Lost in Space (1998)

After a mixture of serial killers and creature features, I decided to venture into something with more of a sci-fi edge. After some thought, I decided on the 1998 reboot, Lost in Space.

Plot/ The Robinson family was going into space to fight for a chance for humanity. Now they are fighting to live long enough to find a way home.

I remember when this one came out and like many fans of the original series; I found it a bit disappointing. After re-watching this earlier in the week, I think my first impression was way off. While this is not a perfect film, it does have more positives than flaws and the storyline is closer in tone and depth to some of the initial episodes of the series than it is given credit for. The effects were solid, the cast was fun and their performances were decent, and the cinematography was spot on and created an entertaining feel. Unfortunately, the scripting felt forced and the dialog was choppy with too much focus put on trying to be clever and there were more than a few clichéd moments. In the end, this was an entertaining science fiction adventure suitable for the entire family, and a movie that is better than it has been given credit for. If you have a chance, give it a shot, you could do much worse.

Dark City (1998)

Sometimes, I regret some of my choices, since they are journeys deep into the bowels of misery. Of course, that is my fault, as I tend to be impulsive when I see something instead of searching out something better. Fortunately, there are times when I decide to dig deeper, and find a movie that is worth watching, and at times, even inspirational. That was the case tonight, with the 1998 Sci-Fi entry, Dark City.

Plot/ A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun and run by beings with telekinetic powers who seek the souls of humans.

After suffering through that very forgettable Hellraiser installment, I was happy to break out Dark City. This is both one of the best, and one of my favorite Sci-Fi films of the 1990s. Honestly, I have no idea why it never reached anything other than cult status, it is worthy of so much more than that. Cold, dark, atmospheric, and complete with outstanding performances, a layered and complex script, and most importantly, a thought provoking storyline that leaves you inspired by what can be accomplished with originality within a Sci-Fi landscape. Even the ending, which still feels a touch out of place, can do nothing to derail the impressive gothic world created in the entertaining feature. In the end, Dark City is one of the most underappreciated Sci-Fi movies in the genre, and is cinematographically above many films that many place above it. If you have not seen this brilliant entry, search it out and give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.

Sphere (1998)

As I continue to push through this transmedia project that is a modern adaption of the H.P. Lovecraft classic Haunter of the Dark, I find myself spending more time on it than I ever imagined I would. In doing so, I have been spending time a lot of time with a variety of movies on as background inspiration. The last flick I watched was the 1998 Sci-Fi/Mystery/Thriller Sphere.

Plot/ 1000 feet below the ocean, navy divers discover an object half-a-mile long. A crack team of scientists is deployed to the site in Deep-sea Habitats. What they find boggles the mind as they discover a perfect metal sphere. What is the secret behind the sphere? Will they survive the mysterious 'manifestations'? Who or what is creating these? They may never live to find out.

This was a difficult movie to review. I watched it again the other night after not seeing it for over a decade, and honestly, I found it better than I thought. As was the case the first time I watched it, this is really the tale of two different movies: a first and a second half. The beginning is awesome and touches on some intriguing topics and is entertaining. Unfortunately, with all the promise, the unlikable characters and uneven performances make it difficult to truly digest everything that they were trying to say within the movie. Personally, I liked it because it made me think, and presented some ideas that have always captivated me in a way that was both entertaining and challenging. Of course, this Sci-Fi thriller is not for everyone, but it is definitely worth watching.

Phantom of the Opera (1998)

It was another day at the institute, and I will say that I will be glad when this week of FCC testing preps are over. This area may be my least favorite section that I teach. Fortunately, only two days left. To relax, I decided upon something mindless, 1998 Dario Argento entry, Phantom of the Opera.

Plot/ Gory remake of the Gaston Leroux classic story, only this time, and the phantom is not disfigured, but a man who was raised by rats deep under the Paris Opera House.

Argento can be such a polarizing figure, as some love his work and some hate it. For me, I have always been a fan. While this flick is far from my favorite, and not even close to his best, it is an interesting take on Gaston Leroux's classic tale. Sure, it is not his best work, but it has many of his signature elements that make it entertaining to watch on a rainy night. There are decent performances, strange characters, a decent storyline, awesome gore and a lot of nudity. Really, it has everything. Unfortunately, the audio quality truly took away from the overall feel of the flick and there were a lot of holes and flaws in the scripting. In the end, this is not the typical Argento entry but it is entertaining. Of course, as always, some will hate this flick, but that is OK. Check it out. 

Phantoms (1998)

 

 

I had a long day. Not because of a hangover or anything like that, I spent three hours breaking ice in my mother’s driveway, to get the van free from the abyss. You know, gravel and sleet really do not mix. I know I should have retrieved it earlier when Bren got back, but, the snow continued on and off (and I am lazy). Fortunately, after trying some different methods, I was able to finish everything and get the van out. To wind down, I decided to watch something wintery, Phantoms from 1998.

 

 

Plot/ In the peaceful town of Snowfield, Colorado something evil has wiped out the community. Now, it's up to a group of people to stop it, or at least get out of Snowfield alive.

 

 

This film caught my eye with the wintery theme and I was surprised by it. This has to be one of the better Dean Koontz adaptations I have watched. This flick had a lot to like, solid scripting penned by Koontz himself, sound acting, good cinematography, and a haunting atmosphere that really fit the storyline. While the special effects were good, the creature was a bit anti-climactic as they strayed from what was written in the original novel. There were really only a few noticeable flaws to point out with sound quality and some uneven pacing.  In the end, this is a solid and entertaining horror flick that fits perfect in the cold of winter. If you enjoy Koontz, you definitely must check this one out.

 

 

Six Days in Roswell (1998)

 

 

It is time to finish off the year. It has been an eventful year as today marks the one-year anniversary of my official military retirement. It is hard to believe. There have been so many changes, especially with me transitioning into a role as an electronics instructor at the institute. I love that job, and the ability to interact with some very smart students. One thing we have discussed is Roswell and some of the coincidence of electronic development after the crash. With that in mind, I decided to watch Six Days in Roswell.

 

 

Plot/ Experts and alleged abductees come together in a town famous for UFO sightings and government cover-ups.

 

 

Have you ever heard of a mindless documentary? If not, this may be the first one out there. Sure, there are some informational spots, but, do not expect any breaking news or intriguing tidbits in this one about the Roswell Crash. In this one, you walk in the shoes of the UFO fanatics that make a pilgrimage to this UFO Mecca and celebrate and embrace the Alien culture. Honestly, this is a documentary of a weeklong UFO themed party in Roswell. More comedic documentary than informative, this does do a great job at showing both sides of the coin from those celebrating and those celebrating the profits from the event. In the end, this one is just a kick back and relax, fun 90 minute ride into a fringe arena. If you believe in Roswell, check it out and see how they celebrate potentially one of the greatest cover-ups in United States history.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

 

 

As the dreary day turned to night, and everyone seemed to venture off to sleep, I was left having to find something to watch. Being limited to FearNet or possibly a few DVDs, my choices were limited. After some debate with the voices in my head, I decided that it was time to venture deep into another one of those 1990s horror / slasher series (not that I really wanted to), with I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

 

 

Plot/ The murderous fisherman with a hook is back to once again stalk the two surviving teens, Julie and Ray, who left him for dead, as well as cause even more murder and mayhem, this time at a posh island resort.

 

 

Now that I have finally sat down and watched this monstrosity of a sequel, I now realize why I had not suffered through it earlier. Sure, I may be a bit skewed, as I really did not like the original. Yes, it was OK, but it did not do anything for me. Having watched this one, I can say that the original was at least entertaining. This one offers even less, and is much more predictable than the first one. Honestly, nothing makes much sense, the acting is so-so, and the characters do nothing for the overall feel. In the end, I am glad I watched this free, had I wasted money on it, I would be even more upset. Unless you have nothing else to watch, stay far away.

Kurt & Courtney (1998)

One of the interesting tidbits I discovered when researching some material for the week was that this is the actual week that the Paul is Dead conspiracy started during the 1960s. Honestly, that is an interesting musical conspiracy theory that is rather hard to debunk. While I am an outsider on that investigation, the information and evidence, pointing toward this cover-up is compelling and tremendous. With that in mind, I decided to take a look at a modern music conspiracy that took the life of a musical icon. My selection was Kurt &Courtney, the documentary focused on the life and tragic death of grunge rocker Kurt Cobain.   

Plot/ After rocker Kurt Cobain's death, ruled a suicide, a film crew arrives in Seattle to make a documentary. Director Nick Broomfield talks to lots of people: Cobain's aunt who provides home movies and recordings, the estranged father of Cobain's widow Courtney Love, an L.A. private investigator who worked for Love, a nanny for Kurt and Courtney's child, friends and lovers of both, and others. Although Love won't talk to him and his inquiries lose him financial backing, he comes to believe the coroner's verdict.

Conspiracy theories are always perfect for documentaries, and fortunately, there are a ton of them out there. In this one, which is one I have heard about since the day of his murder, it is hard to tell what is true and what is false. In this documentary by Nick Broomfield, it is hard to wrap your head around any one idea, which is the perfect backdrop for a conspiracy.  There are interviews and witnesses that claim that Love was behind Cobain’s death, going as far as to say she offered money for his death. However, none of these witnesses are worth their weight in gold, as they are drug addicts or degenerates and a picture of a potentially suicidal, drug addicted star emerges. The film quality is solid, and the investigation does show both sides of the debate, even if the feel is quite skewed toward murder. In the end, this is a very entertaining and interesting documentary about a troubled musical genius and the woman he married. Could she have killed him or played a role in his death? Absolutely, but no clear evidence is found in the documentary. Check it out, and let me know what you think?

StrangeLand (1998)

As I continue to pack I decided to take a moment and enjoy some horror entertainment. My selection was 1998s StrangeLand. Captain Howdy anyone?

Plot/ A schizophrenic sadist by the name of Captain Howdy lures teens through the internet into his painful traps. A detective starts pursuing him after he captures his daughter. Eventually they catch up with him and send him to a mental hospital. But upon his release, the townspeople don't accept the new, peaceful former Captain Howdy, and attack him. Howdy goes nuts again and in revenge starts everything all over, only worse.

Wow, talk about a conundrum. It has been a long time since a movie truly took me into the love/hate arena, but this one did. Honestly, there was a lot about this movie that was enjoyable. Dee Snyder’s character was awesome, some of the torture scenes are great, and the plot / storyline is decently realistic. I mean, watching Robert Englund play Freddy’s nemesis was a perfect choice. However, there was some of this that was just bad. The character development terrible, the cliché’s overdone and the overall pace was way off.  In the end, it was enjoyable and I would recommend watching it at least once (especially if you have daughters as it is a great example of what could happen in a chat room).

The Chosen One: Legend of the Raven (1998)

Before I get to my review of FrightWorld, I decided to review the second film from my late night evening Troma’s The Chosen One: Legend of the Raven from 1998.

Plot/ When a serial killer mysteriously and savagely murders a young Indian woman in rural Los Angeles county, her sister McKenna must replace her as the keeper of an amulet, the sacred crescent. Reluctantly, McKenna accepts the role of chosen one. With the amulet and after the rigors of the ritual, she takes on the spirit and powers of the raven, the good forces in the battle against evil, the wolf.

One of the things that I love when I sit down to watch a Troma flick is their truly amazing disregard for political correctness. They are original and do not care what mainstream people think. Yes, many movies lack the major production values, but they still provide entertaining flicks while giving a voice to the independent cinema. While this is not a great (OK maybe even good) super hero movie, it was interesting. While absurd, especially the fascination with milk, there was a comic factor that overtook the film. Do not get me wrong, you laugh at the movie and its illogical moments, poor script, uneven acting and strange plot more than with it, but it is mindless fun. All of that and I have not even mentioned Carmen Electra’s awesome Super Hero Costume, awesome! I am sure that many critical reviewers will hate this flick, but I liked it and I liked it a lot. I am not saying it is a masterpiece ot even as good as some of Troma’s Classics, but it is kind of fun. Will I watch it again? Maybe in a few years, but it is not so bad that I would never watch it again.

Terror Firmer (1998)

  

After some Poe, traditional horror and once again trying to understand what the tone-deaf idiots that vote for singers on American Idol were thinking, I decided to change things up a bit and move into the crazy weirdness of Team Troma. My choice for the evening 1998s Terror Firmer (Thanks Comcast for the Troma Channel On Demand).

Plot/ A homicidal maniac is on the loose in the city and the low budget film crew on a Troma movie have the power to stop them.

Team Troma is the BEST! With this being a Troma tale, any viewer should already know what to expect with the genius that is Lloyd Kaufman. Terror Firmer is no different; it is violent, gory, ridiculous, repulsive, and bizarre. Truly, it has everything you would expect and more. To cap it off, the acting is better than expected and the amount of nudity is surprising even for Troma. Yes, the effects vary wildly from awesome to crap, but it is what it is. I definitely do not recommend this one for everyone, but if you love Troma, gore or just absurd crazy b movies, you will love this one. If you do not, stay away… Personally, I loved it!