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The Monster Project (2017)
Ambitious and original.
This is apparently the first real film from this writer/director. I must give some kudos to the writer/director as they tried, at least, to be original, and succeeded to some extent. Most of the terrible reviews seem to be written by people that aren't familiar with the independent/small film scene, and seem aimed at larger projects with a more experienced crew.
At times, it's reach did exceed it's grasp, but, overall, I found it enjoyable and I look forward to future projects from this writer/director.
Patchwork (2015)
If you like the work of Frank Henenlotter,
You will love this. It has the irreverent and gleeful bloodshed and the same joyous ignorance of science fact that makes all the classic horror comedies, like the Basket Case series, work, as well as the grind-house style "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" sensibilities. Not a laugh out loud style of horror comedy, but well loaded with chuckles and appreciative groans.
Fun, and full of grue. NOT a date movie, unless your date is a fan of gallons of blood and black market medical experiments, in which case, watch away!
Bad Milo! (2013)
I pity the folks that didn't watch more than a few minutes...
I had a chance to see it and didn't regret it a bit. I found it quirkily amusing and quite original. Yes, there was a bit of tasteless humor involved, but it didn't stoop as low as I expected, which was a treat.
The lead did a wonderful job of getting me to empathize with the mundane horror of his life. Stephen Root was, well, a hippyesque Stephen Root, which is not a bad thing. Patrick Warburton smarmed, sleazed, and mugged as only he can do. And Peter Stormare was an absolute delight as a counselor of dubious sanity.
The only real issue I had was the happy(ish) ending. In a horror comedy like this a less-than-happy ending is far from a bad thing, as long as it incorporates a darkly comic theme.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised, despite the presence of the Duplass Brothers, which, in my experience, generally don't let me down.
(And for those of you Pete & Pete fans, watch the medical doctor. It's Toby Huss who was Artie the World's Strongest Man.)
Man with the Screaming Brain (2005)
Schlockorama
Granted, there wasn't actually a screaming brain.
We (myself, the wife, a good friend, and my sister in law) just saw this in a local showing in conjunction with a book signing of his new book, "Make Love The Bruce Campbell Way." And, keeping in mind I'm rather a big fan of the esteemed Mr. Campbell, and have been for years, I must, unfortunately, only give it a 6 of 10 score. And that partially due to Mr. Campbell's apologies in advance.
The movie was a happy melange of slapstick and ideas happily lifted from a variety of other old horror films. Given that I was tipped by the title that this wouldn't probably be on this year's Oscar list, I didn't go in expecting too much.
I was right. What I saw was an amusing little film (and I did find many of the jokes funny, by the way) which was a pleasant way to waste a couple of hours, along with a confirmation of long held ideas about Bulgarian motor sports which have plagued me for years. In addition, it does give an interesting view of Mr. Campbell's own world view.
Don't walk into the movie expecting much and you won't be disappointed. Expect a masterpiece and you will be.
(Now to avenge myself on Mr. Campbell for introducing my wife to an excitingly ethnic and film geek approved way to criticize my driving.)
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Beautiful "cinematography," but a sadly predictable plot...
The scenes and many of the characters (especially the hawk) were amazingly done, and some of the scenes (like the sunset when Aki is ascending from the crater) show that CGI can transcend the limitations of filming in the real world; however, all the eye candy is mostly for naught when the plot was as hackneyed as this one was. I did enjoy the references to the gaming series (including the "pool of souls"/"living world" concept espoused in the later installments), and the action scenes were enjoyable, but I knew what was going to happen all along. I did, however, give the film an "8", as I hope this will encourage future filmmakers to test the boundaries of machinema and CGI, like Square did.
Jack of All Trades (2000)
Mindless, drooling fun
I found the series quite amusing, in a mindless, action packed Bruce Campbell sort of way. Some of the writing was quite predictable, and, frankly, I DON'T find Vern Troyer amusing, but what I really looked for was simply Bruce, Bruce, and more Bruce. Although I greatly long for the return of "Brisco County," I was willing to settle for "Jack" (until the locals stopped syndicating it.)
Blade (1998)
Remember, it's based on a comic book...
I really enjoyed Blade. The cinematography and fight choreography were excellent. It seems to me the biggest complaint about the film was the shallowness of the plot. Now, first off, I didn't go to see Blade for an in-depth analysis of the human condition. I went for a good time, which I got in spades. Of course, having wasted much of my youth (and adult life *grin*) with comics, I walked into the film knowing exactly what to expect, and I wasn't disappointed.