Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

After watching Twin Peaks yesterday, I needed something that could help my mind come back to reality, so I decided on this one. Knowing that Godzilla movies are always fun and mindless, what could go wrong with the 2001 entry Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack?

Plot/ Three ancient guardian beasts awaken to protect Japan against Godzilla.

I had seen this on Shudder for some time, but honestly, the length of the titles scared me away. I know that may sound stupid, but it’s true. Now that I have watched it, I can see that I made a huge mistake in waiting. This was one of the darkest and most entertaining Godzilla films I have watched and it made me want to see more. While there are some early CGI issues and such, for the most part, the effects work rather well, creating one of the best monster flicks I have seen. Incredibly, although modernized, the film was able to maintain some of the charms that made the classic Godzilla films so much fun. Less schlock and an entertaining story featuring a dreadful Godzilla out to destroy humanity, this had a lot to like with some solid cinematography, quality dubbing, and a soundtrack that did a perfect job at setting the stage for the action. Yes, some of the creatures did seem off from their original characterizations with the size a ferocity and some of the story felt cliché and predictable, but those were easily overlooked. In the end, if you are a fan of the classic Godzilla flicks and like me, you grew up with them on the Saturday afternoon creature features give this one a shot. This was an entertaining and fun flick that worked perfectly in helping me pass some time in the afternoon.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

I know that I haven’t posted anything in a couple of days. With this being the start of travel softball season for Jo and the girls of Prestige Worldwide, I have been busy with practices and tournaments. However, after returning home rather early from a tournament, I decided that I would jump back into it. My selection was easy. While it has been some time since I revisited the world of David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive (2001), but with the release of Twin Peaks: The Return, I figured it was about time.

Plot/ After a car wreck on the winding Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a perky Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.

It is hard to believe that this film was originally filmed as a pilot. Fortunately, it was not picked up as a series. While I am not saying this as a negative, because it would have made a hell of a series, I am saying it because it allowed Mulholland Drive to grow into one of David Lunch’s best films. While some may not enjoy it due to the strange and twisted storyline that many find confusing, others (like me) will find it a fascinating journey into the surreal. The performances are solid, the story effortlessly transitions from a bizarre landscape into a nightmare, the soundtrack is perfect, the technical aspects are marvelous, and the entire entry is an example of true cinematic mastery. Yes, it does get confusing, but that us but a minor speed bump in what is a truly entertaining flick. In the end, Mulholland Drive in many ways is the best movie from the master of surrealistic cinema, David Lynch. This is a film that must be seen, if you haven’t, you are missing out.

They Crawl (2001)

With the holidays over and everyone (including me) back at school, it was time to dive into some low budget horror. After some debate, I decided to break into the $5 bin at WalMart, with the nine-movie horror set featuring the 2001 low budget entry They Crawl.

Plot/ After a terrifying incident of man, a police detective needs to find a way to stop the creepy horde of roaches before it can kill more people.

I knew that it had been a while since I went down the no-budget indie horror trail, but I couldn’t resist when I saw a nine movie set at WalMart after the holiday that featured some interesting titles. In the case with the first entry, it is exactly what one would expect from a low budget insect infestation flick. What could go wrong with that? While the movie suffers from many of the flaws that plague this genre, there were a couple of interesting elements that made it at least tolerable. The storyline, although it does have some holes, is interesting and to be honest, it is a lot more violent than I would have expected from this budget. Yes, the plot has issues and is more confusing than it should have been, the ending is uneven at best, and the CGI was not good at all. In the end, this movie is far from good, but it is also nowhere near the worst film in the genre. If you are like me and love no-budget horror, it can at least help you pass some time.

The Glass House (2001)

Sometimes, I take pleasure in the fact that the daughters enjoy scary movies. Unfortunately, as they get older, I do have to pay more attention to what type of flick I select, with content and rating overriding the scare factor. One such movie we enjoyed over the weekend was a solid family friendly entry: 2001s The Glass House.

Plot/ An orphaned teenager is taken in by a Malibu couple but discovers they are not the caring friends they seemed to be.

I went into this with almost no expectations and only put on because the daughters wanted to watch something. Fortunately, what I found was better than I could have expected. While it is not a perfect film and is rather predictable, the atmosphere and characters do actually set it apart from many of the other PG-13 entries that sit in the genre. The story was interesting and believable, the performances solid, and the scripting created a realism that was easily imagined. Yes, there were some plot holes and it did have some predictable moments, but those issues are rather small (especially for a family friendly thriller). In the end, this will not be for the hardcore thriller fan, but it is better than many in the genre and perfect for a wintery afternoon with the kids. Give it a shot.  

From Hell (2001)

In between my continuing journey into the world of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries, I decided to venture back into one of the mysteries that has always intrigued me, the case of Jack the Ripper. While there is a lot of material out there, one of the more interesting to watch is From Hell. 

Plot/ In Victorian Era London, a troubled clairvoyant police detective investigates the murders by Jack The Ripper.

This is an interesting vision of what transpired during the famous Jack the Ripper killing spree. There is a lot to like with this flick, as it created a dark and atmospheric tale. Most of the performances were solid, with Johnny Depp taking working wonders in the lead. Unfortunately, Heather Graham did not follow suit. The setting and scenery were outstanding, the storyline interesting and there was a realism that was better than expected. Yes, the pacing was uneven and there were some sub-par performances, but that did little to bring it down. In the end, this unique take on Jack the Ripper is better than I expected and an entertaining journey into one of the most historic events ever known. If you have not seen it, check it out!

Ghosts of Mars (2001)

 

 

Today was an extremely dreary day here in Chesapeake, the rain and even thunderstorms made it seem to drag on. With nothing much to do, I decided to find something to watch that would not only fit in to my likes, but also help pass some time. What did I decide on?  I went back to the beginning of the century, and the 2001 Sci-Fi / Horror flick, Ghosts of Mars.

 

 

Plot/ 200 years in the future, a Martian police unit is dispatched to transport a dangerous prisoner from a mining outpost back to justice. However, when the team arrives they find the town deserted and some of the inhabitants possessed by the former inhabitants of the planet.

 

 

When I out this on today, I had no idea on what it would be like or what to expect. Unfortunately, what I found was no what I had hoped for. Sure, it was entertaining, but it could have been a lot better.  The acting was decent, but the characterization, scripting, and the overall feel and atmosphere just did not work. Of course, as some say, John Carpenter movies are an acquired taste, and for the most part, I agree. However, even after some time, this one did not grow on me. In the end, it is somewhat entertaining, and will help pass some time on a dreary day, but it is nothing special.

 

The Hole (2001)

 

 

After a few days of creature features, I decided to venture into a completely different realm for the evening movie. Of course, I had thought of doing up a review of the classic Forbidden Planet, as my class watched it this afternoon once they completed their final fiber optic exam, but I will save that for another day. My selection for the evening was a lot different than that, 2001s British import, The Hole.

 

 

Plot/ Four teenagers at a British private school secretly uncover and explore the depths of a sealed underground hole created decades ago as a possible bomb shelter.

 

 

After suffering through some low budget creature features, I am glad that I changed it up some with something different. This flick was just that, not really horror, but more a psychological thriller / mystery. This thriller features a solid cast with even better performances, the cinematography is creates an air or realism, and the storyline is tremendous. Sure, some of the sequencing seems a bit off initially, but definitely is pulled together in the end. Of course, it is not perfect with minor flaws in rigid characterization and a score that detracts from the atmosphere rather than building it. In the end, this flick was definitely worth watching, especially considering it was free onDemand. It may not be straight horror, but it is a well-crafted psychological thriller that will make  an entertaining evening.

 

Children of the Living Dead (2001)

I am all about zombie flicks, especially semi-local ones seemingly based here in southwestern zombie land. Unfortunately, it is becoming harder and harder to find decent ones. Last night, while finishing some of the items for the fair, I decided on Children of the Living Dead from 2001. Maybe I should have picked something else.

Plot/ serial murderer and rapist Abbot Hayes disappeared from the morgue. Shortly afterwards, a zombie plague swept through town. Fourteen years later, the aging residents of the town are trying to erase all traces of their past, but the past keeps coming back to haunt them.

As a fan of low budget horror, I am used to uneven flicks. However, there are times where things get so bad that it is hard to even understand what was the intention. This flick is one of those. It is unfortunate though, I wanted to like this one as it felt like home, with Tom Savini, and many Night of the Living Dead overtones. However, there was really nothing to like with it. The editing was bad, the acting beyond uneven and some of the effects were horrid (and I am not going to get started on the storyline). Honestly, it is just that bad. If you have suffered through this already, I am sorry, if you have not, stay away!

Ripper: Letter From Hell (2001)

The mystery of Jack the Ripper has fascinated me since I was a kid and stumbled on a paperback at the thrift store about the legendary serial killer. From that point on, I have read, watched and wrote about this famed monster. To me, the mystery surrounding his identity may be one of the greatest known to man, and one that usually makes for intriguing entertainment. With old Jack in mind, tonight’s movie was Ripper: Letter from Hell from 2001.  

Plot/ A massacre survivor studies serial killers under a famous expert, but her classmates soon start dying at the hands of a Jack the Ripper copycat.

I figured entering into this direct to DVD entry, that the look had a MTV feel and that it was probably searching for more that audience than for me. Still, this was a decent entry and one that overall was a bit surprising. There was a lot to like, the cinematography, editing and pacing were tremendous, some of the murders (while not gorish) were very stylish and almost a flashback to the great horror of my youth, and the storyline is full of twists, turns and somewhat cerebral. Unfortunately, the scripting featured some poor dialogue and lacked character development; there was really no gore and the acting only so-so. In the end, this flick made for an entertaining evening and one that was worth watching. Could it have been better? Yes, but it had just enough atmosphere, action and story to make it interesting.

Campfire Stories (2001)

One of the last movies of the weekend is another anthology. When I was younger, anthologies would be great rentals and often offered something interesting. Unfortunately, somewhere, they became easy ways to get movies on the screen. This one, from 2001, is Campfire Stories.

Plot/ Two teens on their way to a backwoods party come across a beautiful young woman having car trouble. Their search for help only gets them lost, deep in the woods, where they meet Forest Ranger Bill with a penchant for scary stories.

This was my second anthology of the weekend, and unfortunately, it was nowhere near as good as the first. In fact, there was not much here that I will remember after I pen this review. The acting was uneven, the storyline is a bit disjointed and it lacked atmosphere throughout. Not to mention that it had some of the cheesiest effects I have seen in some time. Yes, I know it is 10-years old, but, come on. In the end, this was one I could have done without, it truly offers little for the viewer to enjoy.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

After returning the flicks from last week to Family Video, I let my daughter Jillian pick out a few flicks for the week (fortunately, Jillian is a huge horror fan). Not to my surprise she decided to grab a variety of interesting stuff. The first film we watched is the 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes.

Plot/ An Air Force astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where the evolutionary process is reversed. Evolved apes are the dominate species and humans are primitive. He may discover secrets that would change the planet.

While there was no reason to ever remake the classic Planet of the Apes, Hollywood decided otherwise, and this entry is the result. Yes, there are some similarities between the films (even a cameo from Charlton Heston) , unfortunately, there was no way for Tim Burton’s vision to ever live up to the complex and visually stunning original (especially the ending). The idea behind this flick lacks the social commentary that set the 1968 version apart. Sure, there is the underlying fight for freedom, but the action scenes definitely overrun the storyline. Honestly, I did like the decision to bring more ape-like characteristics to the planet showing them running on all fours with a definite mean streak, to me, that is how I would imagine the species is one existed. On one side, the acting was OK, the tension so-so and there was little characterization (not to mention the ending was a bit unspectacular). However, the make-up effects and the action sequences did add a little something that the original lacked. In the end, I found this revision less appealing than the original, but then I grew up with the Planet of the Apes saga, something that would definitely influence my feelings (I am sure many like me would feel the same). That being said, my daughters actually enjoyed this version much more than the original with the overriding action / adventure feel; proving that people who have never watch the original will definitely enjoy it.

Soul Assassin (2001)

After a night of bingo with my daughter, I decided to chill and watch something a little different. I decided on some action, mystery and possibly intrigue with Soul Assassin from 2001.

Plot/ The future seems bright for Kevin Burke, a security expert for the large multi-national company Jorgensen Financial. He's just been promoted and is about to propose marriage to his girlfriend Rosalind. But that all changes when Rosalind is murdered before his eyes by a professional hitman. While tracking down her killers, Kevin finds himself chased by mob hit-woman Tessa, his co-workers Junior and Mr Ficks and the police. Burke's mentor and employer Karl Jorgensen, enigmatic though supportive, seems to hold the key to the mystery

I am open to a lot when it comes to the movies I watch, and honestly, I am used to almost anything. Nothing really surprises me, but this film did. It surprised me not with content, sharp acting or effects; it surprised me with the blue-tinted world. I will admit, at first, I rather enjoyed it, but after a while, it grew old (very old). Couple that with a hole riddled storyline (the idea was solid), some uneven acting and a lack of intrigue, and you have a mess. It is unfortunate as the flick started really well. In the end, I would not recommend this one. Luckily, I watched it for free…

Manson - Demongod (2001)

One of the movies that I watched prior to Monday’s ceremony was the second film I picked up from the Amplo Films table at the Undead Festival. This one was quite a different endeavor than the first flick I watched from them The Hollows as this was a true low-budget documentary. Entitled Manson – Demongod, this was a compilation of many of the famed Manson interviews, a ton of investigation pieces and numerous crime scene photos I have honestly never seen before. Best of all, this material was put together on top of a soundtrack of material written and performed by Charles Manson himself (of course with some help from his family in parts).

Yes, some of the editing and the sound quality was far from perfect, and  yes, there were the normal issues that plague these no-budget independent flicks,  but this was definitely one of the most entertaining and comprehensive documentaries on this tragic event that are out there. In many ways, you see the devastation, and you see exactly how far reaching these events touched (would Roman Polanski still be in exile?) and how in many ways they are still influencing people today. 

As a conspiracy theory junkie, and a person that has always been interested in the darker side of society, I do enjoy watching my fair share of documentaries on most any of the macabre subjects and this was one that was well worth the $5.00 I spent on it. While, I am sure that it is not for everyone (as this is one of the most vicious crimes in modern United States history), it is assuredly one of the most detailed documentaries on Manson and his family out there and one that is worth watching if you get the chance (and are interested).