Conventional
This 9 minute short written, directed and staring Karen Gillan is only hard to watch because I felt it addresses a topic few people want to recognize.
So many people want to be a star. They grow up hoping and planning; thinking "That will be the day! That will solve all my problems." But in today's real world we should temper these dreams with the realization that it will not last forever. If it happens and you succeed that is great, but realize this dream is fleeting, and there is always another artist on the verge of discovery, and that their discovery may end your time in the spot light, just as your discovery may have ended someone else's time in the spotlight.
Other than a smart subject matter that might be a jagged pill for some people to swallow, this film is quick, fun and fantastic. Karen did a great job with this film, and I can't help but wonder how often she wrestles with the reality she portrays in this short.
The write up by Ivan Kander after the short is a quick fun informative read. An easy 4 out of 5 stars. Take 10 minutes and enjoy the film and write up. https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/10/27/coventional/
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
There's Nothing out there. (1990)
There's Nothing out there.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff- Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Pus, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex,Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 13- The first mistake has been made!!
After 40- can't stop watching...
By The End- OMG! Epic and awesome for it's time, still a fun movie to watch even today.
After Checking IMDB- Written and Directed by Rolfe Kanefsky, who was 20 at the time, was really onto something with this film. If it had been able to reach more people I am sure it would have caught on and potentially sped up the evolution of the horror genre, and possibly created a whole new sub genre that could have filled the void left by the franchises that had run out of ideas.
I had never even heard of this movie before I watched the short film "Copycat" As the opening credits rolled I noticed that Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz presented it; which is a doubled edged sword.
Mr. Kaufman, from Troma fame, is one of the nicest men I have ever met; and without a doubt one of the most generous and gracious to his fans. I know only a small portion of what Troma has been through in trying to get their films out to the masses. Hence the double edged sword. Without Kaufman and Troma many films might not have seen any screen, let alone the big screen. That being said, I grew up surrounded by people who were more about stars, effects and budgets. When they saw "Troma" they knew it could be filled with cheesy effects, bimbo boobies and a not so serious story line.
This movie is unique and worth a watch mainly because it is the first appearance of the "Horror Expert" (At least as far as I know.)
Played by Craig Peck the character has seen every horror movie in the video store, and asks the tough, honest, and funny, questions that are needed to survive when one finds oneself in a horror movie.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
-"what if it is a bear?"
-Youtube link to movie
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff- Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Pus, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex,
After 13- The first mistake has been made!!
After 40- can't stop watching...
By The End- OMG! Epic and awesome for it's time, still a fun movie to watch even today.
After Checking IMDB- Written and Directed by Rolfe Kanefsky, who was 20 at the time, was really onto something with this film. If it had been able to reach more people I am sure it would have caught on and potentially sped up the evolution of the horror genre, and possibly created a whole new sub genre that could have filled the void left by the franchises that had run out of ideas.
I had never even heard of this movie before I watched the short film "Copycat" As the opening credits rolled I noticed that Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz presented it; which is a doubled edged sword.
Mr. Kaufman, from Troma fame, is one of the nicest men I have ever met; and without a doubt one of the most generous and gracious to his fans. I know only a small portion of what Troma has been through in trying to get their films out to the masses. Hence the double edged sword. Without Kaufman and Troma many films might not have seen any screen, let alone the big screen. That being said, I grew up surrounded by people who were more about stars, effects and budgets. When they saw "Troma" they knew it could be filled with cheesy effects, bimbo boobies and a not so serious story line.
This movie is unique and worth a watch mainly because it is the first appearance of the "Horror Expert" (At least as far as I know.)
Played by Craig Peck the character has seen every horror movie in the video store, and asks the tough, honest, and funny, questions that are needed to survive when one finds oneself in a horror movie.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
-"what if it is a bear?"
-Youtube link to movie
Friday, 20 November 2015
Copycat (2015 short)
Copycat
2 out of 5 stars.
This short flick, although scary and heartbreaking, is more informative documentary, than scary movie. (Ohh, almost pun there,)
This 9 minute short is a history lesson about a film, "There's nothing out there." , that could have been a cult classic, so I had to watch the film it is about.
As for "Copycat", although it did offer up a lot of interesting points, and had some great key phrases like
"blueprint for scream"
"first self aware horror movie"
and it does have a character that "has seen every horror movie in the video store" and knows how "not to die" and "warns his friends"
This documentary gave me the impression that this movie flopped in the box office because of poor timing, bad luck and the "collapse" of a genre. I felt I had to check that, and looking back at the movies that were released in 1990 (thank google) I disagree. Poor timing and bad luck may have played a part, but what I found most disturbing in my research (as you'll read below), was that the short did not mention the production and distribution houses used for the film. I love independents, that is no secret; but it is important to keep in mind that for a film to become a cult classic, or even a hit, it has to reach the masses, and they have to be interested in seeing it.
I feel there are several factors not mentioned in the short movie that are important as to why the film did not take off.
1) Trailer- As any movie viewer from the 80's knows, it seemed there were only 2 announcers for movie trailers. 1 guy, when you heard his voice, you knew the movie was from a big budget house and you were likely to see it in theaters. The other guy, when you heard his voice, you knew you were in for a lower budget flick that might not even make it to the theater near you.
2) Troma- By the time this movie came out, when you saw the title page "Lloyd Kaufman Presents" you knew it was Troma related or based, and unless you were a Troma fan you might choose to put this movie lower on your must see list.
3) Troma- Lloyd Kaufman, one of the nicest most gracious men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, will be the first to tell you that distribution for his films as been one of the biggest struggles he has faced through out his career.
4) The movie itself- Now having a self aware character in the movie pointing out stupid mistakes was new and unique, but the movie itself was no better or worse than any of the other flicks of the time. This character did add a new aspect, but one unique victim does not make or alter a genre. Especially if few people see the movie they are in.
5) The actors- I enjoyed these actors and their talents, but they were not big name stars, and without at least someone to draw the fans to the theaters, the theaters have to pick what they think will draw people in.
As for the phrase "a blueprint for Scream", I have to disagree.
Like most horror flicks it had your standard cast jock, cheerleader, virgin, geek and goofball. And it had a character who had seen all the movies and knew the "Rules to survive a horror movie." and that is where the similarities end for me.
Scream was a smart, well written slasher flick with twists and turns that kept you guessing till the end. It had big stars, and a big budget.
'There's Nothing Out There' is a school break flick that takes place in a house in the woods near a pond. It has your standard cast of characters and introduces us to the "Horror movie expert" who spends the movie giving advice to try and save himself and his friends from certain doom. A horny alien antagonist, is not comparable to the smart revenge plot of scream.
Although the self aware character in "There's nothing out there" was funny, and well enough acted by Craig Peck, the character does not carry the film. Just like Jamie Kennedy's character in Scream was wonderful and entertaining, he did not carry the film.
In summary I suggest you skip this one and head straight to the movie it's about.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
**Spoilers**
I think I covered them...
2 out of 5 stars.
This short flick, although scary and heartbreaking, is more informative documentary, than scary movie. (Ohh, almost pun there,)
This 9 minute short is a history lesson about a film, "There's nothing out there." , that could have been a cult classic, so I had to watch the film it is about.
As for "Copycat", although it did offer up a lot of interesting points, and had some great key phrases like
"blueprint for scream"
"first self aware horror movie"
and it does have a character that "has seen every horror movie in the video store" and knows how "not to die" and "warns his friends"
This documentary gave me the impression that this movie flopped in the box office because of poor timing, bad luck and the "collapse" of a genre. I felt I had to check that, and looking back at the movies that were released in 1990 (thank google) I disagree. Poor timing and bad luck may have played a part, but what I found most disturbing in my research (as you'll read below), was that the short did not mention the production and distribution houses used for the film. I love independents, that is no secret; but it is important to keep in mind that for a film to become a cult classic, or even a hit, it has to reach the masses, and they have to be interested in seeing it.
I feel there are several factors not mentioned in the short movie that are important as to why the film did not take off.
1) Trailer- As any movie viewer from the 80's knows, it seemed there were only 2 announcers for movie trailers. 1 guy, when you heard his voice, you knew the movie was from a big budget house and you were likely to see it in theaters. The other guy, when you heard his voice, you knew you were in for a lower budget flick that might not even make it to the theater near you.
2) Troma- By the time this movie came out, when you saw the title page "Lloyd Kaufman Presents" you knew it was Troma related or based, and unless you were a Troma fan you might choose to put this movie lower on your must see list.
3) Troma- Lloyd Kaufman, one of the nicest most gracious men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, will be the first to tell you that distribution for his films as been one of the biggest struggles he has faced through out his career.
4) The movie itself- Now having a self aware character in the movie pointing out stupid mistakes was new and unique, but the movie itself was no better or worse than any of the other flicks of the time. This character did add a new aspect, but one unique victim does not make or alter a genre. Especially if few people see the movie they are in.
5) The actors- I enjoyed these actors and their talents, but they were not big name stars, and without at least someone to draw the fans to the theaters, the theaters have to pick what they think will draw people in.
As for the phrase "a blueprint for Scream", I have to disagree.
Like most horror flicks it had your standard cast jock, cheerleader, virgin, geek and goofball. And it had a character who had seen all the movies and knew the "Rules to survive a horror movie." and that is where the similarities end for me.
Scream was a smart, well written slasher flick with twists and turns that kept you guessing till the end. It had big stars, and a big budget.
'There's Nothing Out There' is a school break flick that takes place in a house in the woods near a pond. It has your standard cast of characters and introduces us to the "Horror movie expert" who spends the movie giving advice to try and save himself and his friends from certain doom. A horny alien antagonist, is not comparable to the smart revenge plot of scream.
Although the self aware character in "There's nothing out there" was funny, and well enough acted by Craig Peck, the character does not carry the film. Just like Jamie Kennedy's character in Scream was wonderful and entertaining, he did not carry the film.
In summary I suggest you skip this one and head straight to the movie it's about.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
**Spoilers**
I think I covered them...
Saturday, 14 November 2015
The Thing in the Apartment (2015 short)
The Thing in the apartment.
4.5 stars out of 5.
This 11 minute short is great. It puts you on edge quickly and then drives you over it. Do sounds in your apartment while your alone scare you? Do shapes in the dark shadows creep you out? Grab your blanket, grab your teddy, and hold on.
Written and directed by John Ross, who has been adding credits to his IMDB since 2001 really hits the nail on the head with this flick.
I don't believe I have seen any of the other work from this fellow, but let me add a "yet" to that statement. I am making a note to watch something else from Mr. Ross to get a more rounded feel for him and his works.
The write up after the film by Ivan Kander is informative and easy to read. I recommend that to you as well.
It will also explain the link between Mr. Ross and Eli Roth.
This flick seems to me to be almost a trailer or teaser for a new horror flick. Part of me is like "Woot! That would be awesome!!" but part is like "this is a fun film just as it is, would more ruin it? I'll let you decide for yourself, but feel free to let me know.
Until next time everybody, rememeber, Protect Your Privates!
4.5 stars out of 5.
This 11 minute short is great. It puts you on edge quickly and then drives you over it. Do sounds in your apartment while your alone scare you? Do shapes in the dark shadows creep you out? Grab your blanket, grab your teddy, and hold on.
Written and directed by John Ross, who has been adding credits to his IMDB since 2001 really hits the nail on the head with this flick.
I don't believe I have seen any of the other work from this fellow, but let me add a "yet" to that statement. I am making a note to watch something else from Mr. Ross to get a more rounded feel for him and his works.
The write up after the film by Ivan Kander is informative and easy to read. I recommend that to you as well.
It will also explain the link between Mr. Ross and Eli Roth.
This flick seems to me to be almost a trailer or teaser for a new horror flick. Part of me is like "Woot! That would be awesome!!" but part is like "this is a fun film just as it is, would more ruin it? I'll let you decide for yourself, but feel free to let me know.
Until next time everybody, rememeber, Protect Your Privates!
Friday, 13 November 2015
Circle 2015
Circle
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Puss, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex, Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 10- Oh, dam! What would I do? How do we get outta this?
After 40- This is not looking good. (the situation the characters are in not the movie)
By The End- Interesting idea, don't know if I like the ending, but food for thought at the very least.
After Checking IMDB- Written and directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione this appears to be their first movie, having only one tv show on the imdb prior to this. Do not let that tid bit of info stop you from watching this flick.
If you enjoy movies with low budgets but still offer potential for lots to think and talk about then sit back and enjoy this film. If you are looking for action or adventure, special effects or even blood... pass this one up till the mood hits you.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
Nope, none for you!! HAHAHA
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-
After 10- Oh, dam! What would I do? How do we get outta this?
After 40- This is not looking good. (the situation the characters are in not the movie)
By The End- Interesting idea, don't know if I like the ending, but food for thought at the very least.
After Checking IMDB- Written and directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione this appears to be their first movie, having only one tv show on the imdb prior to this. Do not let that tid bit of info stop you from watching this flick.
If you enjoy movies with low budgets but still offer potential for lots to think and talk about then sit back and enjoy this film. If you are looking for action or adventure, special effects or even blood... pass this one up till the mood hits you.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
Nope, none for you!! HAHAHA
Thursday, 5 November 2015
Daybreakers
Daybreakers
4 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Puss, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex, Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 10- The Spierig brothers paint an interesting picture of Vampires who seem to have reverted to what they once were evolving above. Great imagery, I'm in let's go!!
After 40- Wow, interesting flick, good visuals and actors. I wanna see where this goes!!
By The End- A different type of vampire and flick. Not the worst adaptation I've seen, but not my favorite.
I am a vampire fan from way back!! I have seen a great many variations, mutations, and alterations to one of the most noble, powerful and truly ageless monsters of all time. This movie asks a couple interesting "what if"s, and comes up with some creative answers. I personally do not agree with the Spierig brothers answers, I would have answered the "what if"s differently, and I have my reasons for that.
After Checking IMDB- I found out about this movie while looking up the Spierig brothers after writing the review on their movie "Predestination". I enjoyed the look and feel of that movie, but not the story so much. In doing the research I wanted to check out their other work. Which brings me to this flick. This movie is beautiful. The blood and effects, wicked! The dialogue, locations, and acting, were great. It doesn't hurt I am a Willem DaFoe fan since "The Boondock Saints". I am not known to shy away from an Ethan Hawke film, and who doesn't love to hate Sam Neill in an evil role?
This movie has a slightly different take on the vampire, but no worse than any other vampire movie of the last 10 years, and actually better than some I could mention. We need writers who can push the envelope, come up with something new or different. It might not always be a hit, it might not even be well received, but we need people thinking new thoughts and trying new things. The Spierig brothers are doing that, and I am glad for it!
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy variations on the classic vampire, and you're up for enjoying a well told "what if'" flick, then this one is easy for me to recommend to you. If you are an old school, "Don't mess with the classic vamp" activist, then skip over this one and go watch Fright Night again.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
-How do you put out a flaming vampire?
4 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-
After 10- The Spierig brothers paint an interesting picture of Vampires who seem to have reverted to what they once were evolving above. Great imagery, I'm in let's go!!
After 40- Wow, interesting flick, good visuals and actors. I wanna see where this goes!!
By The End- A different type of vampire and flick. Not the worst adaptation I've seen, but not my favorite.
I am a vampire fan from way back!! I have seen a great many variations, mutations, and alterations to one of the most noble, powerful and truly ageless monsters of all time. This movie asks a couple interesting "what if"s, and comes up with some creative answers. I personally do not agree with the Spierig brothers answers, I would have answered the "what if"s differently, and I have my reasons for that.
After Checking IMDB- I found out about this movie while looking up the Spierig brothers after writing the review on their movie "Predestination". I enjoyed the look and feel of that movie, but not the story so much. In doing the research I wanted to check out their other work. Which brings me to this flick. This movie is beautiful. The blood and effects, wicked! The dialogue, locations, and acting, were great. It doesn't hurt I am a Willem DaFoe fan since "The Boondock Saints". I am not known to shy away from an Ethan Hawke film, and who doesn't love to hate Sam Neill in an evil role?
This movie has a slightly different take on the vampire, but no worse than any other vampire movie of the last 10 years, and actually better than some I could mention. We need writers who can push the envelope, come up with something new or different. It might not always be a hit, it might not even be well received, but we need people thinking new thoughts and trying new things. The Spierig brothers are doing that, and I am glad for it!
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy variations on the classic vampire, and you're up for enjoying a well told "what if'" flick, then this one is easy for me to recommend to you. If you are an old school, "Don't mess with the classic vamp" activist, then skip over this one and go watch Fright Night again.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
-How do you put out a flaming vampire?
Monday, 2 November 2015
Predestination 2014 sci-fi
Predestination 2014
2 out of 5 stars.
I almost gave it 2.5 stars and suggested a drinking game, but seriously there are way better movies and games to watch and play.
Adult Stuff- 2 out of 5 stars.
I almost gave it 2.5 stars and suggested a drinking game, but seriously there are way better movies and games to watch and play.
After 10- Ok, not a bad start, let's see where this goes.
After 40- Wow, a lot of talking, good dialogue, follows proper ebb and flow. I am starting to develop some theories. This is not the action flick I was hoping for but let's see where it is going and if I'm right.
By The End- Took a long time to tell this tale, and I am no expert but I am pretty sure this couldn't. Check the spoilers, there will be lots!
After Checking IMDB- Starring Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook. Directed by Michael and Peter Spierig who wrote this based on a 1958 short story by Robert A Heinlein.
The acting, sets, sound and production were good. I have no complaints with that regard. If you want to save yourself almost 100 minutes read the spoilers and try wrap your head around temporal mechanics.
Or read the short story, and let your imagination run wild. Either way, I am pretty sure I could come up with 100 better things to do then watch this movie and then try stop your brain from trying to understand the mechanics of it.
If reading this review saves you from watching the movie please feel free to send me 10 of the 100 minutes you've saved, maybe I can get the time back!!! LOL
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
-
-OK!! They are gonna start soooon....
-
-
-Ok, If you have heard of the grandfather paradox then you know a little about the idea. Now take it to the worst level and try not to wonder how the paradox could start.
-
-
-If all that did was confuse you here is a link to the short story
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_You_Zombies
It kinda explains the basis of the paradox in question. The movie does have an extra angle to it, which is only mildly interesting, and leaves me feeling like I saw it the first time with Time Cop.
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