fatbeerdrinker Reviews

Henry Poole Is Here (2008)

A quiet charm with thought.

[9/10 · 3 January 2009]

My first reaction to this movie (which I had never heard of before viewing) was one of satisfaction; it wasn't a bad movie but neither an instant classic. I was pleasantly surprised. It was definitely better than average, the sort of movie you are glad you rented out on DVD on a quiet night in. Despite it's over all sad demeanour.

However, what I did not expect was the 'after thought' it left me with. Dealing with life, death and everything between, I started to ponder the movie on a different level. Unlike many other movies it was not forgotten and has some imagery that remains long after the movie has finished.

To me this movie, while somewhat invisible when compared to others, is a little under-rated and deserves a wider audience than the one it is destine for.

Teenage Caveman (2002 TV Movie)

An Under-rated Sci-Fi Mix

[10/10 · 15 August 2007]

Part horror, part post-apocalyptic and all Larry Clark. Like any of the three and Teenage Caveman is more than worth a viewing. It certainly doesn't deserve the low rating it has on IMDb.

Teenage Caveman is a hidden gem, probably missing the main stream audiences due to the strong content it contains. Just Larry Clark doing his thing. Sex, violence and drugs, with some morale messages mixed in. You are unlikely to see this on prime time TV any time soon and I have never seen it in any video store.

Yes, some parts may be a little shocking but it is a great film so search it out and see it.

Unhinged (1982)

Unhinged - Under Rated

[10/10 · 22 December 2000]

OK, its no blockbuster of a movie but for the whole part Unhinged is a great take on the hack n' slash genre. It summarises what these movies are about, take it too seriously and you'll miss the point.

First the production looks very much like it was all done on the el cheapo side of things. It looks like that all the aerial shots were all done within 15 minutes to save on helicopter hire. Special effects are mostly made up of splatting red paint/blood across an actor's face when someone gets hacked up. The movie also uses only about 2 or 3 locations. It's almost a how to do it yourself B-grade horror movie guide.

Unhinged carries elements across from other horror films. The synthesizer music (which John Carpenter made famous in his movies) is constantly utilized (especially when someone gets hacked up). There are a couple of nude scenes in the movie that add nothing to the plot and seem to be added just to keep the teenage male audience happy. Oh and everybody looks like they belong in an eighties B-Grade horror movie due to their acting and wardrobe.

Finally Unhinged gives to the genre by adding a twisted ending that I'm sure will surprise most. Dare I say this cheap horror flick almost has a plot! April Fools Day 1986 (four years later) is the only other horror movie I can think of with such a twisted ending.

If horror movies scare you don't watch Unhinged, you won't appreciate it. If you are the kind of person who likes cheap horror movies, then grab a friend and a couple of beers and sit back and embrace what is the Unhinged!!!