This movie from Northern Europe reminds me the slashers from the seventies! HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH...And it is fun and bloody, efficient and never boring. Not that funny however and some things remained unexplained to me. But I appreciated this horror film purchased on Netflix. The bodycount is the main interest, no matter the characters. Yes, a good little slasher yarn. It is not too long but I would have prefered it a bit shorter. I had not seen such a slasher since a long time and it was a bit refreshing. It changes from BLAIR WITCH PROJECT rip-offs or other CONJURING like movies. Good stuff.
Reviews
6,770 Reviews
Consent
(2023)
Engrossing but disturbing
11 May 2024
This story is unfortunately inspired from actual events, and I guess that's only an example of what happens in real life for millions of other girls, under age young women. Jean Paul Rouve is excellent in this disgusting character who, in the first time, attracts a poor girl with romance style, beautiful words, and then suddenly behaves like a monster, a maniac, a twisted minded man who thinks he is untouchable because famous, widely known. Yes, it is disturbing, disgusting. It is such a shame that such male monsters always behave like this with naive and gentle, honest "preys", and not with twisted minded girls; because evil young women also exist. And those evil minded young women - even under age - always deal with this time honest and true, authentic good men who really want to love, protect them. The perfect world would be that, for once, monsters meet monsters too. What do you think?
The Brass Legend
(1956)
Nearly an oater but not uite
10 May 2024
Interesting little western, as Allied or United Artists could provide from time to time, or Universal B department. But Budd Boetticher also made his famous Randolph Scott westerns more or less in the same manner. Nothing spectacular but quite surprising, unpredictable, which is not the case for every western. This kind of plot was often used in ZANE GREY THEATER series episodes, small cute engrossing stories, sometimes poignant, far far from clichés. Gerd Oswald was not a major film maker, not an ambitious one, but his films were not uninteresting. FURY AT SHOWDOWN starring John Derek was also a cute little western.
Overwhelming science fiction film
10 May 2024
I am not a science fiction movie specialist, nor even lover, but this movie from the late sixties is really exciting, riveting, terrific, as well on the screenplay as on the making itself. And the director Bob Parrish was not a science fiction movie director; he only gave us this very one. And it is a true success. One of his best films. The atmosphere, the music, plenty participate, contribute to the outstanding result that the audience have on screen; It is a rather pessimistic film that will leave you a bitter taste in the mouth. Roy Thinnes was perfect in this role, he who already amazed us in the worldwide known series THE INVADERS.
American Psycho
(2000)
A milestone in Christian Bale's career.
10 May 2024
I guess there will be a BEFORE and an AFTER AMERICAN PSYCHO in Christian Bale's career. He was revealed with this film, this performance. I tried to read the novel, but I dropped it very early in the process, because one hundred pages - I nearly exagerate - to describe in details which liquid or soap he uses to wash, take his shower, to shave his face.... I could not, sorry. The movie is far more "approachable" than the book. The adaptation could be compared to THE PERFUME, also a difficult story on paper to put on screen. But the book was riveting for me, more than AMERICAN PSYCHO. But after all, that's only a matter of taste. This one is disturbing, but also easy to be taken on the second degree for some scenes.
I Stand Alone
(1998)
A pure guilty and delightful pleasure
10 May 2024
I literally fell in love with this movie as soon as I discovered it, back in 1999. It is depressing, gritty, painful, disgusting, disturbing but so terrific, because not destined to wide audiences. So, if I was you, I would avoid to show it to my family in law - and family too - for lunch or supper, around the poultry. This is a true masterpiece, a real must see, as also will be IRREVERSIBLE, which I will comment later. It is a powerful hit in the face, breaking your nose, your conscience, a film that will leave wounds in your spirit, your soul, and for a very long time. The way of filming can evoke Jean-Pierre Jeunet. But certainly not the story, the meaning; a meatchopper for mind, for brain functionning. An absolute must see. Philippe Nahon's best role.
The Mark of Zorro
(1940)
Mark of Mamoulian
9 May 2024
Rouben Mamoulian was one of the most gifted directors of his generation. Just watch the first talkie version of DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, the opening minutes.... Mamoulian invented new camera moving technicals. Here, in this movie, maybe it is less obvious, but the film remains an absolute flawless action adventture movie, where Tyrone Power shows himself as the perfect equivalent at Fox of Errol Flynn for Warner Bros, both fighting Basil Rathbone as the villain. The story is of course predictable at one hundred percent but only remains the genuine quality of directing and acting. The highlight being the final duel between those two fence masters Basil Rathbone and Tyrone Power.
Live Free or Die Hard
(2007)
Good sequel
9 May 2024
Actually, I am not able to dislike any DIE HARD movie of the franchise. But I can understand that many folks, even DIE HARD die hard fans, can prefere the first and despise the rest of the batch, I can accept it because the five movies are all different one from the other and not only copies of the original, not even rip-offs, unlike dozens of craps of all kinds. So, if all the five films of the franchise are different, of course, it's impossible to satisfy everyone. This one is pretty good, pretty fun, pretty exciting and Maggie Q marvelous as the evil, villain female, more than the one we had in DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE. I have always be focused on the villains in the DIE HARD franchise and my favourites are and always will be Alan Rickman - DIE HARD 1 and William Sadler - DIE HARD 2. Timothy Oliphant, here, here doesn't satisfy me that much. But Maggie Q gives a jaw dropping performance when she fights against McLane. How exciting !!!!! And Cyril Raffaelli, my fellow citiizen, is also terrific as the "spider man" villain, far far better than in the Luc Besson's craps.
Gaspard des montagnes
(1965 TV Movie)
Could have been better
9 May 2024
I expected something better from this TV series, French melodrama show taking place in the rural France of the 1800's. I expected something like JACQUOU LE CROQUANT, JEAN CHALOSSE, L'ENNEMI DE LA MORT; I mean gloomy dramas, showing how peasants, rural population, lived in those days. This one is just entertaining, but too light hearted for my taste, without being a comedy though, I admit. It is action - nearly - packed, and rather predictable. Yes, that's it, it lacks the gloominess which the other series of this kind provided. That's a matter of taste. This series was produced during the early sixties, before the sseries which I evoked above.
Le rendez-vous des Landes
(1972 TV Movie)
Interesting French seventies spy science fiction
9 May 2024
This rare gem from French TV industry offers the peculiarity to have many female characters for a topic that could have meant male roles. This is not really exciting but just unbelievable, offbeat, hard to realize. It seems to be inspired from spy movies of the sixties, closer to Ian Flemyng's 007 than John le Carré's novels or ICPRESS FILE like spy thrillers. Just entertaining, not more, and I easily imagine how much the seventies French audiences could be surprised. It is lousy but fun, incredible but not boring, hard to purchase but not worth watching if you have something else important to do.
The Brain
(1962)
Not the most inspired from the director
9 May 2024
Yes, Freddie Francis had used us to so many excellent horror yarns, that this one - another version of Curt Siodmak's DONOVAN'S BRAIN - could not bring anything new to the prestigious career of this director, the only one that could be compared to Terence Fisher; even more than Roy Ward Baker or John Gilling, in terms of horror Hammer or Amicus Productions. But it is OK; a good time waster, thanks to Peter Van Eyck's performance. So, don't despise it either, but if you have the choice among Freddie Francis' filmography choose PARANOIAC, NIGHTMARE, HYSTERIA, and all the Amicus productions such as DR TERROR'S HOUSE OF HORROR.
Last In, First Out
(1978)
Typical of the seventies
8 May 2024
This movie is typical of the seventies in terms of gloominess and desperate atmosphere, it could have been made by Andre Cayatte - LA RAISON D'ETAT and a strange and disturbing and full of untold elements are here to puzzle audiences minds. Yves Boisset and Jacques Deray also gave us ESPION LEVE TOI and UN PAPILLON SUR L'EPAULE, and Henri Verneuil did the same with I COMME ICARE, nearly same kind of topics. Not for all audiences for sure, not today's - 2024 - audiences. They don't make films like this anymore. This feature is riveting, full of suspense and surprises, despite its low pace. Bruno Cremer excellent and the female character convincing too.
The Jack Bull
(1999 TV Movie)
TOM HORN meets HEAVEN'S GATE
8 May 2024
This is a true, pure, authentic fast and furious western, which would have never made it in movie theaters, it would have never made a gross, because audiences, silly audiences, crave for Hollywood like stories with the good defeating the evil ones and the always f...happy ending. This western is gritty, violent, disturbing and if you loved the likes of TOM HORN and HEAVEN'S GATE, if you love gloomy, downbeat stories, this one is for you. Definitely, entirely, literally. I am not sure it was inspired by an accurate real story but I know this kind of tragedies occured many many times during the old west era. There was no hero getting away in the sunset with his sweetheart. Leave it to the sissies.
Tomorrow at Dawn
(2009)
Duellists or duettists
8 May 2024
Tremendous little French drama, very unusual, unpredictable, puzzling for many audiences, that's the reason why it did not work so well in terms of gross. Such a shame. It is unlikely, I admit, but that's precisely why I crave for it that much. I guess that Ridley Scott's DUELLISTS - or BARRY LYNDON - influenced this one, I won't explain why, it is so obvious.... It is impossiblle for me to spoil the story, so surprising, but believe me, if you search something different, this is definitely for you. Jeremie Renier and Vincent Perez steal the show together, this awesome, gripping, engrossing and daring movie. But from time to time, French movie industry provides such golden gems.
Junkyard Dog
(2023)
Cute little drama
7 May 2024
I understand that many people will find this small French drama very poignant, touching, engrossing if you watch it closely enough. This is not exactly JULES AND JIM, but the scheme is not so far from the François Truffaut's gem. Excellent character study, analysis, far from clichés, despite the classical basic plot. Not for too wide audiences, not a millions euros gross maker, but who cares? It sounds so real, so authentic. I love discovering such films, and the French industry offers us many of them. I am lucky. Yes, this is a true good curiosity to find out. So shame that the release was too confidential.
China Corsair
(1951)
Adventure drama from a western specialist
7 May 2024
This film belongs to the rare movies from Ray Nazarro which were not westerns, because the latest was, with Lesley Selander, a very prolific westerns provider. As far as I know, there were only two of them - non westerns - CHINA CORSAIR and CORSICAN BROTHERS. TOUGHER THEY COME was a timberjack adventure flick...Anyway this one is the first role for Ernest Borgnine and you have Jon Hall. So, only this is a guarantee of good adventure film. It is rare, not too long and exciting enough to grab your movie buff attention. I am sure TCM showed it once, but I am not sure. I don't know myself where from I got it, not TCM, maybe a private collector 16mm print....
The Party
(1968)
The party
7 May 2024
Blake Edward's highlight, his most prestigious film, above the PINK PANTHER movie series, starring the same Peter Sellers. I usually despise comedies, but I must admit that this one is a pure delight, a pure juicy masterpiece and an awesome tribute to the silent era and Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy...I never get tired to watch it again and again. It is so funny. The best comedy of all times; and, I repeat, I am not a comedy specialist. You never get bored with this movie, you can only laugh, laugh, laugh. The perfect show to entertain your friends at home, together, even with your kids. A pure and outstanding chiseled diamond.
Mister Roberts
(1955)
What a surprising John Ford - Mervyn Le Roy film
7 May 2024
I have watched this movie only once before, it was a long time ago and I often confounded it with some other comedy war Navy films, such as FATHER GOOSE for instance. But this one is a bit above the Ralph Nelson's film. James Cagney is excellent in this role that seemd to be made especially for him - remember Jimmy Cagney in GALLANT HOURS, in a very close character - and Hank Fonda a bit lame - just a bit - I don't know why. Jack Lemmon of course brings the comedy touch, at least contributes much to it. That's not the John Ford's film which I will remember the most, for sure, but it remains a good film to watch.
A very modern tale
7 May 2024
A very deep and realistic analysis of a factory on strike, from the director, executive and managers point of view, as well the workers too, but a bit less. Modern tale because this social scheme will alwaays be modern, unfortunately, but also because it evokes a massive heat wave on France that interferes with the production yield in the factory. Now, in 2024, the climate - worldwide climate - change will more and more interfere with everybody, not only factories. So, this TV movie is a very intelligent, brilliant social study. It is riveting, it grabs you without taking any part. It remains factual, for once. And that's exceptional.
La route
(1963– )
Truck men
7 May 2024
Before French series JOE GAILLARD and the US MOVIN'ON, this tremendous French drama series is a must see for those who want to know more aboout truck drivers. Except that in this one, there is no criminal element, unlike the two previous TV shows, where the leads had to deal with hoodlums from time to time. LA ROUTE is a deep and accurate analysis of truck drivers daily life, their problems related to their wives relations, technical problems of all kinds - sleep behind the wheel, accidents, black ice, greedy peasants or fruit companies whom they work with, no insurance in case of an accident... It is also a powerful analysis of human relationship between those truck drivers, common folks, yes, but not that much. It explains their rules, codes. A tale about friendship, but also envy, jealousy. I am sure it was a success when it was aired, back in 1964. Very popular. I am sure.
The Walking Hills
(1949)
Solid and unusual western
6 May 2024
What a terrific John Sturges' early western, and also a forgotten one, except for the die hard movie goers. It is a really worth watching movie, so riveting, tense, unforgettable, offering awesome scenes. And it is not a long film, so short that it could have been a bit longer. Good characterization, and rather not that predictable. Treasure hunt has rarely been evoked in westerns; the most famous being MACKENNA'S GOLD. This one is more modest in terms of budget, but who cares? It is a John Sturges' movie, western, and it definitely deserves to be watched at all costs. And Randolph Scott directed by John Sturges, not that common.
Bad Men of Missouri
(1941)
Good westerns of Warner Bros
6 May 2024
The Warner Bros company provided so many westerns in the forties and early fifties, all fast paced, gritty, tight, sharp, never boring, and action packed....the company trademark, using Old West legends such as Younger Brothers and Jesse James, Quantrill and the Daltons... Ray Enright and Edwin L Marin were the directors who were chosen and the likes of Dennis Morgan, Victor Jory, Wayne Morris, Randolph Scott were hired as the main leads. All the same kind of atmosphere for the best audiences pleasure. If you like this one, then don't miss THE SPOILERS, MEN OF TEXAS, TRAIL STREEET, RETURN OF THE BADMEN; not all from Warner though, but RKO too. It is in black and white. I highly recommend it.
Bluebeard
(1944)
A true gem from Poverty Row Corporation
6 May 2024
Poverty Row or Picture Releasing, who cares? PRC company was the authentic grade Z film company in Hollywood, even after Republic Pictures, but not that lousy, if you watch the movies very closely. This one is a true little gem, starring John Carradine in a role that would have perfectly fit to George Sanders, if the movie had been made for Twentieth Century Fox; and after all Sanders worked with Ulmer with THE STRANGE WOMAN. Anyway this movie is among the best from director Edgar G Ulmer. It is a true delight to watch it, or discover it, if you are lucky enough not to know this film already. I nearly prefer it to the 1972 version starring Ricard Burton and directed by Edwar Dmytryck.
The Lady in Red
(1979)
With a Roger Corman's scent
5 May 2024
Lewis Teague gave us this crime drama from the seventies, and I can still think of BLOODY MAMA or BIG BAD MAMMA, also produced during the same decade. I guess Lewis Teague had some link in common with Corman's "family", so was under influence of the master. This movie is not genuinely a gangster film in the first part, but mostly a drama, only the second part, at long last, will satisfy the gangster element buffs. There is also a bit of women's prison scheme in the first part; again a Corman's production influence. A curiosity but not a masterpiece, not a must see. Good little film to discover if you are curious enough. Note that Robert Conrad played in YOUNG DILLINGER, back in 1965, where he was Pretty Boyd Floyd. And I also like the supporting characters, who arrive late in the story, whom we can feel attached to, and who suddenly die. I love this. And this film with a strong, but also believable, female lead could easily be remade now, in 2024, the modern fashion. This is for me my favourite from director Lewis Teague, with also CUJO. One last thing, Louise Fletcher plays here, but no in the cruel matron prison warden.... As she did in ONE FLEW OVER A CUCUU NEST.
Ride Clear of Diablo
(1954)
Ok Audie Murphy's vehicle
5 May 2024
Jesse Hibbs was for Audie Murphy at Universal Studios what Joseph Pevney was for Jeff Chandler. Both directors used their fetish actors in all kinds of films, except science fiction; all kinds: boxing, dramas, westerns.... This one is above the average though, because of Dan Duryea's presence and the big surprise is that he doesn't play the villain here, not the Audie Murphy's nemesis, I mean. A very ambivalent and interesting character indeed. Not a masterpiece, but a good western. I preferred the relation between Glenn Ford and Chad Everett in THE LAST CHALLENGE than the one between Murphy and Duryea, in more or less the same kind of relation between the lead and his "pal", "sidekick".... But both interesting however. I insist.
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