Most of my knowledge and experience with “Horrors of Spider Island” (aka “Body in the Web,” aka “A Corpse Hung in the Web” aka “It’s Hot in Paradise”) begins and ends with “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” It was lampooned in easily one of the funniest episodes of the series, and as it was nothing but goofy thinly veiled porn then, it’s goofy thinly veiled porn today. It’s somehow become something of a cult classic today, which is shocking considering the movie has almost nothing to offer. Even in its original uncensored form, the narrative is non-existent, and the movie is teeming with uncomfortable rapey overtones and very obvious lesbian overtones.
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
Michael (1924)
Danish film master Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Michael” is a very good LGBTQ drama that tackles a lot of the sexual politics of the period and the often unrequited loves between queer individuals. The entire taboo nature is explored very subtly with Dreyer’s fascinating narrative. Here, “Michael” dissects the relationship between a master artist and his apprentice and how their love for one another fueled their love for art as well as their misguided affections for a young woman.
The Lightest Darkness (2017)
A private eye is hired to help solve a mystery. As he boards a train, truths about himself and his cabin mates start coming to the surface as they discuss a serial killer who hits once per month on the very same train.
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
A former pageant winner registers her daughter in the same pageant hoping she can win and get a better chance at higher education. Together they navigate the pageant and life as best they can, trying to make their lives better along the way.
Money Machine (2020)
Following the Las Vegas shooting, documentary filmmaker Ramsey Denison goes to find answers as to what happened, how it was possible, how things were handled after the fact, and what may or may not have changed in Las Vegas following one of the largest mass shootings in the United States.
Victor and Victoria (1933)
Mostly unknown for years and years, Reinhold Schünzel’s musical comedy is a very good musical comedy that would set the template for the LGBTQ iconic movie and musical “Victor/Victoria.” Although known as “Viktor und Viktoria,” director Schünzel creates a funny, adorable, and entertaining musical that mixes cross dressing and heavy queer overtones. It otherwise salvages the pretty clumsy finale that doesn’t resolve much when all is said and done.
Mädchen in Uniform (1931)
Often times when you’ve been indoctrinated to conform to what is perceived as societal norms, the emotions between two people can be mixed and misguided. Leontine Sagan’s romance drama is a brilliant tale of unrequited love between two women and the confusion of identity amidst such an archaic institution. There’s nothing really discreet when it comes to what happens behind the walls of the boarding school as the girls within have essentially adapted to turning to one another for comfort.