Vanquishing Crime

Final Target (2009) a.k.a. Vanquisher (on the Instawatch) is a kinda okay martial arts action flick with a couple of great female leads that initially oppose each after a setup that kills off the elite commando force leaving only one survivor that seeks revenge. Great fight sequence to close a mostly humdrum movie. 6 / 10

Yes, Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) is on my blindspot list (as are/were many of Woody Allen's films) but as I view each I'm reminded why Allen is revered for his earlier work. This movie is no exception. Wonderful mix of dark comedy. 7 / 10

• July New: 14
• July Re-watch: 1
• July '11 MTD: 15
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 401
  

Scandal in Space

Maybe Shadow (2009) was expiring on NWI that motivated me to view it or I was just curious. Either way Federico Zampaglione has directed a not-so-unique mountain-hostage thriller with a few genuine scares. It mostly works altho the final sequence isn't entirely clear. 6.5 / 10

Scandalous (1984), another NWI viewing, is a Rob Cohen directed, Larry Cohen written comedy that follows Robert Hays as an investigative reporter that gets the table turned on him as he's now the subject. It's a silly farce but enjoyable for what it is. Plus a punk rock concert! 6 / 10

Kinji Fukasaku's Message from Space (1978) is something to behold. This is not a good film but one I adore. And the costuming is incredible. I knew of Vic Morrow and Sonny Chiba's involvement here but didn't realize this also features Hiroyuki Sanada (Twilight Samurai!). I so want 1/6 scale figures of the Gavanas soldiers and emperor. I later learned that my friend pAT actually viewed this in the cinema when it was released. Man, how cool would that be?! 6.6 / 10

• June New: 53
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 57
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 373
  

Challenging Christ

The Monster That Challenged the World (1957) is yet another fifties sci-fi giant monster movie. But the monsters here are giant mollusks released below the sea after an earthquake. Mostly humorous. 6.3 / 10

Besides Bruce Dern as punk biker the best thing about The Cycle Savages (1969) is the premise: gang of bikers hellbent on destroying the hands of a sketch artist… because he draws pictures of the bikers. He draws pictures of them. So they want to crush his hands. 6.5 / 10

Yeah, I've put off watching Lars von Trier's Antichrist (2009) far longer than I should have. And for no good reason, really. Now that I've seen it I think it's a brilliant film. Willem Dafoe is so damn good. Charlotte Gainsbourg continues selecting some crazy roles. May pick it up on blu-ray some day. 8 / 10

• June New: 50
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 54
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 370
  

Serial Detecting

One of my favorite aspects of Netflix Instant Watch is the ability to watch items that I'd probably not have a chance to see otherwise. Case in point, Boris Karloff as James Lee Wong in the Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) series. Karloff is so much fun to watch, esp. his take on an Asian again (see: Mask of Fu Manchu). 7 / 10

Eden of the East the Movie I: The King of Eden (2009) was also on the Instawatch so gave it a whirl. Very convoluted anime (big surprise) and not compelling enough for me to seek out the second movie. Visually cool but meh. 6.5 / 10

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) is another film that's alluded me over the years. Now I know why this flick always seems to get some rave recommendations. This is solid, sadistic and damn good. Michael Rooker is lights out. 7.5 / 10

• June New: 46
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 49
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 365
  

Gas on the Fire

Was awarded a free pass to an advanced screening of Viva Riva! (2010) at the Music Box Theater, one of their own distributed films. From the trailer this looked to be a genuinely unique film and it is. Set in capital of Congo, it's a modern African noir about a gasoline heist gone bad and the revenge and brutality that occurs as a result. Director Djo Munga has written a group of captivating characters (in particular, Patsha Bay as Riva) that keep you invested in the twisted plot of gas gangsters and corrupt officials. Very worthy movie. 7.7 / 10

Catherine Breillat's Barbe Bleue (2009) a.k.a Bluebeard was Instawatch and expiring. Possibly the only reason to view this. The fairy tale premise should work if the execution was better but even with decent visuals this film is painful to watch. Uninteresting and lacking a compelling note to save its life. Not sure what people find good in this because it's just boring. 4.5 / 10

• June New: 43
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 46
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 362
  

BTSNAT 2.5: BTS Bandits!

Back in Austin at Brian Kelley's home for another awesome installment of BTSNAT! Different set of people for this marathon sitting but still an excellent group to watch movies together for 16+ hours.

As with the last BTSNAT in December, @Noahphex leads with his pick of Scavenger Hunt (1979), a film I had recently watched most of when I discovered it was OOP. Amazing cast yet overly long. Still a fun watch to see these actors interact. Richard Benjamin, Scatman Crothers, Cloris Leachman, Roddy McDowall, Tony Randall, Dirk Benedict, et al. 6 / 10

Next was Micah's (@ReelDistraction) choice of Daryl Duke's Payday (1973), a Rip Torn joint I had seen in recent years after GGTMC covered it. Incredible performance, good film and great ending for this pathetic honky-tonk man. 7 / 10

Josh (@VHSisthetruth) couldn't make this time but provided a hilarious video intro for his film Science Crazed (1991), which is equally hilarious for different reasons. This Canuxploitation film defies all and is nearly inexplicable with its repeated use of footage and bizarre horror. Incredible film bad in every conceivable way yet you cannot stop escape it. 5 / 10 (but one I desperately want to own!)

The only way to follow that was with a little rape-revenge, BK's favorite sub-genre, with his choice of Naked Vengeance (1985). Sleazy and brutal as expected that delivers the goods. Solid entry. 7 / 10

I did locate an adequate David Prior flick for my selection with The Final Sanction (1990), starring his brother Ted Prior along side Robert Z'Dar. Kind of a ridiculous premise to pit two warriors against each to decide a greater outcome between two nations but just go with it. Stupid but good enough for this crowd, thankfully. 6.6 / 10

Jenni, @Noahphex's wife, joined us for this outing and her film was voted next, The Search for Animal Chin (1987). I adore this film and the on-location skating and shredding including the half-pipe at Tony Hawk's home. Good fun and apparently a flick my brother watched a hella lot back in the day. 7.5 / 10

Now it was time for Damon's (@zombiefreak) movie (so glad Damon make the trip as he was missed in December). His original choice wouldn't play but his back-up proved just as worthy as we belly-laughed throughout Pledge Night a.k.a. A Hazing in Hell (1990). Damn riot of a horror flick that is great with a crowd. 7.5 / 10

The final film of the BTSNAT marathon is always a Brian Trenchard-Smith movie. We were treated to his take on the Porky's franchise, Pimpin' Pee Wee (2009) a.k.a. Porky's: The College Years. Been looking forward to this since BK mentioned it at the last BTSNAT. Turns out it's a better-than-average installment that all of us managed to remain awake and entertained. 6.7 / 10

Somehow we managed to cram in an extra film and still finish before 5AM but damn what a marathon of movies and an even better time with friends. So glad I could make it down for BTSNAT 2.5 and hope I'm there for the next one.

• June New: 21
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 24
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 340
  

Ghoulish Hunt

Sandy Collora's Hunter Prey (2009) was added to Netflix Instawatch and I didn't hesitate to watch it after the viewing the cool factor of Collora's Batman: Dead End. It's a groovy sci-fi western that reverses the human / alien roles and looks great considering its low budget. Very tight. Look forward to his next endeavor. 7 / 10

The Ghoul (1933) was also on NWI and features Boris Karloff in an early take on the Mummy mythology. Enjoyed this quite a bit. 7 / 10

• June New: 11
• June Re-watch: 0
• June '11 MTD: 11
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 327
  

Housing Horror

Dark House (2009), a FrightFest flick, I recently picked up for a couple of bucks from a Blockbuster sale. Was interested only because it features Jeffrey Combs and I'll watch anything he's in even if it's not so great. This isn't but an okay watch about a group of people making a haunted house in a haunted house. 6 / 10

• June New: 9
• June Re-watch: 0
• June '11 MTD: 9
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 325
  

Killing in Flames

Been looking forward to Michael Winterbottom's The Killer Inside Me (2010) for quite some time. Glad my library had it on the shelf. I like Casey Affleck even tho he seems to approach his characters the same way. I appreciate his raspy delivery. Good watch with some gasping brutality. 7 / 10

Also my excellent library the blu-ray of The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009), another film I've been overdue on since watching the first installment. Heard this and Hornet's Nest weren't as good as the first film but I still found this film really enjoyable. It lacks the suspense from Dragon Tattoo but still a solid flick. Might be appreciated more if not compared to the first film. Noomi Rapace is great. 7 / 10

• June New: 7
• June Re-watch: 0
• June '11 MTD: 7
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 323
  

No Thanks to Mystery

From my library I finally decided to give Sorority Row (2009) a spin. Stupid movie in a not good way and challenging to maintain any interest or care for it and the characters. Good production but lousy screenplay. 5 / 10

ThanksKilling (2009) has been in my Neflix Watch Instantly queue since the day it was added… but since it was expiring I finally clicked it. Wasn't looking forward to viewing b/c it's akin to a awful Troma flick. And I was right. Not enjoyable. 4 / 10

Mystery on Monster Island a.k.a. Misterio en la isla de los monstruos (1981) is a bizarre mash-up of Robinson Crusoe and The Lost World, a Spanish one at that. It features Peter Cushing, Terrace Stamp and Paul Naschy in small supporting roles. The main protagonist is a young man sent to survive on an island full of monsters and hidden gold. I won't say anymore because it would be giving away the main idea of the film. Not a good movie but certainly interesting. 6 / 10

• May New: 16
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 18
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 286
  

Four Furious

Since I've seen the third film, Tokyo Drift, a couple of times I skipped revisiting (plus it's entirely out the continuity of the others). So I picked up with Fast & Furious (2009) and was once again pleasantly surprised. I feel with this installment, the world they have established is finally fleshed out with all the characters and the role they play. Yes, the CG isn't great but Justin Lin does a good job keeping all the pieces in place with some nice road action. Very entertaining. 7 / 10

• April New: 31
• April Re-watch: 8
• April '11 Total: 39
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 268
  

Movie Night 2011 #3

Big +1 for impromptu movie nights at Ron's home! We both had an open Saturday for a change so I headed over with a bag of films to choose from and we watched, chatted and caught up on things.

First film was another one that had some Twitter chatter, Down Terrace (2009), so I figured it be a good one since neither of us had seen it. This Ben Wheatley scripted and directed flick holds up in every way to the good word of mouth around it. It's a dark comedy crime family film with plenty of subtlety and dry wit. Excellent movie. 8 / 10

Next was a flick I'd recently picked up at HorrorHound Weekend and have been wanting to see for quite some time, Fade to Black (1980). Now I know why it's occasionally referenced among film geeks; it's horror thriller send up to classic film. Very fun film. 7 / 10

Lastly I thought we'd go farther off the deep end with Raw Force (1982) a.k.a. Kung Fu Cannibals that is mash-up of so many genres it could be hard to explain. Sex adventure comedy, boat trip, martial arts, horror, action. And with Cameron Mitchell, notch. A wild, inexplicable ride. 7.5 / 10

• April New: 28
• April Re-watch: 7
• April '11 Total: 35
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 264
  

Tall Hot Blonde

I was lured to the documentary Talhotblond: (2009) by Kreepylady Kristin who recommended it after viewing Catfish. It's a similar story of how those you meet on the internet are rarely who you think they are. This ends tragically. Real good flick and I recommend it as well esp. if you've seen Catfish. 7.5 / 10

• April New: 20
• April Re-watch: 6
• April '11 Total: 26
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 255
  

Rich, Sweet Gaming

The Richest Girl in the World (1934) was a TCM capture on my DVR. Entertaining little ditty about a super wealthy woman that uses a substitute as a stand-in. Love Fay Wray. 6.5/10

The Neveldine/Taylor joint Gamer (2009) is hella more excellent than I ever imagined based on the reviews and WOM. I'm sorry I paid them any attention and missed this on the big screen. Damn fun and easily re-watchable. 7/10

Never Take Sweets from a Stranger (1960) is a real-life horror story from Hammer films involving a pedophile and prejudice. This film will make you incensed with people. 7.5/10

• March New: 9
• March Re-watch: 1
• March '11 Total: 10
• March '10 Total: 75
• 2011 TOTAL: 171
  

Movie Night 2011 #2

Finally, our first "official" movie night of 2011 (2nd overall). Great to have Kristin (@KreepyLady) out for her first time along with Shannon and her husband Jon. Also Pat in attendance making our group a healthy seven plus 2 kids (kids didn't watch the films =). I believe this might be the first movie night where I have seen all the films prior our event. Fortunately our guests had not so we had a great time.

First up: Monsters (2010) on blu-ray holds up and I think I like it even more on the 2nd viewing. Worked for half of us. Jon didn't seem to care too much for it. Kristin dug it. I'd watch it again. 7.7/10

Second: Dogtooth (2009) via NWI was the crowd pleaser we expected it to be. Half of us had seen it so it was a blast watching with first-timers. Adore this film. 7.8/10

Third on the evening: Sante Sangre (1989) on blu-ray looks gorgeous. Having only seen it on my VHS copy, this is the best it's looked. Had forgotten so much of it so it was great to see it again. Very special film. 8/10

Finished the evening with my new blu-ray of Death Race 2000 (1975). Think everyone had seen this movie before so it played well as the last film. Looks amazing on blu-ray and first-time I've seen in widescreen! 7.8/10

Gotta say that was a solid movie night at the Captain Satan household! Already looking forward to the next one! Tough to program so rock solid of a line-up top to bottom.

• February New: 44
• February Re-watch: 5
• February '11 Total: 49
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 140
  

France After Dark

David Morlet's Mutants (2009) is a decent post-apocalyptic zombie flick but other than its story doesn't give us anything new. It's French and the production values are great. 6.7/10

Went out to Barrington AMC to catch a couple of After Dark horror flicks since this was the weekend and this was the only theater in Chicago screening the films. Wish I had a better selection today but ah well. Hit Fertile Ground (2010) first, which is a creepy evil ancestor possession film. Not sure what more can be said with this story. Good acting but not very interesting overall. Really like Gale Harold and think he'd make the perfect Nathan Drake in the Uncharted adaptation (he looks just like him!). 6.5/10

After that took in Husk (2010) even though it's premiering on SyFy next weekend. Love the scarecrows but the obnoxious teens are unbearable. 5.5/10

Came home and watched yet another French film, District 13: Ultimatum (2009). Not a bad sequel but also not quite as good as its predecessor. Decent watch and some fun characters. 6.7/10

• January New: 77
• January Re-watch: 12
• January '11 Total: 89
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 89
  

Comedy of Arms

Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Micmacs (2009) contains all those familiar sweet nuances that really make me regret not making the effort to see this on the big screen. Maybe the early mixed reactions or whatever seeped inside my mind because really this is a film that should be seen in the theater. So many delightful touches and characters within a humorous folly on the art of war. Beautiful film. 7.8/10

• January New: 64
• January Re-watch: 10
• January '11 Total: 74
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 74
  

Dark Fire

One Dark Night (1983) isn't nearly the scary movie that it could've been. And quite frankly the most disturbing scene is in the opening the sequence when a pile a bodies is found in a closet. The basic premise is that a girl who wants to join a clique of snobby girls called "The Sisters" and is forced to stay in a mausoleum overnight where a serial killer has been recently interred. By some unexplained reasons the serial killer has the power of telekinesis and returns to the sorta-living; he uses his powers to "raise the dead" against all those now trapped in the mausoleum. Meg Tilly and Elizabeth Daily make this watchable but it's devoid of tension due to the silliness of the psychic powers. And Adam West isn't featured enough. Like that they used Hollywood Forever cemetery. 6/10

Fired Up (2009) isn't your average cheeseball cheerleading flick. Besides the fact that it's actually pretty good, it's also intentionally meta. Yeah, Bring in On, baby. Good comedy bits throughout some more effective than others. More teen comedies should take note. 6.5/10

• January New: 48
• January Re-watch: 4
• January '11 Total: 52
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 52
  

Be Afraid of Brides

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973) was BK's Horror Movie Night selection today and one I picked up from Warner Archives last year. Directed by John Newland it stars Kim Darby (of the original True Grit) as one half of the couple that moves into an old house inhabited by small troll-like creatures. Kinda amazing this was made for TV because it's so damn creepy. I may have even seen it back in the day but repressed it. 7/10

Late night viewing was relegated to the truly awful Bride Wars (2009) featuring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway in a preposterous plot of two soon-to-be-married friends who turn on each other because their weddings were "accidentally" scheduled on the same day. I call bullshit. 4/10

• January New: 29
• January Re-watch: 3
• January '11 Total: 32
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 32
  

Elevator Rage

Space Rage (1985) is what happens when Michael Paré is made a criminal and is placed on prison planet. That is, until ex-cop Richard Farnsworth unretires to save the planet. Not all that good but serviceable. Watched on VHS covering my 1-VHS-per-week goal. 5.5/10

Elevator to the Gallows (1958) is a sublime crime thriller directed by Louis Malle that I hate myself for not seeing it sooner. If you thought that one man stuck in an elevator might lack some thrills, you'd be wrong. The subplot I found even more entertaining as two young people run off for a night of reckless abandon. The night shots of Jeanne Moreau walking the city in desperate search for her lover are exquisite. Highly recommended. On NWI. 8/10

Jake West's Doghouse (2009) certainly has an interesting premise; a group of misogynistic men go on a vacation only to find themselves in a town overrun with cannibal women who, wait for it, hate men. Great production but truly despicable characters. Comedy fails because you really have no sympathy for these assholes. 6.4/10

• January New: 27
• January Re-watch: 3
• January '11 Total: 30
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 30