Journal reported, Charles Band purchased a Fairmount Avenue home in Cleaveland Heights for filming purposes. Some films made there included Baby Oopsie, The Resonator: Miskatonic U, and Sorority Babes in the Slimebal Bowl-O-Rama 2. Just in time for the holidays, Full Moon put together The 12 Slays of Christmas in the Full Moon Manor.

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    Synopsis

    Friends Britany (Cody Renee Cameron), Mandy (Dare Taylor), and Christine (Lauren Nicole Smith) get stuck while driving through a snowstorm. They take refuge in a nearby manor filled with Christmas gifts, decorations, and a bountiful feast that’s fully prepared. The girls make themselves home when they meet the manor’s lone occupant and caretaker, Ignatius (Tom Fitzpatrick). Delighted to have guests over, he lets them open whatever gifts they want and dine on his feast. One of the girls finds an old book called The 12 Slays of Christmas, which Ignatius happily reads to them. The book contains twelve poems, each about a specific character from Full Moon’s back catalog. Each present the girls open is a miniature figure based on whatever character is being read about. But will the girls’ tow truck arrive on time, and what else does Ignatius have planned for them?

     

    Review

    Honestly, I’m not sure if I can call this a movie since it’s short and primarily a clip show. Out of its 45-minute runtime, I’d say about 30 minutes is original footage, and the rest is stock footage. Admittedly, the wraparound segments are well-made and have excellent production value, adding a Christmas-like feel to the experience. The film has a cozy feel with the Christmas tree, colorful lights, and other assorted decorations. As far as the cast goes, the four players do a decent job, though Tom Fitzpatrick is the standout. With a look inspired by Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, he’s having fun with the role. The three central actresses are easy on the eyes and have some fun banter with each other. As a whole, the main story is at least well put together and decently acted.

    As for the rest of the movie, there’s not much more to say since it’s mostly stock footage. We get footage from the Puppet Master series, the Demonic Toys movies, the Subspecies franchise, and many more. Admittedly, seeing all this footage made me want to watch those movies instead, but that might’ve been intentional. This feels like a celebration/advertisement of Full Moon’s properties while promoting a new line of merch. The miniature figures the girls unbox seem like figurines that Full Moon could be selling online soon. I should probably be more upset that this is a glorified clip show/advertisement, but I can’t be mad. At 45 minutes, it didn’t take too much of my time, it didn’t look cheap, and the acting was fine. Overall, The 12 Slays of Christmas isn’t terrible, but if you want a Full Moon movie for Christmas, watch Trancers.

     

    Watch The 12 Slays of Christmas on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dbKKKx.

    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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  • Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

    Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

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    In 2006, James Cameron announced that he’d want to make sequels to Avatar if it was a hit. Fortunately, the movie grossed over $2 billion worldwide, breaking the record for the highest-grossing film set by Cameron’s Titanic. The film earned nine Oscar nominations and won three for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. With this overwhelming success, Cameron confirmed a sequel was in the works in 2010 with a 2014 release in mind. However, like the original, the first of many sequels would take longer than expected, with filming starting in 2017. With a budget of $350–460 million, the film is one of the most expensive ever made, surpassing Avengers: Infinity War. After three years of filming, the movie was scheduled for a late 2020 release, only to be delayed eight times. Years after the original, Avatar: The Way of Water hit theaters in December 2022.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Years have gone by, and human-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is raising a family with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). Their children include Neteyam (James Flatters), Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), and Kiri (Sigourney Weaver). Unfortunately, their peace is interrupted when the RDA returns full force to mine Pandora for its resources. Among them are a group of avatars with memories of dead marines led by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). After Quaritch captures a human boy named Spider (Jack Champion), who befriended the Na’vi, Jake and his family flee. They move to the eastern seaboard to take shelter with the Metkayina clan led by Chief Tonowari (Cliff Curtis). Despite objections from the other tribespeople and his wife, Ronal (Kate Winslet), Tonowari welcomes Sully’s family with open arms. As Jake’s family learns to adapt to their new home, Quaritch and his team are on the hunt.

     

    Review

    After more than a decade of waiting, how does the long-awaited sequel to the initial blockbuster stand up? If you enjoyed Avatar, you’d enjoy Avatar: The Way of Water since it’s the same movie, for better or worse. Like its predecessor, the film is visually stunning and impressive on a technical level, only to stumble narratively. This film’s most significant innovation was being able to film motion capture underwater, which had never been done before. Despite the difficulties this presented for the crew, it’s undoubtedly impressive, and Cameron deserves credit for his ambition. Still, all these innovations mean very little if the story and characters aren’t exciting, which is the case here. This one hits similar beats as the original: humans invade Pandora, Quaritch leads the invasion, and Sully defends the people. Granted, there are some slight changes, but it’s more or less the same movie.

    While Jake Sully and Neytiri were at the forefront of the first film, the sequel focuses on their kids. Aside from having 73-year-old Sigourney Weaver playing one of the kids, they all do a fine job. I found Lo’ak, played by Britain Dalton, to be the most interesting with his subplot of feeling like an outcast. Like the last film, Stephen Lang is the biggest highlight, though he doesn’t have the same impact since he’s CGI. Part of what makes it so hard to feel for the characters since they’re almost all digital creations. Say what you will about the original, but that at least had a good mix of human and digital characters. With an over three-hour runtime, it culminates in a final battle that’s not as exciting and has obvious sequel-baiting. Overall, Avatar: The Way of Water is all style but no substance, more so than its predecessor.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “Avatar: The Way of Water” playing in theaters starting December 16th![/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    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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  • Play Dead (1983)

    Play Dead (1983)

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    One of the most popular horror subgenres of the 1970s was the animal attack genre, which started with 1971’s Willard. The decade brought us Frogs, Killer Bees, Jaws, Grizzly, Kingdom of the Spiders, and Piranha, amongst others. An off-shoot of this subgenre was movies centered around domesticated animals running amok, most prominently dogs. After The Omen, a wave of killer dog movies filled movie theaters, including Dogs, The Pack, and Dracula’s Dog. The United Construction Company decided to produce its own film in Texas to capitalize on this trend. They hired Peter Wittman, whose only credit was co-writing and producing Skullduggery, to direct the movie. Filming began in 1981, with Yvonne De Carlo, best known for her role on The Munsters, as the lead. After premiering in Britain in 1983 and West Germany in 1985, Troma released Play Dead to the US in 1986.

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    Synopsis

    Audrey (Stephanie Dunnam) and her brother Stephen (David Ellzey) attend their mother’s funeral when Aunt Hesther (Yvonne De Carlo) arrives. While everyone’s mourning, Hesther is scornful because her sister stole her boyfriend, married him, and killed herself after he died. After the funeral, Stephen urges Hesther to make things right with Audrey, so she gifts her a rottweiler named Greta. However, it turns out that this dog is part of Hesther’s plan to get revenge on her late sister. Using some Satanic black magic, Hesther possesses the dog and commands her to kill anyone she feels has wronged her. Each of the murders is staged as an accident, which puzzles Detective Otis (Glenn Kezer) as he investigates the deaths. After her brother and her boyfriend Jeff (David Cullinane) wind up dead, Otis suspects that Audrey might be responsible. Little does he know that a demon dog is on the loose.

     

    Review

    Despite the ridiculous premise, Play Dead is one of the more competently made and decently acted films of its kind. While not all that scary or intense, the movie offers plenty of camp and bizarre moments. The biggest thing this has going for it is Yvonne De Carlo as Hester, the vindictive aunt seeking her revenge. De Carlo commits to the role even if this isn’t on par with something like The Ten Commandments. She comes off as menacing while adding some dark humor through her dry delivery and occasionally chews the scenery. Stephanie Dunnam makes for a sympathetic lead, and Glenn Kezer shines as the straight man trying to solve this case. Also, the dog who plays Greta is incredibly well-trained and comes off as both lovable and vicious. All-in-all, the acting ranges from pretty good to decent, though most of the supporting cast is forgettable.

    Considering this was Peter Wittman’s first time as director, he does a surprisingly good job behind the camera. At barely under 90 minutes, the film goes by reasonably quickly, though some slow moments drag the movie down. The kills are relatively tame, though they’re fun in a goofy way just for how absurd they are. There are a few sequences where Wittman uses slow motion to heighten the mood, and they do a decent job. Interestingly, the art director was Robert Burns, whose biggest claim to fame was The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. His other credits include serving as art director on The Hills Have Eyes, Tourist Trap, Disco Godfather, and Re-Animator. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a lost classic, but it’s worth checking out for cult fans. Overall, Play Dead has some decent performances and is reasonably well-made, but don’t expect something mindblowing.

     

    Buy Play Dead from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jex0qC.

    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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  • Avatar (2009)

    Avatar (2009)

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    In 1994, James Cameron wrote a treatment for a science-fiction film inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs and H. Rider Haggard. Cameron initially announced filming would begin shortly after the massive blockbuster Titanic for a planned 1999 release. However, Cameron felt that the technology at the time couldn’t realize his vision, so he put the project on hold. He started preparing the project between 2005-2007, but Fox was weary due to Titanic going over budget and behind schedule. Fox told Cameron they were dropping the project in 2006, at which point Cameron took it to Disney. Not wanting Disney to take over, Fox agreed to take on the project with Ingenious Media providing funding. With a budget of $237 million, principal photography began in April 2007, followed by two years of post-production. After years of delays and development, James Cameron’s Avatar finally hit theaters in December 2009.

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    Synopsis

    In 2154, all of Earth’s natural resources have run dry, so the Resources Development Administration (RDA) turn elsewhere. They’ve set up operations on the planet Pandora, home of the Na’vi, to mine a valuable mineral called Unobtainium. To try and make peace with the Na’vi, Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) has developed the Avatar Project. Essentially, a person’s consciousness is placed in human/Na’vi hybrids, allowing them to explore Pandora without needing a breathing mask. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic marine, is assigned his deceased brother’s Avatar, much to Dr. Augustine’s chagrin. Jake manages to make peace with the Na’vi, which prompts Colonel Miles Quaritch (Steven Lang) to make a deal. The government will restore Jake’s legs in exchange for any information about the Na’vi and their home. After meeting and falling in love with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Jake questions his allegiance to the RDA.

     

    Review

    From a technical perspective, Avatar is groundbreaking, especially regarding motion capture technology and being able to create realistic textures. Probably the film’s most significant innovation was being able to capture facial expressions to bring characters to life. These new techniques help make these giant blue humanoid creatures seem real, like you could interact with them. Visually, the movie looks impressive, with the world of Pandora fully realized with its lush greenery and unique creature designs. James Cameron does a great job making the world feel alive, and his direction is on point. There’s also the fantastic score by the late James Horner, which helps add to the film’s massive scope. This kind of movie is best enjoyed on a giant screen with the best sound system available. Unfortunately, for all its innovations and technological enhancements, the film’s story and characters suffer the most.

    As many reviewers before me have mentioned, this story has been done in films like Dances With Wolves or Pocahontas. Granted, there’s nothing wrong with telling a similar story if you do something different with it, but this one doesn’t. It doesn’t help that the acting ranges from decent to flat, though there are some stand-outs. Stephen Lang steals the show as the hardened marine, and Sigourney Weaver has some fun moments as the cynical doctor. Zoe Saldana, CCH Pounder, and Wes Studi all do fantastic jobs utilizing motion capture technology to give great performances. Sadly, the significant outlier is Sam Worthington, who weirdly became a prominent name despite having little to no charisma. Thankfully, Michelle Rodriguez, Joel David Moore, and Giovanni Ribisi provide enough charm to compensate. Overall, Avatar deserves credit for its advances in filmmaking technology, but it suffers from a derivative story and lackluster characters.

     

    Buy Avatar from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BAfAuV.

    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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  • Psychos in Love (1987)

    Psychos in Love (1987)

    [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=”4.19.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Growing up in Waterbury, Connecticut, Gorman Bechard became interested in writing after reading Breakfast of Champions and In Watermelon Sugar. After attending a college class on Alfred Hitchcock, Bechard started learning how to shoot using 16mm film. In 1983, he made his first feature film, Disconnected, on a $40,000 budget, which received mixed reviews. He raised the money with fellow Waterbury resident Carmine Capobianco, who had a small part in the film. For their next film, Bechard and Capobianco decided to make a horror-comedy inspired by Woody Allen and The Marx Brothers. On a $75,000 budget, Capobianco co-wrote, starred, and made the music for the film, while Bechard co-wrote, produced, and directed. The film gained much attention when it was screened at the Bleecker Street Cinema, including Charles Band. After acquiring the rights, Band released Psychos in Love under his Wizard Video label in 1987.

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    Synopsis

    Joe (Carmine Capobianco) is a strip-club owner who happens to kill women in between serving drinks at the club. While working the bar, Joe meets Kate (Debi Thibeault), a manicurist who also kills men at random. The two fall madly in love as they each continue their murderous ways, though they’re usually separated when they’re killing. Joe tries bringing women back so he and Kate can kill them together, but it doesn’t quite work. After killing many people, the two start to wonder if they should continue being psycho-killers or retire. Realizing they enjoy each other more, Joe and Kate decide to end their murderous ways and be a happy couple. Unfortunately, a plumber named Herman (Frank Stewart), a killer who eats his victims, tries to blackmail the couple. Will they cave in and work with Herman, or will these psychos in love stand up to him?

     

    Review

    Even by Charles Band’s standards, Psychos in Love is one of the oddest movies from his library. It’s a gory, violent slasher film that’s also a screwball comedy with romantic elements similar to Annie Hall. As bizarre as the movie is, its weird nature almost makes it work despite how disjointed it is. You can tell this was made for very little money, from the reused locations to the cheap effects. Also, the acting isn’t the greatest, with many actors making stuff up on the fly with no rhyme or reason. Plus, the film has an odd Casio keyboard soundtrack that starts to grate on you after a while. Yet, these technical shortcomings give the film a charming, homebrew quality, like you’re watching something some friends made. There’s a lot of heart that was put into this movie, unlike most big-budget Hollywood pictures.

    While not the best actors, Carmine Capobianco and Debi Thibeault work well together and have great chemistry. They genuinely feel like they love each other, and you start rooting for them despite them being serial killers. Also, Frank Stewart is odd as the murderous plumber who randomly shows up only to become relevant near the end. Even with a low budget, the gore effects are decent, and Bechard manages to inject some style into the production. Admittedly, the film doesn’t have much plot and is more of a series of random events. The movie mainly relies on slapstick, but a few gags work, especially whenever grapes are mentioned. At 83 minutes, the film drags slightly, and the ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but it’s worth seeing at least once. Overall, Psychos in Love isn’t the most excellent horror comedy, but it’s one of the strangest.

     

    Buy Psychos in Love from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4khlIfA.

    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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  • Mad Dog Morgan (1976)

    Mad Dog Morgan (1976)

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    In 1974, Australian author Margaret Carnegie wrote Morgan: The Bold Bushranger about the life of notorious outlaw Daniel Morgan. Around this time, documentary filmmaker Phillipe Mora wanted to move into narrative filmmaking and chose to adapt Carnegie’s book. After writing the screenplay, Mora acquired a budget of $400,000 from the Australian Film Commission and some private investors. Mora and producer Jeremy Thomas wanted to hire Stacey Keach, but they ultimately went with Dennis Hopper. Hopper had been blacklisted from Hollywood due to his drug and alcohol abuse, so he took whatever jobs he could. Despite a rough shoot, the film was finished and released in Australia and the US in 1976. Due to copyright technicalities, various low-budget companies were able to license the film for home video, including Troma. After releasing heavily edited versions on VHS and DVD, Troma released Mad Dog Morgan uncut in 2009.

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    Synopsis

    In 1850s Australia, Irishman Daniel Morgan (Dennis Hopper) is looking to strike rich during a gold rush. Failing that, he turns to a life of crime, only to be arrested and sentenced to serve a six-year sentence. After being brutalized and raped in prison, Morgan emerges a broken man and becomes an outlaw looking to plunder. With his aboriginal accomplice Billy (David Gulpilil), Morgan tears through the Australian countryside and becomes a local legend. Meanwhile, Superintendent Cobham (Frank Thring) enlists Detective Manwaring (Jack Thompson) to track down Morgan and bring him to justice. As tensions mount, Morgan’s legendary status continues to grow as more and more people talk about his exploits. However, it’s only a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up to him. While his grip on reality continues to slip, Daniel “Mad Dog” Morgan continues his rampage in pursuit of fortune.

     

    Review

    Mad Dog Morgan is one of the most beautiful, brutal, and mind-bending movies I’ve ever seen in quite some time. For such a small budget, what Phillipe Mora and his crew accomplished is spectacular, especially given the filming conditions. Much of the film was shot in the eastern Riverina and northeast Victoria to give it some authenticity. With cinematographer Mike Molloy, Mora takes full advantage of the locations and stages some beautiful landscape shots. Contrasting with these gorgeous long shots are scenes of brutal violence that, while not overly graphic, are disturbing. From the Chinese camp early on being burned to the final standoff with Morgan, there are some memorable set pieces. It reminds me of how Heaven’s Gate had gruesome violence set against beautiful landscapes on a fraction of the budget. Thankfully, the shoot of this film was nowhere near as problematic as Michael Cimino’s infamous flop.

    While the rest of the cast does a great job, Dennis Hopper is on a whole other level. Hopper gives one of his best performances as Daniel Morgan, who goes from innocent everyman to a crazed outlaw. Granted, it’s not the most historically accurate depiction of Morgan, but his performance is impressive. His right-hand man, David Gulpilil, has excellent chemistry with Hopper and helps balance out the insanity. Jack Thompson also delivers as the stern police detective hellbent on either capturing or killing Morgan. It’s worth noting that a pre-Mad Max Hugh Keays-Byrne and a pre-Road Warrior Bruce Spence have minor roles. My only main gripe is that, despite its hour and 42-minute runtime, it can sometimes feel slow and disjointed. Despite that, Mad Dog Morgan is an underrated Australian Western that will stick with you long after the movie ends.

     

    Buy Mad Dog Morgan from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V3PMyk.

    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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