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

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

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

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

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

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

Capricorn One (1977)

4.5 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: The mission was a sham. The murders were real.
Directed by: Peter Hyams
Written by: Peter Hyams
Actors include: Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Sam Waterston
Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi
Length: 123 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This was one exciting thrill ride that I didn't expect at all! See it starts out getting to know three Men (James Brolin, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson and who are to go to Mars with the NASA space program. When they are pulled from their spaceship at the last moment before take-off many questions are left unanswered. The public believes they are onboard as the shuttle launches and our astronauts are left with a very unappealing option. Elliott Gould plays a reporter trying to crack the case and find out what's really going on though it puts him in some major peril. Seriously when this started I figured I was in for an Apollo 13 style film, but this is so much more and it goes through so many different exciting action sequences. I hate that I can't say anymore because there are so many wickedly awesome things that happen within this tale but you really should just watch it and find out for yourself. No wonder there are so many conspiracy theory people, they likely saw this movie!

Availability:  On DVD

Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974)

4.5 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: It's got guts!
Directed by: Sam Peckinpah
Written by: Frank Kowalski, Sam Peckinpah
Actors include: Warren Oates, Isela Vega, Robert Webber
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Adventure, Western, Drama
Length: 112 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
At first I wondered what the heck was up with this movie as it shows some awful strange things that characters do that seem like they should have explanations but they don't. Once I came to accept and just appreciate the events that were unfolding in front of me I really enjoyed the heck out of it. It sort of gives off a Pulp Fiction vibe though the two share nothing plot wise. The story is about a young girl who is impregnated by a man named Alfredo Garcia. Since her family has money and power they offer a million dollar bounty on his head (hence the title). We meet up with a bartender and his prostitute girlfriend who go on a road trip together to try and get that head for they really need the money. The characters are given real depth to their personalities and are extremely well acted and believable which makes this all the more interesting. This is an extremely violent and depressing in many ways picture, but it's always exciting and beautiful to watch. It's shocking to see just exactly how much goes down all over one simple pregnancy. Definitely one of those films that I think just about anyone could enjoy, it really does have everything from romance to thrills.

Availability:  On DVD

Prime Cut (1972)

4 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Michael Ritchie
Written by: Robert Dillon
Actors include: Lee Marvin, Sissy Spacek, Gene Hackman
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Length: 88 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is one heck of an unusual crime flick filled with great actors and meat. Meat you say? Why yes, see in this film some evil Mobsters who run the racket on meat and girls! If anyone gets in their way will end up as sausage and well that's what happened to the Chicago sect of the Mom. They send Lee Marvin down to Kansas to investigate what's going on in this small town and let's just say he's pretty appauled. He picks up Poppy (Sissy Spacek) from a sexual slavery ring (they are kept in the hay with the animals of course) and gives her see-through dresses to wear! Once Marvin discovers what's going on and realizes that he too could be turned into meat he and Poppy end up on the run! There are some exciting chase scenes (and a great scene involving a thresher and a car) and some fun shoot outs too to keep things moving. It's got a very surreal feeling to the whole thing and the style sets it apart from so many other movies, I've never seen anything quite like this one. Recommended for those looking for something just a little different, thanks to Infofreak for this recommendation.
 
Availability:  On DVD

A Taste Of Evil (1971)

3 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: John Llewellyn Moxey
Written by: Jimmy Sangster
Actors include: Barbara Stanwyck, Roddy McDowall, Barbara Parkins
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Length: 73 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Considering this was a '70s made-for-tv movie that was written by Jimmy Sangster and produced by Aaron Spelling productions I thought this would be a winner! It's not, in fact it's a rehash of so many films seen previously and this particular retelling is very dry. It's about a young girl who is raped, then put in an asylum because she's in a catatonic state and has sever trauma from the accident. We catch up with her as she's coming home to stay, though she doesn't seem particularly well. See she keeps seeing her Stepfather dead in various places which is tormenting her to say the least. She also has an over-the-top nutty Mother (Barbara Stanwyck) does provide some campy laughter but not a heck of a lot else. I don't want to give more away in case you do want to watch this but let's just say I was underwhelmed. It did have a tidy conclusion and it made clear sense at least!

Availability:  Currently unavailable anywhere

The French Connection (1971)

5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: The time is just right for an out and out thriller like this.
Directed by: William Friedkin
Written by: Ernest Tidyman, Robin Moore
Actors include: Gene Hackman, Fernando Ray, Roy Scheider
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Length: 104 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I was surprised just how much I really liked this film even though it's a classic. At first it's a bit confusing but once I figured that I wasn't going to get any sort of detailed explanations or background information and just went with it I thought it was amazing. First of all the beautiful cinematography deserves a mention, from the glorious views in France to the brilliant lights of New York city it's all stunning to look at. The acting is some of the best, Gene Hackman is superb as unrelenting Officer Popeye Doyle. He goes on hunches and doesn't seem to want to follow the rules, and be darned if I've ever seen another Officer go as far as Doyle will, it's absolutely riveting to watch. Doyle gets a bad vibe from a couple of fellows at a bar, so he starts following them around with his partner Buddy Russo. Soon it becomes apparent that a huge heroin shipment is about to take place so it's pretty much excitement city! This does have the best chase scene I've ever seen in a movie, it's extremely thrilling! This is quite a masterpiece in every way, highly recommended to just about anyone, just remember go with the flow and you should love it!

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Assault On Precinct 13 (1976)

4.5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: L.A.'s deadliest street gang just declared war on the cops.
Directed by: John Carpenter
Written by: John Carpenter
Actors include: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Length: 91 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Now this is one heck of an action packed and bullet filled thriller. It's hard to believe that this was only John Carpenter's second major film yet he made a perfect soundtrack and an exciting movie to boot. We meet up with an older man and his daughter Kathy (who played Inga in Little House on the Prairie) as they are out and about. When Kathy goes to get ice cream she is brutally gunned down along with the ice cream man by a rough gang (tough area). The older man goes out and chases down the thug's car and takes out one of them. This seems to provide the ammunition for a huge gang retaliation on a closed down Police station precinct 13. There are still a few roaming about but they are in no state to prepare for a multi-gang violent attack (super violent). The remaining Officers and staff are forced to work together with death row inmates on their way to a transfer to try to survive against the gangs. It's exciting, bloody as heck and super gripping, it really has something for everyone (providing that everyone likes violence) and I'd definitely recommend it. This was remade in 2005 with bigger name actors but I haven't been moved to watch it, why would I when this was so awesome?
 
Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Blood Simple. (1984)

4.5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: Breaking up is hard.
Directed by: Joel Cohen, Ethan Cohen
Written by: Joel Cohen, Ethan Cohen
Actors include: Frances McDormand, John Getz, Dan Hedaya
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Length: 99 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is one impressively bleak down-trodden first effort from the Cohen brothers, but it's also very impactful and interesting. I did stay away from this one for a while because of the words "film noir" which attach themselves to this picture. I was rather foolish in that as this was easy to understand and captivating pretty much from the moment it beings until the moment it ends. Frances McDormand was wonderful as Abby a cheating wife who's new feller Ray would do just about anything for her. The problem is Abby's rich ex-husband has hired a hitman to kill Abby & Ray but he gets a little more than he has bargained for. It's got tons of twists and turns and surprises around every corner but the sinking feeling it creates won't go away until the film is over. This has some nice blood, a great story and it's extremely memorable, a very cool film from team Cohen.

Availability:  On DVD

Fatal Attraction (1987)

3.5 / 5
Tagline: On the other side of drinks, dinner and a one night stand, lies a terrifying love story
Directed by: Adrian Lyne
Written by: James Deardon
Actors include: Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Anne Archer
Genre: Thriller
Length: 119 minutes
Banned: Malaysia

Review:
If something seems too easy then there is probably something terribly wrong with it. Well that seems to be the lesson here as Alex (Glenn Close) enters the life of colleague Dan Michael Douglas. See Dan is happily married though when his Wife & Kid are away for the weekend he invites her over for a sex romp. Once the family is back Dan doesn't want anything to do with Alex, but Alex doesn't take no for an answer. She obsessively stalks (and is great as a creepy psycho) and torments him appearing everywhere determined to destroy him (or have him back who knows?). The acting definitely makes this worth your while and well I think the lesson isn't a bad one either. I think my biggest complaint is that it's longer than it really needs to be. Still worthwhile for those who like scary psychos!

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Targets (1968)

4.5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: TARGETS are people...and you could be one of them!
Directed by: Peter Bogdanovich
Written by: Peter Bogdanovich, Polly Platt
Actors include: Boris Karloff, Tim O'Kelly, Arthur Peterson
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 90 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I definitely liked this a whole bunch, even though parts of it seemed unimportant...the great moments more than made up for any lulls. Boris Karloff plays aging horror star (what a stretch) Byron Orlok who is working on retiring because he feels he's irrelevant. Also we have a story with a fellow named Bobby Thompson (who looks like a cross between Bobby Kennedy & Matt Damon) who seems very square, has a very nice family yet something is very clearly wrong with him. He gleefully shoots and collects guns...and rounds of ammo and gets weirder and weirder. He snaps, goes on a huge massacre spree that winds up at the drive-in where Byron is showing one of his films. It's actually a very cold and evil feeling picture, I can't help but wonder if it helped inspire any of the shooting tragedies that followed in real life unfortunately. This is one dark and strange film, the tension is great as one can tell something bad is about to happen for much of the movie. I'm surprised they got away with this sort of thing back in '68 but heck I'm glad they did. Something that you've really got to see, shocking and disturbing probably Karloff's best late film that I've seen.
 
Availability:  On DVD

The Spell (1977)

4 / 5 Feb '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Lee Philips
Written by: Brian Taggert
Actors include: Lee Grant, Susan Myers, Helen Hunt
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Length: 86 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Imagine you are a 15 year old girl named Rita that is slightly overweight. Now imagine you have a perfect thin little sister aged 13 (in this case played by a young Helen Hunt) who can do no wrong in your Parent's eyes. Now imagine that you are teased constantly at school, then when you get home your Father seems to hate you as does your sister also because you are overweight. It's oddly very realistic seeming...this sort of thing does go on and it's very much the way it's portrayed here, the acting in this is quite impressive really. When things start to go wrong with those who make fun of the 15 year old people are getting scared...could Rita have anything to do with this? It definitely does echo Carrie in several ways but I wouldn't exactly say that this is a rip-off, it's quite different. This isn't filled with blood and torment (though the boiling from the inside scene is quite a treat), it's more of a drama with horrific elements but it's a good drama. It's a rather intense tale and for a made-for-tv movie it's quite good really and it's available to watch for free on the internet...who can argue with that?

Availability:  Not on DVD but available to watch for free online here:  http://www.hulu.com/watch/92741/the-spell