keithanderson1 Reviews

Slither (2006)

Go Cooters!

[8/10 · 2 April 2006]

I knew nothing about this film until a friend called and said let's go see Slithers. We arrived late, but I was laughing (at the mayor's introduction) before we even sat down.

First off, this is a great cast. I was ecstatic to find Nathan Fillion in the lead role of Wheelsy Police Captain Bill Pardy, having been a fan since his days as Caleb in Buffy. Fillion had some very funny bits and lines, as did Michael Rooker as Grant Grant, but the best of the lines went to Gregg Henry as mayor MacReady. And, of course, Elizabeth Banks is just "hardcore".

There were a few plot contrivances that didn't make since and the Grant Grant creature in the field had a bit of an awkward look to it, but these things were easily overlooked as the film quickly throws the viewer into "let's just have fun" mode. I never felt at any time that it was dragging. I loved the Dawn of the Dead remake, but even that film dragged at times. Slithers was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

The Other (1972)

The Standard

[10/10 · 19 August 2005]

The subtle manner with which Tyron presented this simple tale is adhered to masterly by Mulligan in this great film. Of course, the subtlety itself lends a stark contrast and thereby, much muscle to the chilling aspects of the story. A simple formula, yet so well done that it has haunted me for about 28 years now. I was 13 or 14 when I happened to catch it in its original theatrical run in 1972. For me, it's become one of those rare discoveries that truly feels like something of my own, an artist or particular piece of work that I feel a strong attachment to. Chiefly because they're/it's really good, but also largely due to his/her/their/it's seemingly preposterous and sometimes perplexingly enduring relative anonymity in such a vast sea of mediocrity. Bill Hicks (THE bastion of truth and best comedian EVER) and countless bands you've never heard of come to mind. "The Other" became so obscure that I didn't see it again for about 25 years. I finally got a copy of the pan and scan (P/S) tape (released in 1989) on ebay 5 or 6 years ago, but not before begging AMC to run it. They eventually began running it, years later. It's still the P/S version and all I can currently find on ebay is a homemade DVR of the same (FMC has the P/S version scheduled for 8/31/05). It's a paradox, but we want everyone to know about our secret discoveries. We want due acceptance, success and relevance for them. And we want verification for our fragile selves.

Deep, huh? That's my IMDb review. It's my first one and may well be the only 10 stars I EVER afford any film. I can't think of a more deserving film to bear the burden of a standard.

PS to the POWERS THAT BE: Please release a widescreen deluxe edition DVD of this title while the principles are still available for commentary.

Keith KA0001-081905