Facebook

FilmNerd

Blog

  • Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

    Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Towards the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service, writer Mark Millar, and director Matthew Vaughn said a sequel might happen. Thankfully, the film grossed over $400 million worldwide on a budget of $81 million and received unanimous praise. Following the success, Fox announced that a sequel was in development, but it was unclear if Vaughn would be directing. However, in June 2015, Vaughn announced that he’d be returning to write and direct the sequel. There were concerns about Taron Egerton returning since he signed on to star in Robin Hood, which caused scheduling conflicts. Luckily, Lionsgate agreed to film after Egerton wrapped the Kingsman sequel and principal photography started in May 2016. Much of the original cast returned, alongside series newcomers Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Pedro Pascal. Three years after the original, Kingsman: The Golden Circle hit theaters in September 2017.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”75″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Following the first film, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is now a full-fledged Kingsman living with his girlfriend Tilde (Hanna Alström). Unfortunately, after an attack by rejected Kingsman Charlie Hesketh (Edward Holcroft), The Kingsman headquarters and several agents are destroyed. The person responsible for the Kingsman’s destruction is Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), a drug kingpin based in Cambodia. Her ultimate plan is to poison people who’ve been using her drugs and holding the world ransom. Eggsy and Merlin (Mark Strong) discover The Statesman, the American counterpart to The Kingsman, and ask for their help. They meet with agents Champagne (Jeff Bridges), Tequila (Channing Tatum), Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), and Ginger Ale (Halle Berry). While at Statesman headquarters, Eggsy and Merlin discover that Harry Hart (Colin Firth) survived his fatal wound. With several of their loved ones dying, Eggsy must get everyone together to save the world once again.

     

    Review

    As far as sequels go, Kingsman: The Golden Circle continues what worked in the first film, for better or worse. It doubles down on what made the original work but lacks the first film’s spark. While the first film had several over-the-top action sequences, it still took time to give the audience breathing room. Here, there’s an action sequence almost every five minutes, and it gets chaotic and distracting after a while. The action is well-choreographed and well-edited, but they happen in such quick succession that it gets tiresome. Also, there are so many new characters introduced that it can be hard to keep track of them all. Still, the further worldbuilding is exciting, and it helps show that the Kingsman goes further than just a tailor shop. Admittedly, the nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime makes it feel much more overwhelming.

    Still, plenty of aspects elevates the film from a decent sequel to a solid action film. For one, the cast all do a terrific job, both the returning actors and the newcomers to the series. Taron Egerton has fully evolved into a gentleman spy while still retaining his streetwise persona. Mark Strong gets a much more significant role, and having Colin Firth’s character start over is fascinating. While not as memorable as Samuel L. Jackson in the original, Julianne Moore makes a quirky yet sociopathic villain. The other American actors, particularly Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry, and Pedro Pascal, are good despite lacking screentime. Also, even though his part is an extended cameo, Elton John is hilarious and has a decent action sequence. Overall, Kingsman: The Golden Circle doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor, but it’s still a decent watch.

     

    Buy Kingsman: The Golden Circle from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qhNCO1.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

    Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    While sharing some drinks at a bar, writer Mark Millar and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn discussed spy films. They felt that the current spy films took themselves too seriously and wanted a more fun, old-school spy thriller. In 2012, the comic book The Secret Service, written by Millar and David Gibbons, was released and spanned six issues. Vaughn opted out of doing X-Men: Days of Future Past to direct Millar and Gibbons’ comic adaptation. They hired major talents like Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, and several newcomers for the cast. One of those newcomers was a relatively-unknown Taron Egerton, who had just graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Filming commenced in late 2013 on reportedly 1/3 of the $200 million budget of Skyfall. After premiering at the Butt-Numb-A-Thon Festival in 2014, Kingsman: The Secret Service hit theaters worldwide in early 2015.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton) is a juvenile delinquent living in an English slum with his mother, Michelle (Samantha Womack). Unbeknownst to him, his father was a special agent who worked for a secret agency called The Kingsman. After being arrested for grand theft auto, Eggsy is released from prison and meets fellow Kingsman Harry Hart (Colin Firth). Due to a recent opening in the organization, Hart takes Eggsy on as a potential candidate to become an agent. Meanwhile, Internet celebrity Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) recruits influential figures to join his new world order. Valentine plans to wipe out the world’s human population by giving out free SIM cards that trigger people’s violent tendencies. Unfortunately, Eggsy fails his training, and Valentine takes Hart out of commission, but with few options, The Kingsman recruits Eggsy. Will Valentine succeed in his plan, or will The Kingsman save the world?

     

    Review

    Kingsman: The Secret Service skirts the line between being a parody and taking itself seriously as a spy thriller. It plays with the genre’s familiar tropes in a way that’s less mocking and more paying tribute. It’s somewhat similar to movies like Young Frankenstein, where they poke fun at the genre conventions in a loving way. Outside of that, this film works as a fun, energetic, and high-octane thrill ride that never lets up. There are so many action sequences that are well-staged, well-edited, and somewhat gruesome at times without being gratuitous. A few standouts include the massacre at the church and the scene where Eggsy infiltrates Valentine’s compound. As frantic as the action sequences are, the film takes time to develop the characters further and give breathing room. It helps that the writing is clever, and the actors give each character their own unique quirks.

    Colin Firth is perfect casting as the archetypal gentleman spy with his dry delivery and sarcastic humor. He has fantastic chemistry with Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy with the right combination of attitude and sincerity. Michael Caine and Mark Strong are excellent in their supporting roles, and Samuel L. Jackson makes for an enjoyable villain. Sofia Boutella is also memorable as Jackson’s right hand, playing a robust, sexy character similar to Oddjob or Jaws. Sophie Cookson and Edward Holcroft do a good job, but unfortunately, neither character gets fully developed. Also, Mark Hamill is another standout in the small but pivotal role of Professor James Arnold. Admittedly, the film takes a while to get going, spending most of its time world-building, but it still delivers. Overall, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a fun and exciting action film perfect for old-school spy fans and newcomers.

     

    Buy Kingsman: The Secret Service from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qgBBbt

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • The Island (1980)

    The Island (1980)

    [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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    After the success of Jaws, author Peter Benchley’s work was in high demand, and studios wanted to adapt his work. In 1976, Columbia Pictures and producer Peter Guber bought the film rights to Benchley’s novel The Deep before publication. Benchley wrote the initial screenplay, which Tracy Keenan Wynn and Tom Mankiewicz later rewrote. Off the success of 1968’s Bullit, the studio hired Peter Yates to direct with a $9 million budget. The Deep was released in July 1977 and was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. With two back-to-back hits, producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown purchased Benchley’s novel The Island for $2.15 million. Universal hired Michael Ritchie, known for the 1976 comedy The Bad News Bears, to direct on a $22 million budget. After a somewhat rough production period, The Island hit the big screen in June 1980.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Blair Maynard (Michael Caine) learns about boats mysteriously disappearing into the Bermuda Triangle and wants to investigate despite some objections. He takes his estranged son Justin (Jeffrey Frank) to Florida, promising a trip to Disney World, and they go fishing. Unfortunately, a group of people invades their boat, getting kidnapped and brought to an unknown island. It turns a group of French pirates has been living on the island isolated from society for centuries. Their leader is the villainous John David Nau (David Warner), who decides to take Justin under his wing. Meanwhile, they force Blair to impregnate Beth (Angela Punch McGregor) since the pirates believe he’s a descendant of Robert Maynard. As time goes on, Justin starts accepting Nau’s indoctrination while Blair becomes increasingly desperate to find a way of escaping. Will Nau succeed in turning Justin to his side, or will Blair rise and save the day?

     

    Review

    Around this time, Michael Caine was in films solely for money, including The Swarm, Dressed to Kill, and The Hand. Even still, Caine refuses to talk about The Island, and it’s easy to see why given the final product. On paper, The Island is a movie that sounds like it would be an entertaining, somewhat hard-edged, swashbuckling adventure. Instead, what we get is a two-hour-long slog where nothing happens for a vast majority of its runtime. For one, Caine lacks any on-screen charisma, only showing one facial expression of contempt that never changes. While most of the pirates look appropriately dirty and ragged, David Warner is surprisingly normal-looking and feels out of place. You can tell that these two highly-respected actors try to make the most of the weak material. Unfortunately, even they can’t salvage this mess of a movie, though it does have its positives.

    For one, the production design is certainly unique, with all the various huts made from sticks and other assorted junk. Plus, Michael Ritchie’s direction does help showcase how lived-in and grimy this community of pirates is. There are some fun moments, particularly towards the end where Caine mows down several pirates with a machine gun. However, one of the film’s most significant flaws is the tone, where it can’t decide between being dark or fun. For instance, there’s a scene where the pirates kill the crew of a coastguard ship, and the music feels off. Composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, the score makes it feel like we should be cheering instead of being scared. It’s a shame the film turned out like this because it could’ve been some long-lost gem worth rediscovering. Overall, The Island is a wasted opportunity that’s best recommended for curious onlookers.

     

    Buy The Island from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ppuxqz.

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

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Where to watch The Island (1980)

    data-api-key=”LMVDLdLSH5ZJnQ4FMGMgyJCB8cmGbfCV” data-object-type=”Movie” data-title=”The Island” data-year=”1980″ data-theme=”light”>

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

    Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    My review of Spider-Man: Far From Home mentioned that sequel plans existed before Spider-Man: Homecoming. Unfortunately, plans stalled when Disney wanted to expand their deal with Sony, but neither could agree on the terms. Because of this, Sony announced that Spider-Man would no longer be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which upset fans. Thankfully, Tom Holland met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman and convinced them to renegotiate. With the business handled, filming on the third installment started in October 2020, with the original cast and crew returning. Soon, reports began surfacing that many characters from previous Spider-Man movies would be returning, including Doc Ock and Electro. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the film’s release was delayed from July to November to December 2021. With tons of hype built up, Spider-Man: No Way Home finally hit theaters on December 17, 2021.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”90″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.14.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    After his secret identity is revealed, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) has his life turned upside down. He’s labeled a murderer by conspiracy theorist J. Jonah Jamieson (J.K. Simmons), and people keep hounding him. After his friend Ned (Jacob Batolon) and girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) are rejected from MIT, Peter decides to try something extreme. He visits Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and asks if there’s a way that he can make everyone forget his secret. Strange starts performing an incantation to erase the world’s memory, but Parker has second thoughts and accidentally ruins the spell. While trying to appeal to the dean of MIT, Peter gets attacked by Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina). It turns out that people from alternative dimensions who have ties to someone named Peter Parker have entered our world. Peter and his friends have to round up any other villains who’ve arrived, but they’ll need some help.

     

    Review

    After being hyped for several months, I’m happy to report that Spider-Man: No Way Home lives up to its expectations. First off, this is easily Tom Holland’s best performance as Spider-Man since debuting in Captain America: Civil War. While he still acts like the kid he did before, there are some emotional moments where his character grows. You feel just how the weight of his actions and what’s happened in previous movies has affected him. Jacob Batalon and Zendaya are given more to do, and their characters feel more fleshed out than before. Benedict Cumberbatch works great off of Holland as the voice of reason who gets more annoyed as Peter screws up. The action sequences are well-staged and exciting to watch, especially how they incorporate each of the villains. Additionally, each of the villains gets their moment to shine and doesn’t feel like unnecessary additions.

    My only major gripe with this film, which I’ve had with other MCU movies, is the lack of consistent tone. While most of the jokes land, there are times where they’ll ruin an otherwise dramatic moment with some awkward humor. Admittedly, the use of characters from older Spider-Man films might come off as fan service, which is understandable. Thankfully, the fan service doesn’t feel forced or like it’s added in to appeal to the hardcore fans. Unlike some of the fan service featured in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, it’s handled much more respectfully here. While the movie is long at roughly two and a half hours, it never feels boring or stretched out. Issues aside, this is still another excellent MCU movie that opens up tons of possibilities for future installments. Overall, Spider-Man: No Way Home is easily the best MCU movie of 2021.

     

    Buy tickets to Spider-Man: No Way Home from Fandango: https://fandan.co/3dEKJRD.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • All the Love You Cannes! (2002)

    All the Love You Cannes! (2002)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    In 1938, French Minister of National Education Jean Zay got the idea to start an international film festival. This decision was mainly due to the Venice Film Festival’s bias towards fascism and the Nazi regime at the time. With support from the US and England, Zay chose the city of Cannes to host this new festival. Unfortunately, 1939 was when the Nazis invaded France, and it seemed that the festival was no more. Thankfully, the festival relaunched in 1946, and the Cannes International Film Festival was born on September 20, 1946. In 1959, the Marché du Film (Film Market) was founded for studios to buy and sell to foreign markets. Since Troma’s birth in the early 1970s, Lloyd Kaufman and his team have traveled to Cannes to promote their movies. To show their fans what the festival is like, Troma produced the 2002 documentary All The Love You Cannes!

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In 2001, Lloyd Kaufman and his team visited the Cannes Film Festival to try and promote their films. In particular, they were looking to drive up hype for Terror Firmer and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV. While filming the goings-on at Cannes, Lloyd provides advice and insight for those who want to attend and save money. Since the major studios spend millions of dollars promoting their movies, Troma has to go above and beyond for attention. For example, the team put on parades where they make tons of noise, hand out leaflets, and frolic half-naked. Unfortunately, the Troma team runs afoul of the hotel security and local police because of their shenanigans. Most of the blame is laid at Doug Sakmann, who’s shown getting drunk and getting himself into tons of trouble. Also, a small dog from Warner Bros. tries to start some beef with Troma.

     

    Review

    All The Love You Cannes! is an entertaining and insightful look at Cannes and the studio system in general. Much like the making-of documentaries they’ve made, this one also shows how chaotic working for Troma can be. The documentary shows the struggles Troma has to go through to get people to notice them. We’re shown the 40+ staff sleeping in an apartment made for four people, getting into drunken fights, and hassling cops. We also see some internal trouble from the Troma team, including some Tromettes being sexually harassed by locals. As mentioned above, Doug Sakmann is given most of the blame since he’s the one charged with running things. It doesn’t help that he performs stunts like stumbling around spewing blood and running outside in a Kabukiman costume. It’s the kind of pure insanity you’d expect from Troma.

    Something is endearing about these renegades going up against the bigwigs as chaotic as everything is. Troma has always been a champion of independent cinema, and they feel that the big corporations have taken over. In addition to providing sound advice, Lloyd also shows how pure showmanship can win people over to your side. Admittedly, there are times where things get so chaotic that it’s hard to follow along with what’s happening. Plus, there’s not much information about Cannes’ history, which would’ve helped add further context to the narrative being presented. Even though the documentary is almost twenty years old, many of the topics discussed are still relevant today. Also, given some of the recent things Lloyd has said about Cannes, it might’ve gotten even worse. Overall, All The Love You Cannes! is one of the most eye-opening documentaries that any aspiring filmmaker can watch.

     

    Buy All The Love You Cannes! from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s7Lxa4.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • The Gingerdead Man (2005)

    The Gingerdead Man (2005)

    [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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]William Butler started working at Empire Pictures doing make-up effects on films like From Beyond and Ghoulies II. He also had parts in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Spellcaster, and Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III. Wanting to do more, Butler would submit writing ideas to various studios, but nothing came of them. One idea he had revolved around a killer gingerbread cookie, which he presented to Mad TV, but they said no. Butler decided to take his concept to Full Moon Features, which by the early 2000s was not in good shape. Charles Band liked his ideas, but he wanted to take Butler’s script and rewrite it to be made more affordable. Charlie handed the rewrite to Domonic Muir, who also wrote Critters and worked with him for a few years. After a scrapped 2001 teaser, The Gingerdead Man hit video store shelves in late November 2005.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    It’s been two years since Sarah Leigh (Robin Sydney) watched Millard Findlemeyer (Gary Busey) kill her dad and brother. For his crimes, Findlemeyer is taken to the electric chair and vows revenge on Sarah even in death. With her alcoholic mother Betty (Margaret Blye), Sarah runs a bakery and pastry shop that’s on its last legs. One day, a stranger delivers a container full of gingerbread seasoning containing Findlemeyer’s ashes since his body was cremated. Unfortunately, Sarah’s co-worker Brick Fields (Jonathan Chase) gets cut, and some of his blood drips into the seasoning. After the dough’s finished mixing, Sarah makes a giant gingerbread man and cooks it in the oven, which comes alive. The gingerbread man becomes Findlemeyer and stalks Sarah, Amos (Ryan Locke), and Lorna (Alexia Aleman) throughout the bakery. Which of our heroes will survive, and who will fall victim to The Gingerdead Man?

     

    Review

    The Gingerdead Man is one of those movies that you’ll love or hate depending on your taste. The movie isn’t sweeping the Oscars, but it doesn’t need to aspire for anything more. Admittedly, this movie is a drastic drop in quality from Full Moon’s peak in the early to mid-90s. Their movies back then were undoubtedly low budget, but they made the most of the budgets they had. However, this has the trappings of direct-to-video movies from the mid-2000s, including one location, low-grade quality, and shoddy digital effects. The acting is pretty shoddy, though Robin Sydney easily shines as the female lead who steps up to the challenge. Of course, the big draw is Gary Busey, who is surprisingly low-key in his on-screen appearances. When he voices the Gingerdead Man, you can tell he’s having fun spouting some ridiculous lines. Though, I would’ve appreciated it if he was on-screen more.

    The movie does have some similarities to Child’s Play, but that one at least explained things better. In that film, we were shown how the killer used voodoo to become the doll, and it made sense. Here, it’s not made clear exactly how the whole ritual of bringing the killer back as a gingerbread man works. Granted, this isn’t meant to be a serious horror film, but this leaves more questions than answers. The Gingerdead Man puppet itself looks fine for their budget, especially considering the original Pillsbury Doughboyesque design. There are some reasonably bloody kills sprinkled in, but none are particularly memorable or inventive. At roughly 70 minutes, this movie gets in and out very quickly and won’t take too much of your time. Overall, The Gingerdead Man is a movie where its concept is more entertaining than the movie itself. That said, you could certainly do worse.

     

    Buy The Gingerdead Man 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.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Where to watch The Gingerdead Man (2005)

    data-api-key=”LMVDLdLSH5ZJnQ4FMGMgyJCB8cmGbfCV” data-object-type=”Movie” data-title=”The Gingerdead Man” data-year=”2005″ data-theme=”light”>

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • All Monsters Attack (1969)

    All Monsters Attack (1969)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    While Destroy All Monsters was meant to be the last film in the series, Toho decided to continue forward. Around this time, rival studio Daiei Film was successful with their Gamera series of monster movies directed towards children. In response, Toho tried to target their films more towards a younger audience, such as with Son of Godzilla. Even then, Toho chose to lean further into appealing to kids by having their next entry centered around child characters. Ishiro Honda returned to direct this entry, which would play at the Toho Champion Festival, a program of children’s content. Unfortunately, the filmmakers resorted to stock footage from previous entries like Ebirah, Horror of the Deep due to budgetary constraints. Also, long-time special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya was in failing health, so Honda had to direct those sequences. In 1969, All Monsters Attack, also known as Godzilla’s Revenge, rampaged into theaters worldwide.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”40″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Young Ichiro Miki (Tomonori Yazaki) isn’t living in the best of circumstances, especially when his parents are away at work. On top of that, a group of schoolchildren led by Sanko Gabara (Junichi Ito) constantly bully him after school. To escape from his struggles, Ichiro dreams about being on Monster Island with Godzilla’s son Minilla (‘Little Man’ Machan). While on Monster Island, Ichiro and Minilla watch Godzilla fight off Ebirah, Kumonga, and three Kamacuras all at once. Meanwhile, bank robbers Sembayashi (Sachio Sakai) and Okuda (Kazuo Suzuki) are running from the law and end up kidnapping Ichiro. Back in the dreams, Ichiro’s bully manifests as a giant monster called Gabara, who attacks him and Minilla. Godzilla tries teaching Minilla to defend himself against Gabara, much like how Ichiro has to stand up to his bullies. In the end, our real-life bullies might be the actual kaiju.

     

    Review

    Most Godzilla fans say All Monsters Attack is the worst Showa era film, and it’s easy to see why. While the series never had the most incredible special effects, they could make the most out of very little. The fact that they had to use stock footage from previous entries shows how far they’ve gone downhill. It doesn’t help either that the original monster fights we get are not exciting and involve no city destruction. Once again, Minilla is obnoxious with his loud donkey noises, his exaggerated movements, and his weirdly high-pitched voice. I watched the original version, so I didn’t have to listen to whatever voice he had in the American dub. Thus far, Gabara is one of the weaker monsters than Godzilla’s other rivals, though he has his moments. Anytime he uses his electrocution abilities to shock Minilla, it’s pretty funny.

    Supposedly, this was one of Ishiro Honda’s favorite entries, which is hard to believe given his thoughts on previous entries. Considering that he liked mixing serious issues into a monster movie, it’s weird that he’d willingly make something so goofy. Here, it seems he wanted to throw in a message about the importance of family and standing up for yourself. I can see what Honda was going for, but I don’t think the execution worked quite as well. I will say that for a kid’s movie made in the 1960s, it’s not as condescending as many others. Still, I can’t help but feel like this was a major stepdown compared to the dark and grim 1954 Godzilla. Thankfully, the film only clocks in at roughly 70 minutes, but it will feel like the longest 70 minutes ever. Overall, there are worse kaiju films, but All Monsters Attack still isn’t good.

     

    Buy All Monsters Attack on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EZzNt9.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Carnal Monsters (2021)

    Carnal Monsters (2021)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Since the mid-2000s, Joe Cash has worked in special effects and stuntwork in big-budget films. He was a special effects assistant on the 2010 Wolfman, Underworld: Awakening, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Joe also performed stunts on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, World War Z, and Thor: The Dark World. Unfortunately, Cash was out of work with many major movie studios shutting down due to COVID-19. In the meantime, Joe set up Screaming Screening Productions, a low-budget company devoted to making B-movies. He got some work at Troma Entertainment directing segments for the anthologies Grindsploitation 9 and Grindsploitation 10: Milkin’ It. After filming the documentary Gorenography, Cash decided to make his first feature-length film on a small budget of £500. Despite some technical difficulties requiring them to discard 50% of footage, Carnal Monsters was released in late 2021.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”20″ bar_bg_color=”#E02B20″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    At the Tromaville Nuclear Research Center, Dr. Dilf (Ian Sen) consults with nurses Spanks (Alexxa Vice) and Meow (Laura Barker). Suddenly, a series of explosions force them to evacuate, but unfortunately, they die in a fiery car crash. Six months later, a group of five friends is enjoying their time together across the countryside. They play with beach balls, wander through the woods, have a sitdown, and talk about their lives. While walking past the remains of the research center, they find two girls who seem to be unconscious. The group takes them inside to treat their wounds, but the girls start going mad when they wake up. Before long, the group is picked off one-by-one by a group of masked assailants who the nuclear explosions have corrupted. Who will survive the incoming onslaught, and who will be the carnal monsters’ next victim?

     

    Review

    Before going any further, I’d like to thank Screaming Screening for sending me a screener copy of Carnal Monsters. They reached out and asked me to review this film for them and be as honest as possible. That said, this is by far one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen, and I’m not being hyperbolic. I want to be nice because this was made with no money by people making a silly movie. If all you’re looking for is copious amounts of nudity, crude jokes, and cheap gore, this is for you. While I enjoy these things as much as anyone else, that doesn’t make or break a movie. Here, it feels like these compensate for the film’s lack of a cohesive story and interesting characters. Even if it’s just brainless entertainment, you need a decent narrative to hold everything together.

    This thing is a pathetic excuse for a feature film even by Troma standards, and that’s saying a lot. Not only does it have a threadbare plot and no characterization, but it’s also a mess on a technical level. The audio is so bad that I had to turn down the volume whenever the sound would get blown out. Plus, there are several instances where they resort to using shaky-cam, making it even harder to watch. The movie also commits one of the biggest sins in cinema: never reference a better movie during your crappy movie. They use the theme music from Class of Nuke ‘Em High, add stock footage from Citizen Toxie, and even reference Frankenstein. Honestly, I can’t even recommend this as a so-bad-it’s-good movie because I’m sure this was made to be bad. Overall, Carnal Monsters is pure trash and not even fun trash.

     

    Follow Screaming Screening on all of their socials: https://linktr.ee/screamingscreening

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Pig (2021)

    Pig (2021)

    [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=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    While attending Yale University, aspiring filmmaker Michael Sarnoski wrote a screenplay with fellow Yale student Vanessa Block. At the time, Sarnoski wanted to explore themes of grief and loss after losing his father at a young age. He centered the script around this image of an older man and a pig living in the woods all alone. Sarnoski presented the script to WME, who suggested Nicolas Cage for the lead role after giving it a readthrough. Cage loved the writing and agreed to star, and through that, they cast Alex Wolff to star opposite him. With the cast in place, they began shooting in Portland, Oregon, in September of 2019 for roughly 20 days. Neon, the distributor for Ingrid Goes West, I, Tonya, and Parasite, picked up the film for distribution in March 2020. Finally, on July 16, 2021, Michael Sarnoski’s Pig hit the big screen in the US.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”90″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Rob Feld (Nicolas Cage) is a hermit living in the woods outside of Portland with his pig and hunting truffles. He sells the truffles to Amir (Alex Wolff), who supplies ingredients to high-end restaurants and is Feld’s only outside contact. One night, a group of people break into Feld’s cabin, knock him out, and kidnap his pig. Feld asks Amir for help, and he points him to drug addicts Bree (Julia Bray) and Scratch (Elijah Ungvary). Unfortunately, the couple sold the pig, so Rob and Amir head to downtown Portland to find where the pig is. After chasing down various leads, it turns out that Amir’s father, Darius (Adam Arkin), was responsible for kidnapping the pig. Darius offers to pay Rob $25,000 to leave the pig, but he refuses and ends his partnership with Amir. Rob must do whatever it takes to get his pig back with nothing to lose.

     

    Review

    From how I described the movie, this sounds like it could be a John Wick-style action movie with Nic Cage. However, Pig is nothing like that, which will be good or bad depending on your expectations. Instead, this is an intense, character-driven drama that deals with loss, death, isolation, friendship, and finding hope. Even at roughly 90 minutes, this is a slow burn where not much happens, and it’s more dialogue-driven. It helps that the film has a beautiful cast delivering this well-written dialogue to help keep your attention. Nicolas Cage is in top form as a lowly hermit trying to live out his days with his beloved pig. Alex Wolff works perfectly off Cage as the young and inexperienced Amir dealing with family issues. Though he’s not in the film much, Adam Arkin stands out as Darius, both intense and grieving.

    While the rest of the cast does a good job, Nicolas Cage is easily the most substantial presence here. Admittedly, this comes at the price of the rest of the cast not given much material to work with. On the one hand, it’s better to have one fully-developed character than several characters you have to keep track of. However, it’s hard to care about the other characters when only one gets any backstory or character development. That said, the direction is wonderfully moody, and there’s a foreboding sense of dread throughout. Even when there’s no dialogue, you can feel the sadness and remorse on the actors just by looking at them. Most would probably dismiss this as a pretentious vehicle for Nicolas Cage, but they’d be missing out on something special. Overall, Pig is a wonderfully melancholy character study with an incredible lead that sticks with you after watching it.

     

    Buy Pig from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cXukY1.

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

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Where to watch Pig (2021)

    data-api-key=”LMVDLdLSH5ZJnQ4FMGMgyJCB8cmGbfCV” data-object-type=”Movie” data-title=”Pig” data-year=”2021″ data-theme=”light”>

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Monster in the Closet (1986)

    Monster in the Closet (1986)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    As kids, we were fearful of monsters lurking in our bedrooms, whether under the bed or in the closet. We realize just how dumb this fear is as we get older, eventually getting over it. In 2001, Pixar tried showing us what the monsters living in our closets were doing when we weren’t sleeping. That movie was Monsters, Inc., and it showed us that not all monsters are nasty. However, years before Sully and Mike Wazowski warmed our hearts, writer/director Bob Dahlin tapped into that fear. Dahlin started the industry with the 1973 short film Norman Nurdelpick’s Suspension: A Tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. After that, he worked as an assistant director on movies like Damien: Omen II, And Justice For All, and Popeye. In 1983, Dahlin directed his only feature film, Monster In The Closet, though it wouldn’t see a release until 1986.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”50″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    In a quiet college town near San Francisco, a series of murders has the townsfolk in hysterics. Obituary writer Richard Clark (Donald Grant) is assigned to report on the recent deaths and figure out what’s happening. He meets local science teacher Diane Bennett (Denise DuBarry) and her intelligent son nicknamed ‘Professor’ (Paul Walker). Soon enough, they discover what’s responsible for the murders: a hideous monster (Kevin Peter Hall) who lives in people’s closets. Local eccentric Dr. Pennyworth (Henry Gibson) tries reasoning with the beast and gets clawed to death. General Turnbull (Donald Moffat) and his forces try to destroy the monster, but none of their weapons are successful. With seemingly no options left, our heroes have to fend for themselves against the closet-dwelling monster. But is the monster murderous, or is he misunderstood and possibly looking for love?

     

    Review

    Monster in the Closet is one of those movies whose idea is more entertaining than the movie itself. This movie isn’t what I’d call a lost Troma classic, but that’s not to say it’s all terrible. The filmmakers wanted to make a spoof of 50s monster movies, though not many jokes land. It doesn’t help either that there are several dead spots, and it takes a while for things to get going. A few gags were pretty funny, particularly a montage of people from all over the world trashing their closets. Another memorable one involves the love interest Diane in a trance whenever Richard’s glasses fall off. One thing that makes this film stand out is the cast of notable character actors, which is staggering. You’ve got appearances from Henry Gibson, Claude Akins, Stella Stevens, Howard Duff, Donald Moffat, Paul Dooley, and John Carradine.

    Another positive I can give this movie is the titular monster, which has a uniquely goofy design. Not only is its mouth constantly open, but it lets out a scream that repeats every time it’s on-screen. It even has a more petite mouth inside of its mouth, similar to the Xenomorph from Alien. I also like how there’s no explanation for what the monster is or where it came from. As I said before, tons of filler scenes drag the movie down until the monster shows up. It’s very similar to 1982’s Nightbeast, though that at least made up for it with tons of blood and gore. I’d recommend the former between the two, though this would still make for a fun bad movie night. Overall, Monster in the Closet doesn’t entirely deliver on the laughs and scares, but it has its moments.

     

    Rent Monster in the Closet on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3D92tyw

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]