Movies I Watched in December 2021

Date: 12/1/2021
Viewed: Blu-Ray
Re-watch

Note: I remember watching Dead of Night on TV as a kid in the mid-late 1990s, and I've been meaning to watch it again for quite some time. I had to purchase the Blu-ray because it wasn't available on any streaming services. Dead of Night is a great classic film, and I'm glad I rewatched it. When you watch the film, you can see how it influenced the original Twilight Zone. Dead of Night is a well-made and well-acted film with a compelling series of stories.

There are no dull moments in this film because it is well-paced and the stories are well told. My favorite story in the film is the story about the ventriloquist's dummy because it is the most memorable. The ghost story is also one of my favorites because it is based on an H. G. Wells short story. In this story, I liked how eerie the atmosphere was. After directing the ghost story in this film, Charles Crichton went on to direct A Fish Called Wanda (1988), which is an interesting fact to learn after seeing this film. Dead of Night is a horror film, but it doesn't take itself too seriously by injecting humor into the mix to lighten the mood. The comedy works, and there are a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. I have nothing else to say about Dead of Night other than it's a good movie.

Overall, Dead of Night is a solid classic film that you should watch.

Date: 12/3/2021
Viewed: HBO Max
First viewing

Note: I'd been wanting to see this film for a while now and finally decided to do so because I didn't have anything else planned for a Friday night. I'm glad I saw it because it was excellent. In my opinion, Irma Vep is a fantastic film. I enjoy films about filmmaking, such as Ed Wood (1994), Terror Firmer (1999), and Shadow of the Vampire (2000), so this film was right up my alley. Irma Vep has an imaginative story about someone attempting to remake Les Vampires (1915). You get to see what goes on behind the scenes of a film's production, as well as what can go wrong.

The film is beautifully shot, thanks to Éric Gautier's (Into the Wild) superb cinematography. I enjoy Irma Vep's atmosphere because it is soothing. It's the kind of movie you can watch after a long day at work to relax and unwind. I enjoyed the Paris setting because it made you feel as if you were in the city with these characters. Everyone in this film felt like they were playing real people, which contributed to the excellent acting. I couldn't tell whether Maggie Cheung (Police Story) was acting or just being herself on camera. Maggie Cheung in black leather is also enough to make this film worth seeing as well ;). My favorite part of the story in this film is seeing the filmmakers' and actors' creative differences clash. When working on the film, you get to see how a project comes to life. I don't know what else to say about Irma Vep except that it's fantastic.

Overall, Irma Vep is a wonderful film that I strongly advise you to see.

Date: 12/7/2021
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First viewing

Note: When Night Watch was first released back in the 2000s, I remember hearing about it and wanting to see it. Better late than never, I finally watched it and enjoyed it. In my opinion, Night Watch is a fun stylish Russian action film. The film is packed with nonstop, well-choreographed action sequences. This film has a very dark and atmospheric vibe to it, which I like. Night Watch is unmistakably a product of its era, and I don't consider that to be a bad thing. With a gun welding trench coat protagonist, it's easy to tell that Night Watch was inspired by the Blade movies, The Matrix movies, Versus (2000), Underworld (2003), and the Devil May Cry video game franchise. This film made me nostalgic for a time when films like this were commonplace.

The story isn't particularly original, but I enjoy it for what it is. You've got a fun and intriguing story about people hunting vampires in Russia and a supernatural war that's been going on for a millennium. I'm a sucker for tales of people battling monsters that exist in modern-day urban society. It was exactly what I was looking for in an action horror film. I like how Night Watch isn't too serious and has some bizarre moments that make you wonder "What the hell was that?".

Night Watch has some pacing issues, as it begins to lose steam in the final act. The action scenes begin to feel repetitive and drag near the end of the film. For a film with such a simple plot about vampires and witches, there are far too many details that are left unanswered or underdeveloped. The film makes a valiant attempt to establish mythology by making things a little complicated. While the majority of the special effects are quite good, the CGI is shockingly bad. The CGI was weak even back in 2004. I would have given this film a higher rating if it had a better script and a slightly shorter run time.

Overall, Night Watch is a fun action film that I wouldn't mind seeing again soon. If you like action horror films, I recommend checking it out.

Date: 12/9/2021
Viewed: Tubi
First viewing

Note: After being so busy with schoolwork, I finally have some free time to watch movies again. I chose to watch a Pam Grier movie that I had never seen before. The Arrow Video Blu-ray is no longer available, but I was able to watch it for free on Tubi (as of 12/9/2021). In my opinion, Black Mana, White Mama is a solid film. It's a movie that many people overlook. People dismiss this film as just another grindhouse film when it actually has a lot more to offer. Pam Grier (Coffy) and Margaret Markov (The Sterile Cuckoo), who play two criminals trying to escape alive, have great chemistry on screen. I really enjoy watching these two characters interact with one another, and you can tell they have a strong bond. The strong performances between the two actresses help to convey their bond.

You also have a memorable performance from Sid Haig (House of 1000 Corpses). Black Mama, White Mama has a lot of entertaining action sequences that make it worth watching. There's a lot of fascinating subtexts in Black Mama, White Mama that gets overlooked. This is a film that embraces femininity. It demonstrates what two powerful women can accomplish when battling a group of dangerous men. In addition, the film contains themes of racism and war. These themes are used by Eddie Romero (the director) to express current events in the Philippines during the 1970s. Black Mama, White Mama was released in the aftermath of the 1970 First Quarter Storm. The villains in the film are most likely representing the Philippine government. Except for some lines of dialogue that haven't aged well, I have nothing negative to say about this film.

Overall, Black Mama, White Mama is an underappreciated gem from the 1970s that deserves to be seen.

Date: 12/10/2021
Viewed: Shudder
First viewing

Note: This film was recommended to me by people who said it seemed like it would be my type of movie. I decided to watch it on Shudder, and they weren't entirely wrong. Fried Barry is exactly the kind of strange nonsense that I enjoy. This film is like a crack-addled offspring of Xtro (1982) and Bad Boy Bubby (1993). It took me a while to warm up to the film, but once the main character was abducted by aliens, the plot really took off. Dark humor, over-the-top violence, surrealism, and bright neon colors abound in this film, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a crazy-ass horror movie.

I was really intrigued about what was going on when the main character kept on getting himself into strange situations. Due to the bizarre nature of the story, there are many hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. Gary Green's performance as the main character was flawless, with him displaying bizarre facial expressions for the majority of the movie. I also enjoy the film's synth-wave soundtrack. It was extremely fun to listen to. I'm not going to say much else about this movie because I strongly advise you to watch it without knowing anything about it. However, Fried Barry is a surreal movie with a dark sense of humor, so this film will not appeal to everyone.

Overall, I enjoyed watching Fried Barry, and I am looking forward to owning it on Blu-ray. If you enjoy dark and wacky films, I strongly advise you to watch it.

Date: 12/12/2021
Viewed: Youtube
First viewing

Note: I've never heard of this film before, but I decided to check it out because it received positive user reviews on Letterboxd. I'm glad I came across it because it's excellent. In my opinion, Attack the Gas Station is a great comedy. I like how the film has wild and crazy punk energy. It gives the movie a stylish and extravagant feel to it. I also like the vibe that this film has because it's very late 1990s, complete with out-of-style clothing and hairstyles.

The film's best feature was the cast of hilarious and memorable characters. I adore the gang members and how each one has their own distinct personality. Attack the Gas Station is utterly hysterical. There were several amusing moments that made me laugh out loud. I appreciate how inventive the story was in combining multiple sub-plots. It took some time for me to adjust, but it was still well done. The music in this film is excellent, and the opening song is particularly memorable. After the movie was over, I found myself wanting to listen to the soundtrack.

The social commentary on capitalism is another highlight of this film. By pointing out the flaws in neocolonialism, the film does an excellent job of mocking American consumerism. According to my research after watching the film, the film deals with the financial crisis that South Korea faced in the late 1990s. Many people were enraged at the time because there were so many car jobs that people were being laid off from. The gangsters represent the rage that many people felt at the time. There is no Region 1 Blu-ray release as of 2021, and I'm hoping that someone like Arrow Video will pick up the rights. This film deserves to be seen by more people.

Overall, Attack the Gas Station is a lot of fun to watch, and I highly recommend it.

Date: 12/12/2021
Viewed: Tubi
First viewing

Note: Back in 1999, I remember seeing VHS copies of The Killer Eye at Suncoast and other retail outlets and thinking how cool the cover was. I figured I had nothing to lose because I enjoy David DeCoteau's films, and it was only 73 minutes long. It was not worth the 22+ year wait. The Killer Eye is not a good film, but it's hardly the worst film that I had to sit through. Given Full Moon's track record after the mid-1990s, I went into this film expecting it to be bad. When I know a film is going to be bad, it's difficult for me to dislike it. Not to mention, I always like to give things a chance.

The Killer Eye begins by attempting to be an homage to a number of 1950s sci-fi horror B movies. The film isn't too serious about itself, and it recognizes that it has a silly plot. The Killer Eye in the film isn't great, but it's not awful either. I give the special effects crew credit for attempting to work within the constraints of their budget. The most serious flaw in this film is its boredom. For a film with such a short running time, not much happens.

The Killer Eye primarily observes people having sex and then employs its tentacles in erotic ways. It's almost as if I'm watching a low-budget live-action hentai film rather than a silly B movie about a killer eyeball. This film didn't need these borderline pornographic scenes because they don't have any purpose to the narrative. None of the characters are interesting, and the acting is poor, even for a low-budget film. Taking plot elements from Humanoids from the Deep (1980) and From Beyond (1986), the story decides to go completely off the walls. When they started introducing the alternate universe plot line, the story became far too convoluted for its own good. On the plus side, I now have to remove it from my watchlist, and I doubt I will ever watch it again.

Overall, The Killer Eye is a bad movie that I do not recommend. There are better B movies to watch, including some from Full Moon.

Date: 12/13/2021
Viewed: Blu-Ray (Red Box Rental)
First viewing

Note: Despite that, I'm getting tired of the MCU films, I decided to watch Shang-Chi because it looked interesting. Not to mention, Tony Leung Chiu-wai (Happy Together), who is one of my favorite actors, appears in the film. I went into this movie with an open mind and thought it was okay. Shang Chi has excellent visuals and solid acting, but the story is only average at best. I didn't really care about what was going on and everything felt super predictable like most MCU films are. After nearly 15 years of watching the MCU, I'm sure you have a good idea of what is going to happen next in the story. When I watch these Marvel films, I get the impression that they are on autopilot. There's never any big risk when I watched Shang-Chi because I know that the cast is going to be back for more films. I was like "Yeah whatever" when the end credit scenes happen.

Having said that, I don't think Shang-Chi is a bad film. The action sequences are enjoyable, and I particularly enjoyed the fight scene on the bus. It's also great to see more Asian representation in Hollywood, and I'm glad they were able to create interesting characters that aren't stereotypes. You have good acting and great special effects, just like the other MCU movies. I appreciate how they try to differentiate Tony Leung's character from the other MCU villains. They try to make him feel more complex and down to Earth than someone like Thanos in my opinion. It was also cool to see Yuen Wah (Enter the Dragon) in the film.

Overall, Shang-Chi is a decent film that I recommend to anyone who is interested.

Date: 12/14/2021
Viewed: IMDB TV
First viewing

Note: I've always wanted to see this movie because I like the cover art, and I remember seeing DVD copies of it during Blockbuster's final years in the late 2000s. I decided to watch it because it is now available on IMDB TV (As of 12/14/2021). Unfortunately, the film wasn't very good. The cover art for The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon is far superior to the actual film. The biggest problem with this film is that it moves at a slow pace and the characters are uninteresting. The film's monster (Quetzalcoatl) does not appear until 50 minutes into the film, and you don't see much of it after that. Quetzalcoatl has a cool design, but it's a shame they squandered it on a poor movie.

The plot is bland, combining plot elements from the Indiana Jones films (1981-2008), The Mummy (1999), and Apocalypto (2006). The only actors in the film who try to put effort into their performances are Shannen Doherty (Heathers) and Duncan Fraser (The Reflecting Skin), while everyone else feels like they are on autopilot. Despite the fact that The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon is a bad film, it does have some redeeming qualities. It's well-shot, and the film's set designs are appealing. There are a decent number of practical blood and gore effects. Too bad, Quetzalcoatl was created using CGI rather than a real person in a rubber suit. For a Syfy channel original film, the CGI isn't terrible, but it's still not great. Quetzalcoatl looks like it was ripped straight from a PS3/360 video game cut scene at times, which makes it look out of place.

Overall, The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon is a mediocre film that I wouldn't recommend unless you're stuck inside on a rainy day with nothing else to do.

Date: 12/15/2021
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-watch

Note: I haven't seen this film since I was 16 in high school, and I just received the Blu-ray today in the mail. I'm glad I got a chance to watch it again because Evil Dead Trap is an awesome horror movie. Despite the name, this film has nothing to do with Sam Raimi's Evil Dead films in case if you're wondering. The dutch camera angles, dark blue lighting, and Tomohiko Kira's (Chrono Cross) music give Evil Dead Trap a distinct feel.

I adore this film's atmosphere because it is so atmospheric. The film's atmospheric feel is helped by the dark color lighting and music. I miss the days when Japanese horror films, like this one and others from the 1980s such as Wicked City (1987), would use dark and blue-colored lighting. Unlike Battlefield Earth (2000), Toshiharu Ikeda (the director) knows how to use dutch angles in a way that doesn't give me a headache. The music of Tomohiko Kira is extremely catchy and memorable. I like how his music makes me think of Goblin's music from an Italian horror movie.

Another aspect of Evil Dead Trap that I enjoy is how the abandoned warehouse in the film has a haunted house feel to it, but instead of ghosts, there are killer traps. This film was doing death traps in films long before Cube (1997) and Saw (2004) did. There are numerous bloody and gory scenes that are extremely entertaining to watch. The practical special effects are fantastic and hold up extremely well. Without giving anything away, the film's final act is awesome and utterly bizarre. Evil Dead Trap is not a perfect film. I'm not a fan of the acting or some of the dialogue in the movie. The film also employs annoying jump scares and horror movie cliches (such as the car breaking down).

Overall, Evil Dead Trap is a great film that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Japanese horror movies.

Date: 12/16/2021
Viewed: DVD
First viewing

Note: I picked up Chain of Command on DVD for a dollar at my local Dollar Tree a while back, and it's been collecting dust ever since. I was looking for a way to pass the time, so I chose to watch this film. Michael Jai White has a special place in my heart for his role as Spawn back in the late 90s, and I believe he is an underappreciated actor. It's a pity that this film isn't any good. In my opinion, Chain of Command is a terrible action film. This film is tedious to watch from beginning to end. The plot is unoriginal and boring. There are no interesting or likable characters in this story. The entire movie has a cheap appearance and feels to it. PM Entertainment direct-to-video action films have better production values than this film does.

The acting is bad, and I feel sorry for Michael Jai White for being cast in this movie. Michael Jai White is just throwing away his talent when he is on-screen. The film is under 90 minutes long, but it moves at a snail's pace. The film's slow pacing gives it the feel of a three-hour film. I was on the verge of turning it off, but I was hoping for something good. Now I've thrown away 85 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.

Overall, Chain of Command is hot garbage, and I do not recommend it. Don't bother watching it on Tubi for free or purchasing it for $1.

Date: 12/17/2021
Viewed: HBO Max
Re-Watch

Note: I didn't feel like watching anything artsy or that required me to use my brain tonight. I was looking for a dumb movie to watch on HBO Max and came across this one in their streaming section. When I was a teenager in high school, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny was one of my favorite comedies, and I still remember seeing it with my cousin when it first came out in theaters. I was already a fan of the Tenacious D band before the film came out, and the film lived up to the hype. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is still, in my opinion, a hilarious movie 15 years later. By no means is this film perfect, but I can't help but laugh out loud every time I watch it. I enjoy the references and easter eggs to various heavy metal bands as someone who is a huge heavy metal fan.

The characters are enjoyable, and the music is awesome. Every song in this movie is memorable and enjoyable to listen to. Even after all these years, the songs are still stuck in my head. Actors like Tim Robbins, Amy Addams (Arrival), John C. Reilly (Boogies Nights), and Ned Bellamy play fun roles in the film. Who would have guessed this film would be a reunion of The Shawshank Redemption with both Tim Robbins and Ned Bellamy appearing in both films lol. I don't have anything else to say about this film except that some humor is pretty juvenile and the story is incredibly predictable.

Overall, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is a fun film that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys dumb comedies or heavy metal films.

Date: 12/20/2021
Viewed: Blu-ray
First viewing

Note: I'd heard awesome things about this film, and I'd had the Blu-ray on my shelf for a few months. I finally had the opportunity to watch it, and I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I had a good time watching Champagne and Bullets. But, in my opinion, the film did not live up to the hype. In comparison to other so-bad-it's-good action films like Action USA (1989) or Miami Connection (1987), it feels like a step back. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I watched this film, but I found the majority of it to be rather dull at times. There are times in the movie when it is boring to watch because there isn't much going on. Nothing would have changed if a few scenes had been cut. The pacing would have improved if the run time had been reduced by 10 minutes.

Champagne and Bullets is a lot of fun to watch once you get past the dull parts. The acting and dialogue are utterly ridiculous in every way. In my opinion, the film is on par with The Room (2003) in terms of acting and writing. For all the wrong reasons, Wings Hauser's (The Insider) performance was pure cinematic gold. Over-the-top action sequences and sleazy nudity abound in the film. When I'm watching this movie, I get the impression that I'm watching a late-night Cinemax porno.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the film's story about a devil cult, which is completely bizarre. There are a lot of unexpected moments in the film that you should see for yourself because spoilers will ruin the fun. Despite the fact that this film could have been better, I am glad I saw it. Maybe if I rewatch it in a better mood, I'll give it a higher rating.

Overall, Champagne and Bullets is a fun film that I recommend seeing with friends on a bad movie night.

Date: 12/21/2021
Viewed: Tubi TV
First viewing

Note: I decided to watch this film because the poster appealed to me and the plot sounded intriguing. I figured I'd check it out since it's currently streaming on Tubi (As of 12/21/2021). Not to mention that the film stars Lance Henriksen (the Alien franchise), who is one of my favorite actors. Unfortunately, this film isn't particularly entertaining. Boulevard isn't bad, but it's also not very good. With the perspective of a young woman fleeing her misogynist boyfriend while trapped in a cold and sleazy city, the film's premise had the potential to be good. The entire movie has the feel of a Hallmark Channel production if the Hallmark Channel produced an R-rated film.

I didn't like the characters, and none of the drama scenes were particularly engaging. You have a good cast, with Kari Wuhrer (Anaconda) and Rae Dawn Chong (The Color Purple) giving good performances. Even Lance Henriksen's role was cool. Everything else about this movie is so forgettable that I won't remember it by the end of the week. The sleazy atmosphere in Boulevard, however, was something I enjoyed. The film reminds me of exploitation films from the 1970s or 1980s, with the city feeling filthy and dangerous. Porn shops, hookers, and drug dealers can be found throughout the film's streets.

Overall, Boulevard is a mediocre film that I wouldn't recommend watching unless you're bored and need something to do on a rainy day.

Date: 12/22/2021
Viewed: Shudder
First viewing

Note: Despite being a lifelong horror movie fan, I had never heard of this film until it was released by Severin Films. I decided to watch it because it's currently available on Shudder (As of 12/22/2021). I'm glad I saw it because it was awesome. In my opinion, The Day of the Beast is a terrific and authentic film. I adore the film's overall tone. Thanks to Flavio Martnez Labiano's (Jungle Cruise) amazing cinematography, The Day of the Beast has a dark and gritty feel to it. When I watch this movie, I get the feeling that there is something supernatural going on in modern urban society. In the film, you can sense that the end is approaching.

I like how The Day of the Beast isn't too serious and has a good mix of comedy, horror, and drama. There are a few goofy moments in the film that make me laugh out loud. It's hilarious to watch people commit as many sins as they can in order to sell their soul to the devil while on acid. The characters are interesting, and the acting is excellent. The film is beautifully shot, and I wish I could have seen it in 4K UHD. I'm sure the film looks stunning in 4K UHD.

Overall, The Day of the Beast is an excellent film, and I hope to see more from Lex de la Iglesia in the near future. When you have the opportunity, make sure to watch this film.

Date: 12/23/2021
Viewed: Netflix
First viewing

Note: I only watched this movie because my family was watching it and I needed some background noise while wrapping presents. To be honest, writing a review for these types of films feels almost pointless because I'm not sure if I can say anything other than they're mediocre and forgettable. Aside from the good acting, Holidate is a forgettable Christmas film. It's only marginally better than a typical Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

During the entire film, I probably only laughed once. The rest of the film is littered with predictable writing and romantic movie clichés. Emma Roberts is the only noteworthy thing in this movie, and that's it. I wouldn't recommend this film unless you're looking for a way to pass the time.

Date: 12/23/2021
Viewed: In theaters
First viewing

Note: Warning SPOILERS:








Given how the third Matrix film ended, I was skeptical of a new Matrix film. Because I saw The Matrix in theaters as a kid in 1999, it has a special place in my heart. I'm still giving the movie the benefit of the doubt and hoping for the best. I just came back from seeing it in theaters and I actually liked it. In my opinion, The Matrix Resurrection is a good film. I understand why some people dislike this film; not everyone is into meta storytelling, and many people will overlook the Hollywood satire. It has a meta connection between fiction and reality, similar to Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994). The scenes with Neo and the therapist were particularly enjoyable because they seemed to reflect The Wachowskis' personal lives. When it comes to being a trans allegory, the film makes it obvious to people who aren't transgender.

It was great to see Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss return, but I wish we had seen the other actors reprises their roles as well. It felt strange not to see Hugo Weaving reprise his role as Agent Smith. However, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman 2021) did an excellent job as Morpheus. I was thrilled to see him succeed in his performance. I'm surprised that the Matrix Online video game from 15 years ago is canon to the film. It did catch me off guard by throwing lore from the Matrix Expanded Universe. Even though I enjoyed the movie, I had some issues with the plot. They did seem to rehash some scenes from the first film, to me. It reminds me of how Predators (2010) and Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens (2015) restyled old territory.

I hate how Trinity is able to use overpowering abilities because they are never explained. The new characters, in my opinion, were a little underwhelming. To be honest, I didn't find them particularly memorable. There are some aspects of the story that I wish were explained in greater depth. I wish they had talked more about the machine civil war that is supposed to occur after the third film. Having said that, The Matrix Resurrections was still enjoyable to watch. This film makes me want to watch the last two Matrix movies again.

Overall, The Matrix Resurrections is an entertaining sequel that I recommend seeing with an open mind. I'm looking forward to watching it again in the future.

Date: 12/24/2021
Viewed: IMDB TV
Re-Watch

Note: I hadn't seen this film since the early 2000s, and I was interested to see how well it had aged. When I was in Middle School, I used to love watching this movie, and I remember thinking it was hilarious. To be honest, I still somewhat like this film. Eight Crazy Nights isn't a particularly good film, but I don't believe it's the worst movie ever made as some critics claim.

There are numerous problems in this film, including juvenile humor and a story that is incredibly predictable. There are transphobic jokes and characters who are racist stereotypes. Nonetheless, I had a fun time watching this film. The film has a few funny moments that made me laugh out loud. For the most part, the animation is solid. It's not quite up to the standard of a Disney animated film, but it is nicely animated in my opinion. A few of the songs in the film are very enjoyable to listen to.

The film tries to give Davey (voiced by Adam Sandler) a character arc, but I don't believe the story is fleshed out enough for the audience to care about him. This film has the potential to be a dark comedy in the vein of Ralph Bakshi's work. Regrettably, the film's potential was not realized. This film could have been a good legitimate film if the script had been better.

Overall, Eight Crazy Nights is a dumb guilty pleasure that I only recommend if you're curious.

Date: 12/24/2021
Viewed: Criterion
Re-Watch

Note: I decided to watch one of my favorite French horror films on Christmas Eve. I've been eager to rewatch Inside, which I haven't seen since it was released on DVD. Inside is still a fantastic film. In my opinion, it's one of the most depressing Christmas movies. Inside is a dark, gruesome, and fast-paced horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I do not recommend watching this film if you are squeamish. This isn't a film for the faint of heart. I was still biting my nails almost 15 years later after watching the film again. It was terrifying to see a pregnant woman fighting for her life after a crazed murderer broke into her home. Being in the shoes of the main character and going through something like that is terrifying.

Inside is like watching a never-ending roller coaster of brutal violence. I admire how they managed to cram a film full of suspense, violence, and gore into an 82-minute movie. The film does not feel rushed or overstayed its welcome. Without giving anything away, there are a number of scenes in the movie that still make me gasp. I admire how the filmmakers can surprise the audience with violence and suspense when they are unaware of what is about to occur. The only thing I didn't like about this movie was some minor plot holes and that's about it.

Overall, Inside is a fantastic horror film, and I strongly advise you to see it.

Date: 12/25/2021
Viewed: Youtube
Re-Watch

Note: Marry Christmas everyone. I decided to begin my Christmas morning by watching a terrible Christmas film. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is a well-known bad movie that aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000 and was briefly spoofed on The Rugrats. I first saw this film on VHS when I was a kid, and I rented it from Blockbuster in the mid-1990s because the title alone sounded fantastic to a 5-year-old kid. In case you're curious, I decided not to watch the MST3K episode of this movie today. I like to play things fair by watching things in their original form.

In my opinion, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is a fun bad movie. I don't believe it is the worst film ever made, as many people claim. I'd rather watch this film than most of the bad films that Hollywood is releasing in theaters. Everything about this movie is so ridiculous that it's amazing they were able to get a film with such a ridiculous premise green lit. I enjoy laughing at the film's poor acting and special effects. Vincent Beck's (Vigilante) presence in this film is also fun to see. Everything about this film feels surreal. It wouldn't surprise me if the filmmakers were drunk or high when they made this movie. Because this movie is so well-known, I don't have anything else to say about it. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.

Overall, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is a stupid film that I recommend seeing with friends.

Date: 12/28/2021
Viewed: HBO Max
First Viewing

Note: I had recently heard good things about The Empty Man and was eager to see it. Before watching this film, I knew nothing about it except that it was based on a comic book and that the film had no marketing when it was released in theaters. I'm glad that I finally saw it because it was awesome. The Empty Man is a solid film in my opinion. My favorite aspect of this film is the atmosphere, as it is extremely atmospheric. Both Lustmord (First Reformed) and Christopher Young's (Hellraiser) music contribute significantly to the film's atmospheric tone. The film's sinister and eerie tone is palpable. This movie has a lot of scenes that give me the chills.

The production values are excellent, and the cinematography is visually stunning. I thought the story about an urban legend (most likely inspired by Slenderman) being linked to a deadly cult was fascinating. James Badge Dale (The Departed) and the other actors do a good job with their performances. I don't want to give anything away about the story because there are some really cool surprises in it. I recommend going into this film with no prior knowledge of it, as I did.

The run time was my least favorite aspect of The Empty Man.
The movie feels long (in a bad way), with some scenes that drag on and on. It makes me wonder if a TV miniseries would have worked instead, seeing that they try to fit so much into one film. Having said that, I'm glad I finally got around to seeing it. Given Fox/Disney's desire to forget about it, a home video release is unlikely anytime soon.

Overall, The Empty Man is an underappreciated gem and a comic book film adaptation that hardly gets made. If you have the opportunity, I recommend checking it out.

Date: 12/28/2021
Viewed: Amazon Prime Rental
First Viewing

Note: I wanted to see the sequel to A Quiet Place before the year was over. I missed out on seeing it when it first came out in theaters because I was preoccupied with other things going on in my life at the time. Despite having some issues with the script, I thought the first Quiet Place movie was a good film. In my opinion, A Quiet Place Part 2 is even better than the first film. I like how the film tells us what happened before the first film and what happened after the first film ended. After the alien invasion, you get to see how human civilization has fared. In order to survive, people are living in a survivors' camp. I enjoy it when a movie provides us with more world-building because it adds to the story. It's also cool that this time we get to see a lot more of the alien monsters.

A Quiet Place Part II succeeds in being as suspenseful and frightening as the previous film did in my opinion. There are several creepy moments in the film that make you wonder what will happen next. I like how they are able to push the violence for a PG-13 film, just like they did with the first. The acting is good, and I enjoyed seeing Djimon Hounsou (Deep Rising) in a leading role. I hope we will see a third movie soon because I want to see them wrap up the story.

Overall, A Quiet Place Part 2 is a solid sequel that is well worth seeing.

Date: 12/30/2021
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-Watch

Note: I decided to end the night by watching an 80s classic that I hadn't seen in a long time. The Toxic Avenger is still as amazing as I remember it being. The Toxic Avenger, like Robocop, Predator, The Terminator, Jason Voorhees, and other 80s movie pop culture icons, is a staple of the era. I like how the film satirizes and parodies the 1980s zeitgeist. The film mocks both the revenge film genre and American culture in the 1980s. The film does a good job of mocking how the bad crime rate was in the 1980s and demonstrating how ineffective the police force was. When it comes to fighting crime, it takes a mutant man in a tutu to get the job done lol. I also like how the film portrays environmental issues, such as New York City's failure to address its toxic waste problems. According to what I recall reading, New York City was known for being a filthy city that never exported all of its garbage and had waste transfer problems in the 1980s.

I also love this film because it is both hilarious and brutally violent. The Toxic Avenger contains a lot of lowbrow humor as well as gory violence that is over the top. It's satisfying to see The Toxic Avenger on-screen killing bad guys. The film recognizes that it is a bad film and never aspires to be anything else. It's a B movie with a lot of heart. The acting is terrible, and the film is full of stereotypical characters, but that's what makes it entertaining.

The special effects in this film have been criticized for being poor, but I believe they are fine for what they are. For a low-budget film, the bathroom transformation sequence is impressive. The ending was a little underwhelming, but there is a cool gory kill at the end that makes it worthwhile. The director of The Green Room (2016) is working on a remake, which will be out soon. Hopefully, it will be faithful to the original rather than an attempt to emulate the MCU.

Overall, The Toxic Avenger is a great film that I highly recommend.

Date: 12/31/2021
Viewed: DVD
First Viewing

Note: I finished 2021 with a film that I had been wanting to see for a long time (no pun intended). Because it's out of print and doesn't have a Blu-ray release (as of 12/31/2021), this film has been difficult to find. Fortunately, I was able to purchase a used DVD copy for $10 at my local used bookstore a few months ago. To be honest, I didn't enjoy this film as much as I had enjoyed Tsai Ming-liang's other films. What Time Is It There is a good movie, but it didn't do it for me. Maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind or had my expectations too high when I watched this film, but I couldn't get into it. I didn't connect with the characters, and the film moves at a glacial pace, even for a Tsai Ming-liang film. On today's televisions, the DVD looks like garbage, with the quality and sound almost resembling a Sega CD FMV video game. Someone needs to restore this film in high definition.

I almost don't want to give this film a rating because I feel like I've never really given it a chance. When I get a better copy of this film, I plan to rewatch it with a better mindset.