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Pool Party Massacre (2017)
Neither Horrific nor Humorous
After her parents leave for a vacation in Europe, a young woman by the name of "Blaire Winthorpe" (Kristin Noel McKusick) invites several of her friends over for a pool party. Although initially off-limits to men, one of her friends named "Tiffany" (Alexis Adams) has her boyfriend "Troy" (Mark Justice) come over and with him is his brother "Clay" (Nick Byer) which immediately creates some consternation with Blair and a couple of her female companions. Not that it really mattered as there had already been a couple of murders nearby and, as each of these people gradually go inside the house, they are killed as well. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a low-budget horror-comedy which was neither horrific nor humorous. Throw in the rather disgusting scenes involving Clay, which those who never graduated past the 8th grade may find amusing, and that's reason enough to rank this film accordingly.
Gaslight (1944)
As Good as the 1940 British Version
Saddened by the murder of her aunt who raised her as a child, a young woman by the name of "Paula Alquist" (Ingrid Bergman) goes to Italy to study music and subsequently falls in love with a man named "Gregory Anton" (Charles Boyer). A whirlwind romance ensues and the two are married shortly afterward. Naturally, having inherited her aunt's home in London, they return there to start their new life together. Unfortunately, the trauma of discovering her aunt's body while living in that house, begins to have a detrimental effect on Paula as her short-term memory begins to falter. Not only that, but she also develops a habit of secretly taking objects within the house and hiding them out-of-sight for no apparent reason. Complicating this situation is the fact that she doesn't remember taking them, or for that matter, where she put them afterward. And if that wasn't bad enough, she has also begun to imagine that the gaslight in her bedroom dims at certain times when she is alone--with nobody around to explain why. To that effect, her husband eventually becomes angry with her, and seriously considers having her committed to an insane asylum. Meanwhile, a detective at Scotland Yard by the name of "Brian Cameron" (Joseph Cotton) begins to suspect that there is something strange going on in that house, and he becomes increasingly determined to get to the bottom of things. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be a surprisingly good remake of the British film produced 4 years earlier with both Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer performing in an outstanding manner. Admittedly, although I preferred the murky atmosphere of the original version, I thought that the acting in this particular movie somewhat compensated for it, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Tokyo Mafia (1995)
Ambition and Greed in Tokyo
This film essentially begins with a Tokyo gangster by the name of "Ginya Yabuki" (Riki Takeuchi) getting into a heated argument with his immediate supervisor named "Iwagami" (Ren Osugi) which ends with him being excommunicated from his Yakuza clan. No longer being welcomed in Tokyo, Ginya goes to Hong Kong to recuperate but eventually returns with his own criminal organization he calls the Tokyo Mafia. But rather than taking on the various gangs directly, he decides to circumvent them at first by cornering a specific illegal market and gradually increasing his influence instead. Naturally, his sudden financial success--along with the enmity of Iwagami--creates tension with all of the other gangs who want in on the action. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a rather standard Japanese crime film which was limited to a certain degree by the rather basic English dubbing. Likewise, the special effects could have used some improvement with one specific scene involving a decapitation being especially cheap looking. On the other hand, I liked the way the director (Seiichi Shirai) showcased the ruthlessness of several high-ranking members of organized crime, with one specific scene depicting a man owing money to a crime lord being sent to Hong Kong for a meeting--only to have his organs unexpectedly removed to pay his debt. Now that's ruthless. Be that as it may, while there are certainly better films of this nature out there, I suppose this one passed the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
The Over-the-Hill Gang Rides Again (1970)
An Adequate Sequel
After getting a message stating that an old colleague by the name of "The Baltimore Kid" (Fred Astaire) was about to be executed in Waco, Texas for bank robbery, a former Texas Ranger named "Nash Crawford" (Walter Brennan) decides to ride out there to see what he can do. Joining him are some of his fellow Texas Ranger comrades "Jason Fitch" (Edgar Buchanan) and "Gentleman George" (Chill Wills) who also hope to testify as character witnesses. To their surprise, once they get to Waco, they are told by an old acquaintance named "Amos Polk" (Andy Devine) that The Baltimore Kid had just been lynched a couple of days earlier and his grave is on the outside of town. Needless to say, they are quite saddened by this news and, to help ease their sorrow, they decide to head over to the local saloon to commiserate with one another. While there, they each happen to see an extremely intoxicated man who looks exactly like their long-lost comrade. And it's then that they realize that the bank robber who was lynched was an imposter and that their friend is alive and well. The only problem, however, is that the gang who robbed the bank think that Amos Polk knows where the money is and that, to get their hands on it, they to kill the former Texas Rangers in the process. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an adequate sequel to the previous film with both Walter Brennan and Chill Wills putting in solid performances overall. Admittedly, although some of the scenes were rather light-hearted, the comedy itself wasn't very sharp or unique. Even so, it managed to pass the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Requiem per un agente segreto (1966)
A Cloak-and-Dagger Eurospy Film
After another one of their secret agents is killed in Morocco, the American government contracts the services of a highly skilled mercenary by the name of "Jimmy Merrill" (Stewart Granger) to find out the identity of the people behind it. To that end, upon arriving at the airport in Tangier, Merrill meets with an inexperienced Norwegian agent named "Erik" (Giulio Bosetti) who has been assigned to help him gather some leads with the deceased agent's mistress named "Betty Lou" (Manolita Barraso) being of particular interest. Not only that, but during the course of their investigation, the deceased agent's wife "Evelyn" (Daniela Bianchi) also becomes involved. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a fairly interesting cloak-and-dagger Eurospy film which benefited from a solid performance by Stewart Granger. Additionally, having several attractive actresses like Giorgia Moll (as Erik's assistant named "Edith") along with both Manolita Barraso and Daniela Bianchi definitely helped the scenery as well. On that note, however, I must say that I was somewhat disappointed with the lack of screen time given to Daniela Bianchi who, I believe, should have had a much more prominent role. But that's just my opinion. Be that as it may, although this film pales in comparison to the James Bond films made during this time, I suppose it was adequate for the time spent, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Overland Stage Raiders (1938)
The Three Mesquiteers vs Some Airline Skyjackers
After several buses carrying a large payroll are ambushed by some bandits on horseback, a man by the name "Ned Hoyt" (Anthony Marsh) convinces the company that depends on the bus line, to utilize his new airplane instead. Needless to say, this doesn't sit well with the owner of the bus company who has been secretly working with the bandits all this time. So, when he learns that Ned will be transporting almost $100,000 on his next flight, he sends some men to skyjack that flight and steal the money it is transporting. What he doesn't count on, however, is that Ned is a good friend of the Three Mesquiteers who have invested a large amount of their own money on Ned's new airline, and they are determined to make sure it's a success. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay Western which seemed to lean more heavily upon John Wayne (as "Stony Brooke") than the other two Mesquiteers. Not that this was a bad thing, necessarily, as he put in a reasonably solid performance overall. Be that as it may, even though the film is rather short (55 minutes) and rather dated, it still managed to pass the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Amityville Hex (2021)
One of the Worst Amityville Movies Ever Made
This film essentially begins with several vloggers seeking to discredit a supposed curse known as the Amityville Hex which has recently become an on-line viral sensation. To do that, each of them get in front of a camera and, after reading the script which allegedly triggers the curse, promise to share their experiences with their viewers for the next couple of weeks. Although most of them are initially quite skeptical of the hex, their later videos show a much different perspective as each of them begin to experience horrific nightmares and hallucinations which begin to affect their mental and emotional well-being. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film easily ranks as one of the worst Amityville movies ever made, due in large part to the repetitious plot and the exceedingly bad acting. It was just plain awful. So bad in fact, that I wouldn't be surprised if some viewers thought about reading the Amityville hex just to alleviate their own personal anguish brought on from watching this movie. Be that as it may, I don't recommend this movie, and I have rated it accordingly.
Hard to Die (1990)
Cheap and Boring
This film begins with two young women named "Dawn" (Robyn Harris) and "Tess" (Melissa Moore) meeting each other outside of a high-rise building in Los Angeles where they have been hired by the Acme Lingerie company to move some of the inventory from the basement to the office. Once inside the building they are joined by three other young ladies named "Jackie" (Deborah Dutch), "Shayne" (Bridget Carney) and "Diana" (Lindsay Taylor) on the ground floor near the elevators. While waiting there, they are suddenly surprised by a menacing looking man by the name of "Orville Ketchum" (Peter Spellos) who one of them immediately recognizes as the man somehow involved in a series of murders about a year earlier. Fortunately, he wanders off without disturbing them too much at that point. However, no sooner does he walk off then they are met by a delivery man who has a package for them. Dawn signs for it and, when the elevator suddenly door opens Orville emerges and scares them again. However, upon questioning him, he recounts the details of that murder which subsequently terrifies them even more. Still frightened once he wanders off again. Naturally, not wanting to spend any more time with him, they quickly retreat into the elevator to go to their office. Once there, they eventually open the package that Dawn signed for--and the murders begin not too long after that. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off reasonably well with some good humor and several scenes of an erotic nature being prominently displayed. Unfortunately, as the film progressed, it quickly dissolved into the same scene being basically replayed again and again. And it got incredibly monotonous after that. That being said, even though there were several attractive actresses featured, with Robyn Harris and Melissa Moore being the prettiest in my opinion, I actually liked the character played by Peter Spellos the most. Poor guy, he just can't seem to catch a break. In any case, as much as I might have liked the cast, I thought the film itself was much too cheap and boring, and I have rated it accordingly. Below average.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
An Intense Crime-Drama
After serving honorably in World War 1, a man by the name of "James Allen" (Paul Muni) is understandably glad to be back home. Unfortunately, things don't work out very well for him because he finds his old job rather boring and uneventful. So, wanting to work as an engineer, he drifts around the country looking for a job in that particular field. It's during this time that he is falsely accused for robbing a restaurant in Georgia and is sentenced to work on a chain gang for a period of 10 years. Uncertain if he will be able to survive such a long term under the inhumane conditions present in this prison, he finally escapes and heads up north to Chicago. However, after a woman named "Marie" (Glenda Farrell) discovers that he is an escaped convict, he soon realizes that how precarious his freedom can be. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say this was an outstanding movie which helped to reveal some of the terrible conditions that prisoners may have been subjected to during this time in the American South. Of course, some of these events may have been sensationalized to a certain extent, but that's Hollywood for you. In any case, I found this to be a very intense film and I have rated it accordingly.
Panggonan Wingit (2023)
The Non-Human Entity on the Third Floor
This film essentially takes place in Indonesia with a woman by the name of "Ningrum" (Hami Diah) getting hired to work as a maid at a hotel not too far from Jakarta. On her very first day, she is told that the 3rd floor is under construction and to avoid it at all costs. Not seeing any problem with this instruction, she readily agrees and begins her first day at work. It's then, to her surprise, that she hears a noise that sounds like a woman sobbing--and it's coming from a room on the 3rd floor. Naturally, being somewhat curious, she immediately goes to investigate. Then, upon entering the room where the sound appears to be coming from, she stares in horror at an extremely pale woman with white hair who, after mumbling some strange words to her, causes her to run out of the room in sheer terror. Sure enough, three days later she is killed by an unseen entity at midnight. The scene then shifts to a woman named "Raina" (Luna Maya) being driven to a hotel that she has just inherited from her father. Traveling with her is her adopted, preteen daughter "Fey" (Bianca Hello) who looks forward to starting a new life in this exotic location. When they get there, she is greeted by her in-laws who have been taking care of the place for several years. And like everyone else who comes to this hotel, they tell her to avoid the 3rd floor at all costs. Unfortunately, it isn't too long before she hears what appears to be a woman sobbing from one of the rooms on that very floor--and that's when the horror begins all over again. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay horror film which primarily benefited from its dark atmosphere and beautiful scenery. And although the acting was adequate, what lessened the film, to a certain degree, was its rather predictable plot and unsatisfying ending. That being said, while certainly not a great horror film by any means, it still kept my attention for the most part, and I have rated it according. Average.
The Over-the-Hill Gang (1969)
Some Old Texas Rangers Trying to Reclaim Their Days of Glory
This film essentially begins with a retired Texas Ranger by the name of "Captain Oren Hayes" (Pat O'Brien) traveling to Nevada to see his daughter "Hannah Rose" (Kristin Harmon) and her husband "Jeff Rose" (Ricky Nelson). When he gets there, he discovers that his son-in-law is running for town mayor but is being bullied by the incumbent who has the backing of a heavy-handed sheriff named "Clyde Barnes" (Jack Elam) and a corrupt judge by the name of "Amos Polk" (Andy Devine). So, after sizing up the situation, Captain Hayes decides to call upon his old colleagues to help out. What he doesn't realize, however, is just how much they've aged since their days of glory. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a cute little comedy which utilized a number of prominent actors who have long since passed their prime with Walter Brennan (as "Nash Crawford") and Chill Wills ("Gentleman George Askew") standing out the most, in my opinion. Be that as it may, I think that those viewers who are looking for a decent Western comedy could certainly do a lot worse, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
An Enjoyable Hitchcock Film
This film essentially begins on the French Riviera with a rash of burglaries in which a number of women report that their jewels have been stolen. And since these actions could only have been committed by an extremely skilled cat burglar, the French authorities immediately suspect a former convicted thief named "John 'The Cat' Robie" (Cary Grant). For his part, John Robie maintains his innocence. Unfortunately, nobody believes him. To that effect, as these jewel thefts increase in frequency, it soon becomes clear to him that, in order to clear his name, he will have to catch this person himself. So, in order to accomplish that, he asks an insurance agent by the name of "H. H. Hughson" (John Williams) for a list of names pertaining to people who have recently had their jewelry insured by his company. Obviously, H. H. Hughson is reluctant at first, but he finally comes around and gives it to him. That said, after quickly perusing this list, John comes across one particular person "Jessie Stevens" (Jessie Royce Landis) who he suspects might be the cat burglar's next target. But to get closer to her requires him to navigate around her attractive daughter "Frances Stevens" (Grace Kelly) who appears to know more about him than he realizes. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an enjoyable film which clearly showcases the talent of the legendary director, Alfred Hitchcock. Likewise, having two talented performers like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly certainly didn't hurt either. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this film and recommend it to viewers who might be interested in a picture of this sort. Above average.
Pals of the Saddle (1938)
Cowboys Versus Foreign Agents
This film begins with the announcement that war has broken out in Europe and that the United States has announced it neutrality. To that effect, with the discovery in the American Southwest of an important mineral known as monium, which is useful in the production of poison gas, the Roosevelt Administration has instituted a strict embargo on the product preventing its export. Needless to say, this doesn't sit well with some of the countries currently at war--with one in particular intent on acquiring sufficient quantities at all costs. What this nation doesn't count on, however, is a head-to-head confrontation with the Three Mesquiteers who just happen to stumble upon their smuggling operation. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was the first film in the series to feature John Wayne in the role of "Stoney Brooke" (typically played by Robert Livingston). Quite frankly, although I was fond of Robert Livingston in that role, I have to say that John Wayne performed at least as well--if not better. Be that as it may, although rather short (approximately 55 minutes) and quite dated, I enjoyed this film, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
An Amityville Poltergeist (2020)
No Connection to Any of the Other Amityville Films
While smoking weed with two of his friends, a young man named "Jim" (Parris Bates) happens to notice an ad on his computer for a house-sitting job that pays pretty good money. Curious about it, Jim responds to the ad and discovers that all he has to do is stay in the house for several days and basically keep an eye on an old woman named "Eunice" (Rebecca Kimble) who appears to be suffering from dementia. Naturally, considering how easy everything seems to be, Jim accepts the job immediately. What he doesn't count on, however, are the recurring nightmares he has whenever he closes his eyes--and he isn't the only one who is affected by them. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was yet another low-budget horror movie that slapped the word "Amityville" on its title in order to draw more attention. At least, I didn't see any connection to Amityville. But I could be wrong. Regardless, this film has a number of flaws, with the first being the rather confusing plot--with the nightmares or hallucinations never seeming to have any real impact on any of the characters involved. At least, not until the end of the movie. Additionally, although the script could have used some improvement, the acting itself wasn't too bad, with Parris Bates, Sydney Winbush (as "Alyson) and Airisa Durand ("Donna") performing adequately for the most part. But again, the rather incoherent plot certainly didn't help matters. That being said, while I don't consider this to be a terribly bad horror film, I honestly cannot rate it higher than I have. Below average.
Sorority House Massacre II (1990)
Neither Better nor Worse Than Its Predecessor
This film essentially begins with a young college student by the name of "Janey" (Dana Bentley) announcing to four of her sorority sisters that she has just purchased a new house for them to live in. At first, they are all excited about being able to buy a house so close to the college and at such a low cost to them. However, they become somewhat concerned when she tells them that the reason she got such a good deal was because of several murders that occurred in that house five years earlier. Their concern is further heightened after they meet their weird next-door neighbor "Orville Ketchum" (Peter Spellos) who then tells them--in graphic detail--how each of the people within the house were murdered. Later that night, and with nothing else to do, the five of them decide to play with a Ouija board that one of them found in the basement--and this is when the killings begin to happen all over again. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay sequel for the most part which depended heavily upon mystery and some scantily clad ladies to maintain viewer interest--with Robyn Harris (as "Linda") and Melissa Moore ("Jessica") being the most attractive of the lot, in my opinion. Having said that, however, I must admit that I would have preferred a bit more horror and suspense as the intended mystery became a bit too obvious toward the end. In any case, although I don't consider this sequel to be superior to the original film, I don't believe it was worse than its predecessor, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly below average.
Crossing the Line (2006)
A Loathsome Individual Reaping What He Sowed
Unwilling to accept responsibility for his actions, an American soldier in South Korea named "James Joseph Dresnok" abandons his post and walks across the demilitarized zone into North Korea--with no intention of ever returning. After a brief interrogation, he was sent to Pyongyang and was essentially confined to a small house with a couple of other deserters pending a decision on what to do with them. Used primarily for propaganda purposes, after four years in this communist paradise, all four of them seek asylum in the nearby Soviet Union embassy. Apparently, not wanting these poor specimens of mankind all that much, they are quickly returned back to their North Korean captors to live out their days in a manner they so richly deserve--with some living longer than others. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, even though James Dresnok was given every opportunity to make himself look somewhat presentable to polite society, I found nothing about him that was admirable or worthy of respect. Neither, apparently, did one of his colleagues who had nothing good to say about him after spending more than 30 years with him. Be that as it may, although the main character was rather loathsome, the documentary itself turned out to be quite informative, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Shijibganeun nal (1956)
A Cute South Korean Comedy
This film essentially begins with a conniving village elder by the name of "Maeng Jin-sa" (Seung-ho Kim) arraigning a marriage between his daughter "Gap-bun" (Yu-Hee Kim) and a man named "Mi-eon" (Hyeon Choi) who he has never met. What he does know, however, is that Mi-eon belongs to a royal family and is extremely wealthy--and that's all that Maeng Jin-sa cares about. At least, that's all he cares about at first. For her part, Gap-bun recognizes the honor bestowed upon her by this upcoming marriage and is delighted by her father's shrewd marriage negotiation. Unfortunately, everything changes when a rumor is circulated which reveals that Mi-eon suffers from a birth defect that has rendered him exceedingly crippled--which Maeng Jin-sa would have known about if he had bothered to meet the prospective groom and hadn't been so blinded by the potential status and wealth brought on by the promise of this marriage. Likewise, this news doesn't please Gap-bun either as the thought of marrying someone who is crippled is quite revolting to her. That said, faced with the complete loss-of-face over this marriage, Maeng Jin-sa comes up with an ingenious plan to remedy the situation--which subsequently creates a new set of problems for everyone concerned. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I was honestly didn't expect too much from this movie--due in large part to the economic devastation brought on by the Korean War only 3 years earlier. That said, Having now seen it in its entirety, I must say that this little romantic comedy left me pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, I didn't know any of the actors involved, but they all performed quite well with M-Lyeong Jo (as "Ip-bun") and the aforementioned Seung-ho Kim and Yu-Hee Kim probably standing out the most. In any case, those viewers looking for a cute romantic comedy could certainly do worse, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
For Those Who Think Young (1964)
Should Have Been Much Better Than It Was
This film essentially begins with a rich playboy by the name of "Gardner 'Ding' Pruitt III" (James Darren) asking an attractive college girl named "Sandy Palmer" (Pamela Tiffin) out on a date. Wary of his reputation, Sandy refuses. Not at all deterred by this, he continues to ask her out. Meanwhile, her uncle "Woody Woodbury" (played by himself) also has suspicions about Gardner's intentions and tries to dissuade him from dating his niece. However, it's only after Gardner's grandfather "Burford Sanford Cronin" (Robert Middleton) gets involved that things take a direct turn for the worst. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, considering the rather solid cast, I was somewhat surprised that this comedy wasn't quite as good as it should have been. For starters, I didn't think either Bob Denver (as Gardner's sidekick "Kelp") or Paul Lynde ("Sid Hoyt") were given an adequate script to fully utilize their comedic talents--as neither one was really that funny. Admittedly, I like the fact that both Bob Denver and Tina Louise ("Topaz McQueen") were both cast in this film. But even so, I don't believe this film came close to realizing its potential, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Alien Tornado (2012)
A Disaster Caught on Film
This film essentially begins with a farmer by the name of "Judd Walker" (Jeff Fahey) checking on one of his horses when his teenage daughter named "Kelly Walker" (Stacey Asaoro) comes home from school to discuss her options for college within a few months. All of a sudden, the weather changes and a strange tornado appears and heads directly for their house. Fortunately, both Judd and Kelly survive, but nobody seems willing to believe his description of the twister. Nobody, that is, except a meteorologist by the name of "Gail Curtis" (Kari Wuhrer) who not only experiences a similar event, but just happens to see government agents monitoring the tornado with special electronic equipment. Eventually, when both Judd and Gail finally meet and compare notes, they begin to suspect that the government is deliberately keeping the information they have gathered from the general public--and as these strange tornadoes increase in frequency, so too does the damage to property and the loss of human lives. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, even though there were a couple of solid actors cast in this movie, the poor script and the rather ridiculous plot prevented any of them from really making much of an impact. And the longer this film ran, the worse things got. And it got pretty bad. That being said, although I like both Jeff Fahey and Kari Wuhrer, I cannot in good conscience recommend this film, and I have rated it accordingly.
Heroes of the Hills (1938)
The Three Mesquiteers Try Their Hand at Prison Reform
This film essentially begins with a convict by the name of "Red" (LeRoy Mason) escaping from a prison and taking with him a younger inmate known only as "The Kid" (James Eagles) who appears to be suffering from a respiratory illness. Although they initially make good with their prison break, they are eventually caught by the Three Mesquiteers who then learn that the primary reason Red escaped was to help his friend who he believes would have died due to the over cramped conditions of the prison. Realizing that Red is probably telling the truth, the Three Mesquiteers then come up with a plan to use prison inmates on their ranch, which will not only relieve prison conditions, but also help them out in the process as well. The problem, however, is that a greedy contractor by the name of "Robert Beaton" (Roy Barcroft) has been using the over-crowded prison conditions to justify building an enormous prison in that same area--and he has no intention of allowing anything to upset his plans. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that his was an okay film for the most part with a solid plot and decent acting from all concerned. Admittedly, it's rather dated but, all things considered, it passed the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
The Amityville Harvest (2020)
A Film in Search of a Coherent Plot
This film essentially begins at a funeral home in Amityville, New York with a woman by the name of "Lana" (Keavy Bradley) paying her last respects to her husband laying in the casket in front of her. In the process of doing this, however, she fails to notice that the other guests seating in chairs behind her have quietly filed out, leaving her all alone. That said, when she turns around and notices this, she then walks to the exit--only to discover, to her horror, that she is locked in. And she is never seen again from that point on. The scene then shifts to a female historian named "Christina" (Sadie Katz) accepting an invitation to that exact same funeral home to interview the owner "Vincent Miller" (Kyle Lowder) about a particular story during the Civil War. So, to help augment her own film crew, she asks a friend named "Seth Cosmo" (Brandon Alan Smith) to help her team out. Seth immediately agrees but, unknown to her, his main interest involves the disappearance of Lana instead. The problem, however, is that Vincent Miller is not the person he pretends to be and, once they enter the funeral home, all the people in the film crew are in great danger. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those films that definitely had some interesting possibilities with solid acting and a creepy atmosphere to help in that regard. Unfortunately, the lack of a coherent plot, coupled with poor character development, seriously undermined whatever potential it may have had. In short, it was a complete mess--and I have rated it accordingly.
Sorority House Massacre (1986)
A Basic 80's Slasher Film
This film essentially begins with a young college student named "Beth" (Angela O'Neill) arriving at her new sorority house and suddenly having the feeling that she's been there before. To make matters worse, once she begins to settle in, she starts having visions and dreams of a psychotic killer trying to murder her. The scene then shifts to a mental institution where a patient by the name of "Robert 'Bobby' Hinkle" (John C. Russell) starts having hallucinations about killing a young woman who seems vaguely familiar to him. And as his hallucinations increase in number and intensity, so does his desire to escape. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a rather basic 80's slasher film which followed the usual outline for films of this type during that particular time. So, there was nothing really new or unique about it. Admittedly, there are a couple of cute actresses featured in various stages of undress with Wendy Martel (as "Linda") probably being the most attractive, in my opinion. Even so, the lack of any genuine suspense negated some of the horror aspects, and I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.
The Lady Lies (1929)
Surprisingly Good for an Early Talkie
This charming movie begins with a wealthy widower by the name of "Robert Rossiter" (Walter Huston) going to a department store in search of a present for his 14-year-old daughter "Jo Rossiter" (Patricia Deering) who he has left with some relatives in Boston along with his son "Bob Rossiter" (Tom Brown). While in the department store, he meets a young sales lady named "Joyce Roamer" (Claudette Colbert) and the two fall in love almost immediately. The problem, however, is that neither his children nor his relatives like the idea of him living for two years with his lower-class companion and he is soon forced to make a choice that he has long since tried to avoid. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I didn't expect too much from this film mainly because of the fact that early talkies produced during this time typically have serious problems with picture quality, audio or overall acting. Surprisingly, made as, more often than not, there are problems with the film quality, audio or acting. Sometimes all three. Fortunately, that was not the case here, as both the picture and audio were quite adequate for the most part. And as far as the acting was concerned, I thought that Claudette Colbert performed in an excellent manner. Likewise, Charles Ruggles (as "Charlie Taylor") also performed quite well in a supporting role. Be that as it may, although it might be rather dated, I recommend this movie to those who might be interested, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Piagol (1955)
A North Korean Unit Fighting Behind Enemy Lines
This film takes place shortly after a military truce has been negotiated between North and South Korea which establishes boundaries between the two countries. Yet even though hostilities between the two sides have supposedly ended, one particular squad of North Korean soldiers continue to fight behind enemy lines with a cruel and vicious officer by the name of "Captain Chu Bong-hyuk" (Ye Chun-lee) resorting to banditry to support his operations. As far as his soldiers are concerned, although they are fully indoctrinated into the communist cause, a couple of them have grown tired of war with a male soldier named "Yoo-chul" (Wang-guk Yun) and a female soldier named "Oh Soju" (Yeong-hui Kim) being particularly exhausted. For her part, Oh Soju is treated the worst having been sexually assaulted by Captain Cu Bong-hyuk and treated with contempt by another female soldier by the name of "Secretary Ae-ran" (Kyoeng-hie No). To their credit, both Yoo-chul and Oh Soju endure things the best they can in spite of their situation. What they don't realize, however, is that things are about to get much worse for all concerned. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an interesting film which, from what I understand, had some basis in historical fact. To that effect, this made the film even more compelling in my view. The main problem I found with it, however, centered on the rather basic subtitles which sometimes made things a little difficult to understand. Even so, I thought that this was a pretty good film for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Hitch (2005)
A Dating Coach Facing His Biggest Challenge
This film essentially begins with a man by the name of "Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens" (Will Smith) giving advice to several other men during the dating process. His methods work and he makes good money in the process. The film then shifts to one specific incident where an extremely shy accountant named "Albert Brennaman" (Kevin James) asks for his help winning over an extremely rich female celebrity by the name of "Allegra Cole" (Amber Valletta) who just happens to be a client for the firm where Albert works. Sure enough, using some tips from Hitch, Albert manages to get her attention and begins to work toward a relationship with her. At the same time, Hitch suddenly finds himself attracted to a pretty newspaper journalist named "Sara Melas" (Eva Mendes) who poses a significant challenge to his dating expertise because she is so resistant to his advances--and this becomes even more difficult when she hears of an unknown accountant named Albert Brennaman dating Allegra Cole. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say this was an entertaining film for the most part with the scenes between Hitch and Albert being particularly humorous. Conversely, although Will Smith performed quite well overall, I honestly didn't feel much chemistry between him and Eva Mendes due mainly to her cool demeanor overall. But then, maybe that's just me. In any case, all things considered, I enjoyed this film, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.