North By Northwest (1959)

4.5 / 5  Aug '11
Tagline:  Alfred Hitchcock takes you.... North by Northwest!
Directed by:  Alfred Hitchcock
Written by:  Ernest Lehman
Actors include:  Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason
Genre:  Thriller, Mystery
Length:  131 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Yet another reason why [Artist77324] is considered "The Master of Suspense"!  This taut thriller stars [Artist143734] as Roger Thornhill, a New York ad executive who is suddenly kidnapped from a restaurant.  His captors seem convinced that he's a Government spy but of course it's a mistaken identity thing.  The more Thornhill starts investigating the Spy, the deeper he gets wound into the mess and the more convinced the bad guys become that he really is who they thought.  It's just so well written and tightly wound that it makes for one hell of a great film.  This even has some extremely memorable and spectacular chase scenes (featuring a crop duster and Mount Rushmore) and it's pretty much non-stop excitement from beginning to end.  Who can argue with that?  If you haven't seen this film then you absolutely must, one of Hitchcock's best and undoubtedly a classic that everyone should enjoy!

Availability:  On DVD and Blu-Ray

Faster (2010)

2.5 / 5  Aug '11
Tagline:  Justice is swift. Vengeance is faster.
Directed by:  George Tillman Jr.
Written by:  Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
Actors include:  The Rock, Maggie Grace, Billy Bob Thorton
Genre:  Action, Thriller
Length:  98 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review: 
Well, I'll start with the pros, which include that it's violent and that it's a revenge movie.  Ahem, the cons...well that's a slightly longer list.  The acting was laughable (seriously why is The Rock an actor again?), and the plot was hilariously predictable and eye rollingly cliche.  The plot is about a fellow called Driver (the Rock of course) who gets out of prison and then goes for revenge!  See turns out that he and his brother are shot up by some bad guys so he's gonna get them back come hell or high water.  We also have Officer Billy Bob Thorton on the prowl trying to solve the case.  They at least try to throw a few surprises the way of the viewer, however I wouldn't say they were very effective nor surprising.  Just the same if you want a simple shoot 'em up revenge flick you could do worse I suppose.

Availability:  on Blu-Ray & DVD

Harry Brown (2009)

3.5 / 5
Tagline:  One Man Will Stand Alone
Directed by:  Daniel Barber
Written by:  Gary Young
Actors include:  Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, David Bradley
Genre:  Action, Crime, Drama
Length:  103 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review: 

Every year must have a decent revenge flick, and for 2009 Harry Brown is where it's at.  Michael Caine plays the title character, a lonely man living in a dangerous neighborhood.  After his only friend and Wife are killed by the street toughs, he decides to take matters into his own hands (he's an ex-serviceman).  The Police of course are useless and they seem oblivious to Caine, but when it starts coming together they are willing to look the other way (lazy butts).  It's kinda missing the sentimentality that made Gran Torino so effective, and it's not quite as brutal or satisfying as the Death Wish.  Still it's highly entertaining and Caine does a good job, and the pacing is quite good despite the lack of originality.  I'm always a sucker for a good revenge film and this is a good one, just not in league with some of the classics!

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Lady Terminator (1988) aka Pembalasan ratu pantai selatan aka Nasty Hunter aka Shooting Star aka The Revenge of the South Seas Queen

4 / 5 Nov '09
Tagline: She Mates... Then She Terminates
Directed by: H. Tjut Djalil
Written by: Karr Kruinowz
Actors include: Barbara Anne Constable, Christopher J. Hart, Claudia Angelique Rademaker
Genre: Action, Horror
Length: 82 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:

So I'm guessing that in Indonesia that the The Terminator must have been really popular. This tale starts out to be one thing but definitely ends up another. It starts out with everyone warning to avoid "the sea queen", an Anthropologist goes on a trek to meet the sea queen and ends up having some sort of slug crawl into an unmentionable area. From that point on, she's imitating Arnold Schwarzenegger what with the robotic running, sideways glances and even some of the same catch phrases! I think the biggest difference is that Arnold wasn't screwing people to death! This is rather cheaply made and laughable in many places but they certainly tried their hardest. They filled it full of car chases, explosions, action sequences, fights and a whole bunch of red stuff! It's actually pretty darned fun to watch though I did find I was shaking my head in disbelief many times. I actually think this was better than the real 4th Terminator movie, heck this is on par with the 3rd one. If you can't get enough Terminator and want to see a naked female version (she does put on clothes after a while) then this should be turbo packed enough for most! A rather strange fan entry into the series but worthwhile for fans of the ridiculous!

Availability:  On DVD

The Tenth Victim (1965) aka La decima vittima aka La dixième victime

4 / 5   Nov '09
Tagline: It's the 21st century and they have a licence to kill
Directed by: Elio Petri
Written by:  Robert Sheckley, Tonino Guerra
Actors include: Marcello Mastroianni, Ursula Andress, Elsa Martinelli
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Length: 92 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:

One insanely weird '60s sci-fi picture from Italy featuring the appearance of Ursula Andress and a futuristic dystopian plot. In the future, there is a Government run program you can sign up for (especially if suicidal) which puts you in a game. There are Hunters and there are Victims, you must survive being both a total of ten times before you win a million dollars. Only a few survive as they are being shot at nearly constantly not to mention the Hunter takes in all the information about the Victim, and the Victim isn't allowed any info at all. Ursula plays a girl who is about ready to take her tenth victim (the title...ya dig?), and they've planned a big movie shoot to show her as she kills him. Of course this he we refer to isn't a dumb guy, and let's just say she's met her match. It's filled with bizarre futuristic music, weird costumes and set designs and all kinds of absurdity. It's no wonder this influenced "The Running Man" and the Austin Powers series (you'll see exactly what I mean). Definitely something intriguing to see but yet I don't think it delivered the excitement I was hoping for ultimately.

Availability:  On DVD

Homicidal (1961)

4.5 / 5  Nov '09
Tagline: A WORD OF WARNING! Please don't reveal the ending of this picture or your friends will kill you - IF THEY DON'T, I WILL! - William Castle
Directed by: William Castle
Written by: Robb White
Actors include: Glenn Corbett, Patricia Breslin, Eugenie Leontovich
Genre: Horror, Black Comedy, Thriller
Length: 87 Minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is one hilarious black comedy, and shocking (well until about the halfway point where it's a dead giveaway) but still! It's about a murderous Nurse who is looking after an old Woman with a lot of money. It's very hard to review this actually because I don't want to give a thing away because it really must be experienced with as little information as possible. Heck William Castle threatened to kill anyone who gave the ending to this away! I can say it's surprising, it's dark, I laughed a ton, the characters are amusing and the lead character is simply stunning as a homicidal maniac! This film's gimmick was a 45 second fright break near the ending for patrons who weren't ready for it to leave the theater. Kinda weak on his scale of gimmicks but the movie more than made up for it in style and sheer entertainment. I was glued to the screen from the beginning to the ending, it really is one heck of a film and I'm kinda surprised that Castle had this in him! Definitely watch now and don't read any more for your own good...

Availability:  On DVD

The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) aka La Sindrome di Stendhal

3.5 / 5 Jun '11
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Dario Argento
Written by: Graziella Magherini, Dario Argento
Actors include: Asia Argento, Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Giallo
Length: 120 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I'm not sure why this has such a terrible reputation, I mean it's certainly not one of Dario Argento's best but it's not his worst either. I suppose some may be disappointed because it is unusual for a horror flick and the story is a bit strange plus it is a bit too long. The story is about a Detective called Anna (Dario's daughter Asia Argento) who we meet in a museum where she loses herself and passes out looking at a painting. This is apparently what Stendhal Syndrome is (yes a real problem that affects quite a few I guess), getting lost in art and getting confused. Anyhow Anna has temporary amnesia making her job extra difficult since she's trying to track a serial rapist/killer. From there it's a strange journey of hallucinations, rape, obssession and blood...even a blond wig! According to some, this is the first Italian film to utilize CGI which generally I hate but it was small doses and it did work here. It certainly does feel like a giallo and one of the best late entries I've come across so far. Sure it's not something that you'll need to rush out and see but I think fans of the genre and of Argento should give this a try.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

The Warriors (1979)

4 / 5  Jun '11
Tagline:  They are 60,000 strong.
Directed by:  Walter Hill
Written by:  Sol Yurick, David Shaber,
Actors include:  James Remar, Dorsey Wright, Michael Beck
Genre:  Action, Adventure, Crime
Length:  92 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
This really was a fun little underground classic that starts out with a bang and manages to keep up the excitement level throughout.  The production is actually rather impressively epic and the details, lighting and costumes are quite something too.  It's highly stylized and the little cartoonish touches make it seem all the more creative.  It's about a bunch of Gangs who have a meeting about uniting, but when someone kills the Head Honcho the blame is wrongly placed on a group called The Warriors.  From that point on it's a thrillingly violent mad dash through the other Gang territories (as everybody is looking to kill them).  It's pretty neat that a cast of nearly unknowns did such a fantastic job, and well there aren't many Gang films quite like this that is for sure.  Definitely worth checking out, it's lots of fun and it seems like the sort of thing I'll be watching again very soon.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Strait-Jacket (1964)

4 / 5   Nov '09
Tagline: HER HUSBAND...HER ROOM... ......AND ANOTHER WOMAN
Directed by: William Castle
Written by: Robert Bloch
Actors include: Joan Crawford, Diane Baker, Leif Erickson
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 93 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Castle has done it again, another amusingly dark black comedy/horror picture only this time his gimmick was having a star...actress Joan Crawford. She does a stunning job as Lucy, who gave her Husband 40 wacks and when she saw what she had done she gave his Girlfriend 41! Or so I think that's how I remember it..., at any rate Lucy does kill her hubby and girlfriend with an axe in front of their 3 year old daughter (who looks way older than 3). She ends up in an Asylum for 20 years and we catch up with her as she's released. Lucy moves in with her Daughter, Brother and his Wife to try to adjust to life as a sane person. Her Daughter has a nice young Lad she wishes to marry and needs her Mom to be sane so his Parents will approve. Lucy seems to be having some coping skills (especially as people seem to humourously be using axes and knives around her repeatedly) but could she be responsible for several people's disappearances? It's pretty gosh darned entertaining and it definitely has that good old Castle vibe with the wit and sets and everything. The ending does beat you a little over the head with obvious information...it left me feeling like they thought I either didn't watch the movie or I was entirely a Moron. I guess to that point the story is clear...very very clear! Still quite a nice little gem that actually goes a little further than I thought it might but I think that's what makes it so gosh darned charming.

Availabilty:  On DVD

Cardiac Arrest (1980)

2 / 5 Nov '09
Tagline: Some killers want more than just your life...
Directed by: Murray Mintz
Written by: Murray Mintz
Actors include: Garry Goodrow, Max Gail, Michael Paul Chan
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama
Length: 93 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
A very cheap looking film about a fellow they call "The Missing Hearts Murderer"...seriously! The detectives just bumble about doing stupid thing with evidence after stupid thing. The actors are less than skilled, and it's as dry as can possibly be especially with the dialog...sheesh! It appears that the culprit is using Curare darts to stun the victim before removing the heart...could it be? What could the possible motive be? As this goes on we follow a Woman who has issues with her heart who needs a transplant who is left with only luck for a donor. That is until she receives a phone call offering to remove the element of chance with her wait... It's not really a horror flick (though falsely billed as one), Police flick yes and maybe a thriller (although I wasn't thrilled) but more likely a mystery...the only violence is darkly lit and barely visible and it seems like so little happens over a very long time. It's definitely not something I'd recommend to anyone as there are better films about this subject matter and seriously I did have to force myself to sit through it sadly. It's very cheesy and maybe a laugh or two to be had within but I'm afraid that's the best you're gonna get! Really it's like an extended Matlock episode only less charming unfortunately.

Availability:  On DVD (but OOP) or watch for free here:  http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=3385159241218680804&ei=2dYUS_CgPJPllQfx6pG6Dg&q=cardiac+arrest+1980&hl=en

X-Men: First Class (2011)

3.5 / 5 Jun '11
Tagline: Witness the origin
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Written by: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Actors include: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Length: 132 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of the series, though I've barely explored it. I saw the first X-Men movie back when it came out, thought it was alright but never bothered with any of the sequels. Luckily for me this is filmed in such a way that seeing the first film was all I really needed. It goes back to the '60s when Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr were friends and learning to use their powers together. Together they recruit other mutants and start teaching them to use the power within to try to stop a missile crisis that could blow destroy everything. Be prepared for a ton of neat action sequences, some cheesy montages, and of course some neat mutant activity. They also did a rather good job of tying it into the first movie (heck even Wolverine makes a cameo which is the best part of the film) and yet it didn't feel like they were retreading. I did feel it went on a little long, and a bit of trimming from the beginning wouldn't have hurt, but for the most part it was satisfying and it covered a lot of territory. It's made me curious what I've missed with the other sequels, that is for sure.

Availability:  Still in theatres currently

Earthquake (1974)

4 / 5  Dec '09
Tagline:  N/A
Directed by:  Mark Robson
Written by:  George Fox, Mario Puzo
Actors include:  Charleton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy
Genre:  Disaster, Action, Thriller
Length:  120 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Sure it's a little cheesy and you can see where the miniatures are and it takes a while to get going. What this has working for it is a fantastic nearly all-star cast including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, and George Kennedy to name a few. It's also pretty darned thrilling once it gets going and it has harrowing dangerous escapes, and it's mean spirited (which I love). As a giant destructive earthquake ravishes the land we follow a series of characters as they fight for survival. It does have some surprises including a Soldier who has frickin' lost it (which sure seems a bit over the top but I enjoyed it none the less), plus you never know who is going to bite it next! It's quite action packed, it has tons of crazy '70s outfits, hairstyles and scenery (heck it even has Shaft in it as a motorcyclist) so there is always something to gawk at. I remember thinking the ride at Universal Studios was pretty darned exciting and always wondering how the movie would pan out. Well this won't be a disaster film for everyone, and The Towering Inferno and The Poseidon Adventure are way more exciting but this one still ranks I think.

Availability:  On DVD

Priest (2011)

3 / 5  May '11 
Tagline:  The War is Eternal. His Mission is Just the Beginning.
Directed by:  Scott Charles Stewart
Written by:  Cory Goodman, Min-Woo Hyung
Actors include:  Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q
Genre:  Thriller, Horror, Action, Western
Length:  87 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Well, this was my first ever 3D movie in the theater, and unfortunately it didn't really utilize this tool very effectively but it did add a nice touch or two.  The particularly stellar part was the Gothic animation in the beginning sequences, it's too bad they didn't use more of this throughout the film.  What they did use were CGI vampires that resembled Marilyn Manson, ridiculously laughable script ("Kill 'Em All") and some of the most implausible action sequences (oh I'm talking about you stones thrown into the air that were used as steps) I think I've ever seen.  Conceptually it's decent enough, it's about a war that occurred between humanity and vampires and Priests were the saviors of humans.  They have since disbarred and been outcast in society and must work demeaning tasks.  The vampires were supposedly vanquished (note I said "supposedly") which leads us to our next problem.  A family are brutalized and a daughter Lucy held captive by vampires, of course the way this works is that a Priest is related to her.  He must leave his Priesthood in order to kick some butt and save Lucy with a little help from a fella called Hicks.  Anyhow it is filled with action...and if you like scenes were people glide around on bikes in the snow for long stretches...you will love this movie.  There were at least a few redeeming qualities to this, the visuals were striking and the plot was okay.  Maybe not exactly my cup-o-tea but not worth writing off entirely.

Availability:  Still in theaters

Hanna (2011)

4 / 5 May '11 
Tagline:  Young. Sweet. Innocent. Deadly
Directed by:  Joe Wright
Written by:  Seth Lochhead, David Farr
Actors include:  Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana
Genre:  Thriller, Action
Length:  111 minutes
Banned:  Nope

 Review:
I hadn't really heard about this film before going to see it, but I sure was glad that i did.  It does echo Leon (The Professional) in subject matter, but stylistically it's quite refreshing and unique.  The story is about a sixteen year old girl named Hanna (shocked aren't you?) who is raised out in the wilderness to be an elite assassin.  We watch her be tested physically, emotionally and intellectually daily in preparation for what is to follow.  It's fascinating as she was raised basically in isolation there are the challenges of modern day and other people to contend with as well as the struggle for survival.  The visuals are very crisp, much of it was filmed in desolate snowy Finland which is quite breathtaking.  It's rather well paced (though a little condensing wouldn't have hurt) as well as decently acted and I really thought it was quite entertaining, definitely recommended.

Availability:  In theatres still

Scarface (1983)

5 / 5  May '11
Tagline:  The world is yours...
Directed by:  Brian De Palma
Written by:  Oliver Stone
Actors include:  Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
Genre:  Crime, Drama, Thriller
Length:  170 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
I've maybe only seen a handful of gangster films, but this one definitely takes the cake.  It's one of the rare occasions that a remake eclipses the original but it most definitely does.  I'm a big fan of [Artist435211]'s work but I'd have to agree that this is his masterpiece.  It's so insanely brutal and violent and it's got such a striking message to go with it.  Scarface ([Artist161806] in the role of his life) is a Cuban immigrant in Miami who gets involved in organized crime.  Before you know it, he's eyeing up the Bosses old lady ([Artist230874]), making deals on his own and getting into loads of trouble.  It really takes you through the rise and eventual domination of Scarface showing us all the gory details and betrayals.  It's brilliantly made, it's absolutely riveting and the details and characters are unforgettable.  Definitely one of the best movies I've ever seen, I'm really kicking myself for not seeing this earlier.

Availability:  On DVD

Lake Mungo (2008)

3 / 5 May '11
Tagline: If you've never seen a ghost... Look closer.
Directed by: Joel Anderson
Written by: Joel Anderson
Actors include: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Length: 87 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Well points for creativity should be awarded here, though the dry spots in the story were a little too plentiful. The film is told in the style of a documentary about a family who's Daughter Alice has turned up drowned in the lake. They determine her death as accidental and her family tries to move on, they start seeing shadowy versions of Alice around. They contact some Supernatural specialists and exhume the body to try to determine what has happened. As things unravel we find out things aren't quite what we seem, and the more digging that happens the more the story contorts. Some of the imagery here is yes, somewhat creepy but beyond that I can't say much in the way of horror happens. It at least does try to build mystery and it did have me wondering exactly what was going similar to some of Peter Weir's flicks. I just think if they'd had a better cast and bothered to try to make it a bit more ominous things would have been so much better. Thanks so much to Happywax (http://doomgoryumshorroremporium.blogspot.com/) for this recommendation!

Availability:  On DVD

Creep (2004)

3.5 / 5 May '11
Tagline: Your journey terminates here.
Directed by: Christopher Smith
Written by: Christopher Smith
Actors include: Franka Potente, Sean Harris, Vas Blackwood
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 85 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I had no idea going into this film that it was basically a remake of Death Line [Raw Meat] complete with shots of Franka Potente running (ala Lola rennt [Run Lola Run]). Even so it was pretty amusing, especially the way they set the situation up. Kate (Franka Potente) is on her way home from a party when she falls asleep in the subway waiting for a train. She wakes up only to find herself locked in and under attack by a creepy co-worker and of course she seems to make the wrong choice with every turn. While trying to find a place to escape she ends up in the underground with the Homeless people. However in her attempt to escape she finds something far more sinister down below. So it does have some carnage in it, though it's mainly one of those building tension escape type scenarios which is just fine with me. It is relatively well made and the cast make it a little more appealing then it could have been with unknowns. Thanks to horror fiends Axemaster and Happywax for this recommend, definitely a fun little horror flick for most.

Availability:  On DVD

Earthquake (1974)

4 / 5  Dec '09
Tagline:  N/A
Directed by:  Mark Robson
Written by:  George Fox, Mario Puzo
Actors include:  Charleton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy
Genre:  Disaster, Action
Length:  120 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Sure it's a little cheesy and you can see where the miniatures are and it takes a while to get going. What this has working for it is a fantastic nearly all-star cast including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, and George Kennedy to name a few. It's also pretty darned thrilling once it gets going and it has harrowing dangerous escapes, and it's mean spirited (which I love). As a giant destructive earthquake ravishes the land we follow a series of characters as they fight for survival. It does have some surprises including a Soldier who has frickin' lost it (which sure seems a bit over the top but I enjoyed it none the less), plus you never know who is going to bite it next! It's quite action packed, it has tons of crazy '70s outfits, hairstyles and scenery (heck it even has Shaft in it as a motorcyclist) so there is always something to gawk at. I remember thinking the ride at Universal Studios was pretty darned exciting and always wondering how the movie would pan out. Well this won't be a disaster film for everyone, and The Towering Inferno and The Poseidon Adventure are way more exciting but this one still ranks I think.

Availability:  On DVD

The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

5 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: Before this train reaches the next station it will become the scene of the most spectacular hijack ever attempted
Directed by: Joseph Sargent
Written by: John Godey, Peter Stone
Actors include: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Length: 104 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Wow this was one heck of an exciting thriller and influential flick from the second it opens until the second it finishes, the tension is magnificent! It's about a well choreographed hijacking of a New York subway car by four Men who address each other only by the color of their hats. (Mr. Brown, Mr. Green etc). They demand a million dollars in just one hour or else they'll kill a hostage a minute for each they are late! It's a very exciting and well planned out plot full of surprises and several familiar faces. Look out for Jerry Stiller (who looks just the same as he did on Seinfeld), Dick O'Neill, Doris Roberts and my personal favorite Walter Matthau as wiseass Lt. Garber. It's extremely thrilling, it's well acted and it's one heck of a fun film with beautiful shots of New York contrasting the darkness of the subway. One of the best of it's kind, heck I'll maybe even check the remake out after this, really seriously awesome!

Availability:  On DVD

He Knows You're Alone (1980) aka Blood Wedding

3 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline:  Every girl is frightened the night before her wedding, but this time... there's good reason!
Directed by: Armand Mastroianni
Written by: Scott Parker
Actors include: Don Scardino, Caitlin O'Heaney, Elizabeth Kemp
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 94 minutes
Banned: Iceland

Review:
Although it does have the odd imaginative death this film is anything but. I liked Halloween too but the lengths this film goes through to "borrow" from it are ridiculous, even the music sounds like fake Halloween music. They didn't bother with a plot though, this just has a silent large killer who sorta shows up everywhere (gee where have I heard that before?). It's filled with boring teen drama, our lead character is engaged to a feller that folks don't seem to like so much, but her ex boyfriend is trying to win her back and everyone likes this. That takes up most of the movie, but when people aren't pitching woo at Amy she's seeing the murderer everywhere. It's well filmed actually and reasonably well put together I suppose it's just the talky bits are too many and not enough really happens. Some more back story would have been greatly appreciated but if it would have made the film longer, I'd pass. It's too bad because it actually does start out a whole lot stronger than it finishes. If you adore all slashers then you'll want to see this one too but if not then this certainly won't sell you on them.

Availability:  On DVD

Le Boucher (1970)

4 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Claude Chabrol
Written by: Claude Chambrol
Actors include: Stephane Audran, Jean Yanne, Antonio Passalia
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Length: 93 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
A deceptively simple little thriller that is elegant, artful and a real treat to watch. Our story is based around the blossoming relationship between a lovely teacher and butcher. As they are getting to know one another their small town is being gripped by the horrible news of Jack The Ripper style slayings in their area. It truly is quite beautiful, the scenery the care in which the film was shot, it does all add up to be really thoughtful and interesting. Although much of the film does focus on getting to know our characters it certainly doesn't feel like it's dull in any way, just rich and full of wonderful acting. If you step into this one thinking you are to watch a brutal horror film walk away, but if you are in the mood to watch something refreshing and simple then I'd highly recommend this. Honestly because I'd heard it hyped as a French Art film, I was leery of it but I think this is one that could be enjoyed by most anyone really.

Availabilty:  On DVD

Juggernaut (1974) aka Terror On The Britannic

3 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: Only one man to save 1200 lives!
Directed by: Richard Lester
Written by: Alan Plater, Richard Alan Simmons
Actors include: Richard Harris, Omar Sharif, David Hemmings
Genre: Thriller, Action
Length: 109 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Okay so perhaps I'm being a little harsh on this one, it does have a few exciting moments but for the most part it's repetition and drama. Sure it's got an all star cast featuring folks like Richard Harris, Omar Sharif, Anthony Hopkins and so many others, yes they all do the best they can. Our disaster story is about 7 bombs set to go off on a passenger ship filled with 1200 passengers if the crook doesn't receive a wad of cash. While this sounds like a rather exciting plot (doesn't it) watching someone dismantle seven bombs really slowly seven times is just tedious. The "drama" onboard really wasn't very exciting either so there is a whole lot of dry dialogue and filler when instead they should have made the film shorter. It never does feel like the group are in any danger but it does have some action and some effort has been made I think. It's not a total loss but definitely not one of the best disaster movies by any stretch.

Availability:  On DVD

Vertigo (1958)

4.5 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: A Hitchcock thriller. You should see it from the beginning!
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Written by: Alec Coppel, Samuel A. Taylor
Actors include: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Length: 129 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I saw this when I was a kid and liked it though I couldn't remember much but the typically thought of scene with the swirls and the high building. I was happily surprised to find when I watched it again that there is a lot more to the story than just my minor memory of it. The story is about a retired Detective (James Stewart) who of course suffers from serious vertigo. When he's asked by his friend to tail his beautiful icy wife Madeleine (Kim Novak) he gets an awful lot more than he bargained for. It seems Madeleine has some serious issues as she can't remember half of her bizarre activity. He starts to believe she is possessed by the soul of a Woman who is in a painting that looks just like her. The deeper in her web he falls the more he's tempted and the more he's challenged in the situation. It's pretty gripping, extremely well acted and has enough twists and turns to keep nearly anyone captivated I would think. There's definite reason that Hitchcock is so well regarded, this is one of his most interesting thrillers. Definitely recommended for a first timer or for anyone looking for a good story and some excitement.

Availability:  On DVD