PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND: COMBO TIME!

 

 

Nicolas Cage has had an interesting career. Academy Award winner, Golden Globe award winner, box office draw. Then a divorce and tax issues took their toll financially. A few films that didn’t do the same box office business previous films resulted in him taking on nearly any project that came his way. Among those were some of the best performances of his career (JOE and MANDY among them). But like a number of actors who were strong in the late 80s through 90s the studios were tossing him less stellar roles. Which is sad.

PRIOSNERS OF THE GHOSTLAND is not likely to raise Cage’s profile. While a solid film it’s a bit too strange for most viewers. Cage does a great job here but that’s not enough to save the film from the oddness that is on screen.

The film takes place in a future Japan ravaged by nuclear waste. Cage plays Hero, a big time bank robber who hits a bank with partner Psycho (Nick Cassavetes). In the course of the robbery a number of people are killed including a small child. Hero is captured and tossed into the dankest cell they can find in a place called Samurai Town. 

One day Hero is removed from his cell and brought out to meet the Governor (Bill Mosely), the ruler of Samurai Town. Given a new leather suit to wear he puts it on willingly and is then told why he’s been summoned. One of the Governor’s “granddaughters” has left the town and entered the Ghostland. In return for rescuing his “granddaughter” the Governor agrees to let Hero free. 

To insure that he doesn’t run off, the new outfit he is wearing comes with preventive measures. Explosive devices are embedded in the outfit, two near his private parts, one on each are and two on his neck. Should he get excited and attempt to molest the girl the lower bombs explode. If he attempts to strike her the ones in his arms. And if he should fail to return her in 3 days all of them explode at once.

Hero sets out to his task only to wreck the car he was in when faced with a mirage. Or was it? In any event he is rescued by the Ratman, a strange person who comes from deep inside Ghostland. He takes him to the main city, if you can call it that, and there Hero learns that no one escapes from Ghostland. He sees an odd assortment of people there from clock worshipping cult to scavengers of the land. 

Hero gets a lead on Bernice (Sofia Boutella), the “granddaughter” he was searching for. He rescues her and tries to leave only to be stopped. In a world where the strange is normal, where ghosts might be real and where the followers of a clock cult may hold the answer, Hero must find a way to escape Ghostland or face his own death. 

What sounds like a pretty straightforward film is far from it. The story her feels like a mashup of so many films we’ve already seen, in particular the MAD MAX movies. Toss in a western or two as well as some surreal Japanese fantasy films and you get the picture. The problem is that we jump back and forth from one to the other and zig zag back and forth in time and space so much that it’s easy to get lost. Add to that the film is half in Japanese requiring subtitles and it makes it that much more difficult.

Visually the movie is stunning, the Ghostland the least so as it feels like any other post-apocalyptic world we’ve seen countless times over. Dirt everywhere, mechanical backdrops and more. The sequences in Samurai Town are exquisite though with bright colors and fabrics as well as some eerie walls of faces that work well. The cinematography of the entire film is crisp and clean and well thought out. The best parts of this film are these.

Cage does a fine job here given what he has but it is Bill Mosely who stands out among the actors. A slight touch of southern gentleman, prognosticating politician, slick con man and lecherous old man all come together in the character of the Governor and that’s in no small part to his performance. Mosely has always been relegated to smaller roles or lead parts in some of the goriest films made. This shows he has deserved better.

On the whole this movie looks spectacular but as far as an entertaining film to watch repeatedly it falls far short of that goal. Still, if you can’t find anything better this week you might want to give it a watch. 

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SNAKE EYES: PRE-JOE

 

 

Believe it or not it’s been 8 years since we last saw a G.I. JOE film hit the big screen. A lot has happened in that time and as successful as the films were it makes you wonder why it took so long. Thankfully the wait was worth it since SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS is as good a movie as the previous two outings.

This movie does give us the story of how the character of Snake Eyes came to be. It opens with a man and his son in hiding in a remote cabin. Apparently they haven’t hidden well enough and the bad guys show up. Hiding his son in the closet the man is offered a chance for his life with a throw of the dice. They come up snake eyes and he is killed. His son escapes and waits until the bad guys leave before watching the cabin burn in flames.

Years later the boy has grown and begun duking it out in underground fights calling himself Snake Eyes (Henry Golding). He wins enough that no one bets on him and moves on to another territory. At this most recent location he is approached by Kenta Takamura (Takehiro Hira), a Yakuza boss who offers him the chance to kill the man responsible for his father’s death if he will come work for him. 

Snake Eyes takes him up on the offer and soon finds himself butchering large fish and replacing their insides with sealed weapons. His supervisor is Tomisaburo “Tommy” Arashikage (Andrew Koji). Called to a meeting by Kenta, Snake’s loyalty is tested when Kenta asks him to kill a traitor in their midst, Tommy. He refuses to comply and the pair are set upon by Kenta’s men in a wonderful display of action and martial arts. 

Kenta escapes as do Tommy and Snake. During the battle Snake saves Tommy’s life. Afterward he learns that Tommy is actually Kenta’s cousin and next in line to be the head of the Arashikage clan, a ninja order who for centuries have fought evil and preserved order. Tommy takes him home where he meets the head of the clan, Tommy’s grandmother Sen (Eri Ishida). There in thanks for him saving his life, he seeks approval for Snake to join the clan.

Sen agrees with this decision and informs Snake that he will undergo three tests. To pass and become one of the clan he must pass all three. To fail means death. Snake agrees, unaware of what these tests are. At the same time Akiko (Haruka Abe) doesn’t trust Snake and disagrees with the decision. 

The weapons that Kenta was trying to ship to Japan were to be used to take down the clan. Kenta seeks the most powerful weapon known to man, “the Jewel of the Sun”, protected since the beginnings of the clan. Aiding him in this battle is a sinister group known as Cobra. They have sent in one of their own to oversee things, the Baroness (Ursula Corbero). But the clan has allies of their own and they’re sending in Major O’Hara otherwise known as Scarlett (Samara Weaving). 

Betrayal and trusts are tested. Double crosses take place among the good guys and the bad. A fight for what is right is carried out from start to finish. And in the end of this origin tale we discover the new look Snake will take on as well as who his arch enemy, Storm Shadow, is. 

The film offers fans exactly what they came for. Plenty of high octane action and adventure with a huge heap of martial arts expertise tossed into the mix. Swords clang, guns fire and explosions roar. This is a pure popcorn flick that will satisfy the most ardent fan of both the action film and G.I. Joe. 

Golding takes to the role like a fish to water, making the character of Snake Eyes come alive. This is not the Snake we see later in time in the previous films, this is the character coming to life. Had Golding failed to make the character believable all else wouldn’t have mattered. He does a fantastic job here as does the entire cast.

Visually the film is amazing with stunt choreography that moves with blinding speed and sets that dazzle the eye. This is a comic book brought to life and that was where the G.I. Joe franchise found its beginnings. 

After the film finished I found myself hoping that they continue making these films giving us the start of the various Joes and bringing them together in the process. The movie is entertaining and mostly a lot of fun with enough story to keep the most jaded viewer interested. It makes a nice tie in with the previous films and one that will end up on my shelf. 

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DON’T BREATHE 2: REDEMPTION

 

 

In 2016 an unassuming horror film was released to the public. It told the story or three teens who sneak into the house of a blind man in an attempt to rob him of $30,000 he received from an insurance company when his daughter died in a car accident. During that robbery they discover he’s not as helpless as they thought and the woman who killed his daughter chained up in the basement and pregnant. The film, DON’T BREATHE, was a surprise hit for Sony Pictures and it didn’t take long for a sequel to be lined up. 

DON’T BREATHE 2 takes place 8 years later. The film opens with a news story about a doctor wanted for working with a group suspected of killing people for their organs. Blind ex-SEAL Norman Nordstrom (Stephan Lang) still lives in Detroit with his trusted Rottweiler Shadow but he has a new life to care for as well. Phoenix (Madelyn Grace) grows up with Norman who trains he in survival skills and home schools her. He tells her she her mother passed away in a fire years ago. But she longs to be a normal child with friends. 

On a trip to town with Hernandez (Stephanie Arcila), a friend of Norman’s who brings them their weekly groceries, they stop by the burned remnants of Phoenix former life. Using the restroom at a nearby store when stopping for gas, Phoenix is met by Raylan (Brendan Sexton III). Raylan is a rough looking biker type but before he can do anything Shadow comes to Phoenix side and keeps him at bay. When she and Hernandez leave, he and a friend follow them and we get a glimpse of a cooler in the back of their truck.

When the chance presents itself Raylan and his gang move in subduing Hernandez and Shadow. When Norman goes out looking for Shadow they break into the house and a game of cat and mouse ensues with Phoenix doing her best to avoid Raylan and his gang. Of course it isn’t long before they catch her and the first twist of several takes place. Spoiler alert avoid the next paragraph at your own risk.

It turns out that Raylan is Phoenix birth father. He was sent to prison 8 years ago when the house burnt down. At that time Norman took Phoenix from the house and raised her as his own. Is this another case of Norman trying to replace the daughter he lost as he did in the first film? Or is he attempting to atone for his previous acts by giving this girl a new chance at life?

Raylan continues his plan for revenge. He knocks Norman out in the house. With Phoenix unconscious in the truck he sets the house ablaze with Norman and the gang’s dog trapped inside. They leave and head for the gang’s hideout, an abandoned hotel where more surprises lay in store. But Norman is not one to take things lying down. He is a formidable opponent in spite of his blindness. When you face off against someone like this you’d better make sure he’s down before you walk away.

The first film, made for under $10 million had a return at the box office of over $157 million. So a sequel was inevitable. But like most second features this one didn’t do near as well bringing in around $47 million. Then again this was at the tail end of Covid shutting down and theaters just opening again. 

The movie itself is actually quite entertaining for fans of the genre. The story fits together nicely like a puzzle where the pieces slowly fit together. The twists in the plot are well done and rarely seen coming. First time director Rodo Sayagues who co-wrote and co-produced the first film as well as the EVIL DEAD remake (both directed by Fede Alvarez) does a great job here keeping the pace of the film going and the surprises well hidden.

Perhaps the most amazing thing in both films is the performance of star Stephen Lang. Lang has had a career dating back to the 1980s but it’s always seemed to me that his career didn’t take off until 1990’s AVATAR. In spite of stellar work along the way he’s never gotten the credit that he deserves. Fans of the horror genre have embraced him though and his work in both of these films has been some of his best.

Halloween may be over but this is a movie that you won’t want to miss. The suspense is palpable and the movie keeps going even when you think it’s near over. Never once did I consider reaching for the remote and hitting the fast forward button which for me is high praise. This one is worth checking out. 

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COLD WAR CREATURES: JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN AND THANKSGIVING

 

 

Sam Katzman was one of the most successful film producers of all time. And yet you would be hard pressed to find anyone who knows his name with the exception of film fans. Katzman produced over 200 movies some of which you know even without knowing his name. Films like HARUM SCARUM and KISSIN COUSINS, both starring Elvis Presley. But exploitation fans know Katzman for the low budget horror films he made. And now Arrow Video is releasing a box set of four of those films.

COLD WAR CREATURES: FOUR FILMS FROM SAM KATZMAN contains four of his most famous films. None of them would be considered Oscar material but when released they did make a profit and that’s what Katzman was all about. He capitalized on what was taking place and made movies around it. In this case he took the science of atomic energy popular at the time and created monsters around it.

First up is CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN. Made in 1955 this film tells the story of gangster Frank Buchanan (Michael Granger) seeking revenge against those who had him deported. To do so he enlists the help of ex-Nazi scientist Wilhelm Steigg (Gregory Gaye) who has found a way of reanimating corpses using atomic radiation. Buchanan tries to take out the stool pigeons from his gang, the DA, the judge and anyone else who did him wrong. He just didn’t count on coroner Dr. Chet Walker (Richard Denning) standing in his way. Katzman lucked out here casting Denning who had a career in films like these, including CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON and TARGET EARTH. 

Next is THE WEREWOLF. A stranger shows up in the backwoods town of Mountaintop. Dealing with a case of amnesia he has no ID or clue as to who he is. He stops in a bar and has a drink but after leaving is attacked by a mugger. The violent outburst has an effect on him, turning him into a werewolf. With the townspeople trying to find this killer the pair of scientists responsible for his condition show up looking for him as well. Having injected him with irradiated wolf serum he can change at any time, not limited to day, night or the full moon like werewolves of the past.

Third in the set is THE ZOMBIES OF MORA-TAU. Catchy name if nothing else. This time we have treasure hunters seeking a lost box of jewels off the coast of Africa. Led by a wealthy tycoon they had no idea that the treasure was cursed and protected by long dead sailors who keep watch over it. Only destroying the jewels or having the curse is lifted will stop these undead.

THE GIANT CLAW is that last film in this set and probably the most well-known of the four. Scientists are testing a new radar system near the North Pole when aeronautical engineer and pilot Mitch MacAfee (Jeff Morrow) sees a UFO fly by. Jets are scrambled to see what it is and one of those goes missing. More attacks take place and the UFO turns out to be a giant bird they believe came from some antimatter galaxy. Discovering a way to take down this monster becomes the focus of our heroes. Here again Katzman lucked into having Morrow in the cast. He’d just come off from successes with THIS ISLAND EARTH and THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US.

All of these movies are in the very low budget end of films ever made. But they make up for it with enthusiasm and a love of the genre. The directors of each had long histories of successful films under their belts. The casts were always well chosen and made the stories, as ridiculous as some might seem, believable. These movies were made not to enlighten but to entertain and they do just that. And coming out of the 50s when the fear of nuclear weapons was at its height, they insert that into the stories well. 

The box set is a little pricy for some but comes along with not just the four movies but a ton of extras as well. Extensive commentary tracks, documentaries about Katzman and more, image galleries, a fully illustrated 60 page booklet, 80 page collector’s art book and more are included. The movies are perfect for the whole family to watch without the gore factor that many children shouldn’t be exposed to. 

Arrow Video has done their typical amazing job on this release from the extensive extras and packaging to the high end quality of the transfers of these films. They’ve never looked better. And they’re movies that you could be enjoying this Halloween if you pick up a copy. 

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FLIGHT TO MARS: CLASSIC SCI-FI

 

 

In the 50s WWII was over and the space race was on. With the creation of atomic energy things never before dreamed possible were coming true. It all resulted in a new wave of motion picture that had rarely been used before, the science fiction film. Some took on the form of giant monsters created by this new energy. Others were more forward thinking, looking at the capacity for man to fly to the stars and explore. FLIGHT TO MARS was one of the first of these films.

The first flight to explore Mars is about to take place. None of those on board is certain that they will return. Included on the flight are physicist Dr. Lane (John Litel), includes Professor Jackson (Richard Gaines), engineer Jim Barker (Arthur Franz), and his assistant Carol Stadwick (Virginia Huston). Joining them is journalist Steve Abbott (Cameron Mitchell) who will send back reports along the way of this historic mission. To do this he’ll be using self-propelled cylinders filled with his reports as well as data collected along the way.

After losing contact with Earth, a meteor storm ruins their landing gear. With no hope of returning and determined to learn more they crash land on Mars fortunately having a safe landing. But all is not what they expected. The first thing they encounter are five human appearing Martians who approach them. Led by Ikron (Morris Ankrum), the president of their planetary council, they are first told they’ve learned our language from watching broadcasts from Earth. They are escorted below ground where the Martians live.

The expedition meets with the ruling council and is welcomed to their city. They will also have the chance to learn about the discoveries the planet holds and perhaps help them. It seems that a mineral called Corium is what allows them to produce oxygen to survive underground this way. Unfortunately this mineral is now in short supply. Knowing this there is little they can do.

But Ikron has plans that will save his people. Pretending to offer the Earthmen to help them rebuild their spaceship so they can return home, his plan is to build a fleet of them and use them to transport his people to Earth where they will control the planet. Only a few members of the council object and then secretly help the expedition in the hopes of escape. Toss in a couple of romantic angles to this film and you have one heck of a ride. 

The combination of space expedition and thriller work well together here. We’ve always been wary of other cultures let alone other beings from space. To think that there plans would involve overtaking the world would seem normal at this time. It also works as a nice allegory about the Red Scare going on at the time involving the Russians. 

The Film Detective is working hard to join the ranks of other boutique labels in finding vintage and forgotten film and giving them new life. This movie looks amazing on blu-ray with a 4k restoration from the original 35mm Cinecolor Separation Negatives. In addition to that are some great extras including an audio commentary track by author/film historian Justin Humphreys, “Walter Mirisch: From Bomba to Body Snatchers” a new documentary short from Ballyhoo Motions Pictures, “Interstellar Travelogues: Cinema’s First Space Race” a new documentary short with artists/historian Vincent Di Fate from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and a full color insert booklet with an essay by Don Stradley.

Like many films from this time period it seems fairly predictable and rather simplistic but you have to view films like these through the eyes of the time. With that in mind this film is an entertainment offering that deserves to be seen once again. Thank goodness The Film Detective is offering us that chance. This one is worth adding to your collection. 

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FREE GUY: GAME TIME!

 

 

I like Ryan Reynolds. He seems like a nice guy. His movies make me laugh. And at the same time he’s done a great job in action and dramatic roles. So when I hear he has a new movie coming out he’s one of those actors that makes me want to be there. Such was the case when FREE GUY came out. Now that it’s on disc I know I’ll be adding it to my collection. It was that great.

Reynolds stars as a bank teller named Guy. His name tag says so. Every day he does the same thing, follows the same pattern. He wakes, feeds his goldfish, gets ready, goes to work, grabs a cup of coffee (the same kind every day) and meets up with his best friend security guard Buddy (Lil Rel Howery). The same thing happens to them on their trek to work and once there the same robbery happens over and over again? Is this a remake of GROUNDHOG DAY? 

Not at all. You see Guy and Buddy are incidental characters in a worldwide video game called “Free City”. They are nothing more than computer programs, programmed to do the same thing over and over again, ignorant of the rampant violence taking place around them as players shoot, rob, kill and do more to other various incidental characters. But then something happens.

One day while walking his usual walk, Guy sees someone. This is Molotov Girl and Guy is smitten. Enough so that he suddenly begins deviating from his program. No one notices at first but he eventually develops the nerve to actually speak to Molotov Girl. She’s surprised to see this happen. That’s because in reality she is Millie Rusk (Jodie Comer). 

Millie was a programmer who helped create “Free City” with her partner. Then it was bought up by Antwan Hovachelik (Taika Waititi) who capitalized on the game and made a fortune. Enough so that he hired her partner and stopped the project near and dear to their hearts, creating a free thinking artificial intelligence in the game. Could it be that bits of their code exist and are now a part of Guy?

Millie/Molotov Girl thinks Guy is just a novice player with no points to his name, no power ups. So she advises him to level up and do so. She provides him with a pair of glasses that allow him to see what is taking place all around him among the players who have bought into the game. In an effort to please her and win her favor Guy begins to do heroic deeds, gaining points and upping his level. 

This begins to attract the attention of the players around the world. To them he is just another player with a secret identity. They have no clue who and what he really is. When Millie begins to see who he is she realizes he can help her gain access to where her original code has been hidden from her. But of course Antwan is not going to take this lying down and he sends in his IT team to track them down, including the former partner of Millie, Walter “Keys” McKey (Joe Keery). Can Millie and Guy find what she’s after before they are stopped?

This movie has me laughing from start to finish. On one level there is the up-front items taking place, the conversations the unknowing Guy has with people and his friends. The reactions from characters as he starts to change is funny. And all the while there are some hilarious things taking place in the background that are hilarious. I am one of those people who thinks there is an overuse of CGI (computer generated graphics) in films these days. Not so here. Taking place inside a game it has to be done this way and it works.

I can’t think of another actor who could handle the part of Guy the way Reynolds has. His ability to make you think he is innocent and unknowing while at the same time beginning to learn is amazing. Not only that, it plays for laughs the way it should. The rest of the cast is equally up for the challenge and do a fantastic job as well. 

If nothing else rent this one and give it a watch. My guess is after you’ll want to buy it. That way you can watch it and laugh again. And you can catch all of the jokes that you missed watching it the first time around. This one definitely belongs in someone’s stocking this year. 

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NAKED SINGULARITY: JUSTICE SERVED

 

 

John Boyega has certainly come a long way in a short time. Appearing in ATTACK THE BLOCK just ten years ago he went on to star as Fin in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and then PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING. Now he’s featured in the lead role in NAKED SINGULARITY based on the novel of the same name by Sergio de la Pava.  

Boyega stars as Casi, an idealistic young public defender who is feeling the weight of the world when it comes to the justice system. Rather than finding ways to help those arrested and facing charges the system simply moves along as usual, a machine that chews up and spits out people in a never ending cycle. Casi still believes there is hope and pushes for that, in particular when he appears before Judge Cymbeline (Linda Lavin). The end result is his being chastised by her.

Casi is requested by a fellow PD named Dane (Bill Skarsgard) to take over a case he was handed at the request of that defendant. Her name is Lea (Olivia Cooke) and Casi handled a pervious case involving her. Lea works at the city’s car impound and a criminal named Craig (Ed Skrein) has involved her in a scheme. A care in the lot has millions in heroin stashed in it. He needs her to help identify when it will go on the auction block so he can buy it there and sell the drugs to someone known as the Golem. She was picked up checking it out and had a minor amount of drugs on her. She needs Casi to help her negotiate a deal so she faces no jail time and can get out that night.

Casio negotiates the deal with two drug officers. In return for helping them set up the partner who forced himself on her, she gets to walk free. But Lea longs for a better life away from this city, a life where she isn’t beholden to anyone. She agrees but makes plans of her own.

In another court case Casi finally loses it in front of Judge Cymbeline and is given 6 months leave of absence. Dejected, fed up with the system he goes home. Talking to his neighbor Angus (Tim Blake Nelson) he listens as he talks about a warp in time and space that is coming. He helps Casi to recognize a singularity. Things within a black hole are sucked in and gradually crush themselves due to gravity. Casi sees the justice system as behaving the same way, collapsing in itself of its own weight and inability to change itself. But perhaps it can be changed from outside. 

As Casi learns more about Lea and what her plans are he discusses it with his friend Dane. Dane in turn realizes that this is an opportunity that the pair can’t pass up. Knowing all sides involved and what is to happen, the two of them can not only steal the money from the crooks they can make sure the drugs never hit the streets. But to make this happen Casi will have to break the law that he’s spent his entire life so far standing up for. In addition to that he’s developed a sense of duty to Lea to insure that she has that second chance so many never get. 

The movie is a perfect vehicle for Boyega. He’s starred in some spectacle films for sure but this film gives him a chance to act in a more straight forward drama. He proves his abilities with ease. At times while watching the film I was reminded of a young Denzel Washington at the top of his game. This film is sure to earn him fans and I for one hope to see him do more. Cooke also shines here in a role that would be spare for some but that she gives life to. By the end of the film Casi isn’t the only one who wants a better life for her, we the viewer do too. 

This is the first film for director Chase Palmer and he does a fine job. The story is clear, the pacing is exceptional and the camera movement well thought out. The fact that he combines all of this with terrific performances shows he’s someone to watch. 

There are good heist films and bad ones. This is a good one. On top of that it presents a view of the justice system that few are willing to talk about. That’s a system called the justice system that doesn’t actually provide justice, just a system that handles those who need it. Maybe this will make some think twice about that. 

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ONE DARK NIGHT: CRYPT FILLED CREEPINESS

 

 

In 1983 there were several films released that all seemed to have a similar theme to them, a crypt. One was FRIGHTMARE where a group of college students steal the corpse of a horror film star from his burial place. Another was MORTUARY where a woman searches for answers at the local mortuary concerning her father’s death. And then there was this film, ONE DARK NIGHT, which I consider the best of the three.

The film opens with a crime, the murder of six young girls in the apartment of Russian occultist Raymar along with his apparent suicide. With no clues as to why the girls were murdered the police okay the removal of the bodies. Things pause when bolts of electricity shoots from the fingertips of Raymar as he is loaded onto the stretcher.

Raymar’s daughter Oliva McKenna (Melissa Newman) and her husband Allan (Adam West) are unaware of what has happened. That is until they are approached by a feature writer for The World of the Occult, Samuel Dockstader (Donald Hotton). He provides Olivia with evidence that her father had discovered something and had become a sort of psychic vampire. Allan is unconvinced but Olivia begins reviewing the evidence.

Back in the town where Raymar has been buried we find a group of teens doing what all teens do. Partying, jealous of lost boyfriends and planning pranks. Julie Well (Meg Tilly) is going out with Steve (David Michael Daniels). This doesn’t sit well with Carol (Robin Evans) who was Steve’s girlfriend before. Carol heads a group of girls known as The Sisters and Julie in an effort to prove she’s not afraid of them is trying to join the group which includes Kitty (Leslie Speights) and Leslie (E.G. Daily). 

The Sisters have come to their final initiation request for Julie. She is to spend the night locked in the mausoleum at the local cemetery alone. They drop Julie off and lock her in, intending to sneak back in later and scare her. What they aren’t aware of is the Raymar has just been entombed in that mausoleum.

As the night rolls on Leslie backs out on their plan thinking it is going too far. Steve finds out what’s going on when he comes across Leslie who was kicked out of the Sister’s car and heads out to confront Carol. And Raymar begins to awaken must to the surprise of all who find themselves in that mausoleum.

Will anyone survive this night? Will Steve get there in time and be able to help? Will Carol and Kitty realize the mistake they have made? And will Olivia find the solution to the problems at hand as she reads through Raymar’s manuscripts and listens to his tapes?

Everyone knows that horror films at the time this movie was released revolved around teens in jeopardy. This film is no different. But it also brings adults into the picture with the main bad guy Raymar and his daughter. This provides a bit more background story than most horror films had at the time.

The effects seen her are wonderful between the mayhem of Raymar’s mental powers shaking the building and pushing out numerous rotting coffins and corpses and the make-up effects of those same corpses and or Raymar himself. None of them could be considered over the top and they are effective in adding just the right touch of creepiness to the film. The same can be said of the setting where most of the film takes place. Not since PHANTASM has a mausoleum been used this effectively. 

The actors here all turn in great performances making their characters believable and in a film like this that’s crucial. Tilly is in her first featured role here and doesn’t have much to do but she handles herself well. Who would think that within the next year she’d star in PSYCHO II and THE BIG CHILL? The rest of the actors do an admirable job as well with only Elizabeth Daily going on to anything worth mentioning. 

This was the first film for director Tom McLoughlin and his ability to handle the genre shows. So much so that he went on to direct more in the genre like SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 6 and episodes of both FREDDY’S NIGHTMARE and FRIDAY THE 13TH THE SERIES.

I was glad to hear that MVD was going to be releasing this film on blu-ray. As I said it’s one of my favorite horror films from that time. Not only are they releasing a movie they’ve done a solid job of making look great they’ve included a ton of extras as well. Those include an audio commentary with director & co-writer Tom McLoughlin and producer Michael Schroeder, an audio commentary with director & co-writer Tom McLoughlin and writer Michael Hawes, an interview with director Tom McLoughlin, an interview with actress E.G Daily, an interview with actress Nancy Mott, an interview with cinematographer Hal Trussell, an interview with production designer Craig Stearns, an interview with producer Michael Schroeder, an interview with special effects crew member Paul Clemens, an alternate Director's Cut / Work Print Version of the film, behind the scenes footage, Paul Clemens photo gallery, the original theatrical trailer, reversible artwork and a collectible Mini-Poster. 

If you enjoyed this one years ago or never heard of it before, this is your chance to enjoy one truly creepy horror film. High marks on this one. It has held up through the years. 

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MORTUARY: NIGHTMARE OR MURDER?

 

 

Back in 1983 as the film industry began recognizing the money they could make with horror films several movies were released that could easily be confused with one another. FRIGHTMARE had a group of young people steal a recently deceased film star from his coffin in the cemetery. ONE DARK NIGHT had a group of teens pranking someone in a mausoleum. MAUSOLEUM had a woman possessed by the demon who killed her mother. And then there was MORTUARY.

MORTUARY tells the story of Christie Parson (Mary Beth McDonough) who thinks that her father who was found in the family pool was murdered. No one believes her though, including her mother Eve (Lynda Day George). Christie continues to have nightmares over the event and dealing with the refusal of everyone to believe her.

Greg (David Wallace) and his friend Josh (Denis Mandel) head to a warehouse owned by local mortician and Josh’s boss Hank Andrews (Christopher George). The plan is to steal some tires stored there in compensation for Hank’s not paying Josh. While the rummage around the warehouse they hear noises from below. Looking from above they witness and occult ritual with Hank in charge and Eve part of the ceremony. Before they can both escape Josh is murdered. Not realizing this Greg watches as Josh’s van drives off.

More strange incident occur. Christie is pursued by a strange car on her way home. She is attacked by a hooded figure out by the pool but her mother insist it was nothing more than another nightmare. Greg reveals what he saw to Christie and the two begin to wonder if her mother and Hank, who began dating shortly after her father’s death, were behind his murder.

Through all of this is Hank’s son Paul (Bill Paxton) who has a crush on Christie. He brings her flowers and seems to want to ask her out, oblivious to the fact that she and Greg are together. Paul is your typical film dork, unable to carry on a straight conversation and often made fun of by those around him. Being the son of the local mortician doesn’t help matters.

All of these things come together in a plot that makes sense for once and a story that keeps you guessing just who is behind all of these murders taking place. Yes, more than just Christie’s father are killed as the film moves forward but to tell you who would be a major spoiler. If you want to know who you’ll have to watch.

Here again we have a low budget movie that did well at the box office earing over $4 million. Director Howard Avedis directed several movies but unlike this film most were in the softcore R rated drive in genre with films like THE TEACHER. McDonough was using the film to step away from her squeaky clean image as one of the children in THE WALTONS. Christopher and Lynda Day George were married at the time and seemed to appear in a number of horror films during this decade. And Bill Paxton, well we all know he went on to bigger and better things.

MVD is releasing this film as part of their MVD Rewind Collection. The film looks great and was done from the original internegative in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Extras are limited here but include an interview with Composer John Cacavas, the original theatrical trailer and a collectible mini-poster. 

The film remains an entertaining horror film and fans will love having the chance to see it once again. If you love 80s horror then you’ll want to add this one to your collection.

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THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW: SORORITY STALKER

 

 

The 80s were a decade where horror films were suddenly moved to the forefront of film screens everywhere. Often seen as the red headed stepchild of film genres (no offense intended to red headed stepchildren) horror films were more often considered B movies or drive-in fodder. That all changed with the success of several films at the box office which resulted in a ton of movies looking for holidays and locations to be used for horror fueled plots. Everything from slumber parties to Christmas was used. So why not use college campuses. In 1982 two films went there. One was THE DORM THAT DRIPPED BLOOD. The other was THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW.

Seven sorority sisters are about to celebrate their graduation with a big party at the sorority house. They planned on this weekend since their house mother Mrs. Slater (Lois Kelso Hunt) is planning to be out of town. When she learns of their party she puts down her foot and refuses to allow them to have it. 

One of the girls, Vicki (Eileen Davidson) already has it in for Mrs. Slater. When she snuck a boyfriend into her room Mrs. Slater slashed her waterbed. Now Vicki plans her revenge, encouraging the other to help her with a prank. They toss Slater’s cane into the unusable swimming pool and then force her at gunpoint to retrieve it. The prank goes wrong when Vicki shoots her by mistake. In an effort to hide what happened the girls all decide to hide the body in the pool until they can do something with it.

The party goes on but things begin to happen. We as viewers see a young man stabbed with the cane and murdered. When the girls see some of the guests wanting to use the pool they realize that the light will illuminate the body. One goes down to disable the breaker and is murdered. The pool lights come on and the girls are surprised that the body is no longer there. 

As the movie progresses the usual tropes are used with the body count rising and the question of who is actually killing the students in question. Is it Mrs. Slater? Was she really dead? Is she back from the grave? And why did she always take a trip at this time of year? Could it be that the strange Dr. Beck has the answers the girls are seeking?

For a low budget feature the quality of this film is higher than most. The cinematography is well done and director Mark Rosman gets the best out of his cast.  He later went on to a successful career with movies he directed for Disney including A CINDERELLA STORY. Davidson went on to become a featured player in the TV soaps THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. Harley Jane Kozak who is in the film went on to star in the soap SANTA BARBARA and later in the films PARENTHOOD and ARACHNAPHOBIA. 

Made for under $500,000 the film grossed over $10 million at the box office. Since its release the film has developed a cult following and rightfully so. It is a classic of the slasher films from the 80s and has earned its place in the horror hall of fame. The movie was remade but like most remakes the newer film paled in comparison. 

MVD is releasing the film as part of their MVD REWIND COLLECTION and as they always do they’ve done a fantastic job of it. Offered in high definition from the original internegative in 1.78:1 aspect ratio the film has never looked better. In addition to that they’ve included a number of well-done extras. Those include an audio commentary with director Mark Rosen and stars Eileen Davidson and Kathryn McNeil, interviews with cast and crew including: Director Mark Rosman, stars Harley Jane Kozak, Eileen Davidson and Kathryn McNeil, Composer Richard Band and Producer Igo Kantor, a storyboard on the original ending, theatrical trailers, reversible artwork with an alternative cover and a collectible mini-poster.

If you’re a horror fan, a fan of horror films from the 80s or one of the many followers of this film you’ll want to make a point of adding this one to your collection. It still hold up after all these years. 

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DUNE: REVISITING A CLASSIC

 

 

The excitement for fans of science fiction and in particular the DUNE novels of Frank Herbert is astronomical at present. A brand new version of his seminal work DUNE is about to come out and the word is that it’s amazing. Written in 1965 and adored by fans a film was attempted first by director Alejandro Jodorowsky in the 70s but that fell apart. It wasn’t until 1984 when director David Lynch brought the movie to life. The film was considered a box office disappointment and fans of the novels were disappointed. But living up to the expectations of fans who loved a massive novel and its own series of sequels was never something anyone would expect to be achieved. 

The movie DUNE itself was amazing for its time. It featured some of the most astounding effects, a number of great performances by a cast that was huge and kept as much to the story as a movie just over 2 hours could. The book was a massive 420 pages long. All of that could in no way be captured in one film. That might explain why the new one is being done as two. But this film was one that captured fans and led to it becoming a much larger hit on video and disc long after it finished in theaters.

If you’ve never seen the film the content alone will keep you busy trying to keep up. It takes place in a galaxy far far away…no not that one…another one where there is much political play taking place. The main players involve the Emperor (Jose Ferrer) trying to retain power, the planet Arrakis also known as Dune where spice is harvested, the members of House Harkonnen who currently control the spice mines and House Atreides who are about to be placed in charge of Arrakis. The Emperor has shifted control of Arrakis to Atreides knowing this will result in a war with House Harkonnen and eliminate them from possibly taking control from him.

Concern about this comes from two groups. The first is the Space Guild, a species that has morphed over time and are able to fold time making space travel take place in seconds rather than years. They’ve changed after their use of spice gave them this ability. The other is the Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood with powers of their own involving themselves in intergalactic affairs. One of their own, Lady Jessica (Francesca Annis), is the concubine of Duke Leto (Jürgen Prochnow), the head of House Atreides. Against the instructions of her order she gave birth to a son, a son who may become the savior of the Universe.

Now grown Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) has spent his life training and is now confronted by the Benne Gesserit just as House Atreides is set to move to Arrakis. He passes their tests as well as those put before him by his instructors Gurney Halleck (Patrick Stewart), Dr. Yueh (Dean Stockwell) and Thufir Hawat (Freddie Jones). All will play a part in what is to come.

Arriving on Arrakis, Duke Leto attempts to forge a pact with the Fremen, people native to Arrakis who harvest the spice found there from the giant worms that crawl beneath the sand. Before the alliance can be put in place, House Harkonnen attacks under the watchful eye of Vladimir Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan) along with his nephews Rabban (Paul Smith) and Feyd-Rautha (Sting). Paul and Jessica survive the attack and are aided by the Fremen. What they learn and experience among them will change the course of history forever. 

The amount of story packed into this one film is amazing. Don’t worry, you’ll eventually get to know the names of all the characters and their relationships to one another as you go. Suffice to say the film is filled with action and a tale that spans the galaxy. The visuals of the film are extraordinary even by standards now in play in films. But the film doesn’t rely on just its visuals to get the point across. 

It is the acting ability of all involved that delivers this film to the standard that needs put in place for films like this. Couple that with the amount of story being conveyed, the subtle nods to ecology, overpopulation and political maneuverings and you have one heck of a tale to tell. This film does that in a most entertaining way. If you’re a fan of the book set it aside and enjoy the film for what it is. If you’ve never read the book, odds are you’ll want to after watching this.

Arrow Video is releasing the movie on blu-ray and 4kHD. The picture quality is par none for the film. In addition to that Arrow has packed this product with more items than can be found on most grocery stores these days. To being with they’re offering the movie for the first time ever in a 4k scan from the original camera negative giving you the best quality image ever. Included in the extras are a brand new audio commentary track by film historian Paul M. Sammon, a brand new audio commentary track by Mike White of The Projection Booth podcast, “Impressions of DUNE” a 2003 documentary on the making of the film, “Designing DUNE” a 2005 featurette looking at the work of production designer Anthony Masters, “DUNE FX” a 2005 featurette about the special effects of the film, “DUNE Models & Miniatures” a 2005 featurette on the model effects in the film, “DUNE Costumes” a 2005 featurette focusing on the costume designs seen in the film, eleven deleted scenes from the film with an introduction by producer Raffaella de Laurentiis, “Destination DUNE” a 1983 featurette originally produced to promote the film at conventions and publicity events, theatrical trailers and TV spots, extensive image galleries and a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Daniel Taylor. 

If you love this movie then you need to pick this edition of the film up. Arrow has once more proven why they are the go to source for films like this being saved. Yes you might own a copy already from years ago but it won’t look near as perfect as this. 

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THE GO GO BOYS: THE HISTORY OF CANNON

 

 

If you were going to the movies in the 80s then no doubt you were aware of Cannon Films. Founded by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, they made their mark on Hollywood by making some of the biggest films of the time without the help of major Hollywood studios. They were outsiders who came in and pulled some of the top talent at the time into their films and made millions in the process. With over 300 films to the company’s credit you would think they’d still be busy. But that’s not the case.

Filmmaker Hilla Medalia takes a look at the duo from their beginnings to the eventual collapse of their studio. Using a combination of archival footage, film clips and current interviews with both men she gets to the heart of the company and what happened, never giving ground to easy questions and searching for answers. In doing so we get a better grasp of the two men and what they actually achieved.

Menahem, the elder of the two, was already making movies in Israel when the decided to join forces. This led to a series of successful films in Israel that were eventually released in the US as well. Deciding to take the risk of being major film producers the pair moved to the US, bought out the struggling Cannon Pictures company and made history. Working out of a small office they negotiated some of the biggest deals of the time. 

Their string of hits included most of the early films of Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme. They brought Sylvester Stallone in on a few films. The same with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Menahem was the one overseeing the productions being made and Yoram was the money man, able to find the resources to get these films made. 

But they had different ideas of where they wanted to go. Menahem headed more towards making numerous money making films without worry about if there was money to make them or not. Yoram wanted to make more prestigious films in an effort to rise about the exploitative films they had been making. These included films like FOOL FOR LOVE by Sam Shepherd and RUNAWAY TRAIN by Andrey Konchalovsky. 

A few bad films and some bad investments led to disaster for the cousins to the point of them not talking to one another. It also led to the downfall of the company they had created. That might seem like you’re being told the entire story but it is just the bare bones. It is the meat surrounding those bones that makes this documentary both entertaining and informative. 

If you grew up loving those films and seeing the Cannon Film banner at the beginning of a film then you’ll want to check this one out. For me I enjoyed it from start to finish be it the interviews, the film clips, the trailers clips and more that are on hand. And once it’s over my guess is, like me, you’ll be looking to see if some of the movies discussed are in your collection to be pulled out and watched again. Alongside the titan of the business Golan and Globus deserve more recognition. Perhaps this film will lead to that happening. 

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THE FOURTH VICTIM: DID HE OR DIDN’T HE?

 

 

Director Eugenio Martin is most known for the creature film HORROR EXPRESS, a movie that’s found its way to so many different packages of horror collections with it falling into public domain that the odds of not having seen it are slim. Thankfully a beautiful edition of it was released this year by Arrow. With 31 films to his credit as a director through 1996, Martin worked in numerous genres. With THE FOURTH VICTIM he dipped his toe into the giallo genre. The results are mixed.

Playboy Arthur Anderson (Michael Craig) discovers the body of his wife floating face down in their pool. This would be tragic for most but in the case of Anderson this is the third wife he’s had that met and unfortunate end. Each one also had a generous insurance policy leaving everything to Anderson. The fact that his longtime maid seems a bit suspicious doesn’t help things. All of this leads to Inspector Dunphy (José Luis López Vázquez) taking an interest in the case. 

Seemingly unaffected by his wife’s death, Anderson is surprised one night to hear someone swimming in the same pool his wife drowned in. He goes to investigate and finds a woman in the pool swimming. She leaves the water and apologizes saying that it was so hot that night she couldn’t resist. She introduced herself as Julie Spencer (Carroll Baker), a new next door neighbor. Anderson disbelieves her immediately thinking she’s a plant placed there by the police to keep an eye on him.

As the viewer we are given information Anderson doesn’t have when we witness Julie return to her home. She phones someone and tells them she’s finally met Anderson. We also notices that while she may be renting the house her accommodations are a bit Spartan since she’s inside a tent inside the house.

Anderson eventually allows his guard to fall down and he becomes enamored with Julie as she does with him. They marry and are soon living in his home. But things are still a bit strange. And when her car is found parked near the nearby seaside cliffs, the suspicions of the police are roused once again.

The movie has enough twists and turns to make it a genuine giallo picture, black gloves and all, but it never seemed to have any popularity both when released and on home video. With the rare exception of bootlegs it never found a release in the US. Severin has corrected that with their release of the film. Thank goodness.

It might not be the most perfect example of the genre and things at times seem rushed, as in the marriage, but the movie does keep you guessing. Is Anderson a black widow marrying women with huge insurance policies in order the kill them? Or is there someone else out there making it appear so? And who is the stranger person on the phone that Julie talks to? All are answered by the end of the film.

Baker was set to be a huge star in Hollywood but by the time this film was produced she was in less demand. That led to her starring in a number of foreign films where she remained popular. She does and admirable job here in this lead role. Craig also does a fine job helping to present the character of Anderson as potentially killer and victim at the same time. 

Severin has done a wonderful job here with the film first by offering a 2k scan of the film negative presenting a pristine version of the film. The extras are limited but include “Eugenio Martin, Auteur” an interview with Eugenio Martin biographer Carlos Aguilar, a deleted scene and the trailer for the film. 

If you enjoy giallo films, foreign films or mysteries then you’ll want to check this one out. While many have offered negative reviews for the film I found it entertaining from start to finish.

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YOKAI MONSTERS COLLECTION: JAPANESE FOLKLORE

 

 

Arrow Video has done a wonderful job of bringing back to life many films from Japan on Blu-ray. Now from the same studio that brought us the Daimajin trilogy comes the trio of films based on the yokai, a group of supernatural entities and spirits found in Japanese folklore. Daiei Studios brought these to life beginning in 1968 and they did some interesting films. 

The first in the trilogy is 100 MONSTERS. In this one a wealthy land owner decides to tear down a local shrine in order to build a brothel. In order to build the brothel he is evicting the peasants who live in his buildings. Trying to insure peace he allows them to hold a ceremony where tales are told of an umbrella spirit and a long necked apparition. In a hurry to get things moving he fails to do a purification ritual to ward off evil. Expectedly, with the exception of the greedy landowner who didn’t believe in any of this, the evil spirits arrive. 

The second film is SPOOK WARFARE is a little more complicated than the first. This one opens in Babylonia where a monster named Daimon has been buried for centuries. When treasure hunters disturb his tomb 4000 years later, he rises and kills them before flying to Japan. Once he arrives in Japan he kills a samurai named Lord Hyogo Isobe, drinking his blood and taking over his form. As he begins to tear down the shrines around Lord Isobe’s home he disturbs a kappa or water demon. Easily defeating him the kappa does off to the woods in an attempt to recruit the rest of the yokai to return and take down Daimon. But will this group be large enough to take him down? 

The third film in the collection is ALONG WITH GHOSTS. A man carrying evidence that would end the corruption in his village is attacked by a group of samurai working for the corrupt boss. Warned by an old man that the area they are in is sacred ground and not to spill blood there, they kill him and the men possessing the evidence which blows away. That paper is found by the old man’s granddaughter who runs off, followed by the samurai. Aiding her along the way are the spirits and yokai that he old man warned would seek vengeance. This film actually ended the trilogy. But it wasn’t the end of the yokai. 

In 2005 famed director Takashi Miike made THE GREAT YOKAI WAR. This film brings us to present day Japan and tells of a young boy named Tadashi Ino. He’s just moved to the small village after his parent’s divorce and is finding himself bullied as the new kid. At the big festival in town a single boy is selected to be the Kirin Rider, a protector of all things good. While it might seem like legends it turns out the position is real. The role of the Kirin Rider and now Tadashi is to protect the world from the evil spirit known as Yasunori Kato. Kato wants nothing more than to end the modern world and the entire Japanese race. To defeat him Tadashi must face his fears, find the sword of the Kirin Rider and recruit the yokai to help bring down Kato.

All of the film are entertaining and each one has its own feel. The first does feel like and introduction. The second feels more like an episode of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES with the appearance of the yokai involved. The third ties more into children but also has some of the most haunting images. And the final chapter is like a more modern movie filled with more elaborate special effects and makeup. I would find none of them upsetting for small children. The only problem is with the exception of the last film the rest are not dubbed. 

As with anything being released by Arrow Video they have outdone themselves with the extras here. All four films are presented in hi definition Blu-ray format. Other extras include an illustrated 60 page collector’s book featuring new writing on the series by Stuart Galbraith IV, Raffael Coronelli and Jolyon Yates, reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jolyon Yates, postcards featuring newly commissioned artwork for each film by Jolyon Yates, a foldout “yokai guide” poster illustrated by Jolyon Yates, “Hiding in Plain Sight” a brand new documentary giving a primer on yokai for Western audiences, the theatrical trailers for each film, image galleries, a brand new audio commentary on THE GREAT YOKAI WAR with Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes, archive interviews on the same film with cast and crew, “Short Drama of Yokai” two shorts dealing with the further adventures of the yokai, “Another Story of Kawataro” two shorts featuring the continuing story of kappa from the films, “World Yokai Conference” a publicity event where Miike speaks about his film, Promotional Events on the last film and a documentary of the last film’s young star Ryunosuki Kamiki. 

The films are all entertaining and a wonderful example of Japanese filmmaking that will give people a glimpse into their world. Arrow has done an amazing job on this one if at all interested it’s worth taking a look at.

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VENGEANCE TRAILS: A HEALTHY DOSE OF SPAGHETTI WESTERNS

 

 

If you’re like most Americans your exposure to the famed spaghetti western was limited to the Clint Eastwood films of the 60s. That trio of films would form the basis of these films that for far too many ended there. It also made a star out of Eastwood. But there were a vast number of other westerns made from studios in Italy and most shot in Spain. Some played second bill at drive-ins and others ended up at grindhouse theaters across the country. It wasn’t until recently that they respect they deserved began. One of the companies making that happen has been Arrow Video. 

In the past few years Arrow has released some amazing films from the genre. With releases like KEOMA, the Django series of films and the Ringo films fans of westerns have had the opportunity to see these films like never before. And now they’ve added another great collection. VENGEANCE TRAILS gathers together four more classics from the genre. 

MASSACRE TIME is directed by Lucio Fulci, the famed horror director who proves he could do more. The film stars Franco Nero (who made more spaghetti westerns than Eastwood) and George Hilton as a pair of brothers not fond of one another. They duo must unite to take down a corrupt and powerful businessman and his sadistic son who now control their home town. 

MY NAME IS PECOS is the second film in the set. A mysterious stranger who calls himself Pecos, played by Robert Woods, enters a town and sets in motion a violent outcome. The focus of his attacks is a racist gang boss who killed his entire family and left him for dead years ago. As the gang searches for a missing load of stolen gold, Pecos set out to complete his revenge. 

BANDIDOS is next. An expert marksman who was maimed by his protégé after helping robs a train. He now takes on a new student with the intent of getting his revenge against the same man who left him battered and bloody. 

Lastly is AND GOD SAID TO CAIN. This item features Klaus Kinski as a man sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. Released ten years later he sets out to wreak havoc on the men who framed him and took away those ten years of his life. 

All four films have that revenge theme going for them here which makes sense when you consider the name of the package. All four also have solid storylines in them as well as top production values from the cinematography to the direction. And each features the acting of some of the most well-known stars of the time, in particular those who made a name for themselves in these westerns. 

Do I need to keep talking about how fantastic a job Arrow Video does with their releases? Of course I do! All four films are 2K restorations from the original 35mm camera negatives, with Massacre Time, My Name is Pecos and Bandidos newly restored by Arrow Films for this release. There are galleries for all four films, an illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by author and critic Howard Hughes, a fold out double sided poster featuring newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx and limited edition packaging with reversible sleeves featuring original artwork and slipcover featuring newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx. 

But the extras don’t stop there. Each individual title has their own collection of interviews and commentary tracks. They each have their own individual extras as well. This is a collection that is full of so many items that it makes them worth having for any and all fans of westerns and in particular those who have come to find the joy in spaghetti westerns. If you’ve only been exposed to the films of Eastwood then you should do the genre the honor of watching this collection of films. It is one worth adding to your movie shelf.

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ARABESQUE: TYPICAL 60’S ACCIDENTAL SPY

 

 

During the 60’s there were a ton of spy movies made. Much of this was the result of the popularity of the James Bond films. But a sub-genre of a sort was the accidental spy films. These movies found people tossed into various predicaments that had no business in the spy or sometimes criminal worlds. Circumstances just placed them there. Most had some comedic elements to them as well but all involved convoluted plots and nefarious bad guys out to do in our hero. Like Gregory Peck in ARABESQUE.

The film takes place in England where a spy named Sloane (John Merivale) kills a Prof. Ragheeb and steals a message written in hieroglyphics sent to him. Unable to translate the message he approaches Ragheeb’s replacement Prof. David Pollock (Peck) on behalf of millionaire Nejim Beshraavi (Alan Badel) in the hopes of his translating the message. Pollock declines but then the next day is picked up by Middle Eastern Prime Minister Hassan Jena (Carl Duerring) in his car. Jena asks Pollock to accept the position Nejim has offered and to report back to him. A fan of Jena Pollock accepts. 

Pollock contacts Nejim and accepts his proposal. Invited to dinner he meets Nejim’s hostess and girlfriend Yasmin Azir (Sophia Loren). After dinner Nejim shows Pollock the message he wants decoded and insists on his staying there until the job is completed. While working on the message Pollock is approached by Yasmin who warns him that once he’s completed the job Nejim plans on killing him. Eventually the pair escape the house but not before hiding the message in a particular piece of candy. 

So if you’re with me so far you might see where this is going. Crosses, double crosses, triple crosses take place and at any time it is easy to get lost in just who is who and who is working for who. In spite of that the movie is a lot of fun at various times and the combination of Peck and Loren is wonderful to see. You get the feeling while watching the film that they sincerely had a good time making this movie. 

Directed by Stanley Donen whose reputation was based more around movie musicals like SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, ROYAL WEDDING, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and DAMN YANKEES, this was not his first attempt at a movie like this. Three years before his film prior to this was CHARADE with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Like that film before this one keeps you guessing. Sadly CHARADE is the better of the two pictures. 

The movie looks great and was well constructed. The direction by Donen matches any of his previous efforts. Peck plays this character comfortably and gives it more humor than most roles he took in the past. And Loren looks great, acts great and proves that she is more than just a pretty face with some solid acting and laugh inducing humor. Fans of both actors will want to add this one to their collection. 

Kino Lorber is treating this one right. It seems like their getting better at this. The film looks spectacular on blu and they’re including a number of good extras as well. Those include a new audio commentary track featuring film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathanial Thompson, an archival featurette “Music by Mancini” featuring composer Henry Mancini and syndicated columnist Leonard Feather, the theatrical trailer, the theatrical teaser trailer, 5 TV spots, a poster gallery and a collection of other trailers.

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