Mother of Tears (2007)

I sat down to find something to watch earlier after deciding to end my Hellraiser marathon and decided to give Tubi a try and I have to say,  I'm hooked.  After searching through their titles,  I decided on the finale of Dario Argento's Three Mothers Trilogy, 2007s Mother of Tears.

Plot: Grisly deaths await Italian citizens after an archaeology student (Asia Argento) accidentally releases a demonic witch from her ancient prison.

Let me start with the typical this one isn't for everyone, especially those looking for an Argento classic or something remotely close to the groundbreaking horror that put him on the map.  This definitely isn't they.  Although,  there are some good elements that can remind you of that era. The stylistic colors,  the soundtrack,  and even some of the pacing definitely have that feel. Even the gore is over the top,  like many of the Italian horror classics. What this one lacks is a solid script and is a bit disjointed with uneven performances.  Of the three movies,  this one is definitely is definitely my least favorite. Is it worth watching? Possibly,  if you are like me and wanted to finish the Trilogy,  it's a must. Other than that,  there are better Argento entries. 

The Mummy (1932)

After watching an entire series last night in Lore, I decided that I wanted to go back to the roots of horror for my next movie and review. My viewing choice for the evening is the 1932 Universal Studios classic The Mummy.

Plot/ In 1921 a field expedition in Egypt discovers the mummy of ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who was condemned and buried alive for sacrilege. Also found in the tomb is the Scroll of Thoth, which can bring the dead back to life. One night a young member of the expedition reads the Scroll aloud, and then goes insane, realizing that he has brought Im-Ho-Tep back to life. Ten years later, disguised as a modern Egyptian, the mummy attempts to reunite with his lost love, an ancient princess who has been reincarnated into a beautiful young woman.

People who suffered through the latest reboot of The Mummy should definitely head over to Shudder and revisit the 1932 Universal Studios classic to burn the modern monstrosity out of their minds. While this is not a straight horror film with it actually feeling more like a gothic romance/drama only in a different location, it does have all the elements needed to make it an entertaining and memorable trip into darkness. This movie screams atmosphere and creates a dreamlike state that takes the viewer to a different place. The performances are outstanding, especially horror icon Boris Karloff in one of his most memorable characters, what little make-up effects that are used are tremendous, and the cinematography, setting, and the set pieces are remarkable. Of course, many viewers that watch this will not like the slower pace and lack of action, but those elements just help bring the story to life in a way that ties the entire movie together. In the end, this may be one of the most subdued horror films from that early 1930s Universal catalog, but it is still an amazing watch. If you have not seen it, there is no way you can call yourself a true horror fan. Head over to Shudder and watch it. It is a must see.

Manhattan Baby (1982)

After spending last night with Lucio Fulci, I decided to go back into his mind for an encore. After some debate, I decided on the 1982 entry Manhattan Baby.

Plot/ An archaeologist opens an Egyptian tomb and accidentally releases an evil spirit. His young daughter becomes possessed by the freed entity and upon arrival back in New York the gory murders begin.

While this isn’t a great movie or even anything close to Lucio Fulci's best work, there is something in this one that always makes me want to see more. Not a typical Fulci gorefest, this one is definitely closer to an atmospheric thriller than true horror film. As usual, it does suffer from some of the typical issues that seem to permeate most films by Fulci with slower pacing, underdeveloped characterizations, and uneven performances. Plus, the movie does feel a bit dated, but that too should be expected with it being filmed in the early 1980s. Fortunately, if you are a fan of his work, you should already be expecting this. This one does offer an interesting (sure, unbelievable) storyline, a tremendously dark and heavy atmosphere, and a perfectly matched gothic soundtrack that helps build the tension. In the end, this one may not be his best work, but it is still an entertaining (and polarizing) journey into the world of Fulci. If you have not seen it, you should give it a shot.

American Mummy (2014)

After spending yesterday with the family, I figured that it would be a good time to jump back into the blog with another low budget entry that I grabbed at Family Video. That selection is the 2014 entry American Mummy (AKA Aztec Blood)

Plot/ A group of university students in the New Mexico desert unearth an ancient mummy, on which one of the students performs a secret, primeval blood ritual. This awakens the death-hungry spirit of the Aztec Lord Tezcalipoca, intent on finishing his centuries-old reign of terror. Soon, the mummy's curse possesses the students' souls, turning them against each other in a bid to spread his evil to the entire world.

When I picked this one up, I expected a low budget, mindless horror flick and that is exactly what I got. This one was extremely laughable from start to finish with uneven performances, strange soundtrack choices, an incoherent storyline that was a head scratcher at best, and a script that not only left many things unexplained created some weird dialog choices. Yes, there was gore and blood, but even the overall feel of the effects was nothing memorable or to write home about. In the end, I can look past the titling and the description (although keeping the title Aztec Blood would make more sense), but the execution was not there even for a low budget flick. Honestly, this one felt more like a school project that a true production. Stay away, you can definitely do much better.

AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After having an enjoyable birthday dinner last night, I decided to bypass the blog (and twitter) for most of the day today. But, that could only last for so long, and I decided that it was time to enjoy some type of sci-fi/horror flick for the evening. After some debate, I decided to breakdown and watch the 2004 entry AVP: Alien vs. Predator to see two of my favorite characters in action.

Plot/ During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realizes that only one species can win.

I have stayed away from this movie for some time because I had a feeling that I would be disappointed by the results. While I was not very disappointed, I was not overwhelmed either. In fact, while there were some positive aspects, I could not help but think that this could have been better if it would have pushed past the PG-13 threshold into an R category. I did enjoy the storyline, some of the visuals, and the cinematography and pacing, and felt it was really well done. Unfortunately, scripting was an issue where the characters felt flat and much of the dialog was beyond forgettable. In the end, this was not a terrible movie, it just did not move me as much as I expected. If you have not seen it and are a fan of the two franchises, give it a shot. However, unless you are looking for a flick to introduce a younger generation to these classic creatures, stay away.

Frankenstein vs. The Mummy (2015)

This has been a long day. While the Nightmares first tournament at Thiel was a mixed bag and at times frustrating, the girls definitely got better as the day progressed and put up an outstanding battle with in the knockout round. With five hours of driving, and five hours of softball behind me, I needed a mindless break. After some searching, I settled on the 2015 monster flick, Frankenstein vs. The Mummy.

Plot/ The mummy of a cursed pharaoh and a reanimated corpse terrorize a medical university. Only an Egyptologist and a college professor, the deranged Dr. Frankenstein, may be able to stop the creatures before it is too late.

I honestly did not expect much from this one, and that is exactly what I got. Unfortunately, my selection for mindless horror was not a tight 90 minutes, and it was definitely longer than it should have been. Yes, there were some decent effects that were better than CGI and the quick mention of ancient alien theory was nice, but that was about it. The scripting and characters were flat, the horror sequences were not memorable, and the performances were average. In the end, this film is one that did help pass my evening, but it is also one that I will likely forget by the morning. Unless you have no other choices, you may want to pass on this one.

The Pyramid (2014)

It is funny; I often watch some movies that I know are going to bad. Unfortunately, there are also times when movies I am excited about, fall into this same type category. When that happens, it frustrates me to no end. One of those movies is my next flick up for review, the 214 creature feature The Pyramid.

Plot/ An archaeological team attempts to unlock the secrets of a lost pyramid only to find themselves hunted by an insidious creature.

Being a huge fan of archaeology, and often immersing myself in research of ancient civilizations, I was looking forward to this film when I saw the previews. Unfortunately, what I found when finally entering the world was nowhere near, what I expected (or hoped for). While this movie appeared to have a tremendous amount of potential, it fell short of achieving all that it could. Between uneven performances, flat characters, subpar CGI, and a script riddled with clichéd moments, it was actually hard to watch. At times, I felt like I should just shut it off, as that would have been a better outcome. Even the creature came off as just plain bad, destroying any hope of a satisfactory ending. In the end, this was a very disappointing film and one that I should have ignored. Stay away; there are much better options out there.

Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse (2014)

Last night, I spent relaxing (and finishing some physics homework) and had no motivation to hit the blog. By now, everyone has probably heard about the passing of Sci-Fi icon Leonard Nimoy. For me, he not only etched his way into my mind as Spock, it was his work on In Search Of that sparked my interest into the unexplained. He will definitely be missed. #LLAP  - Now to the blog, next up is the 2014 made for television disaster flick Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse.

Plot/ When a mysterious planet crosses the sun global catastrophes are unleashed. A rogue scientist is the key to deciphering the symbols and humanity's only chance at survival.

Yes, I knew exactly what I was in for when I started watching this one: a predictable, CGI filled, made for television disaster flick, and that is exactly what I got. I did find the subject matter interesting; the theory of Nibiru or Planet X causing major disasters has been growing for decades. Ironically, it is popping up more and more into pop culture, even making its way into the last Star Trek movie. Unfortunately, the characters were flat, the CGI sloppy, and the scripting and performances were uneven at best. In the end, while this one offers nothing really new and is rather unbelievable (a car outrunning a tsunami), it is a mindless trip toward the apocalypse and perfect for background fodder when working on something.

Creature (1985)

After spending most of my evening last night diving into archetypes and mythology for my college class, I decided that I needed something mindless to free my mind. To take care of that I found a piece of low budget 1980s Sci-Fi/Horror that hit the spot. What was that flick? It was the 1985 cheesefest Creature (AKA The Titan Find).

Plot/ An expedition to Titan uncovers an alien being, that goes on a rampage.

Is there anything better than 1980s Sci-Fi cheesiness? Well, technically most things are better, but this is a world all its own and one that is perfect for a mindless afternoon of blood and guts. Creature screams 80s, complete with the uneven script, clichéd moments, and large-scale gore. Yes, it is not perfect, but it does have some solid performances, an outstanding score, and some of the best over the top low budget gore from the era. In the end, this may not be the most memorable film from this genre, but it is a fun and mindless romp into the deep regions of space. If you love gorefest from the 1980s, you should definitely give it a shot.

As Above, So Below (2014)

After a big budget blockbuster (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) and something lower budgeted (The Final Showing), it was time to venture into something a touch darker. The next movie up for review is the 2014 mystery / thriller As Above, So Below.

Plot/ When a team of explorers’ ventures into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.

This was a movie that I really wanted to see, so I had to grab it when it came out onto DVD. When I finally got the chance, I was not disappointed. While I did see some clichéd moments, for the most part, it was an interesting flick with some originality. Personally, I loved the cinematography and the location; ancient catacombs have always fascinated me. Couple the interesting setting with a claustrophobic atmosphere and some intriguing mythology and this was an entertaining adventure flick with some dark and supernatural elements. Yes, there was a lot that was too over-the-top and felt forced, and the performances and plot were uneven, but that did not take away from the overall feel. In the end, this may not have been the greatest movie out there, but it was darkly entertaining and should be seen.  

Ragnarok (2013)

After a night away from the computer as I prepared for Thanksgiving, I decided to jump back into it with something a touch different. Of course, I also wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, as I hope everyone is safe and sound. As we move deeper into the holiday season, there is always a feeling of hope that rises, and I think 2014 will bring out those same feelings. Next up for review is the 2013 Norwegian film Ragnarok.

Plot/ The ancient and modern worlds collide when archaeologist Sigurd Svendsen finds the true meaning of the secret runes found in the Oseberg ship.

Every once in a while I venture into films from other countries to see how they bring their stories to life. Yes, I will have to deal with subtitles, but I often find it interesting to see how the dialog develops. That was the case with this one, and I left it satisfied and enlightened. A mixture of many family adventures (Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones), this movie has some solid performances, an interesting story, and some decent effects. Sure, there are some plot holes, and with the subtitles, you have to pay attention, but that was just fine (except for the daughters who lost interest). In the end, this is far from a great movie, but it is an entertaining family action and adventure flick. If you enjoy foreign films and subtitles, give it a shot, it is a solid entry into the genre.

Stargate (1994)

Over the past few days, I have been part of some interesting conversations on Nibiru and hollow earth. While both subjects are fascinating, they are no more fascinating than our own ancient histories, where cultures such as the Egyptians and Mayans create intricate artifacts that have stood the test of time. How did they accomplish that? Who really knows, but Stargate (1994) does venture into one possibility.

Plot/ An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra.

Stargate is such an amazing story and does provide a science fiction explanation to some of the real life mysteries that haunt our ancient past. While there is an interesting and layered plot, some solid performances and the cinematography and score blend together in a seamless fashion, it is the historic detains of the story that draw me in every time. As a researcher, the potential questions (and answers) it brings to life makes it a must see, Plus, the action and atmosphere are not bad either. Sure, if you are closed minded, it may not appeal to you as it does to me because you must suspend reality to accept the possibilities, but that is part of the realm of science fiction that makes the genre amazing. In the end, this movie may not be for everyone, but if you are open minded and love plot driven science fiction this one is for you. Give it a shot!

DeepStar Six (1989)

With last weeks, math homework in the rearview and a couple days until my next assignment is due, I decided to just kick back and relax. Of course, it does help that my crusader kicked Diablo’s ass last night and I am now headed to destroy the reaper of souls. With that extra time, I decided to go retro for a couple movies, starting with the 1989 deep-sea flick DeepStar Six.

Plot/ At the bottom of the ocean, the DeepStar Six has just discovered a new and deadly alien menace.

So, I have been in a retro mood this weekend and decided to give this one another shot after quite some time. Honestly, what I found surprised me, as the movie was actually a lot better than I remembered. The acting is solid, the storyline clichéd but interesting, and the mixture of story and action was pretty good. Sure, there were some characterization issues, the creature was absolutely horrid, and some of it felt dated, but it definitely held up better than some of the creature features from the past. In the end, this one is definitely worth revisiting if you have not seen it in some time; it is an entertaining and dark trip to the bottom of the sea that should be seen.

Legend of Hell (2012)

After Knights of Badassdom, I was in a medieval mood and wanted to enjoy something else from that genre. After a walk through Family Video, I found what I hoped would be a perfect serious compliment. That movie was the 2012 German entry Legend of Hell.   

Plot/ An archaeologist discovers an ancient artifact and scroll that starts a series of events that kills her several times over in various time periods, past lives and locations. It seems that the artifact and scroll are linked to a gateway to hell. Various hellish creatures pour in throughout history, it looks like the gateway has been opened. The archaeologist teams up with warriors and guides from the past to try to close the gate.

This was another movie that I had never heard of but was swayed to rent it by the cover. Having recently entered into a few Knights Templar discussions, it struck a cord. Unfortunately, I should have stopped there; I may have been better off. Sure, this movie is not terrible; it is just not very good. The storyline has some interesting moments, but not enough to save it. The acting is uneven, the effects good and bad, the characters flat, and there is truly nothing new. Yes, there are some good battle scenes and some decent gore, but that is about it. In the end, nothing inside this movie makes it jump out. As with any movie, there are some entertaining moments, but too often the slow pacing and confusing storyline get in the way. There are definitely better choices out there.