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Holmzb124
Reviews
Scarecrows (1988)
Glad to see such positive reviews
Thanks, Jeff (and others), for your review of 'Scarecrows'. I remember seeing this at Wal Mart a few years back and passed on it. I can't explain why; perhaps because I didn't recognize any of the actors (although I prefer to catch a diamond in the rough now and again). After reading such positive reviews, I ordered a copy and am incredibly anxious and intrigued to check it out. Seems like an excellent addition to any horror film collection and probably best watched in the Fall close to Halloween. After I receive my copy and watch it thoroughly, I'll be certain to post my thoughts. I just wanted to say thanks again to Jeff and company for helping to me to finally purchase 'Scarecrows'.
30 Days of Night (2007)
'30 Days of Night' cuts it's own niche
I completely agree with Czarnobog. '30 Days of Night' is one very dark and eerily atmospheric vampire movie that doesn't follow the usual vampire movie clichés. The premise itself to lay siege to a town with no sun for 30 days is nice change of pace, but these vampires, led by Harlow (similar name to Barlow of 'Salem's Lot') are much more advanced than your typical vampires as far as their game plan to shut down the town and how they stalked their victims before killing them. Some decent spots of bloodshed, but nothing over the top or excessive. Well worth multiple watches and a great addition to your existing vampire movie collection.
'Salem's Lot (2004)
Excellent 'Salem's Lot' remake
For whatever reason, we live in a society that has the mindset that 'If it came first, it must be the best.' Whether it be with TV shows, movies or books, we're all convinced that somehow, the first version is the standard and any remake afterward is blasphemy. Not true, with this very well made, solid, and creepy version of 'Salem's Lot'.
When I first heard the names of those chosen for the cast, I was intrigued and excited. Donald Sutherland AND Rutger Hauer in bad guy roles? Andre Braugher AND Rob Lowe together for the first time? The possibilities seemed likely that this would be a surprise hit. Rob Lowe looked every bit the part of a ragged and stressed writer, Andre Braugher gave his performance intelligence with a chip on his shoulder and seeing Donald Sutherland taking on his role with such ease makes me wonder why he doesn't do take on more bad guy roles (remember his psychotic warden character in 'Lock Up'?). Even though I half expected Rutger Hauer to don the Nosferatu-style make up as the sinister Barlow, I was quite surprised at how very human they made him - before he fed.
Great cast, eerie special effects and a solid and even storyline makes this version of 'Salem's lot' worth multiple watches.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Excellent Re-make
In the last 2 years or so, we've been pelted with an onslaught of horror re-makes, some hits and some misses in the eyes of the general public. I remember seeing the original 'The Hills Have Eyes' as a 10 year old kid on Chiller Theater and wondered 'How could people become so uncivilized toward each other?' The movie stayed with me for days and I kept asking myself the very same question. I'm sure Wes Craven had some sort of social agenda when he made his version.
If you have high hopes for a horror re-make that may exceed the original, look no further than this gem. The acting is better, the effects are scarier, the pace of the movie is more intense and the sense dread hangs in there like humidity in July. Alexander Aja stays as close to the original as possible (probably due to the supervision of Wes Craven) and yet it feels like a new movie was made. A well crafted re-make that is worth every penny to rent or buy.
Cotton Candy (1978)
When's it 'Cotton Candy's' turn to be released on DVD?
What a great, great underdog band movie! I remember seeing this in grade school and, to this day, it still stuck with me. I would love to be able to get a copy of this Ron Howard bad boy on DVD and drift back in time to 4th grade and watch Cotton Candy rock the house and take over the senior prom! Remember Clint Howard as the bands manager after he got thrown out for starting the fight with Torbin? As Rapid Fire leaves the stage and Cotton Candy starts to win over the Rapid Fire crowd, there's Clint, looking through the door and crying at the fact that the band is becoming a hit. Chalk one up for Cotton Candy, the little band that could! STAND UP AND SHOUT!!!!!!!
...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979)
Why hasn't this been released on DVD yet?
I remember seeing this as a 9 year old kid and to this day the movie hasn't left me. Some of the scenes I remember are when Jonah's Grandpa died working at his produce stand, Jonah taking his brother's Spider man doll and putting him in the oven (he was totally afraid of Spider Man) and Jonah taking a spill on his bike when a car almost hit him. I do remember the deaf man helping out and Jonah giving him the positive reinforcement as he learned more and more sign of the language.
I, too, remember poor Jonah being tied up to the table while Sally Struther's watched helplessly at him. It made my cry then, and just thinking about it now makes my eyes water. Still, it's not to be meant as a depressing movie but a testament of courage and hope. A must have and I hope it gets a DVD release soon.