The Mutilator (1984)

Having traveled from Virginia Beach to Pennsylvania, it was like entering the tundra.  When I left it was in the 60s, now 20s with snow.  What fun. So, as I chill at the house,  I decided to revisit a 80s slasher as I transport myself back to my youth with the 1984 entry The Mutilator (AKA Fall Break)

Plot: Years after the accidental death of his wife, a deranged man starts to slice and dice his son's friends at a beachfront condominium.

Talk about a mindless slasher.  This is another VHS flashback that knew its place in the heart of the slasher craze. With a weird almost meaningless storyline,  this one navigate from kill to kill effortlessly with some interesting (yet predictable) kills,  a solid pace,  and gore. The performances are not bad and the movie is definitely entertaining.  Yes,  most of it feels dated today and the effects are not great,  but if you are searching for something to help you pass a winter day away,  this one should work. Not for everyone,  but if you love 80s slasher films,  give it a shot. 

1984 - Prime Stage Theater

This past weekend,  I had a chance to catch Pittsburgh Prime Stage Theater’s adaptation of the George Orwell classic 1984 and was blown away by the production. Not only was this performance powerful, it came across in a perfect manner, allowing the viewer a chance to immerse themselves within the oppressive atmosphere,  the message, and build a connection with the characters.

What was most impressive was the way the storyline subtly maintained a connection to the past while bringing the message out in a modern way that soiled have resonated with every viewer.  I know I should have counted, but I heard numerous conversations in the lobby about Big Brother about the once prophesized police state we are living in. 

Ironically, most of the material WikiLeaks revealed in their Vault 7 disclosure felt like it was part of this classic fictional world instead of reality. Unfortunately, the constant monitoring and barrage of propaganda has seemed to blur the lines between fact or fiction, making it somewhat difficult to decipher truths.

In this play, the performances are so believable that it made to want to stand and fight for Winston, and help him maintain sanity in the darkest days. It also showed the dangers we face everyday, including the truth that no one is safe. 

I know that this was the last performance in the run, and this will not lead anyone to 1984, but I for one became sold on every aspect of the Prime Stage Theater and cannot wait to see their next production, Perks of a Wallflower. it has anywhere near the same impact, I will definitely be a fan for life.

Big Brother is Watching - 1984

As we move through 2017, it is clear that there is an assault taking place on open-minded thought and free speech. Everywhere you turn, there is censorship to the highest degree. On top of that, the social networks, computer companies, and governments are admitting that the track your every move, manipulate your viewing exposure and read your emails. 

Over the past few years, many actions have helped pull back the shroud on the Ministry of Truth that is in full effect. Between the release of the Snowden files and the amazing work of WikiLeaks exposing the real face of the media, there is hope. As people around the globe begin to wake-up and see the Police State that is developing. Hopefully, changes can be made to stop the totalitarian regimes and prevent a complete transition into a full dystopian nightmare. 

We are truly in the Big Brother era. With that in mind, I am heading out today to see a stage adaptation of the classic 1984 at the Prime Stage Theater.  A full review of this compelling story will come tonight. 

Children of the Corn (1984)

After diving into something that was somewhat out of my normal selections last night, I decided that it was time for me to go back into some of the films from my youth on Shudder. After some thought, I decided on the 1984 horror flick Children on the Corn.

Plot/ A young couple is trapped in a remote town where a dangerous religious cult of children believe everyone over the age of 18 must be killed.

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Growing up a huge Stephen King fan and loving horror movies during the 1980s, I clearly remember this one from when it came out. At that time, I was a touch disappointed by the lack of blood and gore, but I also did not quite grasp the intricacies of atmospheric horror. All in all, this movie is quite tame (although there are some creepy moments sprinkled it). The performances are solid, the storyline works well with some suspenseful moments, and the soundtrack is perfect. Yes, it does lack the blood, guts, and nudity that were staples of most 1980s horror, but it is an entertaining trip into the occult/religious cult ideologies that saturate some parts of society. In the end, this may be one of my favorite King adaptations and a movie that struck a cord with me (I grew up next to a corn field). If you have not seen it, give it a shot you could do much worse.

Hackers (1995)

After going back into the world of the slasher, I decided to venture into another type of wormhole. While all of my work lately has been rather serious, I decided I needed something more comedic to help change my mindset. After some debate, I decided to dive back into the 1990s with the 1995 cyberpunk entry, Hackers.

Plot/ A young boy is arrested by the U.S. Secret Service for writing a computer virus and is banned from using a computer until his 18th birthday. Years later, he and his new-found friends discover a plot to unleash a dangerous computer virus, but they must use their computer skills to find the evidence while being pursued by the Secret Service and the evil computer genius behind the virus.

It had been a long time since I entered this world and I forgot how entertaining and funny Hackers is. As a movie, there is a lot to like, with cool cyberpunk attitudes mixed with non-stop schlock and over-the-top performances all-around. The storyline and plot, while unbelievable, are both interesting and work well (especially as a flashback toward the authenticity of the 1990s), the soundtrack is awesome, the cast and performances are solid, and the characters are hilarious. Yes, you must suspend all you know of computers and reality, plus, remember the crazy style and wardrobes of the 1990s, and if you do that, you should have some fun with this one. In the end, this may be a schlockfest and one of the most unrealistic and unbelievable films of the era, but it is also a fun way to pass some time inside a fun time warp. If you have not seen it, check it out!

The Initiation (1984)

I have loved this alone time, as it has allowed me to watch some different flicks that I cannot usually watch. Fortunately, Netflix has a tremendous selection, which has kept me busy. Growing up in the 1980s, I am a huge fan of the slasher genre. That is where my latest selection came from, the 1984 slasher The Initiation.

Plot/ Kelly Fairchild has become a college student and a member of the Delta Ro Kai sorority. During all her life, she has suffered from a nightmare where a man is burning. She meets an assistant professor who can help interpret the dream. The sorority's initiation ritual is a nighttime breaking-and-entering into her father's department store.

This is actually an often overlooked slasher. Yes, it may seem dated and cliche, back in 1984 when it came out, it actually had better atmosphere than some of the others of the era. This one has a lot to like, the acting is decent, the plot sound, and some of the cinematography work does wonders wthin the script. Sure there are some camera angles that could have been better, some of the effects feel dated and the twist at the end is somewhat predictable if you pay attention. In the end, this is one of the better slashers from the 1980s and one that should be seen by fans of that era. If you have not seen it, check it out!

C.H.U.D. (1984)

With the Steelers game now in the books and this being the last evening I have before starting back to college tomorrow in a creative writing program, I decided to jump back in time for some retro horror. After some thought, I decided upon the 1984 creature feature C.H.U.D.

Plot/ A bizarre series of murders in New York City seems to point toward the existence of a race of mutant cannibals living under the streets.

C.H.U.D or Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers, is one of those movies from the 1980s that has always seemed a bit under the RADAR. Yes, the sequel may have destroyed the franchise, but the original is entertaining, and incredibly, has stood the test of time. The storyline is awesome, the acting is solid and the effect (while low budget) still have some bite. Honestly, I would rather watch the low budget effects of the 1980s instead of much of the CGI crap out there today. Yes, some of it makes little sense and the creatures do look cheesy at times, but that still does not stop it from being an entertaining B-Grade creature feature. In the end, this is one of those movies that while far from perfect, is a must see if you are a fan of the 1980s. If you have not watched it, give it a shot, you could do much worse. 

1984 (1984)

 

 

As 2012 comes toward an end, it is clear that there is an assault-taking place on open-minded thought and free speech. Everywhere you turn, there is censorship to the highest degree. On top of that, the social networks, computer companies and governments are admitting that the track your every move, manipulate your viewing exposure and read your emails. We are truly in the Big Brother era. With that in mind, I decided to re-watch the classic 1984.

 

 

Plot/ George Orwell's novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love.

 

 

In looking back at my youth, one of the books that left a lasting impression on me was Orwell’s masterpiece. I not only loved the book, it was the first old-time radio cassettes that I bought. This outline of totalitarian society is a necessary read for everyone and this adaptation is a must see. This movie captured everything in the book in the perfect manner, with a dark, depressing and foreboding atmosphere.  The acting was tremendous, the cinematography amazing, and the scripting was on the mark. If there was a slight flaw, it was that it did not utilize the characterization to its fullest potential, but even that is nitpicking. However, like with the novel, it did capture the message, a significance that every person around the world should take to heart during these dark days of rising tyranny. Just one look at mainstream media in the world today demonstrates exactly what Orwell talked about and what makes this tale one of the most important literary and cinematographic endeavors out there. This is not a conspiracy about Big Brother watching, it is truth. If you have never read this book or watched this film, you must. I can honestly say, if you watch and digest the meaning of this film and apply that knowledge to everything that is happening around the world, your opinion on the direction of society may change. Some people may be turned off by the amount of nudity, but who cares; I highly recommend this for everyone.

 

Red Dawn (1984)

 

With my mind lately caught up in the fog of HAARP and threat of the New World Order, I thought that it would be a great time to re-watch one of the movies that influenced me as a youth. I will never forget watching the opening scenes of this when I was 12 or 13, it was stunning and left a lasting imprint of Patriotism in my mind. That movie was the 1984 action flick Red Dawn.

 

 

Plot/ It is the dawn of World War III. In mid-western America, a group of teenagers bands together to defend their town, and their country, from invading Soviet forces.

 

 

Of course, there is some implausibility in the location used in the plot of this film, although, the idea of an invasion on American soil may not be as far fetched as some may believe. While this may not be the technical marvel of action movies of today, there was a lot to like. It featured realistic sequences, solid characterization, outstanding cinematography and an overwhelming amount of tension. Unfortunately, the acting was uneven, some of the scripting was off, as the dialogue was off and the enemy was portrayed in a very unrealistic manner. In the end, this may not have been a masterpiece, but it is an extremely entertaining movie that should have been left alone. If you have not watched it, you should check it out before watching the remake.

Death Warmed Up (1984)

After deciding to take a break last night to watch Monday Night Football and Castle, I decided to jump back into my Pure Terror Collection with the 1984 import Death Warmed Up.

Plot/ Michael is hypnotized by a scientist to kill his parents and ends up in a mental institution. Years later, as a grown up, the boy returns to seek revenge over the scientist.

Honestly, I have no idea where to begin with this flick. It is so weird and incoherent, that even the parts that make sense may not really make any. The storyline is choppy, full of bizarre twists (motorcycles in the tunnels, really?) and enough plot holes to make it like Swiss cheese. Sure, there is a ton of violence and gore (OK, not the best special effects), in fact, some of the killings are actually pretty vicious (shotgun blast to the crotch has to hurt), couple that with a variety of Saw-like brain surgeries and unplanned impalements and you have plenty of blood to go around (and I have not mentioned zombies yet, yes, there are even zombies). Unfortunately, all of those moments cannot save the viewer from the totally unbelievable conglomeration filmed. Sure, there are some interesting camera angles, decent editing and a respectable soundtrack that really work within this one, but the terrible acting, poor characterization and totally laughable dialogue (and did I mention bizarre plot and poor effects?) really bring this one down. In the end, I have to admit that I enjoyed this flick on some levels (especially the ending, I did not see that coming) and I may watch it again to try to understand it. That being said, I cannot recommend anyone running out to buy this one, but if you have it as part of a cheap box set, go ahead and give it a whirl. It may not be perfect, but it will make you scratch your head and laugh at the same time.   

The Philadelphia Experiment (1984)

After a long weekend traveling to Pennsylvania for my oldest daughters birthday (Happy Birthday Genesis), it was nice to get back to the couch and curl up watching something more of my speed (although watching the Steelers beat the Ratbirds was awesome). My choice for the evening was the 1984 Sci-Fi (reality?) entry The Philadelphia Experiment.

Plot/ During World War II, the government was trying to develop a way to render their naval vessels undetectable to radar. When the scientists in charge of it think they have done it, they try it out on one of the ships in the Philadelphia harbor. When they turn it on, the ship disappears. Two of the ship's sailors find themselves in 1984. While they try to find out what's going on. The scientist who developed the technology in 1943, is now involved with a project that somehow brought the two sailors to 1984. And it seems that a black hole has emerged and he thinks the sailors can help. So he tries to get them.

To me, the story and legend of the Philadelphia Experiment has always interested me, as it is one of the most fascinating stories I have heard. If true, this experimentation was truly that of genius. That being said, I had always wanted to see the movie, as I missed it when it hit theatres back in the 1980s. Now that I have finally watched it, I have to admit I was impressed. The plot (although I am not a love story fan), the acting and the effects are all pretty good and stand up rather well. Sure, the script is choppy and some of the action seems a bit out of whack, but it definitely makes for good science fiction. This is a great flick for Sci-Fi fans, and definitely one that is worth watching.

Night of the Comet (1984)

After having two of my daughters beat me down during family fun night at their school, it was time to relax. Fortunately for me, I was able to find a classic film on TV from my youth to help ease my pain away, the 1984 apocalyptic classic Night of the Comet. Its funny, I remember seeing it in the theatre and leaving that afternoon with the biggest crush on Kelli Maroney, from that day forward I had to see any movie she was in!

Plot/ Two girls from the Valley wake up to find that a passing comet has eradicated their world and left behind a mysterious red-dust and a pack of cannibal mutants. With the help of a friendly truck driver, the girls save the earth from a villainous "think tank," karate chop their way through flesh-eating zombies, and, of course, find time to go to the mall.

Night of the Comet is one of my favorite movies from the 1980s. While it is by no means a technological classic, it is one of the best horror/sci fi/comedies of the decade. The script and storyline do a wonderful job at creating a nice blend of drama, action, laughs and even some surprises that at least raise the scare factor. The acting is solid and very entertaining. Although, zombies are mentioned and occasionally make some appearances, this is far from a full-fledged zombie picture. In fact, it may be more in line with the great creature features popularized in the 50s and 60s, except the make-up and effects are much better than during that era. If you have never seen this great 1980s flick, you are missing out, this is one that is a must see!