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notail99
Reviews
The Omen (2006)
Worthless
Saw this in Brighton, UK today - 06/06/06 no less.
So - as good as the original? No. Close? No. Scary? Creepy in parts, but the "shocks" are badly edited, and only one (out of 4 or 5) actually work. Even the infamous death scenes are pale compared to the original (although the beheading is well made). Also, it's virtually a shot-for-shot remake so it feels boring if you've already seen the original.
It fails due to 3 (important) factors: the lead casting is unsympathetic; the score is nowhere near as effective as the original, and the direction and pace are just WRONG - has the director even SEEN a thriller/horror film? Anyway, that's just my view (along with the rest of the audience at this particular screening) - see it for yourself if you must - but I'm going to watch the original tonight to see how a REAL classic should be made (something the director of the remake should have done)
Eyes of a Stranger (1981)
Fantastic slasher
I love the slasher genre.
No, seriously, I do! Problem is, there are only a few truly great movies in this genre worth watching. "Halloween" is one....and "Eyes of a Stranger" is most definately another.
While this has the usual by-numbers set-pieces that permeate other slasher pics, this film makes them scary - hell, even terrifying. Okay, so the ending is pretty naff (name me a slasher epic whose ending isn't naff and I'll give you a nice, long snog), but the overall feel of the film more than makes up for it.
Incidentally, it was Jennifer Jason-Leigh's debut film (what's happened to her these days anyway?), and has some nifty little SFX courtesy of Tom Savini (not that I could give a flying-whatsit - "Night of the living dead" remake anyone?).
This film is occasionaly shown on Sky Cinema in the UK (2002). If you get the chance, watch it....and then tell me it didn't scare the pants off you......
Funny About Love (1990)
Witty addition to Wilder's collection
Okay, so it might not be Sherlock Holmes's Smarter Brother, but this film has tons of charm (Lahti is fantastic, as is Wilder), some strange little twists, and reassuring laughs.
Watch it on a Sunday;-)
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)
FANTASTIC!
Words cannot describe how great this film is....what? You think I'm kidding? No way! This film is so funny.
I can't think of anything else to say! Watch it. And if you don't love it, then...well....you're an idiot! Or a LIAR! LIAR!
Come on and hop...hop....hop.....
Halloween (1978)
The best horror movie of all time....?
Could well be!
The recent Anchor bay DVD release is outstanding (though missing a great narrative by Carpenter, Hill and Curtis from the Laserdisc edition).
The sequels never seemed to "get" what worked about the original, and were far inferior.
The Goonies (1985)
Sequel currently in production!
What a great movie the original Goonies was!!!
Now, according to official film production sites, a sequel - directed by Richard Donner and Produced by Steven Spielberg - is in production, with all the original cast set to reprise their roles.
Can't wait for this one!
Cry for the Strangers (1982)
First and only John Saul adaptation
Saw this on UK TV some years back - just as my interest in John Saul reached a peak.
Not a bad film, really - considering the TV-movie limitations imposed on it - but not so great either.
If you like John Saul give it a go - otherwise......don't bother.
Judging Amy (1999)
Very good show!
Only just managed to catch a few episode this week, actually! It is inventive, funny, caustic. Amy herself (the star and producer) is great, but Tyne Daly excels in the role of her mother.
A future classic.
Chocky (1984)
Fantastic!
Based on the novel by John Wyndham, this is a great, a sensitive and absorbing adaptation! Two sequels followed (one Australian I believe), but none surpassed this excellent piece of British children's television.
Veronica's Closet (1997)
Ignore vid-kid! This is GREAT!
Funny from the outset, with not only a great leading role (Alley) but fantastic support from Prosky and, notably, Kathy Najimy (yes, she of "Sister Act" fame.
The series aired from 1997 to 2000 (with four episodes unaired on NBC and the UK).
God I miss it!