Lulu (1978)

Last night as I was waiting on The Ringmaster’s Realm to receive its millionth page view, I stumbled on a movie that I had heard about for quite some time and the influence it had on both cinema and music. In fact, one band that I listen to, The Tiger Lillies, wrote an entire album based on the original stage production that predated this film. That movie is the 1978 entry, Lulu.

Plot/ This highly stylized melodrama of the rise of a femme fatale and her fate at the hands of Jack the Ripper.

While I had heard of this film (and stage production), I had never been lucky enough to see it. Last night I was finally able to watch this one, and I am more than happy that I did. Yes, this is definitely not my usual genre; I was blown away by the depths of the film and can see how it has influenced decades of writers and filmmakers. This highly stylized does a tremendous job blending different eras of film and stage, using a solid mixture of silent film cards, soundscapes, colorization, and even opera music to create an atmosphere that is dark, entertaining, and memorable. Plus, anything that had Jack the Ripper in it cannot be bad (right?). Sure, the movie is more art house cinema than mainstream and it does not fit into any specific genre, but that adds to the overall satisfaction found when watching it. In the end, this film is unquestionably worth watching if you are willing to step outside the box and embrace the experience. This one is definitely not for everyone, but it really hit home with me. I loved it.

Shivers (1975)

Over the past few days, I have watched a wide variety of stuff. Sometimes, I get in these moods, and cannot figure out exactly what I am in the mood for. This has definitely been one of those periods. Of course, it is likely the math, I hate math. One of the more interesting films I have watched over this period is the 1975 exploitation horror flick Shivers (AKA They Came From Within); the movie that in many ways created a cinematic legend.

Plot/ The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact.

Shivers was an interesting film with a fascinating mixture of sexual indulgence and zombielike overtones. Truly, it was a film that fit in the middle of the low budget exploitation movement of the time ad should be viewed as such. Amazingly, writer /director David Cronenberg knew little about the filmmaking profession, yet created a piece that demonstrated the skills (and thematic elements) that would make him a household name. The film is definitely uneven, with some so-so acting, incoherent moments, and low budget quality, but that does not matter when you immerse yourself into the storyline and remember that this movie predated the anti-sex craze and viral epidemics that plagued the world in the late 1970s to early 1980s. In the end, this early Cronenberg piece may not be perfect, but it is one of the more influential films in his catalog. Not for everyone, so be warned, but it is a movie that should be seen.

Wrath of the Crows (2013)

This has been a long week as the quarter came to an end at the institute and another class has graduated. This one was one of the better classes and was a constant source of entertainment. I will definitely miss them. Now, catching up on some more of the movies from the weekend, next up, 2013s Wrath of the Crows.

Plot/ In a dirty, squalid narrow jail, prisoners are forced to suffer injustices both from their guards and the ruling officer. Feared by all, however, is a man nobody there has ever seen -The Judge. When new prisoner Princess arrives, seemingly out of nowhere and dressed only in a crow's feathers coat, her radiating and sensual appearance begins to cause curiosity but also envy, suspicion, and a deep sexual agitation.

Wrath of the Crows is an interesting film and was nothing like I expected. Yes, I will admit that the cast, who backed up their name recognition with some solid performances, drew me in. There is a lot to like in this one besides the performances. The atmosphere is dark and moody; the visuals work really well, and there is solid mixture of suspense, tension, gore, and violence to make every horror fan smile. Yes, there were some incoherent moments that required you to pay attention, but that is bit a small flaw. In the end, this was one of the more entertaining and satisfying horror flicks I have seen in some time and one that I may actually watch again in a few days to ensure I digested all of it. Check it out!

Argento's Dracula (2012)

Last night I was a bit disappointed with my movie selection. While the case sounded interesting, it did not in any way live up to the description. For tonight, I was able to pick up one that I know will have some schlock moments, the 2012 Dario Argento 3D adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic, Dracula.

Plot/ It has been 400 years since Count Dracula's beloved Dolingen De Gratz passed away, leaving the immortal bloodsucker forever abandoned. But when he discovers that local newlywed Mina Harker bears a striking resemblance, Dracula embarks on a bloody quest to reunite with his long lost love and live forever with her in hellish immortality. Only the arrival of vampire expert Abraham Van Helsing can put an end to the unholy plan.

Dario Argento's Dracula is an interesting watch for many different reasons. While, I am not sure exactly what direction the film was intended to take, it did have some entertaining moments. Almost an homage to the classic exploitation flicks of the 1970s, this one feels like it is better suited for time. This is far from Argento's best, although it does boat a sexy edge, some decent gore and an awesome soundtrack. Unfortunately, between the horrible CGI, the choppy editing, uneven performances, and slow pacing, this one leaves a lot to be desired. In the end, this unneeded adaptation of Dracula does have some fun moments that did remind me of my youth, but those are nowhere near enough for me to go out and recommend this one to everyone. Sure, there are worse versions out there, but that is expected with a classic tale. Unless you are a serious Argento fan, it may be better to just stay clear.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Every once in a while there are movies that you just want to watch again. Of course, the reasons why may vary. That is the case with my next selection, Eyes Wide Shut. As icon Stanley Kubricks’ last film, there are so many different theories out there that remain unanswered due to his untimely death, and it is fun to watch, and re-watch this flick to see if any clues can be found.  

Plot/ A New York City doctor, who is married to an art curator, pushes himself on a harrowing and dangerous nightlong odyssey of sexual and moral discovery after his wife admits that she once almost cheated on him.

  

It is funny, this movie seems to pop up in many different arenas and conversations, and no, I really do not believe that it got Kubrick killed (could have, but…). Now after watching it again, it was definitely a lot better this time than when I watched it the first time years ago. There is no doubt that this is a Kubrick film, it had his attitude, atmosphere and edge. The storyline was interesting, the acting solid, the soundtrack amazing, and as always, the cinematography and direction were spot on. More importantly, it was a thought provoking movie, something that rarely exists anymore. In the end, this Kubrick entry is not for everyone, but it is a movie that should be seen and understood, of course the understanding may come at some later point. Check it out!

Dressed to Kill (1980)

After taking a few days off to work on some different prospects, it was time to jump back into some reviews. To me, it is often a challenge to find something fun and intriguing to watch, as much of today’s horror is so uninspired or rehashed, there is always hope though. In the end, I decided to take a trip back a few decades and watch the classic thriller Dressed to Kill from 1980.

Plot/ A mysterious, tall blonde woman, wearing dark sunglasses murders one of a psychiatrist's patients, and now she goes after the high-priced call girl who witnessed the murder.

I remember when this one originally came out and the stir it caused with some of the erotic elements that were littered throughout. Today, many of these elements are still visible as the film aged extremely well. While many say this is a Hitchcock rip-off, and there are some similarities, I feel an overwhelming nod to the classic giallo’s of Argento. The stylistic camera angles, the lack of dialogue with an atmospheric score, and some artistic uses of blood and camera effects make this extremely enjoyable. More importantly, the acting, characters and storyline really work together. In the end, this is clearly one of the better thrillers from the 1980s, and a movie that must be seen. 

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. 

Sacred Flesh (2000)

  

After spending yesterday dissecting the kitchen, I decided to take a break today and relax with some Netflix. I have been spending time engrossed in the original Kolchak: The Night Stalker, I decided to venture into something else. My choice for the morning was some nunsploitation in 2000s Sacred Flesh.

Plot/ A number of people who have devoted their lives to God find themselves undone by desires of the flesh in this unusual erotic drama. The abbess of a convent invites the leader of a group of monks to visit her and offer needed advice. A wave of sexual temptation has begun to flood the convent, with the Mother Superior aving bizarre sexual fantasies about Mary Magdalene, and many of the other nuns suddenly attracted to each other.

This was an interesting flick and one that helped pass 73 minutes with ease. Now, I am not saying this was a good flick by any means, and honestly, if you are not a huge fan of nunsploitation, you should not even give this one a second glance. This semi-porn plays on the look of the nuns and the erotic moments they create and nothing else. The plot is incoherent; the script ridiculous, there is little to no atmosphere and the timeframe does not match the storyline.  In fact, other than some appealing sex scenes and a large amount of nude nuns, there is really nothing here. In the end, this piece is for fans of nunsploitation, if you do not know what that is, just stay far away.

Nude Nuns With Big Guns (2010)

After watching Human Centipede 2, I decided I needed something mindless to get some of those visuals out of my head. Yes, there are many choices out there, but I needed something that had just enough sex, violence and nudity to clearly give me a new visual. After some debate, my selection was 2010s Nude Nuns With Big Guns.

Plot/ Upon taking her vows to become a nun, Sister Sarah is abused, brainwashed and drugged into submission by the corrupt clergy. On the verge of death from a lethal dose of drugs, Sister Sarah receives a message from GOD telling her to take vengeance on all those who did her wrong. Armed with God's will and an arsenal of big guns, she dispenses Judgment Day on her former tormentors.

OK, if you have read the title of this flick, you should already know what to expect. Nude Nuns with Big Guns, is exactly that, a mindless throwback to days gone by, full of all of the exploitation, grindhouse, and sexploitation sleaze that populated the drive-ins of my youth. Like the title says, there are boobs, guns, nude nuns, sex, violence and everything you could ask for in a classic revenge / exploitation movie.  Yes, the plot is unbelievable, the acting cheesy and too over-the-top and the film has extreme anti-catholic corrupt religion flair, but it is truly a fun trip into a different time and place. If you are religious (especially Catholic) and cannot take poking fun at your chosen faith, STAY FAR AWAY. However, if you love exploitation or nunspoitation flicks check this one out, it is a mindless and fun romp through a couple hours with boobs and guns galore.

Nude For Satan (AKA Nuda per Satana - 1974)

Last night, after suffering through the Kids Choice Awards, I decided to venture back a few years for something different to watch. In my search, I stumbled upon a few interesting foreign exploitation flicks. What better than a combination of blood, boobs and Satan for an evening of entertainment?  Nothing, right… The flick is Nude for Satan or Nuda per Satana from 1974.

Plot/ Italian Gothic horror that tells the tale of a man who stops at a remote castle hoping to get medical help for an injured woman, only to find the inhabitants mirror the darker sides of the woman and himself.

It had bee a while since I sat down and watched a classic Italian exploitation film, and that is exactly what this one is (although there is a lot of gothic horror elements). That being said, the plot is uneven, although, the idea was there and decently interesting. Yes, it had a bunch of nude women frolicking about, but that played secondary to a tremendous atmosphere and typical Italian stylization throughout. Sure, the acting was rigid, and there was a lot of poorly dubbed audio, but for a 1970s exploitation flick, it all worked. If you love cult flicks, Italian gothic horror, boobs, or exploitation flicks, this one is definitely for you! Check it out!

Humanoids from the Deep (1980)

Fishing today sucked! There was not even one little nibble on any of the bait choices that I sent into the lake. Between that and the crappy movie choices lately, I decided to venture into Netflix and see what I could find. My selection the 1980 Roger Corman classic Humanoids from the Deep (AKA Monsters).

Plot/ Scientific experiments backfire and produce horrific mutations: half-man, half-fish which terrorize a small fishing village by killing the men and raping the women.

I remember this one still, and when I found it, I was all in. This one is a fun romp full of B movie schlock and fishy creature feature fun. Yes, the storyline is serious but totally unbelievable, the effects range from solid to cheesy with rubber suited monsters and the vast amount of boobs take it up a notch. Honestly, what else would you expect from a 1980s Roger Corman classic? It has it all, solid acting, decent cinematography, blood splatter, creatures and boobs, plenty of boobs everywhere. If you have not seen this, you do not know what you are missing, check it out!

Little Deaths (2011)

I love movies that lie outside the mainstream. Actually, most things that I do, listen to, or watch all fall into this realm. For me, exploring alternatives keep things exciting, and in some ways keeps my creative mind open. This next flick, the anthology Little Deaths is definitely a exploration of an alternative world.

Plot/ This anthology is composed of three disturbingly sensual and terrifying short narratives, unified by the twin themes of sex and death.

When searching for horror movies to watch, many, while there is a touch of realism, are too unbelievable. For me, when a movie is made that is disturbing because of the realism, that is even better. That is what I liked about this one. Yes, it is not the goriest or violent flick; it is the alternative realisms that make it connect to ones mind. The acting, cinematography and characterizations all work inside the confines of the three stories. Sure, the stories are not connected by anything other than a sprinkling of sexual overtones, but that still works. In the end, this is an erotic entry into the world of horror and one that is worth watching. It does have some bondage and fetish overtones, so if that is not your thing, you may want to go a different route.

Psycho Sleepover (2008)

After suffering through Lizard Boy, I figured the best way for me to get back into the swing of fun no-budget entertainment was to venture into Tromaville. Personally, I love Tromaville and would take up residence there in a heartbeat, if I could. However, until then, I will have to enjoy the low budget independent schlock from afar. Tonight’s flick is the 2008 horror / comedy Psycho Sleepover.

Plot/ After accidentally murdering her boyfriend, Debbie Dicky moves to a new town and meets three girls who invite her to a sleepover. The very same night there is a breakout at the local insane asylum where forty serial killers escape and head over to crash the party. However, the girls at the slumber party might not be as helpless as the killers think.

As I have said many times, I love no-budget indie flicks and I absolutely love Troma Entertainment. Why do I love them? Because Troma Entertainment has stayed true to their vision of independent cinema for decades, regardless of reviews or any outside opinion. Yes, Troma is not for everyone, and this is movie is a perfect example of why. It is unbelievable, ridiculous, slapstick and over-the-top (some people may get in today’s too sensitive America may think vulgar, but really?). Actually, this has some great moments, solid pacing, and decent cinematography, even the cheap gore and effects fit perfectly. Yes, the scripting is off and acting uneven, but that is easily overlooked. In the end, this is a very entertaining venture into Tromaville. It has all of the blood, boobs and the comic moments that make Troma legendary. If you love schlock low budget films check it out, if you do not, stay away, you will not get it!