One of the most enduring films of the 1980’s, “Return of the Living Dead” is such a relic of its decade and time that it’d be impossible to remake it. Which is why it’s become such a beloved film among horror aficionados and film buffs alike. For its time, “Return of the Living Dead” was a fresh bold take on the zombie sub-genre and to this day continues to be a template upon which most horror comedies and zombie films are created. Dan O’Bannon’s zombie was an intelligent, unstoppable, lightning fast force of nature and it shockingly only worked for “Return of the Living Dead.” All other efforts were null and void.
Tag Archives: M
Mother's Day (2010)
It baffles me hours after watching “Mother’s Day” as to why director Darren Lynn Bousman’s remake of the 1980 cult classic wasn’t seen fit for theatrical distribution. As a horror film and a thriller it’s a perfectly suitable splatter film for the for the gore soaked masses and a taut suspense film for folks in the mood for a teeth grinding picture that takes place during one night and involves criminals with no place else to go. What Darren Lynn Bousman has done is crafted a chaotic film so off the cuff, it’s basically “The Desperate Hours” with more splatter and less grace behind it. As a whole it’s not the most subtle picture Bousman’s ever done. This is the guy behind “Saw” for godsake.
A Mind Beside Itself (2011)
Director PJ Starks has managed to create something of a very gripping and heartbreaking short film that doesn’t exactly lead audiences where one would expect. All along I suspected director Starks was going for an exploitative horror twist, but in reality the gut wrenching turn that ensues is far from horror and more horrific. But while the center piece is the overall hook to the story, “A Mind Beside Itself” is a testament to the power of grief, and the endless nightmare that is regret and guilt. Regret that we didn’t appreciate our loved ones while we had them. And guilt that it’s much too late to do anything about it. Tristan is a man who has just met the love of his life and they’re experiencing an amazing romance that will define his life forever.
MacGruber (2010)
I’m still not sure if it was a large bid of admirable faith or mind numbing stupidity for Lorne Michaels to fuel an adult comedy based around a Saturday Night Live sketch that barely anyone is familiar with on a show no one really talks about anymore, based around spoofing an old 80’s television show that stopped being relevant ages ago. “MacGruber” is a film that is about eighty minutes too long, an endless barrage of ridiculous and droning attempts at comedy that fails on every single conceivable level.
Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends – The Movie (2009)
Normally this would be the point in my review where I start off warning that unless you get seizures, “Mega Monster…” might not be the movie for you. But then I grew up watching “Power Rangers” religiously, and played Super Nintendo non-stop so I’m two steps ahead of the game. For folks who have yet to really be exposed to this sort of content, “Mega Monsters” will serve as a pure sensory overload. It’s colorful, loud, bright, vibrant, loud, explosive, loud, incoherent, often times breakneck paced, and did I mention loud?! But seriously, while a film like this has little story, you really have to pay attention to know what’s happening with the narrative and I mean you really have to pay attention.
Mega Man (2010)
Director Eddie Lebron is essentially the definition of the modern independent filmmaker. He’s a man who is a fanboy at heart who is currently devoting himself to making video game adaptations of his favorite video games that he would want to see. What began as a thirty minute fan film turned in to a ninety minute feature length film and he has devoted most of his time to garnering donations. Not for himself. Not for his merchandise, but for the film’s benefit. And as such he’s screened the film for free on the basis that he could fund his next project and inevitably be discovered. Basically he’s riding on a hope and skill, and he really should be given a fair shot at a Hollywood film.
Mega Shark vs Crocosaurus (2010) (DVD)
Before you write this off, I have two words for you: Jaleel White. Now calm down, before you start jumping up and down screaming in excitement, he’s about the only draw here. If you were around in the nineties. And liked “Family Matters.” And remember who Jaleel White is. No he didn’t play Carlton in “Fresh Prince.” In either case, The Asylum is not intent on implementing brevity for the sake of catching on with their fan base. To prove how unnecessarily lengthy the title is I can still fondly remember showing my dad the DVD and him smiling at the premise of the movie. Twenty minutes later, this man who is known for having a mind like a steel trap and over the course of an hour continued mixing up the title.