FOLLOWING FILMS

Mike Mendez's 2000 cult classic The Convent is a film that blends horror, comedy, and a dose of nostalgia into a wildly entertaining ride. Though it might not have garnered the mainstream attention of its counterparts in the early 2000s horror-comedy resurgence, it has built a loyal following over the years. With its self-aware tone, an unrelenting dedication to camp, and buckets of blood, The Convent is a love letter to horror fans who don’t take themselves—or their films—too seriously. Set in a creepy, abandoned convent, the film opens with a flashback to the 1960s where a rebellious young woman, Christine (Adrienne Barbeau), storms the convent with a shotgun and a Molotov cocktail, taking out a group of nuns who seem possessed by some demonic force. Fast forward forty years, and the dilapidated convent is now a local legend, a hotspot for urban explorers, misfit teenagers, and fraternity initiations. Our central group of college students, led by the reluctant Clorissa (Joanna Ca...

When Friends premiered on September 22, 1994, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. Spanning ten seasons and 236 episodes, the show captured the essence of friendship, love, and the trials of adulthood through the lives of six characters living in Manhattan. Now, with Friends: The Complete Series available on stunning 4K UHD, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the show's lasting impact, its strengths, and the enduring charm that continues to resonate with audiences today. At its core, Friends follows Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). Set against the backdrop of New York City, the series navigates the complexities of friendship and relationships, often blending humor with poignant moments. What sets Friends apart from other sitcoms is its ability to balance these elements seamlessly, creating a rel...

Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, Despicable Me 4 is an engaging continuation of the franchise that embraces its absurdity with joyful abandon. While the narrative may feel patchwork—woven together from a series of delightfully funny moments rather than a tightly structured plot—it manages to charm with its irreverent humor and whimsical spirit. At the center of the film is Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), who finds himself facing off against a new adversary: Maxime Le Mal, an absurdly snooty Frenchman brought to life by Will Ferrell. Maxime, a former classmate has nursed a grudge against Gru since a talent show debacle decades ago. His elaborate scheme for revenge includes a transformation into a genetically engineered cockroach man and enlisting an army of tiny, helmeted cockroaches, leading to a series of uproarious confrontations. Does any of this make sense? No. And if you are asking yourself that question, this isn't the film for you. The film takes Gru and his family...

In the pantheon of slasher films, the  Friday the 13th  franchise is particularly iconic, thanks largely to its relentless killer, Jason Voorhees, and the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. The 2009 reboot, directed by Marcus Nispel, is a modern reimagining that seeks to honor the original 1980 film and introduce the series to a new generation. While it delivers on the blood-soaked thrills and nostalgic nods, it also stumbles in a few areas, but overall it's a worthy addition to the franchise and an underappreciated slasher classic. The 2009  Friday the 13th  begins with a prologue set in 1980, which acts as a rehash of the original film’s climax. We witness the brutal murder of a camp counselor by Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother, who was seeking revenge for the drowning of her son. This sets the stage for the modern-day narrative, which follows a group of college students who venture into the woods near Camp Crystal Lake for a weekend getaway. The central plot revolves aro...

The Million Eyes of Sumuru  directed by Lindsay Shonteff and released in 1967, is a fascinating entry into the realm of mid-20th-century spy thrillers. Often overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries, this film offers a unique blend of adventure, espionage, and camp, making it a curious watch for fans of the genre. The film is based on the character Sumuru, created by Sax Rohmer, who is perhaps best known for his creation of the sinister Dr. Fu Manchu. Sumuru, however, is a different beast entirely—a glamorous, enigmatic femme fatale with grand designs for world domination. The character of Sumuru, played by the striking Shirley Eaton, exudes an aura of both allure and danger, making her an iconic figure in the realm of villainy. Shirley Eaton, who gained fame for her role as the golden girl in Goldfinger, brings a compelling mix of sophistication and menace to her portrayal of Sumuru. Eaton's performance is one of the film's highlights, effortlessly blending charm with a ...

Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981) is a masterfully crafted made-for-TV horror film that has more on its mind than jump scares and cheap thrills. With its understated approach and deliberate pacing, the film builds an atmosphere of suspense that lingers long after the credits roll. Set in a small, rural town, the narrative centers on Bubba, a mentally challenged man wrongfully accused of molesting a young girl. In response to the accusation, a group of vigilantes—driven by fear and prejudice—takes the law into their own hands, resulting in tragic consequences. Following Bubba’s death, the townspeople are plagued by a series of eerie and inexplicable occurrences that seem to be linked to his untimely demise. The scarecrow in the cornfield emerges as a haunting symbol of retribution, blurring the lines between the natural and the supernatural. The film excels in creating an unsettling mood without resorting to excessive gore or cheap jump scares. The oppressive atmosphere, underscored b...

Lucky McKee’s The Woman is a visceral, unflinching exploration of power, nature, and the corrupting influence of civilization. Based on Jack Ketchum’s novel, the film is a brutal and often disturbing portrait of human depravity, masked as a tale of domestic horror. At its core, The Woman is a battle of wills between two opposing forces: the civilized and the primal. On one side is Chris Cleek, a seemingly ordinary man, trapped in a life of suburban monotony. On the other is the eponymous Woman, a feral creature captured from the woods and imprisoned in the Cleek family’s basement. McKee’s film is a relentless examination of the thin veneer of civility that separates humans from their animalistic instincts. Pollyanna McIntosh’s performance as The Woman is nothing short of iconic. Her portrayal of a creature stripped of language and societal norms is both terrifying and pitiable. She becomes a symbol of nature's indomitable spirit, a force that refuses to be tamed. In contrast, Sean ...

The modern "Clash of the Titans" franchise presents a visually stunning reimagining of the mythic world of Greek gods and monsters. Both Clash of the Titans and Wrath of the Titans provide spectacle, world-building, and strong performances, resulting in an entertaining experience. Clash of the Titans introduces Perseus, a reluctant hero thrown into a world of gods and monsters. Sam Worthington's portrayal of this character is relatable and compelling, serving as an anchor amidst the film's fantastical elements. His journey to defeat the monstrous Kraken is a classic hero's quest, filled with perilous encounters and mythical creatures. The Kraken stands out as a formidable antagonist, with its colossal size and destructive power creating an iconic on-screen monster. The supporting cast, including Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades, deliver powerful performances that add depth to the mythological world. The film's world-building is impressive, featur...

Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, comprising El Mariachi, Desperado, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, is an epic, 11 year in the making, journey that pulsates with a distinctive blend of violence, humor, and Mexican cultural identity. While not a cohesive narrative in the traditional sense, this trilogy shares a common DNA: a hyper-stylized visual aesthetic, a penchant for explosive action sequences, and a love for the mariachi sound. El Mariachi, the trilogy's humble beginning, is a raw, gritty gem. Shot on a shoestring budget, it introduced the world to a young, guitar-toting protagonist wrongly accused of being a ruthless killer. The film’s lo-fi charm is undeniable; it’s a testament to Rodriguez’s ingenuity and resourcefulness. The action is visceral, the characters are archetypal, and the story is simple yet effective. It’s a film that punches above its weight, establishing Rodriguez as a director with a unique voice. With Desperado, the series undergoes a significant transfor...

Lamberto Bava’s DEMONS 2 is a worthy successor to its chaotic predecessor. While it may not quite reach the same heights of frenzied mayhem, it’s a satisfyingly gory and entertaining horror sequel that stands on its own merits. The film shifts the setting from a movie theater to a high-rise apartment building, but the core concept remains the same: a mysterious force turns unsuspecting individuals into demonic creatures. This time, it’s a televised horror movie that acts as the catalyst for the outbreak. Bava's direction is once again confident, building tension effectively before unleashing waves of demonic carnage. DEMONS 2  retains the first film’s penchant for over-the-top violence and practical effects. The creature designs are grotesque and imaginative, and the gore is plentiful. While the film may not be as visually striking as its predecessor, it compensates with a more claustrophobic atmosphere, as the survivors are trapped within the confines of the high-rise. T...

Lamberto Bava's DEMONS is a quintessential product of its era, a gory, stylish, and utterly insane horror flick that perfectly encapsulates the excesses of the 1980s. It’s a film that revels in its own absurdity, a delirious blend of heavy metal, demonic possession, and copious amounts of blood. The plot, such as it is, involves a group of friends attending a sneak preview of a horror film. However, things take a decidedly sinister turn when the audience members begin to transform into demonic creatures. What follows is a claustrophobic descent into madness as the survivors battle for their lives against their possessed counterparts. DEMONS is a visual feast for horror fans. The practical effects are undeniably impressive, with gruesome transformations and gory deaths that still hold up today. The film’s atmosphere is thick with dread and paranoia, heightened by a claustrophobic setting and a pulsating electronic score. Bava's direction is confident and stylish, creating a sens...

Looking for a movie that will remind you of the good old days of Hollywood? Look no further than "The Fall Guy." This action-comedy delivers pure, unadulterated fun, with a charismatic Ryan Gosling leading the charge. Forget the dense lore and self-seriousness of modern blockbusters. "The Fall Guy" throws it all back to the 80s, blending humor, romance, and thrilling stunts into a wildly entertaining package. Director David Leitch, a former stuntman himself, clearly understands the magic of practical effects and delivers some incredible action sequences. Gosling shines as Colt Seavers, a washed-up stuntman lured back into the industry by his ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) and a chance to double for a hotshot action star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Their crackling chemistry fuels the first half, with hilarious banter and a touch of unresolved romance. The film cleverly pays homage to the classic stunt people who make Hollywood magic happen. It's a refreshing change from...

Bob Clark's 1974 film, "Deathdream," isn't your typical horror movie. While it features elements of the genre – unsettling visuals, a slowly creeping dread, and moments of shocking violence – it uses them to explore the devastating psychological impact of war on returning soldiers. This review delves into "Deathdream"'s effectiveness, examining its performances, thematic depth, and its place within the horror genre. John Marley and Lynn Carlin deliver powerful performances as Charles and Christine, parents grappling with the unimaginable loss of their son Andy in the Vietnam War. Marley portrays the initial denial and desperate hope with heartbreaking sincerity. Carlin's descent into a desperate clinging to the impossible is both terrifying and pitiable. Richard Backus, as the resurrected Andy, embodies a chilling portrayal of a hollow shell, his vacant eyes and emotionless demeanor a constant reminder of the war's brutality. The film does...