Devil in the Details

Back to @leiabox's documentary list I sat down with Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) and became more infuriated as it went along. And it's a long film. Just disgusting what these asshats got away with and the people that suffered. 7 / 10

Due Date (2010) was a library quick pick and marginally okay despite not being a bit plausible. That is the film's biggest problem; with the setup it provides in the intro it is unlikely any of this would transpire. RDjr's character could've had money wired to him or found another way to get transportation thus avoiding the entire journey with Galifianakis. Not a smart movie but I laughed at a few the gags. 6.5 / 10

The Brotherhood of Satan (1971) was a rare OnDemand flick I decided watch after Mitch (@DoctorGore) mentioned it on twitter. Not a great movie but I always enjoy these 70s devil worship films. Plot from imdb: "A family is trapped in a desert town by a cult of senior-citizens who recruit the town's children to worship Satan." 6.5 / 10

• May New: 19
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 21
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 289
  

Bear Hunt

Thank you again, MGMHD, for the Gene Hackman retrospective. Recorded The Hunting Party (1971) in which Hackman is a sleazy lawman chasing after his wife (Candice Bergen) kidnapped by outlaw Oliver Reed. Fucking great movie! 7/10

And thanks to TCM Underground for broadcasting Grizzly (1976) featuring my favorite Christopher George. One I'd love to own someday. 7/10

• February New: 49
• February Re-watch: 5
• February '11 Total: 54
• February '10 Total: 61
• 2011 TOTAL: 145
  

Not So Hot

Decided on a couple of NWI flicks tonight to wind down from another long office. Can't wait for my holiday time-off to begin! First up Chrome and Hot Leather (1971), a biker revenge flick. I think the premise of the Vietnam vets infiltrating the biker community to enact revenge is a good one the the execution could've been better. 6/10

Next was a seriously inexplicable English language remake of Hideo Nakata film by Fruit Chan, Don't Look Up (2009). I saw the original 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. This film… well, let's just say that it was unnecessary. Surprised that Eli Roth has a small part in the set-up scene. Watchable but barely. 5/10

• December New: 49
• December Re-watch: 5
• December Total: 54
• 2010 TOTAL: 771
  

The Octopus Man

A movie I've been wanting to see for probably 30 years is now available on Netflix Instant Watch!! Yes, I'm talking about Octaman (1971), a super awful monster flick directed by Harry Essex. I used to watch this on Sunday afternoons when one of the cable stations scheduled back to back monster movies. At the time I thought this was super terrifying and I loved it. Wasn't sure if I'd ever get to it again (never seen it on home video). It's another retelling of the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon down to the final sequence. Poor Octaman. He's just misunderstood. Of course it doesn't hold up to these wizened eyes but still charming for what they did on a meager budget. That costume is just hilarious. Would love to have a 1/6 figure of the Octaman. Or at least a replica of that little baby octopus he saves. 6.2/10 (for the nostalgia)

• November New: 44
• November Re-watch: 5
• November Total: 49
• 2010 TOTAL: 707
  

Boogie Woogie Babes

Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (1971) was another TCM Hammer Horror hold-over from Friday night. Features a hot Egyptian Queen (Valerie Leon) extremely well-preserved in which her spirit inhabits yet another hottie (Valerie Leon). Not a great film but plenty of eye candy. #amiright 6.2/10

The Boogens (1981) was featured on TCM Underground. Kind of excited to catch this one but really needs more boogens. Creature designs are not bad for what we see of them. I also like the snowy setting. Reminds me of another horror flick I saw on TV years ago that scared the crap outta me and still haven't tracked it down. 6.3/10

• October New: 50
• October Re-watch: 11
• October Total: 61
• 2010 TOTAL: 645
  

Undead & Blind Dead

Heard that Shock Waves (1977) was on Netflix Instant Watch and based on its premise (Nazi zombies!) you know I had to see it. It features Perter Cushing as the mad scientist on a seemingly deserted island. A group of people get shipwrecked there and discover his pad when things begin to go south. Not a bad watch. 6.5/10

Rewatched Tombs of the Blind Dead (1971) because I was compiling my Top Ten Underrated Horror list for Rupert (@bobfreelander) which you can read here: Sleestakk's Underrated Horror Films. Here's what I wrote specifically about this title: Admittedly not the greatest example of seventies Euro-horror but this Spanish film wins in the imagery department. Death rides a horse is literal as these night riders return from the grave and terrorize their victims. Slow motion scenes of shrouded figures on horseback will leave an impression as they gallop through the darkness. Visually nightmarish and rightfully so.

• October New: 31
• October Re-watch: 8
• October Total: 39
• 2010 TOTAL: 623
  

Connecting the Fear

Had to re-watch The French Connection (1971) because my memories were so vague. Still a tremendous film. Friedkin, Hackman, Scheider. Excellent.


Need a solid somewhat overlooked horror flick? Look no further than Pete Walker's Cover Up (a.k.a. Frightmare 1975). It's about a cannibalistic family. That's all you need to know. Watch it if you love horror.

• July New: 36
• July Re-watch: 9
• July Total: 45
• 2010 TOTAL: 432
  

Slowly Scaring

Another blindspot conquered with Cinderella Man (2005). Pretty good Ron Howard/Russell Crowe flick but Renée Zellweger still bugs me to no end.


Little sad that Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971) is apparently OOP on DVD. I may have to buy this because it's just so goddamn awesome. Has all the hallmarks of a slow-burn seventies horror flick. Really dig that style. Want to see it again soon... yeah, will probably have to buy.

• July New: 35
• July Re-watch: 8
• July Total: 43
• 2010 TOTAL: 430
  

Schizoid

I believe it was a recent episode of Cinema Diabolica where they discussed the films of Lucio Fulci and in particular Lizard in a Woman's Skin (1971), which I hadn't seen. But it is definitely one I've been meaning to get to. Fortunately Netflix still had this OOP DVD. Overall this is a great Fulci film even if not my favorite (I lean more towards The House by the Cemetery and Gates of Hell from my youth). But this is a good giallo psychological thriller with several great images and sequences as you're left guessing what's real and what's a dream. A very good watch if you can still get your hands on the DVD.

• June New: 47
• June Re-watch: 6
• June Total: 53
• 2010 TOTAL: 376
  

Two Isn't Always Better Than One

April Re-Watch Film: The Incredible Two-Headed Transplant (1971). Last saw this while visiting my relatives in Idaho back around 1980 or so. Was a rental that looked ridiculous so my cousin & I picked it up. Thought it was hilarious. Strangely enough having now just watched it, I find it more terrifying. Surprised to see Bruce Dern and Casey Kasem in this but nice to see Pat Priest (The Munsters). Sure, this flick ain't great but an interesting and creepy watch.

• April New: 36
• April Re-watch: 29
• April Total: 65
• 2010 TOTAL: 252