Split Second (1992)

It was busy around my shop yesterday with 3 online sales on top of the two packages that I had to send out. Fortunately, I have the time to focus on that on days when that happens. So far today has been quieter, allowing me to start rebuilding the workshop after neglecting it during my transplant hiatus. Once I finished yesterday, I decided to dive into the world of Rutger Hauer with the 1992 flick Split Second.

Plot: In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.

I love Rutger Hauer movies and it is still hard to fathom that he is no longer with us. Onereason that i have always enjoyed his films is that he always seems to enjoy the project he was working on. This movie again shows that side of him. While this is clearly a B-Movie and far from a classic like like Blade Runner, he played his character perfectly. This is a lower budget film that has definitely built a solid cult following with a dark gloomy post-apocalyptic atmosphere, an interesting storyline, and decent scripting. Sure, this one will never boast great effects, truly believable moments, or being a cinematic masterpiece. But, if you enjoy fun, low budget, not bad but misunderstood movies and can appreciate schlocky Sci-Fi, this movie is for you.

 

Where Have All the People Gone (1974)

It was a night. After dealing with so many issues of ineptitude and working on this mechanism for a 1949 alligator toy last night, I was unable to motivate myself into working on any type of listing for the shop. It sucks, as I was making such good progress on everything. I guess I will have to do double tonight. As background noise, I put on the 1974 post-apocalyptic made for television flick Where Have All the People Gone.

Plot/ Earth encounters a massive solar flare that decimates almost all life on Earth. Only people who were underground during the solar event are unharmed while the rest are dead or dying. A band of survivor’s cross country to seek others in a world laid waste.

I must admit, the premise of this story even though it is one that has been used quite a bit intrigues me. Ever since I was a kid and watched Night of the Comet for the first time, the whole idea is fascinating. While this one lacks the excitement and action factors of some of the more modern incarnations, it pulls off the story in a thought-provoking way with solid performances and a heavy and tense atmosphere. As usual, Peter Graves was superb and an outstanding choice for the lead in this more dramatic attempt at an apocalypse scenario. It is hard to believe that this was made for TV as compared to the schlock that populates many of the movies today. Yes, some of it may feel dated and the pacing somewhat slow, but those flaws are easily overshadowed by the content of the film. In the end, this entry is much better than the modern CGI infested films that are more mindless and background noise than quality. Check this one out, it would be worth your time.

Soylent Green (1973)

What a weird weekend it was and even though it doesn’t feel like it, I was able to get a lot accomplished on my business plan. Incredibly, I got five eBay listings and a few more Etsy Store listings in place for the Ringmaster’s Realm stores. During that process, I was ale to have some solid background entertainment, one of those being the 1973 classic Soylent Green.

Plot/ In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. After called to investigate a murder, Detective Thorn discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green.

Soylent Green is such an interesting film and one that takes the viewer into a world that they probably don’t see coming. This one screams 1970s excess during what is a complete nightmare scenario for those that live in the city during the 2022 time-frame that the plot holds. While not a perfect flick, it does have some of the cult classic elements that popularize this eras movie. The sets and costuming are strange, the performances solid, and the storyline is amazing. Most importantly, the theme of the film does feel relevant today, and some of the Sci-Fi elements are probably closer to reality here in 2019 than they were in 1973 when the movie was made. Yes, some of it feels dated, there are some head scratching moments, and did I say the costuming was outlandish? I’m sure I did.  Overall, it is easy to see why this one continues to be influential after all these years. In the end, while not perfect, Soylent Green is extremely entertaining, and the ending is perfect. It is worth watching (especially for fans of older Sci-Fi films) and it should be an eye-opening venture for those that sit on the fringe when thinking about some of the elements that plague us today.

Parasite (1982)

Okay, so I had to take a few days away with the Halloween Parade and finishing my final script for the radio-drama that I had been contracted to do. Although I was busy, I did have some time to get some movie viewing in. Next up on the docket is the 1982 schlockfest Parasite.

Plot/ Paul Dean has created a deadly parasite that is now attached to his stomach. He and his female companion, Patricia Welles, must find a way to destroy it while also trying to avoid Ricus, his rednecks, and an evil government Merchant.

While no one will ever mistake this Charles Band movie for something great, it is one of his better entries, and one that I will admit seems to have gotten a little better with age. This schlockfest has everything one would expect from this era; splatter, gore, lasers, and a post-apocalyptic storyline that is all over the place. Straight from the age of big box horror, this entry does have some solid cinematography, over-the-top (yet bad and cheesy) effects, and some interesting performances (Demi Moore jumps out), but those positives do nothing to help offset the total film. The quality is bad, even calling this a B Movie is a stretch. The pacing is slow, it is predictable, and many of the 3D installments fall flat (this was during the 3D revival that took place in the 1980s). Still, this one, while it is bad, is one of those schlockfests that should not be overlooked and does have some entertainment value (especially with the whole 1980s feel in the future post apocalypse world of 1993).In the end, if you are in the mood for some no-thinking B-grade schlock give it a shot; if that isn’t your thing, stay away. 

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

As I finally finish things from my weekend trip to Monsterfest, it would be hard not do a final review of a film that helped inspire me throughout the years. After some time, I decided to break down and review the 1978 George Romero classic, Dawn of the Dead.

Plot/ Following an ever-growing epidemic of zombies that have risen from the dead, two Philadelphia S.W.A.T. team members, a traffic reporter, and his television-executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.

It is hard to review this film for so many reasons because there is really no way to do it justice. George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead is definitely one of the greatest horror movies ever made and quite possibly is the best zombie film of all time. Much like the classic source material, this movie is a snapshot of society and has much more depth than a typical horror entry. Between the social commentary and focused worldview, this movie educates as well as scares and maybe even more relevant today as our society is in the midst of crisis and turmoil. Filmed in Monroeville Mall, this entry has everything in it that a horror fan will love. Between the outstanding effects by Tom Savini including tons of trademark gore, the intricate storyline that is both dark and comedic, and the amazing soundtrack that works perfectly within the confines of the tale, this is one that must be seen. Even the performances are beyond solid as all of the characters embraced their parts and took them to exactly where they needed to be. While I know that this review does not truly do this classic justice, it would be boring to continue to reiterate how great this film is and why it is a must-see for all true horror fans. In the end, if you have not watched this one, you are wrong! Find it and check it out.

Released Today --> After the Static

Finally, finally, I can’t believe it. After years of work, the horrid atrocities brought forth upon our nation by those vile merciless traitors at the United Nations will finally be brought to light. I really can’t believe it. The document I had spent so much time dissecting, organizing and writing has finally been released. 

Yes, yes, this book caused me much pain and loss as I had to endure the torturous screams and voices tormenting me every day. But, I swear, all of that will be worth it if I can enlighten one person about the carnage left in our great city. Please help spread the word about this nightmare by picking up a copy today in either paperback or digital download. 

Here is the synopsis I came up with when working with the cover designer:

Years after a strange infestation swept through Southwestern Pennsylvania and released a wave of cannibalistic fiends across the land, a tormented survivor, Malachi Isaacs, remains haunted by the depravity he witnessed during the ordeal. Overwhelmed inside a never-ending living nightmare filled with visions of bloodstained streets and the constant sounds of the voices and screams of the fallen, he sets out on a quest for discovery aimed at unmasking those responsible for unleashing the vile plague on humanity. Armed with personal memories of love and loss as well as a myriad of first-hand accounts from different victims he found during his research, Malachi tells their stories, and in time, discovers that the truth behind the undead may be worse than he ever could have fathomed.

Grab yours today! 

The Time Travelers (1964)

After spending some time in an Art House Cinema mood, I decided that it was time to venture into something mindless and fun. Having searched all of my streaming services, I decided on the 1964 sci-fi entry, The Time Travelers.

Plot/ In 1964, a group of scientists creates a portal that takes them to a barren, mutant inhabited, Earth in the year 2071.

After watching this low budget gem, I am glad that I stumbled upon it. Coming from the great low budget era, this one has many elements that make it an entertaining and fun watch. The scripting is amazing, with both imagination and intelligence to ask poignant questions (especially from that era). The performances are solid, the effects work (even if they feel somewhat dated today), and the storylines allow the movie to grow and stay relevant all these years later. Yes, there are some obvious budgetary constraints that are visible and you will have to suspend belief, but that is one of the things that make sci-fi flicks so fun. In the end, this is a film that any fan of classic sci-fi should see. Sure, it isn’t Oscar worthy, but for its budget, it is better than many other entries from that era.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

After taking a couple days to enjoy my trip to Columbus and the Softball World Series event, I decided to kick back tonight and review the movie I saw over the weekend. That one is the finale of the Planet of the Apes reboot, 2017s War for the Planet of the Apes.

Plot/ After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

I had heard a few different perspectives on this movie that covered the entire spectrum of film reviews. With that in mind, I figured that this would definitely be one of those love/hate entries that seem to be growing with every passing release. While that is fine (and somewhat expected), I am definitely at the point where seeing is believing. I absolutely loved this one and think that it is a film that does have some elements that have to sit inside your mind before the entire depth of the storyline and script hit home. The storyline is detailed with a few different subplots woven in, the performances are solid, scripting works, and the CGI is amazing. In fact, the imagery created in this one was top-notch throughout. Yes, it does have a slower pace and there are many silent moments used for effect, but those elements only add to the meaning of the film and work well for emphasis. In the end, I can see why this will be a polarizing film and a movie that will fall into the love/hate category. Sure, there could have been some more action and some of the storyline is a touch absurd, but that happens in many films. For me, this is a movie with a message and one that was a perfect capstone and one that left me wanting more. Check it out and make your own decision.

Refuge (2013)

Once I left the softball field and caught the fourth episode of Twin Peaks: The Return, it was nice to get back to finding movies that will capture my attention. The next one did just that and left me wanting more. What was it; just the 2013 post-apocalyptic tale Refuge (AKA The Mansion).

Plot/ As food and supplies dwindle and the threat of marauders becomes more apparent, the family must ultimately face the decision to either stay in hiding or go in search of an elusive mansion they've heard of - that may or may not exist.

Now that I have finished the first four episodes of Twin Peaks: The Return, it was time to get back to my usual viewing cycle and I am glad that I did. This is a film that I knew nothing about and was excited to see how this film took on the post-apocalypse environment. What I found was something that was both atmospheric and entertaining, and a film that definitely stepped outside the box when creating this world. Similar to The Walking Dead minus the zombies, but that is in no way a bad thing. The performances are solid, the storyline enthralling, the cinematography is on point, and the entire movie works. To nitpick, some of the characterizations and decisions may not be perfect, but how many are really that way. In the end, there are a ton of positives in this film and it may be one of the best low budgeted flicks out there. Yes, it does lack zombies, but it more than makes up for it with its overall quality. Check this one out; it is a great addition to the post-apocalyptic world.  

Oceans Rising (2017)

After watching and being amazed by Twin Peaks: The Return last night, it was hard to sit down and write a review on anything today. There was so much going on in the first two episodes; it was one of the greatest mental journeys I have gone on in a long time. Unfortunately, my next review will be on the opposite end of the spectrum. That is the 2017 SyFy disaster flick Oceans Rising from The Asylum.

Plot/ A scientist builds a boat after his warnings of an Earth-destroying flood are ignored. But when it's evident the disaster will occur, those who maligned the scientist now turn to him in desperation, boarding the ark and seeking his answers before the world drowns in a never ending sea.

If you have been following the blog, you would know that I went through a streak of rather flawed movies recently. While some of them were bad, I can honestly say that none of them sunk to the lowly depths like this one. Actually, I am convinced that this may be the worst movie I have seen in a few years. Going in, I knew that I was going to have to suspend belief to make it through, but about 10 minutes in you will realize that it is an impossible task. There is nothing anyone could do to even imagine any of this being plausible. I understand it is a movie and it should have some of those elements, but, there are usually a few things inside the film that you can relate to. That is not the case with this one. The storyline is too unbelievable, the effects range from laughable to terrible (especially the CGI), the performances are overly flat, and the dialog and scripting make no sense. In the end, there is absolutely no reason to watch this movie. Truthfully, I think my review may even make it sound better than it is. Stay away; stay far away!

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

It’s happening again! Yes, after 25 years, Twin Peaks is finally returning to the screen and I couldn’t be more excited. David Lynch and the Twin Peaks series are  two of the main reasons that I wanted to become a writer. While I knew this was on the horizon, I decided to clear my mind in preparation. That is when I decided to pick up a film from one of my favorite franchises with 2016s Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.

Plot/ Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

Let me start off by saying that this has been one of my favorite zombie themed series and I was sad to hear that this was gong to be the final chapter. Fortunately, they decided to go out with a bang. While many people will not enjoy this mindless trip into Raccoon City for a final time (and understandably so), the non0stop action and gore is enough to keep you at least entertained if you can suspend belief for the duration. Yes, there are some strange decisions that lead to holes in the continuity between films and there are definitely some head scratching moments that actually make the movie overly predictable, but those are easily overlooked in the grand scheme. As a film, the action is well paced, the performances were solid, the gore worked, and some of the storyline did add some interesting twists to the franchise as a whole. In the end, this may not be the best movie in the series, but it was entertaining and perfect for some late night zombie fun. Not for everyone, but if you can suspend belief for a couple hours, it can be a great mindless entry.

Here Alone (2016)

Lately, after finishing After the Static, I have stayed away from the realm of zombies. After spending months writing about them, I needed a break. With that book in the design process (and due out soon), I figured it was time to jump back into the arena (plus, my streak of subpar flicks needed to end). With that in mind, I decided on the 2016 zombie flick Here Alone for my next flick.

Plot/ A young woman struggles to survive on her own in the wake of a mysterious epidemic that has killed much of society and forced her deep into the unforgiving wilderness.

After my streak of subpar movies, I decided to jump back into something that I love: zombie flicks. I love that genre because to me there is potential with them that they can usually offer a viewer something different. This entry may be more of a slow burn drama than an all-out action flick, but it delivered. This was extremely realistic and focused more on the other side of the realm with the characters instead of the blood and gore of the outbreak. The atmosphere works, the cinematography sound, and the performances are solid. Yes, this one does lack the action and gore that many zombie fans prefer, but to me, that is what makes this film work. If the zombie apocalypse did break out, would you really be out there slaying them? Probably not, instead, you would be trying to save yourself by any means possible; and that is what makes this film resonate so well. In the end, if you are for all-out action, this one isn’t for you. But, if you like well thought out and atmospheric entries in the realm of zombies, give this one a chance, you will be surprised.

Tank 432 (2015)

There are times when I become overwhelmed by all of the stuff that I have going on. This weekend was one of those, as between Art All Night 20 and then my busy day yesterday, I couldn’t find time for any movies until late last night. The movie I chose to end my weekend is the 2015 entry Tank 432 (AKA Belly of the Bulldog).

Plot/ With nowhere else to hide, a group of mercenaries and their two prisoners take cover inside a long-abandoned Bulldog tank. But, while they try to keep the forces outside at bay, the real enemy is already among them, locked inside the Belly of the Bulldog.

When I saw this one at Family Video, I was excited about the premise. Unfortunately, the movie really did not back that up in any way. While I did like some of the atmospheric elements that seemed to pop up from time to time, the pacing felt slow and disconnected from the potential that existed. The performances were nothing special, the scripting was uneven, and there were not any true horror elements. In fact, I found it more of a dark drama than anything else. In the end, I usually like slower paced films, but this one did not move me in any way. I would find something else.

The Quiet Hour (2014)

I usually love low budget cinema and often give the filmmakers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the flaws that often plague the productions. In this case, it is hard to even do that, as the production values are in place. It is everything else that seems to be missing. That film is the 2014 sci-fi/drama The Quiet Hour.

Plot/ In the aftermath of an alien invasion, a feisty teenage girl sets out to protect her farm from human scavengers who will stop at nothing to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

I had never heard of this one when I went into Family Video and was drawn in by the premise. I had hoped that it would offset the disappointment after Fantastic Beasts; unfortunately, it did not. While there were positives with the visual aspects, cinematography, atmosphere, and even the performances, there were just too many flaws within the storyline that made the film feel quite boring and below average. Yes, I understand that this type of film can have pacing issues and become a slow burn, but this one takes that to an extreme without a payoff. The scripting and plot both feel clichéd and the there is no action. Sure, the lack of action does not kill the film, but without that or a sight of the aliens, there is nothing except uneven dialog to keep you interested. In the end, this one was disappointing because it never peaks or reaches any of the inherent potentials that it could have. It is definitely not for everyone, and I believe that there are much better films out there.