VIDEO REVIEW: Brazil

VIDEO REVIEW: Re-Animator

VIDEO REVIEW: The Quiet Earth

VIDEO REVIEW: Fright Night

VIDEO REVIEW: The Return of the Living Dead

VIDEO REVIEW: Day of the Dead

VIDEO REVIEW: Legend

VIDEO REVIEW: Police Story

VIDEO REVIEW: The Last Dragon

VIDEO REVIEW: Demons

REVIEW: The Return of the Living Dead

The Return of the Living Dead

Director: Dan O'Bannon

Year 1985

The Return of the Living Dead is a horror comedy cult classic! I could leave it at that, but that wouldn't be much of a review, so allow me to explain. Drenched in 80's goodness and warped to the max, this outstanding zombie entry is absolutely entertaining. With its diverse and memorable cast and its penchant for grotesque zombie mayhem, The Return of the Living Dead brings us all the iconic archetypes of George Romero's dead infested world, yet turns it on its head by cranking up the comedy and playing up the fun. In grand fashion the film is a riot, which will have you rolling with laughter, while at the same time being sick to your stomach at the demented things that director Dan O'Bannon throws your way.

The film takes place after the events of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead and the government has hushed up their involvement in the incident, packing away containers of infected corpses in order to take back for experimentation. As luck would have it, or misfortune, one of the containers ends up being shipped to a medical supply warehouse where two bumbling workers, Frank and Freddy, accidentally release the deadly gas inside the canister, unleashing a potent chemical that re-animates the dead. As the town is quickly overrun by an army of walking corpses, the few remaining survivors must band together in order to survive the night.

The greatest asset that this film has going for itself is the tremendous cast of characters that litter its story. Engaging, interesting and hilarious, they all do their individual parts to bring this film to stark life. James Karen and Thom Mathews take on the roles of Frank and Freddy, the two numbskulls who end up unleashing the deadly gas responsible for turning Louisville, Kentucky into an undead feeding ground. These guys are fabulous together and their chemistry is just ridiculously potent, resulting in some unforgettable scenes and dialogue that will be tumbling around in your head years after viewing. The banter between the two is just astounding and they really introduce the movie off on the right foot.

From then on the cast just gets wilder and wilder as we are introduced to the pair's boss, a group of punk kids, and a mortician that is a little more than loopy. Clu Gulager plays the role of Burt, Frank and Freddy's boss, and he is just great as the older sarcastic character who turns out to be quite the zombie killer. He's kind of an asshole, but a loveable one, and his lines are classic. Don Calfa takes on the role of Ernie the mortician, and his quirky personality and baffled reactions to all that is going on around him are highly entertaining. As for the punks, the real standouts are Miguel A. Nunez Jr. as Spider, Mark Venturini as Suicide, and of course Linnea Quigley as the rarely clothed Trash. All in all, this ensemble cast is one for the record books.

On the comedic front the film opts to go for a really dark and morbid approach, specializing in over the top sequences that highlight how difficult it is to kill these breed of zombies, while allowing the undead themselves to get in on the fun. One particularly entertaining moment comes when a paramedic team is ambushed by a horde of walking corpses, resulting in one of the zombies radioing in to send more paramedics. This same gag is repeated in hilarious fashion after a squad of police cars is overtaken with the same tactic in mind. I'd have to say that one of the appealing aspects of this production is that it knows when to be silly, while still maintaining that horror focused atmosphere and edge.

As for the horror moments, they are abundant and sometimes rather unsettling in brutality. Blood explodes in wild sprays as zombies rip at flesh and tear at jugulars, all in grotesque grandeur, while the overall visual look of the film is drenched in macabre-filled imagery. It's actually hauntingly beautiful in parts, while it maintains that tongue and cheek attitude which permeates the production. The locations are equally creepy as most of the film takes place in a mortuary surrounded by a decrepit graveyard. The look and feel of the film is top notch and that goes a good distance in providing a serviceable backdrop for this literally crazy story to unfold in all its gory glory. Deservedly earning its classic and cult status, Dan O'Bannon's morbid masterpiece is a thing of demented beauty.

The Return of the Living Dead is one hell of an enjoyable zombie romp from beginning to end. Jam packed with memorable quotes and stupendous characters, the film relishes in its era, providing a distinct atmosphere that is just super-charged with 80's goodness. The combination of horror and comedy is balanced to perfection, and the over the top nature of the production is all the more potent when combined with the larger than life characters that inhabit its world.

For me the real glue that holds everything together is the ensemble cast and the roles they bring to the table. Down the line, they all establish their characters as believable, even if a good majority of them are greatly exaggerated. James Karen and Thom Mathews are especially guilty of indulging in the over acting department, but to me that extra added camp value of their performances help to establish the wacky nature of this film world. It's exceptionally thrilling to see both actors riff off of each other and their interactions are absolutely sublime once the shit hits the fan and the zombies are unleashed. Really all you need to know is that The Return of the Living Dead is a whole hell of a lot of fun and isn't that all that matters when watching a horror comedy. If this gem has somehow passed you by, make it a priority to watch this flick as soon as possible. You have no idea how much fun you are missing out on. The Return of the Living Dead is.....

What a big goof!

Peek a boo!

You think this is a costume? It's a way of life!

You better pull my finger if you like this job! Like this JOB?!?!?!

Why can't I work at a place as cool as this.

Hello there! Everyone enjoying the show?

Thank the shirtless gods for Trash!

Anyone have a wet-wipe?

It's getting a little crowded at this peep show.

When hugs go bad..... Really BAD!

Well you're as cute as a button.

I'm the same exact way when something gets in my contacts.

Go ahead and pray to your fire gods Frank.

Send more police.

I'm gonna knock your block off shit demon!

Ah shit! There goes the neighborhood!

REVIEW: Fright Night

Fright Night
Director: Tom Holland
Year 1985
 
Fright Night is a ridiculously fun 80’s horror flick that balances its camp moments with its atmospheric horror settings in order to form something of a perfect cinematic union that entertains to no end. Supported by an ensemble cast of diverse and equally engaging characters, the film boasts an energetic feel that can be mostly attributed to the group of fine actors that really bring this gem to life. With its delicate balance of horror and hilarity, Fright Night establishes itself as a fright flick that is soaked with charm and oozing with vampiric antics that should not be missed.
 
The film follows Charley Brewster, an ordinary high school student, who comes to the frightening realization that a vampire has just moved in next door to his house. Determined to bring the blood-sucker down by any means necessary, Charley enlists the help of his girlfriend Amy Peterson and his estranged pal Evil Ed, but unfortunately the pair think that he is going out of his mind. It isn’t until the group receives some assistance by a television horror host named Peter Vincent, who is as skeptical as the rest, that the motley crew comes to see that Charley was indeed right. As they fight to survive, it becomes crystal clear that this will be a night filled with fright. Get out your crosses, garlic, and holy water, because it’s FRIGHT NIGHT!

William Ragsdale plays the role of Charley Brewster, the horror obsessed teenager who finds himself in a nasty predicament. Ragsdale is absolutely fantastic in this flick, giving a performance that is fun as hell to see unroll. Not only that but the chemistry between himself and the fictional vampire hunter Peter Vincent, played by the legendary Roddy McDowall, is what holds this film together and makes it so damn enjoyable. When the two get together it is literally movie magic, as each actor plays marvelously off each other. Seeing as this was Ragsdale’s second feature film appearance, I’d say he did a tremendous job for being such a young newcomer and this single role made a huge impression on me growing up. Needless to say, William Ragsdale really owns this character and his contributions to making Charley Brewster believable and engaging are extremely commendable and whole heartedly appreciated.
 
As previously mentioned Roddy McDowall takes on the character of Peter Vincent, the late-night television host of the horror showcase, Fright Night. Being a veteran of the cinema, appearing in such magnificent productions as It!, the Planet of the Apes series, The Legend of Hell House, and The Martian Chronicles, and also doing outstanding voice work in The Return of the King and The Black Hole, McDowall had the acting chops to bring this larger than life character to the screen. He gives Peter Vincent a sympathetic representation by allowing us to get inside the character in both his cowardly and timid moments to his ultimate transformation into the vampire hunter character in which he fictionally portrayed during the apex of his acting career. I’ve always had a golden rule about the actor and it’s a rather simple one. If Roddy McDowall is in a film, then his character is going to be outstanding. With Fright Night, his Peter Vincent character is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable of his long illustrious career.

Amanda Bearse and Stephen Geoffreys, who play the parts of Amy Peterson and Evil Ed, take up the supporting roles of the film. These two actors also bring their A game and to their credit, though they are virtually low key players in the cinema world, they make a massive impression on the film itself. Amanda Bearse, best known for her role as Marcy D’Arcy on the hit TV show Married with Children, does an amazing job with her role. During the course of the film she must transform from an innocent and shy teenager into a sexy and sultry vampire bride, and she does it in the most believable of ways. As for Stephen Geoffreys’ Evil Ed, the man was born to play this role. With his crazy looks and off the wall personality, Geoffreys gives a performance of a lifetime and gifts onto the audience an iconic role that, without a doubt, is a favorite among 80’s genre fans.
 
Of course you can’t have a film without a main villain and this particular horror gem has a doozy. Chris Sarandon plays the role of Jerry Dandrige, the super cool and charismatic vampire who has all the right moves and the bite to match. Sarandon is at his best in this film, showcasing all the wit and charm that he can muster, while bringing about a master villain that we just can’t help but to like. With the tongue and cheek attitude that this film gives off, Sarandon fits right in as he playfully manipulates each scene that he appears in. I’ve always dug Sarandon as an actor and feel that his diverse filmography is a testament to his flexibility in the profession. From such films as The Sentinel, Cuba, The Princess Bride, and Child’s Play, Sarandon has run quite the genre gamut and his role in Fright Night is the best and most rewarding of them all.
 
As for the film, Fright Night is a cornucopia of horror goodness that knows how to have fun with the subject matter, while at the same time respecting the dark qualities and foreboding nature of the genre. The locations and sets are wonderfully depicted, sparing no expense on atmosphere and macabre wonder. The inclusion of Peter Vincent’s horror show Fright Night is no accident, for as the movie delves into the more ghastly portions of the story it begins to come off as one of Vincent’s fictional productions sprung to life. Added on to this delicious layer of atmosphere and fright is some top notch special effects work that really brings some grotesque creations to the forefront of the film. One particular effects moment that stands out is during the death of the wolf creature by the hands of Peter Vincent. The transformation from the vile and ferocious wolf beast to the frail and dying human form is unsettling to say the least and the graphic nature of that sequence is off the charts disturbing. The same can be said for the other creature effects that encompass this production. When it’s all said and done, Fright Night is a horror flick that is worth praising.

Fright Night is a timeless horror film that hits all the right notes. From its spectacular cast to its intimate story, the movie is a cut above the rest. Its balance of both horror and comedy is not one that is contrasted by a clear divided line, but one that is melded into every fabric of the production, making for an atmospheric romp that is both frighteningly uneasy and highly entertaining. Both William Ragsdale and Roddy McDowall put on iconic performances, with Chris Sarandon pulling off a masterful turn as the scene stealing villain.
 
The overall look of the film is outstanding from its fog shrouded moonlit streets to its gothic-centric mansion filled with horrific delights and undead creatures. When it comes to effects work, the film is of the highest caliber, featuring some of the most inventive and unusual creations of the time period. If you like your horror films to have an abundance of character and charm, with a side of atmospheric spectacle, then Fright Night is your ticket to a frighteningly good time. If you watch this one, there’s no doubt that you are in for a…..

Evil Ed.... you're an Evil Pain in my ASS!

What's with the life-preserver? You jump ship Brewster?

What are you looking at Charley? You little pervert!

Can't a guy get a little action in peace?

Charley is blown away by how awesome this film is.

Hello everyone. Enjoying the movie?

Peter Vincent is a little uncomfortable with Charley's obsession with him.

Damn Brewster! You're CRAZY!

Who could this suave son of a bitch be?

Rock that turtleneck you handsome bastard you!

Quite crying you big baby.

Someone put the coins on Peter's eyes cause he sure can't believe what he is seeing.

Jerry Dandrige.... the epitome of 80's cool.

Call me Cornelius again and see what happens.

Damn Peter..... that's cold.

I've got six little friends and they can all run faster than you can.

They're coming to get you Brewster.

You found me beautiful once. Honey, you got reeeal ugly!

 

REVIEW: Demons

Demons

Director: Lamberto Bava

Year 1985

Demons is a gore filled and highly entertaining italian horror flick that shows just what would happen if the movie that you are watching springs to life and reeks havoc in the real world. The film is brought to stylistic life by Lamberto Bava, the son of one of italian horror cinemas most prolific director Mario Bava. Lamberto shows that he has just as much visual flare and gothic sensibilities as his father providing a technicolor nightmare that mirrors some of Mario's most prolific films. Borrowing heavily from collaborator Dario Argento, Bava presents a bloody film where demons make cemeteries their cathedrals and cities your tombs. Sounds like fun. Let's get started.

Lets have a gay old time at the Metropol theater.

The film begins when a pair of friends attend a premiere screening of a mysterious film at a mysterious theater that has just now opened for the first time by a mysterious staff. It's all very mysterious. Anyways, once inside the theater, we are introduced to a motley crew of diverse characters ranging from an old hate filled couple, to two young love-struck teenagers, to of all things a pimp and his two hoes. As the film progresses, strange things begin happening and life begins to imitate art as the demons played out on the large theater screen begin to walk amongst the moviegoers taking them out one by one. This is italian horror at its finest as we see the blood flow in buckets and are served stylistic visual cues in hefty portions. It's enjoyable and the offbeat cast only adds to the unusual flavor.

The calm before the demon shit storm.

The great thing about this film is the mechanic of putting a film within a film and having that inner film manipulate the outcome of the world of the real. It sounds very high brow, but don't worry. The technique is hidden under a ton of gore and an unabashed amount of violence, but the fact that Lamberto Bava and company were able to create such surreal yet believable films in one story gives me a warm tingling feeling inside. In all seriousness though, the execution of this duel existence that's sustained in the film is rather accomplished in sense and tone. It's a crazy notion to think that a film can effect the real world and then infect the inhabitants of it, but they somehow make it happen and we invest in that absurdity as truth in this cinema world. That's a pretty big accomplishment for an italian splatterfest, yet there are the usual illogical turns that always crop up in the italian horror genre that both take away from the believability of the moment but at the same time add so much to the overall atmosphere of the piece.

Damn Rick James! That's one hell of a pimple!

All in all, if you're looking for logic, then all I have to say to you is get the hell out of here. This is an italian horror flick that focuses on demons possessing people from inside a movie. It's 80's, it's gory, and it's entertaining as all hell. Take it for what it is and run with it, because this is a roller coaster ride of demonic proportions. That being said, you'll find everything that makes these italian gore-fests the amusing spectacle that they are. Eye sockets are gouged, flesh is torn, and gruesome practical effects are celebrated with full and utmost enthusiasm. Not only that, but you'll get the ever so dumb decisions made by all the main characters and some dialogue that will have you scratching your head in bewilderment. Man I love this genre.

This can't be happening. It's illogically illogical.

The people that stand out in this flick are the ones that really go for broke with the crazy lines and over the top actions. Take my main man Tony, the cold ass pimp with an attitude played by Bobby Rhodes, for example. His character just steals the show every time he opens his mouth, spewing classic lines left and right. In one of his most compassionate moments, he sees one of his hoes come bursting out from behind the movie screen after being attacked by a demon. She's covered in blood and basically on death's doorstep, and what does he have to say? "Oh shit! That's a friend of mine!" Priceless. I couldn't have said it better myself. Another perfect execution of hilarious proportions comes when they are trying to break down the projection booth's door. After a few choice hits, it bursts open. They charge into the room only to encounter another door and what does he yell? "Oh shit, another door!" You just have to love it and if you don't get the humor in that, then I would suggest watching something else.

Demon Rick James says, "Talk to the hand!"

Now it's not the films entire fault for these absurd sounding exclamations and I don't think any less of the film for the inclusion of said dialogue. Italian horror films are known for their strange dubbing and the unusual fact that half of the cast usually spoke separate languages from the other half, resulting in recording a new audio track for the entire speaking cast. For me it adds a certain charm to these movies that make them their own. It's like stumbling into a world that doesn't really exist anywhere else but up on the screen and in our imaginations. It adds another layer to the film and for me it's a welcome change of pace from the norm. I don't really see it as a fault of the film, because the artistic visuals and outstandingly atmospheric soundtracks of these movies more then make up for the lack of sensible dialogue. Bring on the weirdness.

Tony says, "Smash everything! SMASH EVERYTHING!"

As for the soundtrack, we have a beauty. The creepy synth tunes are provided by keyboardist Claudio Simonetti of Goblin fame. For those that are new to the italian horror scene, Goblin is a band that frequented many italian horror flicks of the 70's and 80's, mostly providing the surreal and haunting soundtracks of horror maestro Dario Argento's films. Claudio's credits include Deep Red, Suspiria, Dawn of the Dead, Tenebre, Conquest, Sleepless, and the list just goes on and on. His contributions to the sound of this genre is unparalleled and his work on the music from Demons stands right up there at the top of his macabre soaked library of memorable soundtracks. Pulling his rock influences to the forefront, Claudio is able to bring something fresh and new to the world of italian horror cinema that also has a catchy groovy beat that's perfect for watching people get slaughtered to.

The freaks come out at night.

There's also some pretty goretastic set pieces on display in this film. Especially when it comes to the transformation of normal everyday moviegoers into full on possessed demons. While all done practically, the outcome is grotesque to say the least, as we're witness to the horrific sights of bloody gums replaced by razor sharp teeth and puss filled wounds as they burst like giant white head filled zits. Barf. It's messy as hell and the special effects department in charge of creating these monstrosities, really did their homework in making us want to toss up our lunch over the horrific sights presented to us. As italian horror movies go, Demons has a rather large amount of gross out effects that all do their job in frightful fashion.

This movie will make you scream like a little girl.

What's also impressive with this film is the amount of use they're able to get out of the location of setting the entire story inside a movie theater. The complex is massive, consisting of a balcony, endless staircases, expansive lobby, and a complicated maze of inner air ducts. The characters cover the whole gamut in their ongoing struggle to survive the growing demon horde. There's even an interesting sequence in which the group find a secret room that leads to some ancient tunnels and sarcophagus like chambers. It doesn't make a lick of sense and leads to a dead end in both the survivors escape and the flow of the narrative, but damn is it interestingly weird. Though that's really not the end of the weirdness.

Demon zoos would be one hell of an interesting concept.

The story also takes another u-turn when it introduces a group of punks led by a tremendous douche named Ripper, played by Lino Salemme. We follow them as they drive around the city, snorting coke from a Coke bottle and basically being assholes to each other. It really is a scene that comes out of left field and you're left wondering what the hell this has to do with the people trapped inside the movie theater being slaughtered by countless demonic creatures. Eventually the punk's story leads them to the theater, but the decision to introduce their story during some of the most frantic moments of the survivors fight remains to be justified. Still it doesn't really bother me that much and goes back to that previously mentioned notion that this special genre always has those quirky moments that make you scratch your head in disbelief, but so is the world of italian horror cinema.

I'm sorry but you Miss are disgusting.

Demons is a rip roaring ride of demonic violence that literally rips your mind apart as it proceeds to delve into some insane and bloody territory. Following the footsteps of past genre efforts, Demons stays close to the formula of blood, guts, and rock n roll. Goblin's Claudio Simonetti infuses an immensely demented score to the atmospherically ferocious visuals and keeps the audible tension of the film intact. Toppled with grotesque special effects that bring the demons to strikingly disturbing life, Demons brings the pain when it comes to the over abundance of gore, crazed characters, and no holds barred entertainment. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good old italian horror flick and to those who like your entertainment fun and bloody.

5 out of 5 stars           Demons! Demons! Demons!