Simplicity has always been the best friend of the slasher movie. Nine times out of ten the best slasher movies aren’t convoluted or complex. Most times they’re just simple premises with simple motivations but a lot of subtext added throughout the narrative. “Halloween,” “Scream,” “Friday the 13th,” all benefited from being fairly simplicity and so does “You’re Next.” Adam Wingard’s horror thriller came like a wrecking ball back in 2011, sideswiping me and just blowing me out of my seat. Although now he’s headed for the bigger blockbusters, Wingard’s horror outings tend to channel John Carpenter with how they mesh sub-genres.
Tag Archives: Action
Dracula 2000 Or: Before Gerard Butler was a Meme
Dammit I love “Dracula 2000.”
I’m not too sure what the ultimate plan was for the Dracula character in the larger scheme of things, except the fact that everything had to be rebooted in the new millennium apparently. Everything had to press the reset button, including Dracula. This Dracula was a hunky vampire for the modern age where he would once again roam free to build his army, and do battle with Van Helsing. And he would do it set to rock music that ruled the radio, wreaking havoc to the tune of System of a Down, Linkin Park, and Disturbed, to name a simple few.
New York Ninja (2021)
Officially on 4K and Blu-Ray from Vinegar Syndrome on November 1st; will be getting a 35mm release in various theaters and cinemas during the first quarter of 2022.
1984’s “New York Ninja” is that type of classic grindhouse picture where you can almost smell the stale cigarettes, and burnt popcorn wafting from the rows in the discount movie theater. It’s that kind of classic schlocky ninja picture that would have played in a double feature, and that’s a lot of the reason why it’s such a special film. I’d be hard pressed to call “New York Ninja” was good movie at the end of the day. As an experience, though, it’s that kind of silly, ridiculous, campy ninjasploitation soaked in New York City ephemera that you’re bound to fall in love with.
Ninja Badass (2020) [Nightmares Film Festival 2021]
When a mega corp of ninja training comes to town and a super babe is kidnapped, Rex much leap into action to save her and the area from ill-intentioned bad guys.
Last Man Down (2021)
Following a worldwide pandemic, a man retreats to the woods where he lives a simple life by himself. When a woman shows up at his property, things quickly become complicated (and violent).
Syfy’s “Day of the Dead” Continues The Trampling of Romero’s Legacy
When the trailer for “Day of the Dead” arrived, it looked interesting but stumped me. The trailer for the Syfy series was a fast paced dark comedy with zombies, goofy one liners, and a bunch of action. It felt more like “Return of Z Nation” rather than a throwback to Romero. This could have been given any generic title like “Zombie Warz” or “Country Zombie Jammie Jam” and never really miss a beat. There’s no reason at all to call this “Day of the Dead” and pretend it’s honoring Romero’s original movie, and it’s sad Syfy has resorted to this.
It’s all brand recognition. It’s an easy sell, an easy pitch, and has a built in audience.
The Collection (2012)
I never saw the original “The Collector” but at this point I think it’s fair to say that you don’t really have to. “The Collection” is definitely a follow up to what is meant to be a trilogy of films, and the storyline isn’t exactly episodic. “The Collection” is not at all a bad movie, mind you. But it’s not as labyrinthian in its narrative as the “Saw” series continues to be. It sure does try to be, as it tells us very little about who the Collector is.