The Lawnmower Man (1992)

 

I am definitely already feeling some seasonal depression as Halloween has come and gone.  While I like to think with my movie choices and writing,  I live that 365 days a year,  there is an emptiness when spooky season ends that seems to last a few months.  Trying to keep my mind from the doldrums, I decided to revisit the 1992 sci-fi entry The Lawnmower Man.

Plot: A simple man is turned into a genius through the application of computer. 

This sci-fi entry may appeared dated with the visual effects of 1992, but that does nothing to bring down the truths lining this story.  Technology is our nemesis and in many ways we have behind slaves to the technology.  To me,  this is more of a drama dealing with moral and ethical problems that lie in many parts of science. In some ways,  much of this was demonstrated during the pandemic as many scientists played on their "so called"superiority in knowledges as a way to manipulate the world. Maybe we would have all benefited from watching this one again during those dark days.  But, enough of that rambling.  The performances were outstanding and the storyline was nuanced and true.  Yes,  the visual effects of the day make it feel out of touch, but they were pretty interesting for the day.  If you haven't watched it,  check it out. 

Dracula (1931)

After spending most of my night last night working on my video for the Poe Arts Festival Poetry contest, I decided to jump back into the classics today. My next selection from Shudder was the one that started it all, Dracula from 1931.

Plot/ The ancient vampire Count Dracula arrives in England and begins to prey upon the virtuous young Mina.

For me, this was one of my first horror films that I watched back in my younger days and one that still resonates with me today. While I do love the classic silent unauthorized adaptation Nosferatu, there is something with the adaptation that takes the Bran Stoker story to an all-new level especially when you remember that the movie was made in 1931. Whether it was the amazing performance by Bela Lugosi or the technical vision and work of Tod Browning, this film creates one of the most iconic and memorable films of the history of cinema. Of course, there are other factors that help make this one great. All of the performances are solid and work within the storyline; the setting and cinematography create something dark and atmospheric, and as the first in the run of Universal Monsters the movie allows the rest of the universe grow by laying a tremendous foundation everything that would follow. Yes, the ending is a bit mellow and there are some head-scratching moments, but those do not really hold the movie back in any way. In the end, this movie remains a must see (along with Nosferatu) for fans of the vampire genre and one that stands tall in horror history. If you have not seen it, you are missing out.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Having spent last night with Chucky, I decided that I wanted something completely different tonight. After searching through Shudder, I went for a classic vampire tale in 1979s vampire entry Nosferatu the Vampyre.

Plot/ Count Dracula moves from Transylvania to Wismar, spreading the Black Plague across the land. Only a woman pure of heart can bring an end to his reign of horror.

Wanting a classic vampire tale, this movie seemed like the perfect selection for the evening. Having not seen it in some time, I had forgotten how beautiful this movie was and how well it captured the great story of Dracula. Werner Herzog did a great job at creating a modern version of Murnau's classic Nosferatu, while adding some almost human elements to the Dracula character. The performances are outstanding, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, and there is a subtle calm that ties everything together. Unfortunately, the splendor captured inside those elements do take a small toll on the overall feel of the movie as this one does seem to lack the darker atmosphere of the original, the pacing is slow, and there really are no creepy or frightening moments. Fortunately, when you submerge yourself into the film, those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is a different film than most Dracula interpretations because it shows sadness in the character that usually doesn’t exist. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth watching and an underrated film in Dracula lore.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

After watching Cujo last night, I decided that I needed something different before heading off to bed. Lately, I have been struggling with focus while trying to write and have been searching for something to just start that. Finally, while searching my streaming services, I decided on the 2007 horror musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Plot/ In the Victorian London, the barber Benjamin Barker is married to the gorgeous Lucy and they have a lovely child, Johanna. The beauty of Lucy attracts the attention of the corrupt Judge Turpin, who falsely accuses the barber of a crime that he did not commit and abuses Lucy later after gaining custody of her. After fifteen years in exile, Benjamin returns to London under the new identity of Sweeney Todd, seeking revenge against Turpin.

I will admit, I have a soft spot for musicals, especially if they trend in the direction of horror and this one did not disappoint. Being a Tim Burton movie and featuring Johnny Depp, it was hard to be excited, as their stuff has been hit or miss. Fortunately, this one was a hit and it is well worth watching. This one is a pure musical, but it does a great job at mixing the dark comedy and horror elements in a way that makes it extremely entertaining. The cast is amazing (although, I did feel like it should have been a Harry Potter reunion), Burtons’ imagery and cinematic choices were tight and crafted an atmospheric tale, the artistic elements were flawless, and the graphic horror elements, while brutal and gory, came across in almost a subdued way that fit perfect in this dark world. Yes, being a musical may turn some people off, but honestly, that shouldn’t be a factor as this one is much more than your typical musical. In the end, this is a movie that should be seen, and one that I feel does not get the respect that it deserves. It is everything a horror fan should enjoy and if you have not watched it yet, you are missing out.

The Shelter (2015)

Last night I took a trip in the snow to Family Video in hopes of finding one of the new releases that looked interesting. Unfortunately, the film I was looking for was out. Instead, I decided on the 2015 psychological thriller The Shelter.

Plot/ A homeless man finds shelter for the night within a lavish abandoned two-story house. He eventually discovers that he is not alone and the premises won't let him leave.

When I saw this at Family Video the premise seemed straightforward. However, this movie was nothing like I expected. In fact, The Shelter was much better than I could have imagined. This psychological thriller with supernatural overtones is both thought provoking and intriguing; covering a topic that I am sure many will recognize or potentially struggle with. Not only is the storyline interesting, the atmosphere, the cinematography, and scripting work together to create an enthralling film. Couple that with some solid performances from a minimalist cast (especially Michael Pare) and the movie is well worth your time. In the end, this is one of the better psychological thrillers I have seen in some time. You should check it out.

Embryo (1976)

As the weather turned cold last night, I decided to turn back the clock and watch something from my childhood. No, it isn’t Disney or any type of cartoon (so, my childhood was not normal), it was the 1976 Sci-Fi/Horror flick Embryo.

Plot/ A scientist doing experiments on a human fetus discovers a method to accelerate the fetus into a mature adult in just a few days. However, the "adult" fetus turns into a homicidal psycho and looks for a new formula to prevent her from aging further.

When I saw this one was the part of that movie set, I was interested to see how it stood the test of time. Unfortunately, it did not fair very well, as the technology in the movie was completely outdated. That being said, the idea involved with the storyline (yes, a bit Frankensteinish) being interesting. The cast and performances were solid, the scripting and pacing were on spot, and the effects were better than expected. Yes, the technology (especially the computer) seemed ancient and the ending seemed a bit off, but those flaws were commonplace during the 1970s in smaller budgeted horror. In the end, this one was an entertaining and intriguing movie to look back on. While it is far from perfect and rather tame, it is still worth watching on a cold winters night.

The Garden - Short Story

I see you from a distance and I cannot touch. Oh, how I want to; I crave the life force and nectar you harbor. Your pale skin; your sparkling eyes, my pulse quickens as I stare through the shrouded veil, I can almost taste you. You are close, as I can feel your warmth. Yet, as I reach for you, the emptiness consumes me. You have vanished and my longing continues.

Everyday, it is the same ritual. I sneak upon the luscious garden toward your window. Your stunning beauty transcending the loneliness I feel inside this desolate heart. My hideous appearance drowning any chance I have at capturing a soul as pure as you. Still, I stare into your room, wondering what you are, your thoughts, feelings, and desires fill my void with meaning; fantasizing about a life inside your arms. Again, you vanish. Where have you gone?

Saddened, I return to my lair and stare into my mirror; thoughts, feelings, desires, all betray my eyes. You reach for me, and I return your touch, navigating my way through your warmth. My thoughts mirror yours. Our hearts; souls are the same, our lives entwined. Your commands are my actions and your desires, my eternal light. My destiny lies in your arms.

“No, this cannot be! I am not worthy of your untainted flesh!”

Sorrow engulfs my world, as I know there is only one truth, a fate prophesized at birth. These horns, ears, and my despicable countenance; my divine curse brought forth by evil, but, I long for something more; something real. This is not who I am, not who I will be. I want to love, I want to hold you and consummate all of my dreams. Unfortunately, my mind is opened to my bleak reality; fear and decay creep into my thoughts. I am lost, my existence full of isolation, and I know I will never have you.

I return to your precious garden, today will be the day we finally meet. My arms will soothe your fears and our lives will become one. Again, I reach for you; your soft skin tempting the dark cravings I harbor in my bowels. Your body quivers, as my sharp fingers gently descend toward your depths. I can feel your pulse race as the blood begins to flow down your neck.

After what seems like all perpetuity, our eyes meet. The flames of desire, of passion, blaze fiercely inside your sanctuary. The sanguine pain grasps consumes every inch, ecstasy is near. We are one. Our bodies combined as we drink from the consecrated chalice; dine on the sacred elixir; our secret union at hand, transporting us to forbidden realms of pleasure and pain. You have saved me from perpetual damnation and emptiness. I love you.

Unfortunately, I cannot stay with you my dear, for no one will understand, or accept, our stained visage. But, I will return, and again our souls combine, and our hearts will be as one.

Equals (2015)

With all of the craziness that surrounds us every day, I felt at home watching something based in a dystopian society. Plus, I definitely wanted something different and that is exactly what I found with this one. I imagine this is what Agenda 21 would shape if the future were now. What was that movie? The 2015 Sci-Fi flick Equals.

Plot/ In an emotionless utopia, two people fall in love when they regain their feelings from a mysterious disease, causing tensions between them and their society.

This one was definitely different and a movie that I expected would sit outside my wheelhouse. Fortunately, what I found was something both entertaining, but interesting (at least if you understand the globalist eugenics ideology). While it is not a perfect film with some uneven pacing and sound quality issues, it is a movie that does have a lot to offer. The cinematography and direction do a great job creating a heavy (almost claustrophobic) atmosphere, the performances are solid, and the storyline does an amazing job in creating something that was somewhat surreal especially considering the way the thought police are attempting to create a mindless society devoid of emotion and expression. In the end, this one is much better than I ever expected and created a thought-provoking look at what could be potential reality if the globalists rise to full power.

Across the Universe (2007)

After taking a break from the blog last night, I decided that I needed to watch something extremely different tonight, as I have been overly submerged in darkness for some time not. After some debate, and a quick search of Netflix, I decided on something extremely different, and one of my favorite musicals, Across the Universe from 2007.

Plot/ The music of the Beatles and the Vietnam War form the backdrop for the romance between an upper-class American girl and a poor artist from Liverpool.

As some already may realize, I do have some diverse tastes in my movie selections, and this is one of my favorites that sit outside of the horror or sci-fi genres. While this is not a textbook movie and it has many flaws with some pacing issues, weak character development, and some of it may feel a touch forced, but that does nothing to truly bring down the experience. Yes, it is not perfect, but it is both beautiful and captivating, and features some of the best interpretations of classic Beatles songs that you will find. Couple that with some intense and vivid visuals, an interesting storyline that captured the turmoil of the era, and an emotional tone that will definitely strike a chord with many viewers (but also turn some viewers off). In the end, this may not be the best musical out there, and it may be somewhat polarizing, but if you kick back and embrace the creativity, you will experiences something amazing. Check it out.

41 (2012)

Having taken my final quiz in my class, I decided that I wanted to watch something with a medieval feel. While searching for something in that genre, I stumbled on a time travel flick that I had never heard of. While this film did not take me back to the era that I had hoped for, it was one of the better indie flicks that I have seen in some time. That movie, and my next review, is the 2012 low budget entry 41.

Plot/ A young man discovers a hole in the floor of a local motel that leads to yesterday.

When I stumbled upon this one, I had no idea what to anticipate. What I found was definitely different than what I would have expected, as this one did not play out like any of the typical time travel movies that I have come across. Personally, I love the subject, and believe that we today are living inside some type of time ripple, because that is the only thing that can explain the strange occurrences that are plaguing society. This is an excellent film, that features an intriguing storyline that is both layered and thought provoking, as well as some solid cinematography and a perfect soundtrack the creates an outstanding atmosphere. Yes, the dialog was uneven in spots and some of the scenes felt forced (especially the ones centered on the police), but those flaws were easily overlooked. In the end, this low budget flick was a joy to watch and a movie that should have definitely received more fanfare than it did. Check it out!

Terror in the Haunted House (1958)

As I creep forward transitioning from children’s writing into some of the intricacies of creative writing industry, I decided to kick back and watch something from a much simpler time. After some searching, I decided on Terror in the Haunted House  (AKA My World Dies Screaming) from 1958.

Plot/ A newlywed is terrified when her husband brings her to live in the old house that figures in her recurring nightmare.

As many know, I love going back in time and watching some of the movies that helped shape horror cinema today. While this is not truly a horror movie (yes, it does have the Psycho Rama Subliminal Messages), it is an interesting movie to watch. The acting is solid (especially for the era), the storyline is entertaining, and the soundtrack fits in perfectly. Sure, it is not scary in any way and is quite tame by today’s standards, but it is an entertaining way to revisit some of the B-movies that made the genre great. In the end, if you are searching for something to pass a few moments and love the movies of the 1950s, give it a shot. You could definitely do much worse.

Soaked in Bleach (2015)

This week has been a bit of a challenge, between a parade and softball batting practice, it has been a busy one. Plus, I had to finish off my journey into American Horror Story Coven (another amazing entry). Now that I have some time to relax as I prepare to work on one of my final assignments for class, I decided to find some type of thought provoking movie. After some searching, I found an interesting documentary, the 2015 docudrama Soaked in Bleach.

Plot/ Tom Grant, a private investigator once hired by Courtney Love, reveals his take on the death of Kurt Cobain.

I can still remember hearing the news about Kurt Cobain’s suicide and I could not believe it. Even after all these years, there is something that just doesn’t make sense about the death and I honestly do not believe that he committed suicide. This documentary was an amazing journey into that case, and again shows enough evidence to prompt a new investigation into the tragic death of a rock icon. There was so much to like about this documentary, as everything seemed to flow in a logical manner. A combination of reenactments and playbacks of the actual audio recordings taken by private investigator Tom Grant during the investigation, the information presented was powerful and definitely presents the suicide in a different light. In the end, there is no doubt that this case muse be reopened, as there are too many flaws in the reported storyline. If, like me, you were a fan of Nirvana and can remember where you were when this tragedy was reported, you have to watch this documentary. It is a must see, and one of the best documentaries I have seen in some time.

Veronika Decides to Die (2009)

As many readers know, I so not usually venture into the world of straight dramas. While I have nothing against them, there is just something more in my wheelhouse that I discover. Sometimes, I do decide to venture down that path if I see something interesting. That was the case the other day, when I came across the 2009 drama Veronika Decides to Die.

Plot/ After a frantic suicide attempt, Veronika awakens inside a mysterious mental asylum. Under the supervision of an unorthodox psychiatrist who specializes in controversial treatment, Veronika learns that she has only weeks to live.

Yes, this is not my usual type of film, but what can I say, I am a fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar, and this one caught my eye with an interesting description. While I have never read the source material, after watching this and seeing the layered characters and storyline, I would like to assume that it is a decent adaption. Everything works in this one, as the performances are solid, the storyline simple yet interesting, and the characterizations and cinematography are both awesome. Yes, there are a few issues with audio, but those are really a non-issue. In the end, this is a outstanding and entertaining drama that has a very smart and focused message. If you enjoy compelling drama, give this one a shot.

Honeymoon (2014)

After taking a couple days off to get in some fishing with the opening of trout season, a ton of homework in my world building class, and my goal of completing NaPoWriMo drowning my creativity, it was finally time to get back into the swing of the blog. While I have a few movies I still want to see, I finally got a chance to catch one that has seemed interesting in different trailers I see, 2014s Honeymoon.

Plot/ Young newlyweds Paul and Bea travel to remote lake country for their honeymoon. Shortly after arriving, Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle of the night. As she becomes more distant and her behavior increasingly peculiar, Paul begins to suspect something more sinister than sleepwalking took place in the woods.

When I finally sat down to watch this, what I found was not what I was expecting. Is that a bad thing? Not in this case, in fact, this slow-building horror flick does a great job at developing the layered storyline in a methodical way that allows the atmosphere to build. To pull this off, the performances had to be great with such a small cast, and they were. Between the outstanding performances, building tension, and an interesting story, this one had just the right mixture to be successful. Yes, the dialog was a touch uneven, and there were some head-scratching moments, but those did little to bring this film down. In the end, this is an entertaining trip into the woods that is better than a lot of the larger budgeted films in the genre. If you have not seen it, check it out!