judejensen Reviews

Akira (1988)

Most iconic anime film of all-time

[10/10 · 26 January 2019]

Man oh man, is this film bad-ass. This movie is a masterpiece, its pure genius. The film is about Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, in the "future year of 2019". After Kaneda's best friend Tetsuo is captured by the government, Kaneda attempts to rescue him...but after Tetsuo starts displaying strange powers, things take a decidedly strange turn. This is probably the most violent animated film I've ever seen, a mans guts spill out all over the street, a mans arm gets cut off, a man gets shot to shreds, and a guy gets his jaw shot off, it's insane. The movie starts off pretty normal, but things get really weird at the end. Its a movie that requires more than one viewing. Top notch animation,with over-the-top gore blend to create one of the most iconic animes of all-time.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

Last of the true Universal Monster movies

[8/10 · 18 January 2019]

"Creature From the Black Lagoon" may not be the best Universal Monster movie, but it's up there. The highlight of this film is the Gill-Man costume, it looks amazing, even for today's standards. Ricou Browning (The Gill-Man), had to hold his breath for up to 5 minutes while filming under water. This movie was actually filmed in 3-D, I own the 3-D Blu-Ray, however I don't have a 3-D TV. Richard Carlson is great, and Julie Andrews is amazing in this film. There's not much else to say, you'll have to watch it yourself. A great creature feature from the 50s, and widely considered the last of the true Universal Monsters.

Scarface (1983)

Classic Gangster film

[10/10 · 17 January 2019]

"Scarface" is probably my favorite gangster movie, though I think "The Godfather: Part 2" and "Casino" are overall better films, I prefer "Scarface" for nostalgic reasons. I first saw this movie when I rented it from my local Library when I was about 11 or 12 years old, I watched it, and I was blown away. Al Pacino plays a refugee from Cuba. He's struggling to earn money, so he starts selling drugs. He starts off as a pretty likeable character, but slowly turns into a monster. Though, he's not a complete monster, he refuses to blow up a car, because there are kids inside. You see a man rise to the top of the world, until his anger and lust for power are eventually his downfall. And who could forget about the shootout scene at the end? It includes probably the most famous movie quote of all time- "Say Hello, To My Lil Friend!!!"

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Most iconic zombie film of all-time

[9/10 · 17 January 2019]

Awww, "Dawn Of The Dead", what an enjoyable film this is. I first saw this at a very young age, probably 8 or 9, and at that time it was the most violent thing I'd ever seen. I also thought it was long and boring, but now, I think it's one of the greatest horror movies ever made. The film follows radio-station employee Stephen, and his girlfriend, Francine, escape in the station helicopter, accompanied by two SWAT members, Roger and Pete. They fly to a nearby shopping mall, and decide to hold out there. The Shopping Mall setting allows a lot of comedic moments, but it's also social satire, comparing Mall shoppers to Zombies. They have everything they need in the mall and it works out for a while. Until, a gang of bikers, led by Tom Savini,(creator of all the special effects). You may also know Tom Savini as Sex Machine in "From Dusk Till Dawn". The bikers trash the mall and open the doors for thousands of zombies to get it. The effects by Tom Savini are amazing, though its pretty tame for todays standards, back then...in 1978...you would've crapped your pants. The acting is amazing, and George Romero created the most iconic zombie film of all-time, though he would later top it with its sequel. "Dawn Of The Dead" is always exciting and it never gets old, and always remember- "When There's No More Room In Hell, The Dead Will Walk The Earth."

The Blob (1988)

Amazing practical effects

[8/10 · 17 January 2019]

"The Blob (1988)" is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name. Though, not as good as the original this movie is an amazing remake. The highlight of this film are the special effects, they are awesome. They are almost all practical and they look fantastic. This movie is extremely gory, not only does The Blob eat people, it disinegrates them first. Allowing for some truly disgusting visuals. There's a scene where a little boy melts before your eyes, this movie really has balls. This movie takes the awesome 1958 film, and turns it into a fever dream of great and disgusting effects. There's not much else to say, you just have to watch it yourself.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Most Iconic stop-motion film of all-time

[10/10 · 17 January 2019]

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" is not my favorite Disney or Favorite Tim Burton film however, it's pretty damn close. This film is so nostalgic for me, and I felt this film deserved a spot on this list. This film is actually not directed by Tim Burton, it's directed by Henry Selick, who also did "Coraline" and "James and the Giant Peach". Though, Tim Burton did create the entire story and all the characters. This movie has some of the greatest music ever put in a film, especially "Jack's Lament", which is my favorite track. Danny Elfman voiced Jack's singing voice, but they had Chris Sarandon do the dialogue. The film is beautifully shot, and contains some very impressive stop-motion. Overall, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is probably the most iconic stop-motion of all-time, and has some of the most iconic imagery ever put on film.

Death Proof (2007)

Awesome Grindhouse feature from Tarantino

[10/10 · 16 January 2019]

This movie is just plain Bad Ass. Tarantino's homage to classic 70s Grindhouse films is perfect. Great acting from Kurt Russel and "The Girls". The film revolves around a retired stuntman who murders women with his Death Proof car. Not only is this film entertaining, its shocking, and includes to greatest car chase of all-time.

The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)

Great Drama

[9/10 · 17 October 2018]

I've been waiting a while for this, and it did not disappoint . "The Kindergarten Teacher" is a perfect drama. Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a career best, and delivers some truly powerful moments. I would expect a drama like this to come from A24, but this is actually done by Netflix. There are some genuinely sad and dramatic moments that work very well to craft a beautiful take on the boring life of a teacher. I highly recommend, its on Netflix.

Searching (III) (2018)

Surprisingly Good

[10/10 · 17 October 2018]

"Searching" was actually surprisingly good, I was entertained the whole way. There are alot of very suspenseful scenes, that kept me on the edge of ny seat. The entire movie my jaw was on the floor, it is an insane movie. The way they filmed the movie was also a very creative and effective way to make the film. And With so many twists and turns your head will explode, I highly recommend this modern thriller masterpiece.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Awesome and very suspenseful!

[9/10 · 16 October 2018]

I know this hardly counts for October viewing, but "Bad Times At The El Royale", is a thriller so I'll count it. This movie is amazing, I'm so happy I got to see this in theatres. I don't know why they chose to release it in October, with "Venom", because they're not making any money. I highly recommend this movie, its very suspenseful and the performances are great. This may be Chris Hemsworth's best role, hes fantastic, and Jeff Bridges is great as always. This movies script works very well, and there are some genuinely funny lines, also it was far more violent then I hoped. I can't say anything else without spoiling it. I highly recommend.

Tourist Trap (1979)

Unique and Forgotten films

[7/10 · 11 October 2018]

"Tourist Trap", is a very unique and forgotten movie. Its definitely a weird one, its not for everybody. However, its pretty creepy and disturbing. Though some of the acting is poor, and its just flat out strange, it's original and creepy enough to keep you entertained.