In the fifties, many horror and science fiction films spoke of two things. The nuclear age, and the potential dangers of space exploration. While the US tested radiation, and strived to bring their men to space to explore other planets, Hollywood explored such ideas and its negative effects through filmmaking in films like “Godzilla”, “The Day The Earth Stood Still”, “Them”, and another film that would come in 1968 changing the face of filmmaking and horror for decades to come, a much more grim grotesque exploration in to the potential consequences of bringing a foreign chemical home with us and eventually spell doom for the rest of the world through a familiar foe.
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
King Kong (1933)
Film icon Faye Wraye plays Ann Darrow, an actress who accompanies an expedition crew to “Skull Island” to discover the god-like giant ape King Kong, a gigantic monstrous animal who is worshipped by tribes that inhabit the island. When Carl Denham seeks to kidnap Kong to bring him to New York to market off of his size and make money, Kong is put on display for all to see. But when he escapes from his restraints and begins wreaking havoc on the city seeking out Ann who he’s fallen in love with.
Curse of Chucky (2013)
One thing is certain after watching “Curse of Chucky.” While it is a lower budget reboot of the series that also works as a sequel, director Don Mancini loves the character. There are call backs to the previous movies, and director Mancini keeps the series focused on Chucky and Chucky alone, without the intervention of side characters. Brad Dourif returns to voice the character of Chucky, and has a good time reprising the monstrous killer doll that returns to wreak havoc on a dysfunctional wealthy family with many skeletons in their closet.
Scarecrow (2013)
You assume a movie about a killer scarecrow would be loads of fun, but “Scarecrow” starring Robin Dunne from the slightly entertaining Syfy series “Sanctuary” is only a passable bit of horror fare. It places little emphasis on the scarecrow, and more time on the characters. The scarecrow is a very stock horror character with no personality or real memorable moments. It takes a great talent to sap the frights from a scarecrow, and Sheldon Wilson’s film accomplishes just that.
Beneath (2013)
While normally I enjoy Larry Fessenden’s indie horror films, “Beneath” really is probably the worst he’s ever offered his fan base. Mean spirited, badly acted, and incredibly heavy handed, “Beneath” is never sure of its intention. The only thing it knows is that it keeps looking to the audience asking “Who is the real monster in this movie?” Again and again, every time these despicable and horrible characters make a decision that just inspires you to wish bloody death on them, Fessenden holds the mirror up asking “Who is the real monster in this movie?” After about an hour, I thought “Okay, we get it! Stop forcing it down our throat, already!” Yes, the giant man eating fish is bad, but these people are cold hearted, vicious bastards. Sing another tune, please!
Small Soldiers (1998)
Director Joe Dante’s “Small Soldiers” is sadly a film without an actual audience. It’s tame for horror fans, and may possibly be much too menacing for kids. And while the film had real potential to burst out with merchandise and tie-ins, the premise never lasted beyond a single film. That’s a shame, too, since the idea of psychotic toys wreaking havoc almost never gets boring. As a hardcore fan of the “Puppet Master” movies, “Small Soldiers” feels like a high tech remake that really manages to work as dark comedy, and creepy fodder for young boys. War toys working toward their initiatives and becoming violent is just a great idea, even if the premise is far-fetched.
The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald: Scared Silly (1998)
I honestly had no idea “Wacky World of Ronald McDonald” was a series of VHS video tapes released with almost ten volumes. I only remember in the Halloween of 1998 when the McDonald’s around the corner from where I lived began selling “Scared Silly” as an exclusive gift parents could buy for their kids. Though I am an animation nut and will try any animated movie or show at least once, this series seemed kind of like pandering to me, then. Much to my surprise, this series was animated and scored by the folks at Klasky Csupo, the amazing team behind “Rugrats” and “Aaah! Real Monsters!”







