Gammera the Invincible (1966)

All right, I had planned to review a film that I rented at Family Video, however, that movie was even worse than some of my latest selections. Needing to clear my mind, I decided to head back into some of the schlockfests that came with my 12 Creature Features set, after some debate, I decided on the 1966 American release Gammera the Invincible.

Plot/ An atomic explosion awakens Gammera--a giant, fire-breathing turtle monster--from his millions of years of hibernation. Enraged at being roused from such a sound sleep, he takes it out on Tokyo.

Fans of no-budget monster flicks from the 1960s and 70s should already know what expect from this one; a lower budgeted Godzilla type flick full of cheese and schlock. In fact, this one offers that and more. Yes, there are the cheesy effects with a rubber suit and miniature cities, the storyline is unfathomable and hilarious, the dialog and dubbing while bad and uneven make this one extremely entertaining and laughable. Plus, the soundtrack is awesome and the Cold War tensions are perfect! Of course, for non-fans of this genre, they will say this is a miserable movie with very few redeemable qualities; to them, I say grab some popcorn and free your mind. In the end, technically, there are definitely many flaws, but then again, that was part of the charm of these movies when watching them on the Saturday morning creature features on a UHF channel. If you are from that generation, you should definitely agree with me on that. This one is easy to find in the bargain bins, find it and check it out.

Red Planet Mars (1952)

After watching Slugs last night, I decided that I wanted to watch some type of classic sci-fi tale. After some searching, I settled on the 1952 entry Red Planet Mars.

Plot/ An American scientist is able to contact and communicate with Mars with shattering political, economic, and spiritual repercussions.

This one is an entertaining and interesting film that is definitely more of an intellectual drama than a pure sci-fi flick. Released during the early part of the Cold War, the sentiments of the day with the communist hysteria is evident throughout. Hell, this could have been one of the flicks that educated McCain and Feinstein on the Russian threat. The acting is solid, the cinematography excellent, and the storyline does have some twists that make it a fun watch. Yes, there are some strong religious overtones, there are no real action sequences or effects, and the flow is a touch choppy, but those are not deal breakers. In the end, this was a fun watch and a movie that does embrace the thoughts and attitudes of that era. Not for everyone, but a movie that should be seen.

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

I have taken a few days off from the blog researching into a couple of topics (conspiracies) over the past week. While I did not find any new revelations, I did find a few tidbits that may prove interesting. During this period, I did catch a couple movies. One of the first was the 2007 entry Charlie Wilson’s War.

Plot/ A drama based on a Texas congressional representative Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

I sat down to watch this one because I wanted to see how Hollywood portrayed this time in history. Of course, what they created was a one-sided piece of propaganda that does not provide a clear narrative on the aspects of this period that still haunts us today. The overall depiction of the Russian army is quite atrocious. While I am not saying they were great or saints, they were also not quite the bloodthirsty rapists that were depicted. Plus, the movie never truly reveals the truth about the Mujahedin (or gives even a hint that they would become al Qaeda). With the way paragraphs can be added to the visual effects, Being loosely based on a true story and book, Hollywood should have informed viewers of this fact before the end credits (but, I understand that does not meet the propaganda aspects I am sure Hollywood was going for). Yes, the acting, cast, and scripting was solid (especially Phillip Seymour Hoffman), but overall the movie fails to take advantage of those elements by creating a one-sided and inaccurate account of history and a film that should be considered demeaning to women. In the end, like many films that deal with history, the liberties taken to create a singularly focused narrative distort reality. Sure, it has its moments, but it should not be taken seriously in any way.

Alien Agenda: Project Grey (2007)

It was so nice to finally have an evening at the house with nothing keeping me out until all hours. Over the past two weeks, it feels like there has been something everyday from band concerts, to Christmas parties, to working late, it has been a challenge. Tonight was different, and not only did I have a chance to watch some Agents of SHIELD, I was able to catch a low budget flick: 2007s Alien Agenda: Project Grey.  

Plot/ Dr. Schroder listens to her criminally insane patient as he recounts the story of the murder of his four friends. A story of infidelity, jealousy, and revenge takes a strange turn revealing an alien agenda. Chip implants, government mind control, Russian military, and alien visitors, form the puzzle pieces of this science fiction thriller. A search for the answers leads to the truth.

Although I have been caught up in the world of S.H.I.E.L.D lately and there are some alien overtones, I have honestly been in the mood to see some type of alien related flick. That is what I found with this one on HULU. A no-budget indie flick, this one is definitely far from perfect, but it did have some interesting aspects that at least kept me entertained. The storyline is interesting and there were some solid moments, the soundtrack was outstanding, and there were some intriguing cinematography aspects that seemed to work better than expected. Sure, the dialog and acting was a touch uneven, and the CGI effects and some scene transitions were laughable at best, but that did not destroy the movie. In the end, I understand that this low budget entry will not be for everyone, but it does have some entertaining moments. While not a masterpiece, if you enter into it with low expectations like I did, you could be surprised.

Devil's Pass (2013)

After taking off a night from the blog, I decided that it was time to get back at it. With Bren and the girls out of town, I had a chance to watch multiple flicks last night, so I did. Yes, I am a horror geek with nothing better to do. The first flick I watched was the 2013 entry Devil's Pass (AKA The Dyatlov Pass Incident)

Plot/ Five young filmmakers retrace the steps of a doomed group of hikers in pursuit of an unsolvable mystery.

I figured this would be a found footage flick, so I knew what to expect. While it was, there were many shots that were much better quality than the typical found footage movie, something that was a surprise. The storyline was interesting, especially the reference to the Philadelphia Experiment, I did not see that coming and there were some decent creatures for this type of flick. Yes, there were some plot holes and some of the characterizations that left a bit to be desired, but that was fine. In all, it was one of the more interesting (albeit cliched) found footage movies I have seen in some time and an entertaining one at that. Sure, it was not a true horror documentary, but it is an interesting take on a fascinating and tragic true story.  Check it out. 

Frankenstein's Army (2013)

Every once in a while I stumble upon a flick that has an interesting look and draws me in. That was the case with my next selection Frankenstein’s Army. Honestly, who would not want to see Dr. Frankenstein creating some steampunk creatures supported by Hitler’s Naziwar machine…  

Plot/ Toward the end of World War II, Russian soldiers pushing into eastern Germany stumble across a secret Nazi lab, one that has unearthed and begun experimenting with the journal of one Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The scientists have used the legendary Frankenstein's work to assemble an army of super-soldiers stitched together from the body parts of their fallen comrades -- a desperate Hitler's last ghastly ploy to escape defeat.

As a found footage flick, it is one of the better ones, and it actually works well with the storyline. While there are some clichéd moments, there was a lot to like with the movie, especially with the steampunk influenced creatures that were lurking around every corner. To me, that was the entire draw to the film, the costuming and make-up effects were incredible and the idea behind the storyline works. Yes, the acting is so-so and the movie would have been much better without the first-person hand-held camera perspectives (especially the imitation WW II era film effects) utilizing traditional camera techniques instead, but those facts do not totally sink the flick. In the end, this is not a perfect flick, but it is creative and has a visually intriguing feel and it is entertaining. It may not be for everyone, but it is one interesting take on the story of Frankenstein, Hitler and his Nazi monsters that were a plague on society.  

The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008)

Having children, it is hard for them to sometimes pick-up the television references I occasionally throw out there, especially if it comes from one of my favorite shows. That is why, I always try to get them to watch those shows. One of my favorites was the great Fox series the X-Files. While watching the series has been difficult for them, I decided to go a different route, to the 2008 movie X-Files: I Want to Believe.

Plot/ Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent.

When I first watched this flick when it came out, I was a bit disappointed. However, now five-years later, I find it an extremely entertaining and thought provoking film. Not only do they touch on some very deep and dark subject matters, they did a great job at expanding the X-Files mythos. Yes, there are things that could have been done differently, but this movie kept the characters at the heart and used the mysterious elements as a backdrop. The acting is solid, the scripting decent, and the idea is sound. Sure, the storyline could have been tighter, some of the side characters expanded, but the real flaw is the lack of a true back storyline. Yes, fans will know the X-Files series, but this was well removed and some may have this as an initial introduction.  In the end, this was a entertaining movie and one that is much better today than when released. Give it a chance. 

Fangoria Presents: Entity (2012)

Earlier today, I decided to head to the Family Video to pick up some movies for the weekend. Upon my departure, I was given a mandate to focus on supernatural horror, as the life-like horror I have picked up recently has struck a nerve in the house. While walking around, I stumbled upon a couple interesting flicks, one being Entity from Fangoria Presents.

Plot/ In 1998, thirty four unidentified bodies were found in shallow graves in a remote Siberian forest. After subsequent investigations, no official explanation by the Russian authorities was ever offered about the circumstances of the deaths. The case was closed. In 2010, a small TV crew set out for the Siberian forest Nothing was heard from them again.

After the opening sequence, I expect a lot more. Now, do not take that wrong, this is not a terrible flick, I had just wanted more. While this is not totally a found-footage flick, it does have those elements at times, and they are actually used in the right manner. This is an interesting story, and one that seemed a lot more layered than some films in the same vein. The acting was solid, the scenery and scripting worked and the cinematography was well done. Unfortunately, the audio quality of the copy I watched was very sub par, which made it difficult to hear at times, there are some typical stereotypes in play, and the movie lacked an abundance of scares. In the end, this will be a polarizing flick for many. Yes, this movie may lack gore and over the top violence, but it is an interesting take on a psychic driven supernatural flick and one that is worth watching. 

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.

Chernobyl Diaries (2012)

 

After a long strange day where I felt void of energy, I found myself very unmotivated. Honestly, part of me wanted to dive something conspiracy driven, something that maybe I could look into as a side research project. Unfortunately, I did not even have that in me. So, instead of something conspiracy driven, I decided on the 2012 disaster driven Chernobyl Diaries.

 

 

Plot/ Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone.

 

 

 

I knew going into watching this one that there was no way that the idea or potential of this flick would be far greater than reality. Seriously, the real visuals from this devastated area are extremely surreal and creepy, and although it makes the perfect backdrop for a movie, it will be difficult in capturing on film. That is the case with this one; there is so much inherent potential within the idea, that there is no way to match it. More of a thriller that horror flick, there are some solid moments in this one. Yes, the acting is so-so, the characters unlikable, the scripting uneven and there next to no suspense or gore, but there is a creepiness that does come through. Sure, this one is not for everyone, but it is also not the worst choice out there.