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Melissa_Antoinette_Garza
Her fascination with the horror genre began in the mid-80s when Saturday afternoons were ruled by scary movies and strange TV shows like �Tales From the Darkside.� She finds movies about mind control or strange cults the most appealing. Films such as �The Stepford Wives,� (1975) and �Race With the Devil,� (1975) rate among her favorites of all time.
Disappointed with the current quality of the films being released, she finds reviewing is a way to vent about those that are horrible while giving the little known gems the recognition they deserve.
obtained from scaredstiffreviews.com
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Suicide Squad (2016)
suicide squad (2016) – movie review – the wait is over
I've waited so long for this movie. I actually bought tickets on 7/18 to make sure I could see it on 8/4 in IMAX.
I have adored The Joker, in all of his incarnations since I can remember. He's probably my favorite character of all time. I fully admit that I went to see this for The Joker and Harley Quinn's romance. For that alone, it was well worth it. Still, it had a lot more going for it.
The film begins when Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles the worst psychotics to take on any non-human threat.One villain, The Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) is a witch unleashed by archaeologist, June Moone. Amanda keeps The Enchantress's heart, which gives her control, until The Enchantress brings her brother back and they begin to take over by turning people into creatures who work for them.
We're introduced to most members via backstories. Deadshot (Will Smith) isn't really too bad of a guy. He's a hit-man, who loves his daughter and is captured by Batman because of that love.
I adore Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie).I would have watched her backstory with The Joker (Jared Leto) for hours. She, of course,starts as Dr. Harleen Quinzel and The Joker is her patient. She falls for him and even brings him a stuffed animal kitty. He asks her for a small favor. All he wants in the whole world is a machine gun. How could anyone deny him that? So, she like anybody with a heart would,gets him one. He breaks out and gives Quinzel a bit of shock. Later above a vat of chemicals that turned him into the sexy beast he is. She willingly jumps into the vat wanting to be his. The Joker starts to walk away. He's angry at himself for caring about her, but jumps nonetheless. I love them together.
As the King of Gotham, if an idiot disrespects his Queen, The Joker obviously has no choice but to kill. He, after all, is still The Joker.He's a sexy, David Bowie/Alice Cooper gorgeous killer who needs his own film with Harley.
You can keep THE NOTEBOOK and TITANIC. The Joker and Harley ALWAYS does it for me and the casting here was topnotch.
Due to Batman's reckless behavior of jumping on his car, The Joker drives into water and narrowly escapes with his life. Harley is then put in jail.
Of course, The Joker isn't going to leave his lady love in prison. He gets a guard to sneak her a phone and texts that he's coming for her.
Some are upset that the movie didn't make a love triangle between Deadshot, Harley and The Joker. I'm SO glad they didn't. It isn't only Harley's strength that The Joker likes. It's Harley's complete infatuation and loyalty to him. He created her. They're meant for each other as if her were Adam and she Eve. It's her willingness to throw away her career,jump into a vat and be reborn into Harley that makes him take her.
It's her complete and sworn devotion to him that not only he enjoys, but the audience enjoys too. The Joker and Harley are perfect together as is. They should be a duo that rules Gotham together. I'd love them to kill Batman and take over. It's like NATURAL BORN KILLERS and BONNIE & CLYDE, but sexy.
By the way, how is there not a Harley & Joker comic? Why isn't there one? MAD LOVE is my favorite. I love the backstory between them. Why aren't they ever allowed a universe where they can create mayhem,screw over Batman and get away with it.
I would love to see Harley in a position to continuously save The Joker and vice versa.
Now, there were other characters too. Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) is a bad-ass. He lives in water and has the exterior of a Croc. He's strong and doesn't mess around. He was pretty funny and also an intimidating dude.
Diablo (Jay Hernandez) is a guy who when pushed to the edge can start fires with his hands. He doesn't like doing it because years ago, he got angry and set a fire that killed everyone in his house.
Boomerang (Jai Courtney) is a huge tough guy who loves fighting and throwing his boomerang. He's witty and funny. He definitely has a few shining moments. I wouldn't mind seeing a movie about his character.
Amanda puts Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman) in charge. He's a soldier who has fallen in love with June Moone and wants to save her from The Enchantress. On his side is Katana (Karen Fukuhara) a woman who traps the souls of her victims in the same sword her husband's soul is trapped in.
This was definitely non-stop action. The film was smart enough to divide the time that the Joker was on screen so you never went longer than about 10-15 minutes without seeing him. Jared Leto shines. I knew he would. Ever since I saw the first picture released where everyone was upset about the tattoos, I was like, "Yep, there's the Joker."
Leto is different than any Joker we have seen in the past. I thought I'd be the only one rooting for him, but I wasn't. Most of the crowd, at the theater, loved him. He's maniacal, crazy and so much cooler than Batman.
Many fans of The Joker have stated on message boards that he needed to be in the film more. I can't deny that, but then again it could have been a 12 hour long one-man-show of The Joker and I'd say, "we need a bit more Joker."
Overall, see this in IMAX. I know I'll see it a few more times before it comes to Blu-ray and then I'll buy the Blu-ray.
Kudos all around. Everyone did a really great job.
7 Chinese Brothers (2015)
Another Jason Schwartzman Gem - Must See
I had heard about this movie a couple months ago and kept it on my radar ever since. 7 Chinese Brothers stars Jason Schwartzman, who I've always been a big fan of. He has an undeniable likability that he has carried with him ever since Rushmore (1998) and it never shines so brighter as it does in this film.
The film opens with Larry (Schwartzman) getting fired for taking $5.00 of a $10.00 tip from his job as a bartender. He goes out the way anyone who has left a job under bad circumstances wants to go out. He loudly tells everyone he was fired and takes a bottle of tequila.
He goes home to his adorable dog Arrow which is arguably the most significant relationship in his life. Not that he doesn't have people in his life. His only surviving relative is his grandmother (Olympia Dukakis) who he certainly cares about but like most family dynamics the unconditional love is far more complicated than with Arrow. He asks his grandma for money and though she has it, she refuses; and with good reason. She asks him how he would feel if someone consistently showed up with they needed something. Her hope is that he stand on his own two feet, learn Spanish, and find someone to be with.
His closest friend is Major (Tunde Adebimpe) who works at his grandmother's senior facility. He's nice, sincerely cares about Larry and sells him prescription drugs at a low fee. Beyond the scripts, he takes, Larry also drinks way too much. Rest easy, we're not going down the depressing spiral that is Leaving Las Vegas (1995). This isn't a movie about an addict or addiction. It's a movie about a guy who is nice and funny but just doesn't know what he wants or where to go to get it.
He manages to get a job at a Quick Lube where he instantly develops an attraction to his boss Lupe (Eleanore Pienta). Upon meeting her, Major develops feelings for her as well. The two men never really fight and though Larry definitely feels inadequate in many ways compared to his friend, they remain very close.
Once again, this movie takes a very high-road. In so many lesser films there's an all out war between best friends who fight to the death for the person they both desire. Aside from a moment of small sabotage where Larry lies about Major having a prosthetic leg, he doesn't try to keep the two apart. Even when Larry lies to Lupe it fits with the character completely and when confronted about the lie, there's is a big blowout or fight. There's just an honest explanation as to why he felt the need to tell her that.
Lupe plays a pivotal role that is refreshingly unique. She isn't treated like some prize to win nor do they follow the trope of having her accuse the men of sexism while playing a woman all-to- willing to be fought over. This movie is smarter than that and far more realistic. More often than not, when two friends who are both generally good people have affection for the same individual life just goes on. There's a discussion about it, but overall everyone tries to be careful and wary of the other's feelings which is what good people do. They're honest as much as they can be. They certainly fall victim to pride or jealousy once in awhile, but overall rationale takes over and things work out in whatever way they do. Most human beings accept that and it's great to see a movie which acknowledges that aspect of behavior.
Lupe doesn't play the victim at all. She doesn't pit the men against one another. She like everyone else is trying to figure their life out. She's a mother who works with her ex-husband. She's strong, self-sufficient and enjoys her job. She also isn't instantly charmed with Larry's quirky jokes. Some make her laugh and some make her roll her eyes which again is so real. She isn't a doe-eyed gal put there for eye-candy as merely a romantic interest. She has a real solid role in the film being both a good friend who tries to watch out for her employees and a good person overall.
Major life events trigger something in Larry that changes his perspective and reignites an ambition within him. It's not like there's a 180 on the character, but more-so just a comfortability in his own skin. Schwartzman portrays it brilliantly ensuring every moment comes across as genuine and real.
The entire cast is fantastic and adds so much to the production. Arrow is just an adorable French Bulldog that I want to hug and take home with me, but being that it is really Jason Schwartzman's dog, I don't think he's up for adoption.
Another key component of the film is the the music. From the start when Larry gets fired and all the way up until the last song, the music helps set the tone and the mood. They are all perfectly well selected and great tunes by great artists.
I would certainly suggest purchasing this one immediately. It's a smart movie for smart people and is all heart. Don't waste time or money renting, as with most of Scwartzman's work this is definitely one to own.
Steal This Movie (2000)
steal this movie (2000) Must See Film
Admittedly, I didn't know who Abbie Hoffman was or what the Youth International Party was until I was in my very late teens – early 20s.
I saw him in different programs I watched but I never truly knew his impact. I was a bit worried about watching anyone portray him in a film. Vincent D'Onofrio is a fantastic actor but I stayed away from this movie for a long time because I'm always weary about reenactments for dramatic effect. I never want to confuse fiction for reality. So many do that on both sides of the political spectrum that I like to know the facts. It is for that reason, biopics always make me a bit uneasy.
It was the cast that influenced my decision to watch it. The film includes Janeane Garofalo, Kevin Corrigan, Donal Logue, Kevin Pollack,and Jeanne Tripplehorn. It doesn't get better than that.
The film opens as Hoffman (D'Onofrio) while in hiding is talking to a reporter recounting his involvement with the movement. It starts when he's helping African Americans register to vote and is beaten by a cop.
Fast forward to him meeting his wife Anita (Garofalo) on a bus where he and his friend Stew Albert (Donal Logue) hold the passengers up with water pistols.
Anita is also interviewed by the reporter who believes that the government has better things to do than track down Hoffman. She then recounts their run-ins with the law, COINTELPRO and how deep the resentment of Hoffman is.
The entire movie was done in a realistic and careful manner that I appreciated. I loved the real footage that was shown while Hoffman states "Do you remember 1968? They killed the good guys as they were about to elect the bad guys
." It's such a powerful and honest statement.
This is nearly 50 years later and I can taste how close the revolution actually felt for the protesters.
I hate when people look at the counterculture movement as some drug-induced idiocy to disregard. It was well thought out, the risks were very real and when the Vietnam Conflict ended and the mindset of people didn't change is it any wonder why revolutionaries like Phil Ochs and Hoffman are no longer with us? Call it bi-polar or any other mental illness you want to, at the end of the day – I believe they died of rightful disappointment. What they gave their life for was dead. How do you live after that? Why would you want to?
Kevin Corrigan portrays Jerry Rubin, founding member of YIP and good friend of Hoffman. Though the two disagree on methods at times, the love and shared beliefs the two have is always apparent. In one scene,Rubin is being carried by protesters as he speaks against the war and starvation with such emotion and genuine heart. The next scene is a short black-and-white scene of military tanks and a "welcome to Chicago" sign on fire. In that quick transition the momentum and feeling of the film changes. That happens throughout.
It's a roller-coaster ride of wanting the change, believing in the change,feeling the beauty and connection between all of those in agreement, but on the flip – still seeing people die, the war going on,sabotage by government officials, denial of permits to protest without reason –the list goes on and on.
This movie does everything right and I'm glad that I watched it. It's the kind of film that people who have a conscience need to watch.
People are still being prosecuted for protesting. People are still being listened in on by the government, framed and detained without reason and when you bring it up there are still people saying "You're paranoid."
Where is the outrage that was so prevalent in the 60s? My guess is silenced by big pharmacy and brainwashing. When people care more about who wins a show like The Voice than who is elected in office, the disillusionment of the government is so high that we are basically admitting to being helpless and not wanting to fight to change it. Where is the fight?
Where are the Abbie Hoffmans and the Jerry Rubins? Where did they go? And why am I a hypocrite who sits watching this movie rather than risking any personal harm to fight? If I protest I could get arrested, if I get arrested I'll lose my insurance license, if I lose my license I can't afford the house I'm buying. It's the game and I lost, for now.
That said, movies like this need to be made. We need to remember the 60s and we need to learn from it. This film brought me to that place.
The acting as can be expected is great all around. There are moments that are absolutely hilarious like when Hoffman and Rubin are in court wearing judicial robes and are ordered to take them off only to reveal police uniforms. Then there are moments that anger and frustrate. There are gut-wrenching scenes of real violence and re- enacted violence that at 5 AM are making me scream at my TV.
It's pretty easy to get angry when you see rights being trampled on.
Just watch this movie.
2B (2009)
An Intellectual Sci-Fi Movie that Echoes the Best of Rod Serling
In many ways, 2B is playing devil's advocate against some of the most well known Sci-Fi classics. While watching, my mind thought of West World (1973), The Stepford Wives (1975) and most present while viewing was Frankenstein (1931) and how all three represented the dangers of technology and science. 2B embraces it.
The movie begins in 2017 where science has evolved to the point that Dr. Tom Mortlake (James Remar) is able to bring into existence what he calls a Transbeman. Mia (Jane Kim) his gorgeous and loyal creation is immortal and a more evolved human being. She calls Mortlake father and follows every instruction given. Mortlake's intentions are honorable as he wants to end wars, death and destruction.
Vlog sensation, club owner and writer Clayton Konroy (Kevin Corrigan) despises Mortlake as he believes the man is playing God and that his ego has taken control. He writes an unauthorized biography and meets up with his agent to discuss the release. In a small pub, Clayton arrives late and finds it hard to stay focused while a news program highlighting Mortlake is on a television behind them. It isn't until he is told that no one wants to release his book and that he is fired, that his attention shifts.
Meanwhile, Mia is on a mission aided by a computer system named Dave that ensures her safety. Her mission is to shoot Mortlake in the back of the head while the cameras and news watch in horror and then go to Konroy to Vlog her story.
A reporter named Nicole St. John (Hayley DuMond) goes into attack mode and wants Mia to be caught by the police. She's overzealous, sensationalistic, and obviously in it for the ratings – basically Nancy Grace.
Clayton is taken aback by Mia's presence as he had tried to interview her before but wasn't allowed. He is hesitant to help her but intrigued. She confesses that Mortlake ordered her to shoot him as he himself is going to be a Transbeman. She has a book with a mind file which will bring him back to life as a Transbeman, giving him immortality without the skin of a human.
Clayton agrees to Vlog her interview and begins by asking about her anatomy in the most vulgar of ways. She is shocked by his language as she and her father had a deal that whenever he swore he had to give her money. Clayton explains that words don't mean anything and as an avid believer in the First Amendment doesn't hold back with language at all.
There is an obvious strong attraction between the two and the chemistry is fantastically hot. He takes her to his club so he can have a few drinks and record her Vlog.
Later, when Mia swears twice during conversation, it makes him want her. She is more than a willing participant until he asks if Mortlake and her had sex. She takes offense and backs away. He begins getting revved as he speaks about Mortlake, the hatred resurfacing. He tells her there's no way that he would make a creation like her without intentions beyond holding hands. He gets more intense as he talks and says he hated the doctor because he played God. What hits Mia the hardest is when Clayton says that he's glad Mortlake is dead. They begin a heated argument where she says he isn't. She pushes him against the window in anger but then the attraction between the two takes over and they kiss. Afterwards, Clayton unsurprisingly has a change of heart and simply says "ok".
She tells him, she has to allow herself to get caught and killed by the police and asks him to put the Vlog up and follow her computer system's instructions on how to bring them back. He agrees and the Vlog is aired worldwide and gets over a million hits on the web within moments. St. John goes on a overblown rampage about the Vlog and about Mia. Clayton hacks into the news channel and tells her off with such relevance, intelligence and charisma. I wish someone would hack the 24 hour news networks, starting with Fox news to call out the bullshit as Clayton did in this film.
You can't take your eyes off of Kevin Corrigan in this movie. Clayton is like a combination of Edward R. Murrow and Lenny Bruce. He has conviction and dedication, but can fly off the handle easily. He's a good guy who attracts so many viewers because of his raw and real honesty which is attractive as hell.
Jane Kim was sensational as Mia. She expressed strength, apprehension and undying devotion in a naturalistic manner which made her relatable. The film was smart enough not to have her quirky or stupid as so many films about cloning or creating life does. There isn't comedic moments at her expense. There are many funny moments during the conversations with Mia and Clayton but it was conversational and not demeaning or surrounding the fact that she was an evolved immortal being on a mission from her creator.
Her character was believable, sympathetic and without question as a viewer I was on her side and happily accepted the idea of the Transbeman. One of the touching aspects of Mia is that she does have an innocence to her. She describes how she loves fairy tales. Though she enjoys the dark aspects and the fear inducing portions, her love for happily ever after endings surpasses all else.
Simply put, this movie is not one to watch while multi-tasking. It's a deep, analytical, thought-provoking movie which challenges the viewer to rethink their thoughts on mortality in an original and philosophical manner that supports science and evolving ideas.
Without exaggeration, this is Rod Serling territory. It is as good and as challenging as Serling's work
Bandwagon (1996)
A Nostalgic Look at the 90s Music Scene
By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Being a child of the 90s, I often romanticize the decade in my head. I like to convince myself what came out of the 90s was better than anything before or after. Maybe that's because, if not for Nirvana, Live, Soul Asylum, Rage Against the Machine, Weezer, etc. my existence would have been intolerable. When I think back to the insanity of my teenage years, I often see myself in my room with my door closed and headphones blaring the sound of understanding sympathy that was not found anywhere else.
I frequently go to Northampton MA with my husband Steve and best friend Meghan because the 90s are still alive there. Whether it's used record stores, local bands, or vintage clothing my youth feels so much closer there than any other place. My adoration for the decade declared, I feel so cheated that I haven't heard of this movie before. The only reason I know of it now is a combination of my good taste and OCD. I was watching Grounded For Life on Netflix and remembered how fond I was of the character Eddie. My mind working the way it does, I began looking up his filmography and going through the movies I hadn't seen. I saw a picture for Bandwagon online and Mr. Kevin Corrigan was nice enough to let me know the name of the film. Thankfully, Amazon had it for purchase. The movie begins with Charlie (Matthew Hennessey) who works at a music store having the desire to be in his own band. He befriends Tony (Lee Holmes) who loves to write, sing and play music, but is so shy that he has to go into another room to even play in front of Charlie. The duo decide to make a band and enlist the help of the very subdued Wynn (Kevin Corrigan) and the unhinged Eric (Steve Parlavecchio). Together, they become Circus Monkey. There is a small rivalry of sorts with a hardcore metal band named Spittle. Spittle gets a contract with Rival Records and one of the members throws it in the face of Circus Monkey. Charlie too wants a contract and knowing that his band is superior to Spittle, keeps his eye on the prize with the desire to seek out fame. Soon, a big and mysterious name in the music business Linus Tate (Doug MacMillan) shows up and acts as Circus Monkey's manager. He warns the group right away that Rival Records aim in signing them would be to alter their image and ultimately their music to fit into the mainstream. Still the group is un-detoured and though staying with Tate, still desire to make it big. They start a tour and for the most part things go smoothly, until a girl Tony likes and the object of many of his songs has a thing for Charlie. The band almost breaks up over it, which pushes Eric over the edge. As he's trying to "reason" with Tony and Charlie, he sees a guy going in his van. Thinking that it may be Chester (Doug McCallie) a man he screwed over in town, he takes out a gun he stole and shoots. Thankfully, no one was hurt but Wynn's beer bottle was the recipient and it shot as Wynn himself was holding it. When he finds out he was almost killed, he passes out and then after waking up decides he's taking off. He grabs his fishing line and goes to the water where Tony runs after him and pleads for his return. After some major discussions and a little bit of police trouble, the group finds its way to their meeting with Rival Records. In the end, the four guys need to decide if success is worth selling out or if the music holds more value than any contract can offer. This was a fun movie that I'm sad I didn't see when I was younger. This should definitely have a mainstream release and I wonder why it didn't. It's sad that Airheads (1994), a dumbed- down movie about a 90s band, is a far more recognized film. Don't get me wrong, if Airheads was on TV right now, I'd watch it. It's a fun flick, and I'll watch anything with Steve Buscemi in it. It's just Bandwagon had more heart and a higher level of genuine appreciation for the generation it's connecting with. It was a wonderful hour and a half of nostalgia that I'll be sure to relive again soon.
Results (2015)
results (2015) new release comedy film review amazon instant watch
By Melissa Antoinette Garza I only recently heard of this film, but the reviews have been extremely positive. Though still in cinemas, it is currently available for rent off Amazon streaming. Results follows gym owner Trevor (Guy Pearce) and the complicated relationship he has with employee Kat (Cobie Smulders). When Danny (Kevin Corrigan) recently acquires a hefty inheritance from his estranged mother shortly after a divorce, he decides to use a portion of it to get personal lessons from Trevor's gym with the hopes of successfully being able to withstand a punch. Despite Trevor being wary, Kat insists she takes the job as she wants more clients. Danny has an instant attraction to her and she's not completely uncharmed by him. After stopping by his house to get high, they have a romantic encounter which most certainly means more to Danny than to Kat. When she comes over for her next session, Danny has a jazz band and a romantic dinner waiting. She becomes furious and storms out. She runs to Trevor who is jealous as he and Kat were former lovers. Though it's obvious Kat wanted more, Trevor whose philosophy is based on visualizing goals and attaining them, didn't see her as a long-term part of his life. Despite his own feelings and affection for her, he insists on keeping their relationship professional. Trevor calls Danny to threaten him, and when Danny is unimpressed with the tactic, Trevor shows up at his house. The two end up getting along and Trevor even starts training Danny to become stronger. They become such good friends that Danny purchases 50% of the business to help Trevor's goal of expanding become a reality. A falling out of sorts occurs when Danny discovers Trevor's feelings for Kat. This is done extremely well as it's not for the usual rivalry reasons seen within most films depicting two people who share an affection for the same person. The focus isn't on a love triangle, but instead the existence of three decent yet flawed individuals and the way in which each person impacts the other. The strengths and weaknesses of the trio compliment one another and help each find success in all avenues of their lives. From start to finish I enjoyed this movie immensely. It will certainly be one I purchase once available. The characters are believable in The acting both from the main players and the supporting cast is fantastic. Giovanni Ribisi portrays a corporate lawyer Danny befriends in a bar trying to score weed. I've always loved Ribisi's work and have followed his career for years. Whereas friends of the main characters can sometimes be easily forgotten, Ribisi really brings out the eccentricity in his portrayal to ensure, it won't be soon forgotten. Another side character who brought so much to the table was Danny's ex-wife Christine (Elizabeth Berridge). At one point Danny thinks about going back to his ex, despite objections from Trevor. Rather than making Christine a caricature of the evil ex, Berridge portrayed her as a genuine and sympathetic woman who cares enough to be there for Danny when he's trying to reassess his life. Berridge is Kevin Corrigan's real-life wife. She also played beside him on Grounded for Life as his girlfriend Amy which of all Eddie's girlfriends was my favorite and the one who stands out the most. Amy was a hilariously demented character, and Berridge flawlessly walked the line keeping her sympathetic and crazy without making her a villain. I really hope to see Berridge in some new projects soon as she always adds so much to any production. Both Guy Pearce and Cobie Smulders were fantastic in their roles. They shared great chemistry and portrayed each character with a level of realism and intelligence. Smulders was tough as nails as Kat without going overboard into Tomb Raider style badass-ery. She calls out a woman for not paying her bill on time and eating a cupcake with such a nonchalant aura of confidence that was both hilarious and cutthroat. Last but never least, Kevin Corrigan stole every scene he was in. Danny could have been easily portrayed as a joyless person. He's a little insecure, depressed, bored, lost contact with his mother for years before her death, tries too hard and fails with women the list goes on and on. Corrigan breathes life into Danny with his expressions, mannerisms, and humor which makes for some of the funniest scenes in recent cinematic history. Corrigan is one of those few actors who when walking in a room immediately takes over the scene. In everything he's in, opposite anyone, he just has that capability. The attention is drawn to him like eyes to Fireworks on the 4th of July. It's like Henry Fonda in 12 Angry Men (1957) or Sidney Poitier in A Raisin in the Sun (1961). Even when on screen with the best in the business, everyone is watching them because they have a level of talent which is unsurpassed. I really can't recommend Results enough. It was unique, hilarious and surprisingly very original in the portrayal of each character. Seek out a local theater showing the film or order it from your home on Amazon
Some Guy Who Kills People (2011)
A New Concept - A Horror Feel Good Movie (Review)
Recently, I started watching Grounded for Life on Netflix. I loved the show when it first aired because of one reason: Kevin Corrigan's portrayal of Eddie. Eddie is one of the sexiest characters of all time. He was the brother of the main character but he stole the show. Eddie was a small-time crook, who turned on every woman he came into contact with. Corrigan has such a unique look and presence about him. He's like sex and rock & roll vamped up in a class act that could have chemistry aside an empty room.
So, as I was happily reminded of how great and underrated Grounded For Life was, I decided to peruse Amazon for any other movies with Corrigan in it. I found this film for purchase and bought it instantly. The trailer definitely showed promise. Produced by iconic filmmaker John Landis and co-starring Rocky Horror Picture Show star Barry Bostwick and screen legend Karen Black, I was certain that at the very least it had an amazingly talented bunch behind it.
The movie is perfect. I've watched it twice already. It's actually one of the best films I've seen in years. After watching a horror movie, people are usually excited or entertained but rarely do they walk away with those rare feel-good emotions.
Corrigan stars as Ken, a broken man in his thirties who was recently released from a mental institution. When in high-school he was bullied and tortured by classmates. When a girl he got pregnant and proposed to broke up with him, it pushed him over the edge and he slit his wrists.
When released, he lives with his insulting and demeaning mother (Karen Black) and works at an ice cream shop with his friend Irv (Leo Fitzpatrick). One day, his horrible boss makes him dress like an ice cream cone and go to a birthday party of one of the bullies he endured in high-school. At the party, he meets Stephanie (Lucy Davis) a beautiful blonde with a sense of humor who is immediately smitten with Ken.
If anyone else starred in this film, the attraction would be difficult to understand. With Corrigan, it's completely understandable. He's a sexy guy who can play weird and still undeniably attractive. Ken's awkwardness and refusal to look one in the eye while speaking makes the character all that more interesting. Even more, he doesn't know he's sexy. He believes himself to be a nobody. He's an amazing artist but refuses to share his work. He's insecure and quiet but has a sense of humor and a personality that shines through.
Meanwhile, all of the bullies that terrorized Ken are murdered one-by-one. The Sheriff (Barry Bostwick) isn't the smartest officer but isn't too goofy. There are definitely comedic moments but Bostwick sells them and even sells the Sheriff's ineptitude.
Shortly After Ken meets Stephanie, he meets his daughter as well. When 11 year old Amy (Ariel Gade) finds out that her mother has been lying to her and that her father is close by, she runs to meet him. After meeting him, she decides she wants to stay there and convinces her mother to let her stay a week.
Amy loves her father unconditionally and slowly Ken becomes accustomed to having her there as well. It's even Amy who encourages Ken to seek a relationship with Stephanie. The father/daughter dynamic in this is extremely well-done as well. There are certain aspects of Ken's personality that is mirrored in Amy's which makes their bond a very special one.
The entire movie is wonderful. The cast is great, the film goes by quickly and even though true horror fans will see the conclusion coming in a mile, it's done in a heartfelt and very sweet way.
I can't recommend this film enough. It's a mishmash of my favorite genres that rarely get combined. It reminds me of Pscyho (1960) in the sense that the viewers are going to be very protective over Ken the way they were with Anthony Perkins' amazing performance as Norman Bates.
I was able to buy the film for $4.99 (streaming from Amazon) and it's worth a helluva lot more. There isn't a single reason, not to buy this movie.
Scared Stiff Rating: 10/10
Twisted (1986)
This Is A Must See
This is an old school thriller that offers much more than the typical violent outbursts and spouts of anger. Actually, what makes this movie stand above those is that it can illicit the same emotions from the audience, all the while keeping every scene calm (albeit sinisterly calm) in nature.
Something that is wonderfully consistent with Christian Slater since the start of his film career and that still continues today is his ability to convey the psychology of his character to the audience.
Slater portrays Mark Collins, a young teenager who is in his own mind superior to those around him. He despises weakness and finds all of his strength from the wrong sources. Without his parents knowing, he has the ability to hear every word spoken in the house and thus has found out about his mother's indiscretions and his father's alcoholism. Even though Mark doesn't reveal verbally his thoughts of such behavior, Slater does an awesome job (as always) making it clear that Mark views his parental units as weak and unworthy of respect or devotion. In the same disgusted manner, he views the bully at school, his little sister, and the babysitters.
This is the only character that Slater has ever portrayed that may be innately evil. JD of Heathers and Robert Boyd of Very Bad Things had serious character flaws and far from the greatest means of handling problems, but I don't believe either were evil. Mark Collins is a different story.
He shows no affection whatsoever for anyone. Even small animals are viewed as only specimens. Art and music are only seen when surrounded by violence and commands. He has such a desire for order and control. This is the reason he can't foresee going to a strict academy which his parents wish to send him to. There he not only loses control because he will be under scrutiny but also because he will lose his footing as such a strong individual. At home, he is surrounded by people weaker and dumber thus making him confident in every action he commits.
He hasn't an issue forcing thorazine down the throat of his sister as long as he can vocally assure himself he won't be to blame. He was the starting of a mad scientist who was too smart for his own good.
This film has never been released on DVD and is out of print on video. If you can find it, BUY IT! It's an outstanding movie!
Heathers (1988)
More than a classic!!
What can I say about this movie other than it's brilliant! It was definitely one of the first times (but certainly not the last) that we were able to see the undeniable range and talent of perhaps the best actor ever to bless the screen, Christian Slater.
I've liked this movie since I was a kid and then, of course, I adored it once in highschool, and now in my mid-twenties it still remains a movie I never grow tired of. It's fun and witty and charming and Jason Dean is probably one of thee best characters ever to hit the screen.
Anyone who reads this review, I would like to ask them to do something. Rent Very Bad Things (or buy it..it's a great flick) and Heathers. Watch them back to back and look for how Slater uses subtle changes of style, tone, stance, poise, and mannuerisms to portray the different psychology of these characters. If almost anyone else had been playing both roles these subtle but, oh so significant, demeanor changes would be absent. Never will you be watching VBT and think to yourself your seeing traits of JD, and likewise you'll never watch Heathers and see traits of Robert Boyd.
As for Heathers, it's just an amazing movie that was so before its time yet luckily appreciated nonetheless.
Basil (1998)
Very Under-Rated Movie
I think many people miss the brilliance in this work. It isn't just about the revenge or reasons for revenge but the psychology of the characters. Everything else is just the outcome of such character flaws.
John Mannion, played expertly by Slater, isn't a bad man. He is just controlled! He is so controlled that he doesn't even realize what he has, because if he had, then he would have seen revenge as unnecessary.
He is a character that had been vengeful for so long that he knew nothing else. Every move he made, every step he took, was one that brought him closer to his goal. And he couldn't see past his goal or anything other than it because he was TOO Focused and that was his character flaw. It's so deep and is virtually missed by everyone. He isn't flawed because he wants revenge. Everyone despite how virtuous wants revenge at some point. He isn't even flawed because he seeks revenge. Some people seek revenge and are done with it. He is flawed because he is someone who is blind to everything but revenge. And thus his destruction.
This tale isn't about Basil's life or his feeling or emotion although they do play a small role. It's about John and the fact that he forced himself into a life of deception and cruelty to those who were devoted because he couldn't escape the only drive he ever had.
One of the best scenes in history is when John is in bed with Julia and tells her that she must marry Basil. Julia who is 100% devoted to John and would do anything for him, of course wants to refuse but John replies. "If you don't marry Basil you can not have me." HE doesn't appreciate the love, not because he's a bad person or in essence evil but because he is just too focused.
Slater is an under-appreciated acting genius who has given more outstanding performances than anyone else I can think to mention.
Now, if Mindhunters and Alone in the Dark would be released I'd be happy :)