FOLLOWING FILMS

Alice, Sweet Alice (1976), directed by Alfred Sole, is a chilling and atmospheric psychological horror film that has cemented its place as a cult classic. Released during a golden age of slasher films, this movie stands out for its unsettling blend of religious imagery, family dysfunction, and brutal violence. With its eerie cinematography, effective performances, and shocking twists, Alice, Sweet Alice remains an underrated gem in the horror genre. This review delves into the film’s story, themes, technical aspects, and its lasting impact. Set in 1961 New Jersey, Alice, Sweet Alice centers around a deeply dysfunctional Catholic family. The narrative follows Alice Spages (Paula Sheppard), a troubled 12-year-old girl who exhibits signs of jealousy and aggression toward her younger sister, Karen (Brooke Shields, in her film debut). Karen is the favorite child, beloved by their mother, Catherine (Linda Miller), and adored by the local priest, Father Tom (Rudolph Willrich). However, during...

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is a masterclass in filmmaking. It is a bold reimagining of history that blends dark humor, tension, and unforgettable characters into an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience. Released in 2009, the film offers a unique take on World War II, exploring themes of revenge, identity, and the power of cinema itself. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the film intertwines multiple storylines, the most prominent being that of a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the "Basterds," led by the ruthless Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt). The Basterds are on a mission to inflict terror on the Nazis, with their brutal tactics designed to instill fear and garner retribution for the atrocities committed against Jews during the Holocaust. Their paths cross with Shoshanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish woman who escapes a massacre and later becomes the owner of a Parisian cinema, where she plans her own act of vengeance aga...

Released in 2000, The Cell , directed by Tarsem Singh and featuring Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, and Vincent D'Onofrio, is a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between horror, science fiction, and psychological drama. The film presents an intriguing concept: a groundbreaking technology that allows a psychologist to enter the mind of a comatose patient to uncover the whereabouts of a serial killer. While the premise is compelling, it is the film's execution—both visually and thematically—that leaves a lasting impact. The film begins with a prologue that introduces us to a young boy, locked in a cage, who experiences a nightmarish world within the mind of a serial killer, played by D'Onofrio. As the story unfolds, we learn that FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) is investigating the disappearance of a woman, linked to the deranged killer, who has put his victims into a comatose state. Enter Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez), a psychologist who uses an experimental ...

In the annals of cult cinema, few films elicit as much intrigue and confusion as Incubus (1966), a supernatural horror film that stars none other than Star Trek legend William Shatner in a decidedly different role than audiences were accustomed to. Directed by the underrated Leslie Stevens, Incubus is a strange, atmospheric blend of Gothic horror, eroticism, and psychological dread. It may not be the easiest film to digest, but its unique place in cinematic history, as well as its use of an experimental technique, has cemented it as a fascinating curio in Shatner's illustrious career. The plot of Incubus is as bizarre and haunting as the movie itself. Set in an unnamed Eastern European village, the film follows a man named Charles (Shatner), a sensitive but troubled priest, who becomes entangled in a series of strange events surrounding the mysterious and supernatural force of an incubus—an evil demon who is believed to sexually prey on its victims. As the townsfolk are increasingl...

Released in 1988, Ghoulies II is the second installment in the Ghoulies franchise, which carved a niche for itself in the mid-to-late '80s as a series of campy, low-budget horror comedies. Directed by Albert Band and following the modest success of the original Ghoulies (1985), this sequel manages to lean further into the absurdity and charm of its titular creatures while delivering a story that embraces its status as a schlocky B-movie. For fans of creature features and cult classics, Ghoulies II is an entertaining ride that delivers exactly what one might expect: mischievous, slimy monsters causing chaos, this time in the whimsical setting of a traveling carnival. Ghoulies II follows Larry (Damon Martin) and his uncle, Ned (Royal Dano), as they transport a haunted house attraction called "Satan’s Den" to a struggling carnival. Along the way, they unknowingly bring along a group of ghoulies—grotesque, mischievous creatures unleashed from an abandoned Satanic ritual site....

  This is part 3 of my dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. Today we'll be looking at Jade Tiger, Sentimental Swordsman, The Avenging Eagle, Killer Constable, Buddha’s Palm, and Bastard Swordsman. Jade Tiger (Disc 6) Jade Tiger (1977), directed by the legendary Chu Yuan and produced by Shaw Brothers, is a compelling blend of martial arts action and intrigue, offering a visually stunning and thematically rich story. Starring the charismatic David Chiang, Jade Tiger delivers an intense and atmospheric journey filled with betrayal, vengeance, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice. While the plot may seem like a familiar tale of revenge, the execution—driven by strong performances and meticulously choreographed fight sequences—elevates the film, making it an underrated gem in the wuxia genre. The film follows the story of a skilled swordsman, Mu Ren (David Chiang), whos...

  This is part 2 of my dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. Today we'll be looking at The Lady Hermit, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, The 14 Amazons, The Magic Blade, and Clans of Intrigue. The Lady Hermit (Disc 3) The Lady Hermit, directed by Ho Meng-hua and released by Shaw Brothers Studio in 1971, is a refreshing entry in the wuxia genre, spotlighting powerful female leads in an era often dominated by male-centric martial arts narratives. This action-packed tale centers on a skilled swordswoman in hiding, her quest for vengeance, and the eager young protégé who insists on following in her footsteps. With top-notch performances from Cheng Pei-pei and Shih Szu, The Lady Hermit combines rich character development with intense fight sequences, offering audiences a wuxia classic that brings an intriguing mix of strength, mentorship, and revenge. The story foll...

Over the next three days, I’ll dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. This collection packs a punch with 14 classic titles pulled straight from the vaults of Hong Kong’s legendary Shaw Brothers Studio, including fan-favorites The One-Armed Swordsman, Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, The New One-Armed Swordsman, The Lady Hermit, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, The 14 Amazons, The Magic Blade, Clans of Intrigue, Jade Tiger, Sentimental Swordsman, The Avenging Eagle, Killer Constable, Buddha’s Palm, and Bastard Swordsman. The One-Armed Swordsman (Disc 1) The One-Armed Swordsman, directed by Chang Cheh and released in 1967, is an iconic Hong Kong martial arts film that reshaped the genre and established Shaw Brothers Studio as a leader in wuxia and kung fu cinema. This film tells the story of Fang Gang, a young swordsman who, after losing his arm, must find the will ...

Few films embody the chaotic spirit of Halloween quite like Michael Dougherty's Trick 'r Treat. Released in 2007 after a long, perplexing delay, the anthology horror flick delivers a gleefully sinister tribute to the holiday that is as playful as it is macabre. Its narrative structure—four intertwined stories set on a single Halloween night—echoes the great horror anthologies of the past while injecting the genre with a fresh, modern bite. In doing so, Trick 'r Treat cements itself as an essential October watch for horror enthusiasts and Halloween die-hards alike. Dougherty, making his feature directorial debut after penning X2: X-Men United, demonstrates a keen understanding of both horror and Halloween tradition. He weaves together a tapestry of urban legends and holiday myths that feel deeply rooted in the folklore surrounding the holiday. From the mischievous trick-or-treaters to the lurking presence of a masked, pint-sized Halloween enforcer named Sam, the film explore...

At the core of the Hellraiser franchise is a distinct, disturbing mythos that explores human desires, pain, and pleasure in a way few other horror films do. It introduces a world where sadomasochism, hellish realms, and supernatural entities are intertwined, particularly through the puzzle box (the Lament Configuration) that summons the Cenobites, demonic beings led by Pinhead. This blend of horror and philosophical reflection on human suffering and desire sets it apart from traditional slasher films. Clive Barker, who wrote and directed the original Hellraiser (1987), brought a new perspective to horror. His vision, which came from his novella The Hellbound Heart, merged cosmic horror, body horror, and psychological terror. Barker’s deep, complex world-building—focused on the Cenobites and their perverse yet intriguing sense of morality—captured the imagination of audiences looking for something more intellectually engaging than standard horror fare. The character of Pinhead (played b...