ClassixFan Reviews

Pinocchio in Outer Space (1965)

It's A Goody...Good Morning!

[9/10 · 30 June 2008]

I actually saw this film rather late in life, most folks seem to have seen this as children, but I was into my 30s before I saw it and the big kid that I am....I love it.

The opening song and 'It's a Goody...Good Morning' are my favorites, but heck, they are all catchy little tunes. I think the animation is very good, is it me or did animation of the 60s still have that 'innocent' look? This is one of those films, where you hear about it, but until you actually see it, you can't believe it. Kind of along the same vein as, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians or the Mexican film, Santa Claus. Hey, 71 minutes of your life is definitely worth it, if you've never seen it and if you have young kids, use them as an excuse to check it out!

The Lost Continent (1968)

The Love Boat On Acid?

[10/10 · 29 June 2007]

OK, I have actually heard this Hammer film described in the summary line I gave this comment. This was the first Hammer film I ever saw, although I was 6 or 7 at the time, so I had no clue who put out this little gem. My cousins and I watched it on late-night TV on Thanksgiving night and we sat there, mouths wide open and totally entranced in what was going on in the film. Sure, this isn't the best film ever released by Hammer Studios, but I'll go to my grave fighting that while it may not be a classic in the usual terms, it is most entertaining.

How can you not enjoy man-eating seaweed, descendants of the Spanish Inquistion, the strangest sea-beasties you've ever laid eyes on and an opening tune that you can't get out of your head, days after viewing it! While this isn't a film I'd recommend to most classic fantasy film fans or even Hammer film fans to go out and purchase, blindly, I would recommend at least giving it a view, it certainly isn't a kind of film where you'll want to pluck your eyes out, after viewing and who knows, if you watch it in the right frame of mind, you may end up enjoying it.

One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Hammer, Harryhausen and Dinos, A Great Combination!

[9/10 · 8 April 2006]

How can fans of sci-fi/fantasy not enjoy this 1966 effort from Hammer Studios? You have the wonderful effects of the master, Ray Harryhausen and a decent enough story, oh and dinos! The Region 2 DVD is definitely the disc to get, as it is the complete version of the film and it has a couple of nice interviews with Raquel Welch and Ray Harryhausen. I love what Harryhausen had to say about complaints about inaccuracy with putting man and dinos together on the screen. It's not meant to be a scientific story, it's meant to entertain and entertain it does! Watch as Tumak (of the Rock People) and Loana (of the Shell People) forge a shaky relationship and possibly bring their two tribes of people together. Along the way they battle a huge sea turtle, Allosaurus, Pteradon and other wild beasties of the day. If you love dinos and films meant to be nothing more than fun entertainment, chances are, you'll enjoy this Hammer Studios effort.

Trailer Park (1995–2000)

Trailer Heaven For Fans of Classic Sci-Fi/Horror 'B' Films!

[3 April 2006]

Oh yes, this was a fantastic little TV show. Personally, I adore classic sci-fi/horror film trailers and this was a Sunday night staple for me, when it was airing on the Sci-Fi Channel. I'm sure the advent of DVDs has put less of a need for a series like this, but not all classic sci-fi/horror DVDs offer original theatrical trailers and I, personally, could watch this stuff for hours. I was introduced to classic sci-fi/horror films on TV as a kid, through late-night Friday night viewings as well as Saturday afternoon viewings and quite often, the original theatrical trailer was used for the preview of what was coming either that day or in the upcoming week(s). While there are a few DVD trailer compilations out there geared towards classic sci-fi/horror fans, there certainly isn't enough and it would be fantastic to see this series put out on DVD. I mean, how can fans not love a series that caters to your love of classic sci-fi/horror films and offers trailers for films like; The Wasp Woman, The Killer Shrews, Night of the Lepus, Beginning of the End, Reptilicus, The Monster That Challenged the World, etc.?

The Spider (1958)

Town vs the Spider

[8/10 · 26 January 2006]

The title may be a little misleading, as it's not the 'Earth' that goes against the spider, but a small town. I'm sure this film is compared to the 1955 film, Tarantula and I know Earth vs the Spider receives a lot less love, but I seem to have an affinity for 'B' films and Earth vs the Spider fits right into my love of 'B' films. It has almost 40 year-old people playing teens in some scenes, it has a squealing arachnid and in the director's chair, it has the original Mr B.I.G. himself, Bert I Gordon! Sure, the film has so much going against it, if I want to be perfectly honest, but I just can't help myself.....I adore these classic horror films and the as bad as they can be, the more I love them.

Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Not Your Typical Bedtime Story!

[10/10 · 26 January 2006]

Amicus Studios, best known for their anthology films nailed it with this effort from 1972. With five solid stories to chill your bones, this anthology is one of my favorite films, bar none. The film is packed with a solid cast that includes; Peter Cushing, Joan Collins, Ian Hednry and Richard Greene, just to name a few. My personal faves from this anthology would be; All Through the House, Poetic Justice and Wish You Were Here, but all five stories are really well done. The Peter Cushing story is particularly touching, Cushing does a wonderful job of playing a sad man, mourning the death of his wife, in his story, which very much paralleled Cushing's own life, as he was still in mourning over the recent loss of his own wife. If you're a fan of the macabre, then you owe it to yourself to seek this 1972 film out, it is quite tame by today's standards as far as blood and gore go, but the chill factor is definitely there.

Night of the Big Heat (1967)

Night of the Big Heat....No Need For the Cold Shoulder!

[9/10 · 4 April 2005]

Night of the Big Heat may not rank among the best sci-fi efforts by critics, but for this fan, it really does deliver the goods. Locals on the Island of Fera find themselves in the midst of a searing heat wave while the rest of the mainland of the UK is in the middle of a normal cold snap in November. As bodies begin to pile up, found burnt to a crisp, a scientist struggles to convince the locals that they may be the victims of an invasion from space.

A great cast that includes, Patrick Allen, Jane Merrow, Sarah Lawson and in guest roles, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Directed by the great, Terence Fisher, this is another triumph in Fisher's library of films and to this viewer, ranks right up there with his Hammer horror films as well as the underrated, Island of Terror.

Certainly not as bad as some would have you believe and probably not as good as I think it is, it is definitely worth a look for fans of 60s British sci-fi films.

Dinosaurus! (1960)

Jurassic Park, It Ain't!

[8/10 · 3 March 2005]

Now, that doesn't necessarily mean this is a bad film....quite the contrary, in my humble opinion. Sure, the story has some huge holes, but don't you watch a film to be entertained and just to let yourself relax without the need to think every minute? This film is definitely right up your alley, if you enjoy dinosaurs and stop-motion animation.

Basically, this is the story of a construction crew that finds the bodies of a T-Rex, Brontosaurus and caveman frozen in the waters off a tropical island. With the help of lightning, the beasties and the caveman are brought back among the living and the remainder of the story is all the action that takes place when you place three pre-historics out of their element. Good clean fun, some decent stop-animation effects and a great way to spend an afternoon.

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966)

Poor Man's Day of the Triffids?

[8/10 · 27 August 2004]

I have always enjoyed; Day of the Triffids, but I must say, The Navy vs the Night Monsters has that high cheese factor that makes so many of these 60s films simply fun to watch. While most of the cast was relegated to 'B' films, they did a nice job with the story line and there was a gruesome moment or two. Sex kitten Mamie Van Doren is the nurse, Anthony Eisley is the commanding officer and Van Doren's love interest, Bobby Van the comic of the group and Billy Gray (Father Knows Best) is on of the Navy men that meets one of the 'Night Monsters', face to face. Another staple of late-night TV at one time, this is rarely seen on TV and it's a shame, it definitely deserves a DVD release. Many would argue that the best aspect of this film is the poster artwork and it is fantastic!

Davey and Goliath (1960–2004)

A Saturday Morning Staple

[27 August 2004]

I can recall waking up super early on Saturday mornings and this was on from 6:00AM-6:30AM. I never thought about it as being overly religious, I was so busy enjoying the adventures of Davey, Goliath, Davey's family and friends that this never seemed to cram anything down my throat, but some early morning fun. Now, years later, I sit and watch the one DVD I have with three episodes, including the thirty minute Christmas special and while I recognize a bit more of the moral theme, I still don't feel like I'm having anything forced on me....but pure nostalgia and fun. I remember watching the holiday specials for Easter and Christmas and much like the Rankin & Bass holiday specials, my holiday wouldn't be complete without a dose of Davey & Goliath and now enjoying a few episodes, again, I will probably feel the same way, come this Christmas!

Santa and the Three Bears (1970)

Brings Back Wonderful Memories

[10/10 · 12 August 2004]

This holiday special seems to have people split down the middle with loving it and hating it. Chalk me up as one who adores this holiday special. I'm not even sure I can put in words why I enjoy this classic as much as I do, but here goes...

When I was a kid, the holiday season brought nothing but wonderful memories and this classic from Hanna-Barbera fits right in with those memories. I've never completely matured as some in my family hoped I might have, so revisiting this holiday classic is something I do every holiday season and often! I enjoy the story, sing along with the tunes and it gives me that all around happy and warm holiday feeling!

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

Hooray For Santy Claus!

[8/10 · 27 July 2004]

This film used to occasionally show up on our local PBS station and the first time I ever saw it, I thought it was a joke or some odd skit. I immediately fell in love with this film, just because of it's high camp level and because how can anyone find fault with a cult classic like this? Sure, the acting is stiff and the story is laughable, but isn't a film supposed to entertain? This one definitely delivers with the camp and entertainment, but it does have some good going for it....John Call has to be one of the best looking film Santa's I've ever seen. He chuckles and smiles his way through the film in spite of the goofiness of the film.

Basically, Santa and two Earth children are kidnapped and taken to Mars, when Martian parents begin to worry about the time their children are spending in front of the video monitors and the overwhelming sadness that they seem to be enveloped with. Of course, you have a rotten Martian who does all he can to destroy Santa, the Earth children and the leader of the Martians, a large robot and a Martian-elf-wannabe.

I love the opening theme and the film, I just wish someone could find a better video quality version to release!

The Terrornauts (1967)

How Much Fun Can One Film Offer?

[8/10 · 30 June 2004]

OK, I am a big Amicus fan and for years, I searched for this film, it was almost like the 'Holy Grail' for me, as far as Amicus films went. Finally, I received a copy of this film and let me just say, it didn't disappoint. The wonderful thing about this film is, it doesn't take itself seriously, it offers the purest form of entertainment and delivers. I do believe when the film began, it was to be a fully serious sci-fi effort, but once the film location changes to space, it's more camp and definitely a lot of fun. I just adore Mrs. Jones and Mr. Yellowlees, they bring a sense of fun to the film that it might never have enjoyed, without their characters. At times, the film has an almost; Dr. Who feel to it, with some of the creatures we see and the colors glow with the 60s look. I can't recommend this film as a serious sci-fi film, but if you're in the mood for innocent and enjoyable fun with a film, this is the film for you!

The Vault of Horror (1973)

A Nice Sequel to the Original

[8/10 · 23 April 2004]

I adore the 1972 film; Tales From the Crypt and this 1973 follow-up is a solid effort. Granted, not all of the stories in this Amicus anthology are as strong as the '72 film, but this film is still a lot of fun. My favorite story in this anthology is the Terry-Thomas/Glynis Johns effort. It's definitely more comedy than horror, but even that packs a bit of a punch at the end. I've read that there was to be a third installment to this series of films, but a less than over-whelming feeling by the film-going public put an end to any further plans for a third film. The cast to this film is really strong and it's just a shame that the stories aren't as solid, still, an enjoyable effort and if you're looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, a double-feature of Tales From the Crypt and Vault of Horror is definitely the way to go.

The Monster That Challenged the World (1957)

Prehistoric Mollusks Are Creepy!

[9/10 · 22 April 2004]

Following an earthquake under the Salton Sea, killer mollusks make their way to the surface and make the locals part of their diet. This film is much better than what most fans of 'creature features' might suspect. The mutated mollusks really do have that creepy look to them and the cast seems to take their roles rather serious. Tim Holt, who was better known as a 'cowboy' from the early days of film is Commander John Twillinger and while rather short and stout, he hardly fits the bill of a lead, but does a nice job with this role. Audrey Dalton plays his love interest and Hans Conried is the scientist attempting to help the Navy destroy these beasties. This really is a fun film and trust me, there are far worse things you could watch and this film is really enjoyable.

This film was actually based on a true story!

The Frozen Dead (1966)

The Frozen Dead Can Be A Chilling Film!

[8/10 · 22 March 2004]

OK, so this isn't the greatest of horror films and perhaps there are moments when the film slows to a crawl, but it also has some truly chilling moments! I first saw this film on late-night TV as a young one and I'll always remember the creepy ending and the decapitated head pleading to be killed. Dana Andrews heads the cast and does a nice job as the Nazi Dr trying to bring the frozen soldiers of the Third Reich back to life. I was thrilled to find this film on DVD as part of a double-feature with the truly horrid film, 'They Saved Hitler's Brain'. If you have an opportunity to watch this film, you really should give it a try.....it's not nearly as bad as some would have you believe!

Night of the Lepus (1972)

Cottontails On the Rampage Doesn't Make For A Bad Film!

[7/10 · 20 November 2003]

OK, I've read several of the reviews/comments for this film and I must stand and be counted as one of the fans of this low-budget film. Sure, the story may be ludicrous and the effects may be bad, but face it, this film doesn't deserve all the bad publicity it always receives. It's got a nice cast and they all seem to be genuine in their efforts to make this film a success, but it does fall short of it's target in several aspects. I'd say the one constant in this film that bothers me the most is the young girl, the daughter of Stuart Whitman and Janet Leigh, I'd have gladly fed her to these rabbits in the first 20 minutes or so, but beyond that, I really don't see all the fuss about how horrible of a film this is. It's definitely an original idea for a horror film and if you ever have the opportunity to view the unedited version, there is a scene or two that's nice and bloody, but it isn't a gore-hound's delight and it won't ever sit high among the classics of horror, but I miss the fact that this used to be a staple on late-night TV when I was a kid and you can't see it at all, these days. For those of you with a curious nature, I'd recommend viewing this film at least once, just so you can be counted among film fans that have watched this killer bunny film...trust me, it won't hurt at all!

White Christmas (1954)

This Is Definitely My Favorite of the Classic Holiday Films!

[10/10 · 3 November 2003]

I know, we've heard it all before, how the film, Holiday Inn is superior to this offering, but you'd never convince me of that! I adore this film, it's fun, innocent, lively, has wonderful tunes and a top-notch cast. My holiday viewing will never be complete until I've watched this film at least a half dozen times and probably more during the holiday season. It's one of those 'feel good films' and this Christmas fanatic highly recommends settling in with some good snacks and simply enjoying yourself and this true holiday classic. The DVD is a must-have, as it offers a wonderful commentary with the late-great Rosemary Clooney.

Moon Zero Two (1969)

It May Not Be A Classic, But It's Fun!

[8/10 · 16 August 2003]

OK, I've read several reviews of this film in books, online and from sci-fi fans and usually the overall feeling of the film is split down the middle. I really enjoy this film, it has a very good cast; James Olson, Catherine Schell (Who would go on to star in the classic sci-fi series; Space: 1999), Adrienne Corri, Warren Mitchell, Michael Ripper (Hammer regular) and Sam Kydd, it had some great looking sets, a very capable director in Roy Ward Baker and the opening tune is one I can't get out of my head for days, after watching the film or listening to that track. Hailed as the first space-western, the film does it's best to combine a futuristic look with the ideals and wild ways of the old west. To sci-fi fans looking for something really serious and up on the technical feel of a straight-from-the-hip science fiction story, chances are you're going to be disappointed with the overall effort of the film, but if you like a film that can be serious at times and still poke fun at itself, then this is a film you're probably going to enjoy.....just don't go into viewing this in a serious mood! Have fun with it and relax.....the anti-gravity fight scene in the saloon is not to be missed!

Island of Terror (1966)

Bone-Sucking Beasties ARE Creepy!

[10/10 · 6 June 2003]

I saw this film for the first time several years ago on a Saturday night broadcast on The Sci-Fi Channel and I was an immediate fan. How can classic sci-fi and horror fans not enjoy this film? It has a neat story, some gruesome sound effects, a top-notch cast and a great director. The film takes place on an island off the Irish coast and that's an immediate bonus....films where the population is trapped on a ship, island or in a house always add to the dread of any film, in my opinion. It makes for a smaller cast and you get to know the characters a bit better....this is definitely the case with this film. A medical research team it seems has been experimenting and attempting to find a cure for cancer, certainly a noble effort, but instead, they develop a new breed of creatures that live on the bone of humans and animals. Once a local is found void of any bones, enter Peter Cushing as Dr Brian Stanley and Edward Judd as Dr David West. West's girlfriend, Toni Merril (Carole Cray) also accompanies the Drs to the island and this is where the film really takes off. Bodies begin to pile up, the gruesome sounds of the 'beasties' liquefying/sucking the bones from their victims must be heard to be believed and the action moves at a nice pace. If you're a fan of blood and gore, then this film won't satisfy your needs, but if you like quality acting, directing and a decent story-line, then this may just be what you're looking for.

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)

Deserves A Little More Respect Than Usually Given!

[7/10 · 25 February 2003]

Anyone renting this film expecting to see an Academy award winner, might as well skip watching it all together, but if you're in the mood for some creepy moments or if you have an aversion to spiders, as I do, then this should entertain and creep you out at the same time. Set in a small desert town in Arizona, 'Kingdom of the Spiders' concerns a town suddenly overrun with various varieties of tarantulas. First livestock and pets are attacked and killed by the eight-legged beasties and then it's the human population that is the main course. William Shatner stars as 'Rack' Hansen, the local vet who is at a loss for what's causing the trouble, when an entomologist, who seems to have a hang-up about being taken seriously, because she's an attractive woman, comes to report the livestock was killed from spider venom, the real fun begins. OK, so this isn't the greatest film ever made, but it's entertaining and has some genuine creepy moments for this arachniphobe! I think the ending is rather chilling, in spite of the obvious matte painting used, just thinking about it now, gives me chills! If you can suspend belief to some degree and if you want nothing more than a film to entertain and give you a chill or two, then I'd say go for this, it's really not as bad as some might have you believe!

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

And What A Trip It Is!

[9/10 · 24 February 2003]

This film was originally introduced to me at about 8 or 9 years of age on a Saturday afternoon and it quickly became a favorite of mine. This film tells the story of a brilliant scientist who is injured on his way to offer the U.S. military some much needed info for miniaturizing people and objects and allowing them to stay in the miniature state beyond the now 60 minute time limit the military is faced with. With a top-notch cast that includes; Stephen Boyd, Edmond O'Brien, Donald Pleasence and Raquel Welch as the medical Dr.'s and scientists that are miniaturized and injected into the scientists body in an effort to repair a wound that can't be fixed through the usual means. The effects in this film are truly amazing and make for a lot of fun as the sub/crew journey through the body and face problems along the way, especially as they are attacked as foreign bodies by the scientist's own natural defense system. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this little gem, by all means find it and rent it and if it's been a while, why not revisit this film, I'm amazed at how well it stands up, even after almost 40 years since it's release.

Dragnet 1966 (1969 TV Movie)

Fans of the Series Will Enjoy This Effort

[8/10 · 19 February 2003]

I'd never heard of this made-for-TV film and was fortunate enough to catch a broadcast on TV and I must say, it was very well done! I've been a fan of the 60s/70s series with Webb and Morgan and this is very much along the same vein, but better in that it's expanded and more in depth than the usual 30 minute episodes could ever be. I'd definitely say if you were or are a fan of the 60s/70s series, this is a film you'd enjoy. Many of the usual familiar faces are included in this film and it's a lot like revisiting old friends. Worth a look-see!

Frailty (2001)

I Came Away Pleasantly Surprised With This Effort

[2 October 2002]

I must admit, when my roommate rented this DVD, I was less than enthusiastic, but must admit to coming away being both entertained and pleasantly surprised with the film. I wasn't even aware until viewing the opening credits, that this was Bill Paxton's directorial debut and I have to say, he did a really nice job with the film. Some aspects of the film might be obvious to hard-core film fans, but I think most everyone, including myself, must admit to being slightly surprised with the final fifteen minutes of the film. Don't read viewer comments and make a decision on seeing or not seeing this film, simply rent it and give the film a well-deserved opportunity to entertain you for 99 minutes.

The Black Scorpion (1957)

Drooling and Dripping Attacks!

[9/10 · 1 August 2002]

Special effects wizard, Willis O'Brien, created the effects for this film that imitates the 1954 film; "Them!" in many ways, but comes up short in many classic sci-fi/horror film fan's eyes....many, but not this fan's! Mexico/Mexico City are overrun by a hoard of giant scorpions and film fans are treated to a very entertaining film. A solid cast and some very good effects help make this a much better film than often given credit for. One aspect of the film that does bring some unintentional humor in is the bad habit these "beasties" seem to have when it comes to drooling all over!