Stryke of the Apes

Stryker (1983)
Directed by Cirio H. Santiago
Dipped into my San Jose VHS haul to finally view this gem. Really fun early 80s sci-fi action adventure. Naturally a Road Warrior rip-off but still plenty entertaining. And Steve Sandor is a decent lead as Stryker. “After the holocaust, nothing matters but survival.”

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Directed by Rupert Wyatt
Went to the midnight screening b/c I just couldn’t take hearing / reading anymore about this film. The positive buzz was nearly overwhelming so I didn’t want my expectations to get the best of me. Good thing because this is a great film. It pays off in many ways. Didn’t like the callbacks to the original PotA flick but whatever. The drama is really great. Much to appreciate here.

Another Death Spa

Another Earth (2011)
Directed by Mike Cahill
Went over to CineArts after work to catch this. Nice little indie sci-fi film co-written by Brit Marling. Mostly really enjoyed this but had a hard time getting past William Mapother because he will always be “Ethan” from LOST to me. It’s the ending that really seals the deal here.

Death Spa (1990)
Directed by Michael Fischa
Oh man was I looking forward to this selection for Horror Movie Night. Glad to have finally seen this b/c it’s so damn fun and ridiculous. Watching people trapped in the “death spa” is quite entertaining. Under-appreciated horror.

Dumb and Dumber

Waitress! (1981) is a not-so-good eighties comedy that I was hoping would provide a little more enjoyment being an early Troma flick (and one co-directed by Lloyd Kaufman). Sadly it's just forgettable. 5.5 / 10

And what could be more forgettable than Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)? Not much. Save for a few beautiful shots of Chicago getting blown to all hell this film is terrible and possibly the worst movie I'll see this year. What's truly unfortunate is that there could have been a decent movie in this had a couple of the characters and subplots been excised. As I tweeted, "the upside is that I will never have to watch that again." 3 / 10

Something to remove that awful taste from my eyes Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) is another selection from my blindspot project. This Howard Hawks musical comedy romp is wonderful with two sparkling leads in Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe. One I'm sure to revisit. 7.6 / 10

• July New: 12
• July Re-watch: 1
• July '11 MTD: 13
• July '10 MTD: 54
• 2011 YTD: 399
  

Killer Fish Komedy

Michael Winterbottom's 9 Songs (2004) was expiring of the Instawatch so I was compelled to finally give it go despite what I had heard about it. And wowsa it's even more explicit than I imagined. I suppose that titillation is the attraction here because the story isn't that good. But a very interesting watch. 6.5 / 10

Swamp Shark (2011) premiered on SyFy and naturally I had to watch. Goes without saying that I'm sucker for killer fish flicks and this one mostly delivers. Kristy Swanson and D.B. Sweeney lead the charge to destroy the giant shark accidentally let loose in a swamp. It's dumb but fun. 6 / 10

Another blindspot film Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy (1983) lives up to its reputation. Really didn't have much an interest to see this outside of needing to complete my project but I'm now converted. This is a stellar piece of work with an exceptional De Niro performance. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it. 8 / 10

• June New: 60
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 64
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 380
  

Emerald One-Eye

The Cyclops (1957) ran on TCM's Drive-In B-movie night. It's another Bert Gordon flick that is essentially an alternate take on his Amazing Colossal Man, kinda like a prequel in a way but with a different origin (both films came out in the same year). I'm a fan of this and Lon Chaney Jr. 6.6 / 10

Please Don't Eat the Babies (1983) a.k.a Island Fury is a fairly weaksauce cannibal slash hostage tale that has few merits but not enough to make it memorable. 5.6 / 10

Dropped into the theater for a non-3D screening of Green Lantern (2011). Disappointment is about all I can say. I didn't think the effects were that bad but it's the story that really brings it down. That and Blake Lively. Not one I care to revisit. Maybe someday but not soon. 6 / 10

Was able to rinse my eyes later at the Music Box for a midnight screening of Hobo with a Shotgun (2011) with a few of my Chicago friends. It's as if I didn't see any other movies on this day because Hobo is so fucking good. If it's possible to fall in love with a movie in its opening minutes, this would qualify. Cannot express my passion for what Jason Eisener was able to accomplish with his love letter to 80s exploitation cinema. Look forward to many viewings of this in my future. Thank you, Rutger Hauer and Mr. Eisener. 9 / 10

• June New: 35
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 38
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 354
  

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
  

No Stopping the Mutants

The other feature on that DVD I rented from Lion Video was White Rat (1972) another forgotten gritty crime flick from the seventies. And not any better than How to Score with Girls. It's as forgettable as it is forgotten. Again context makes it interesting. 5 / 10

Picked up the blu for Unstoppable (2010) from my library. Pretty much what I expected from Tony Scott, a somewhat engaging but entirely silly film. I like Chris Pine here but so over Denzel. 6 / 10

Hit the midnight screening at Showplace 12 for X-Men: First Class (2011) with small audience. Nothing about the trailer or early photos made this compelling to me (other than being another superhero flick) but the advanced buzz was right; this is a good film despite its flaws. Set in the early sixties along with the origin story makes it work. First third is much better than the finale. Fassbender and Bacon steal the show but Matthew Vaughn succeeded in the end. 8 / 10

• June New: 5
• June Re-watch: 0
• June '11 MTD: 5
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 321
  

Simpler Tides

Ventured out to the cinema to view the next installment in the Pirates franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) directed by Rob Marshall. Despite being sufficient in continuing the story with Jack Sparrow nothing about the movie feels epic in scope compared to the others. No big set-pieces. That and Sparrow being left to carry the film really bring it down. It's just not very interesting. 6 / 10

Back to my blindspot project I finally watched the Coen's Blood Simple. (1984). Such a meaty film that I know I will have to watch again. Not sure I was in the best frame of mind to really absorb it properly but this is a damn good film. 7.6 / 10

• May New: 39
• May Re-watch: 4
• May '11 Total: 43
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 311
  

Believe, Brov

Cruised down to Showplace ICON to finally get an advanced screening of the much talked about and critically hyped Attack the Block (2011). It's the rare occasion when a hyped film lives up to said hype. ATB is one of those films. Met up with Ron and Kreeplady Kristin who already had their seats behind mine, which was great because I could hear them laughing and cheering during the viewing. Hard to declare a movie perfect but ATB is pretty damn close. It'll take a few more viewings to declare it as such but for now it's an easy mark for my best of 2011 list. 9 / 10

• May New: 34
• May Re-watch: 3
• May '11 Total: 37
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 305
  

Preaching in Paradise

Back to @leiabox's best documentary list I finally sat down with Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996). This is a long film but I think I never bothered because this case had received so much attention at the time I didn't feel I needed to watch it. But I'm glad I did even though it just made more upset at the incompetence and ignorance of all the people involved. 8 / 10

Went out for a big screen viewing of Priest (2011), which had been on my radar since the first trailers hit. It has all the hallmarks of what I like in silly, post-apocalyptic films, including Maggie Q. Sadly it's not very good yet good enough for my tastes. I would watch this again on Blu. 6 / 10

• May New: 27
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 29
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 297
  

Spenser For Hire

When perusing OnDemand titles I saw that The Ice Pirates (1984) was available in HD! High Def, people! Having somehow missed this treasure and loving the heck outta Robert Urich, this was a no-brainer. Man oh man do I heart this movie. It's like everything I want in a cheesy space western adventure movie. I would own this on Blu-ray. 7 / 10

Finally made it out to see Thor (2011). Parts of it I really like and other parts are just meh. It's a mixed bag that mostly works and saved by breakout performance by Chris Hemsworth. The Hawkeye cameo wasn't needed but it made me smile. Agreed that Natalie Portman's character was paper thin but she looks terrific. Sadly the Warrior Three are wasted but it's a rewatchable flick. 7 / 10

Dipped in my Greydon Clark DVDs I picked up from HorrorHound Weekend and gave Angels' Brigade (1979) a watch. Sublime silliness. Goofy entertainment. Plus Jack Palance and Jim Backus! The tagline: "Seven super sexy girls take on the bad guys in an explosion of wild action, crazy stunts, and loads of laughs!" Now doesn't that make you wanna see this film? 6 / 10

• May New: 22
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 24
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 292
  

Mighty Heat

Getting back to my primary blindspot project (to watch all my unseen films in Flickchart's Top 500) I queued Some Like It Hot (1959), rated 320 overall at Flickchart. This is Billy Wilder I love. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon are so damn good even if it's an often high suspension of belief to think they can pull off women in drag for so long unnoticed. Marilyn Monroe has some sweet scenes but it's those two guys that make this great. 7.5 / 10

The Asylum's Almighty Thor (2011) premiered on SyFy to coincide with the big budget Marvel release of Thor. Of course I had to watch it but I'll go on record stating this is not one of the better Asylum films (and that, my friends, is saying a lot). It's just not good. At all. 4 / 10

• May New: 9
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 11
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 279
  

Prepared to be Slimed

Had Kinji Fukasaku's The Green Slime (1968) recorded on my DVR from TCM for at least a year and decided it was time to knock it out. What a trip that I'm not even sure I could explain it fully. But helluva catchy theme song! Wouldn't mind having this on DVD / BD someday. 6 / 10

Now out the theater for Justin Lin's Fast Five (2011). Damn. This is what all summer tent pole actioners should aspire to. Big, loud, packed to brim with testosterone and beautiful people even when they're covered in grime. I would go see it this again in a heartbeat if it weren't so damn long. Definitely will pick it up on Blu and rematch. Gal Gadot is hot. Sung Kang! Who knew Don Omar could act?! Big dumb and exciting. 8 / 10

From the Instawatch I cleared another John Waters film from my blindspot list, A Dirty Shame (2004). Had no idea what to expect and just based on the turn this film takes, it wouldn't have mattered. Fun movie and great cast. 7 / 10

• May New: 7
• May Re-watch: 2
• May '11 Total: 9
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 277
  

I Scream, You Scream

Finally made my way to the cinema for the big screen viewing of Wes Craven's Scream 4 (2011). After recently screening the first three films last month I was as prepared as I could've been but not excited. The verbal thrashing online was severely decreasing my interest. However, I found myself enjoying the ride of this one up until the end reveal. It plays a dirty trick that I despise in thriller suspense flicks. But the ride is fun and I adore Alison Brie as a total bitch. 7 / 10

• May New: 3
• May Re-watch: 1
• May '11 Total: 4
• May '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 272
  

You're Furious

Sunday and I'm game for another cinema screening so out to catch Your Highness (2011). Wasn't expecting too much and I think it delivered to that empty expectation. Not a very good film but at times it was okay. Several flat jokes but Natalie Portman looks delicious. 6/10

Anticipating the upcoming Fast Five, I decided I should probably watch the other Fast films having not seen any 'cept Tokyo Drift. Funny because I've own two copies of The Fast and the Furious (2001) on DVD for years. Ya know, I was a little disappointed with this first film after everything I'd heard about it. Didn't it was that good but mostly fine. 6.5/10

• April New: 11
• April Re-watch: 4
• April '11 Total: 15
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 244
  

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
  

Sinner Punched

Was glad that Sucker Punch (2011) was still on screens after its dismal performance at the box office. I wanted to see it on the big screen again to affirm my first reactions; yep, still love this silly flick. Look forward to the extended cut on Blu-ray. Still don't care what the critics think because even for those that didn't like it, I enjoy the discussion arising from what may or may not be happening in the movie. 7.7/10

From my Netflix I spun Nagisa Ôshima's Sinner in Paradise a.k.a. Three Resurrected Drunkards (1968). This is an interesting comedy of 3 teens that get mistaken for Koreans and find themselves running from the authorities. Overall a good film with a unique ending. 6.7/10

Then from streaming I viewed Dracula's Widow (1988) directed by Christopher Coppola. Upside it stars Sylvia Kristel. Downside it's a rather awful movie. I give it credit for some decent practical effects. 5.5/10

• April New: 7
• April Re-watch: 2
• April '11 Total: 9
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 238
  

Modern Fairy Tale

Another film I had to see was Joe Wright's Hanna (2011). Wow. What a stunning and mesmerizing movie to soak up. I love this film and it's sure to make my Top Ten for 2011. I'll save the details because if you're reading this you've already seen it or you will. Right? 9/10

• April New: 5
• April Re-watch: 1
• April '11 Total: 6
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 235
  

Treacherous

Having been out of town for 5 days I wanted to catch up with all the new releases. This meant hitting James Wan's Insidious (2011) after leaving the office. Heard about the "loudness" of this horror flick but I didn't notice that it was extra loud. I did really fall into the story and it did creep me out. Effective thriller. 7.5/10

• April New: 4
• April Re-watch: 1
• April '11 Total: 5
• April '10 Total: 68
• 2011 Total: 234
  

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