Movie Review: Aftershock (2013)

So, the other day I just happened to be scanning the local theaters to see what they had, not sure why, there usually isn't a whole lot of variety. Then I came across a theater I haven't been to in years and discovered they had the Eli Roth produced Aftershock. I had heard of the film, even seen the trailer, but figured I wouldn't see it in theaters since it was only getting a limited release (along with VOD, I believe). Talk about a pleasant surprise.

Critical Capsule: Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby, Pain and Gain, Oblivion, Disconnect, Trance, 42

I just realized that there have been a few recent releases that I have not weighed on on here on the site. As much as I would like to review everything that I watch, regardless of where I see it, that just isn't going to happen. I am not going to say I will never do proper reviews on these films, but I thought before they get too far back in the rearview mirror, I would chime I with a little blurb on each, if you will.

Recently I was able to attend a 35mm screening of Just Before Dawn with director Jeff Lieberman in attendance. It was a great experience. It was the first time I ever saw this film and seeing it on the big screen as originally intended was a particular treat. This movie may be lumped in with other slashers of the era, it is more than that. Just watch, while the set up seems awfully familiar, the execution is quite different. This is a good film that builds atmosphere and tries to avoid typical horror movie cliches. Watch as I ramble about my experience.

Movie Review: The Living Dead Girl (aka La morte vivante)

Hot on the heels of my experience with The Night of the Hunted, I jumped right back into the Jean Rollin pool with The Living Dead Girl. It is another haunting exercise in style, atmosphere, and mood, with less attention paid to performance ad story development. Who knew this could be such a potent combination? (that is a rhetorical question. Clearly somebody knew and I am left to play catchup.) Also, whenever I see the title, I cannot help but think of Rob Zombie, and knowing his affinity for horror, am assuming there is a connection, but am too lazy to actually look.

Movie Review: The Night of the Hunted (aka La nuit des traquees)

I must admit to being a neophyte when it comes to Jean Rollin. Prior to The Night of the Hunted, my one experience win Rollin was Zombie Lake, a movie that is not good, but I think I kind of like (I am still making up my mind). It seems to me that Rollin is kind of love him or hate him type of filmmaker. I am rather glad that I discovered him at this stage of my cinematic maturation. If I had watched these movies earlier, I likely wold have written him off and meet looked back. I am not saying you will like him or not, his style is definitely am acquired taste.

Movie Review: Go Goa Gone

I love being surprised by a movie. I love being caught off guard by something of unexpected quality. Going into something blindly and finding something awesome or classic or entertaining is just a great feeling. It helps explain my reaction to Go Goa Gone, the latest Bollywood import from Eros International to hit local theaters. Now, I have enjoyed going to the Indian imports when they play, they may never be my favorite type of film, but they offer a different cinematic experience. As for this one, it was different in a great many ways. Mostly for the good.

Movie Review: Slugs - The Movie

Last night I decided to take little break from the Sci Fi Invasion challenge. I felt, shall we say, inspired after writing about Extraterrestrial Visitors, the rather awful film from Jua Piquer Simon. There are some odd bits in that film, but nothing really worth going any distance to see. The inspiration came when I looked up the filmography of said director and discovered he was also behind the amazing Pieces (seriously, that is a gonzo masterpiece). I decided to go elsewhere in his filmography and see which direction his talent goes.

Movie Review: Extraterrestrial Visitors, aka Pod People

So, it seems that the ratio of watchable to awful films in this box set is 1 to 5. That means that after the watchable and modestly enjoyable Slipstream we were due to dive back into boredom. 1983's Extraterrestrial Visitors did not disappoint on the bad movie front. While not the worst I have experienced in this set, it is nowhere near good and nothing I would recommend you go out of your way for.

Movie Review:Slipstream (1989)

All right, now we're talking. Well, kinda sorta I guess. So many movies in this set have been utter snoopers that when you come across one of ever so slightly more questionable quality, it feels like you are watching Citizen Kane. Still, there has to be something to it other than just a better by comparison aspect. I don't know. I guess it really doesn't matter, if you are entertained, it is a worthy movie of watching. The movie in this case turns out to be Slipstream. I can tell by the looks on some of your faces that you are familiar with this little public domain gem.

Movie Review: Night Fright

Something that is becoming more and more apparent is that some of the reviews in this Sci Fi Invasion challenge are going to be pretty short. Some of these things just don't offer all that much to talk about, much less anything to want to talk about. This latest film, for instance, is a dull monster movie that just plods along and is stuck in time never to be shaken loose.

Movie Review: Top Line (1988)

My march through the Sci-Fi Invasion has slowed a touch. Yes, it has been a few days since I last visited the set, but rest assured, I am still aiming on completing the challenge, no matter how much of a chore it turns out to be. I am honestly still holding out hope that there are still some gems in there. Unfortunately, the latest film is not one of those hidden gems. It is a movie that if I were to recommend it, I would say to fast forward through the first 70-minutes and just watch the last third.

My Trip to Chiller, Spring 2013

This past weekend I took a day trip to Parsippany, NJ. That's right, Parsippany, and yes, New Jersey. I know this is not exactly a big tourist town, so you may be wondering just why I went there. The answer is pretty simple. The Sheraton Hotel in Parsippany plays host to the Chiller Expo. If you don't know what it is, well, let's just say you are missing out.

Movie Review: Bamboo Gods and Iron Men

I think I may have just seen the ultimate red herring movie. No, it is not a movie about a fish, it has a fantastic dodge. The focus of the movie turns out to be a complete nothing. Think of it like the briefcase in Pulp Fiction. Do you remember what was in it or of it really even mattered? That is exactly what is going on here. Well, it has that and the fact that it is a wonderful mash up of blaxploitation and kungfusploitation. The movie is the oft forgotten gem Bamboo Gods and Iron Men. No, the title doesn't really describe the movie, but it certainly is catchy, right?

Movie Review: 984 - Prisoner of the Future

It has been a few movies since I hit the minor peak of the challenge with Hands of Steel a few days ago. Since then it has been a steady descent downward. Hopefully with this last film we have hot rock bottom and can begin to steady back off. I know that is rather unlikely with so many movies left on this set. I was sort of aware of the fact hat I would come across movies that would either leave me with little to say or a desire to not write about them. 984: Prisoner of the Future is one of those movies.