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Reviews
H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer (2004)
Engrossing and insightful
Being a bit of a "true crime" buff, it's always nice to see a documentary that is well researched and contains all the most important elements of a true story. That appears to be the case in this well-made documentary film about late 1800's serial-killer HH Holmes. Writer/Director John Borowski pulls this story out of the basement and reintroduces it to the world in this engrossing documentary. You've heard the names Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy, but have you heard the name HH Holmes? Maybe not. His crimes took place during the late 1800's and have been overshadowed by the gruesome misadventure of more recent killers. However, those of you that are interested in the whole "true crime" thing might be intrigued to learn of Holmes' horrific crimes and how they share similarities in some aspects with modern killers such as Bundy, Dahmer, and other notorious bad boys. A Must See for true crime buffs!
Seed of Chucky (2004)
Awesome Special FX in Chucky's Latest Return
One thing that has always impressed me about the CHILD'S PLAY series is the way the film-makers bring the killer dolls to life. And the more believable it looks, the easier it is to get sucked into the fantasy. Although the first few trailers for this movie lacked to show it, the animatronic and puppeteering work in this movie is perhaps the best yet!
The storyline revolves around the schizophrenic offspring of Chucky and Tiffany, who after years of being used as a ventriloquist's dummy, embarks on a journey to find his parents. Once he does, the trio end up in a comical series of misadventures as they try to transport their souls into human bodies, including that of actress Jennifer Tilly. Their are some witty twists and turns along the way, with built in homages to other great horror movies, and the movie proves to be a continuously fun ride.
The murders in this chapter were also a highlight. Although the series has become more of a dark comedy than a frightening suspensor, when Chucky and family make a killing, they make sure it's nasty! One particular murder involves an unlucky victim getting sulfuric acid dumped on his face. Then we watch as the acid eats through his skin revealing the muscles and bone underneath! There's no denying that a lot of time and effort were put into these murders and they look real and nasty. Great gruesome stuff!
It's always a pleasure to hear Brad Dourif voicing our favorite killer doll, and again he provides plenty of laughs with a bunch of great lines and expression. Jennifer Tilly is great as both "Tiffany" and as "Jennifer Tilly." And Billy Boyd as the voice of their schizo offspring was a welcome addition.
The flick ends with a different type of twist that will certainly leave plenty of work for Don Mancini when he starts to draft up CHILD'S PLAY 6. But as he has proved with the past 4 sequels, he always seems to find amusing ways to continue the story. And if it continues to be as fun as the rest, I can't wait! Go Chucky!!!
Wrong Turn (2003)
Take This TURN! A Pleasant Surprise awaits...
I went into WRONG TURN not knowing what to expect. I surprisingly hadn't seen any theatrical trailers for it (even though I hit the movies once every week or 2), but had read a little about it online. I am a huge fan of the horror genre and wanted to give it a shot. WOW- Am I glad I did! This movie is just what the genre needed!!! It was dark, scary, and gruesome!! Sure, it isn't hard to tell that it was inspired by movies like TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE... and that's a good thing!! It's about time Hollywood started TURNing out movies that were inspired by stuff like CHAINSAW instead of SCREAM for a change. Part of what made it so great is that the writers didn't waste time trying to explain the villains...who they were, where they came from, and why they do the nasty things they do...and this was a smart move, because it was un-necessary to know anyway. The newspaper clippings of "Mountain Men" at the beginning of the film (while the opening credits kicked in) was just the ticket! It was perfect. It gave us a little idea of what we were dealing with and not much more... And then when we finally do get to see the Mountain Men (this movie's killer villains), it is only when something VERY SUSPENSEFUL is happening...or something SCARY...or something Gruesome! It keeps them darker and scarier. Two Thumbs up for this pleasant surprise! I hope people hear the word about this movie and give it a peek! It's a wild ride... and it leaves me hoping for a return to the woods in West Virginia...
Ernest Goes to Africa (1997)
A Very Funny Ernest Adventure-KnowhatImean?
ERNEST GOES TO AFRICA is the BEST ERNEST movie since ERNEST GOES TO JAIL. I mean, Each ERNEST flick was worth watching just to see the multi-talented Jim Varney playing loveable goofball ERNEST P. WORRELL... but when it comes to the most laughs, AFRICA is one of the best. Perhaps one of the funniest moments I have ever seen in an ERNEST flick was in this one where he walks up to an African tribe with the woman he longs for and says, "Let me take care of this, You have to know how to talk to these people!" He then proceeds to talk some Ernest Jibberish for a few seconds until the tribe leader knocks him out with his cane! Simply Hilarious!!! Even the very opening of the film where ERNEST mimics a bunch of Animals with his rubberface and funny voices will have you laughing from the get-go! I sure am gonna miss seeing any new goofy hijinx for our good buddy ERNEST. Star, Jim Varney was sadly taken from this lifetime too early at the age of 50 due to Lung Cancer. Thankfully his performances will Live on Forever on DVD! I think John Cherry and Coke Sams need to make the 10th and Final ERNEST Film: ERNEST GOES TO HEAVEN which would be a bio-pic about the real life of the man who played our good buddy Ernest. God Bless ya Jim!
The Hot Chick (2002)
Rob Schneider Does It Again!
I have to admit it, Rob Schneider has done it again! He has made another hilarious movie in which he plays some sort of crazy character trapped in a bizarre situation with zany laughs laced all throughout. DEUCE BIGALO was hilarious. THE ANIMAL had some really funny moments. And now with THE HOT CHICK, Schneider creates a whole bunch of new belly-laughs. Schneider isn't your typical comedy actor...there is something different about him that makes him stand out in a strange sort of way. Not only is this movie full of laughs, but there are plenty of beautifully sexy women laced throughout the film to keep the scenery HOT. Rachael McAdams as Jessica is a beauty! I've never seen her before, but she certainly did a stand out job in this film as the prissy popular girl who finds herself switching bodies with Schneider. Scary Movie's Anna Farris also lights up the screen with her pretty smile, sweet persona, and sexy new blonde look. Adam Sandler also makes a pretty hilarious Cameo as a mellow pot-head. This is a great flick to watch if you're looking for something with a lot of laughs or to just have some fun! I look forward to Schneider's next flick...I've heard rumors of a DEUCE 2...Let's hope it's true!
The Fog (1980)
It will Blow You Away!
THE FOG is a classic supernatural horror masterpiece that will never die! I have been waiting impatiently for the DVD release of this treasure...and finally, MGM has released a fantastic Special Edition with brand new interviews (including director John Carpenter, producer Debra Hill, and star Adrienne Barbeau...) As a kid, this movie scared the sh*t out of me... and it still packs a punch today! John Carpenter's masterful direction and storytelling blended with perfect atmosphere and a fun cast make for a superb supernatural work of art. And of course, Carpenter's classic throbbing and tantalizing score works it's magic on your ears...and especially builds in the final 30 minutes, really putting you under the spell of the movie. The FOG itself is a creepy and fun effect! I'd rather watch the magically lit glowing FOG than any CGI eye-candy that they put in today's flicks. The rotting dead are also very frightening with their sharp hooks, sickles, and seaweed soaked skin. They are especially creepy looking toward the end with glowing red eyes!! Why don't we see movie monsters as scary as these guys in today's flicks??? I often say that I would love to see Carpenter re-make a modern day version of THE FOG...But then I realize, why mess with perfection? Do yourself a favor and check out one of the best Supernatural tales ever filmed...THE FOG! It will Blow You Away!