Reviews
8MM (1999)
Just as good as SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
In 1991 Jonathan Demme brought us the fabulous SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. It was a movie that was terrifying, suspenseful, and flat out - a masterpiece!
Now, it's 1999 and we get a movie equally as wonderful (I didn't see se7en so don't say I am being stupid by saying it wasn't as good as sotl) We get 8MM.
8MM is about a guy trying to solve a murder which was filmed. It is extremely suspenseful and could be one of the finest feature films I have ever seen!
However, if HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13th were too much for you, don't dare go near this movie. It is extremely disturbing (not intended for the weak at heart or for any other thirteen year olds like myself)
The Tom Green Show (1999)
Amazing! Hilarious! The Best Talk Show on TV!
I never saw the original "Tom Green Show" in Canada but recently it has started on MTV.
This is an amazingly hilarious show. The best part I ever saw was him buying some condoms ("Abstinence...I'll have to try that.) I was on the floor for days.
Also, Tom will stop at nothing to get a laugh. He has tried to revive a barbecue chicken, humping a moose so it will live, and calling his brother "Joe" over the PA system at a Wal Mart.
If you haven't seen this show...Tom ought to pee in a jar of pickles and make you eat one!
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Amazing!
And you thought HALLOWEEN was scary? NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET gave you strange nightmare? FRIDAY THE 13TH made you afraid to go to summer camp?
This movie will make you scared of the guy next door.
Henry isn't a bad man (or so it seems) he just is a little disturbed. He murders for fun and it is SO scary. You only see a few murders but you hear more and they are the worst. They scare you SO bad.
If you are sensitive I suggest staying away from this movie. It is not for the weak at heart.
Not Rated is not a good rating for this movie. It should XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (with a bar notation). No one should be allowed to see it due to its content, however, it is an amazing movie and I give it two thumbs up (in memory of our friend Gene Siskel)
Fear (1996)
***1/2
This movie was wonderfully acted and directed. It was full of suspense and scared me very badly (especially the climax). I thought Marky Mark was great in this movie as was Reese Witherspoon.
The only problem (which is why it didn't get the half star) was the editing in the movie. Some of the scenes had the look they were edited by my six year old brother.
But other than I recommend this to anyone...but during the last half hour have a change of underwear.
He Knows You're Alone (1980)
Not Bad
This movie isn't exactly the best ever, but not near as bad as some of the other slasher films. Movies like PROM NIGHT and JASON TAKES MANHATTAN are a lot worse.
The movie, about a killer stalking young brides-to-be, is kind of scary and at times suspenseful.
The fact we always see the killers face is scary because it gives you a realism.
However, you see several scenes yanked from HALLOWEEN. Including a man in search of the killer (much like Sam Loomis) helping our heroine in the end.
The score of the movie is very similar to HALLOWEEN'S and I don't like that. It kinda sucks.
The fact I don't like about the movie is that we never get to know the killer or I don't remember them saying his name. (FYI: in the credits they list him as THE KILLER) I also hate the confusing ending. I don't understand it.
**1/2 out ****
The Morrison Murders: Based on a True Story (1996)
*** out of ****
I saw this movie the other night on USA and I must admit, I was impressed. TV movies are normally boring and dull, but I am gonna say that I thought this movie was entertaining and suspenseful.
The ending is shocking, twisted, and wonderfully played out. It surprised me and scared me at the same time.
The script was all that strong all the time and some of the acting was a little different. However, when this movie is on TV watch it. You are not gonna be disappointed.
The Outsiders (1983)
Fantastic Movie, Great Book
The book is one of the best books I have ever read. So when our class was going to watch the movie, my expectations were very, very high.
This was a great movie. C. Thomas Howell and Ralph Macchio are great as the two kids of the group. Patrick Swayze plays his "I wanna be a Soc, but I can't" role great and Matt Dillon is real good as Dallas Winston.
It's funny to see some of today's big stars as little people. I think this a real good movie and everyone should see it.
***1/2 out of ****
The Exorcist (1973)
Terrifying
I had never seen this movie, but when I did my sister's homework and got her a hundred I was offered a DVD by my mother. I figured if there was one that I could just go for it would be this movie.
How right I was. It is frightening, shocking, and even thought it is a little gory (okay a lot gory) it is still wonderful. There are not many horror movies worthy of AFI status (Silence of the Lambs and Psycho are the only ones) but this should have been on there.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
One of the best scary movies ever
In 1978 we got HALLOWEEN. In 1980 we got FRIDAY THE 13th. In 1996 we got SCREAM and in 1997 we got SCREAM 2. But between those movies we got a cult classic called, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.
The movie is very original and it scares you because we all sleep and we all have nightmares. But what if the nightmares were to come true? I am sure everyone has heard the urban legend of falling off a building and not waking up.
This movie is very scary. It is an extremely well done, frightening, and intense movie. Not Craven's best (I somehow reserve that for the NEW NIGHTMARE.) but his scariest. The NEW NIGHTMARE was scary, but was very dramatic. This was just plain scary. I think the new horror director's should take a lesson from Craven.
Varsity Blues (1999)
Wonderful
This movie is fantastic. The message buried beneath the sex, T&A, and beer is great.
The sex isn't what is made out to be in the previews and only a few parts contain nudity. Parts can be a little different (can those football players jump or what?) from what you would normally see.
Film buffs will hate this, but if you enjoy movies and don't like everything 100% perfect, see this!
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
Craven at his Finest
'Scream' was the best horror movie of the 90's, no doubt about it. But let's all be honest: Kevin Williamson is the real mastermind behind that movie. Without a doubt.
Wes did this himself. The way he does this movie and crafts it is perfect. The psychology in this movie just plain rocks. I mean Wes is without a doubt the Hitchock of the 90's.
The original 'Nightmare on Elm Street' was good, but just this whole concept, plus throwing in the drama is wonderful.
11/10 (yep!)
The Truman Show (1998)
The Best of 1998
We are in a new year now and we have a whole new batch of movies coming. But for 1998, 'The Truman Show' was the best. 'Saving Private Ryan,' is what most people would say was the best, but I didn't see it. =( Don't ask me how.
Anyway the movie is just fabulous. I was a Carrey fan until a talk show when he said he was worth millions of dollars, but doing some picture for ten thousand (I don't remember what movie) but this movie reassured me that he was a great actor.
I state on every review almost that I am young, but a big movie fan and can recognize a good movie when I see it. And this movie is awesome.
Not only the best of 1998, but one of the best ever. When the AFI re-issues another TOP 100, if they do that is, this will be in the top ten if not number one.
Star Wars (1977)
Why?
Why is this movie so popular? I think it is awful! I saw the original three versions when the special editions were in theaters. I am glad I rented all three for about four bucks instead of sitting through it for 6.25. It is probably the most boring movie I have ever seen. Same can be said about 'Jedi' and 'Empire Strikes back.' They were confusing, stupid, and worthless. I hated them soooo much. I will probably get suckered into seeing the 'Phantom Menace,' I just hope it is better than the other three. Want a real classic? Rent 'Psycho.'
Scream 2 (1997)
Finally...
Well, they did it. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson have broken a crucial movie (not just horror movie, but all around) rule. Sequels suck! But Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson did what no one has been able to do since the Godfather years ago. They have proven a sequel can be just as good as the original.
Craven has proven why he is one of the best directors in movie history and Williamson puts forth a fabulous script.
This movie is just as good, just as scary, and just as funny as its proceeder. It has killers you won't suspect ever.
But a note to Wes Craven, don't try to make fifteen sequels. We know what happens with those :::cough::: Friday the 13th :::cough::: Halloween :::cough:::: Nightmare on Elm Street.
The Faculty (1998)
Williamson churns out another hit!
Kevin Williamson is without a doubt the biggest figure in the horror genre at this moment. He pulled out the wonderful SCREAM and SCREAM 2 (which doesn't count as being better because it was part of a triology from the beginning.) Also I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, while not being a horror masterpiece, definitely helped re-define a new era of horror movies.
Now, Williamson has tried a sci-fi flick in the FACULTY. This movie has some scary moments (it doesn't match the suspense of SCREAM as we know the killers from the original) but you always want to know who the aliens are. The ending is surprising.
Elijah Wood, IMO, gives a bang up job as do the rest of the cast (Josh Hartnett and Robert Patrick also give performances well worth mention.)
If you enjoyed SCREAM, SCREAM 2, and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER even a tiny bit, you will love this. I cannot wait for KILLING MS. TINGLE.
Psycho (1960)
One of the scariest ever
This movie is fabulous. Sadly, I haven't seen much of Hitchcock's other works (aside from the reruns on Nick-At-Nite.) so I cannot really compare.
The directing, acting, and everything else is fabulous. Hitchcock uses some of the best camera angles ever in filming this. The shower scene was filmed perfect and was very scary.
The end of it when "Mother" is discovered is so scary. You will never forget the end of it.
Anthony Perkins is truly scary. He has a feel to him that is just frightening.
The re-make is good but this is a classic.
The novel and re-make may be very good, but this classic surpasses them all.
Psycho (1998)
Very, Very, Good
Well, I am one of the probably three in the US to not have seen 'Psycho' from 1960. I did read the fabulous novel (I was scared to shower that night, as I saw a shadow as I was getting in.) so I was aware of what would happen.
Well, this new movie is wonderful. Gus Van Sant does a great job of recreating the most terrifying movie ever. OK, so maybe the masturbating of Bates (notice that) could have been omitted with no one caring, it made the movie no worse.
The murder of Marion (the famous shower scence) was great and Arbrogast got his face torn up! It was pretty cool. The shock of mother is un-matched, even though I knew how things were pretty much going to turn up.
I am now definitely going to get the original 'Psycho' and see it. However, you need to go see this right now!
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Fabulous
This movie is one of the best I have seen in my life. All right so I am not old and I cannot enter an 'R' rated movie myself, but I know a good movie when I see one.
Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as Dr. Lecter. Jodie Foster is fabulous as well in this movie.
The ending where she is in the house is one of the scariest I have seen in a long time. I don't know why, it just is.
I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone, seeing as how it is fabulous. I cannot wait until the sequel 'Morbidity of the Soul' comes out at the turn of the century.
I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Nothing Special
Well, once again I am dragged to a Disney movie by my family. 'Mulan' wasn't that bad, but when I found out that Disney had a live action movie out, I should have remembered 'Mr. Magoo.'
This movie really is pretty bad. The acting isn't fabulous, with Eddy and Norman (I think that was his name) being the only likeable character. And I think JTT lost all credibilty during this movie. On 'Home Improvement' he was always kind of clean, with only small problems. Now, here he is a scam artist, cussing, college student.
The music was also pretty bad as well. IMO, this isn't a great film, but if you have a few hours to kill...might as well. You will laugh a little.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Better Than Most
'Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday' is far from picture, but when I compare it to the ones I have seen (2, 3, 4, parts of 5 and 6, 8) it isn't that awful.
The film is far from scary. I saw the unrated version and only jumped when someone knocked on my window. So if you are in for something to keep you out of your seat rent 'Scream.'
But I liked it because I enjoy gore. It makes the first fifteen minutes of 'Scream' become tame. This movie is hardcore, especially the director's cut (which is available.) It is not for a weak stomach.
So you might as well try it out. I think you will enjoy it.
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
I Don't Know Why...
I don't know what it is about this movie but whenever I see it I am scared. No matter how hard I try not to be, I just am.
Now, I'll admit. This movie pretty much sucks in terms of acting, but something about it that scares me silly as with parts 3,4,8, and 9. The acting is awful in every Friday film, but for some reason I like them.
This one I would give *** out ****. And for some reason I don't know why! It just scares me. Besides it is pretty much a classic in my book, seeing as how this is Jason's debut.
Scream 2 (1997)
Finally...
Well, they did it. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson have broken a crucial movie (not just horror movie, but all around) rule. Sequels suck! But Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson did what no one has been able to do since the Godfather years ago. They have proven a sequel can be just as good as the original.
Craven has proven why he is one of the best directors in movie history and Williamson puts forth a fabulous script.
This movie is just as good, just as scary, and just as funny as its proceeder. It has killers you won't suspect ever.
But a note to Wes Craven, don't try to make fifteen sequels. We know what happens with those :::cough::: Friday the 13th :::cough::: Halloween :::cough:::: Nightmare on Elm Street.
Scream (1996)
Fantastic Flick
When I first heard about this movie I wasn't a horror movie freak so I kind of shrugged it off as something that would be worse than "Jason Takes Manhattan."
I was young and stupid at the time. Last year, before the release of the sequel I got enough courage to see this. I was finally getting into horror movies and figured I would jump straight into them with this.
And boy am I glad I did. This movie is what a REAL movie -- not just a horror flick -- should be like. Perfect mix of comedy, horror, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat for two hours.
When I saw it it was the middle of the day, the sun was shining, and the lights were on. I turned out pale and afraid to do anything. See this movie. NOW!