G-FEST XVIII at Pickwick Theater

The annual G-Fest Convention kicked off today with a couple of double features at the Pickwick Theater. Couldn't attend the daytime screenings due to work but wasn't going to miss the nighttime programming that featured a couple of movies I've already seen but relish viewing with a captive audience of Kaiju fans.

First up was Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1993), a movie I watched during a movie night at Ron's a few years ago. Wasn't crazy about it then but enjoyed it considerably more on this evening. Still has a silly final battle sequence and I just hate that made Godzilla evil in the 90s. 6.5 / 10

The second feature was another movie I may have first viewed at a movie night at Ron's Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995). This really could have been called Gamera Reborn because this is the first film in the trilogy of modern Gamera flicks, much darker films with the awesome flying turtle. Great to see on the big screen even if it was projected from DVD. 7.4 / 10

• July New: 18
• July Re-watch: 3
• July '11 MTD: 21
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 407
  

Where's the Beef?

In Rapid City, SD doing the family thing. Not much time to watch movies (nor do I really want to) but fortunately due to my father's decent internet connection I can take in one film before crashing. Decided to watch Angus (1995) tonight. It's the classic ugly duckling teen comedy and not a bad watch. 6.7 / 10

• July New: 2
• July Re-watch: 0
• July '11 MTD: 2
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 388
  

I Will Break You

The Shooter (1995) a.k.a. Hidden Assassin I queued up from a recent Dolph Lundgren 3-film DVD I bought on the cheap. It's actually a pretty good espionage thriller with double agents and Dolph kicking ass. 6 / 10

• April New: 25
• April Re-watch: 7
• April '11 Total: 32
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 261
  

Full Moon Horror Fest

Today was an event I had circled on my calendar for a while: Full Moon Horror Fest at Portage Theater. In truth, I cared a lot less about the The Charles Band EVIL BONG 3-D Full Moon Roadshow w/the puppets and all that, incl. the Evil Bong flick. What really had my juices going was the addition of the Stuart Gordon/Jeffrey Combs/Barbara Crampton Trilogy on the big screen! Not to mention that both Barbara and Stuart would be there for a Q&A. Yes, I was amped for this.

It was great to see Stuart and Barbara hobnobbing in the lobby with Capone prior the event beginning. There were already big lines for the stacks of DVDs and promos that Full Moon had on display. Finally after a long delay From Beyond (1986) began after a short intro. How cool is this film? That cool. 7.5/10

Got to hear both Stuart and Barbara discuss the film and introduce the next film which I still had not watched despite owning it on DVD. Castle Freak (1995) was received well by the horror crowd on hand as it should. Really good film with some excellent character moments by Combs. I even asked a question afterward about the long bar sequence that Combs seemed to be improvising. Barbara agreed with me that it is an amazing scene! (She rocks!) 7/10

Next up was the "event" film premiere of Evil Bong 3-D: The Wrath of Bong (2011) that also including sniff-o-rama cards. I haven't seen the prior installments of this. After viewing this one, I won't be in a rush to see 'em either. Kind of a dumb film and premise in which the 3D didn't add much. The sniff cards were mostly effective but after the screening the entire theater smelled like my basement in High School. Disgusting. 5/10

Finally the one we'd all been waiting for… Re-Animator (1985). Earlier I had debated leaving before it started b/c everything was running so late and I was tired. But I stuck around after it started and I'm glad I did. This is such a great film to see on big screen in theater packed with horror fans. 7.7/10

Great night and so glad to talk to both Stuart and Barbara. She really is one of the nicest people I've met in the business. Definitely will be one of my favorite nights of the year!

• April New: 9
• April Re-watch: 4
• April '11 Total: 13
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 242
  

Skate Sourcing

Flew back to Chicago today from San Jose. On the plane I watched a couple of films via my macbook. First up was a Albert Pyun joint Nemesis 2: Nebula (1995), which is a sequel to a film I haven't seen. Doesn't really matter as this isn't really a good flick but decent enough with a few highlights. One included an amazing high tower drop that looks amazing. 6/10

Next up was a film I've been wanting to see for a while, Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979). This really nails the skate culture that I grew up with hitting my very own Skateland in East Moline every Friday night. Love seeing the young Patrick Swayze. Not to mention Scott Baio, Maureen McCormick, and Billy Barty! This needs a proper release. 7/10

As soon as I arrived home I headed out to AMC Showplace for a late screening of Duncan Jones' newest Source Code (2011). I really like the sci-fi of this flick and being set in Chicago is a bonus. Very enjoyable popcorn flick. 8/10

• April New: 3
• April Re-watch: 1
• April '11 Total: 4
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 233
  

B-Fest 2011 - Part One

The 31st B-Fest kicked off at Norris University Center on the campus of Northwestern University and I was there for my first time. I've been tempted in the past but could never pull the trigger fearful of what I might encounter based on the stories I've heard. But this year, with some coaxing, I finally gave in and I'm glad I could share in the communal experience of watching and berating some truly awful films in an auditorium full of like-minded cinema masochists.

Arrived with all my provisions (snacks, drinks, pillow, flashlight, etc.) approximately 30 minutes before start time. However, the long line waiting for their "official" ticket proved this B-Fest would hold true to tradition and not start on time. No great shakes as I was able to secure a good spot for my things before jumping in line and waiting with the rest of the eager throng, some of whom flew in for this annual event.

With nearly everyone now inside and seated and rowdy as all hell, the A&O staff came on to set the proceedings in motion with the first flick The Pumaman (1980) featuring Walter George Alton as Pumaman with Donald Pleasence as his nemesis. This film is currently rated #47 in the bottom 100 at imdb to give you an idea of the quality of the B-Fest kick-off film. The crowd was so enthusiastic the film audio was completely inaudible. It mattered not for this film as it was clear what was happening and loud audience commentary was a helluva lot funnier anyways. 5.5/10

Due to the late start the next film immediately commenced with break. It was the infamous Chuck Norris & dog cop flick Top Dog (1995). I believe Chuck Norris has been an annual staple of B-Fest for a few years now and here he did not disappoint with this corny film where this dog & cop duo thwart a terrorist plot to kill the pope or bishop or someone dressed as a pope. Or bishop. Top Dog would become a running joke throughout the duration of B-Fest. 5/10

Next up was a real dreck of film called Mama Dracula (1980) that had viewers screaming for it to end. The plot involves a lady vamp who needs to bath in the blood of virgins to remain vital but has a problem with virgin collection. Her dorky twin vampire sons, if you will, kidnap young women while another woman infiltrates their ruse to become the heir apparent. This is a terrible film in that it's so dumb and tedious but I could see watching this on my own had I not seen it here. 4/10

As B-Fest tradition goes it was now 11:45pm and time for the annual 16mm screening of The Wizard of Speed and Time (1979) short film with chunk of attendees on stage providing additional sound effects. Then it was shown upside down in reverse! Only at B-Fest, folks! Would love to see to the long form film of this someday.

The second part of that tradition is the midnight screening of Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space (1958), which has reached a near Rocky Horror-like magnitude with the customary callouts and props. Viewing this legendary bad film in this environment might be the only way to endure repeat viewings. Participation includes such things like shouting "Bela!" when the real Bela Lugosi appears and "Not Bela!" when his stand-in is onscreen; shouting "Tor!" whenever Tor Johnson is onscreen; shouting "Hot!" when Vampira appears. Of course, the big thing when there's a flying saucer, everyone throws decorated paper plates into the air. Hundreds of plates, many with some very creative images and words, are tossed making for a very entertaining experience during a dreadful film. Give this a 5/10 for that alone.

Stay tuned for B-Fest 2011 Part Two!

• January New: 67
• January Re-watch: 11
• January '11 Total: 78
• January '10 Total: 51
• 2010 TOTAL: 78
  

Space Shark Rally

During my flight back to Chicago I watched a couple of films I readied for my macbook. The first flick was Bruno Mattei's spectacularly awful Cruel Jaws (1995). But this is one where bad is mostly good. The acting, the dialogue, the shot framing, all of it is just laughably horrendous. Sadly it really peters out in the third act otherwise this would be another classic.

The second film was Robert Dyke's Moontrap (1989) featuring Bruce Campbell and Walter Koenig (Chekov!) fighting some alien robots. Not a good film but damn fun film. My favorite line by The Chin, "We don't take no shit from a machine!" If nothing else, both of these made my long flight home much more endurable.

After arriving home I decided to unwind with Charles Bail's The Gumball Rally (1976). I sorta like these road trip rally flicks and got a bonus with Gary Busey in this one. Not great but damn watchable.

• September New: 8
• September Re-watch: 0
• September Total: 8
• 2010 TOTAL: 515*
  

* just noticed that my total number is off 4 films compared to my WhatIWatch.net tally. Now current.

Searching for Things

Caught a late afternoon screening of Stallone's The Expendables (2010) and enjoyed it immensely. It delivers what it promises including some clunky dialogue exchanges and great action sequences. I was grinning ear to ear during the last 20 minutes. Looking forward to Stallone's master edit. 7.1/10

Another bad film on the Never Say Die DVD flipper, Silent Hunter (1995), was directed by Fred Williamson! Of course he also has a small role but it's kinda amusing that one of the sets is his auto dealership (the office is adorned with his framed movie posters and various memorabilia). Didn't enjoy this crime/revenge story very much but whatever. It happened. 4.4/10

Thanks to NWI I revisited another wish fulfillment flick of my teenage years in Private Lessons (1981) starring the ever so sexy Sylvia Kristel as the maid who seduces the rich kid in a scam conceived by Howard Hesseman's butler character. Yeah, this isn't a great film by any stretch but damn if it didn't stir up some feelings back in the day. Almost wonder if they could make a mainstream film like this again. 6/10

• August New: 29
• August Re-watch: 6
• August Total: 35
• 2010 TOTAL: 476
  

Toymation

Admission: I've never been a big fan of Wallace & Gromit. There I said it. It's one of the reasons why I haven't watched much of their films ("their" as if they are real). But I stumbled on Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) the other day so what the hey. Yeah, it's pretty good w/some good voice acting and stopmo claymation. Very inventive. Still not a big fan.

Finally from TCM the rather odd Gypsy Girl (1966) that has a much better plot summary than it actually delivers: "A young, lonely, mentaly retarded teenage girl finds solace in burying dead animals after the sudden death of a friend of hers." Sounds cool, right? But, erm, doesn't really nail that or pay off in way that kept me interested. Felt it could've been much better if really had stuck to that synopsis rather than meander thru the character interactions without ever really developing the main character Brydie White. That is to say, I didn't get sense of her real motivation. Young Ian McShane is fine and provides some stability to the plot but still not enough to make it compelling. Didn't work for me.

In anticipation of viewing Toy Story 3 on the big screen I decided to revisit Toy Story (1995). Forgot the subtle nod to classic horror film. Really love this movie even more now.

• June New: 37
• June Re-watch: 5
• June Total: 42
• 2010 TOTAL: 365
  

Beautiful Monsters

Got the Frankenstein Legacy Collection from my library but only had time to watch Son of Frankenstein (1939), one I hadn't (surprisingly) hadn't seen yet. This is another solid entry in the original series of films w/Basil Rathbone stepping in as Dr. Frankenstein. Besides Karloff reprising his famous role, it's great to see Lugosi as the sidekick Ygor.

One more in the XX: Utsukushiki series of Japanese exploitation flicks is Toshiharu Ikeda's Beautiful Beast a.k.a. XX: Utsukushiki kemono (1995). This one involves a "beautiful" Chinese assassin seeking revenge on yakuza for the death of her sister. Of XX: Utsukushiki films I've seen recently, I enjoyed this one the least, which is to say I didn't care for it much.

• May New: 42
• May Re-watch: 7
• May Total: 49
• 2010 TOTAL: 304
  

Future Lost

April Re-Watch Film: The City of Lost Children (1995). Can we all agree that this film needs a blu-ray release? My god the set pieces are beautiful.

Recorded The Clairvoyant (1934) from TCM, and with Claude Rains in the lead along side Fay Wray I really expected an overall better flick. The courtroom drama in the 3rd act really loses me. Could've been great if it had legs. Rains & Ray are both excellent but needed a better script here.

• April New: 36
• April Re-watch: 27
• April Total: 63
• 2010 TOTAL: 250
  

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.

A Day in the Life

Paid my last visit to Stanford Theatre and the Kurosawa Festival with the screening of One Wonderful Sunday (1947). This is a fine example of Kurosawa showing off his Frank Capra influence in this one day depiction of a slice of life of a young couple trying to make the best of their day in post-war Japan.

Wasn't sure I was so into this film but as it went along I came to enjoy it more and more. Reflecting on it now I really have a fondness for this film. I also experienced the greatest moment ever with an audience in a theater. There's a moment in the film where my audience actually began to clap intensely cued by the scene onscreen. Even I joined the applause. It was something I'll never forget and certainly will make my trips to Stanford Theatre even more memorable.

Returned to hotel to catch the animated feature Balto (1995), which is based on a true story about a sled dog that brings medicine to Nome, Alaska. Have a feeling that some of the drama, the villainous Steele, and talking animals weren't part of the real story.