Movies I Watched in January 2022

Date: 1/1/2022
Viewed: Youtube
Re-watch

Note: I chose to begin 2022 by watching a New Year's horror film. I haven't seen this movie in probably 25 years, and I'm curious to see how well it holds up. New Year's Evil isn't the best slasher movie ever made, but it's still entertaining. At the very least, it wasn't as dull as Bloody New Year (1987) in my opinion. To be honest, the story and characters aren't particularly memorable. I could tell who the killer in this film was from a mile away.

The acting and direction aren't particularly good either. As the main villain, Grant Cramer (Killer Klowns from Outer Space) gives the best performance in the film. He does not take things too seriously and is actually having fun with the script. This film helped launch his career, and he went on to produce major feature films like Lone Survivor (2013) and Willy's Wonderland (2021). Despite its flaws, New Year's Evil is still not a bad film. The film has a spooky vibe to it, and the graphic kills are entertaining to watch. There is plenty of metal and punk rock songs in the film's soundtrack. They're a lot of fun to listen to.

Overall, New Year's Evil is a decent slasher film. If you're curious, I recommend it.

Date: 1/2/2022
Viewed: Tubi
First Viewing

Note: I hadn't heard of this film until about a year ago when I was looking for new films to add to my queue. I love the cover art for the film and the title sounds awesome. This film is fairly obscure, as it lacks a Wikipedia page. Very few people have seen it or given it a rating on IMDB or Letterboxd. It was recently released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, but I wanted to see it first before purchasing it. Thankfully, the movie is currently available to watch on Tubi (As of 1/2/2022). I can see why most people have forgotten about this film after watching it on Tubi. Although Transformations isn't a particularly good film, I enjoyed it for what it was.

This film has a strange vibe to it, which I like. The atmosphere is atmospheric and has eerily reminiscent of a 1950s B movie. This film feels like a mix of Forbidden World (1982), The Fly (1986), and maybe a bit of Star Wars when you're watching it. For a low-budget film, you have decent production values, with nice set designs and impressive makeup work. The premise of the protagonist gradually transforming into a space monster appeals to me, and the final transformation sequence is nicely done. You can tell that they spent the majority of its budget on the last act. It was intriguing to see a film that used grotesque transformations as a metaphor for AIDS. When the film was released in the 1980s, the AIDS Crisis was still a major issue.

Unfortunately, the rest of the movie isn't nearly as good. The story takes a while to get going, and the romance between the characters is lackluster. None of the characters were particularly interesting or memorable to me. There are few transformation sequences in the movie, and the dialogue is terrible. Except for Patrick Macnee's (This Is Spinal Tap) performance, none of the acting is very good. With that said, I'm glad I finally got around to watching this movie and didn't have to pay to do so. Unless I can find it for a ridiculously low price, I don't see myself owning this film.

Overall, Transformations is a mediocre film that I wouldn't recommend unless you're curious or need something to watch for a bad movie night with friends.

Date: 1/3/2022
Viewed: Hulu
First Viewing

Note: Centigrade seemed like the perfect film to watch on a snow day, as it had been snowing inside all day. I enjoy horror films about isolation because it is terrifying to be trapped and alone. Centrigrade is one of those movies that I really wanted to like but didn't. I find the entire film to be aggravating to watch because the protagonist (played by Vincent Piazza) is a complete jerk. I just wanted to slap the guy in the face for being a jerk to his wife every time. The majority of the film revolves around these two characters fighting over each other and refusing to leave. It almost felt like the movie was a complete waste of time. Instead of a 95-minute film, the entire story would have worked better as a short film. It could have helped with the film's pacing.

Centigrade, on the other hand, is still a well-made film. The film has a cold look and feel to it. When you watch this film, you can feel the cold, snowy weather. The cinematography is gorgeous, with numerous stunning shots. It's a shame that the rest of the movie is so disappointing. I only recommended Centigrade if you're bored on a rainy day.

Date: 1/6/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime (Rental)
First Viewing

Note: I've anticipated seeing this film for the past two years, ever since I first saw a trailer for it when I saw Underwater (2020) in theaters. Because of Covid, it was pushed back twice, and I missed out on seeing it on the big screen in October. After renting it digitally from Amazon Prime, I finally got to see this film. In my opinion, Antlers is a cool horror film. Normally, a film based on the Wendigo would be a low-budget Syfy channel production, but instead, we got a Hollywood mainstream horror film. Antlers is a well-made film with solid performances and excellent production values.

The film's dark atmosphere and eerie vibe appeal to me. Thanks to Florian Hoffmeister's (Johnny English Strikes Again) fantastic cinematography, everything feels very dark and bleak. I also enjoy the misty atmosphere of the film because it evokes the feeling of something evil lurking in the woods. In my opinion, the story does a good job of handling its dark and mature themes. I didn't think a film about a Wendigo would go into personal and deep topics such as trauma and child abuse. I really like how they were able to combine practical effects and CGI in such a creative way. The majority of the blood and gore in this film is created with practical effects, and it looks great. I enjoy how brutal this film can be when it comes to being violent and gory. Despite the fact that you can barely see the monster in this film, I thought it looked really cool. Some people thought the film was too slow, but I thought it moved at a good pace. It didn't feel excessively long or short.

While I enjoy the rest of the film, Antlers is not without its flaws. The bullies are super annoying, and I despise bullies in movies and TV shows because they are among my least favorite movie stereotypes. When I see these types of characters on screen, I get enraged. The teacher (played by Keri Russell) comes across as another typical teacher who is attempting to parent someone else's child. I think Scott Haze's (Minari) character was more interesting than the others with him being a drug dealer while taking care of his own two kids. I was still puzzled as to how the entire demonic body swap thing worked. Aside from that, I enjoyed this movie. I can't wait to get my hands on it on Blu-ray.

Overall, Antlers is a solid film that is well worth seeing.

Date: 1/6/2022
Viewed: Youtube
First Viewing

Note: I first learned about this film over a year ago when Red Letter Media mentioned it briefly.I always go into things with an open mind, even if I know it's going to be garbage. Rollergator turned out to be a lot worse than I had anticipated. I was hoping for a funny bad movie, but instead, I got a dull and irritating film. The entire movie experience was excruciatingly painful because it was so boring and unfunny.

There are some scenes of guerilla filmmaking that aren't particularly entertaining. You're watching scenes of people walking around in theme parks for far too long. For a film that lasts less than 90 minutes, the pacing is abysmal. For me, the first ten minutes of this movie felt like a half-hour. It's difficult to believe this was created by a professional who has worked on films with good production values such as Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988). Rollergator, however, felt like it could have been made by a 12-year-old with a home video camera or a first-year film student. Even Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1979), which was made by high school students, looks better than this film. I'm usually more generous when it comes to low-budget films, but even I have limits. Nothing about this film feels authentic.

The worst aspect of this film is how unfunny it is. Bad comedies can be the worst type of film because if you don't laugh while watching it, it feels awkward and a waste of time. This is a film that not even kids would enjoy. The Rollergator is by far is the most irritating character I've ever seen in a film. His voice irritated my ears to the point of bleeding. I wanted to strangle him every time I saw this character on screen talking. If you thought Mr. Whitey from Eight Crazy Nights (2002) was annoying, wait until you see the Rollergator. It's possible that I'm being too harsh on this film, but being a kid's movie isn't always a good excuse. Even if it's for babies, you sometimes have to put your foot down and realize that a film is still garbage.

Overall, Rollergator is one of the worst films ever made, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Not even RiffTrax can save this film.

Date: 1/7/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First Viewing

Note: I remember seeing VHS copies of this film at Blockbuster, Sam Goody, and other video stores in the late 1990s, but I never had the opportunity to watch it until today. This is the type of film that I would have loved as a kid when I saw it back in the day. I'm glad I watched it because it's not bad at all. In my opinion, Bugged is a decent film. It's one of the few Troma films with an entirely black cast, which makes it stand out on its own.

Although the characters are simple, I find them to be likable. The plot is nothing new, and you've probably seen it a million times before in other B sci-fi films. Even the "toxic drum falling off a truck" scene, which felt like a nod to The Toxic Avenger (one of Troma's well-known films), was included. Surprisingly, a few years after this film's release, Eight Legged Freaks (2002) featured a similar scene. For a low-budget film, the special effects are acceptable. I was impressed by how well-done the makeup was in this film. Although the bugs in this film are obviously puppets, I enjoy how charming they are. It was interesting that they took a cartoonish approach to their designs. It almost reminds me of something that Joe Dante would create for his films.

I was surprised at how tame this film was for a Troma production. It isn't nearly as obscene or violent as their previous works. The fact that they made a less violent film didn't bother me, but it was unexpected. The comedy in Bugged is the worst part of the film. The majority of the comedy are dumb tongue-in-cheek humor. I think I only laughed once or twice while watching this movie. While the acting isn't particularly good, the actors do their best with the material they have.

Overall, Bugged is an average film that I recommend if you're looking for something to watch on a rainy day.

Date: 1/7/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-watch

Note: I've been in the mood for a sleazy film lately, and Fritz the Cat seemed like a good choice. I haven't seen it in over a decade, and I recently purchased the Blu-ray from Kino Lorber's website. Even after 50 years, Fritz the Cat is still a great film. Although the film's dark humor, animation, and graphic content will not appeal to everyone, I enjoy it. Fritz the Cat was one of the first adult-oriented animated films, and it served as a major inspiration for adult animation in the future. Fritz the Cat has influenced the satire and mature themes for The Simpsons, South Park, and BoJack Horseman.

The movie is a time capsule of the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a focus on hippie culture. I adore the soundtrack from the 1970s and the hand-drawn animation. This era's animation has a unique charm that I can't get enough of. In my opinion, Fritz the Cat's animation truly captures the feeling of underground filmmaking. The animation has an authentic feel to it because of the watercolor paintings, which give it a stylized realism and surrealistic feel. It distinguishes the film from the other animated films on the market at the time.

I like the film's sleazy tone, which makes it feel filthy. Nudity, sex, and graphic violence make the film feel grungy. It perfectly captures the tone and mood of 1970s Grindhouse cinema. When the film begins to feel unfocused, as if it is turning into one big drug trip, I like how surreal it becomes. I like Fritz as the main character because he has a fun personality. Fritz is a self-assured and witty character. I like how the film features an anthropomorphic animal cast as if it were a spoof of Disney animated films. The entire movie has the vibe of "What if Disney had guts and made something naughty?". I like how the film's message about police brutality and fighting against bad governments is still relevant today.

Fritz the Cat is still not a perfect film. There are racial stereotypes, and not all the humor is funny. I never like the ending, and it would be interesting if they kept the darker ending they wanted. I'm still looking forward to seeing the sequel soon despite the mixed reviews for it.

Overall, Fritz the Cat is a solid classic, and I highly recommend it.

Date: 1/8/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray (Rental)
First Viewing

Note: I'd heard good things about Copshop, so I rented it from my local Redbox. I'm glad I watched it because it was enjoyable. In my opinion, Copshop is a solid film. The film has a dark, dirty, and edgy feel to it, which I enjoy. It took on a tone similar to Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017), recreating the atmosphere of a classic grindhouse film from the 1970s or 1980s.

The film starts slowly and takes its time to develop our main character in order to keep our attention. The story begins to pick up speed after almost half an hour has passed. There's a lot of gun action and suspense in this film to keep you entertained. You'll be surprised by a number of strange twists and turns that you won't see coming. All the performances in this film are excellent, but Toby Huss (Halloween 2018) as the main villain steals the show.

I'm not sure what else to say about Copshop except that it's a good film. If you get a chance, I recommend checking it out.

Date: 1/9/2022
Viewed: HBO Max
First Viewing

Note: After hearing good things about this film, I've been wanting to see it for the past 13 years. I decided to give it a try because it was available on HBO Max. I'm not sure what to think about this film after seeing it for the first time. Mr. Nobody is the type of film that I would enjoy, but it falls short for me. There are two versions of the film, and I chose to watch the theatrical cut on HBO Max. It seemed like a safer pick without me knowing anything about the film.

Mr. Nobody has a lot of elements that I really enjoy, such as the nonlinear narrative and the story's multiverse theme. However, it came across as a little sloppy at times. It was still difficult for me to keep track of what was going on. They seemed to have a lot of ideas that they had thrown together in one bag. Even reading the Wikipedia summary of the film still leaves me perplexed as to what exactly happened. The movie is over two hours long, and you can really feel it. Some scenes seem to go on forever.

The movie has incredible visuals that are truly breathtaking to watch. They still look great after more than a decade. This film was unexpectedly overlooked for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects at the 82nd Academy Awards. The acting is also good, with Jared Leto (Requiem for a Dream) delivering a solid performance.I intend to revisit this film with a new viewpoint and more time on my hands in the near future because I believe it merits a second viewing. Hopefully, the director's cut will improve the aspects of the film that I didn't like.

If you enjoy sci-fi films or nonlinear narrative storytelling, Mr. Nobody is still worth seeing.

Date: 1/10/2022
Viewed: IMDB TV
First Viewing

Note: I had never heard of this film before it was chosen for Film Club this week. I finally decided to watch it because it's currently streaming on IMDB TV (As of 1/10/2022). In my opinion, Don't Talk to Irene is a decent film. It isn't bad, but it isn't my cup of tea. I'm not the target audience for this film because I've never participated in cheerleading, and I'm not a teen. For what it is, I still admire the film.

It's a sweet and touching story about a young girl who aspires to be a cheerleader. Some jokes were quite amusing, but the rest of the humor was dull. The plot and characters are forgettable, and the film follows the same high school coming-of-age tropes that I've seen a million times before. The acting is good, and it was fun to see Geena Davis (The Fly 1986) and Bruce Gray (Starship Troopers) on screen together. I haven't seen Geena Davis in a movie in a very long time.

Having said that, if you're curious, I still recommend checking out Don't Talk to Irene.

Date: 1/10/2022
Viewed: 4K UHD
Re-watch

Note: I decided to rewatch the first film in the Scream franchise because the new one is coming out soon. Scream was a huge hit in the late 1990s, and it was a part of my childhood. Everyone I knew dressed up as Ghostface for Halloween or watched Scream. Heck, I still remember watching Scream for the first time when it came out on VHS. It helped reintroduce the slasher film genre to a new generation of horror fans. Even after 25 years, Scream is still a great film.

Scream's use of horror movie tropes and clichés to tell a fun story is still one of my favorite aspects of the film. They did a good job of making the film feel like it was set in our world by having characters be familiar with real-life horror films and their iconic story moments. In 4K UHD, the movie looks incredible. You can really see the full details now, and it makes Mark Irwin's (Videodrome) cinematography look even better than before. Scream also has a good cast of characters and Ghostface would become the most well-known horror movie character of the 1990s.

There's not much more I can say about this film that hasn't already been said. You should see Scream as soon as possible if you haven't already.

Date: 1/12/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-watch

Note: I haven't seen Cyber City Oedo 808 in a long time, and I recently received the Discotek Blu-ray as a Christmas present. So I decided that today would be a good day to rewatch it. Cyber City Oedo 808 is just as awesome as I remembered. This anime is excellent in every way. You have a fantastic cast of characters who are both memorable and awesome. I like how each of the three gang members has their own distinct personality. Sengoku is a complete badass who is both funny and arrogant.

The plot is essentially a cyberpunk version of Escape from New York (1981) with a dash of Blade Runder (1982) thrown in for good measure. There are also some elements of horror incorporated into it. Yoshiaki Kawajiri (the director) did an excellent job directing three episodes that are packed with action and compelling stories. The animation is also incredible, with beautiful shading and incredible attention to detail in the backgrounds. There's plenty of dark colorful lighting that is stunning to look at. I've always admired how Yoshiaki Kawajiri's anime, such as Wicked City (1987) and Ninja Scroll (1992), uses dark blue colors. His signature style is absolutely stunning, and I wish more anime today used the same color palettes as he did.

Both the Japanese and UK versions' soundtracks are awesome and entertaining to listen to. I adore Kazuhiko Toyama's (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII) score, but I can't help but prefer Rory McFarlane's UK score. I'm not a big fan of replacement music scores (as demonstrated by Funimation's DBZ dub), but this is one of the few times I prefer the replacement score to the original. Rory McFarlane's music blends in perfectly with the anime's tone.

The English dub is a bit of a mixed bag, with some decent voice work. Stuart Milligan (Wonder Woman 1984) did an excellent job as Sengoku's voice actor, perfectly capturing his cocky demeanor. However, some other voices are bad, and the dialogue is a little too goofy. Instead, I would suggest watching this anime with subtitles. If Cyber City Oedo 808 had more episodes, I would give it a higher rating. If it were a six or thirteen-episode series, this would easily be a 9/10 anime.

Overall, Cyber City Oedo 808 is a great anime that I highly recommend.

Date: 1/13/2022
Viewed: TubiTV
Re-watch

Note: I haven't seen this film since I first saw it on VHS when I was a kid, and it was most likely the first Ruggero Deodato film I saw before I knew who he was. When I first saw this film in the late 1990s, I mistook it for an Indiana Jones rip-off because of the title (I was dumb). I'm glad I watched it again because it's still awesome. The Raiders of Atlantis is an absolute delight to watch. The plot of this film is ridiculous and makes no sense, but that doesn't bother me. You will most likely injure your brain if you try to think too hard about the logic in this film. This is a film in which you must turn off your brain for 90 minutes and enjoy the craziness on screen. The action in Raiders of Atlantis is nonstop fun. In my opinion, there are no dull scenes in the entire film. The film delivers everything you'd expect from an Italian grindhouse film.

Raiders of Atlantis has a cool cast of characters, good production values, and a killer soundtrack by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (Torso). The music in this film is so memorable that I found myself listening to the soundtrack long after the film had ended. Action movie fans will also be pleased by the amount of bloodshed. Even though it isn't as brutal as Cannibal Holocaust (1980), you still get some awesome gory kills. Some set designs in this film have left me impressed because they seem to be quite good. With a mix of advance technology and ancient ruins, the Atlanteans lair looks cool.

Roberto D'Ettorre Piazzoli's (The Last Snows of Spring) cinematography is excellent, and the movie is well-shot. You've got some fantastic location shots of Miami, Florida, that make you feel like you're on the beach with these characters. Severin Films did an excellent job restoring this film in HD, as the picture quality and sound quality are both excellent. The acting is a mixed bag in my opinion. Some actors in the film do a poor job with their performances, others do a good job. Tony King (Shaft 1971) probably has the best performance in the entire film. The dub isn't great, either, with audio that doesn't always match the characters' mouths. It became grating at times when you could tell that things weren't always in sync. Other than that, I have nothing else bad to say about this film.

Overall, The Raiders of Atlantis is a solid action movie that you should watch.

Date: 1/14/2022
Viewed: Crackle
Re-watch

Note: I haven't seen this film since it first aired in 2005 on the Sci-Fi channel (now Syfy). I wanted to see if it still held up after all these years. Back in 2005, I thought it was awesome that they were filming a monster movie in my home city (Baltimore, MD). After watching it again on Crackle, I thought it was okay. Mosquito-Man isn't a bad film, but it's also not great. It's one of the better original Syfy Channel films, but that's not saying much.

Mosquito-Man reminds me of a cross between The Fly (1986) and CSI. You're basically watching a boring crime investigation drama when the monster isn't killing people. In my opinion, none of the characters are interesting or memorable. The acting and dialogue are also not very good. Corin Nemec (Drop Zone) and Musetta Vander (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) did their best with the material that they had.

On the plus side, Mosquito-Man still has some redeeming qualities. I like how they used a guy in the suit instead of a CGI monster. For a made-for-TV film, the suit is surprisingly good. The monster's suit design, in my opinion, is quite cool. I really like how they made the monster look unsettling. There are plenty of bloody kills and a large body count in the film, which will keep you entertained. I also enjoy the location shots of Baltimore because they accurately portray the city's appearance.

Overall, Mosquito-Man is an average film that I would only recommend to those who are curious.

Date: 1/15/2022
Viewed: DVD
First Viewing

Note: Since I was a kid in the late 1990s, I've wanted to watch Progeny. I remember seeing the VHS copies of this film on display at Blockbuster. For the longest time, the cover art reminded me of The Kindred (1987), and I assumed it was a creature feature film. This film's DVD is out of print and difficult to come by at a reasonable price. I had to import the region 2 DVD because it was less expensive, and my laptop is always set to region 2 when playing region 2 DVDs. After watching it for the first time, I thought it was okay. Progeny isn't Brian Yuzna's worst film, but it could have been better.

Progeny feels like a sci-fi version of Rosemary's Baby (1968) with both films being psychological horror films about pregnancy. I like how dark and suspenseful this film's tone is. It makes you wonder how Sherry's pregnancy (played by Jillian McWhirter) came to be. There are a lot of unsettling flashbacks of aliens torturing her. One scene in this movie feels like it could have come straight out of a hentai lol. Screaming Mad George's special effects are top-notch, and they've held up well over time. I admire his ability to make the film's gruesome scenes look so sickly and vile. It's a shame there aren't more special effects on screen.

Progeny does a pretty good job of dealing with paranoia about having a child who isn't even human. It's a little frightening to have something inside you that you don't want. Although the acting and dialogue aren't exactly Oscar-worthy, I think it's fine for what it is. Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy 1999), Jillian McWhirter (Havoc), Brad Dourif (Child's Play franchise), Lindsay Crouse (All the President’s Men), Wilford Brimley (John Carpenter's The Thing), and David Wells (Basic Instinct) have fun performances.

Unfortunately, Progeny did not live up to its potential. This could have been a great film if the focus had been on the aliens and not the pregnancy. The characters could have been fleshed out a little more, and the ending was underwhelming. After it was over, I was like, "Was that really it?". My guess is that they wanted the audience to speculate on whether Sherry was abducted and impregnated by aliens. However, they didn't do a good job of trying to make it up for interpretation. I also didn't like the alien designs in the film because they are clichéd and lack originality. They look like the aliens from Independence Day (1996), but they're a lot smaller and skinnier. Both Screaming Mad George and Brian Yuzna had me expecting something abstract and unique for the alien designs. Having said that, I'm still glad I watched it.

Overall, Progeny is an average film that I would only recommend to those who are curious

Date: 1/16/2022
Viewed: 4K UHD
Re-Watch

Note: Today is John Carpenter's birthday, so I decided to watch They Live in 4K UHD in honor of his birthday. They Live is still a great classic because it is timeless. They Live is jam-packed with action, kick-ass characters, and memorable dialogue. It's one of those films that I could watch all day and never get tired of. The fight scene in the film between Roddy Piper and Keith David is one of the best fight scenes ever. It'd be impossible not to bring it up. The acting, special effects, and cinematography from Gary B. Kibbe (In the Mouth of Madness). are great. In 4K UHD, the film looks fantastic, with everything looking crystal clear and crisp. With their 4K UHD release, Scream Factory really hits it out of the park.

They Live's themes are the best part of the movie because they are so timely. The film's subtext about consumerism and conservatism is still relevant almost 35 years later. It demonstrates that America's culture hasn't changed much since Reagan's presidency. I'm not sure what else I can say about this film because so many people have already seen and discussed it. Overall, They Live is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen this movie yet, you should get on that ASAP.

Date: 1/17/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
Re-Watch

Note: I haven't seen The Adventures of Mark Twain in ages. I remember watching this film in elementary school when we were required to read Mark Twain books in third grade. I'm glad it was chosen as this week's Film Club pick because it gives me an excuse to watch it again. In my opinion, The Adventures of Mark Twain is still a cool film.

My favorite aspect of the film is the aesthetics because I adore how they use claymation for the characters and backgrounds. By making things look surreal, the claymation adds authenticity to the art direction. My favorite parts of the movie are the scenes with Satan and the Aliens in Heaven because they are so memorable. Some scenes in this film are so creepy that they could have come straight out of a horror movie. I also enjoy the intriguing humanistic themes, which are rarely addressed in family films. While I still enjoy this film, it is far from perfect. The film's conclusion felt underwhelming in my opinion.

Overall, The Adventures of Mark Twain is an enjoyable film for people of all ages. When you have the chance, I recommend checking it out.

Date: 1/18/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray (Rental)
First Viewing

Note: Due to a lack of time and money, I missed my chance to see Dune on the big screen last fall. I was fortunate enough to be able to rent it on Blu-ray from my local Red Box. My knowledge of Dune is limited to only having seen the 1980s Dune film and having read portions of the book in high school. I'm going into this film with very little knowledge of the franchise. Denis Villeneuve is the reason I was looking forward to this film because he is one of my favorite directors in recent history. I took my time writing this review because I needed time to reflect after watching it. Now I feel ready to write my thoughts on the film.

I really enjoy it after seeing it for the first time. Dune is a fantastic film, but it isn't my favorite Denis Villeneuve film. I still prefer his other films in my opinion. I can see why Dune was an inspiration for Star Wars after watching this movie. Although there are similarities between the two franchises, they are still very different. The visuals and world-building are the highlights of Dune. The characters and the politics of the story keep you intrigued throughout the film. I like how Dune deals with anti-war and environmental destruction themes without becoming cliché or melodramatic. I like how they spend the first hour of the film introducing us to the characters and demonstrating the world where they live in. Dune has jaw-dropping visuals that made me regret not seeing it at my local IMAX. Greig Fraser's (The Batman) cinematography captures the film's beautiful landscapes, which is also breathtaking.

While there are many aspects of Dune that I enjoy, there are some issues that I have with it. I was still unsure how Paul's (played by Timothée Chalamet) abilities worked. Maybe if I watch it again, I'll notice more details that I never notice the first time. The film is over two hours long and feels like a long epic. I knew this film was going to be long, but the last act of the film started to drag. I don't like Paul as the main character yet. I don't think he's a poorly written character, but I don't have much of an emotional attachment to him. I'm hoping that his character will develop in the next film and that I will like him more. Aside from that, I'm glad I finally got to watch it. It made me want to watch the other Dune adaptations and read the books as soon as possible.

Overall, Dune is a great film that I strongly recommend watching.

Date: 1/19/2022
Viewed: TubiTV
Re-watch

Note: I've meant to watch The Toolbox Murders again for a while but haven't had the chance to do so. I know Blue Underground has a 4K UHD release of this film, but I'm short on cash right now. I chose to watch it on Tubi because it was a less expensive option. I'm glad I watched it again after all these years. In my opinion, The Toolbox Murders is a good horror film. This film's dark, gritty, and sleazy atmosphere are my favorite things about The Toolbox Murders. I really like how the movie starts with the main villain driving late at night in his car. It contributes to the film's dark, melancholy tone. I can see why Stephen King finds this film frightening because the main villain walks right into people's homes with their doors unlocked. The idea of anyone being able to walk into your house late at night scares me. Gary Graver's (Always) cinematography is great, and I love how he captures the dark tone of Los Angeles.

The violence is handled exceptionally well. Blood and gore abound in the film, which looks and feels disturbing. By today's standards, the graphic killings are still brutal. Some scenes in this film still make my skin crawl. This is not a film for the squeamish. The story keeps you guessing about what the main villain will do next and how he will be apprehended. Although some acting and dialogue aren't great, Cameron Mitchell (Blood and Black Lace) as the main villain is fantastic. His character is so disturbing and creepy with him trying to kidnap women in the hopes of having a replacement daughter. The scene with him talking to a young woman chained up in the bed is a scene that I will never forget for how unsettling it is.

There are a few minor scenes in The Toolbox Murders that don't always add up. Kent (played Wesley Eure) decided to burn his best friend alive to cover up his uncle's murders. Soon after, he killed his uncle for going too far by chaining a woman on the bed. You were fine with him murdering other women, but now you're not? The incestuous relationship stuff appeared out of nowhere and was unnecessary in the film. On the plus side, the movie looks stunning in HD, and I'm sure it'll look even better in 4K UHD. I intend to purchase the 4K UHD release as soon as possible.

Overall, The Toolbox Murders is a solid horror film that is well worth seeing.

Date: 1/21/2022
Viewed: Criterion Channel
First Viewing

Note: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is one of those classic films that I'd heard about growing up but never had the opportunity to see it. I intended to watch it in December, around the Christmas season, but it slipped my mind. Thanks to someone recommending it for Film Club's Secret Cinema, I'm now watching it in January. I really liked it after seeing it for the first time on the Criterion Channel. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a solid film in my opinion. Takeshi Kitano (Battle Royale), David Bowie (Labyrinth), Tom Conti (The Dark Knight Rises), Ryuichi Sakamoto (New Rose Hotel), Jack Thompson (Broken Arrow), and Alistair Browning (Lord of the Rings) did a fantastic job with their performances. I like how all the actors portrayed realistic characters from the 1940s. The film is beautifully shot, thanks to Toichiro Narushima's superb cinematography.

The best part of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is the four compelling characters. They did an excellent job of portraying the Japanese and British soldiers from various perspectives. On-screen, you get to see two different cultures collide. The four characters in the film have a lot of chemistry with one another, and it's fun to watch how they interact. I do admit that the story and characters took some time for me to warm up to. I can see myself revisiting this film in the future and discovering new details that I missed the first time around.

Overall, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is an excellent film that I strongly urge you to see.

Date: 1/22/2022
Viewed: Youtube
First Viewing

Note: I've wanted to see this film for years because I enjoy Fantastic Planet (another René Laloux film), but I've never had the opportunity to do so. I later discovered that one of my favorite comic book authors, Jean Giraud aka Mœbius, worked on this film. I knew I needed to see this movie as soon as possible. I'm glad I watched it because it met and exceeded my expectations. Although I still prefer Fantastic Planet, Time Masters is a solid film nevertheless.

I like Mœbius's art direction because it has a distinct style. The animation is stunning, and the visuals have the appearance of a living painting. It's truly amazing how much attention to detail was put into the animation. I really like how Time Masters immerses you in the atmosphere with its stunning visuals. It is set on various planets throughout the universe and has a large scale of adventure. This may be an odd comparison, but the unique characters, creatures, and landscapes in this film almost remind me of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (despite this film coming out first). My favorite scene in the film is when they're on the planet and encounter aliens who resemble biblical angels. The angel creatures are both stunning and terrifying. The planet on which they live has a hellish landscape that I adore.

There are many memorable characters in the film, as well as unexpected twists that you won't see coming. The animation in Time Masters can be quite surreal at times. There are some truly incredible trippy moments to be had. Because the subbed title version was of poor quality, I had to watch the film in English. The English voice acting isn't particularly good, with some characters' voices sounding flat. What happened at the end of the movie left me puzzled. In any case, I'm glad to finally see this film after years of anticipation.

Overall, Time Masters is a fantastic film, and I hope it will be released on Blu-Ray at some point. Do yourself a favor and watch Time Masters if you enjoy art house films or animated films.

Date: 1/23/2022
Viewed: In Theathers
First Viewing

Note: Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorite filmmakers, and I've been excited to see this film since it was first announced. This film was set to leave theaters soon, and I finally had the opportunity to see it. The movie did not disappoint me because it was pretty good. In my opinion, Licorice Pizza is a very well-made film. I really like how the film was made because it looks like it was made in the 1970s. As if Paul Thomas Anderson had gone back in time and shot the movie in 1973. The cinematography is also excellent, as it seems to have been shot on 35mm film. Everyone does a fantastic job with their performances, and the acting is superb. Except for the Japanese jokes, which are cringe-worthy, the humor was pretty funny.

Licorice Pizza is over two hours and did not drag at all. It surprised me with how well-paced it was because it moved smoothly. It didn't feel like a chore to watch, unlike Inherent Vice (another film by Paul Thomas Anderson). It's difficult to discuss Licorice Pizza without mentioning the elephant in the room. The two main characters have a major age difference (played by Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman), which made me feel uneasy while watching it. Thankfully, they didn't do anything sexual between them, and I believe the film implied that their relationship would not work out. In any case, it didn't appeal to me, and it caused me to lower my rating for the film.

Overall, Licorice Pizza is a good film that is worth checking out.

Date: 1/24/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First Viewing

Note: After hearing so much about this film over the years, I decided to finally watch it. Hardcore's premise sounds fantastic, and I've enjoyed the other films from Paul Schrader. I'm glad I saw it because it was awesome. Hardcore is, in my opinion, a great film. The story about a father (played by George C. Scott) attempting to find his daughter, who may have been kidnapped to star in adult films, was fascinating and entertaining to me. Snuff films and underground films have always piqued my interest because the stories behind them are interesting. The concept is creepy and disturbing, knowing that sick people will pay a lot of money to watch real people suffer.

The film's tone appeals to me because it captures the dark nature of California's pornographic underbelly. With all the adult movie theaters all over the place, I love how sleazy this film was. It's a time capsule to the golden age of Grindhouse cinema, which I wish I could have witnessed. Michael Chapman's (Raging Bull) cinematography is fantastic, using a variety of colors throughout the film. The music is great as well, with a superb score by Jack Nitzsche (The Exorcist). He did an excellent job creating a film score that is both haunting and memorable.

The acting and characters in Hardcore are other highlights of the film. The characters have a realistic feel to them as if you would recognize them in real life. George C. Scott (Patton) does an incredible job portraying a believable character who will go to great lengths to locate his daughter. Peter Boyle (Young Frankenstein) does a great job with his performance. Reb Brown (Strike Commando) even has a small cameo appearance that is worth mentioning. The ending is my least favorite aspect of the movie because I didn't like how it ended. I have nothing else to say about Hardcore other than it's great.

Overall, Hardcore is a fantastic film that you should see.

Date: 1/25/2022
Viewed: Youtube
Re-Watch

Note: I've wanted to watch Rogue again for a while because I haven't seen it since it was released on DVD back in 2008. In my opinion, Rogue is still a good film. However, I prefer Black Water (2007), which was also released that year. The opening scene, which reminded me of a nature documentary, is my favorite part of the film. I like how there were no human characters or any kind of dialogue in the beginning. You'll see stunning images of Australian wildlife at its best. François Tétaz's (Hesher) soundtrack is quite good, and he did a fine job of creating a creepy musical score. For what it is, the acting is actually quite good. You can see Mia Wasikowska (Stoker) and Sam Worthington (Avatar) act on-screen before they became famous in Hollywood. I even appreciate how suspenseful the film can be at times.

Unfortunately, the rest of the film falls flat. Rogue tries to be like Jaws (1975) by building up to the killer animal slowly, but it doesn't work in this case. I found the first 25 minutes to be boring because not much happens. None of the characters are particularly interesting, to be honest. The killer crocodile is rarely seen on-screen, and the majority of the killings take place off-camera. The film is mostly tame, especially for a film that advertised itself as a highly violent killer animal film. The film's only violent sequence occurs in the last act. The labeling of this film as an extreme film by Dimension Films in the late 2000s was very misleading. The ending was also very predictable to me. I also hate to sound nitpicky, but they also got some facts wrong about crocodiles. Despite its flaws, I had a good time rewatching Rogue.

Overall, Rogue is a decent horror film that you should see if you're interested.

Date: 1/28/2022
Viewed: Shudder
Re-Watch

Note: I hadn't seen this film in a long time and decided to watch it tonight because it seemed like the perfect Friday night movie. After 32 years, Frankenhooker continues to hold up. To make something so ridiculous and stupid work, you need a genius like Frank Henenlotter. Frankenhooker is a hilarious film with plenty of funny moments that make me laugh out loud every time. Frankenhooker succeeds because it understands what kind of film it wants to be. The film recognizes that it is a comedy with a ridiculous premise. Any other filmmaker, I believe, would struggle to match Frank Henenlotter's unique sense of humor.

You have a fun cast of memorable characters and Joe Renzetti's (The Buddy Holly Story) catchy music score. The acting isn't Oscar-worthy, but it's fine for what it is. James Lorinz (The Irishman) did a very good job portraying a mad scientist who wants to resurrect his dead girlfriend. Patty Mullen did an excellent job with her body language as a Frankenstein creation. It always makes me laugh when she says random things in the wrong places and at the wrong times in the film. Louise Lasser (Requiem for a Dream) has an interesting role as well. I couldn't take Joseph Gonzalez's portrayal of Zoro seriously, which made me laugh. He has the appearance of a beefed-up Freddie Mercury.

The special effects are well-done, with practical effects that look great. At times, the special effects appear cheap and fake, but that's part of the appeal. Another aspect of Frankenhooker that I enjoy is the overall tone of the film. I enjoy the film's dark and sleazy tone, which features the scummy alleys of post-42nd Street Grindhouse New York City. Robert M. Baldwin's (The Exterminator) cinematography is also fantastic, bringing the film's vibrant colors to life. People also tend to overlook Frankenhooker's social commentary, which includes themes such as gender roles, prostitution, exploitation, and drugs. It irritates me that no one wants to look past the surface level of these films and assume that they are bad because they have a ridiculous premise or if they are schlocky. With that said, I have nothing else to say about this film. I should pick up the Blu-ray while it's still available.

Overall, Frankenhooker is a great film that is well worth seeing.

Date: 1/29/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First Viewing

Note: I was looking for a movie to watch tonight when I found this one was available on Amazon Prime (As of 1/29/2022). When I was a kid back in 1996, I remember seeing a poster for this film at my local movie theater. Despite my love for Larry Cohen's films, I had never seen this one before. I couldn't say no when the cast included Fred Williamson, Pam Grier, Jim Brown, and Richard Roundtree. I'm glad I saw it because it was awesome. Original Gangstas is, in my opinion, a very entertaining film to watch. The movie is jam-packed with nonstop action that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

There isn't a single dull moment in the entire film. Fred Williamson, Pam Grier, Jim Brown, and Richard Roundtree do an outstanding job of kicking some serious ass. The acting is good, and everyone does a great job with their roles. However, I must admit that some dialogue is stale and hasn't aged well. The general tone of the film is one of my favorite aspects of Original Gangstas. Carlos González' (Wishmaster 2) cinematography captures the dark and shady parts of Gary, Indiana, excellently. On-screen, you can feel the cold-hearted and gloomy nature of Gary, Indiana. The streets in this film are run down and broken by gang members. Knowing that people can be killed at any time makes the streets feel like a dangerous place to live. In this film, the gang members are no laughing matter because they will kill anyone for money. They have no qualms about murdering children and the elderly.

The soundtrack has a lot of great songs on it, and it's a lot of fun to listen to. Geto Boys' The World Is a Ghetto is one of my favorite rap songs from the 1990s. Original Gangstas has a social commentary on gang violence, and racism that works well as an action movie. Although the film's message isn't as strong as Menace II Society (1993) or Boyz n the Hood (1991), it does a nice job with the story's themes. Original Gangstas has flaws that prevent it from being a great movie. Some characters could have been fleshed out more, in my opinion. I believe that some emotional scenes would have been more impactful if the other characters had more depth.

Overall, Original Gangstas is an entertaining film that is well worth seeing.

Date: 1/30/2022
Viewed: Youtube
First Viewing

Note: For years, I'd been wanting to see this film because I loved Shozin Fukui's 964 Pinocchio (1991). I finally had the opportunity to see it, and it was fantastic. Rubber's Lover is exactly the kind of strange film that I enjoy watching. This is a film that has taken me a long time to write about because I am still processing everything that I have just seen. Rubber's Lover feels like a cross between Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989) and Singapore Sling (1990). Rubber's Lover is a black-and-white film that is utterly surreal, just like those two movies.

It's almost impossible to talk about this film without making you want to see it for yourself. The film is beautifully shot, with a number of bizarre imagery that made me drop my jaw. Rubber's Lover's black-and-white cinematography is absolutely stunning, and it perfectly captures the film's surreal atmosphere. The story is intriguing, with themes of sensory deprivation and sadistic violence being explored. You get to see how far these researchers will go with their human guinea pigs plucked from the streets. I don't believe the film is mindless shock value because it uses its dark and extreme nature to warn the audience about what happens when people become obsessed with their test subjects and why unethical human experimentation is unethical.

I'm not sure how much more I can say about this movie without giving anything away. It's preferable if you go into this film with no prior knowledge of it. Rubber's Lover, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart. This film contains graphic violence and nudity, which may be disturbing to some viewers. Overall, Rubber's Lover is a film that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys surreal or violent films.

Date: 1/31/2022
Viewed: Blu-Ray (Vestron)
Re-Watch

Note: I've wanted to rewatch Dementia 13 for a while, and I recently purchased the Vestron Blu-ray at Best Buy for $10. It's not bad for an early film by Francis Ford Coppola. Dementia 13 is, in my opinion, a decent horror thriller. The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990), The Conversation (1974), Apocalypse Now (1979), and his other films would not exist if it weren't for this film. The movie is well-made, with good set designs and a strong gothic atmosphere. I like how the overall tone of the film is eerie. Charles Hannawalt's black-and-white cinematography fits the film's tone perfectly. It wouldn't be able to capture the film's moody tone if it was shot in color. The music by Ronald Stein (Spider Baby) is also great as well.

I find the story to be pretty interesting with the main character trying to run away from an ax-wielding murderer. Along with Psycho (1960), Dementia 13 is an early example of the Slasher film genre. Later slasher films, such as Black Christmas (1974), the Friday the 13th franchise, and Edge of the Axe (1988), clearly drew inspiration from this film. The film is also shocking for its time because it depicts graphic nudity and shows someone having their head decapitated. For a B movie, the acting is actually pretty good. The performances of Luana Anders (Easy Rider), William Campbell (Star Trek), and Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange) are solid.

The slow pacing and the characters are what keep me from giving Dementia 13 a higher rating. Despite its length of just over an hour, the film is remarkably slow at times. I don't have a strong emotional attachment to any of the characters. I thought the majority of them were forgettable. With that said, I believe the Vestron Blu-ray is well worth the $10 price tag. In comparison to the other public domain releases, it has the best-looking picture and sound.

Overall, Dementia 13 is a decent film that is worth seeing if you enjoy film history or B movies.

Date: 1/31/2022
Viewed: Arrow Player
Re-Watch

Note: CW: The film has a scene of sexual assault

I decided to watch a Sonny Chiba film to end the month of January. Arrow Video now offers a single streaming service for $5 per month, which is a great deal. I haven't seen this movie or read the manga it was based on in years. I'm going to watch this film as its own thing when writing this review. In my opinion, Wolf Guy is still a badass film. I've always admired how this film manages to be a strange mix of horror, action, and crime drama. It distinguishes it from the majority of werewolf and yakuza films.

The plot is intriguing, with the main character (played by Sonny Chiba), who is linked to a werewolf clan, transforming into a werewolf to fight the yakuza. The drama and romance between the main character and Miki (played by Etsuko Nami) are also well-done in my opinion. There isn't a single boring action scene in this film and there is plenty of gory violence to satisfy violent movie fans. I enjoy how bizarre the film can be by throwing surreal imagery from nowhere. Every single actor and actress in the film is absolutely hot, with Etsuko Nami (Yellow Fangs) being my personal favorite. I adore how funky the score is because it makes the film feel totally groovy. It's the ideal soundtrack for a 1970s action film.

Despite how much I enjoy watching Wolf Guy, it is far from perfect. There is a sexual assault scene that will make viewers uncomfortable. If you're squeamish, I wouldn't recommend this movie. The film's ending is abrupt as if they didn't know how else to end it. Even for a Japanese film from the 1970s, the make-up is pretty bad in my opinion. Overall, Wolf Guy is an awesome action film that you should check out.