MisterWhispy Reviews

Oasis of the Zombies (1982)

A little D'Amato, a little Fulci, and...voila!

[8/10 · 31 December 2008]

Jess Franco bashers would have you believe that this is one of the worst films ever made. Well, it isn't. Not by a long shot...

In fact, this minor zombie gem is very much a blood relative to the likes of D'Amato's EROTIC NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD and Fulci's ZOMBIE. They all share the same unsettling atmosphere/hypnotic dread and they all have settings in truly creepy locales.

As for the gore, it is kept to a minimum. However, the organic effects are quite excellent. These zombies truly look like grotesque dead/rotting corpses.

And as for the storyline, this is one of the few times Franco employs a traditional narrative structure. It works perfectly fine, keeping the plot simple, yet engaging. And for the naysayers, he even keeps his trademark "zooms" to a bare minimum.

Bottom line: Jess Franco may be an acquired taste, but this genre film is not.

High School U.S.A. (1983 TV Movie)

An 80's classic and an absolute MUST for Crispin Glover fans!

[9/10 · 21 October 2008]

Contrary to some of the other comments, Crispin Glover actually does have a big role here, so much so that he should have been listed 2nd or 3rd in the credits. And yes, he does steal the show. Also the chemistry he has with Fox is excellent, and makes for a great double feature with Back To The Future. It is a shame the two didn't make more films together.

Anyways, this is one of the best films of the 80's, TV or otherwise. And its one of the best high-school oriented films as well. The cast is perfect and the story is cute and funny. Also expect some major star-gazing from a who's-who of vintage TV, along with many now-famous movie stars. And above all, for those who lived through this era, it will be a slice of nostalgia heaven.

So give this neglected classic some love! Pronto!

The X-Files: El Mundo Gira (1997) Season 4, Episode 11

John Shiban's X-termination

[5/10 · 11 February 2007]

For his third attempt at writing, Shiban once again proves he hasn't a clue as to what he's doing (Teso dos Bichos should have gotten him fired immediately and ranks as one of very worst, if not THE WORST). Of course, for those who have seen the entire series, this is no great surprise. Ironically, or rather as a result of his future (and inexplicable) promotion to co-producer/producer, he almost single-handedly helped to ruin the show. Just wait till you get to garbage like Tavelers, S. R. 819, and the odious Jump The Shark. Thanks John, I hope you're happy. All, I know is, somewhere Glen Morgan and James Wong are laughing their tails off.

First Monday in October (1981)

This is how it should be....!

[6/10 · 24 November 2001]

You have to hand it to Walter Matthau, the older he gets, the more feisty his characters become!!

This is a sorely underappreciated minor gem with two brilliant performances from Matthau and Clayburgh. Their chemistry is wonderful. All in all the film is clever, funny, original, and down right fun!!!

If you happen to find this film at your local video store, check it out...its well worth discovering!

The Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960)

Lightweight and breezy...and quintessential Jack Lemmon!!!

[23 November 2001]

This is one of those overlooked films Lemmon made in the early years of his legendary career. It kind of became lost in the midst of such higher profile films as "Some Like it Hot" and "The Apartment", and never truly found its way out. "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" represents a list of forgotten Lemmon titles that deserve recognition. Such films include, "It Happened to Jane", "Operation Mad Ball", "The Notorious Landlady", and "Alex & the Gypsy".

"Wackiest" is a one of those type of films that is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Often amusing and boasting a quintessential Lemmon performance, it's worth checking out just for pure nostalgia!

*** (out of 5)