tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32776459977131298902024-02-08T12:17:02.678-08:00my #tallyteers viewing logtracking my movie views as part of the #tallyteersShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-53437384948733069862011-08-19T18:42:00.001-07:002011-08-19T18:47:52.773-07:00Using Miso Now to track my viewing...<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380px" scrolling="no" src="http://gomiso.com/widget/checkins?widget_type=user&user_id=221397&layout_bg_color=%23333333&layout_text_color=%23FFFFFF&content_bg_color=%23000000&content_text_color=%23FFFFFF&content_link_color=%239e9c9e&width=380&height=380&count=5" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="380px"></iframe></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-76697399380823594422011-04-08T08:19:00.000-07:002011-04-08T08:19:19.213-07:00My Recent Watch ListI have been way too lazy and/or busy to write film reviews, but I have been getting into the discipline of at least logging what I have been watching.<br />
<br />
Keeping track of my watch-list here: <a href="http://www.whatiwatch.net/overview.php?ov=4650">What I Watch</a>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-26146290882349900702011-02-10T07:14:00.000-08:002011-02-10T07:14:05.383-08:00Look at their eyes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L17WAJHtoWo/TVQAHsO_3KI/AAAAAAAAK-k/IDYQc0EAors/s1600/martyrs_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L17WAJHtoWo/TVQAHsO_3KI/AAAAAAAAK-k/IDYQc0EAors/s1600/martyrs_medium.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Clearly one of the best films I have seen in a long time. Original story, great performances and plenty of brutal violence. What more can you ask for? The key thing in this movie is that the violence is part of the whole story, and not gratuitous. Definitely worth a revisit in the future.<br />
<br />
Rating: 9/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-18106667337826328442011-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:27:18.506-08:00Ho Ho Ho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRBCg4BZjW6UF-fcVM3OaL4xJU7J6F4H364OSFeFbSjHHy-tc0&t=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRBCg4BZjW6UF-fcVM3OaL4xJU7J6F4H364OSFeFbSjHHy-tc0&t=1" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;">I thought I had seen this before, but I was wrong. All in all, I found this to be a very effective thriller. Though some call it slow paced, I think it is paced nicely, and the suspense toward the end is right on. I was slightly disappointed by the ending, and wonder how inept those cops must have been to miss out on some critical "evidence" in the attic.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;">Regardless, I though this was a very good film, and worthy of it's cult status.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; word-spacing: 2px;">Rating: 9/10</span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-55797463537188479022011-02-01T06:36:00.000-08:002011-02-01T06:36:50.551-08:00January TotalsIt felt like more, but this is my summary for January. Pretty weak...<br />
<br />
9 New<br />
3 Rewatched*<br />
---------------<br />
12 Total<br />
<br />
Hoping I can better these numbers in the short month of February.<br />
<br />
* <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Rewatched includes a re-watch of SUNSHINE CLEANING, which I posted on in December, nut rewatched in January so the wife could see it.</span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-39116578088303628902011-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:002011-01-31T18:14:39.448-08:00Stinky Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUdrSduolvI/AAAAAAAAK58/amQNRvfPbfA/s1600/mpvg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUdrSduolvI/AAAAAAAAK58/amQNRvfPbfA/s1600/mpvg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
MEGA PYTHON VS GATOROID. It's not as bad as you'd expect; it's worse. Skeletal Debbie Gibson battles with buxom Tiffany over who's slimy buddies should win in the epic battle. While the guest list was long on familiar faces, I can't imagine why Mary Lambert (dir PET SEMATARY) would have associated herself with this mess.<br />
<br />
The characters were all interchangeable and disposable, and the "special effects" were courtesy of some 9 year-old using MS Paint on a Packard Bell 486 computer. <i> </i>I am thankful for the 30-second skip button on the DVR remote, as I gave it quite a workout during this schlockfest. Bleecchhh.<br />
<br />
Rating: 1/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-10984788873525569222011-01-31T11:20:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:20:51.278-08:00More than meets the eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUcHI_wPj1I/AAAAAAAAK5U/dj26sEep2gQ/s1600/transformers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUcHI_wPj1I/AAAAAAAAK5U/dj26sEep2gQ/s320/transformers.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I actually saw the second TRANSFORMERS movie before this one. I was never really a Transformers fan, only because they became more popular after I had gotten too old for the toys. I only saw the 2nd film because I needed to get my son out of the house, and figured it would beat the time we suffered through PONYO. Anyway, I did enjoy the 2nd one, and decided to catch the first one to fill in the gaps.<br />
<br />
I found the Autobots and Decepticons in this one to be much easier on the eyes. They were actually recognizable as robot-type figures, as in the 2nd film, they just looked like big blobs of spiky metal to me.<br />
<br />
While the plot is kind of hokey, this was a fun film overall. Action sequences were nicely done, and the CGI is pretty sweet.<br />
<br />
Rating: 7/5/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-91993077488885444932011-01-31T09:35:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:21:31.180-08:00Don't piss off a gypsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUbxCQ67WUI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/2kLr2sHQH1I/s1600/hell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUbxCQ67WUI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/2kLr2sHQH1I/s1600/hell.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Having this in Sam Raimi's hands is the thing that drew me to it. Never saw it in the theaters, but certainly wanted to check it out.<br />
<br />
DRAG ME TO HELL certainly did have some Raimi-esque touches to it. Some of the gooey gore looked good, the demonic voices were clearly reminiscent of the EVIL DEAD era, and some of the camera-work was also right on for Raimi.<br />
<br />
Overall, this was a completely enjoyable and watchable film. Some of the scenes that I think were meant to build tension and suspense only built passing time into the film's duration. If this had been tightened up a bit, and got down below the 90 minute mark, I think I would have enjoyed it even more. I did watch the Director's Cut, but since I never saw the theatrical version, I have no idea what was added.<br />
<br />
Rating: 7/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-14569777895881446372011-01-26T15:09:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:09:07.905-08:00It's Exactly What You Think It Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUCmGEDb9iI/AAAAAAAAK5E/xd_Ox969cSQ/s1600/pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUCmGEDb9iI/AAAAAAAAK5E/xd_Ox969cSQ/s1600/pieces.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I finally got around to this one in the Netflix queue, and I am so glad I did. PIECES was one of our favorite films to watch and rewatch as a rental on VHS from the local video store when I was in High School. While it didn't retain the charm it had for me in the 80s, it was a great trip down memory lane.<br />
<br />
I am not sure why Christopher and Linda Day George signed on to this ridiculously gory and cheesy film, but they certainly did carry it through with decent performances. It had been so long since I had seen this that I actually had forgotten who the killer was, so I was a bit surprised by the ending. I wish we knew a bit more about the killer and how he evolved from the horny kid who went all Lizzy Borden on his mommy to ... the guy he ended up being. I won't spoil it in case anyone wants to watch it.<br />
<br />
All in all, good classic splatter fun.<br />
<br />
Rating: 7/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-37167174265062889742011-01-26T15:02:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:02:52.203-08:00Angsty Emo Girls Gone Bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUCmF92IFtI/AAAAAAAAK5A/B84yE2vaOuk/s1600/ginger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TUCmF92IFtI/AAAAAAAAK5A/B84yE2vaOuk/s1600/ginger.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Since I am a bog fan of werewolf folms, I have been looking forward to this one for some time now. I think The Howling introduced me to the modern genre (which I saw on the big screen at The Woods theater in Chicago during its original run) and American Werewolf in London hooked me with that awesome transformation sequence.<br />
<br />
No awesome transformation in this film, but it was definitely a good watch. A few characters were a bit over-acted, like the girls' mother, but all in all it had solid, believable performances, an interesting and unique story and a fair amount of viscera.<br />
<br />
Rating: 8/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-29721195570503671012011-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:002011-01-22T12:07:29.139-08:00Could it be .................. Satan?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TTs33LBSPpI/AAAAAAAAK4c/JRnd_FFmLnI/s1600/devil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TTs33LBSPpI/AAAAAAAAK4c/JRnd_FFmLnI/s320/devil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Apparently so.<br />
<br />
I had no expectations going into this movie, as it got quite mixed reviews. I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
This was no high-level suspense film, nor a slasher film, nor particularly anything more than a contemporary fable. Since it was PG-13 fare, it was very tame in the bloodletting, which is OK for this film, as it would not have really added anything to the story. I felt it was an enjoyable little film, with some pretty good performances.<br />
<br />
A few of the scenarios were a bit contrived, and some parts of it were predictable, but all in all a decent film. The end was a bit weak, but I am still glad that I invested the time in it.<br />
<br />
Rating: 6/5/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-62351121204701085152011-01-13T18:52:00.000-08:002011-01-13T18:52:29.322-08:00Nueve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TS-4vg7-KMI/AAAAAAAAK4A/f7NNKQLSWZs/s1600/9-movie-poster-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TS-4vg7-KMI/AAAAAAAAK4A/f7NNKQLSWZs/s320/9-movie-poster-9.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br />
When this was released, I really had no interest in it. I must have heard someone rave about it, because I added it to my Netflix queue and it finally rose to the top. Sat down to watch it tonight.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
Visually stunning, with a mythology that slowly unravels throughout the film, this is a thing of beauty. Some really nuanced visuals made this quite a memorable ride. The scenes during the playing of Over the Rainbow had a sense of the cyclone-ready sky from Oz. Just really smart and well done.<br />
<br />
And if you can't get enough of the number 9, here you go:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fsdji0HmoRk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-20502423261970583052011-01-06T13:12:00.000-08:002011-01-06T13:12:53.587-08:00Fuggedaboutit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSYvGVqFRDI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/y2O2GXWyw_k/s1600/momento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSYvGVqFRDI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/y2O2GXWyw_k/s320/momento.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br />
DVRd this off the Indie movie channel after hearing all kinds of good stuff about it. Played out mostly in reverse chronological order, this was one film you really have to stay focused on.<br />
<br />
Wow. What a trip. Really well acted, and a story that seemed a bit scattered early on, but got me really hooked in the second half.<br />
<br />
I have heard that some of the DVD versions have a hidden version of the film played out in chronological order. I would love to see that now that I have seen the mind- and time-bending version.<br />
<br />
Rating: 8/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-83018040314677164262011-01-05T13:08:00.000-08:002011-01-05T13:09:11.539-08:00Nine, ten, never watch again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSTcipZr2VI/AAAAAAAAK28/eQasslQPpAw/s1600/Watch-A-Nightmare-on-Elm-Street-2010-Online-Stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSTcipZr2VI/AAAAAAAAK28/eQasslQPpAw/s320/Watch-A-Nightmare-on-Elm-Street-2010-Online-Stream.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
Well, there goes 90 minutes I will never get back.<br />
<br />
I was really quite hopeful about this one, based on some early previews and the inclusion of Jackie Earl Haley. I never rushed out to see it, and it finally worked its way to the top of my Netflix queue.<br />
<br />
The dream sequences, particularly the transitions between sleep and wake states, are quite nicely done. Effects are top notch, and the CGI is flawless.<br />
<br />
That is all I can say in a positive respect. The characters are wooden, and the only good performances are brought in by people that die early. I didn't really care about any of the kids, and the Nancy was a lame emo caricature if ever there was one. Also, there were no scares in this film, and it was formulaic and predictable.<br />
<br />
They should have left well enough alone.<br />
<br />
Rating: 2/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-14007077897635697062011-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:002011-01-04T07:31:34.183-08:00I got your crazy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSM9QEdJv-I/AAAAAAAAK2o/zXYIYpA1F0s/s1600/shutter-island-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSM9QEdJv-I/AAAAAAAAK2o/zXYIYpA1F0s/s320/shutter-island-poster.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Saw this in the theater earlier this year, so this was a rewatch with the wife on new year's eve.<br />
<br />
I actually enjoyed it much more the second time around, as I was able to catch some of the little details that I missed the first time. Also, knowing how it resolves, I saw some of the clues early on that I missed the first time.<br />
<br />
Engaging story and well played by the cast. Good stuff.<br />
<br />
Rating: 9/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-31581310575051602112011-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:002011-01-04T07:28:00.802-08:00The Sin Eater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSM8LM-nACI/AAAAAAAAK2g/t-u_ToEfjvA/s1600/order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TSM8LM-nACI/AAAAAAAAK2g/t-u_ToEfjvA/s320/order.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Released as THE ORDER in the United States, this Heath Ledger movie had escaped my radar until it popped up in the IFC listings recently.<br />
<br />
Wow, what a great film. While it had some things that reminded me of The DaVinci Code (which I hated), it actually was a little lighter on the depth of mythology and much better paces that TDC.<br />
<br />
While a few of the reveals in the film were easy to spot coming, there were some decent 'aha' moments, and some really solid performances.<br />
<br />
Rating: 8/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-74204355455351569392010-12-30T08:27:00.000-08:002010-12-30T08:27:58.058-08:00Classic Slasher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysENPYYLI/AAAAAAAAK2E/V_ocpyRibWg/s1600/516J1XME89L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysENPYYLI/AAAAAAAAK2E/V_ocpyRibWg/s1600/516J1XME89L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Why did I not know about this movie? I have no idea. I had never heard of it, or known anyone who talked about it. I tossed it into my Netflix queue a while back, and @sleestakk recommended that I check it out. So I did.<br />
<br />
A bit slow at times, but this film has some of the best kills I have ever seen in horror films. Other things I appreciate about the film: a decent plot, a mortal killer that is only in one place at a time, and some pretty good moments of suspense.<br />
<br />
Definitely a good watch for me, and one that I will likely revisit so that I may love it even more.<br />
<br />
Rating: 8/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-33843837105742273072010-12-30T08:19:00.000-08:002010-12-30T08:19:35.487-08:00Because Nazi zombies are scarier than regular zombies...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysqvKPqwI/AAAAAAAAK2I/3EULDt-126s/s1600/Shock-Waves-1977-%25E2%2580%2593-Hollywood-Movie-Watch-Online.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysqvKPqwI/AAAAAAAAK2I/3EULDt-126s/s320/Shock-Waves-1977-%25E2%2580%2593-Hollywood-Movie-Watch-Online.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
When Peter Cushing is involved, I am in. Plain and simple.<br />
<br />
With that said, this was not as Cushing-filled as I would hope, and we do get some John Carradine screen time as well, so that is a win.<br />
<br />
Strangely enough, I had never seen this movie, even though I knew of its existence for many years. I even remember seeing this on the shelves of a video store I worked in 20+ (yikes!) years ago. Maybe it was the concept of Nazi zombies that put me off. I guess I like my zombies to be free of political affiliation.<br />
<br />
SHOCK WAVES was, for me, an average foray into zombie territory, and also average from a general watchability perspective as well. Not enough Cushing, as I said, and really not enough zombie action for my tastes. The zombie scenes were pretty decent, and the backstory on their origin was unique, so that was a plus. I can understand the cult following that this film has amassed, but I am in a different cult.<br />
<br />
Rating: 6/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-28344686283544672232010-12-30T08:09:00.000-08:002010-12-30T08:09:30.040-08:00Holy Meh...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysq-RH5MI/AAAAAAAAK2M/juE0HO0sGfI/s1600/The-Church-2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRysq-RH5MI/AAAAAAAAK2M/juE0HO0sGfI/s320/The-Church-2008.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />
Since this was supposed to be in the <i>DEMONS </i>family, I was really looking forward to it. While completely watchable, it was slow-paced and a bit all over the place when it came to why things were happening.<br />
<br />
The medieval segments did not make their case for the evilness of the folks that ended up under THE CHURCH, and then when the possessions began, they were not consistently approached. I guess I just expected more.<br />
<br />
Not terrible, but not great either. Hence, the meh...<br />
<br />
Rating: 5/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-74366606735232257202010-12-30T07:32:00.000-08:002010-12-30T07:32:33.588-08:00Jason, Jason, Jason and JasonHorror-film fan and fellow #tallyteers dude Jay (@sleestakk) dropped by recently and we plowed through four of the Friday the 13th franchise offerings. F13 has had its ups and downs, but the ones that were decent to begin with really do hold up pretty well. It's interesting to see how well the effects were done 20+ years ago, when the genre was still relatively young. So, we began with...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHMPzIMI/AAAAAAAAK1s/hfKFKgUnL6A/s1600/2images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHMPzIMI/AAAAAAAAK1s/hfKFKgUnL6A/s1600/2images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Part 2 has always been one of my favorites. I like it so well because it is the first true Jason-centric entry in the series, and Jason was still just a human, primally revenge-driven killer at this point. Some iconic kills in this one too, like the wheelchair dude down the steps. Good stuff. (I know that sounds weird, but that's just me.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 9/10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHQraaQI/AAAAAAAAK1w/AbegRPbk7uU/s1600/4images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHQraaQI/AAAAAAAAK1w/AbegRPbk7uU/s1600/4images.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHQraaQI/AAAAAAAAK1w/AbegRPbk7uU/s1600/4images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHQraaQI/AAAAAAAAK1w/AbegRPbk7uU/s1600/4images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We skipped Part III and moved on to Part IV, or the "Final" Chapter. We should all know better than to think it's the final chapter of a cash cow like Jason. Look at Jigsaw. He's been "dead" for years yet still appears in more and more films.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, back to Jason. This one is a fun watch, because it is the last true film of the original timeline with Jason as a mortal killer. (Parts 9 and 10 re-write history a bit, but I digress).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And when you can get Corey to shave his head and go ape-shit, you know you're in for a good time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 8/10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHcR-tdI/AAAAAAAAK10/XrXtVDSb3mY/s1600/6images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHcR-tdI/AAAAAAAAK10/XrXtVDSb3mY/s1600/6images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We jumped over the Jason-free Part V to move on to Jason Lives, only when I got Jay to commit to watching this one and the next one, since he had not seen Part VII before, and it's a true successor to this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This entry takes a more dark comedy approach than previous entries, as you might guess with Arnold Horshack in the first act. Also, with some well-timed lightning, Jason really becomes the anti-hero in this one. Add to this the fact that you get a kick-ass Alice Cooper soundtrack to accompany it, and it remains among my favorite F13 flicks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 8/10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHWtj-9I/AAAAAAAAK14/6nidTu_8hzY/s1600/7images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyhHWtj-9I/AAAAAAAAK14/6nidTu_8hzY/s1600/7images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope Jay forgives me for making him watch this one. I had only seen this one once or twice, years ago, and it was worse than I remember.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The plot concepts are even more ludicrous than bringing Jason back with lightning, and even Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie's) can't save this one. This one ranks just above Part VIII in my book. Bleh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3/10</div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-73775193522659601502010-12-29T20:02:00.000-08:002010-12-30T07:04:01.068-08:00Go West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyfQXJqViI/AAAAAAAAK1k/ZqREneob6ZE/s1600/br.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRyfQXJqViI/AAAAAAAAK1k/ZqREneob6ZE/s1600/br.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is the one Re-Animator entry that I had never seen. I have clear recollections of the original, which I loved, and vague recollections of the Bride, which was decent.<br />
<br />
This one was not great, but not terrible either. Acting was good, effects were outstanding, story was a bit murky, as some of the motivations of characters were inconsistent.<br />
<br />
All in all, though, an enjoyable trip into the world of Herbert West. I think the fact that Combs returned for this installment is what saved it. He's still the key to this franchise, so it was good to see him again.<br />
<br />
Rating: 6/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-30504197055232815952010-12-28T08:40:00.000-08:002010-12-28T08:42:58.198-08:00Let him eat cake...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRoRg77LABI/AAAAAAAAK0w/OWUD_Q7IqWM/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRoRg77LABI/AAAAAAAAK0w/OWUD_Q7IqWM/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was a re-watch for me, but it had been (probably) 15+ years since I had seen this film: CREEPSHOW.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it did not hold up well for me. The scenes seemed to drag on a bit long for my liking, although <i>Father's Day</i> and <i>The Crate</i> remain favorite iconic movie moments for me.<br />
<br />
One thing that kind of bothers me, and this is probably just a personal OCD-kinda thing: We never really seems to find out how or why the folks in <i>Father's Day</i> and <i>Something to Tide You Over</i> come back. Obviously, revenge is a central theme in this compilation, so I guess that is the why. But how? I think I am over-analyzing this thing, and I should just enjoy it for what it is. Watchable, but dated, enjoyable camp.<br />
<br />
Rating: 5/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-53611149959283630852010-12-27T21:20:00.000-08:002010-12-28T08:43:15.474-08:00You are my Sunshine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRlxSFXT_MI/AAAAAAAAK0k/nr-ny7KVrFc/s1600/sunshine-cleaning-trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b_NDn-Avk_E/TRlxSFXT_MI/AAAAAAAAK0k/nr-ny7KVrFc/s320/sunshine-cleaning-trailer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Usually much more of a horror fan, I do watch other things now and then. I heard of SUNSHINE CLEANING from some friends at a pre-Christmas gathering, and since it popped up in the TV listings this week, it seemed like fate. And since there was blood in it, I could not pass it up.<br />
<br />
From some of the same folks that brought us LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, the film did have a similarly quirky feel, which I can appreciate, being of the quirky persuasion already myself. Two sisters, in a effort to make more money than they could waiting tables or cleaning homes for a living, dive head-first into a crime-scene cleaning business.<br />
<br />
While it starts out as a morbid exercise for them, they begin to get invested in the lives of the families of the folks that they are cleaning up after. We get to see how much they begin to care for the families and the legacy of the victims, and how it begins to impact their lives and how they treat others in their own family.<br />
<br />
What I really liked about this film was the real way these folks related to each other. No job was the same as the previous, and they had a lot of job issues and family issues to iron out with each passing day. Even after some major problems after one of the jobs, things did end on a high note, and there was a nice little bow on the end - maybe a little too happy of an ending, but satisfying, nonetheless. A good watch, for sure.<br />
<br />
Score - 8/10Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277645997713129890.post-817491875132735252010-12-27T21:06:00.000-08:002010-12-27T21:06:25.394-08:00Joining the #tallyteer ArmyWith a nudge from @rpringle and @lancec50 on the Twitter, I have joined the ranks of #tallyteer movie watchers. I suppose that this will be a relatively healthy habit to get into, as opposed to others.<br />
<br />
Let's get moving...Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754755263946927710noreply@blogger.com0