The Moviethon continues, though there was some dropoff when I went on a vacation and two destination weddings. I know, I know...first world problems but in reality relax time was scarce so I wasn't able watch very many movies, though not for lack of trying. And then I moved to my new house and that was hectic and draining but worth it. Anyway, back on track. Time to kick my viewing effort in the ass and make it to 400 movies in ONE YEAR.
#301 - Scary Movie [2000]
Date Watched: 9/15/15
If this had come out now, it would've been a drop in the bucket, but back in 2000 it was hilarious and to an extent, still is. Being a movie I grew up with, it'll always have that nostalgic appeal. I still give it props for going all out with its R-rating in terms of crudeness, but the lack of nudity is a head-scratcher.
Rating: 7/10
#302 - Blue Streak [1999]
Date Watched: 9/15/15
Another nostalgia trip for me. I watched this movie so much on pay-per-view and loved it. Watching it now, it's not nearly as funny but it still cracked me up a few times. The idea that a thief could impersonate a high profile cop is ludicrous, but works if you just roll with it.
Rating: 6.5/10
#303 - The Rundown [2003]
Such a weird synopsis: a "retrieval expert" is hired to find and return a man's estranged son but gets pulled into the search for a precious gold idol and the fight against a mining town tyrant. This one jumps all over the place, but it's still a fun adventure with some solid action scenes and great comedic chemistry between The Rock and Seann William Scott. I always liked The Rock taking on an entire football team to retrieve a Super Bowl ring in the beginning, set to a gnarly remix of Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On." It really sets the tone for things to come.
Rating: 7/10
#304 - Hackers [1995]
Dated but still fun, it's a true cult classic. Compared to the level of technology nowadays, this seems pedestrian and obsolete.
Rating: 7/10
#305 - The Breakfast Club [1985]
John Hughes' best film is a relatable and surprisingly deep character study that destroys stereotypes. Superb cast, great music and stellar writing.
Rating: 9/10
#306 - Grease [1978]
Probably my favorite musical. Travolta and Newton-John have palpable onscreen chemistry that when coupled with the well-realized 1950's setting and catchy songs, really makes Grease an infectious nostalgia trip.
Rating: 8.5/10
#307 - The Warriors [1979]
A true classic. Every aspect of this film is expertly realized by Walter Hill. It's comic book nature melds amazingly well with the gritty 70's setting. It never feels forced or goofy, only opportunistic and genuine. The minimal dialogue and outstanding use of music heighten the tension and excitement, while the gorgeous cinematography enlivens the action.
The cast is fantastic. Everyone feels natural. I loved David Patrick Kelly as the maniacally spastic Luther and Michael Beck as the cool, calm and collected Swan, who ain't afraid to bust some heads if he needs to.
I watched the new "comic book" version on Blu-ray and was not impressed. Even after the introduction by Walter Hill, I found the animated transitions to be distracting at best. Give me the original print option in the menu at least!
Rating: 10/10
#308 - Toy Story 2 [1999]
A sequel that's arguably better than the original. The story is a great next step that takes the toys outside of the confines of the house (other than Pizza Planet in the first one) to great effect. It really ups the stakes. Woody's newfound fame and "collectibleness" was always very interesting to me because I collected toys too. The new characters are welcome and don't feel like copies of the established ones.
Rating: 9/10
#309 - Caddyshack [1980]
Harold Ramis began his career with a bang and never looked back. I miss him and his mastery over sarcastic humor. Caddyshack is a classic that really never gets old thanks to the casting and clever jokes. Chevy Chase's sardonic wit combined with the zaniness of Rodney Dangerfield makes for the perfect comedic pairing to send up the most boring sport of all: GOLF.
Rating: 8.5/10
#310 - Armageddon [1998]
Probably my favorite Michael Bay movie. Everything is EXTREME. The premise, the characters, the physics-defying action, the machismo, and even the asteroid itself. It never takes itself too seriously and has tons of fun with the build-up and execution. The cast is what makes it work so damn well, and proves that Bay's movies are so much better when they have capable casts (The Rock & this). And the quotes! This flick is so endlessly quotable; I'll just leave you with my personal favorite "Russian components, American components...ALL MADE IN TAIWAN!"
Rating: 8/10
#311 - Me, Myself & Irene [2000]
Pairing Jim Carrey with the Farrelly Brothers and an R-rating produces some raunchy comedy gold. One of their best that showcases Carrey's acting on top of his manic flailing.
Rating: 8/10
#312 - Creep [2014]
Found footage, but a good one. Made on a micro-budget with only two people, director Patrick Brice and actor/co-writer Mark Duplass, begins unassumingly and plays everything slow but gradually gets under your skin. Duplass is weird and awkward as shit but eerily effective and making things uncomfortable. The ending is a doozy and fucking terrifying. It'll definitely be too slow for some, but it's worth checking out.
Rating: 6.5/10
#313 - The Green Inferno [2015]
Pretty good, as far as cannibal movies go. Very gory and disturbing with bits of black humor thrown in here and there. It was also unpredictable as far as who bites it and when. Well-shot jungle setting enhances the isolation factor. The acting is erratic but convincing enough to not break the immersion.
Rating: 6.5/10
#314 - Prometheus [2012]
I dig this one a lot and not because of its connection to the Alien franchise. It just a fun sci-fi movie crafted by one of the best in the business. There are script and logic shortcomings, but it's not as bad as those nitpicking YouTube videos make it seem. I swear people just can't sit back and enjoy movies anymore. They have to pick them apart using logic when they shouldn't be. Movies aren't real life. They exist to entertain and move you.
Rating: 7.5/10
#315 - The Road Warrior [1981]
Aces! Seriously, what a phenomenal film. As a sequel it expands the world and character perfectly, while deftly balancing the drama and action. The car chases are some of the best EVER filmed, with real people crashing real cars to create the most metal of mayhem.
Rating: 10/10
#316 - Halloween [1978]
Bringing October in with style, I decided to watch Carpenter's classic Halloween, arguably the best slasher of its kind. It presents its terror in broad daylight and doesn't feel cliched because it was one of the first to do it. The iconic score is just...magnificent. Donald Pleasance brings a hint of sophistication as Dr. Loomis and delivers a powerfully driven performance.
Rating: 10/10
#317 - Alien: Resurrection [1998]
Hammy and overdone, but still worth watching. The ending with the Baby Alien is weird but wild and violent. It goes the action/adventure route but is much more cartoony than expected. I personally enjoyed it but some may balk at its over-the-top tone compared to its predecessors.
Rating: 6.5/10
#318 - The Fog [1979]
Date Watched: 10/2/15
My 2nd favorite Carpenter film is the perfect mix of atmosphere and scares. Following up Halloween was a tall task for anyone but Carpenter pulled it off amazingly well. The setting of Antonio Bay is beautiful yet eerie, an isolated small town Stephen King would be proud of. The score is spine-tingling as expected, continuing Carpenter's string of outstanding film scores.
Rating: 10/10
#319 - Turbo Kid [2015]
Much like Kung Fury, Turbo Kid is a delightfully gory homage to cheesy 80's action/sci-fi movies. The synth score is right on, the acting is decent and the visuals and gore deliver.
Rating: 7/10
#320 - Highway To Hell [1992]
The definition of a B-movie. Poor acting but a cool concept executed admirably. Chad Lowe's girlfriend gets sucked into Hell after she falls asleep while they're driving in between two specific pine trees and he must rescue her from Hell. From that statement alone, you should know what you're getting. It's heavily influenced by the Mad Max films, specifically The Road Warrior, which is never a bad thing. Seeing the setpieces, it seems like they put a decent amount of money into this and got no return on their investment, which is a shame because it's entertaining and creative than many other movies that came out around that time.
Rating: 6/10
#321 - The Martian [2015]
Date Watched: 10/8/15
A return to form of sorts for Ridley Scott, whose last two films have been disappointing. Scott's best work emanates from the sci-fi realm (Alien and Blade Runner) and while The Martian doesn't try to reach those heights. It goes for the more light-hearted approach, which works in its favor. It's basically Castaway on Mars (or a more grounded version of Robinson Crusoe on Mars).
Rating: 7.5/10
#322 - A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors [1987]
Date Watched: 10/9/15
I really dig this movie. I consider it the best after the original. It does some cool and creative things with the dream sequences, which are enhanced by some extraordinary special effects. The Freddy worm is still one of the high points of the series and amazingly grotesque, as are the sleepwalking and the "welcome to prime time, bitch!" scenes.
Having it take place in the hospital with multiple people with multiple dreamscapes really gives them the ability to go all out and serve the characters, especially Freddy Krueger himself. Will you learn at Freddys origin and how to defeat him. I love the white piece of Nancy's hair. Coming out of her temple/brain it gives the character a cool look, almost like a tether to the dreamworld.
Having all the kids be "Elm Street children" is a nice touch and is a logical connection to the original
The junkyard setting is gnarly and scary especially when the cars come alive.
The score is excellent, using stylings from the first one while including lots of 80s heavy metal, which I personally love. Dokken is featured in the beginning and did the title track "Dream Warriors".
Rating: 8.5/10
#323 - The Return of the Living Dead [1985]
Date Watched: 10/10/15
A gnarly spiritual sequel to Romero's Dead films. It changes up the zombie rules but remains a gory classic of the genre. "Send...more...paramedics..."
Rating: 8.5/10
#324 - Deep Rising [1998]
Date Watched: 10/11/15
One of my favorite creature features. It's gory, cheesy B-movie fun with Treat Williams chewing the scenery, an unusual cruise ship setting and a creatively terrifying monster.
Rating: 9/10
#325 - Pumpkinhead [1988]
Date Watched: 10/11/15
A brooding tale about the dangers of grief and revenge. Bolstered by Lance Henriksen's best performance and Stan Winston's terrifically terrifying special effects. Winston also directed, his first and only time, and does an excellent job. He has an eye for detail and framing, plus his use of eerie cinematography elevates the film even higher.
Rating: 9/10
#326 - Independence Day [1996]
Date Watched: 10/12/15
A landmark 90's picture that will forever be a favorite of mine. The excellent ensemble cast, especially Bill Pullman as President, and the superb special effects highlight a modern day retelling of Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (and countless other 50's alien invasion movies).
Rating: 9/10
#327 - The Shining [1980]
Date Watched: 10/12/15
Kubrick's masterpiece of terror. It differs from the book but still retains its immense power. Kubrick isolates us with Jack, Wendy and Danny while slowly unhinging things. It's the best kind of slow burn that crawls right under your skin.
Rating: 10/10
#328 - Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth [1992]
Date Watched: 10/13/15
A serviceable sequel that expands the Hellraiser universe and gives us insight into who/what Pinhead is. The setup is pulled off decently with a douchey playboy buying the Pillar of Souls and inadvertently activating it, unleashing Hell on Earth. The budget doesn't allow them to conjure up any large scale destruction, but the filmmakers are able to pull off one block of terror and mayhem that's pretty cool. Might as well call in HELLRAISER IN THE BIG APPLE to pair with Friday the 13th: Jason Takes Manhattan.
Rating: 6.5/10
#329 - Hellraiser: Bloodline [1996]
Date Watched: 10/14/15
While not godawful, the fourth entry in the Hellraiser series is a muddled mess thanks to studio meddling. HELLRAISER IN SPACE sounds awesome, but sadly we only get about 20 minutes of space torture. Apparently the movie was much longer but the studio wanted to get Pinhead onscreen as quick as possible, story and pacing be damned. The original director walked off set and his replacement couldn't salvage what was already broken, so they removed their names from the final film.
Though we do learn how the puzzle box/Lament Configuration was created, it isn't as cool or unnerving as it should be. Using a time-jumping storyline doesn't help either and makes caring about what's going on a chore.
Rating: 4.5/10
#330 - Crimson Peak [2015]
Date Watched: 10/15/15
Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors. The jolly Mexican has complete mastery over his films' visuals and atmosphere in a way few other filmmakers do, particularly his use of color - a painter using the silver screen as his canvas. Needless to say, I was expecting a lot from Crimson Peak based on his pedigree and the spooky trailers.
For those expecting a truly scary movie, this might not be your cup of tea. It's a period murder mystery more than anything else, very much akin to the Hammer Horror films of the 50's and 60's. Stylistically, it delivers in spades. It's one of the best looking movies of the year without a doubt with the striking use of color and shadow, the slow pans and the Gothic production design, specifically the decaying labyrinthian mansion, which becomes a character itself, is so perfectly realized like something out of The Haunting. The design of the ghosts is nightmarishly beautiful in a way, and they are CREEPY. One scene in particular got me good. The music is surprisingly light and lends the film a dark fairy tale vibe.
This technical proficiency is the reason I can forgive its narrative shortcomings. The storyline is predictable to a fault, but elevated by the excellent acting from the cast. Not once was I unsure of where the plot was headed, but that's fine as long as I've got Tom Hiddleston charming the pants off everyone and Jessica Chastain chewing the scenery. The execution is what matters here.
Lastly, I'd like to talk about the R-rating which seems undeserved. Other than one shockingly violent smashed face, this could've easily been PG-13. There's no nudity, one utterance of 'fuck' and some bloodletting here and there. The ghosts are nasty looking, reflecting how they were killed which is unnerving so maybe that was taken into account. Point is I've seen a LOT worse.
Rating: 7.5/10
#331 - Omen III: The Final Conflict [1981]
Date Watched: 10/16/15
Damien is all grown up and head of a multinational corporation. He uses legal channels to try to destroy the world. Sam Neill is great, his diatribe against Jesus and God being the standout.
Rating: 7/10
#332 - Dawn of the Dead [1978]
Date Watched: 10/17/15
Romero's zombie classic. It's dated, especially in the music department, but its impact is still undeniable. The characters and script are what make it work so well.
Rating: 9/10
#333 - The Collector [2009]
Date Watched: 10/18/15
It began as a Saw prequel but quickly became its own movie with a similar torture porn spin. A glassy-eyed masked killer turns a house into a booby-trapped prison trapping a family and contractor inside. It's a very creepy movie, but it is not subtle. The gore and kills are pretty gnarly, particularly one involving a room of huge bear traps. It's sequel is even better.
Rating: 7/10
#334 - The Thing [1982]
Date Watched: 10/20/15
My second favorite film of all-time, The Thing is a science fiction masterpiece and Carpenter's best work in my opinion. Everything about this film is perfect from the casting and smart script to the groundbreaking special effects and gorgeous cinematography.
Rating: 10/10
#335 - Ravenous [1999]
Date Watched: 10/21/15
Such a curious score, and it works surprisingly well Love the concept. Consuming the man grants life and rejuvenation but curses you with an unquenchable hunger for flesh. Wild. It's all shot on location, beautifully I might add. The 1850s setting feels authentic.
Rating: 8.5/10
#336 - Back To The Future Part II [1989]
Date Watched: 10/21/15 (the day they actually go back to the future!)
I overrated, then underrated this film but I believe it's still a fun continuation of the story that also allows them to jump to different timelines. Good stuff.
Rating: 9/10
#337 - The Omen [1976]
Date Watched: 10/21/15
Richard Donner's horror classic about the coming of the Antichrist is methodical and unnerving.
Rating: 9.5/10
#338 - The Taking of Deborah Logan [2014]
Date Watched: 10/22/15
A found footage gem that puts an intriguing spin on the standard possession storyline. A film crew doing a documentary on Alzheimer's disease follows an elderly woman who just might be possessed by something sinister. It begins simply enough and moves slowly but effectively along. The backstory is a creepy one and there are just the right amount of scares to satisfy. Minor nitpicks include silly plotholes (a hospital without emergency lighting or a generator is ludicrous; I guess it was a supernatural blackout) and a few unexplained elements of the story. Overall, it's worth a look if you dig the found footage subgenre.
Rating: 6.5/10
#339 - Nightwatch [1997]
Date Watched: 10/23/15
Plodding and disjointed, it never really finds its footing despite a decent cast, a script from Steven Soderberg and the same director as the original. I have yet to see the original Danish film from 1994, as it's hard to find, but it is highly regarded. American remakes rarely cut it, yet Hollywood still taps that well frequently because they have no ideas. The problem here is that everything is boilerplate. The well-meaning lead, the asshole friend, the naive girlfriend, the mad doctor and the grizzled police detective are all well-worn archetypes that the film falls back on. It does nothing new and there's a surprising lack of tension despite the macabre morgue setting. There are a few creepy scenes, but it's ultimately a missed opportunity.
Rating: 4.5/10
#340 - Saw VII: The Final Chapter [2010]
Date Watched: 10/24/15
It gets a bad rap but for the seventh entry of a horror franchise, it is better than it has any right to be. It tries to tie up all the loose ends, being that it's "the final chapter" and all, but it does so rather sloppily. The traps are cool and the main reason to watch, especially the "Horsepower Trap".
Rating: 6/10
#341 - The Collection [2012]
Date Watched: 10/25/15
A slick modern slasher that's better than the original. It ups the ante and is much more action oriented. The Collector's hotel of horrors would make Jigsaw cream his jeans.
Rating: 7/10
#342 - 13 Sins [2014]
Date Watched: 10/26/15
A down-on-his-luck man receives a mysterious phone call that will grant him increasing sums of money for performing 13 deadly and deranged challenges. He finds himself caught up in this game as things get progressively more dangerous. I dug this one for what it was: a more macabre version of The Game. It makes you think what you would do if you were in his position, and while we all shrug it off, when the chips are down people will do whatever it takes. Worth a rental.
Rating: 6/10
#343 - Creepshow [1982]
Date Watched: 10/27/15
The best horror anthology there is! George A. Romero and Stephen King combined their immense talents to deliver five tales of terror that are simultaneously scary and funny. The stories are varied enough to stay interesting, the ensemble cast is excellent, the effects are superb, and the cinematography and score are top-notch, This is a must watch during Halloween (along with Trick r' Treat, which is coming soon) and is one of my favorite horror films. Highly recommended!
Rating: 10/10
#344 - Pet Sematary [1989]
Date Watched: 10/28/15
Ominous King adaptation that nails the novel's dread and anguish. Fred Gwynne makes for the perfect Jud and the rest of the cast becomes the characters. The ending is shocking and disturbing.
Rating: 9/10
#345 - The Monster Squad [1987]
Date Watched: 10/29/15
I love Fred Dekker. He only made three movies (two good ones) but he left an indelible mark on the horror genre. The Monster Squad is the perfect kids Halloween movie, just scary enough to frighten but tame enough to still be fun. What other movie has multiple impalings, an exploding werewolf and Dracula calling a 5-year-old a "little bitch" and gets away with it? It's a fine line but Dekker pulls it off perfectly because it's all in good fun. The reincarnated Universal monsters are delightful as we get classic versions of everyone except The Invisible Man. The make-up and effects are excellent on every character and the cinematography is spooky and atmospheric.
Rating: 9/10
#346 - Halloween [1978]
Date Watched: 10/29/15 (on the big screen)
Seeing it on the big screen just makes it scarier. Such a simple but terrifying film.
Rating: 10/10
#347 - Let Us Prey [2014]
Date Watched: 10/30/15
A reckoning is coming for the corrupted souls of sinners. This simple but effective horror film takes its time building tension and dread until the bloody final showdown. The acting is good all around and gore is decent.
Rating: 6/10
#348 - Trick 'r Treat [2007]
Date Watched: 10/30/15
The second best horror anthology behind Creepshow. This is much watch during Halloween. The stories are all cohesive and varied, the actors are well-chosen and the horror vibe is right on.
Rating: 9/10
#349 - Dreamcatcher [2003]
Date Watched: 10/31/15
I originally disliked this unusual Stephen King adaptation but it has grown on me tremendously. It plays as a great B-movie but is actually smarter than that. The snowy setting reminds me of Carpenter's The Thing, as does the alien invasion angle it eventually takes. Perhaps this is King's homage to it?
Rating: 7/10
#350 - Beetlejuice [1988]
Date Watched: 10/31/15
The ghost with the most! Tim Burton came into his own with this uniquely macabre horror-comedy that allows us to have fun exploring the afterlife. Keaton is phenomenal, playing Beetlejuice as a fast -talking sleazy used car salesman type. It works well and makes the character instantly memorable. The colorful Gothic production design is our first true glimpse of Burton's trademark visual style, something he would showcase on a much larger scale in Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow. The stop motion effects are charming too.
Rating: 9/10
#351 - Doomsday [2008]
Date Watched: 11/1/15
A balls-to-the-wall actioner that melds the best parts of Mad Max & Escape From New York with the gory horror elements director Neil Marshall is known for. The entire concept is ripe for creativity and Marshall makes the most of it thanks to the larger budget. He grew up loving the exact same films I did and his love for the horror and sci-fi genres is clear.
Rating: 8.5/10
#352 - Van Helsing [2004]
Date Watched: 11/2/15
A true guilty pleasure of mine. I can clearly see all its faults, of which there are quite a few, but I still just can't get enough of it. The two major problems are the terrible CGI and muddled color palette. The opening scene is a recreation of the end of Frankenstein, shot in stunning black and white. They really should've just shot the whole thing in black and white to begin with. It would've made it feel like Universal horror film pulled straight out of the 30's or 40's. The cheesy acting is fine by me, even if it's not intentional. I also dig the catchy music by the underrated Alan Silvestri, the best of which can be heard here.
Rating: 7.5/10
#353 - The Devil's Advocate [1997]
Date Watched: 11/3/15
A tale of temptation, greed and hubris. Keanu is solid as the smarmy DA and Al Pacino makes for a great Devil. Major bonus points for Charlize Theron being smokin' hot and stripping down.
Rating: 7/10
#354 - Christine [1983]
Date Watched: 11/4/15
One of Carpenter's simpler but highly effective works. It's methodical, taking time to build palpable tension. Enhanced by another
Rating: 8.5/10
#355 - The Gift [2015]
Date Watched: 11/4/15
Surprisingly potent thriller that mirrors Hitchcock and remains unpredictable. It shows just how damaging bullying can be and how it can be detrimental later in life.
Rating: 8/10
#356 - The Mummy [1999]
Date Watched: 11/4/15
A rip roaring remake that plays as an adventure film a la Indiana Jones. The cast is fantastic and it's still shocking how badass Brendan Fraser can be. Eye-popping special effects for the time that still look pretty good and a really cool atmosphere and score.
Rating: 9/10
#357 - Harbinger Down [2015]
Date Watched: 11/5/15
A love letter to The Thing, which instant gives it a boost in my book. The isolated, icy setting and the assimilating creature make it feel like a pseudo-sequel to Carpenter's classic. Billed as a "practical effects film", it delivers on that front with some truly terrifying creature designs Rob Bottin himself would be proud of. In addition to its assimilation abilities, this creature also has the ability to be both a liquid and a solid based on its molecular make-up, which makes it even more terrifying because it can seep into any space as a liquid and then reform into a solid to wreak havoc. It's like they combined Terminator 2's T-1000 and The Thing to make a movie creature just for me!
The film's biggest problem is its cast. Beside Henriksen, who always brings his A-game no matter what the material, they're all unknowns whose acting can be suspect. Considering this film was funded by Kickstarter with a budget of $350K, this is forgivable. So other than that, this is an admirable little sci-fi film that I loved. Check it out!
Rating: 7.5/10
#358 - Snake Eyes [1998]
Date Watched: 11/6/15
Not De Palma's best, but a welcome return to form after Mission: Impossible. It has some impressive long takes that De Palma is known for, including one during a live boxing match in front of thousands of people. His mastery over the scene is amazing. I liked the cast. Cage's manic and sleazy performance is quite different from Cameron Poe, but still memorable enough. This is a film I feel would not be as interesting upon a second viewing because the mystery is gone, however it's definitely worth watching for the complex oners.
Rating: 7/10
#359 - Goldfinger [1964]
Date Watched: 11/6/15
The best Bond has it all: suave Sean Connery as 007, a conniving villain, a memorable henchman, sexy Bond girls, the Aston Martin DB5, cool gadgets, and a powerful theme song. Connery's Bond adventures are some of the best and the one-two punch of From Russia With Love and Goldfinger is the pinnacle of the series for me. Love the car chase and the gin match.
Rating: 10/10
#360 - Jurassic World [2015]
Date Watched: 11/7/15
Probably the most fun since the original. It expands the JP universe by giving us a fully functional park with a variety of dinosaurs both new and old, plus some genetically engineered ones. It reminds me of the Jurassic Park toy line called Chaos Effect where all the dinosaurs were hybrids. The feet shots, long panoramic shots and great shot composition speak to director Colin Trevorrow's budding abilities. If he is going to direct Star Wars Episode IX, color me intrigued. The visuals are very slick and polished. Owen's man shack is awesome, complete with fishing pier, canoe and makeshift bungalow. The film is sneakily gory, which I applaud. It makes the dinosaurs scary again. I like BD Wong's mad scientist type. When they crawl out of the water into the mud with the waterfall in the background it's totally referencing Predator.
Rating: 7.5/10
#361 - Thinner [1996]
Date Watched: 11/9/15
I love me some body horror. From The Thing to genre progenitor David Cronenberg, the theme of our own body turning against us can be quite unnerving. While Thinner is a pretty faithful King adaptation, it definitely has its shortcomings. The problem is that the material isn't meaty enough to warrant a feature film. It would be much better served as an hour episode of say, Tales From The Crypt.
Rating: 5.5/10
#362 - The Raid: Redemption [2011]
Date Watched: 11/9/15
A SWAT team is trapped in a high-rise occupied entirely by bad guys must fight their way out. The premise is so simple, but done so well resulting in a violent, adrenaline-fueled action movie that barely gives you time to breathe. The fight scenes and hand to hand combat are exceptionally choreographed and filmed by director Gareth Evans who is clearly one of the best action directors working today. The score is suitably blood-pumping while the violence is visceral. It was followed by an outstanding sequel as well. Don't miss this one!
Rating: 9.5/10
#363 - Spectre [2015]
Date Watched: 11/10/15
Spectre was decent. Definitely inferior to Skyfall. Didn't like the goofy octopus opening credits or theme song by Sam Smith at all. Visually it was muted and stale except for the mountain scenes. The action was excellent, especially the plane jeep chase through the mountains, but the rest underwhelmed. Thought Christoph Waltz was a milquetoast villain and sorely underused but that may be by design for a sequel. Not very menacing. Feels much more like a light hearted Roger Moore Bond, but that's not what I wanted. All the pieces were in place but they just don't mesh as well as Skyfall.
Rating: 6/10
#364 - Cellar Dweller [1988]
Date Watched: 11/11/15
A kooky B-movie with a cool little premise. A comic book artist brings a monster to life by drawing it, where it wreaks havoc according to whatever she draws. The acting is pretty bad save for Jeffrey Combs in a small role, but the creature effects and clever gore make it a schlocky good time.
Rating: 6/10
#365 - The Karate Kid [1984]
Date Watched: 11/11/15
An 80's classic. True good vs. evil. "Wax on, wax off."
Rating: 8/10
#366 - Stung [2015]
Date Watched: 11/12/15
Talk about a killer B-movie! The plot is cut and dry: giant 7-foot bees attack a fancy dinner party. No more, no less. It delivers everything you could hope for from an insect creature feature. I like how the bees sting them to implant an embryo which rapidly matures and tears itself out from inside the host, like The Thing or Alien chestburster would. The practical gore effects are pretty damn good, and the CGI is Sy-Fy channel quality but nothing atrocious.
Rating: 6/10
#367 - Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives [1986]
Date Watched: Friday, 11/13/15 (of course)
My favorite Friday The 13th film has some of the best kills and gore of the series, plus this is the first entry where Jason is resurrected a la Frankenstein, giving us Zombie Jason. After the disappointing Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning, this is a blood-soaked return to form.
Rating: 8.5/10
#368 - Jason X [2002]
Date Watched: Friday, 11/13/15 (of course)
Everybody hates Jason X, but I love it. It's in my Top 5 Friday films for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it's SET IN SPACE. Everything is cooler when it's set in space. The camp setting starts to become tiresome after nine movies. Second, the kills are badass including a guy getting impaled by a giant screw. Three, I love Jason's appearance. He's bulky and really menacing this time around. Lastly, the score is excellent. There's also a perfectly tongue-in-cheek scene that harkens back to the early Friday films, complete with boobage. The only nitpick is some of the acting is bad, but for the tenth Friday movie you could do much worse.
Rating: 7/10
#369 - Super Mario Bros. [1993]
Date Watched: 11/13/15
A guilty pleasure for sure. Good cast and it tries to brings the simplistic video game story to life with an overly complex plot. Goofy, but tons of fun.
Rating: 6.5/10
#370 - Casino [1995]
Date Watched: 11/14/15
The perfect companion piece to Goodfellas, this three hour epic is enthralling, frightening and endlessly watchable. It also has another stellar soundtrack, spanning multiple decades, that really pulls you into the glitz and glamour of this extravagant time and place. I also love seeing all the inner workings of the casino itself and how it operates as its own little world.
Rating: 9.5/10
#371 - The Grifters [1990]
Date Watched: 11/15/15
The magnificent cast is what makes this film work so well. Cusack, Huston and Bening all deliver career best work as suave con artists all working different angles. It looks and feels like a modern day film noir (neo-noir) and the direction is very methodical. Bonus points for Annette Bening's gorgeous body, which she bares to get whatever she wants.
Rating: 8/10
#372 - Videodrome [1983]
Date Watched: 11/16/15
Another body horror masterpiece from David Cronenberg. This grotesque story deals with the effects of violence and torture on the mind via a snuff TV channel. It causes viewers to develop brain tumors that cause hallucinations and give them reality warping powers. I love this concept as it allows Cronenberg to be creative with the hallucinations we see including a living, breathing TV and a "video slit" growing out of the main character's body. It's strange stuff, but damn if it isn't memorable. James Woods is fantastic as Max Renn, a sketchy TV producer who is always out to find the next big thing. The gore effects by the great Rick Baker are outstanding and creative, with the finale cancer eruption death being a nasty highlight. This film also feels more relevant now than ever, with the ubiquity of streaming and binging and our constant desensitization to violence.
Rating: 9.5/10
#373 - Flash Gordon [1980]
Date Watched: 11/17/15
Such vibrant and colorful visuals paint a beautiful fantasy world. It features some pretty nifty technology like the telepath machine. Great score by Queen. I love Sam Jones as Flash and Max von Sydow as Ming. Pretty much the whole cast does a bang up job.
Rating: 8.5/10
#374 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier [2014]
Date Watched: 11/17/15
Love the action and camerawork. The characters are taken so seriously but it works well because the actors all really commit to their roles. I have a feeling the Captain America trilogy will probably become the most highly regarded of the Marvel movie series.
Rating: 9.5/10
#375 - Time Lapse [2014]
Date Watched: 11/18/15
A simple concept but well executed. I like that it didn't delve into the technology behind the time traveling camera. It gave it that aura of coolness you get when you don't over explain a fictional technology. The concept is nothing new, in fact it's basically a feature length version of the Twilight Zone episode "A Most Unusual Camera". Still, it expands this idea of being able to see the future and whether or not we can (or should) change it. The ending is especially potent and drives this point home. It's an intriguing look at free will vs. fate and the paradox of free will. The three leads do a pretty good job and their performances are believable. I keep seeing Matt O'Leary in stuff I'm watching too, which is weird.
Rating: 7.5/10
#376 - Speed [1994]
Date Watched: 11/18/15
One of the best action movies from the 90s. The action is incredible. There's no bullshit CGI here; everything is pulled off practically in some way whether it be miniatures or full scale pyrotechnics. There's something exhilarating about seeing a real explosion instead of a CG one. It's easy to differentiate because a real explosion generates random amounts of debris and swirling flames & smoke that can't be rendered in a computer. The tension mounts effectively thanks to "stay above 50mph" plot point while the perfect pacing justifies the lengthy running time (for an action movie). This is one of many 90's movie to have a double climax, where the bus rescue should be the end, but they instead must confront the bad guy.
Keanu and Sandy B are very good. The supporting cast is perfect, especially Joe Morton and the varied bus passengers. And of course Dennis Hopper always makes for a deviously over the top villain. From a technical standpoint, Jan de Bont's direction is efficient and exciting while the score by regular Jan de Bont collaborator Mark Mancina is magnificent; memorable but rarely talked about. Mancina had a string of excellent 90's scores including Twister (another de Bont action masterpiece) and Con Air, two of my favorite 90's movies.
Look, it don't get much better than this when it comes to intense action so if you haven't seen Speed, go watch it immediately!
Rating: 10/10
#377 - 2 Fast 2 Furious [2003]
Date Watched: 11/18/15
Over the top is putting it lightly. It is ridiculous and overly slick, but coasts on Paul Walker and Tyrese's charismatic bromance. Their banter is hilarious and highly quotable. "Pockets ain't empty cuz!" It also features some pretty good live-action car stunts, before the series became too reliant on CGI in the two following entries, which also happen to be the weakest.
Rating: 7/10
#378 - Aliens [1986]
Date Watched: 11/18/15
In my top five movies of all time, James Cameron's spectacular sequel is truly one of the best science-fiction films ever made, intelligent and thrilling with outstanding production design.
Rating: 10/10
#379 - Last Shift [2015]
Date Watched: 11/19/15
Disturbing thanks to superb sound design and clever camerawork that allows the scares to come out of nowhere. I dig the religious overtones and cult angle, as well as the manipulative nature of the ghosts. It mirrors Carpenter's Assault On Precinct 13 but with a sinister supernatural twist.
Rating: 8/10
#380 - Die Hard [1988]
Date Watched: 11/19/15
One of the best action movies ever made. McTiernan is such a good action director. He knows how to stage the scene and make it look amazing but coherent and thrilling. The rooftop helicopter assault and RV massacre/elevator chair bomb are both highlights. The violence is bloody and vicious, something that we don't see anymore.
Unlike most action heroes, John McClane isn't a one man wrecking crew like Arnold in Commando. He's the everyman who makes mistakes and gets his ass whupped on several occasions, which in turn makes him more relatable. Bruce Willis is so damn good, he plays the cocky cop so well: "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs." is priceless. Alan Rickman is devilish good as silver-tongued terrorist leader Hans Gruber. His battle of wits with McClane is exciting in a way that few movies can replicate. Having them communicate through walkie-talkies is a clever way to have them to face off and trade barbs throughout the movie. It elevates the film because if it was just McClane killing secondary terrorists it would get repetitive. It gives the overall plot a video game feel where McClane gradually works his way up to Hans in the intense finale. It also has western overtones, mostly notably in John referring to himself as a cowboy.
Nakatomi Tower becomes a character itself as McClane uses the entire building as his playground of destruction. He battles it out in fancy offices, labyrinths of glass cubicles, maintenance areas, floors under construction and of course the roof. Each area has a distinct look and feel thanks to Jan de Bont's gorgeous cinematography. It's a unique setting that confines the action while keeping it thrilling. Lastly, Michael Kamen's score is iconic. It's nimble but powerful and suits the action perfectly.
Look, there's not much else to say about Die Hard. It's reputation as the greatest action movie of all-time is well-deserved. It has been imitated but never outdone and its influence is still felt to this day. In the 1990's, it became popular to compare its imitators to "Die Hard on a battleship!" or "Die Hard on a plane!" If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? Yippie-ki-yay motherfucker!
Rating: 10/10
#381 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers [1978]
Date Watched: 11/19/15
Eerie and abstractly shot by Kaufman. Great cast, especially Nimoy. Surprising nudity considering the PG rating.
Rating: 8.5/10
#382 - We Are Still Here [2015]
Date Watched: 11/20/15
Slowburn. The director is definitely a little too in love with some of his shots, as a number of them linger much too long. He calms down once the story gets rolling. The creepy cabin setting in the isolated snowy woods is definitely prime for spooky shenanigans. The gore is sudden and nasty. I like that the ghosts are burned. It makes them like a fire demon. An interesting plot twist to have the town be in on it. They get families into the haunted house so the evil is satiated. It must feed every 30 years like the creeper or other hibernating horror. I like the idea of horror being able to lie dormant. The thing freezes itself, and a lot of HP Lovecraft's works feature a similar beings.
Rating: 7.5/10
#383 - The Little Mermaid [1989]
Date Watched: 11/20/15
Looked fabulous in 3D. I really enjoyed the music and incredibly detailed animation. Short and sweet. Ursula is such a good villain. She uses her powers for cool things and keeps the desiccated husks of her victims. A true sea witch.
Rating: 10/10
#384 - Beauty and the Beast [1991]
Date Watched: 11/20/15
Stunning animation and an elegant score. Disney's best.
Rating: 10/10
#385 - Mars Attacks! [1996]
Date Watched: 11/23/15
Quirky, dark and sneakily violent, the big budget version of Earth vs the Flying Saucers is vintage Tim Burton. I love the ensemble cast including Jack Nicholson as the president and Jim Brown as Byron. The special effects are a delight, an appropriate combination of cartoony CGI and practical effects/miniatures. A kooky Danny Elfman score. I absolutely love that yodeling ends up being the Martian's downfall. Silly but fun.
Rating: 8/10
#386 - The Matrix Reloaded [2003]
Date Watched: 11/23/15 (2nd rewatch)
Incredible fight scenes. Overly complex story with muddled character motivations. Freeway chase and chateau fight are two of the best modern action scenes. So fast and well edited. Love the first agent "upgrades" fight too, especially this badass elbow flip kick.
Rating: 7/10
#387 - The Frighteners [1996]
Date Watched: 11/24/15
Black humor and top notch special effects plus an unorthodox plot make this Peter Jackson horror comedy a delightfully morbid good time.
Rating: 7.5/10
#388 - Frequency [1999]
Date Watched: 11/24/15
A nifty time-shifting concept melds surprisingly well with an intriguing murder mystery. I dig this one quite a bit partially because of my viewing experience. It was a random rental from Blockbuster one night with my parents and we all ended up loving it. The cast does a damn good job, even Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel who can be terribly stiff. The father-son dynamic is believable and occasionally touching. Cool fire fighting scenes too.
Rating: 8.5/10
#389 - American Beauty [1999]
Date Watched: 11/24/15
A divisive, Oscar winning character study that came out at the perfect time. Any other decade and this movie wouldn't work but for some reason it does. The oddball characters and unusual situations make it a one of a kind watch. I find comparisons difficult. A+ nudity from both Meni Suvari's small but puffy nipped tits and Thora Birch's massive floppy knockers.
Rating: 8.5/10
#390 - The Rocketeer [1992]
Date Watched: 11/24/15
Old school adventure from Joe Johnston. A charming cast propels this high flying adventure as a pilot invents the first functioning jet pack and does battle with Nazi foes.
Rating: 8/10
#391 - Wrong Turn VI: Last Resort [2015]
Date Watched: 11/25/15
I never would've thought in a million years that the Wrong Turn franchise would ever make it to SIX entries, but like its grotesque inbred villains, it has proved quite resilient. The script at least attempts something a little different by delving into the history of the Hillicker clan and all the depraved shit they've done. The acting is laughably bad most of the time but what can you expect from a flick like this? The kills and gore are nasty, with two crazy ones involving stirrups and a fire hose. If there's one thing Last Resort does is make up for the series' lack of nudity as every female character strips down (except for the grannies in the beginning, thank god). Overall it falls squarely in the middle of the franchise behind Parts 2 and 4.
Rating: 6.5/10
#392 - This Is The End [2013]
Date Watched: 11/25/15
The perfect balance of comedy and horror, with a dash of religious commentary. The cast plays exaggerated versions of themselves which works well since they're all buddies in real life. I love how all out the premise goes considering the material and budget. On paper it sounds dumb but in practice it somehow succeeds. Especially love the batshit insane ending!
Rating: 8/10
#393 - Birdman [2014]
Date Watched: 11/26/15
I'm rewatching Birdman after reading some theories. I like the one that suggests the whole movie is a dream after Riggan tries to drown himself and fails. Or it could be a dying dream. The first thing we see is a washed up jellyfish. Everything goes his way and he seemingly has mental powers like telekinesis. So many surreal scenes like a dream. Kind of like Mulholland Drive. Goddamn the dialogue is so quick and natural. Ed Norton is fucking perfect. The whole damn cast is stellar. Easily one of the best ensembles ever. Technically astounding and visually resplendent. The cacophonous jazz-infused drum score is the perfect compliment to the shattered psyches of all these complex characters.
Rating: 10/10
#394 - The Mummy Returns [2001]
Date Watched: 11/26/15
Such a fun time. A true adventure that hops the globe and is packed with high concept creativity. The bracelet visions, the Anubis soldiers, the face tsunami, the dirigible, the pygmies, the Scorpion King and the double decker bus chase are all impressive highlights that are thrilling to watch. The CGI on the main villain is atrocious. Some of the worst CG I've ever seen. Love the lively score by Alan Silverstri.
Rating: 8/10
#395 - Tremors [1990]
Date Watched: 11/27/15
The perfect drive-in monster movie. Great cast and gnarly practical effects. Michael Gross as Burt is decidedly badass.
Rating: 8.5/10
#396 - Journey 2: The Mysterious Island [2012]
Date Watched: 11/27/15
So over the top but so much fun. The Rock is as likable as ever, Vanessa Hudgens is smokin hot and Luis Guzman is hilarious. The adventure vibe is right on.
Rating: 6.5/10
#397 - Oculus [2014]
Date Watched: 11/27/15
Starts off creepily and never lets up. Love the ancient history of evil.
Rating: 7.5/10
#398 - The Princess Bride [1987]
Such a fun fantasy adventure. Love the storytelling aspect and eclectic cast. "As you wish." Cool sets, matte paintings and production design. The Cliffs of Insanity and the ensuing sword fight are a highlight.
Rating: 8/10
#399 - Big Daddy [1999]
Saw this one at least 20 times when my parents had the pirated pay per view box. It's one of Adam Sandler's last funny movies before he started doing nonsensical family films for the paychecks and tropical shooting locations. As with most Sandler flicks, the supporting cast enhances the movie with many quotable scenes. The kid playing Julian is adorable too.
Rating: 7.5/10
#400 - Draft Day [2015]
Plays out as an NFL commercial but it is cool to see all the teams, logos and other licensed material used normally. Costner is decent. He doesn't have to do much heavy lifting and rarely changes facial expressions. Jennifer Garner is professionally sexy. I liked seeing the various NFL players in small roles too. Was surprised to see that Ivan Reitman directed. Other than the split screens and shiny establishing shots, there's very little visual flair. Not bad but not a football movie I'd seek out to watch again any time soon.
