Showing posts with label High Rating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High Rating. Show all posts

Monday, December 18, 2023

Musical Monday with the Pogues

Guest performer on "A Fairytale of New York" Kristy McColl has described it as " a Christmas song for those who hate Christmas songs". Others (unknown if they hate Christmas songs or love Christmas songs) stumble toward the fainting couch or wet themselves, because the lyrics are outrageous (OUTRAGEOUS!) and offensive because they include one character in the song insulting another as they fight by calling him a "faggot" (right after he calls her a "slut").

Kristy McColl and Shane MacGowan in "A Fairytale of New York" (1987)

We like the song and we think it's clear that those who are pitching fits over that word need to get over themselves and haven't actually listened to the lyrics or are too stupid to understand a thing called "context". 

And we hope they never come upon a whole host of rap songs. Or even some nursery rhymes.

Hell, if someone with a brain was looking for a reason to take offense at this song, there's a MUCH more serious reason to do so, if you choose to interpert the story of the song in a particular way. But requires listening and thinking... something most people don't do these days. (Now, we still think anyone who's wailing and gnashing their teeth are behaving like idiots and haven't put enough thought into their reaction, but at least they would have put SOME thought into it.)

But take a look at this great video and listen to this fine song. Or not.


A Fairytale of New York (1987)
Starring: The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, Kristy McColl, and Matt Dillon
Director: Peter Dougherty
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Lugosi Stars in a Tale Love and Zombies

White Zombie (1932)
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Robert Frazer, John Harron, and Joseph Cawthorn
Director: Victor Halperin
Rating: Nine of Ten Stars

When Haitian plantation owner Charles Beaumont (Frazer) becomes obsessed with the beautiful Madeleine (Bellamy), he invites her and her husband-to-be (Harron) to have their marriage and spend their honeymoon at his plantation. When he fails to win Madeleine's heart, he turns to his neighbor, 'Murder' Legendre (Lugosi) and asks him to use his powers to make zombies to recreate Madeleine as his love slave. Will Madeleine and the local priest (Cawthorn) unmask Legendre's evil and save Madeleine from a fate worse than death, or will they merely become yet another pair of zombies in Legendre's growing force of mindless slaves?


"White Zombie" has been described as the first zombie movie ever made. I don't know if this is true or not, but it is definately one of the best. It predates the flesh-eating blood-spattered cannibal zombies of George Romero, but instead relies upon traditional zombie myths and tales of dark sorcery to generate its chills. 

This is a stylishly filmed movie that features creepy performances by Lugosi and Bellamy, and scenes that drip with creepiness, as Legendre's mindless slaves work his sugar mills, and as a ghostly, zombie-fied Madeleine glides silently through the vaulted halls of Legendre' house. (The height of creepiness is reached when the depth of Legendre's evil is fully revealed and he gradually starts turning Charles Beaumont into a zombie as well.)

"White Zombie" is a must-see for fans of classic horror movies in general, and fans of zombie movies in particular. It is the one of the roots from which the horror genre sprang. Heck, the film should be required viewing for anyone who is currently making horror movies... if filmmakers chose to emulate a work like this, maybe we'd have more decent horror movies coming out.

But don't just take my word for it. Click on the embedded video below to watch this fabulous movie via The Screening Room that's part of my YouTube Channel!


Saturday, October 7, 2023

Triumph and Tragedy with Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allen Poe (aka "Edgar Allan Poe") (1909)
Starring: Herbert Yost, Linda Arvidson, Arthur V. Johnson, David Miles, and Anita Hendrie
Director: D.W. Griffith
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Writer Edgar Allan Poe (Yost) is struggling to make enough money to purchase the food and medicine needed by his ailing wife (Arvidson). Can he find a publisher for his latest peom before it is too late?


 "Edgar Allen Poe" is a fictionalized version of the circumstances surrounding the creation and publication of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous work, "The Raven". It condenses several key events in Poe's life to make them occur simultaneously, but what it lacks in historical accuracy it makes up for with heightened drama and tragedy.

One mildly amusing fact about the film is that Poe's name is misspelled in the title--no, for once I did not make a typo in the heading, the film is actually titled "Edgar Allen Poe". This error is typically explained by the fact that the film was rushed to market in order to capitalize on the centennial anniversary of Poe's birth (he was born in Feburary 8, 1809, and the film began playing in theatres on Feburary 8, 1909), having been filmed over two days in January of 1909. By the time the error was noticed, copies of the film had already been made and were shipping out to movie theaters.

This film is far superior to what it's rushed production schedule might seem to infer. It is another innovative entry in Griffith's unfolding invention of much of what remains technical standards in filmmaking today--in this specific case, it was how Griffith lit the scenes.

Whether you have an interested in Edgar Allan Poe, silent movies, or just well-made dramas, I think you might find the few minutes it takes to watch this film. Click below and sit back.


Thursday, October 5, 2023

'The Vampire'

The Vampire (2021)
Starring: Lucy Rose and Jennifer Forristal
Director: Brian Elliot
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

A woman (Rose) is bitten by a vampire (Forristal), and she transforms from prey to hunter.

Lucy Rose in "The Vampire" (2021)

"The Vampire" is a short film that was made with the intention of capturing the feel of classic horror films such as "Seven Footprints to Satan" (1929), "Dracula" (1931) and "White Zombie" (1932). With the exception of the acting being a little too subdued at times, writer/director Brian Elliot and his cast did an excellent job at this.

Elliott applied some commonly used digital tricks to "age" the film, but he did not do so to excess (thankfully), so it's not intrusive. More importantly, though, is that he actually manages to capture the essense of those classic horror films he was emulating... and THAT is what makes efforts like this succeed! If this had just been another one of those flat gray films made black-and-white through no other effort but digital color desaturation and the application of the aforementioned "aging" effects, such as artificial scratches. Even better, Elliott includes a couple of sly references to the movies from which he drew his inspiration, such as the vampire doing the same odd hand-twisting gesture that Bela Lugosi did as Murder Legendre in "White Zombie". (This is one of my favorite moments in the film.)

If like the old horror films we focus on around here, you're going to to enjoy "The Vampire" and it's straight-to-the-point, three-chapter tale of a woman who goes from victim to vampire. We're equally certain that you'll find the Halloween Spirit stirring within you as you watch it! Go ahead and click below... then leave your opinions in the comments section to tell us how right or wrong we were!


Monday, September 4, 2023

Musical Monday with Polyphia

We're starting the work-week with some amazing guitar playing, a great tune, and an engaging video in which we need YOU to tell us what's going on.


"Chimera" is one of many great bits of genre-bending music from Texas-based band Polyphia. Most of their stuff is instrumental music growing from a hard rock base, but they stray in and out of all sorts of genres during their tracks. This song features a guest appearance by rapper Lil West, so it's got some vocals to it... but, oh my GOD--the guitar playing!


Chimera (2022)
Starring: Tim Henson, Scott LePage, Clay Gober, and Clay Aeschliman
Director: Jake Woodbridge
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

Monday, August 21, 2023

Musical Monday with Depeche Mode


Tatyana Yolinska in "Wagging Tongue"

About a month ago, Depeche Mode released a new album. We're fans here at Shades of Gray, but we had no idea that they were still together and still making music! But we're extra-happy to have discovered that they are because "Wagging Tongue" is an excellent song with a cinematic video that's even more excellent.

The lyrics of "Wagging Tongue " seems to be a message from the singer to whoever's listening that the truth will always come to be spoken, no matter how many lies or how much intimidation is used to silence righteous people. Meanwhile, the video, while the action on screen syncs up with the lyrics several times, gives us a look at a strange society where no one speaks unless they submerge their heads in water. It's a dark and strange society, and it contrasts with the upbeat nature of the song. (Heck, the lyrics contrast with the nature of the song... except in the sense that it all ends up carrying something of a hopeful feeling.)

Check out "Wagging Tongue". We're sure you'll agree that Depeche Mode is as great in 2023 as they were in 1983.

Wagging Tongue (2023)
Starring: Tatanya Yolinska, Jacob James Beswick, and Depeche Mode
Directors: Anton Korbijin
Rating: Nine of Ten Stars
 

(Here's a fun idea: The classic Depeche Mode song "Enjoy the Silence" describes the dawn on the dystopian society in "Wagging Tongue". Click here to watch that video and see if you agree or disagree with that notion.)

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

'The Good Bad-Man' is Excellent

The Good Bad-Man (1916/1923)
Starring: Douglas Fairbanks, Bessie Love, Sam de Grasse, and Pomeroy Cannon
Director: Allan Dwan
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

"Passin' Through" (Fairbanks), a wandering outlaw with a heart of gold and a soft spot for those who are defenseless and in need, finds himself falling head-over-heels in love with a young woman (Love) he encounters by chance. This is sets in motion a series of events that will reveal "Passin'" mysterious past and change both their lives forever.

Douglas Fairbanks and Bessie Love in "The Good Bad-Man"

As I've mentioned before, I generally don't have the patience for silent dramas, especially if they run past the 15-20 minute mark. "The Good Bad-Man" is one of a growing number of films I've come across that are an exception to that rule. I don't know if my tastes have changed or if I've just had more luck with picking movies to watch in recent years.

Whatever the reason, I found "The Good Bad-Man" to be very entertaining. It's easy to see why Douglas Fairbanks was such a big star in his day, as he is seems equally natural whether his character is being friendly and playful, or whether he's getting ready to kill someone. 

In fact, like the other early Fairbanks picture I've watched and reviewed (the subversive Sherlock Holmes parody "The Mystery of the Leaping Fish"), he is the star of the film in very sense: He's the main character, he has all or is a key part of all the film's best moments, and he has a presence that almost leaps off the screen in every scene. Like their previous pairing, Fairbanks and Love also make a great couple on screen, with acting styles and on-screen chemistry that make them seem like a natural couple. Even the "insta-romance" between the characters doesn't bother me that much here, because Fairbanks and Love compliment each other so well.

Douglas Fairbanks and Bessie Love in "The Good Bad-Man"

Speaking of Love, I noticed that she spends most of her scenes either sitting down or leaning against posts or walls after taking just a few steps. I don't know if this is just some weird coincidence or if it was supposed to be a character quirk, but I also found myself wondering if perhaps Love perhaps had hurt one of her legs or perhaps her back. What little research I felt inclined to do didn't reveal anything specific, so if it was anything, it was probably just a sprained ankle.

Another bit I noticed--that is either a coincidence or an intentional sight gag--was a rider having trouble with his horse both times the band of outlaws saddled up and rode out en-masse. I'm hoping it was an intentional ittle background thing. Perhaps there was even something involving a clumsy comic relief character that ended up getting cut when the film was reportedly shortened for its 1923 release... I wish my imagining is true, because a cowboy outlaw who can't stay on a horse would be hilarious. (Unforunately, we will never know, because there are no known surviving copies of the original 1916 cut.)

Aside from excellent performances from the film's stars, Sam de Grasse has a fine turn as a local bandit leader whose secret connection to "Passin' Through" helps turn the plot upside down and accelerate the film toward its dramatic conclusion. Similarly Pomeroy Cannon, who plays a Federal Marshal who remains a question mark for most of the picture as to whether he was going to be a friend to the main characters or their downfall, also gives a fine supporting performance.
 
"The Good Bad-Man" is one of the films that have been featured in the Screening Room at the YouTube channel that's loosely connected with this blog. If you like westerns and fast-paced silent movies, you're probably going to enjoy this one. Just click below and watch the tale unfold!

Monday, July 24, 2023

Musical Monday with Bamble B.


In my opinion, Mike Oldfield is one of greatest composers and musicians of the late 20th Century. He has yet to get the full credit and recognition he is due, but that will come some day, I hope.

In the meantime, we can enjoy his highly underrated music, as well as what few interesting covers that have been of it over the years. One of the most interesting ones is from 2000 and was recorded by Italian synthpop/dance outfit Bamble B. It was promoted with a black-and-white video that put me in mind of early Mario Bava films... which makes it a perfect choice for a Musical Monday and the ongoing string of cover tunes.



Crime of Passion (2000)
Starring: Marta Randon
Director: Dario Barezzi
Rating: Nine of Ten Stars


Thursday, July 20, 2023

The 'Hitch-Hiker' is a genre-shaping thriller

The Hitch-Hiker (1954)
Starring: Frank Lovejoy, Edmund O'Brien, William Talman, and Jose Torvay
Director: Ida Lupino
Rating: Eight of Nine Stars

A pair of friends (Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy) find themselves at the mercy of a psychopath when they give a ride to the wrong hitchhiker (William Talman). 


"The Hitch-Hiker" is an acclaimed thriller co-written and directed by Ida Lupino, an actress who turned to directing and producing during a time when she was fighting with Studio Bosses over the sort of roles they kept giving her versus the parts she wanted to play. She went onto direct, write, and/or produce ten movies and over 100 episodes of television series ranging from westerns, to dramas, to comedies. 

The tension you feel as this film unfolds is amazing, fueled by great camera-work, well-chosen locations, great lighting, and the performances of the three principal actors. It is also blessed with a perfectly paced script and tight editing. William Talman is especially effective as the psychotic killer. If you liked him as Perry Mason's courtroom adversary on the television series, you'll love him in this one. 

"The Hitch-Hiker" (1953) is a chilling film that will keep you guessing as to how it will all end up until literally the final fade-out. It becomes even a little more scary when you consider it was based on real events, and that Talman's character was based on an actual killer who preyed upon motorists and took two friends hostage in a fashion similar to what happens in the film. Even Talman's strange, unsettling quirks are echoes of the real-life murderer.

This film has been the inspiration/model for dozens of similarly themed chillers, and it holds up nicely to comparisons with any of those that followed. Fittingly, it was added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 1998.

You can enjoy this excellent film by clicking below. Go microwave some popcorn, grab a drink, and lean back and enjoy "The Hitch-Hiker"!

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Rarely has a title been so fitting

Meet/Kiss/Kill (2012)
Starring: Anonymous
Director: "Temporal Jessica"
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

The title sums up what happens in this two-minute film.


"Meet/Kiss/Kill" is a fascinating little art film that plays with light and shadow and archetypical film noir costuming and camera angels. I like everything about it visually and pacing-wise, but could have done without the old-timey film projector sound that made up the entire soundtrack. I'm sure what I would have in its place--there are a couple of Mike Oldfield tracks I think would work nicely, but then I feel he has music that would work for almost anything--but complete silence might not have worked either. And sound effects would be right out, I think.

But how about you take a couple minutes to check it out? If you like creative filmmaking and the film noir genre, I think you'll find the time well spent.


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Violins and Violence


 
Here's another neat student film that has been recovered from the distant, abandoned corners of YouTube! Made by Indonesian college students, but with English dialog. It has a 1970s slasher or proto-slasher film, and I might have given it an Eight-star rating if there'd been some well-executed gore or stabbings instead of a symbolic graphic. Still, the general atmosphere of the film--powered by great lighting and camera work, and the chilling, detached demeanor of the lead actress--coupled with the story twists make this a fine way to spend a few minutes if you like horror flicks. (The color tints also add to the mood and mystery of the picture.)


The Violin Player (aka "The Violent Player") (2006)
Starring: Silena Cheung, Andra Fembriarto, Maggie Leung, and Tim Powers
Director: Andra Fembriarto
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Thursday, July 6, 2023

A fun glimpse of 1920s car culture

Rubber Tires (1927)
Starring: Bessie Love, Harrison Ford, Erwin Connelly, May Robson, Junior Coghlan, and John Patrick
Director: Alan Hale

After their main bread-winner (Bessie Love) loses her job, the Stack family sells all their belongings, buys a car, and heads on a cross-country journey from New York to start a new life in California. There, in the wilds beyond Los Angeles, the family's patriarch (Erwin Connelly) bought a house and land with the family's savings, gambling oil might be found there. Now, it has to be their home... if they can make there! 

Harrison Ford and Bessie Love in "Rubber Tires" (1927)


"Rubber Tires" is a proto road movie full of fun and lighthearted romance. Bessie Love is in top form as an independent young woman with a never-say-die spirit who is determined to see her family successfully to a new home. The comedy and pacing of the film hold up nicely, and the glimpses provided into life in 1920s America--especially for those of a nomadic bent--are interesting.

Two things I found interesting about the look into the past was the apparent complete lack of requirements to have drivers licenses or car insurance of any kind; Love's character Mary Ellen buys a car from a scrapyard, then just drives off in it. Later, characters are shown trading cars with each other with a level casualness that one might do with pens or hats. 

Although motor vehicles as something the masses could own and enjoy were a relatively new thing in 1927, it was amazing how much society's approach to cars has changed over the past century or so. While I realize films aren't accurate reflections of reality, it seems to me that at least the general environment and cultural outlook of the characters has to feel right to viewers, especially when the characters on the screen are living in a world not unlike the real one. The trusting nature that people seemed to have toward each other--even total strangers--was particularly surprising to me, even for a cheerful comedy like this; I can't imagine trading my car to a total stranger for his car without having it checked out by a mechanic! (The one character in the film who is an expert in cars--who amusingly spends about half the movie in a car with no engine and thus being towed along by others as he tries to keep up with the Stacks on their journey--is also the only one who worries about whether the cars being traded for actually run. Everyone else just seems to assume that they will, or that everyone they meet is as honest as they are.)

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this film is that there is no true antagonist in the story. Any threats toward the Stacks come mostly from the circumstances they encounter. Every character in the film is likeable... even both men seeking to conquer Mary Ellen's heart (played Harrison Ford and John Patrick) are equally upstanding and decent. This is one of those very rare films that is charming and sweet without getting schmaltzy. (The only time when there was an opportunity for truly villainous characters to appear in the story, they are reduced to faceless shadows, basically making them just another circumstance that threatens the Stacks.)

Because the characters are all basically so likeable--due in no small part to each and every major actor in the film having great screen presence--all this film needs is the various threats and hurdles that the Stacks need to overcome to reach their new life in California. The running subplot about the fact they're driving a car worth $10,000 without knowing it also goes a long way to keeping the viewer invested in the outcome.

Click below to watch "Rubber Tires". I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


Monday, June 19, 2023

Musical Monday with Incubus

The band may be named after a male demon who preys upon the sexual urges of mortals, but none such creature is anywhere to seen in the video for a somewhat haunting song. Instead, we are treated to some beautiful dancing by Manaho Shimokawa while Brandon Boyd (lead singer of Incubus) croons about the strange and miserable situation he finds himself in. 

Dancer Manaho Shimokawa

Check it out! I'm think you'll enjoy both the song and the video!

Loneliest (2017)
Starring: Manaho Shimokawa and Brandon Boyd
Director: Julian Schratter
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Film Clears Boy of False Charges! Read... um, WATCH all about it!

The Evidence of the Film (1913)
Starring: Florence La Badie, Marie Eline, and William Garwood
Directors: Lawrence Marston and Edwin Thanhouser
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

When a messenger boy (Eline) for a crime, a sharp-eyed film editor (La Badie) spots exonerating evidence accidentially captured on film by a crew working on location.


This may not be the first film to feature filmmaking and the film industry as part of the plot, but I think it may be first one to feature the literal backshop of the cinema business--the editing suite where pieces of film are spliced together into movies.

The various story elements are engaging and the acting is as naturalistic as can be expected from a film of this vintage; Florence La Badie seems particularly subdued in her scenes. William Garwood was the most expressive of actors, doing exaggerated sneaky and dramatic gestures as befitting his villainous character. With only 13-minutes of run-time, there isn't much room for character development, but nearly every character that is involved in some way with the story is given tiny moments that show its personality. This all adds up to a feeling that this story and cast could have supported a much longer film.

As much as I enjoyed this "The Evidence of the Film", any suspense that might have been generated from the poor messenger boy going to jail for a crime he didn't commit is dispelled by the fact the title gives away how he might be exonerated. On a related note, any suspension of disbelief on my part was also completely shattered by the way the film crew didn't seem to care that a child and a man wandered into the shot but just kept on cranking... and that the man didn't notice a camera pointing at him as he enacted his sinister plan to frame the child. Maybe audiences in 1913 didn't think along lines, because movies were still a new thing.

Despite these glaring flaws, I found this to be a highly enjoyable little film, with a talented cast and a well-paced story. It makes me feel it's a terrible shame that not more of the output of the Thanhouser film company has survived to the present day. But at least we have this one--and it's in excellent shape, despite missing its opening and end title cards.

Take a look for yourself by clicking below. And please let me know if you agree or disagree with my take by leaving a comment.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Musical Monday with Desperate Journalist


While doing a web-search for something completely unrelated, I discovered the existence of Desperate Journalist, a four-member band performing a style of music I thought had faded away with the 1990s! I thought of it as "jangly guitar rock" or "alternative rock", but, apparently, this sub-genre of pop/rock music is properly known as "post-punk" (for reasons that aren't immediately apparent to me, and that I am presently feeling too lazy to research). 

I've selected "Hollow" as Desperate Journalist's Shades of Gray debut song and video. I hope you find the curious storyline that is underscored by an intense, rhythm-driven, deeply melodic song that has that end-of-the-20th century sound that's been filtered through a 2010s aesthetic as entertaining as I do.

Especially since I intend this to be the first of several appearances by Desperate Journalist at this blog.

Hollow (2015)
Starring: Holly Hall and Desperate Journalist
Director: Jason Weidner
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Rarely has there been a wackier race

Ker-Choo (1933)
Starring: Bonnie Poe and Gus Wicke
Director: Dave Fleischer
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

It's the Grand Prix, cartoon-style, with all the craziness you'd expect!

Betty Boop in "Ker-Choo!"

"Ker-Choo" is one of those cartoons where almost anything I might say about it will ruin the fun of watching it for the first time. While it remains funny if you watch it more than once, the biggest enjoyment will come from watching the race (as well as the cartoon animals watching it in the stands) for the first time; the wacky bizarreness of it all will bring joy to even the grumpiest soul!

This is one of the Betty Boop-headlined cartoons where the entire gang is here -- with Bimbo and KoKo the Clown being among the drivers competing against Betty -- and each gets their moment to shine. In fact, I think Bimbo and KoKo between them deliver two of the funniest gags in the film, with KoKo even turning what might have just been a simple transition scene into a moment of hilarity.

While there are many reasons I think you'll enjoy this cartoon if you're into Pre-Code Era animation, the most important one is the unique place it has cinematic history: It was the first tale (and perhaps the only tale so far) of a race being won through germ warfare! Further, this cartoon may also be the true origin of "twerking"!

One word of warning: The race music may get stuck in your head for a day or so after watching this!

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Barnacle Bill makes landfall!

Barnacle Bill (1930)
Starring: Billy Murray and Margie Hines
Director: Dave Fleischer
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Barnacle Bill (voiced by Murray) has a girl in every port--and nothing's going to keep him from getting it on Nancy (voiced by Hines!


"Barnacle Bill" is an early appearance of the characters that would eventually evolve into Bimbo and Betty Boop--the second for Betty, actually. You can see hints in what both characters would eventually become, but Nancy Lee/Betty is equal parts grotesque and cute in this iteration. (She still is an anthropomorphic dog, like Bimbo, but it's downplayed more here than it is in her third appearance in "The Mysterious Mose".)

Historical trivia aside, "Barnacle Bill" is worth checking out for its non-stop stream of sight gags and nifty twists on cliches that were old even at the dawn of the 1930s. It also shines as a mini-operetta, with Barnacle Bill and Nancy hilariously singing their way through their romantic interactions. Other highlights include Bill escaping his ship for shore leave against his captain's orders, the surprising love game Bill and Nancy end up playing, the gossiping neighbors, and a very cute surprise finale.

This classic cartoon is only some 8 minutes long. Check it out for the fun, or check it out to see the origin of one of the most famous cartoon characters to ever be created... but check it out!


Monday, April 3, 2023

Musical Monday with George Michael


Here at Shades of Gray, our typical content is generated from anywhere across 200 years of pop culture. If you took the stuff posted here, blended in all together, and added a hefty dose of Crazy, you'd probably end up with something very much like this spectacularly strange video for George Michael's "Spinning the Wheel". It's something you MUST see!


Spinning the Wheel (1996)
Starring: George Michael
Director: Vaughan Arnell
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

A fun horror movie spoof!

Night of the Living Bread (1990)
Starring: Vince Ware, Katie Harris, Robert J. Saunders, Gina Saunders, Stephen R. Newell, Kevin J. O'Brien, and Steve Heminghausen
Director: Kevin J. O'Brien
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

When a strange explosion at a factory causes bread to animate and attack the living, will anyone survive to see the sun rise again?

Steve Heminghausen in "Night of the Living Bread" (1990)

"Night of the Living Bread" is a fun, well-executed spoof of the genre-shaping zombie flick "Night of the Living Dead" (1968). In its eight-minute running time, it touches hilariously on all the key scenes and story elements of George Romero's most famous flick... but with the zombies being replaced by slices of bread and hamburger buns.

This is one of those flicks where too much talk by a reviewer will ruin the fun of watching it (which you can do by clicking below, in this very post), so I'll just highlight two things that make this film so good: First, the cast of actors plays everything completely straight (with one exception); this heightens the comedic absurdity of the story. Second, the film has a jump-scare that is so unexpected that even a jaded horror film viewer like myself was startled by it.

Check out this great little flick and have your day brightened. (It will be ten-times more enjoyable if you're familiar with the film its making fun of, but I think it can be enjoyed by any fans of classic horror films.)


Thursday, March 16, 2023

Well-crafted film noir homage with a twist!

Long Cold Walk (2022)
Starring: Nat Wise, Rocco La Motta, Stephen Scott, Jessica Rudolph, and Gene Winer
Director: Gene Winer
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

A homicide detective on the nightshift (Wise, voiced by Winer), is called to the scene of what turns out to be a greater mystery than he could have possibly imagined.

 
Nat Wise in "Long Cold Walk" (2022)


"Long Cold Walk" is a well-crafted film noir homage with an unexpected twist. Visually, there are a few jarring elements--such as some extreme close-ups that don't seem to serve any purpose and an extra that seems out place with the historical setting of the film--but overall Gene Winer and his crew do a fine job, on pretty much every technical level you'd care to consider.

As this film reached its final moments, I was certain that I would be giving it a solid Six of Ten Stars... but then the twist occured. I was expecting there to be some sort of twist due to a comment made by the narrator at the very beginning of the film, but when it happened, it was not at all what I expected it to be. That twist, and how it was executed, got a star added to the rating all by itself! I've watched and reviewed so many films over the past 30 years that "WOW!" moments don't happen all that often anymore, but Winer delivered one with "Long Cold Walk".

If you like old-school detective movies and TV shows, you're going to enjoy this short. Click below to check it out!