Rock Hard Eight

Dipping into VHS collection I was in need of some Rothrock so I gave Angel of Fury (1992) a spin. Not a very good flick but enjoyable simply because of Rothrock running and chasing and being chased. And kicking some ass in-between. 6 / 10

Hitchcock's Spellbound (1945) was also on my blindspot list but for some reason I thought I had seen it before. But soon I realized I had not so it made for a new watch and a good one even though you know how it's attempting to manipulate the viewer. Love Ingrid Bergman in this. 7.4 / 10

Headed out to the theater to finally catch Super 8 (2011), which I had been lukewarm in seeing based on the advanced buzz. And I gotta agree, J.J. Abrams doesn't entirely succeed with this film despite some good character moments. Still a good watch and one I'd certainly watch again. Esp. for the amazing performance by Elle Fanning, who steals the movie. 7 / 10

• June New: 27
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 30
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 346
  

Stealing the Stop-Motion

The Curse of the Living Corpse (1964) is another one from that Del Tenney DVD set. I'd say this is a bit better than the Horror at Party Beach esp. because (a very young) Roy Scheider is here and it actually works a little better on the "guests get murdered at a old house after wealthy man dies" premise. 6.8/10

Was uncertain as to whether I should pick up the Criterion of Equinox (1970) during the sale last month having not viewed it. Got it from my library and didn't waste time watching… holy shit this film is incredible! Amazed that this received Criterion treatment esp. considering the stopmo films it calls back to that will probably never have a Criterion release. I will be buying this during the next Criterion 50% off sale. 6.6/10

In Robert Wise's The Body Snatcher (1945) Boris Karloff is an evil doctor stealing cadaver's for his evil experiments, including Bela Lugosi. Decent little thriller. 7.2/10

• March New: 16
• March Re-watch: 1
• March '11 Total: 17
• March '10 Total: 75
• 2011 TOTAL: 178
  

Love Gun

Jang Yu-Jung's directorial debut Finding Mr. Destiny (2011) a.k.a. Kim Jong-Ok Chatgi plays out its looking-for-love in an ugly duck framing quite nicely. Rather surprising considering I wasn't expecting too much. The first hour moves a little slow as all the pieces are put into place but the second hour is really effective. The Burlesque/Star is Born moment is absolutely fantastic. Im Soo-Jung (I Am a Cyborg, Woochi) does a great job carrying the load.

Seo Ji-Woo (Soo-Jung) is the unattached stage manager for a musical production when her father decides to hire a "Finding Your First True Love Company" to help her locate a long lost love she met while visiting India 10 years earlier. The agency is operated by nerdy Han Gi-Joon (Gong Yoo) who assists Ji-Woo in this seemingly impossible adventure. I won't spoil it but you can guess what happens if you've seen familiar romantic comedies placing two opposite personalities together. Despite the formulaic story it's still a good film with some wonderful moments. 7/10

The Vampire's Ghost (1945) I picked off NWI as clued in by @Gholson. And I kinda liked this old school gypsy tale brimming with beautiful women. Essentially a ghost vampire, disguised as an affluent club owner, is on the prowl and must be put down. 6.4

Wow, what can I say about Jim Van Bebber's Deadbeat at Dawn (1988)? This is Van Bebber's ode to old school exploitation with plenty of drugs, violence and blood. I only wish I had seen this sooner. I'm probably gonna buy this one. It's just charged with such explosive energy I still can't get over it. 6.8/10

• January New: 59
• January Re-watch: 9
• January '11 Total: 68
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 68
  

Clue of the Identities

In the lead up to Shutter Island, Scorsese admitted to being influenced by Val Lewton, and having seen his film I felt it was worth revisiting some of Lewton's productions. In Isle of the Dead (1945) the easiest comparisons can be drawn from the mysterious island to the enforced stay of the visitors. Also it's incredibly scary (for those frightened by the living dead). Well worth a look before or after seeing Shutter Island.

Finally spun Clueless (1995) in its entirety. Only seen this movie in clips, bits & pieces. Wild to see these actors so young, esp. Paul Rudd, yet sadly being a film of its time it doesn't hold up all that well. Maybe more nostalgic for those that grew up w/it.

Sometimes it's surprising how lauded David Cronenberg is by Criterion considering the bulk of their releases. But for film geeks it should be no surprise. To think that even Dead Ringers (1988) was granted a Criterion seal of approval is a feat. Not that it isn't worthy (it is) but given the material it might come as a head-scratcher for those Criterion buffs out there (or not). Certainly Jeremy Irons deserves all the accolades for pulling off two convincing and distinguishable roles but it's really Cronenberg that deserves all the credit for crafted this film.

What Deathly Dreams May Come

The classic Dead of Night (1945), an anthology of short horror stories, is so good it's a mystery as to why this film is still unavailable on DVD. Seriously. Twas the reason I picked it up from TCM.

The ventriloquist segment is naturally the most frightening... as those dummies will scare the shit out of anyone. And, obtw, I finished LOST Season 5! huzzah!