Known as “Hooker’s Revenge,” and as “They Call Her One Eye,” Bo Arne Vibernius’s “Thriller” is the quintessential grindhouse revenge pic that begat so many after it. When you want to visit what helped influence Tarantino, “Thriller” (Vinegar Syndrome will debuting their own release of the film on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray with a different transfer and extras this summer) is where the template was established. While it suffers from narrative flaws here and there, “Thriller” is pure visceral exploitation revenge cinema that still feels about as grimy and gritty as “I Spit On Your Grave” in spite of its restoration.
Author Archives: Felix Vasquez
West Side Story (2021)
With Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” he manages to offer up a brilliant, dazzling, and engrossing epic retelling of the original musical. It’s stunning how much Spielberg is able to suck us in using the elements of dance as important and crucial moments of exposition in lieu of endless dialogue. To say that “West Side Story” is a surprise, is an understatement. While Spielberg is a wonderful director, there’s never been any indication he could deliver on a musical. But with his version of “West Side Story” is gives us the classic tale of star crossed lovers, and a race war amidst the back drop of New York. Except what Spielberg does is beautifully recontextualizes the entire tale of the Jets and the Sharks for Modern audiences.
Everything Ends, and so should “The Oscars”
I’ve been an avid Oscar fan since I was five years old. I’ve watched every single show since I was a wee lad, and I’ve always had a good time with the energy and love for movies. Over the years the Oscars have tested my devotion to the entire process what with the politics and unusual decisions for its awards. It always took top priority when I was growing up, and now it’s rare that I watch the entire ceremony in one sitting. Now in 2022, “The Oscars” seems so antiquated, especially when they’re still refusing to acknowledge interesting, and unique filmmaking in favor of the same old stuff we’ve seen a thousand times already.
With Enough Momentum “From” Could Be the Next Horror Classic
One thing is for sure, EPIX in America sure does love Stephen King. Even when they’re not airing shows based on his work, they’re offering up shows that feel very much inspired by his work. “From” is a series that thrives on being as mysterious and cryptic as possible. Compared left and right to “Lost,” the series from John Griffith and the Russo Brothers ends that analogy as a series about strangers stuck on a deserted plot of land that they have to survive in, and look for a way out of. Beyond that, a lot of “From” is a harrowing mystery that terrorizes its audience, while never quite explaining what it is unfolding around us.
Slapface (2022)
I’ve been following Jeremiah Kipp’s indie film career for a while now and it was only a matter of time before he managed to explode. “Slapface” is the adaptation of his great 2017 short film that expands on the premise and circumstances involving our main characters. While the movie is primarily a horror film with a folklore bent, it’s also a very stark, grim, and richly developed analyses of grief, loss, toxic masculinity, and the fall out that can stem from psychological abuse. It’s very much in the wheelhouse of “The Babadook” and leaves just as much of a mark when the credits roll.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
This is the follow up to Tobe Hooper’s 1974 horror classic “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Not Part 2. Or “The Next Generation.” Or “Texas Chainsaw 3D.” No this is the official, official (seriously this time…?) follow up to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Really it’s a legacy sequel that pretty much takes from David Gordon Green’s “Halloween” movies and depicts Old Man Leatherface who is no longer an agent of chaos, but a cleverer, slicker, scarier slasher.
The Fallout (2022)
Jenna Ortega has gone from former Disney Channel actress to one of the most mesmerizing young actresses in Hollywood. While she’s managed to slay the horror world with her immense performances, she’s also proven she can handle other plains of cinema, case in point the pretty great “The Fallout.” Director Megan Park’s drama handles a very relevant often volatile social topic, exploring the aftermath and what happens when victims simply can’t figure out how to process their grief.