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kevin g shinnick |
REVIEWS |
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While waiting for the next issue, I think maybe a few reviews might be nice to see here.
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kevin g shinnick |
REVIEW : FROSTBITTEN | ||
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FROSTBITTEN-Genius - $19.95 DVD. (Swedish, English subtitles)
This 2006 Swedish film beats 30 DAYS OF NIGHT to viewers attention with a similar concept. Their take on it, however is more of a BUFFY THE VAMPIRE style vampire tale, rather than a straightforward horror film that 30 promises to be. Im not saying thats a bad thing either. Both share the concept that the dark days & nights of winter allow vampires a longer time in which to roam and feed, 24/7. The Steve Niles comic book series came out in 2002, so this film may have been semi inspired by that. In a nutshell: A mom & her teenage daughter moves into a new town, just in time to experience the 30 day long dark interval. The young lady isnt thrilled about her new surroundings, but mom is there for her new job working with a genetic genius who has some sinister experiments going on the side. One of his interns steals some of the pills, and the mad professor & looking to experience a high, takes some. Not a wise move, since his buzz results in him becoming a vampire. Attacks ensue, with some of the infected going to a party in which our young teenage heroine has been invited. Outside of Bergman and TERROR OF FRANKENSTEIN (1977, Swedish-Ireland, aka VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN), I think this is the first Swedish horror film in some time, and definitely one of the first vampire films*... at least to hit these shores. Story, acting and production levels are all very good. The first half of the film is more serious than the second half, which as stated turns semi tongue in cheek while still fang in neck. Some may be put off by the subtitles (the actors perform in their native language) but I did not find it to be a problem to following the story. As to extras, there is a 26 minute featurette on the making of the film, with the actors showing how much they suffered for their art (think cooooooooooollllld night shoots). I wish there had been more of the how to & more actual behind the scenes footage, but it is an interesting look at the trails of indie filmmaking overseas. Other extras are deleted scenes ,a blooper reel ,and a trailer for the film (probably to sell the film in film festivals). A fun first film and it will be interesting to see if they follow it with more horror offerings. I would recommend worth a rental. -Kevin G Shinnick- *-KOHTALON KIRJA/THE BOOK OF FATE (2003) IS a vampire film, BUT it is Finnish not Swedish) |
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kevin g shinnick |
Re: REVIEW : FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD | ||
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FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD -$19.99 (New Line) 90min- Closed Captioned- Widescreen-Horror-
![]() Shot under the title PLANE DEAD, the new title makes one think it is tied in with the popular Romero films and their remakes. It would be closer to say it is a variation of SNAKES ON A PLANE (2006), with zombies standing in for the reptiles. A 747 jet carrying an illegal cargo (a genetically infected corpse) hits several thunder storms, reviving the corpse who sets about terrorizing & infecting the passengers .Now, no government will let the plane land to prevent the infection from spreading. Yes, the plot is similar to SNAKES , but while that film took its time bring in the title creatures, this film begins with a bang & keeps moving. The plane is already airborne as we are given just enough story to get the basic simple premise. The cast is good, and seems to be having fun with their parts, never taking themselves too seriously. Actor Kevin J. OConnor (GODS & MONSTERS, 1998 ) is especially good in his role. The DVD has generous extras include two audio commentaries. The first track is with director Scott Thomas and producer David Shoshan. The second track is with IGN.com editors Steve Horn, Eric Moro, and Christopher Monfette) and a funny if short gag reel. The sound on the disc is particularly good, and the image is quite sharp. This is the video equivalent of a haunted house ride, with every turn of a corner almost guaranteeing another boo. Fasten your seat beats, the in flight meal is YOU! -Kevin G Shinnick Ps- for a fun internet comic experience, check out http://www.scottewenart.com/flightofthelivingdead/h1p01.html |
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Lawrence Nepodahl |
THE LODGER (1944) | ||
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I watched THE LODGER (1944), with commentary AND the special features as well. I enjoyed the documentary; but I always like the making of films, that they add to dvds. The commentary, was okay at best. Luckily, I knew many of the character actors that took part in this movie, because the two commentators were barely knowledgeable of the principals, let alone the supporting players. At one point, they talked about the finger print portion of the film. Wondering if finger prints were used as yet by Scotland Yard? Concluding that it was. I'm not certain, but I think it didn't become standard procedure until around 1912. Which, if the Marie Belloc Lowndes novel would have been placed in its proper period, the George Sanders character would then have been acquainted with the procedure. But this film is placed in the Jack the Ripper period of 1888, so I wonder if John Warwick (Sanders), would have known about it, let alone carry out the routine.
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HarryLong |
Re: THE LODGER (1944) | ||
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>>At one point, they talked about the finger print portion of the film. Wondering if finger prints were used as yet by Scotland Yard? Concluding that it was.<<
This is one reason why I'm less & less impressed with the addition of a commentary track on DVDs. The people they hire seem woefully ill-informed; one sometimes gets the impression they've never seen the film before. If you get a gig doing a commentary, Rule Number One ought to be, "Do your homework!" |
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Lawrence Nepodahl |
Re: REVIEW : FROSTBITTEN | ||
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There are some who do their homework, but you're right, very few do. Richard Valley was one of those who did, Ken Hanke is another.
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HarryLong |
Re: REVIEW : FROSTBITTEN | ||
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No argument that some do their homework.
I'm merely noting that the promise of a commentary among the extras is no automatic inducement for me to buy. Additionally, unless I'm active researching a film for an article I'm writing, I'm unlike to watch (or listen to) any extras more than once. |
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Lawrence Nepodahl |
Re: REVIEW : FROSTBITTEN | ||
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Now, I guess I'm a different animal, in that I'll watch a featurette many times over and if the commentary is presented in an interesting and informative way; I'll opt to watch and listen, in favor of watching just the movie. The reason for the latter, is more then likely I've seen the film over and over for decades.
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kevin g shinnick |
REVIEW: THE DEVILS DAUGHTER and CRAWLSPACE | ||
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New DVD distributor WILD EYE DVD is now releasing
THE DEVIL'S DAUGHTER (1973) ,directed by Jeannot Szwarc ( later the director of SOMEWHERE IN TIME,1980),televised on January 9, 1973 .The catchline in the tv guide was " Satan Has Returned For Her! ". This ROSEMARY'S BABY inspired film had Belinda Montgomery's soul sold to the devil when she was born ,& now the Devil wants his due (isn't this the plot of the new tv series REAPER ???) . Shelley Winters is the leader of the pack-er cultists, Jospeh Cotten is Judge Weatherby, Jonathan Frid is suspicious as Mr Howard (and wishing DARK SHADOWS were still running) ,with able support from a fine supporting cast of Robert Foxworth , Diane Ladd , Abe Vigoda , Ian Wolfe , and Robert Cornthwaite Writter Colin Higgins was responsible for Harold and Maude, Silver Streak and Foul Play. Can't say much for the cover but it's nice to see this gem on DVD. The print begins with a few frame jumps and scratches, but the qulaity gets better as the film runs on. Uncorrected ,probably from a 16mm print. The film was originally made by Paramount . 73 minutes color . $14.99 . Next up is CRAWLSPACE (not to be confused with the Kinski film of the same name). This tv film was aired 11 February 1972 1972 and directed by John Newland (tv's ON STEP BEYOND series (1959-61)). A couple finds a homeless man living in their basement .They are fearful at first, but then glad to have a live in handyman. They should have trusted their first instinct ,because the young man is homicidal. Arthur Kennedy and Theresa Wright star. They advertise it as by the director of DONT BE AFRAID OF THE DARK(1973). Hopefully ,that is a sign that WILD EYE DVD will be releasing that film as well. 74 minutes color. $14.99 The print is a bit dark, but acceptable,considering it's rarity. For music lover,s the score is by the great JERRY GOLDSMITH. Produced for a company called Titus Productions. Both are available from WILD EYE. Good start ,new guys. Upcoming titles are wild animal tv thrillers SHARK KILL(5.20.76 ,a JAWS ripoff) and MANEATERS ARE LOOSE (5.3.78 ) as well as new indie fare BLITZKRIEG:ESCAPE FROM STALG 69 (2007) a homage to the ILSA style expoliters, and THE BLOODY APE (1997) . |
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Daisy Hilton |
Kubrick's THE SHINING | ||
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I watched Kubrick's THE SHINING on dvd tonight.
I'm still kinda speechless, but, I'll give it a go. I completely darkened my room, turned the ringer off on the phone and settled onto my couch. I didn't budge for the following 143 minutes, except to cower and wince. I have a history with Kubrick's THE SHINING. I saw it on its opening night here in Pittsburgh with a close friend, at the Fulton (now Byham) Theater. I drifted in and out of the film, nearly falling asleep several times. I was bored and unimpressed, as was my friend. I had read Stephen King's book and enjoyed it very much, still I knew that that particular novel could work as a film - hadn't Wise's THE HAUNTING shown one woman's descent into madness via a haunted house? - so I did have high expectations for Kubrick's film and was supremely let down by his achievement. I tried to see THE SHINING again at several repertory house screenings over the years, but it still left me cold and detached and unimpressed. I let those sentiments stick around for a long, long time. I never owned a copy of Kubrick's THE SHINING on any video format (nor do I own a copy of King's book), never watched a television showing of THE SHINING (including King's own adaptation for ABC and really had no desire to revisit Kubrick's vision of The Overlook UNTIL this past week's new video transfers of major Kubrick works. I even debated which one to purchase first, holding CLOCKWORK ORANGE, EYES WIDE SHUT and 2001 in my hands along with THE SHINING. I opted for the latter, if only because of Vivien Kubrick's "Making of THE SHINING" amongst the special features - and THAT was a fascinating feature I viewed Sunday night. I can't remember the last time that I've had such a turnaround of feeling on a film. I was enthralled from start to finish tonight, impressed (not bored out of my head) by the amazing Steadicam work and blown away by the dvd's transfer. My opinion hasn't changed on the work done by Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd or Scatman Crothers - I appreciated their performances before - but my opinion on Jack Nicholson's performance has changed, I saw his modulation, in his characterization, I saw a selfish man, who put himself first in all things and who got what was coming to him. The final half-hour brings the supernatural elements to all of the characters, and that final shot is a doozy. We are just surrealist pilgrims; melting clocks in marble halls.
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kevin g shinnick |
DANGEROUS LIVING-Coming Out In The Developing World | ||
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Dangerous Living -First Run Features- $24.95
![]() On September 24,2007 ,before an audience at Columbia University , Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied there were gay Iranians ,saying "In Iran, we don't have homosexuals, like in your country." * He also stated that Women in Iran enjoy the highest levels of freedom." This film by John Scagliotti (tv's IN THE LIFE, the documentary films BEFORE STONEWALL,and AFTER STONEWALL) gives proof to the world in general how much of a lie this is. Part of the Human Rights Watch collection, and Academy award nominated, this 60 minute 2003 documentary interviews several gay & lesbians from Egypt, Honduras, Kenya, Thailand and elsewhere. Their stories are never mentioned in the mass media, though many go missing, or are executed . Most interesting is the footage of the CARIO 52 (52 men arrested for riding on a party boat who were all arrested for homosexual acts,and tried in a scene resembling something out of the Inquistion . In a time when many conservatives want to remove rights hard won by homosexuals,woman and other minority groups ,this film is a harsh warning of the kind of society we could VERY EASILY become that would treat those who do not confotm to the perceived norm as less than human. Other films of interest from FIRST RUN in a similar vein : ONE NATION UNDER GOD BEFORE STONEWALL AFTER STONEWALL (now playing theatrically-THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO) *-He also stated that Women in Iran enjoy the highest levels of freedom." We need another film to prove this lie.... available through AMAZON, TLA, and from www.firstrunfeatures.com |
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Erich Kuersten |
Re: DANGEROUS LIVING-Coming Out In The Developing World | ||
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Thanks for the insightful SHINING review, Daisy. I've seen the film many times over the years and each time is different, a sign of Kubrick's genius that you can go see one of his films and hate it or be bored one time, then see it again and be riveted... it depends on what you bring to the table, I guess.
I wonder if that will ever be true for me for EYES WIDE SHUT, but somehow I doubt it. I re-watched SEVENTH VICTIM last night - what an odd film, but the shower scene is amazing. Hitchcock clearly lifted it for PSYCHO whether unintentionally, unconsciously or what (not that there's anything wrong with that) and finding it each time is like discovering some dark new treasure. |
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HarryLong |
Re: DANGEROUS LIVING-Coming Out In The Developing World | ||
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>>I wonder if that will ever be true for me for EYES WIDE SHUT, but somehow I doubt it. <<
One of the very first DVDs I bought. I keep meaning to revisit it, but I'm afraid it will be even worse than I remembered. |
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Daisy Hilton |
Re: DANGEROUS LIVING-Coming Out In The Developing World | ||
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You revisit it first, Harry. You have a higher Kidman tolerance level than I do.
We are just surrealist pilgrims; melting clocks in marble halls.
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HarryLong |
Re: DANGEROUS LIVING-Coming Out In The Developing World | ||
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One of my problems, as I recall, is that Cruise delivers a clunky, out-of-synch performance. Kidman I had no problem with.
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kevin g shinnick |
eyes wide shut | ||
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It is interesting you say that-- especially when one thinks of the number of takes that Kubrick would do until he got what he wanted.
Is that the performance he wanted for Cruise? |
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HarryLong |
Re: eyes wide shut | ||
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Or maybe even Kubrick just had to finally give up...
Seriously, though, I was pretty impressed with the performances Cruise gave prior to that film, so perhaps it IS what Kubrick wanted. |
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kevin g shinnick |
Rapturious | ||
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Rapturious (
TLA Releasing) $19.95, UNRATED. 95 Minutes EXTRAS: Commentary with Director Kamal Ahmed "Making Of Featurette with Outtakes, Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery, trailers ![]() In the Old West, a career baddie named Dead-Eye Pete (Jim Fletcher) is put to death for all his wrong doings. Alas, having shaken off this mortal coil, he ends up in Hell, which is a lot less fun than the wide open spaces. Luckily for him, he escapes from Hell and reincarnates a hundred years after his passing as a white rapper named Rapturious (Oppel, of the punk band Bitten Bullet). He has no memory of his past, but he does have anger issues (so far the film seems like a very dark version of Alan R Rudolphs MADE IN HEAVEN-1987). The rapper is on the verge of stardom, but due to his personal demons, he tries to ease his pain through drugs. He seems to be functional (well as functional as any rapper) until his dealer (Hoya Guerra, of the band Madball) introduces him to a new drug called AfterLife. Before long its his drug de jour, causing visions that involve his past life, killing, and monsters. His manager Sid (Debbie Rochon; is her character name a nod to Sid Vicious?) sends him to shrink (played by Joe Bob Briggs, aka John Bloom) who may be trying to unlock Rapturious visions to aid him in a cause of his own. Soon the visions of his dreams and the deaths in the real world seem to be merging. The films opening in the 1880s has a very big wide open feel to it, with location work in Arizona. It is a nice contrast with the modern day footage in NY (mostly Queens and Brooklyn, which are dark and claustrophobic), sort of a carry over from the darkness of Hell. Director Kamal Ahmed (who plays a cab driver in one scene ) is probably best known for being one half of the infamous pranksters The Jerky Boys . Many do not realize he also directed a well received documentary ARTISTS OF HELLS KITCHEN (2000) and seems to be a fan of horror and B movies. The film has Kevin Van Hentrenryck ( Duane form BASKET CASE ,1982 ) as an agent, William Smith (screen baddie extraordinaire ,whose career goes back to GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN,1942) as the sheriff who executes Dead Eye ,cult director Scooter McCrae (SHATTER DEAD,1994) , Debbie Rochon (who was recommended by Don May of Synapse films) ,Joe Bob Briggs ,and main creature makeup by Vincent J. Guastini (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM). That said, at some points the budget lets the film down. Hell seems to be just a very dark room (which then again, maybe it is). While the main Demon is great (similar looking to Guastinis creature work from VAMPIRE VIXENS FROM VENUS, 1995), but a lot of the other demons are just people in hoods with some lesser facial appliances. Plus, I admit to not being a fan of Rap Music, so in that part of the story didnt hold me. Still, it was an ambitious attempt, and I look forward to seeing Ahmeds future efforts. -Kevin G Shinnick |
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Erich Kuersten |
Re: eyes wide shut | ||
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I started watching this as part of the new boxed set, and didn't even last to the highlight monolgue of Kidman after the party.
BUT hindsight casts a new glow to the film, well glow might be too strong a word, as a close reading of the Tom Cruise-Nicole Kidman superstar marriage, all-surface even to themselves... Kidman realizes she's more complex and has an inner self (which harbors her repressed slutty dimension) while Cruise is left ping-ponging through his hall of vanity mirrors. Much as I detest Cruise as a persona, I can respect him to a point as a movie craftsman, knowing how much effort he throws into his films, which you can feel in pics like LAST SAMURAI and MI3. That said, his persona represents much of what sucks about contemporary masculinity - style over substance, spoiled bratty misogyny (when his character finally stops ordering around every girl like they're his pampering mommy, we're expected to applaud his heroic steps toward self-improvement... like an audience of doting potty-trainers) and self-confidence ratcheted up to dangerous heights based on his motor skills and little else. Compare him to someone like Bogart or Gable and you see how far we've fallen in our expectations of adult males. Kubrick tries to capture this Cruisian infantile state of regression in EWS I think, but Kubrick himself seems guilty of it as well. All I could keep thinking is "man, Kubrick doesn't get out much, does he?" The world of NYC sexuality Kubrick creates is one that a threatened 17 year old math geek virgin from the suburbs might imagine. The ridiculous orgy sequence and Cruise's ridiculous "rescue" of the overdosed prostitute are the most obvious and embarassing examples. I kept waiting for one of the girls to smoke a hit of a joint and go on a murderous rampage or catch an STD and die on the spot. Even as you could argue the film exposes Cruise's center, you have to accept that Kubrick's own misogyny and sexual paranoia are so pervasive they bubble up from the subtext and smother the picture. |
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HarryLong |
Re: eyes wide shut | ||
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>>Kubrick doesn't get out much, does he?<<
I think you've nailed one of the problems I had with the movie. |
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evilskippy |
Re: eyes wide shut | ||
Quote: Even less so now.... "Some days its not worth the effort of chewing through the restraints".
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