Fast Times in Amsterdam

Hot Times at Montclair High (1989) hit during the decline of great eighties teen sex comedies and it's evident from watching this. It's a familiar trope of three teen boys that in most circumstances should not be friends but guess what? They cross paths and bond in order to help each other out. It's not bad but hardly great. 6 / 10

Amsterdamned (1988) was this week's Horror Movie Night choice and one I've been wanting to view since GGTMC covered it on their podcast. it's a Dick Maas joint and besides being a pretty cool slasher it also features the best boat chase on screen. Good watch and glad I picked up the VHS. 6.7 / 10

• June New: 65
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 69
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 385
  

Time After Time

Another missed classic The Time Machine (1960) is such a wonderful film I'm sad I didn't see it as a child. It's the type that I would have loved immensely esp. since I used to have several adaptations that I would read over and over. Quality sci-fi flick. Almost erases that awful remake from 2002. 7.7 / 10

• June New: 63
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 67
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 383
  

I Heart Trolls

Dropped into the Music Box for a big screen assault of trolls in TrollHunter (2010), a secret screening film I missed the last Fantastic Fest. As far as found footage flicks go, this is definitely one of the finer examples. Lots to love. Already look forward to viewing it again. 8 / 10

Grabbed Blue Valentine (2010) from my library knowing it was something I had to see even if the content wasn't my thing. It's a weird film because I mostly hated it and the story-lines and the characters. But the acting here is so incredible it's hard to not recognize that achievement. Michelle Williams is terrific. 7 / 10

• June New: 62
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 66
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 382
  

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
  

Keep on Space Truckin'

The Phantom from 10,000 Leagues (1955) was an Instawatch or maybe Hulu. It's that kind of title. Not a great one but watchable if you enjoy bad b-movies. It's very post-WWII with a monster being created from radiation but also wanted as a weapon. 6 / 10

The Valley of Gwangi (1969) is a film I've always wanted to see so was glad to pick it off NWI. And it's such a fine cowboys and dinosaurs flick with a tragic ending. It has a traveling circus too. Super enjoyable with excellent Ray Harryhausen stopmo. 7 / 10

OMG, Queen of Outer Space (1958) is riot! Credit to TCM for airing some cool old flicks on their Drive-In Thursdays. This is another misogynistic sci-fi where a group of male astronauts land on Venus inhabited by only beautiful woman including Zsa Zsa Gabor! Awesomeness. I wish to own this movie! 6.7 / 10

The War of the Planets (1966) is another gem courtesy of TCM. This one directed by one of my personal favorites Antonio Margheriti and is a loose sequel to his Wild, Wild Planet, which I adore. Unfortunately this film isn't as strong or as entertaining and rather convoluted despite the awesome cocktail party in space. 5 / 10

• June New: 57
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 61
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 377
  

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
  

Mystery Corn

The Mysterious Mr. Wong (1934) is a different Wong than Karloff's detective Wong (yet still directed by William Nigh). Actually this is Bela Lugosi's Wong and he's not quite a nice guy either. This Wong wants to possess all the magic coins of Confucius that will allow him to rule China. Or something. 6.6 / 10

Popcorn (1991) is this week's Horror Movie Night selection and a fun one to revisit. It's another fun "set in a movie theater" flick. How can you not like those? Jill Schoelen is so cute. Here's the blurb I wrote about Popcorn on my last viewing. 6.7 / 10

• June New: 47
• June Re-watch: 4
• June '11 MTD: 51
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 367
  

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
  

Mission to Moscow

Since the Projection Booth recently interviewed Dolph Lundgren and covered his seminal film Red Scorpion (1989) directed by Joe Zito. Figured it was time to give my VHS a spin. It's a little long in the tooth but great nevertheless as his character transforms. Cool to watch this then immediately listen to Mike and Justin discuss it on their podcast. Check it out here: Episode Five: Red Scorpion. 6.5 / 10

Stuart Cooper's Overlord (1975) was expiring on NWI so time to watch. Mesmerizing film following this young soldier as he prepares to join the army and go to war for D-Day. Poignant and recommended viewing. 7.7 / 10

Modern Girls (1986) calls back to nostalgic interest of mid-eighties Los Angeles (think Less Than Zero). This is pure light comedy that is one of those "it happens all in one crazy night" flicks. Three girls (including hottie Virginia Madsen and Daphne Zuniga) head out for a night on the town with their bestie Clifford and antics ensue. Fun watch. 6.7 / 10

• June New: 41
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 44
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 360
  

Kaa Stew

The Marx Brothers' Duck Soup (1933) was on my blindspot list and I'm an ass for not seeing this brilliant comedy sooner. So much to love here. Everyone should see this film in their life. 8 / 10

Disney's animated The Jungle Book (1967) is a film I know I've watched in my childhood but having such a vague recollection I had to give it an honest watch. It holds up in every way and I enjoy this more than most of Disney's more recent animated Jungle work (ex. Lion King, Tarzan, etc.). Excellent voice acting. 7.7 / 10

Belphégor - Le fantôme du Louvre a.k.a. Belphegor, Phantom of the Louvre (2001) caught my attention on the French film shelf at the library. I wish it hadn't because this is a disaster. Sophie Marceau is haunted by a resurrected spirit in this silly mummy flick that lacks a point and adequate FX. View only as a curiosity otherwise avoid. 4 / 10

• June New: 38
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 41
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 357
  

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
  

Predator Politicians

Ah, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). A staple Frank Capra classic with all the sentimental hallmarks you'd expect and want. If you buy into this world the movie fires beautifully on every cylinder. But it's also terribly sappy that fortunately is overcome by its charm. Jimmy Stewart is typically excellent but I really like Claude Rains the most. Yes, another blindspot film. 8 / 10

For a killer fish flick Barracuda (1978) should be much better than it is. Unfortunately the killer fish premise is nearly nonexistent and lost to a crime plot with the baddies killing off the reporters that will expose their evil plan. Terrible. Oh hey, there's Cliff Emmich again! 4 / 10

• June New: 31
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 34
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 350
  

Meeces to Pieces

Another recent VHS pick-up Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (1985) a.k.a. Stryker's War caught my eyes for the evening. Decent Vietnam vet revenge on hippies thriller with some nice exploitation accents. Also features Sam Raimi as the cult leader! 6.6 / 10

Can't recall why I decided to view The Great Mouse Detective (1986) outside of not having seen it. Probably because it's another Disney animated feature that seems to go unnoticed. What really makes it great is all the things that you wouldn't see in a Disney animation today like smoking and drinking and gun violence. And for a take on Sherlock Holmes, I like the movie a lot. 7 / 10

• June New: 29
• June Re-watch: 3
• June '11 MTD: 32
• June '10 MTD: 64
• 2011 YTD: 348