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The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
A True Classic
I imagine the idea of building an assassin using mind control was well ahead of its time in 62. After Korea Raymond Shaw returns home to a hero's welcome. Two men of the platoon have re accruing nightmare of a mind control seminar held at a hydrangea convention. The story builds into a political thriller though moving slow at times in the middle with the romance of Shaw and Jocelyn. Angela Lansbury delivers an Oscar worthy performance as Shaw's manipulative mother, as well as Gregory as the ignorant Republican candidate and Sinatra as the intelligence officer Marco. It builds to one hell of an ending, pretty graphic for its time too. 4.5/5.
The November Man (2014)
Fun Brosnan Spy flick, Ignore the haters
Please ignore the haters, they know nothing about spy, or action films. "A_different_Drummer" tried to write a Ebert style review of this film, the only thing that was disconnected and phoned in was their synopsis. If you read a review less than 6stars don't waste your time reading it, just means that particular viewer couldn't muster enough working brain cells to follow along. It's not a complex scenario.
Brosnan has played a Russian spy in The Fourth Protocol, Bond in two exceptional films Goldeneye, Tomorrow never dies, we'll skip his last two Bond outings, here he plays Peter Devereaux a retired CIA agent brought back into the game by another operative and friend Hanley. Devereaux is to bring in a contact who has important information, to not spoil it things go awry, and it becomes a cat and mouse game between teacher and former protege being pitted against each other by their two bosses. Devereaux meets Alice who has a past with an up and coming Russian politician, and must protect her from the now changed game plan. It really is a great spy thriller, that offers fun action, plot twists, and offered a better story than The world is not enough, Die another Day proving Brosnan was the right man for the job. All players involved played their parts wonderfully, Bracey was a bit wooden in the start but mellowed in the halfway point, Hanley reminded me of John Spencer's character in The Rock. You do feel certain elements of Quantum of solace here, Olga with the past of Political tyrant, and wants him dead but this film is better executed, Purvis and Wade may have sampled this storyline's original book for inspiration. A fun watch 5/5.
The Third Secret (1964)
More of a psychological drama vs Theiller
The premise seemed interesting and overall is well acted especially the young girl playing Catherine. I was quite impressed with her performance overall as well when she was searching the house for Alex, good twist midway. There were a few scenes that offered great atmosphere and the pov chase in the alley, and the ending is well executed. I did find the middle section during Alex's investigation to have too much dialogue and moved at a snails pace in certain parts. Multiple guesses as to who the killer would be, overall a decent film, though I would say Straightjacket was better, look for a color copy. My dvd was supposed to be color but was b&w. 3/5.
The Holcroft Covenant (1985)
B spy flick with moments of brilliance
He's not Bond, he's not Palmer, meet Noel Holcroft. An architect from the U. S who is of German ancestry and sounds very cockney despite no mention of being a Londoner, but that's a mystery for another Day. He's been made aware of an inheritance worth 4.5 billion thru a pact made by his father and two co conspirators during the last days of WW2, to get this inheritance all he has to do is survive. Parts are a slow burn, with some decent action sequences peppered throughout in old school espionage form of Caine's Palmer days. There is some decent dialogue by Caine and listen to Johann speech during the meeting scene at the old invalids house. The ending is quite good too, with Caine getting the upper hand. It is a B picture , the colors are very dark as I imagine the dvd are a repro of VHS copy, the soundtrack doesn't fit and sounds more fitting for a horror film and is too loud in spots but very watchable. 3/5.
Villain (1971)
We have a bit of business
I had never realized Burton played a gangster until I stumbled upon this decently priced dvd on Amazon. One of my favorite Burton films is Where eagles dare. I was expecting the same level of action although a little more subdued in action this film still delivered. Meet Vic Dakin a slightly unhinged milk drinking, momma's boy,vicious killer mob boss who treats his boyfriend (McShane) with the same brutality as his business transactions. There is a decent scene involving Dakin and a straight razor on an informant, the character narrative build among the group of lads and the coppers on their tail involving a payroll grab. The car chase feels very authentic as does the camera work. There is alot of dialogue with occasionally cheeky comment and it builds to a worthy climax as the coppers close in on Dakin. There was great atmosphere during Burton's respect and name speech at the end as the Camera spins around to all the witnesses who slowly close in on Dakin. 3.5/5.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Always gets his man
There is alot going on in this picture, A bomb is placed on a convertible and it slowly travels the streets is blown up. Hank Quinlan top police captn is sent in to track the man down, or help plant evidence to get his man. Great characterization and visual portrait of a respected police officer reduced to illegal methods. I got Bedford T Justice vibes from Welles portrayal, watch for Zsa Zsa Gabor on a cameo and eccentric portrayal by Dennis Weaver that makes Norman. Bates look normal. The reefer references are ahead of their time. A great one time watch, or good for mulite viewings. Quinlan death was interesting and later sampled by DeVito on Canada day. 4/5.
King Kong vs. Godzilla (1963)
Cheese, with a side of groan
With the fact most ppl would say Japan leads the rest of the world in tech and cars ( I'm not one) makes you wonder in early cinema how far behind they really were. I will admit the monster genre isn't one of my favorites, but how many types of drugs did the producers leave out for the writing team. A sub comes across a glowing iceberg, the ice breaks within is Godzilla once again setting out to destroy Japan. We get terrible even for its day special effects, acting, costume, and some odd "humour" by a tv station executive wanting his own monster. The cookie cutting of these films take place with a $10 king Kong rubber suit battling a $50 Godzilla. What's interesting is most of the sets contained models. I suppose if you have no internet, or a freshly painted wall you could watch this. 1.5/5.
Kelly's Heroes (1970)
A great all star cast of misfits in WW2
With the recent passing of Donald Sutherland, I decided to revisit one of my favorite films in which he starred. This was a great antiwar heist film containing a who's who of the 1970's, if you liked 3 Kings in 99, I suggest giving this a view. Kelly(Eastwood) gets word from a German captive of gold bars being held in another town. Kelly convinces members of his squadron they must go after the gold to be set after the war. They team up with Oddball (Sutherland) in one of his best character rolls as the pre hippie era bohemian who hates the negative waves of his tank partner Moriarty. Its a true classic of any Eastwood fan or those who enjoy a great popcorn film with the family. 5/5.
Troy (2004)
Hollywood storytelling, beefcake, gore
Hollywood obviously takes the most Liberal of creativity when crafting an epic from history. Granted it doesn't contain the Hollywood ending of the hero saves the day and gets the girl although Paris does. Its a typical Hollywood storytelling of the Trojan war, of Greek and Trojan warriors played by every facet of the U. K, and let's throw in a hot American and give him an English accent which fades in and out. The scenery and special effects are top not as are some of the performances, mainly Cox, O'toole. Brad looks great but I'm sure Achilles didn't look like a Paco Roban model. As a bi male I will say his 3 scenes of his ass is a highlight. I have never been a fan of the war or gladiator genres and this entry didn't change that opinion either. 2.5/5. Seen the special edition which is three hours the last third things pick up.
Berserk (1967)
"The show must go on"
This was a later entry for Crawford she's about 60 ish but it's still entertaining tale of mishaps at a traveling circus, with Crawford more interested in keeping seats filled. The first two kills are shown along with the last one. The one in middle is more left to the imagination. It was nice to see actual circus performances by elephants, lions, horses and dogs. The imagery and suspense built were classic horror. My only two complaints were the ending seemed rushed and kind of unlikely, you can tell if there is something missing when the killer has to fully explain why they did it, and the only other thing is the misleading title. The only thing Berserk is thinking anyone would buy the romance between a 61 yr old Joan though she doesn't look it and 37 yr old Ty. Otherwise a good family watch for a rainy night. 3.5/5.
The Ghost Writer (2010)
A smartly crafted, directed,acted political thriller
This Polanski Political thriller is something to be experienced at least once in your life. It is smartly written, well directed, brilliantly acted. The pacing was slick and suspense level heighten to North by Northwest standards. Ewan (The Ghost) has been hired to continue writing former British PM Lang's memoir after the first ghost turns up dead. MacGregor investigates deeper into Lang past, superbly played by Brosnan, and starts connecting the dots as things are not what they seem, and that Lang may not have been making the decisions during his reign. This one kept me engaged until the end, which I liked how it came together. Great support from Cattrall, Wilkenson, and cameos by Belushi, Wallach. 5/5. Don't pay attention to lower ranked ratings, those are written by the same simpletons who would think Norris,Seagal films are Oscar worthy, and can't appreciate a "real" type of suspense thriller.
Demonia (1990)
Far from top tier Fulci.
My favorite Italian director is Dario Argento, Fulci comes a close second. My favorite Fulci film is The New York Ripper, followed by City of the Living Dead,Zombi, I liked his giallo's too, A lizard in a woman's skin, Don't torture a duckling. I saw the trailer for this later entry on YouTube and thought the trailer looked great. It was deceiving as the trailer was better than the film. The story was interesting about 5 nuns being crucified for sins, and their ghosts returning after an archeological awakes them after 500 yrs. The film takes about 44 min to pick up, very brief nudity, most of the kills were underwhelming. The two more interesting kills were the psychic being mulled by her own cats, cheaply executed but intriguing, the other when the boys father gets ripped in half, an interesting effect as the inside parts coming out look real enough, the only similar effect like this is in Bone tomahawk which came out 25 yrs later. Fulci plays the detective, some of the editing seemed sloppy, and the ending was anti climatic. Not one of his better entries, not sure if I'll bother with Murder Rock as it's rating was lower. 2/5.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Uniquely disturbing
I really am not sure how to describe this film. It's a little bit police drama, horror, occult, explorative, musical and all leads up to an twist climax and macabre ending. Sgt Howie superbly played by Woodward is a staunch Christian policeman sent to a Scottish island village to investigate the disappearance of a local girl. The towns folk are less than helpful and project an unwelcome vibe while maintaining a forced small town hospitality to Sgt Howie. He discovers they have been making him the fool by lying to him about the girls existence as he pieces together the odd behaviour and pagan rituals of this village. You are later introduced to Lord Summerisle (Lee) who does the best Bond villain monologue of this isle history. There is also Britt Eklands boobs, some Celtic, and psychedelic music, a may festival with Lee dancing and dressed like a 2a.m Cher drag queen all leading to an unsuspecting double cross and one chilling ending. You honestly feel the tension and fear experienced by Woodward. Not for everyone but certainly a picture to experience once in your life. Also if your American watch the 1973 version, and not the hamstastic 2006 cage feature. 4.5/5.
Murder by Decree (1979)
Visually stunning and atmospheric, albeit slow paced
I had never heard of this film nor realized Plummer had ever played Holmes until one slow night watching old film trailers. It intrigued me as I've seen Rathbone, Massey, Downey Jr, Wontner, Caine as Holmes and furthermore interested by the Jack the Ripper aspect. I know Moore also played Holmes but haven't seen his film yet, but would say he and Plummer would be the two best looking guys to dawn the deerstalker. The foggy narrowed cobblestone streets and alleys of Whitechapel are very visually stunning as the costuming and performances. There are a couple murders depicted, Holmes seems a little more human and less about just solving the case, Watson (Mason) serves as the trusty sidekick, and most enjoyable scene with the green pea or interrogating the prostitutes. The middle section does build and creates an atmosphere of good story telling but find the pacing to be slow compared to the trailer, I like Sutherland but found his character (Lees) in this to be unnecessary and quite dull. It pulls off a couple decent action sequences and builds to a decent climax, with a harrowing speech by Plummer in Parliament once he unmasks the killers and the reason behind the killing. The scene with Holmes at the Sanitarium feels quite real. 3.5 / 5.
Tonari no Totoro (1988)
Well animated, but lacks story
I maintain if you want a great children 's anime feature look for 1974 Jack and the beanstalk. I saw it numerous times as a 5 yr old, and rewatched again at 39, and remembered each scene before it happened with many fond memories. I was shown this feature just yesterday and don't remember much of it. It follows a family who move to a country home to be closer to their ill mother, illness never disclosed. The youngest daughter Mei wanders in the woods and finds the home of Totoro, a weird hairy creature. There are only a couple memorable scenes one being the cat bus. There wasn't much development between the girls and Totoro with any adventures and the ending seemed abrupt. Kids will like it. Look for pat Carrol voice of Ursula as Granny. 3/5.
National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)
Mediocre sequel
I have seen all 4 Vacation films, and I would put this one as #4. The first installment and Christmas vacation are the best two, and Vegas vacation doesn't have as many laughs it has Eddie, Eddie may have improved this one too if he were featured. This films starts with the Griswold's on a gameshow, and mistakingly win the European trip. Random mishaps ensue, as it seem like a bunch of segments slapped together and doesn't flow as a story, Audrey is nauseatingly annoying in this one, Chase doesn't seem as interested. The best parts of this film is when they're in Germany and there visit to Stonehenge. 2/5.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
A Comedy classic
Mel Brooks is synonymous with parody and comedy. This film is a true classic and offered plenty of hard laughs. It definitely wouldn't be allowed to be made today. It stars many big names of the times, Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder,Harvey Korman, Slim Pickings, and follows the Western formula perfectly of a Randolph Scott film. The only scene that seemed unnecessary is near the end with the fight breaks out on the set of the gay musical, and Dom Delouise as the overly flamboyant director otherwise everything fits like a glove. Warning if your easily offended and have no sense of humor perhaps give it a pass rather than analyzing and trying the find a reason to dislike this joyous comedy classic. 4.5/5.
I Saw What You Did (1965)
Fun B suspense thriller, but no Strait jacket
I enjoy the films of William Castle I've seen so far. House on haunted hill, Strait jacket. This one is a decent watch as well, if you can get past how juvenile the two teens act, for driving age teen Libby acts more like a 12 yr old. Libby,Kit,Tess are bored and make crank calls, they make one to the wrong guy, who just murdered and disposed of his wife in a particular graphic scene. Joan Crawford makes an appearance as the nosey next door neighbor who has a fascination for Steve. Steve must try to silence everyone who knows his little secret. It is a decent that offers up some genuine tension and suspense. The soundtrack doesn't seem to match accompanying scenes but not a biggie. 3.5 /5.
Strait-Jacket (1964)
Some heads are gonna roll
This is my first Joan Crawford film. I really enjoyed William Castle's House on haunted hill, so gave this a go. I really enjoyed it, the story, performances and the practical effects were decent for the times. Lucy Harbin returns home to find her husband on bed with another woman. She grabs an ax and pulls a Lizzy Borden, love the little rhyme. Harbin does 20 yrs in an asylum, then released. Upon her return people start getting decapitated again. A particularly well done scene in the freezer barn. There is a good twist to the story mid way, I think I will look for more of these classics. A 5/5. Going to give "I saw what you did" a go next.
Incident on a Dark Street (1973)
Much better than expected
I bought this film after hearing about the passing of Gordon Pinsent who plays the mayor. He plays a good elected official even though he only features in three scenes. The story revolves around a hood for the mob that gets killed trying to give information. His brother a mob wanna be tries to help the d.a office in building a case against the mob boss suspected of ordering the hit. It doesn't end there two city officials are connected to the case as well, Deever, Ed supremely played by Shatner and Hamilton. It really was a decent made for t.v thriller that keeps you interested, David Doyle of Coogans bluff and Match game plays a D. A assistant. Frank Romero is really convincing in his flee from the street sweeper. A good afternoon watch on a rainy day 3/5.
La muerte viviente (1971)
Turkey Turd
I can have appreciation for B grade films, or even Z grade films, but it has to either entertain or hold my attention thru a character, practical effects, music so on. This postumous Karloff release somehow manages to take snakes,voodoo, zombies, and make basically an unentertaining, virtually unwatchable film. A Police chief from Paris is sent to the island to whip the dept into shape, and is introduced to the voodoo that's going on Turing local dead into zombie cane field workers. Karloff doesn't have much screen time and ending is effective. The only two scenes that were memorable one actress locks lips with a mirrored double of herself, a risky taboo of its day in 68, the other is when the priestess grabs the arms of zombies black actress and her body begins to smoke and cremate in front of Crenshaw, an excellent effect. Not scary, not interesting, not entertaining. 1/5.
The Sea Wolves (1980)
A partially true account of History
The Wild Geese is a superior film, in terms of story, pacing, action, light comedy. The hardest thing to get over is the modern look of the clothes and not of WW2 styling. This is my first film with Gregory Peck, not a fan. Found him to be emotionless, and wooden. Hard to say if the real Pugh was like that or not, but in a film you want to entertain. Roger delightfully playing to his Bond persona, and even darker in some ways as he snaps a spy's neck, and kills a woman. Niven is put in charge of the floating turd they must use to blow up the Nazi ship. The climax is good, along with bits and pieces along the way, but is bogged a bit in the middle. Some funny lines from the German sub discussing the barge. 3/5.
Occhiali neri (2022)
Blood, boobs, great music, stylish graphic kills, he's back.
I haven't seen all of Dario's work yet. I have enjoyed the ones I have seen . Bird with crystal plumage, cat o'nine tails, 4 flies on grey velvet, Deep Red, Susperia, Tenebrae, Opera, Sleepless. With Deep Red, Sleepless, Tenebrae standing out as my favs. I was glad to hear he was returning to the giallo after 20 year gap. Don't believe the negative reviews let yourself be the judge. If your a fan of the genre there is much to enjoy here. Great camera work in the beginning during the eclipse scene. This film has a Jack the Ripper influence as the killer first kills prostitutes, before going after those who get in the way. The first kill at the hotel is incredibly graphic and realistic to point anyone with a weak stomach will leave the room, the practical effects were top notch. We follow the story of Diana an escort who has a severe car accident as a result of being chased by the killer. Sadly the parents of a small Chinese boy are killed in the collision. Diana loses her sight, and has to adapt to a life without sight with the help of Rita, the support worker for the blind and nera a sight seeing dog. She meets again with the boy named Chin as she has a guilty conscience about the accident, he escapes the orphanage and goes to Diana. This is where the killer starts his murderous stalking. It's a simple but good story, moves at a quick pace, with great atmosphere, and goblin style sync music, boobs, graphic kills. Slightly sad and sympathetic end, Diana speaks a couple stirring lines near the end and you feel for her. My only complaints there was a scene involving water snakes that seemed a bit excessive and longer than was needed and it was in Italian with English subtitles. There were subtle nods to earlier work. Blind taking in a child (Cat o nine tails). Dog killing someone (Susperia), Dark atmosphere, with sync music and use of musical item for a kill (Sleepless). A very good watch, and the killer was revealed at a good point not too early like some giallos. This film also has a psychological terror element to it as well. Solid 4/5.
The Wild Geese (1978)
Burton, Moore,Harris soar in formation
This was a unique film, Bond style title sequence provided by Binder, second unit direction by the greatest Bond director John Glen, a great script and the talents of screen greats Richard Burton, the best Bond Roger Moore, and Richard Harris. A banker hires Burton to rescue a deposed African leader, and Burton puts his old team back together, you get great action, with some realistic practical effects and good old British humour from Sandy and cast, R. Lee Emery Full metal jacket drill Sgt equivalent. There is a double cross during the rescue and the men are left to find their own way out. No typical Hollywood everything goes to plan, there are some jarring and sad parts in this film as characters you have followed and enjoyed watching for two hours don't all make it home. A particular emotional scene between Burton and Harris near the climax stands out as a sad reality of what some men went thru left with no option. 4/5.
The Sadist (1963)
Gritty and plausible
This was an interesting and plausible small budget thriller, that knew how to build awkward tension and suspense. It's about three teachers on their way to a Dodgers game when their 62 Belair experiences fuel pump issues. They pull into an old wrecking yard and are bewildered that no one is around to help. One teacher starts taking a fuel pump out of a 53-54 Bel Air when your introduced to the antagonist, and his girlfriend who begins to torment the trio. The film goes a little long but overall is effective and the climax and end to the antagonist Tibbs is quite good. The best bit of acting comes from a teacher named Carl as he tries to plead with Tibbs and appeal to the fact that they were young and would have had parents. Arch Hall plays an effective serial killer, but he and his gf spend alot of the film doing a redneck giggle back and forth and she only whispers to him. The worst acting comes from the female teacher Doris, screamy damsel in distress and at times were wooden somehow outfits the killer. Ok watch for fans of B movies. 2.5/5.