ChadKuhns Reviews

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

A Return to Form for Godzilla, A Depature For The Series

[16 April 2005]

For those who love to see Godzilla as the true, unstoppable King of Monsters, GFW is a true return to form. Godzilla has never seemed stronger, or been portrayed as more of a force to be reckoned with. However, it is this, and only this that seems to find familiar ground with the rest of the series.

Godzilla:Final Wars is a drastic and puzzling step in a different direction for the Godzilla franchise. While TOHO should be given credit for being willing to take their creation and franchise in a different direction, they should also be more careful in the manner to which they do so.

Godzilla: Final Wars feels like many different movies in one, and by this I do not mean any of the films to which it owes it's inspiration. At times, the film feels like it is a pure action take on the King of Monsters. At other times, it feels like it is an exercise in camp excess. But it is these two varying points that makes Godzilla: Final Wars both hard to classify, and hard to comprehend. The film suffers from not having a set mood, or set atmosphere for the viewer to really settle into. The plot and atmosphere simply take too many turns too many times for the viewer to get comfortable with the film.

I won't go into too many plot details, as I don't want to ruin the film or any of it's points for those who have yet to see it. But briefly, this film takes a cue from the Godzilla films of the Showa era and brings back the Xilians, once again bent on world domination.

GFW features a huge all star cast of kaiju. However, the shear number of kaiju may be impressive, their appearances are not always of the same result. Kaiju such as Hedorah, King Seesar, and yes Minilla are sorely out of place in this film, or if nothing else, sorely misused. While I applaud Ryuhei Kitamura for casting a kaiju all star cast, I feel that fewer monsters would have sufficed had they been given more screen time, and stayed a little truer to form.

However some of the films kaiju make truly great returns, most notably Rodan, Angillas, and most importantly..Gigan. These three monsters are my personal favorites in Godzilla Final Wars. Rodan looks better than ever, and while the monsters screen time and fight time are limited, it makes a fantastic impact during a scene in NYC. Angillas, a long time favorite of so many GFAN's, is given his respect in GFW. The monsters new design is fantastic, and the kaiju maintains its beloved fighting spirit and comes complete with some new tricks to boot. However, it is Gigan that steals the show. Gigan returns to the Godzilla franchise, and in many respects does so in the wrong forum. This Gigan deserved a chance to face Godzilla in it's own movie. The new design is amazing, sleek and deadly, with new weapons, and old weapons never before seen.

Overall, Godzilla Final Wars is an entertaining film, but it is certainly not the best of the Millennium Series, nor the best movie it could have been given the talent and resources at it's disposal. The film is an interesting take on the Godzilla franchise, but note the farewell that the Big G deserves. If TOHO were smart, they would allow Godzilla his time away from the screen, and take some of their newly revamped kaiju and give them their chances at real screen time in some new adventures.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

A Classic..more than just a mere horror film

[22 September 2004]

Night of the Living Dead, as has been said a million times by a million people, is a classic horror film, perhaps the definitive film of it's particular genre, and a milestone in independent filmaking.

Night of the Living Dead is the first in what has come be known as the 'Dead Trilogy'..consisting of Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead. Each film was made in a different era, each with a different message, and each reflecting a different theme and different mood. What makes Night of the Living Dead the best of the series, in my opinion, is that theme, and that mood that it envokes. Perhaps more than most or any horror film before it, NOTLD really evokes a claustrophobic, paranoia inducing, carnal fear. It goes beyond the clichéd scary moments of horror films, in taps in deeper, to the psyche and into the human response.

Night of the Living Dead is quintessential zombie movie. The film revolves around the events that surround a group of strangers fighting for survival in a small rural home in western Pennsylvania. The are fighitng for their survival, against hordes of the living dead, who have arisen from their graves to feed upon the living, brought to life by unknown means.

I'll keep the films plot and summary short as to not get too into any spoilers for those who actually may have not seen this film.

Night of the Living Dead does a great job of inducing fear and horror through imagery and atmosphere...as opposed to gore blatant violence. Perhaps one of the films biggest strong points is the casting. Each character is portrayed perfectly in their respective sense, and perhaps none are portrayed better than the undead. They truly seem like nothing more than lifeless vessels wandering aimlessly, in pursuit of human flesh.

Many people have often since discounted and to some extent removed themselves from their appreciation from this film, as many feel it doesn't hold up as well as many of the in color, splatter fest horror films of today and recent years. I however, feel the films two tone look gives it a great visceral feel, the black and white makes the shadows and darkness of night seem all the more terrifying, with many of the undead seemingly stumbling from the night itself. Also, the film has a great score, which harkens back to b movies and sci fi films of the 50's.

All in all, I feel Night of the Living Dead, is the best film to ever center upon the undead. While it may not pack the social impact of it's sequels, or many of the films that it has since it inspires, it does evoke a fear, atmosphere, and lasting memory that is not easily passed.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

Take What It For What You Will

[18 September 2004]

First and foremost, I enjoyed Resident Evil: Apocalypse. In no way did I find it to be a masterpiece of cinema, nor does it leave an everlasting stamp on any of the genres it tries to adhere itself to. However, that being said, the film is what it was intended to be..a sequel on a somewhat grander scale, intended to be nothing more than a popcorn flick, admitted mindless fun. It can be said that this movie, and it's predecessor were made with the sole intent of capitalizing on the huge pool of the fans of the game who would flock to see it on screen and droves, and that is a fairly correct assumption. However, it does not take away from the fact that the film is entertaining nevertheless.

I've read a lot of complaints about this film on the site, and I want to see if I can address some of the main problems, and just give my thoughts, a bit of a counter to the negativity. Possible Spoilers for those who have not yet seen it.

1. There's no character development-I don't think there is really any intended development for much of the characters, outside of Alice, Jill, and perhaps the Nemesis, if you constitute back story as character development. This type of film is meant to throw disposable characters out into the mix, because half of them will be dead before the film reaches the half way point. It would be near impossible and somewhat futile to establish too much character for someone who will be picked off before that character can even become sympathetic to the audience.

2. The zombies seem less 'zombie like' than the original RE- I feel that the zombies, for the most part, appear exactly as they did in the original RE. These are supposed to be the citizens of Racoon City, who have just died, so in all reality, all you are going to get in terms of appearance is some wounds from what killed them, a pale, dead look, and the trademark gray bloodshot contacts. I've also read a lot of people's comments, saying that they seem to appear to move like the zombies in 28 Days Later. I didn't really see that myself, the only time I saw rapid movement was the result of quick cut, rough shot editing. If anything, there was more emphasis on this film to actually shoot them in slow mo, to emphasis there zombie like walk.

3. Nemeis Sucks/No Logic When He is On Screen- I'll agree that Nemesis did not come off as menacingly or as grand as was probably intended, especially near the end of the film, but in his final scenes with Alice, he is portrayed as something of a sympathetic villain, simply a failed or futile experiment. I think that is why in the final portion of the film his makeup and appearance seem less menacing, and evil, as an attempt to make him more human like, and perhaps more tragic. Also, the idea of shooting him in the head may in fact be a mute point, as Nemesis was not a zombie.

4. Where did the Lickers/Graveyard Zombies Come From-Lickers escaped when the hive was opened, and the T-Virus, being portent, was released in a gas form, permeating the soil.

All in All, I'd say take this film for what it is, a disposable, but fun addition to the Resident Evil universe. Don't scrutinize it too much, it wasn't made with an Oscar in mind, so don't think of it as such.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Raimi Strikes Again...Genius Horror Abounds

[24 August 2002]

Much like the original, Evil Dead 2 is pure genius in both it's simplicity and execution on screen. Sam Raimi proves he a true genre great....kid at heart...and above all else...fanboy

Evil Dead 2 succeeds in that i doesn't really brake new ground, or try to improve upon an incredible predecessor...it simply gives the fan's of the original more of what they want....with the sorta tongue in cheek, stomach in throat attitude that a good horror film should have.

This film finds our dimwitted, comicbook-like expression coping hero, Ash (played by Bruce Campbell to perfection yet again), once again trapped in a creepy cabin the woods with some really nasty spirits....once again possessing the living, choppping them up, and having a helluva time doing it. The first thing many people will notice in the film is it's similarity to the original...in the form of it's plot...sequences...and even the way the characters all sort of seem to represent and resemble the characters of the first movie. The film does not embelish in character development, in favor of introducing them as a whole, and then introducing them in parts, bodily speaking that is :)

The gore is much the same, the spirits are much the same, and Ash, our chainsaw weilding hero is much the same as well.

Sam Raimi...much as in the original...borrows from such other horror classics as Night of the Living Dead and Suspiria....wisely taking from them the root of what made them good.

Do not let talk of the closeness of this film to the original scare you off, if you enjoyed the original, or have yet to even see it...you will enjoy this movie. It is delivered to the viewer in such a smashmouth, take no prisoner's way as to never let you really get your bearings or your feet on the ground, opting in stead to sweep you off of your feet, and take you on the ride of a life.

If you can check that little voice inside your head that screams 'plot development, character development, and in a small way your sense of need for something completely new....and prepare your stomach for more the same blood and guts, blood shed and undead thrills...you will find yourself walking away from Evil Dead 2 hopefully feeling as though you have just seen yet another horror classic.

And for those of you who are new to the Evil Dead universe...watch on a clear spring or fall night, with just a few candles on, and the window open...and i dare you not to jump :)

The Evil Dead (1981)

A Great Example of How to Do A Lot With A Little

[13 August 2002]

Evil Dead, both as a single entity, and in the context of the entire trilogy...is a perfect example of how to make a great movie without spending millions and millions and millions of dollars.

Evil Dead is directed by genre fave Sam Raimi, and is perhaps the movie is known best for, perhaps outside of Spiderman nowadays. Raimi both wrote and directed, and did so on a budget that was more than likely roughly akin to what they spent on lunch for Spiderman.

The film revolves around a group of friends who are taking a trip to a cabin deep within the woods. Upon their arrival to the creepy looking cabin, they come across a set of audio tapes recorded by a dr. of some sort who had been studying the ancient "Book of the Dead" or Necronomicon. He realized early on that reciting the ancient incantations within it had woken and ancient evil deep within the forest, that eventually came for him, and claimed his wife. Little do they know it, but the friends, upon listening to the tape, have once again awoken these evil spirits, capable of possessing their bodies and and their minds. One by one they are taken by the spirits of the forest,until only Ash...played perfectly by Bruce Campbell is left to face those who were once his friends along with other things going bump in the night.

I don't want to give any real plot details away for anyone reading this that has not already seen the movie. This film, upon first viewing, is often viewed as cheesy, low budget schlock, and by all means, that is exactly what it is. The low budget gives the film a vibe all it's own....with creepy camera angles and tricks wisely in place of gaudy special effects. The makeup effects are, in my opinon quite good, and the possessed members of the cabin are truly frightening looking. Yes the blood looks like ketchup, and yes there are a few scenes that look like they were done with playdough, but that's the fun of it.

Sam Raimi manages to transcend the limitations of the budget by keeping the film taught, and genuinely creepy, with more than one 'Gotcha' type moments. As the film progresses, you really do begin to get a sense of Ashes peril, and begin to realize that not only is fighting for his life and his sanity. All of this is also possible thanks in part to genre vet, Bruce Campbell...who delivers a great albeighit over the top performance. The man has some of the most classic facial expressions, adding a whole new dimension to his performance.

Evil Dead may or may not be the weak stomach type...many find the film to be gross and repulsive...while others find it hoaky and unreal. I leave it to you the viewer to draw your conclusions.

I only ask that before viewing Evil Dead, or any of the Evil Dead trilogy...clear your mind of any preconceived notions you may have regarding it....leave your sense of logic at the room, and sitdown to enjoy a piece of pure popcorn schlock. Evil Dead doesn't deserve an Oscar and it is not a timeless masterpiece of cinema, but it is something that it rarely gets credit for being...mindless frightening fun.

Turn out the lights, open up your curtains....and watch it with the ones closest to you, and you may not be so quick to head up any cabins any time soon.

Halloween (1978)

A Classic, The One that Started it all and changed horror

[13 August 2002]

What can be said about Halloween that hasn't been said time and time again. It is, in the simplest of terms, a classic...the finest horror movie of all time. Halloween was the singlest most influential force in all of horror movies...ever. It is the origin of 'the slasher flick'...and Michael Myers is the father of very Freddy Kreuger, Jason Vorhees, and every other too bit knockoff.

Halloween was directed by one time horror master, and genre veteran John Carpenter, and easily his masterpiece. The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis, in the film that would catapult her from little known actress to the crown princess of horror, and genre favorite for many years to come.

The film takes place of course, over the course of two Halloween nights, set nearly twenty years apart. The film opens with a young child, named Michael Myers dawning a clown costume, to which we are treated with an excellent and atmospheric third person view. The young boy walks into his sister's room right after she has finished making love to her boyfriend, and inexplicably stabs her to death. His parents come to find the boy in a near catatonic state. The film then fast forwards about fifteen years later, where and adult Michael Myers has espcaped a mental institution, and is in route home to once again kill, with his dr. in pursuit. The rest of the film revolves around Laurie,(Jamie Lee Curtis) and her friends, and their night of terror on Halloween as they are stalked by the stealth assassin that is Michael Myers.

What makes Halloween such incredible film is the way in which every scene is handled. To truly appreciate the film, it will more than likely require more than one viewing to catch all the scenes in which you are treated to Michael Myers stalking his prey in the background...with him looking through windows and doorways at his prey in the background of the shot. John Carpenter does a good job of making Michael Myers, or 'The Shape', appear just as that. At some points alomst like an extension of the night, a pure entity of evil that seems to appear from nowhere and attack with ruthless aggression.

The film proceeds until only Laurie is left with Micheal...and despite several attempts to kill him, is unsuccessful as The Shape is portrayed to be seemingly impervious to pain.

As with all of my reviews i try not to give any significant plot details away, and will uphold to that here.

John Carpenter directed this film in a manner where the viewer is kept on the edge their seats, even when they can see The Shape within plain view. Carpenter also is credited with the films perfect and eerie musical score, and in the process, crafted the most memorable movie theme ever.

This film is seemingly the inspiration for all slasher films...breathing life into the horror genre, and dollars in the box office at the time of it's release. To truly enjoy this film, go out and get the 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition VHS or DVD...containing extra footage and tons of other goodies.

Also, I almost kicked myself for forgetting this, be on the look out for Donald Pleasance as Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael Myers doctor and the only man who truly knows just how evil and inhuman Myers truly is. It is his character alone that transcended many of the half hearted, ill conceived sequels that inevitable destroyed the legacy Carpenter had crafted.

The Thing (1982)

A Timeless Look in Paranoia, a Horror Classic

[5 August 2002]

Just to put things in perspective for you before I get into my thoughts on this film, I am only 20 years old and have grown up in the era of CGI, blue screen effects...and this movie was made around the same time i was born.

With that said, WOW, I only recently saw John Carpenter's version of 'The Thing', and what a masterpiece it truly is. I have long since been a fan of John Carpenter, in particular his works from the late 70's and 80's. In 'The Thing' John Carpenter has truly crafted a paranoia inducing, perhaps gut wrenching classic.

The movie is an update of the classic 'The Thing From Outer Space', but only like it's predecessor, this film is in full color, and the characters of this film have much more to worry about than an alien veggie

The film centers around a group of Arctic Researchers you encounter an alien lifeform capable of taking the form of anything it comes into contact with, and out of for that matter. Kurt Russell stars as R.J. MacReady, an alcoholic Vietnam Vet, thrust into the role of leader of a group of relatively cold and callous men all of whom are readily plunging into manic paranoia and somewhat madness once they realize that they are up against a creature that can take any form, be any one of them.

John Carpenter, more than in any other of his films, manages to create a truly believable and incredible atmosphere. When watching this film you truly get the sense of the dark,sinister, desolate surroundings, you feel and realize that these characters have no where to go...never for one second do you not believe they are stuck on a polar ice cap. Also, this film has perhaps one of the greatest endings to any film of it's genre, or any genre for that matter. I'm not going to give it away here, but to say that it will leave you wondering would be an understatement.

Kurt Russell is superb as MacReady....truly conveying the emotions of a man thrust into a situation of unimaginable horror, forced to lead a group of men who cannot trust that the man next to them is not the creature that has driven them to the brink of paranoia and emotional meltdown.

I don't care if this movie is 20 years old by now, the special effects in this movie are gut wrenching, mind blowing, and absolutely awesome. They blow away any CGI pixel based crap out there today. The 'Thing' itself is a truly horrifying and disturbing creation...unlike any alien you have ever seen in a movie before. Those who have a low tolerance for gore and blood had best prepare themselves for watching this movie.

This movie does what any good horror/sci fi movie should do, it really thrusts you into it's character's world. It leaves you wondering, what would you do, who could you trust if anyone you knew could be the creature waiting to feed on you, and take you over as well. The images, and ideals of this movie stayed with me long after i first saw it, and today as i write this review send a chill up my spine.

It is a true shame this movie is only now getting the proper recognition it deserves. A box office flop when released, now more then ever when movies are paper thin with plot, and one dimensional in effects, this film can be appreciated as a true masterpiece of sci/fi and horror.

If possible, get the Collector's Edition DVD, and enjoy it in anamorphic widescreen..the way it is truly meant to be seen. Marvel at the incredible scenery, the taught direction, the excellent atmosphere, the sweat inducing, gag reflex activating, and everything else that makes this movie great.

Watch it with the lights out, with a group of close friends...maybe even with a dog around...if you don't what i'm talking about...you will afterwards.

Don't let a classic pass you bye