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Reviews
Messiah of Evil (1974)
one of my favorites, not top ten but pretty darn good
This is an early 70's college-level (you do realize there is a film college or two out there, right?), independent film. This is a Gloria Katz film, if you have no clue who she is, you're already on IMDb, look her up. This is an excellent, very UNBORING film. Think for a minute how boring are today's big-budget, mainstream horror films? When was the last time one you saw a film and were WRONG in a single one of your predictions? This film almost predates the concept of "formula films". For that in itself it is entertaining. Beyond that, sit around dissecting and analyzing it. A good 70 minutes of interesting conversation right there. Two points in it's favor. Here's the deal: If you think mainstream multimillion dollar horror films are cool...go away, you suck. If you are a film connoisseur, I think you will find this film worth the 5-10 bucks you'll be asked to own it.
If you disagree...whatever. Make your own review.
Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001)
As part of the crew I'd like to say...
I won't watch this film without the sound turned off, the stereo pounding out punk rock and at least a fifth of whiskey in my hand. However, the beautiful creature suit for the djinn itself held out well enough to be used again in Wishmaster 4, so at least the creature effects crew and I did our job well. Say that about the writers and actors, if you can keep a straight face. This film bought me an air conditioner for my car, and for that I love it. But really folks, we came to see the djinn, not the sexual-predator college professor he was pretending to be. Only five minutes of screen time for my beautiful djinn suit...sickening. Josh and the guys who made that monster so real and so scary, we were all disappointed that you almost never see the djinn in his real form. I agree, the new actor couldn't hold a candle to the original, but hey, the new guy worked for A lot less money. I'd tell you to buy this direct to video (as part of the collection) but A: I don't even own it myself, and B: I don't get any royalties. This is schlock worthy of Troma (who are also a great bunch of guys to work with!). My vote is 10 for the crew and 1 for the writers and actors.
The Neverending Story (1984)
This is a Wizard of Oz for the 80's Gen X
There are several movies I remember growing up with that stay with me now, that I shared with my son at that age...Dark Crystal, Labyrinth...you remember, too if you're in your 30's. This is spectacular, always has been, hey I mean, it made us want to read (how many films do that now?). A few questions though, anyone who has an answer please update me at highpriestess9@yahoo:
Why was the second allowed to suck so much, and I recently heard there was a third? That can't be good. Why did Noah Hathaway stop acting, he robbed the world of much needed talent? What is he doing lately and can he be inspired (coerced?) into returning to the art?
Okay, here's the review: A little boy who's lost his mother finds solace in books. While being picked on by fat kids he hides in a book store and discovers "The Neverending Story" which sucks him into the world of Fantasia, the world of human imagination which needs to be rescued from "The Nothing" by a child warrior of the Amer-Indian tribes. Only catch is that the title is misleading; the story does end (sob) and the sequel is AWFUL.
If you are a child, or have a child, or ever were a child, this movie is for you. No question about it. If you don't believe me, and the hundreds of others who've reviewed this for you here, go to the video store (ok, maybe it's too old to be there, but check online or the through-the-mail rentals) and WATCH THIS FILM!!!!!!!!!!!!! Personally, I recommend you just buy it, you'll want to own it anyway once you've seen it.
If you don't like it, slit your wrists, because your heart is dead and you have no more reason to live. J/K :o)
Seriously though, this is a wonderful film, and the FX are still pretty believable. Few films from '84 are still believable, so you know that means something.
House of Wax (2005)
surprisingly good for a modern big budget slasher flick
I watch an average of four horror films a day (made from 1929 to 2006) and I have to say that this was a pretty good film... A bit derivative at times but pretty good nonetheless. Two best scenes: Chad Michael Murray takes off his shirt, and Paris Hilton's big scene is well, satisfying to watch. Neither scene was long enough but the plot holds through until the end. Only real flaw...it sets itself up for a sequel which, of course, cannot possibly be much good. If you like horror films, I mean truly appreciate the art, this film is decent but highly enjoyable. Not as gory as it claims but very, very good for a modern, big-budget reproduction (read: title theft) of a good classic. If you don't care much about the "art" but like high-energy slashers with hot young actors...it's even better.
Unspeakable (2000)
Aptly named, do NOT let children see this movie.
True art creates a strong emotional response in the viewer, be it pleasant or unpleasant. In this respect, this film is Art. It is truely unpleasant, in fact it is revolting. Since writer/ director Chad Ferrin openly states that his goal with this film is to shock and offend as much as possible, it must be acknowledged that he has succeeded. When I saw Unspeakable I set out and located Ferrin himself the next day. The man is brilliant and will be as well known as Tarantino once he creates something that appeals to a broader audience. All in all, I really liked this movie, though it's somewhat upsetting.